Abstract: A system to detect grain loss of a harvester during harvesting operations. The system includes at least two pans magnetically supported on the harvester above a ground surface, by separate electromagnets being electrically isolated from a power source while magnetically supporting the at least two pans. A signal controller generates a release signal when triggered by a user. A signal receiver responsive to the generated release signal electrically connects one of the electromagnets with the power source causing one of the at least two pans to be released to the ground surface while the second electromagnet remains electrically isolated from the power source and magnetically supported on the combine harvester until another release signal is triggered by the user causing the signal receiver to electrically connect the second electromagnet with the power source to release the second pan to the ground surface.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes one or more actuators configured to move a crop unloading tube of the harvester relative to a frame of the harvester. Additionally, the agricultural harvester includes a sensor configured to capture data indicative of a presence of the crop receiving vehicle within a crop unloading zone of the agricultural harvester. Moreover, the agricultural harvester includes a computing system communicatively coupled to the sensor. As such, the computing system configured to determine when the crop receiving vehicle is present within the crop unloading zone based on the data captured by the sensor. In addition, when it is determined that the crop receiving vehicle is present within crop unloading zone, the computing system is configured to control an operation of the one or more actuators such that the crop unloading tube is moved relative to the frame from a current position to a predetermined crop unloading position.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the composition of a grain-MOG mixture comprising a kernel fraction and an MOG-fraction. The method includes steps of receiving a grain-MOG mixture, at a thermal excitation location, subjecting a sample volume of the grain-MOG mixture to a thermal excitation using a thermal excitator, generating a thermal image at an imaging location of at least a surface of the sample volume of the grain-MOG mixture that has been subjected to the thermal excitation, processing the thermal image and therewith obtaining data representing the temperature distribution over the thermal image, and relating the temperature distribution to the share of the kernel fraction in the grain-MOG mixture. A device for analyzing the composition of a grain-MOG mixture comprising a kernel fraction and an MOG-fraction is also provided.

Abstract: A combine including: a measurement sensor that measures a retention volume amount of a grain retained in a grain tank; a determination unit that determines whether or not the retention volume amount measured by the measurement sensor exceeds a preset threshold; a notification unit that, if it is determined by the determination unit that the retention volume amount exceeds the threshold, notifies an operator of information indicating that the amount of the grain exceeds the threshold; a change unit that can change the threshold; and a communication unit that communicates with an external server. The change unit changes the threshold based on data received from the external server.

Abstract: A grain tank level sensing system for a combine which harvests grain. The combine includes an upwardly open grain tank fillable with harvested grain and a cover that is displaceable for closing off the open grain tank. An actuator displaces the cover between an open and close position and either single or dual ultrasonic sensors continuously detect the level of grain in the tank and generate a signal proportional to the level of grain in the grain tank. A control system receives the signal from the ultrasonic sensors and generates an indication of the level in the tank to a monitor and/or disables the actuator to initiate the closing function when the grain tank is full.

Abstract: A method and device for harvesting threshed crops including a threshing assembly (3) arranged downstream of a cutting assembly (2) of a combine harvester (1) for separating the grain-chaff mixture (12) from the straw. A chaffing device (4) is arranged downstream of the threshing assembly (3) for separating the total straw fraction into a first and a second straw fraction (5.1, 5.2). A comminution device (8) is arranged downstream of the chaffing device (5) for comminuting the second straw fraction (5.2). A blower (10) having a suction pipe (9) draws in and mixes the grain-chaff mixture (12) and the second straw fraction (5.2) to form a mixture (18) of grain, chaff, and second straw fraction and conveys the mixture (18) into a silo (14).

Abstract: A method for operating a self-propelled harvesting machine with a plurality of working assemblies for processing picked-up crop, includes controlling the working assemblies using a control device assigned to the harvesting machine. At least one working assembly of the working assemblies is controlled by an input mechanism operatively connected to the control device and having a specific first function (F1) in the harvesting mode. A second function (F2), which deviates from the first function (F1) is assigned to the input mechanism by the control device depending on an operating state change. The second function (F2) is specific for the working assembly in an operating state that deviates from the harvesting mode.

