Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle system includes a chassis and a vehicle bed coupled to the chassis, the vehicle bed comprising an attachment system configured to fasten a detachable mission platform onto the vehicle bed. The vehicle system further includes a plurality of wheels coupled to the chassis and configured to carry the chassis over a ground. The vehicle system additionally includes a control system comprising a processor configured to determine a mission type for the detachable mission platform. The processor is additionally configured to communicate with the detachable mission platform to actuate at least one actuator of the detachable mission platform based on the mission type.

Abstract: A row crop header for an agricultural machine harvesting a crop having stalks, such as corn. The row crop header includes a frame, a first crop row divider mounted to the frame, and a second crop row divider mounted to the frame and spaced from the first crop row divider to define a space therebetween. A row unit is disposed at the space, wherein the row unit includes a deck assembly defining a gap, the deck assembly including a compliant deck configured to adjust the gap based on contact with the stalks of the crop. The compliant deck includes a plurality of overlapping plates having edges defining the gap where the edges are configured to move responsively to varying diameters of stalks. Crops are separated from the stalks upon contact with the overlapping plates. A gathering chain moves the separated crops toward a collector.

Abstract: An adjustable row unit for a header of an agricultural harvester, the adjustable row unit including a movable deck plate. The movable deck plate is connected to a row unit frame extending in a fore and aft direction of the header. A pivot shaft extends in the fore and aft direction and is pivotably connected to the row unit frame and the deck plate. A rocker assembly connects the deck plate to the pivot shaft for enabling selective positioning of the deck plate relative to the row unit frame in a direction substantially transverse to the fore and aft direction and whereby parallelism between the deck plate and an opposing deck plate is maintained throughout the crop harvesting process.

Abstract: A method for harvesting crop materials each having a grains carrying stalk, includes erecting the stalk, cutting the stalk of the crop materials with two or more cutting blades or elements into a lower base segment carrying no grain and an upper straw segment that carries grains, discarding the lower base segment which carries no grain, threshing the upper straw segment which carries the grains for separating the grains from the upper straw segment, and collecting the grains. A blowing process is used for blowing the upper straw segment away from the grains before collecting device the grains. A determining process is used for determining a length of the lower base segment to be cut before erecting the stalk.

Abstract: Four (4) methods to reduce stalk shear in a corn head row unit utilize a non-variable or dependent drive system. The four methods described include altering the gearbox ratio, increasing the lengths of the fluted portion of the stalk roll, increasing stalk roll diameter or reducing the size of the gathering chain drive sprocket. A method for reducing the size of the gathering chain drive sprocket includes the steps of providing a kit with a kit gathering chain drive sprocket of reduced size and replacing the gathering chain drive sprocket with the kit gathering chain drive sprocket.

Abstract: A slat for use in an agricultural harvester including a web securable to a material moving system. A first and second leg extending outwardly from one side of the web, the first leg providing primary impetus for movement of crop material in a first direction by the material moving system. A third leg extending outwardly from an opposed side of the web and providing secondary impetus for movement of crop material by driven movement of the material moving system. In response to the slat encountering a foreign object that becomes wedged between the first leg, the third leg and structure of the material moving system and preventing driven movement of the material movement system in the first direction, upon application of force urging movement of the material movement system in an opposed second direction, the third leg facilitating a rotational movement of the slat for dislodging the foreign object.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for harvesting a plurality of crop rows guide harvest residue and apply a liquid biodegrading agent thereto, while harvesting the crops.

Abstract: A self-propelled forage harvester is provided having a frame, a chopping drum, an accelerator arranged downstream of the chopping drum and a channel between the chopping drum and the accelerator. The channel has a section in which a conditioning unit or a hollow shell can be selectively inserted. The conditioning unit and the hollow shell are jointly supported on a pivot arm pivotable by way of a displacement drive about a pivot axis running horizontally and transverse to the forward direction. The conditioning unit is mounted on the pivot arm rotatably about an axis parallel to the pivot axis. The conditioning unit cooperates with the frame by way of a positive guide, which has the effect that the conditioning unit rotates about the axis in the same direction as the pivot arm.

Abstract: The system and method automatically controls the position of at least one deck plate of a harvesting unit of a corn header so as to increase the width of a stalk receiving channel or reduce pinching forces between the plates when entering a stand of corn to facilitate alignment with the corn rows, and to change the position after a suitable time period or other condition or event, to narrow the channel width and/or increase pinching force, to reduce kernel loss while also monitoring forces exerted against the plates by the stalks and responsively adjusting the plate position for maintaining a desired force on the stalks or width.

Abstract: A self-propelled harvesting vehicle includes a crop material pick-up device, a fragmentation unit for fragmentizing the crop material, and a mechanical dehydration device which is used to remove an aqueous portion of the crop material, and which is divided into a first dehydration unit that takes place upstream of the fragmentation unit, and a second dehydration unit that takes place downstream of the fragmentation unit; and a method of harvesting is performed by the thusly arranged units.

