Abstract: A cleaning system for use in a combine harvester including an auger bed mounted within a frame such that when the combine harvester is laterally inclined from the horizontal, the cleaning system, including the auger bed and a sieve, may be leveled or substantially leveled to a generally horizontal position. In some embodiments, the auger bed comprises a plurality of augers located side by side with their axes positioned generally longitudinally in the combine harvester.

Abstract: A system for controlling a grain combine having a rotor/cylinder, a sieve, a fan, a concave, a feeder, a header, an engine, and a control system. The feeder of the grain combine is engaged and the header is lowered. A separator loss target, engine load target, and a sieve loss target are selected. Grain is harvested with the lowered header passing the grain through the engaged feeder. Separator loss, sieve loss, engine load and ground speed of the grain combine are continuously monitored during the harvesting. If the monitored separator loss exceeds the selected separator loss target, the speed of the rotor/cylinder, the concave setting, the engine load target, or a combination thereof is adjusted. If the monitored sieve loss exceeds the selected sieve loss target, the speed of the fan, the size of the sieve openings, or the engine load target is adjusted.

Abstract: The airflow through a harvesting machine is adjusted by calculating a G-factor at a first point on an upper chaffer to determine if it is greater than 1+n, where n represents a desired factor. A blower is adjusted to reduce an airstream if the G-factor is greater than 1+n. A MOG factor is calculated if the G-factor is less than 1+n. The blower is adjusted to increase the airstream if the MOG-factor is less than 1+x, where x represents a desired factor. A MOG-factor is calculated at a second point if the MOG-factor at said the point is greater than 1+x and the blower is adjusted to reduce the airstream if the MOG-factor at the second point is greater than 1+y, where y represents a desired factor or adjusted to increase the airstream if the MOG-factor at the second point is less than 1+y.

Abstract: A combine harvester is provided that separates grain material from material other than grain using multiple processing areas, including a harvesting area, a feederhouse area, a threshing area, a cleaning area, and a grain delivery area. In a location at or prior to entering one of the processing areas, the material may be collected and held until a collection threshold is reached. Once it is determined that the collection threshold is reached, the material forming a first group of material may be transported from the location to the processing area or a subsequent processing area. The first group of material is transported from the location to the processing area or the subsequent processing area substantially simultaneously and thus simulates the gathering of a large amount of crop material even when small plots are involved. In this way, reduced cycle times may be achieved, and the efficiency benefits of large-plot harvesting may be extended to small-plot applications.

Abstract: A system for use with the combine comprises a plurality of sensors to detect the uniformity of crop material being conveyed running threshing portion of the combine to including system into combine. Methods and systems are provided that utilize this plurality of sensors to provide substantially automatic control of combine parameters that mitigate the non-uniformity of a grain bed in the cleaning system. The system may also inform an operator of a suggested manual adjustments to mitigate the non-uniformity.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine includes different working units, an input and display unit, a memory and evaluation unit, and a control device for influencing adjustable operating parameters of the working units, at least one set criterium being stored in the memory and evaluation unit, and, based on at least one crop material parameter and/or operating parameter that was determined in the harvesting process, and based on the at least one set criterium, a prognosis regarding the attainability of an actual harvesting goal is formulated, the prognosis being taken into account in the adjustment of the operating parameters.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically correcting a steering command from an auto guidance system to adjust for misalignments between the crop rows and the header due to errors which may include, but are not limited to a stack up of errors from the remote positioning system information translation, planter and harvester machine centerline differences, harvesting and planting pattern differences, and the like, that integrates row sensor information into the auto guidance system.