Abstract: A mobile field harvesting process for harvesting and further processing sugar-containing crops, such as sweet sorghum, includes cutting the crop, chopping the crop, and reducing the crop to the crop's separated juice and solids in the field. Separation is carried out using a chopper and a juicer. The juicer may be a screw press. The juice may be stored and fermented on the farm, followed by distillation by a mobile distillation process to separate the alcohol from the stillage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing dust and dirt before baling uses a baler having a baling chamber, a pickup for picking up material to be baled from the ground and an inlet section between the pickup and the baling chamber. The inlet section has a perforated member at the bottom thereof, the perforated member forming a part of an air chamber. A blower attached to the air chamber is used for pulling air from the inlet section, through the perforated member and from the air chamber whereby dirt will be extracted from the inlet section before such dirt enters the baling chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling spreader output from a harvester includes a distribution chamber for receiving an agricultural material removed from a field. The harvester includes a spreader system configured to distribute the agricultural material onto the field, and an opening configured to receive the agricultural material from the distribution chamber. Moreover, the distribution chamber includes a first panel rotatably coupled to a first side of the distribution chamber, and a second panel rotatably coupled to a second side of the distribution chamber. The first and second panels are configured to direct the agricultural material toward the opening of the spreader system. An angle of the first panel is independently adjustable to control a first amount of agricultural material directed toward a first inlet portion. An angle of the second panel is independently adjustable to control a second amount of agricultural material directed toward a second inlet portion.

Abstract: A threshing element includes a structure having an outside surface for threshing a crop material, and an inside surface. A body is operatively connected to a sensor. The body is secured to the inside surface of the structure, the body having a connecting feature for securing at least the body and the structure to each other. The structure is securable to a rotatable threshing rotor of a harvester threshing system. In response to operation of the threshing rotor of the harvester threshing system, the sensor outputs a signal corresponding to forces generated by contact between the outside surface of the structure and the crop material.

Abstract: Separably-driven rotor portions for a combine harvester and a method for threshing grain using separably-driven rotor portions are provided. The combine harvester is moved through harvest material comprising grain material and material-other-than-grain (“MOG”). The grain material is separated from the MOG using multiple processing areas. The auger portion may be stopped or rotated at a slower speed with respect to rotation of the threshing portion to simulate the gathering of a large amount of crop material even when small plots are involved, thereby providing the benefits of large-plot harvesting to small-plot applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing dust and dirt before baling uses a baler having a baling chamber, a pickup for picking up material to be baled from the ground and an inlet section between the pickup and the baling chamber. The inlet section has a perforated member at the bottom thereof, the perforated member forming a part of an air chamber. A blower attached to the air chamber is used for pulling air from the inlet section, through the perforated member and from the air chamber whereby dirt will be extracted from the inlet section before such dirt enters the baling chamber.

Abstract: A combine harvester has a spreading device for spreading chopped crop, a control device to which the spreading device is connected and which controls spreading properties of the spreading device, and a wind anemometer located on either side of the spreading device in a rear region of the combine harvester and producing a signal corresponding to a characteristic of wind.

Abstract: Provided is a Wheat grain (Triticum aestivum) comprising an embryo, starch and one, two or three SBEIIa proteins, said embryo comprising two identical alleles of an SBEIIa-A gene, two identical alleles of an SBEIIa-B gene and two identical alleles of an SBEIIa-D gene, wherein the starch has an amylose content of at least 50% (w/w) as a proportion of the extractable starch of the grain, and wherein at least one of the SBEIIa proteins is produced in the developing wheat endosperm and has starch branching enzyme activity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for separating and conveying plant components arising, in particular continuously, in a harvesting machine, comprising a conveying element and a conveying fan arranged in the region of an end of the conveying element. At least one air turbine which generates an airflow in a region above the conveying element onto the plant components introduced into the apparatus and falling toward the conveying element is provided in accordance with the present disclosure to be able to separate heavier plant components from lighter ones in an efficient manner. The present disclosure further relates to a use of such an apparatus as well as to a method for separating and conveying plant components, in particular corn cobs, arising, in particular continuously, in a harvesting machine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel combine harvester and associated method configured for gathering grain test data. In general, the combine harvester includes a grain diverting assembly that is configured to selectively divert grain from a grain harvesting path to a grain testing path for the purpose of gathering the grain test data. In various embodiments, the present invention may return the tested grain to the grain harvesting path for further delivery to a primary grain hopper. The present invention may also provide a sampling cup and sample delivery system that allows a sample of the diverted grain to be automatically gathered and delivered to a combine harvester operator location.

