Abstract: Method for processing plant material in which a first rotatable crushing roller with an outer generally cylindrical surface cooperates with a second adjacent rotatable crushing roller also having an outer generally cylindrical surface. The rollers, mounted with their surfaces positioned in close proximity to each other, rotate in opposite directions to receive and crush plant material. A rotatable impact rotor having a plurality of outwardly extending projections is mounted rearwardly of the crushing rollers for impacting plant material that has passed between the rollers to macerate the plant material that has been previously crushed by the rollers. The crushed and macerated plant material is diverted and again impacted one or more times by the outwardly extending projections of the impact rotor.

Abstract: A crop-engaging angle member is mounted on the outer forward end of each of the crop-engaging paddles of a combine header auger to assist in conveying crop material rearwardly towards the intake end of the feederhouse of the combine.

Abstract: A ground-crop harvester for potatoes and the like has two unique control features that enhance the productivity of the device and the quality of the harvested ground-crop (e.g., less bruising). The harvester preferably includes an excavator arranged to scrape up a layer of soil and ground-crop and a primary conveyor configured to receive the soil and ground-crop scraped up by the excavator and to separate soil from the ground-crop. A downstream conveyor is arranged downstream of the primary conveyor (e.g., directly downstream therefrom or after a secondary conveyor and/or other conveyors) to receive the separated ground-crop. A primary conveyor adjustable speed drive mechanism is provided for the primary conveyor. A downstream conveyor adjustable speed drive mechanism is provided for the downstream conveyor. A speed measurer or sensor is provided for sensing the forward speed of the harvester and for emitting signals representative of the speed. An amount sensor (e.g.

Abstract: A windrower platform is constructed with a full-length, upper center-feed auger which counter rotates relative to and cooperates with lower, right- and left-hand cantilever-mounted augers to convey harvested crop to form a windrow on the ground at a central discharge zone of the platform. The various driven elements of the platform are driven from a main power distribution gear box having an input shaft coupled for being driven by a reversible hydraulic fluid motor. The upper auger is used for transmitting power to the opposite side of the platform from the main power distribution gear box and a transmission assembly is provided at this opposite side for driving the lower right-hand auger in a direction opposite to that of the upper auger.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agricultural harvesting machine having a switching device for cutter blades for comminuting crop material before the pressing or gathering operation. It is particularly applicable for round and square baling presses as well as self-loading forage boxes. The essential characteristics of the invention are support strips, which are associated with pivot strips and attached to bearing sleeves, and a blocking rod which is arranged outside the pivot range of the support strips, extends across the whole width of the conveying channel and can be pivoted by an adjusting device into the working range of the support strips.

Abstract: A harvester is disclosed for harvesting leafy vegetables, lettuce and the like which are very delicate and which are grown in precisely configured beds of either a regular or single width (40 inches or 42 inches) or a double width (80 inches). A conveyer/cutter assembly is located on one side of the harvester centerline and has a width somewhat exceeding the width of a single width bed. The wheels on each side are separated by somewhat more than the width of a double bed. The driver and engine is located on the other side of the centerline. Such a harvester can cut single width beds, or can cut double width beds by making a first pass in one direction and a second pass in the other direction. An improved single conveyer/cutter assembly is disclosed along with a method of harvesting and processing leafy vegetables to reduce the amount of debris and unwanted material in the harvested leafy vegetables.

Abstract: Self propelled harvesting apparatus for processing plant material. The apparatus comprises a pair of cylindrical crushing rolls for crushing plant material and a rotor with radial fins operably associated with the rolls for impacting the crushed plant material. A hood is associated with the impact rotor for redirecting impacted plant material back to the rotor for reimpacting the plant material and to provide severely conditioned plant material. A press assembly presses the severely conditioned plant material and subsequently discharges a cohesive mat of compressed plant material from the harvesting apparatus onto the stubble in the field over which the apparatus is being operated.