Abstract: A cart is towed behind a combine harvester for collecting corn cobs and includes a conveyer belt feeding into a system for separating cobs from residue to be discharged and a tank for receiving and transporting the cobs. An unload auger is provided from the tank to one side of the cart while the cart moves forward. Power for driving the cart is obtained from a chopper drive of the combine harvester. The separating arrangement includes a series of sequential blower fans for blowing air through the discharged material as it is discharged from a conveyor and into a spreading guide disperses the residue. The cobs are conveyed using a series of augers where the auger to flight distance is at least 2 inches and particularly a pair of augers feed the cobs through a front wall of the tank so as to push cobs upwardly into the tank.

Abstract: A movable mounting assembly for the gathering rolls of a harvester including at least a pair of gathering rolls, each gathering rolls mounted for movement between a use condition in which the roll is positioned forwardly of the harvester and a non-use condition wherein the roll is retracted to shorten the effective length of the harvester in order to improve maneuverability.

Abstract: An apparatus for collection and reduction of yard debris combining a frontally facing vacuum pick up with a chipper-shredder-blower unit to induce airflow for entraining debris collected at the vacuum pick up; reduce the entrained debris to a more manageable volume; impel the reduced debris to a two-stage free-flow-separator device for removing the debris from the air in which it is entrained; and deposit the debris in a detachable accumulator for subsequent dumping.

Abstract: A cutting platform for use with an agricultural harvester includes at least one platform section. Each platform section includes a frame, a cutterbar assembly defining a leading edge of the platform section, an endless belt, and a plurality of float arms pivotally attached to the frame. The cutterbar assembly is movable in a localized manner in upwards and downwards directions. At least one float arm carries a roller which supports the endless belt and is positioned within a loop of the endless belt. Each roller is pivotable or removable relative to the corresponding float arm.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for harvesting a plurality of crop rows guide harvest residue and apply a liquid biodegrading agent thereto, while harvesting the crops.

Abstract: A harvesting header having a flexible cutterbar assembly utilizes draper belts behind the cutterbar assembly to gently consolidate the severed crop materials and deliver them to a point of discharge and delivery, such as to the feederhouse of a combine harvester. One embodiment has draper assemblies and a central conveyor fixed relative to the flexible cutterbar assembly, while another has the draper assemblies and central conveyer flexible with the cutterbar assembly.

Abstract: An intake and plucking arrangement comprises a rotatable intake device that grasps a standing plant and directs it to a plucking gap. The plucking gap is located above parallel first and second stalk rolls that pull the stalk of the plant downwardly so that the plucking gap can separate the useful parts of the plant from the stalk. The upstream end of the first stalk roll is provided with a lower screw conveyor. A conveyor element is drivingly connected to the screw conveyor. The conveying element comprises an upper screw conveyor that is located above the lower screw conveyor. Both screw conveyors are located upstream from and above the inlet end of the plucking slot. The conveying element working in conjunction with the rotatable intake device direct standing plants into the plucking slot.

Abstract: A gathering and picking device comprising a picking gap, which is used to separate fruits from plants standing on a field. The gathering and picking device is provided with a first feed element operating at a first feeding speed and a second feed element operating at a second feeding speed. Both feed elements are located adjacent to the input region of the picking gap. The second feed element is arranged above the first feed element. Both feed elements cooperate to convey the plants into the picking gap. The second feeding speed is higher than the first feeding speed to slope the plants rearward as they engage the feeding elements.

Abstract: A lawnmower consisting essentially of a rotary cutting apparatus comprising a plurality of small blades and a grass guide for bending and constraining the grass for ease of cutting. The grass guide is mounted substantially parallel to the drive shafts which extend beyond the rear-most end of the grass guide and to which cutting blades are affixed. As the mower is propelled forward, the grass guide bends the grass forward and constrains movement of the grass such that only a section of the outer radii of the blades contact the grass, optimizing cutting efficiency. The blades may be individually driven by one or more small electric motors powered by a rechargeable battery or batteries or other sources. The grass guide is situated at an angle adjustably tilted between 1 and 90 degrees in the longitudinal direction from vertical in order to limit the cutting area of the blades and power requirements.

Abstract: An arrangement for reducing soybean losses in soybean headers, includes a plurality of retainers which may be engaged to a tray edge and each retainer comprises a plate having a substantially planar central portion ending at a lower end which is curved downwardly forming a rounded flange from which a portion providing two grooves is projected, and arranged at a slightly offset angle with respect to the central portion and the upper end of which is folded upwardly at an angle of approximately 45° from the central portion.