Abstract: A method of harvesting crop material comprising gathering the crop material and separating chaff material, and subjecting the chaff material to fragmentation in a cage mill to destroy unwanted seed material contained therein. An agricultural apparatus comprising a mobile apparatus (15) adapted to travel with a harvesting machine (13) during a harvesting operation to receive chaff material produced during the harvesting operation, the mobile apparatus (15) comprising at least one cage mill (21) having a plurality of rotors (51 and 52) for fragmentation of the chaff material to destroy unwanted seed material contained therein.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an agricultural work machine for performing harvesting operations. The agricultural work machine includes a support structure. An unloading system is coupled to the support structure and is configured to transport an agricultural product received from a hopper to an off-machine location. The unloading system includes a transfer assembly having a discharge chute. A positioning system is configured to adjust at least one of an elevation, a length and a rotational position of the transfer assembly to position the discharge chute. A control system is configured to automatically locate the discharge chute from a stowed position to a desired unload position of a plurality of preset unload positions upon receiving an operator input via an operator input device.

Abstract: A vertical spreader of a combine harvester has a reflexing deflector elements hingedly secured to a flow guide element, and the deflectors are reinforced by over-center linkage so as to automatically hinge in response to the positive pressure of an oversized wad of crop residue and/or by loss of impeller speed. The wad is thereby discarded, and the deflector elements thereafter return to the original position held prior to hinging.

Abstract: A method of positioning a concave in a threshing section of an agricultural machine including the steps of selecting and maintaining. The selecting step includes the selecting of a set pressure, a minimum separation distance of the concave from a rotating member and a maximum separation distance of the concave from the rotating member. The maintaining step includes the maintaining of a hydraulic fluid pressure in a hydraulic concave support system that supports the concave at substantially the set pressure while the concave is positioned between the minimum separation distance and the maximum separation distance when crop material is being transported between the concave and the rotating member.

Abstract: A method of loosening crop material jammed between a cylinder and concave grate of an agricultural combine includes attaching a winch to a portion of the combine such that the winch location is fixed relative to the cylinder. An arm member is engaged with the cylinder, and a free end of the winch cable is attached to the arm member. The winch pulls the arm member toward the winch and rotates the cylinder in a reverse direction through a portion of a revolution, and then the winch is reversed to provide slack to allow disengaging the arm member from the cylinder, and reengaging the arm member at a different location to attain a suitable orientation. The winch is then again operated to rotate the cylinder in reverse through a further portion of a revolution, and steps are repeated as required to loosen the crop material.

Abstract: A rethreshing system and method for a combine having a cleaning system that includes at least one sieve or like material separating mechanism. The rethreshing system includes a tailings collection pan for collecting tailings that do not pass through the sieve and a tailings rethreshing mechanism receiving the tailings from the collection pan and rethreshing the tailings. A distribution auger is arranged across a return pan of the cleaning system and is operable to substantially evenly distribute rethreshed tailings on the return pan of the cleaning system. The distribution auger includes a tubular auger housing having an entrance for receiving material to be conveyed, a closed end opposite the entrance, and a longitudinally elongated and tapered slot formation through a sidewall of the tubular auger housing, the slot formation having a small width near the entrance to the tubular housing and a wide width near the closed end of the tubular housing.

Abstract: A spreader bat disk for a spreader assembly that has a drive linkage operable to rotatably drive attachments thereto, the spreader bat disk being formed or molded as a unitary construction that includes a web portion, preferably of a generally circular configuration, having a top surface and an essentially flat bottom surface, with a plurality of integral radially distributed spreader blades projecting upwardly from the top surface, and which is configured to be operatively connectable to the drive linkage of the spreader assembly to be rotated thereby to spread material provided thereto.