Abstract: A combine harvester has a conveying channel for conveying crop material from the combine harvester's cutting mechanism to its threshing mechanism. The conveying channel has several conveying chains, which are guided on a lower deflection drum and on sprockets arranged on an upper drive shaft. A plurality of raking pins extend at a distance on both sides of the combine harvester, roughly parallel to the chain links, and provide a means for preventing the accumulation of grain in the region of upper deflection in the combine harvester. The raking pins have their free ends that protrude beyond the chain links. Furthermore, the raking pins advantageously are constructed as bolts which are attached along with the conveying bars to the conveying chains.

Abstract: A baby greens harvester (10) for the harvesting of small salad vegetables known as baby greens (55). The baby greens harvester (10) has a chassis (12) with a packaging bed (18) thereon. A cutter/conveyor assembly (30) is affixed to the chassis such that the cutter/conveyor assembly (30) can rotate somewhat, relative to the chassis (12) about a longitudinal pivoting axis (102) and a generally horizontal cutter/conveyor assembly pivoting axis (62). The cutter/conveyor assembly (30) has a bottom belt (34) and an opposing, spaced, generally parallel top belt (36). The special top belt (36), called a Hula belt, has a plurality of highly flexible fingers (130) for gathering the baby greens (55) as they are cut by a cutting bar (32) and further for gently holding the baby greens (55) on the bottom belt (34) as they are conveyed rearwardly and upwardly for delivery through a chute (63) into a produce box (64).

Abstract: An ensilage harvester is equipped with a blower including a rotor equipped with paddles for conveying crop along a housing wall surrounding the rotor. The paddles include cutting edges that reach close to the wall so as to cut crop that may enter the rotor between a paddle and the wall as the paddle is approaching the wall with the result that the crop captured between the wall and the cutting edges is cut thereby preventing crop from becoming jammed in the intervening gap and causing friction losses.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing plant material in which a first rotatable crushing roller with an outer generally cylindrical surface cooperates with a second adjacent rotatable crushing roller also having an outer generally cylindrical surface. The rollers, mounted with their surfaces positioned in close proximity to each other, rotate in opposite directions to receive and crush plant material. A rotatable impact rotor having a plurality of outwardly extending projections is mounted rearwardly of the crushing rollers for impacting plant material that has passed between the rollers to macerate the plant material that has been previously crushed by the rollers. The crushed and macerated plant material is diverted and again impacted one or more times by the outwardly extending projections of the impact rotor.

Abstract: A row crop header for cutting row crops beneath the ground surface thereby increasing the percentage of brittle and bent over row crop harvested. The inventive device includes a pair of frames defining a slot therebetween, a hydraulic motor, a pair of corrugated belts, a pair of cutting discs overlapping one another, the cutting discs include a plurality of arcuate notches, a pair of capturing discs having a plurality of resilient tines and a pair of hubs. The arcuate notches in the cutting discs prevent debris such as rocks from becoming lodged in between the cutting discs while allowing the cutting discs to cut thick stalks of the row crop. The hubs rotate near a front portion of the respective pair of frames thereby elevating the pair of frames at the desired elevation for maintaining the desired penetration into the ground of the cutting discs.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for picking or harvesting agricultural products from plants on which they were grown. The apparatus is especially useful for harvesting peppers of various types (e.g., chili, bell, etc.). The apparatus includes fingers carried on elongated opposing bars which are inclined relative to the ground and are moved through a circular path such that opposing fingers engage and lift the products and separate them from the plants. A trash removal system removes plant stems, leaves and debris. Preferably a hopper is included for receiving and carrying the harvested products until the operator desires to transfer the products to a truck or other carrier. The apparatus is very efficient in harvesting agricultural products and does not crush or damage fragile products or the plants on which the products are grown.

Abstract: A self-propelled agricultural harvester (1) is equipped with a fold up crop gathering attachment (6) having at least two sections which are adjustable for road travel. The adjustment narrows the harvester to a permissible width for road travel while maintaining adequate operator visibility to comply with governmental regulations.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester has a header connected to a conveying unit for pivotal movement about a longitudinal axis to adjust for changes in ground contour. An endless conveyor is supported in the conveying duct of the conveying unit in a manner permitting its forward end to move vertically and a mechanism is provided to prevent contact between the conveying chains of the endless conveyor and the discharge doorway of the header unit when a predetermined pivotal movement of the header unit occurs.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing plant material in which a first rotatable crushing roller with an outer generally cylindrical surface cooperates with a second adjacent rotatable crushing roller also having an outer generally cylindrical surface. The rollers, mounted with their surfaces positioned in close proximity to each other, rotate in opposite directions to receive and crush plant material. A unique rotatable impact rotor having a plurality of outwardly extending projections is mounted rearwardly of the crushing rollers for impacting plant material that has passed between the rollers to macerate the plant material that has been previously crushed by the rollers. The crushed and macerated plant material is diverted and again impacted one or more times by the outwardly extending projections of the impact rotor after which it is deflected in rearward path by a variably positioned baffle.