Abstract: A harvester grain bin monitoring system is disclosed. The system includes a sensor that monitors the perimeter of the bin proximate to the top rim to provide a warning to an operator when the grain level reaches approaches the bin rim. The sensor may be optical or mechanical.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combine with a cleaning device (1), having a screening device (2) with at least one screen (2A, 2B) in which the harvested products conveyed to the thresher and to the separation device are cleaned and at least one adjustable blower (3) for exposing the screening device (3) to an air flow. The width of the openings of the sifting device (2) and the revolutions of the blower (3) can be mechanically regulated by at least one regulation organ. According to the invention, at least one sensor (4) is provided whose measuring signal (S/4) directly or indirectly indicates a quantity of harvested products loaded on the combine, especially on the cleaning device. Optimal regulation of the cleaning device, especially the width of the openings of the screen, is performed by an adjusting organ (20A, 20B) depending on the signal (S/4) of the sensor (4).

Abstract: An agricultural machine having a crop pick up section, a crop chamber, and a crop repositioning device. The crop chamber has an opening and the crop repositioning device receives crop material from the crop pick up section and assists in the delivery of the crop material to the opening. The crop repositioning device is configured to reposition at least a portion of the crop material dependent upon the detected crop material distribution in the crop pickup section, the detected crop material distribution in the opening and/or the detected crop material distribution in the crop chamber.

Abstract: A route planning system for agricultural working machines with a defined working width assigned to the agricultural working machine to generate driving routes in a territory includes a navigation module configured to generate the driving routes and having at least one automatic driving mode and at least one recording mode, such that said at least one automatic driving mode and the at least one recording mode are activatable independently of each other.

Abstract: The process and device for controlling at least one operating condition parameter (54) of working parts (45) of a combine harvester (1) has at least one sensing device (36, 40) for monitoring a crop tailings stream (31) and for generating a grain tailings signal (X) and a tailings flow rate signal (Y) for control of the operating condition parameters (54), such as blower speed, upper sieve mesh, lower sieve mesh, so that changes in the crop harvesting conditions can be reacted to rapidly and efficiently. The device includes an evaluating and display unit (39), which includes a controller (53) for automatically controlling operating condition parameters or for displaying control information produced by control algorithms (56 to 58), so that the operating condition parameters can be optimized according to the grain tailings signal (X) and tailings flow rate signal (Y).

Abstract: An agricultural work machine having a chassis with an operating direction and a transport system coupled to the chassis. The transport system includes a plurality of wheels including a first wheel and a wheel repositioning system. The wheel repositioning system is operatively connected to the first wheel. The wheel repositioning system is configured to adjust a position of the first wheel in a direction substantially normal to the operating direction while the chassis is moving in the operating direction.

Abstract: A harvesting machine including a chassis and a cleaning shoe. The cleaning shoe is supported by the chassis. The cleaning shoe includes a frame and at least one grain cleaning element. The frame is moveable in a first plane relative to the chassis. The at least one grain cleaning element is supported by the frame. The at least one grain cleaning element is movable in a second plane different from the first plane.

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 system to sense incipient slugging of a rotor by sensing a rotor speed signal, an engine speed signal and a first hydraulic motor speed signal, combining the rotor speed signal and the engine speed signal to provide a second hydraulic motor speed signal, and determining incipient slugging based upon the first and second speed signals, and thereby preventing potential damage to threshing components.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a condition indicative of onset of plugging or actual plugging of a discharge of an agricultural combine, utilizing a pressure sensor disposed at a location within the combine spaced from the discharge and operable for sensing an air pressure condition relating to a flow indicative of a reduced crop residue flow condition toward or in the discharge.

Abstract: An arrangement for the automatic adjustment of the cut height of a front harvesting attachment on a harvesting machine for the harvesting of stalk-like plants. A controller is connected to a sensor and to an actuator that can adjust the cut height of the front harvesting attachment based on the detection by the sensor of at least one characteristic of the harvested crop material and can be repositioned as a function of the signal of the sensor.

Abstract: In method and a device for determining the compression properties of crop material in an agricultural working machine, a compressing device is capable of being filled with a material sample during the working process, the compression of the material sample is determined based on at least one defined precompression of the material sample carried out by the compressing device, and at least one compressing element assigned to the compressing device applies a load on the material sample and moves relative to it, to provide an improved compression effect in crop material.