Abstract: A crop harvesting mechanism having a reel assembly with a reel that is rotatably supported at each end by a respective reel support. A reel carrier arm is provided for each of the reel supports and the supports are movable along the reel carrier arm. A horizontal adjustment actuator moves the reel support along the reel carrier arms over an adjustment range. The reel carrier arms are constructed with an upward or downward oriented curve, inside of the adjustment range over which the reel holding devices can be shifted by the actuator. The reel operates below a cutting bar in its forward position and in a position moved further back that is above and behind the cutting bar so that collisions are avoided.

Abstract: A pair of conditioning rolls is disclosed that comprise one steel and one rubber/urethane roll. The steel roll has raised ribs formed thereon or attached thereto in a spiral configuration, while the rubber/urethane roll contains grooves therein that intermesh with the raised ribs during operation to grip the crop material. The smooth areas of the rolls crush the crop stems. Alternative embodiments of the grooves provide the ability to work within a wide range of crops, including crops that have heretofore proven difficult to condition.

Abstract: Harvesting equipment (1) for harvesting corn or similar stalk-like harvested products, the harvesting equipment (1) having at least one link chain (4; 5), which is provided with holding means for the cut-down harvested products (3), and has a tight side (4a; 5a) which can be moved, when in use, transversely to the driving direction (F) of the harvesting equipment (1), is constructed so that the extent (T) of an element (14, 15) of the link chain (4; 5), measured in the revolving direction (U1; U2), essentially corresponds to a whole number divider of a standard distance between rows (3a) of harvested products (3) cultivated, in a standardized manner.

Abstract: A harvester for harvesting stalks of sugarcane having a plurality of harvest chambers. Each harvest chamber has a pair of opposing side walls that forming a V-shaped forward opening for receiving sugarcane stalks to be cut for harvest and a plurality of revolving, opposing, resilient conveyor belts for grabbing, holding and feeding the sugarcane stalks through the chambers in a substantially upright position. Each harvest chamber has a plurality of adjustable blowers to selectively direct a high velocity air stream onto the sugarcane stalks to remove unwanted foliage from the sugarcane stalks and a vacuum system to suction unwanted foliage from the harvest chambers to a foliage collection chamber located within the harvester.

Abstract: A vehicle, in the form of a self-propelled forage harvester, has a three-point hitch assembly mounted to its forward end in place of the cutter head. A mower together with a rotary tine crop conditioner is coupled to the three-point hitch. Located in a zone between the upper and lower three-point hitch links, as viewed from the side, is a belt conveyor mounted to a hitch support structure for vertical pivotal movement between a raised, non-operative position and a lowered operative position. When in its non-operative position, the conveyor parallels the upper link and is disposed for letting cut crop discharged by the conditioner fall to the ground along a path that passes between front and rear pairs of support wheels of the forage harvester.

Abstract: A forage harvester and a method of operating the same which comprises a crop processor unit located in a crop flow between a cutterhead and a blower rotor, the crop processor unit being for handling crop material including kernels, the crop processor comprising a pair of counter-rotating processor rolls arranged to crack kernels between the rolls when the rolls are in a first position, both processor rolls being movable away from each other to move each roll substantially out of the crop flow into a second position. A cover plate is preferably arranged to move and cover the lower roll when the rolls are in a second position and to isolate the lower roll from the crop flow. The processor rolls are preferably driven by independent drives. One of the drives can be a hydraulic motor supplied with pressure from a hydraulic pump which can also work as a motor. When used as a motor the cutterhead may be driven in the reverse direction for maintenance purposes.

Abstract: A front-mounted attachment (2) for harvester-threshers (1) for harvesting soy-beans and peas has a resiliently mounted additional cutting mechanism (4), whose cutter drive (5) can be derived from the drive of the cutting mechanism of the harvester-thresher (1). To ensure a simple and trouble-free operation, the cutter drive (5) includes an oil-bath transmission (6) to be connected to the drive of the cutting mechanism of the harvester-thresher (1) via a belt drive (7), which oil-bath transmission is mounted on a lateral runner (8) pivotally mounted at the cutting mechanism (10) of the harvester-thresher so as to be swivelled about a horizontal transverse axis (A) by a swivel arm (9).

Abstract: A combine gathering belt assembly has a pair of continuous sprocket chains each supported on rotatable sprockets at their opposite ends, and having spaced parallel inner traveling chain portions. A plurality of flexible spaced belt segments are secured to the sprocket chains. The belt segments on one chain are staggered with respect to the belt segments on the other chain. Each belt segment has a base end adjacent the chain to which it is attached, and an outer end extending forwardly while between the spaced parallel inner traveling chain portions. The belt segments are of such size and spacing that an outer end of a belt segment on one chain closes on a base end of a belt segment on the opposite chain while in the spaced parallel inner traveling chain portions. The closed belt segments then open up as they move around the rotatable sprockets on one discharge end of chains to release plant segments that may be bound by opposite belt segments while moving through the spaced parallel inner chain portions.