Abstract: An agricultural combine having an internal combustion engine for driving the various assemblies on the combine. An electronic engine controller is used to monitor and control the operation of the engine. Sensors provide inputs to the electronic engine controller. In response to the inputs from these sensors the electronic engine controller controls the output of the engine. The straw chopper, the propulsion assembly, the separating assembly and the harvesting assembly are provided with on/off switches that are in communication with the electronic engine controller. These on/off switches located in the operator's cab of the combine which are used to activate these crop processing assemblies. In response to an off signal by one or more of these switches the maximum power level is decreased accordingly.

Abstract: An improvement for the header of a cereal grain harvesting combine is disclosed. A first version of disclosure provides rollers driving two or more chain loops which in turn carry a plurality of slats which propel cut crop material rearwardly. A second version of the disclosure includes rollers carrying an endless loop of canvass fabric. The canvass fabric is preferably covered with a rubberized coating, which protects against water damage and better frictionally engages the cut crop material. The fabric supports a plurality of slats which propel cut crop material rearwardly. A third version of the disclosure includes three rotating tubes, each having a square cross-section, that aid in more rapidly and more evenly inputting cut crop material. The tubes carry elongate felt strips which frictionally engage the cut crop, moving it rearwardly. The tubes tend to move the cut crop that would otherwise be too low to be engaged by the rotating spikes used between the left and right augers.

Abstract: A laterally adjustable harvester head assembly for a cotton harvesting machine has a width greater than the remainder of the machine, and is selectively linearly movable from a normally centered position at the front of the machine to a laterally offset position. The normally centered position is essentially laterally symmetrical relative to the remainder of the machine and is the position of choice for the head assembly during cotton harvesting operations, with the ends of the harvester head extending past the sides of the wheeled portion of the machine in order to harvest a greater number of rows simultaneously. The laterally offset position displaces the head assembly laterally from its centered position, to essentially align one end of the head assembly with the corresponding side of the harvester machine.

Abstract: A crop gathering apparatus includes a rear platform attachable across a front end of a harvesting machine header, row divider members laterally-spaced and mounted to and projecting forwardly from the rear platform for guiding crop material rearwardly toward the header, and rotatably-driven vertical rotary members laterally-spaced and mounted on the rear platform for conveying crop material across the rear platform to the header. Each row divider member has a forwardly-tapered front crop-engaging structure with rearward and forward sections. Each rearward section is hinged about a transverse axis to the rear platform to allow pivotal adjustment of the angle of the front crop-engaging structure relative to the rear platform. The forward section is hinged about a transverse axis to the rearward section and pivotally movable between extended and folded conditions.

Abstract: A baby greens harvester (10) for the harvesting of small salad vegetables known as baby greens (55). The baby greens harvester (10) has a chassis (12) with a packaging bed (18) thereon. A cutter/conveyor assembly (30) is affixed to the chassis such that the cutter/conveyor assembly (30) can rotate somewhat, relative to the chassis (12) about a longitudinal pivoting axis (102) and a generally horizontal cutter/conveyor assembly pivoting axis (62). The cutter/conveyor assembly (30) has a bottom belt (34) and an opposing, spaced, generally parallel top belt (36). The special top belt (36), called a Hula belt, has a plurality of highly flexible fingers (130) for gathering the baby greens (55) as they are cut by a cutting bar (32) and further for gently holding the baby greens (55) on the bottom belt (34) as they are conveyed rearwardly and upwardly for delivery through a chute (63) into a produce box (64).