Abstract: A biomass cleaner, of a harvesting machine, comprises at least a first sieve for sieving biomass and having one or more first sieve apertures that are openable and closeable in dependence on control commands; an air fan the speed of which is adjustable in dependence on control commands; and one or more control devices that generate the said control commands, the first sieve defining a support for biomass that is sieveable via the sieve; and the biomass cleaner including one or more pressure sensors for generating one or more signals that are related to the pressure of air in the vicinity of the biomass. The or each pressure sensor is operatively connected to supply the said signals to a control device that derives therefrom further estimates of the sieve losses and/or the MOG content of the biomass, as defined herein, during operation thereof.

Abstract: A harvesting machine includes a measuring device for capturing the throughput of collected material. The measuring device has a measuring surface which acts together with the crop material and is supported movably at a support point in such a manner that its position depends on the throughput of the crop material, and an optical position capturing device for capturing the position of the measuring surface. Preferably the support point is a solid body articulation and the position capturing device is a laser interferometer.

Abstract: A motor control system of a combine having a rotor that is simultaneously driven by an engine and a hydraulic motor is configured to determine at overspeed condition of the motor and to disengage the motor from the engine when the overspeed condition exists.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a condition indicative of onset of plugging or actual plugging of a discharge of an agricultural combine, utilizing a pressure sensor disposed at a location within the combine spaced from the discharge and operable for sensing an air pressure condition relating to a flow indicative of a reduced crop residue flow condition toward or in the discharge.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting existence of a failed or broken shear bolt supporting all or a portion of a concave of a threshing system of an agricultural combine and utilizing information relating to rates of movement and absence of movement of a concave to determining the existence and non-existence of a failed or broken shear bolt supporting the concave. More particularly, the present system and method is operable to diagnose existence of a broken shear bolt from a rapid downward movement of the concave and non-movement of the concave during operation of a driver for repositioning the concave. Also, existence of a false broken concave condition can be diagnosed by movements of the concave responsive to operation of the driver.

Abstract: In method and a device for determining the compression properties of crop material in an agricultural working machine, a compressing device is capable of being filled with a material sample during the working process, the compression of the material sample is determined based on at least one defined precompression of the material sample carried out by the compressing device, and at least one compressing element assigned to the compressing device applies a load on the material sample and moves relative to it, to provide an improved compression effect in crop material.

Abstract: A method of determining the content of a desired component in a stream of material including two or more types of component, comprises the steps of: causing or permitting a said stream, comprising plural particles of material, to impact a sensor member located in a path of the material thereby inducing vibration of the sensor member; analysing vibrations of the sensor member and from the analysis determining whether individual impacts caused by the stream are one of any two or more types selected from three possible impact types; and performing an operation based on the result of the analysis. The invention is of particular use in determining the content of material streams in combine harvesters.

Abstract: A system for sensing the presence of tailings in a combine includes a tailings sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a flow rate of tailings and a first microcontroller module coupled to the tailings sensor and configured to receive the signal and filter it by removing transient high excursion noise. The signal may be low-pass filtered and notch filtered to remove other components of noise.

Abstract: An apparatus for threshing legumes has a frame, which is movable over a ground surface. A drum, which is rotatable about its at least substantially horizontally oriented axis of rotation, is mounted on the frame and has a drum surface provided with one or more openings. A main threshing element is disposed within the drum and is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, which extends at least substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum. At least one auxiliary threshing element is disposed within the drum and is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, which extends at least substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum. An additional conveying member is disposed within the drum for conveying the legumes to be threshed through the drum. The apparatus has a detection device that measures an angle of inclination of the apparatus with respect to the horizontal and a control device that control the additional conveying member on the basis of the measured angle of inclination.