Abstract: A crop processing machine includes a transport mechanism for conveying a crop, a mounting assembly fixed with respect to the transport mechanism, and a knife assembly pivotally mounted with a 4-bar link to the mounting assembly, the knife assembly including a knife for trimming the crop as the crop is conveyed past the knife assembly.

Abstract: A deslugging method and system for an agricultural combine, providing several semi- and fully automated operating modes or routines for removing or dislodging a slug of crop and/or other material from the threshing system and/or a feeder of the combine for conveying crop material to the threshing system. The routines can include reciprocating, agitating and jogging routines, which can be automatically altered during execution responsive to sensed or changing conditions, as processed by a suitable filter such as a simplified Kalman type signal filter, for generating a real time estimation and prediction of the various states of the threshing system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for removing a rotor of a rotary machine, such as a rotary combine harvester. The method comprises the steps of exposing one end of the rotor while ensuring that the rotor remains safely anchored within the machine, securing to the exposed end of the rotor a plate that is mounted on a support block carried on the lifting platform of a movable lifting device, disconnecting the rotor from all remaining components of the machine to permit the rotor to be slid out of the machine, and moving the lifting device away from the machine while simultaneously controlling the height of its lifting platform to cause the end of the rotor to move along a path parallel to the axis of the rotor and thereby extract the rotor from the machine while supporting the weight of the portion of the rotor projecting from the machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for removing a rotor of a rotary machine, such as a rotary combine harvester. The method comprises the steps of exposing one end of the rotor while ensuring that the rotor remains safely anchored within the machine, securing to the exposed end of the rotor a plate that is mounted on a support block carried on the lifting platform of a movable lifting device, disconnecting the rotor from all remaining components of the machine to permit the rotor to be slid out of the machine, and moving the lifting device away from the machine while simultaneously controlling the height of its lifting platform to cause the end of the rotor to move along a path parallel to the axis of the rotor and thereby extract the rotor from the machine while supporting the weight of the portion of the rotor projecting from the machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively harvesting multiple components of a plant material. A grain component is separated from the plant material such as by processing the plant material through a primary threshing and separating mechanism. At least one additional component of the plant material is selectively harvested such as by subjecting the plant material to a secondary threshing and separating mechanism. For example, the stems of a plant material may be broken at a location adjacent one or more nodes thereof with the nodes and the internodal stem portions being subsequently separated for harvesting. The at least one additional component (e.g., the internodal stems) may then be consolidated and packaged for subsequent use or processing. The harvesting of the grain and of the at least one additional component may occur within a single harvesting machine, for example, during a single pass over a crop field.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the level of harvested cotton in a basket assembly of a cotton harvester is provided. The apparatus includes a transducer, a control circuit and an indicator. The transducer is coupled to a motor of a compaction member of a compaction assembly of the cotton harvester and measures the pressure exerted by the harvested cotton upon the compaction member. The transducer generates a pressure signal that is received by the control circuit. The control circuit generates a basket level indication signal a short time after the pressure signal indicates a predetermined pressure has been measured. Alternatively, the control circuit generates the basket level indication signal when the pressure signal indicates the basket assembly is approximately full. An indicator, such as a lamp or buzzer, receives the basket level indication signal and provides an indication to the operator of the level of harvested cotton in the basket.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring grain characteristics, including grain test weight, using a container having one or more sensors. The sensors may include moisture, weight, grain flow, density, and level sensors. The container may be attached to a grain harvesting device, such as a combine, for measuring characteristics of grain harvested from test plots. Multiple containers may be employed with a grain diversion device so that sequential test plots may be harvested and measured with little or no interruption. The sensors, grain diversion device, and other equipment may be in signal communication with a signal processor for automated measurement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combine grain receptacle which collects grain and chaff expelled from the combine to allow the operator to determine the amount of grain being expelled from the combine and therefore being wasted. A conventional combine or a rotor combine cuts the crop to be harvested and breaks the crop down into usable grain and unusable chaff. The grain receptacle is releasably attached to the underside of the combine and may be dropped directly upon the field being harvested when the operator so desires. Once the receptacle is released upon the field, the grain and chaff are collected thereon as the combine traverses the field, whereupon the operator will then stop the combine and inspect the receptacle.