Abstract: An agricultural combine having a supporting structure that is driven by ground engaging wheels at a harvesting speed by a propulsion assembly. The combine is also provided with crop processing assemblies for processing a harvested crop. A feederhouse directs the harvested crop material to the crop processing assemblies. A feederhouse force sensor senses the force exerted by the harvested crop material as it passes through the feederhouse. The feederhouse force signal is directly related to crop throughput. An operator control in the operator's cab of the combine provides a loss rate signal that is also directed to the electronic controller. The electronic controller converts the loss rate signal into a desired feederhouse force signal. The electronic controller regulates the forward speed or harvesting speed of the combine so that the desired feederhouse force signal is equal to the actual feederhouse force signal.

Abstract: A flow of crops, which contains useful material and waste material, is separated in a crop machine into a useful material flow and a waste material flow, in which, respectively, the useful material or the waste material is concentrated. A first step separates the flow of crops with a first selectivity into a pre-cleaned flow, which contains a substantial portion of the useful material and a remaining portion of the waste material, and a first waste material flow, which contains a substantial portion of the waste material and a remaining portion of the useful material. A second step separates the pre-cleaned flow with a selectivity dependent on its flow rate into the useful material flow and a second waste material flow, which contains a substantial portion of waste material and a remaining portion of the useful material.

Abstract: An arrangement for the withdrawal of samples from a flow of harvested crop flowing in a conveying channel in a harvesting machine includes a guide element mounted so as to cover a sample withdrawal opening provided in a wall of the channel. The guide element is mounted for movement between a first position wherein it blocks the withdrawal opening, and in a second position wherein it opens the withdrawal opening and includes a region that is inserted into the conveying channel so as to forcibly deflect a crop sample through the withdrawal opening.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor for detecting the presence of a crop flow in a harvesting machine. The sensor is designed to emit an output signal containing information on whether crop material is passing through the harvesting machine or not. It is suggested that the sensor be designed to detect vibrations produced during the processing and/or transporting of the crop flow in the harvesting machine. Such a sensor is especially suitable for use with arrangements for calculating the area from which crop is being harvested and for mapping yields.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining grain loss of a harvesting machine. The harvesting machine has a crop-separating region with separating members. The separating members each have separation sensors for generating a signal corresponding to the crop quantity separated. This signal is delivered to an evaluating unit for further processing. Processing includes determining a separation curve for at least some of the separating zones and converting the separation curve to a characteristic quantity. From this measured characteristic quantity, a loss is determined based on a characteristic curve deposited in the evaluating unit. By avoiding direct loss measurement on the harvesting machine, the negative crop-related effects on determining grain loss are considerably reduced.

Abstract: A control system utilizes operator satisfaction information for controlling an agricultural harvesting machine having adjustable crop processing structure. The control system includes actuators for controlling the crop processing structure and a controller connected to the actuators and to quality sensor structure. Information for at least one quality parameter of the harvesting process is entered on an operator input device, the entry being dependent on the level of satisfaction the operator perceives concerning the parameter, and the controller controls the actuators based on the operator satisfaction input. The controller stores information about the relationship between the output of the sensor and the satisfaction entry, and this relationship information is used for subsequent control purposes.

Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement for the withdrawal of samples from a flow of harvested crop flowing in a conveying channel in a harvesting machine. A guide element is proposed that includes a region that can be inserted into the conveying channel. Thereby, the harvested crop is forcibly deflected for the withdrawal of a sample.

Abstract: A hydro-mechanical control system for an agricultural combine threshing rotor is operable 1) to transfer torque to the rotor so as to maintain rotor velocity within an acceptable range of a commanded velocity despite small fluctuations in rotor load and engine speed, 2) to reduce wear on mechanical components of the rotor drive system during rotor acceleration, 3) to employ the most efficient combination of mechanical and hydrostatic rotor drive characteristics during steady state operation of the rotor and 4) to reduce the likelihood of engine stall. The system includes a mechanical motor such as an engine, a hydrostatic motor, and a gearset disposed between both motors and the rotor. A clutch is operable to selectively couple the mechanical motor to the gearset, and a brake is selective operable to selectively arrest a driven gear of the gearset from rotation.

Abstract: A combine with a throughput dependent speed control includes an angle sensor responsive to uphill, downhill and sidehill slopes. When the combine is angled from a level position, harvest speed is lowered to prevent grain losses from increasing above a target level. The control continuously learns tilt angle, loss and throughput correlation, and the speed reduction is selected based upon the learned correlation. In the preferred embodiment, throughput is estimated utilizing rotor variable drive actuator pressure (RVDAP), and a target RVDAP is modified for short periods of time in accordance with the learned correlation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for autonomously controlling agricultural machinery such as a grain combine. The operation components of a combine that function to harvest the grain have characteristics that are measured by sensors. For example, the combine speed, the fan speed, and the like can be measured. An important sensor is the grain loss sensor, which may be used to quantify the amount of grain expelled out of the combine. The grain loss sensor utilizes the fluorescence properties of the grain kernels and the plant residue to identify when the expelled plant material contains grain kernels. The sensor data, in combination with historical and current data stored in a database, is used to identify optimum operating conditions that will result in increased crop yield. After the optimum operating conditions are identified, an on-board computer can generate control signals that will adjust the operation of the components identified in the optimum operating conditions.

Abstract: A device for optimizing the transfer of harvested crop from a harvesting machine to a transport vehicle includes a control unit in the harvesting machine that generates control signals and an control device in the transport vehicle that communicates with the control unit and adjusts the travel speed and the steering angle of the transport vehicle as a function of the control signals received from the control unit. A related method for optimizing the transfer of harvested crop from a harvesting machine to a transport vehicle is also provided that includes the steps of monitoring the status of a vehicle with a monitoring device and controlling the travel of the vehicle by means of at least one control device based on the status of the vehicle.

Abstract: A yield monitoring system for a grain harvesting combine includes a volume monitor, a moisture monitor, a test weight monitor, a ground speed monitor, and a computer which receives signals from each monitor and continuously derives harvested grain yield rates from those signals, displays the yield rates on a visual display and records the yield rate information for later recall and transfer to other computers. A GPS receiver linked to the system enables it to map yields geographically in the harvested field. The volume monitor receives all grain exiting the clean grain elevator of the combine and passes it through a paddlewheel, the angular displacement of which is monitored over time. The moisture monitor and test weight monitor are mounted to the exterior of the clean grain elevator and receive samples of grain from the lift side of the clean grain elevator.

Abstract: A harvester with a control system responsive to at least one crop processing variable for automatically controlling forward speed of the harvester includes a crop presence responsive switch connected to an automatic harvester control system. The switch, preferably a proximity switch responsive to movement of the feeder house drum from an empty feeder house limit position, provides a signal in response to crop entering the feeder house for initiating the automatic speed control of the harvester after the header receives the crop and prior to the crop entering the processing structure. The automatic control initiation structure is particularly useful with an automatic combine throughput control and eliminates unstable operation resulting from delayed control initiation. The switch is part of an adjustable down stop mechanism for the feeder house drum.

Abstract: A sieve for a harvester thresher which consists of a frame and adjustable louvers that are mounted therein and can be adjusted by a motor-driven adjusting drive, wherein the sieve consists of at least two sieve elements that are arranged in the same plane and are respectively provided with a frame. In order to prevent the play of the adjusting drive and to adjust the louvers of the sieve elements independently of one another, separate adjusting drives are assigned to the sieve elements.

Abstract: A yield monitoring system for a grain harvesting combine includes a volume monitor, a moisture monitor, a test weight monitor, a ground speed monitor, and a computer which receives signals from each monitor and continuously derives harvested grain yield rates from those signals, displays the yield rates on a visual display and records the yield rate information for later recall and transfer to other computers. A GPS receiver linked to the system enables it to map yields geographically in the harvested field. The volume monitor receives all grain exiting the clean grain elevator of the combine and passes it through a paddlewheel, the angular displacement of which is monitored over time. The moisture monitor and test weight monitor are mounted to the exterior of the clean grain elevator and receive samples of grain from the lift side of the clean grain elevator.