Abstract: A microwave grain monitor determines grain density and moisture content without measuring the phase shift of the measurement signal in passing through the grain. A set of grain coefficients is determined and stored in a non-volatile memory. A microwave measurement signal is transmitted through the grain and the ambient temperature is sensed. The grain density and moisture content are determined from the attenuation of the measurement signal in passing through the grain, the sensed temperature and the set of grain coefficients.

Abstract: A combine rotor assembly and method of using the same are provided. The rotor assembly is characterized by a cylindrical drum having an outer peripheral surface. A plurality of helical or spiral shaped threshing groups are attached to the outer peripheral surface and extend substantially the length of the drum. Each of the curved threshing members making up a helical group are placed end to end resulting in a continuous and uninterrupted spiral or helical pattern. A plurality of straight threshing members are attached to the outer peripheral of the drum. The straight threshing members are interspersed between the helical or spiral groups in a plurality of longitudinally extending rows. The rows may be arranged in alternating fashion resulting in a staggered appearance.

Abstract: A quantity of a harvested product supplied by an elevator of a harvester from a lower side to an upper side is determined by measuring an elevator when it is located with the harvested product with consideration of weight of the empty elevator.

Abstract: A periscope of the present invention is adapted to allow a farmer to monitor the inside of a wagon while it is being filled with grain from a grain cart. In this way, the farmer will know when the wagon is full and can prevent the wagon from overfilling and spilling grain. The top mirror of the periscope is convex in shape and can be adjusted to change the field of view.

Abstract: This invention is a separator-conveyor that uses a scissors action to cut stems, roots, vines and other debris from a crop being harvested and processed. This is accomplished by providing a plurality of multi-sided rollers having sharp edges disposed alternately at an angle to adjacent rollers causing a scissors type cutting action that starts at one end of such rollers and continues to the other end. A plurality of the scissors action separator-conveyors can be used in conjunction with drying systems on a crop harvester-processor. This harvester-processor allows root crops such as peanuts to be harvested, cleaned, dried and graded in one continuous operation.

Abstract: A device to measure the volume and weight of a harvested grain crop during the harvesting of the grain crop with a weight measurement member including an elevator for moving grain from a lower elevation to a higher elevation with the elevator having a rotatable belt and a set of paddles thereon for moving grain from the lower elevation to the higher elevation with a torque sensor to determine the increase in torque on the shaft as a result of having to raise the kernels of grain from the lower elevation to the higher elevation and an acoustic volume measurement member to obtain information on the depth of the grain that is correlatable to volume of the harvested crop.

Abstract: An agricultural machine, in particular a field chopper, has a device for measuring a throughput of harvested producted with the use of a first element which senses a vertical movement of a prepressing roller by the harvested product and a second element which determines a throughflow speed, while corresponding signal values produced by the elements are continuously supplied to a microprocessor to compute an absolute quantity measuring value.

Abstract: A monitor for measuring the moisture content of grain comprises an AC signal source for transmitting a measurement signal along a measurement signal path that includes a sensor region in which grain may, or may not, be present, and an analyzer for determining the attenuation of the measurement signal along the path, the analyzer producing an indication of the moisture content of grain in the sensor region that is dependent on the attenuation. A simulator is provided to permit calibration, testing, maintenance and/or demonstration of the monitor without the requirement of grain in the sensor region. The simulator includes a programmable attenuator that is selectively electrically inserted in the measurement signal path and a control circuit for controlling the attenuator so that the measurement signal is attenuated and the analyzer produces an indication of grain moisture content even though no grain is present in the sensor region. The attenuator may be a PIN diode or a programmable capacitor.