Abstract: The combine of the present invention is provided with an internal combustion engine. An electronic engine controller is used to monitor and control the operation of the engine. The electronic engine controller stores at least two power curves for controlling the engine. The first power curve has a higher horsepower output than the second power curve. A harvesting assembly detector signals the electronic engine controller with a corn head signal if a corn head is mounted to the combine, or a grain platform signal if a grain platform is mounted to the combine. If a corn head is mounted to the combine the electronic engine controller derates the engine and works on the second power curve. If the electronic engine controller receives a grain platform signal, the electronic engine controller works on the higher horsepower first power curve.

Abstract: A rotary threshing and separation unit, comprising a rotor housing with a feeding zone, separation zone and is discharge zone, parts of the circumferential housing being closed and other parts having openings, rotary driven threshing and separation rotor arranged in the rotor housing, beater plates fixed on the threshing and separation rotor, fan to produce a main air flow stream and auxiliary air flow stream through the rotor housing, and wherein baffle plates are adjustable and located between the sieve and grain collection element wherein the baffle plates effect the auxiliary air flow stream. The baffle plates are adjustable in position, length and width parallel and traverse to the rotary threshing and separation unit axis. The baffle plates are used to improve the separating function of the rotary threshing and separation unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining an area of crop being harvested by a harvesting machine having a cutter bar of a known total width. The method and apparatus includes a position determining system located on the harvesting machine, and a processor located on the harvesting machine. The processor is adapted to receive position signals from the position determining system and to determine a first position of the harvesting machine, determine a first effective cutter bar width, determine a second position of the harvesting machine, determine a second effective cutter bar width, and responsively determine an area of a polygon bounded by the first and second positions, and the first and second cutter bar widths.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine, such as a combine harvester comprising a header for collecting crop material from a field, an auger and straw elevator for conveying the collected crop into the harvesting machine and a threshing and cleaning system. The harvesting machine is equipped with a sensor for sensing the flow rate of at least a portion of the collected crop. The sensor is provided with dampening system for dampening mechanical vibrations caused by the header, the auger and the cleaning and threshing system. The sensor comprises an idler sprocket that senses the torque transmitted by a chain transmission upon a conveyor, such as the transverse conveyor of a header. The dampening system involves an inertia wheel attached to the driving sprocket of the chain transmission, an elastic coupling and further inertia wheel driven by the primary drive shaft of the header.

Abstract: An improved flow sensor is disclosed for use with a crop harvesting device to determine flow volume of a crop yield product. The improved flow sensor is of the type which uses a strain gauge and includes an improved probe coupled to the strain gauge and adapted to cooperate with the strain gauge to produce a signal indicative of pressure being applied to the probe by the crop yield product. The improved probe includes first and second connection members adapted to couple the probe to the strain gauge. A probe middle portion is coupled to each of the first and second connection members and extends from a location between the first and second connection members into a middle portion of the flow path of the crop yield product. First and second probe legs are coupled to and extend from first and second sides of the probe middle portion into first and second sides of the flow of crop yield product.

Abstract: A combine including an improved HVAC control system. The frame of the combine supports an operator cab, a harvesting head and the other operational systems of the combine. The control system includes an operator control and a heat exchanger located in the cab. The control system also includes at least one sensor disposed to sense at least one of an ambient air temperature, a cab air temperature and solar loading, and to produce at least one sensed signal representative thereof. The operator control is configured to produce a set-point signal representative of a desired cab air temperature. An interface circuit is electromagnetically coupled to the valve assembly, the operator control, and the at least one sensor. A cooling coil may also be located in the cab, wherein the interface circuit is electromagnetically coupled to the associated coolant compressor.

Abstract: The harvesting machine includes an attachment, a feed device for material to be harvested, a cutting drum for the material to be harvested, an ejection means for conveying the material from the cutting drum, an advantageously hydrostatic drive for the feed device, a drive for the cutting drum, respective rotation speed sensors for measuring actual rotation speeds of the cutting drum and the feed device and an electronic analysis unit.