Abstract: A grain harvesting combine has an elevator system for conveying tailings and clean grain. The tailings are conveyed above the grain storage bin where they enter a chute and flow back to the threshing rotor. A window located at the entrance of the chute cooperates with impellers on the threshing rotor to create a strong downdraft to facilitate flow of the tailings. A stuck crop chamber has a trap door that senses when product jams in the elevator and automatically opens to discharge crop if so.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-the-go measuring of the amount and quality of grain being harvested including a first light source for projecting a first light image onto a pile of grain on a conveyor in a harvesting machine to cream a three-dimensional light image on the pile of grain on the conveyor and then converting the light image into coordinates for comparison to reference coordinates to determine the volume of the pile of grain on the conveyor belt; and an apparatus for determination of the amount of moisture in the pile of grain by projecting a second light image of a first wavelength onto the pile of grain, with the wavelength of the light of a frequency responsive to the amount of moisture in the pile of grain, and measuring the amount of reflectance of the light image of the first wavelength; and projecting a third light image of a second wavelength on the pile of grain, with the second wavelength of light in a region where reflectance is not responsive to the amount of moisture in the pile of gra

Abstract: A cost effective and efficient method and apparatus for converting a "husk-off" corn picker into a "husk-on" corn picker to reduce kernel loss and damage. The husking bed of the "husk-off" corn picker is removed and replaced with a corn conveyor consisting of a series of driven flights which convey corn from one end of the picker to the other. The corn conveyor is set at an elevated angle so that the uptake end is lower than the deposit end of the conveyor. A suction fan is attached to the picker above the corn conveyor and sets of rubber air dams are placed around the conveyor to increase the effectiveness of the fan. An air inlet means is provided in the side of the picker so that the suction means can pull air under the corn conveyor and across the deposit end of the corn conveyor as the ears of corn fall from the conveyor. This directed air flow pulls the debris from the ears of corn as the ears fall and carry the debris into the suction means where it is blown out and away from the corn picker.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for forage processing, in order to accelerate its drying process, mown stalk material is fed to rotating pressing elements (7, 7a, 7b), which consolidate the stalk material into a mat of stalk material. In order to produce an inherently stable mat of stalk material, the thickness and density of said mat are to be held constant, independent of the quantity of stalk material supplied by a mowing or collecting means (1), and the forage constituents within the mat are to be better mixed. To this end, the volume of stalk material fed to the pressing means (7) and a conveying speed of the pressing elements (7a and 7b) are continuously transmitted to a control means (20) as measured values, and on the basis of these parameters the conveying speed is reduced by means of the control means (20) in the case of a small quantity of stalk material accumulating (FIG. 1).

Abstract: There is disclosed a root crop harvesting machine, especially a potato harvesting machine which can dig-up two rows of crop and then discharging the crop laterally of the machine to any required extent via an elevator which is adjusted to a lateral discharge mode, as shown in FIG. 1, to permit the dug-up crop to be deposited in rows for drying purposes. Once drying has been completed, the same machine can then be used to pick-up the dried crop and then, following adjustment of the elevator to an elevational position as shown in FIG. 2, the dried crop can be discharged into a collecting vehicle. The harvesting machine of the invention therefore has two discharge functions, and can replace two existing pieces of equipment. The invention also enables novel methods of crop harvesting to be carried out.

Abstract: A milkweed processing machine includes a housing having an inlet end and an outlet end. Milkweed pods are introduced into the inlet end and conveyed to a pod cracking chamber whrein a cylinder having rigid spikes projecting radially therefrom cracks the pods. The cracked milkweed pods are then conveyed to a picking chamber wherein a plurality of cylindrical members having fingers projecting therefrom will pick and loosen the floss and seeds from the cracked milkweed pods. The picking cylinders are arranged in parallel relationship and rotate in opposite directions. The picked and loosened floss and pods are then conveyed to a fluffing chamber which includes a rotating cylindrical member having a plurality of fingers which further fluff the loosened floss to remove the seeds from the floss. A fan directs a current of air through the loosened and picked floss materials to lift the floss and carry it to an outlet.

Abstract: A combine is improved to reduce corn cobs to usable segments automatically by changing the combine arc to circular and adjusting its clearance and altering its cross bar spacing; changing the straw walker sieve slots and adding a cob conveyer adjacent to the cleaning shoe.