Abstract: A hydraulic drive apparatus for example for driving the header of a combine harvester includes a pump, at least one motor driven by the pump, a reservoir in which the hydraulic fluid is cooled and degasified and a hydraulic circuit connecting the elements. The pump is driven by a shaft of the combine which can be reversed for short periods of time for discharging blockages. The hydraulic circuit is arranged with check valves so that when operating in the normal forward condition it operates in open circuit arrangement including the reservoir. When operating in the reverse condition, the reservoir is bypassed and the fluid is directed in closed circuit condition from the pump through the motor and back to the pump. This allows the drive apparatus to accommodate the necessary reverse condition for short periods of time using a simple hydraulic circuitry rather than the conventional mechanical drive arrangements.

Abstract: A piston operated collecting machine for an agricultural harvested product comprises a pressing piston, a collector for collecting a harvested product, a feeding element for supplying the harvested product to the collector, a transmission having an input shaft connectable with a drive shaft of a pulling vehicle and imparting a movement to the pressing piston, two driven shafts operating so that one of the driven shaft drives the collector while another of the driven shafts drives the feeding element, and two overloading couplings arranged so that one of the driven shafts is connected with the transmission through one of the overloading couplings, while another of the driven shafts is connected with the transmission through another of the overloading couplings.

Abstract: An attachment for a grain harvester is formed as a cutting mechanism in which a hollow shaft is mounted at an end wall of a drawing-in screw located opposite to a drawing-in screw drive, and a free end of the hollow shaft carries an intermediate drive gear which is connected through a chain with an intermediate drive gear for a reel. Thereby a double drive train can be eliminated. The attachment is especially suitable for harvester threshers.

Abstract: A billet severing apparatus for sugar cane harvesters comprises a conveyor (1) to feed cane longitudinally into a three bladed cutter (5) having cutter blades (7) axially mounted on a hub rotatable about an axis (6) transverse to the direction of feed of the cane stalks. The cutter blades (7) coact with a rotary anvil (11) which counter-rotates relative to the cutter (5). In addition to severing the cane stalks into billets, the rotary anvil (11) serves as a conveyor by throwing the severed billets vertically into a discharge chute (27). The rotary anvil (11) is located in a housing (25) with a close fitting peripheral wall surface extending about part of the swept volume of the anvil whereby a region of reduced air pressure created by rotation of the anvil (11) causes separation and discharge of cane trash through a port (26) in the lower part of the housing (25).

Abstract: A mulcher for grass and leaves utilizing a hammer mill to finely shear the clippings from a riding lawn mower, into a mulch. Grass is fed from the mower-deck of a lawn mower into a centrifugal fan containing a paddle-wheel style impeller. The clippings pass through the rotating impeller, and then are blown into a hammer mill where they are finely chopped before being deposited upon the ground. The hammer mill and blower are powered by a motor or a gear box mechanically connected to the power take-off of a tractor.

Abstract: A rock guard for a crop harvesting combine header. The guard is attached to the grain table immediately behind the cutter bar and extends vertically upward from the grain table such that the upper edge is spaced below the resilient fingers of the reel when they move over the guard. Gaps formed in the guard register with the joints of the flexible grain table so that the guard will flex with the grain table. Brackets used to mount the guard to the grain table are secured by the exiting cutter bar bolts so that no special mounting holes are needed.

Abstract: A header includes a cutter bar with a generally C-shaped beam supporting the sickle knife assembly across a front edge of the assembly. A draper assembly is carried on the cutter bar beam and includes a pair of rollers at right angles to the beam carrying a continuous draper canvas band around the rollers with the front edge of the canvas adjacent the cutter bar beam. The rollers and a support plate between the rollers for the upper run of the canvas are both recessed relative to the front edge of the canvas to leave a cantilever portion at the front edge of the canvas. This cantilever portion has an upper surface engaging an undersurface of a top plate of the beam to provide a seal inhibiting penetration of materials between the canvas and the cutter bar. A lower plate of the C-shaped beam is shorter in length than the upper plate and is inclined downwardly to allow the discharge of any materials from the area between the draper canvas and the cutter bar to prevent buildup.

Abstract: A conventional header of a combine is modified by the addition of a second sickle knife positioned rearwardly of the pan of the header. The second sickle knife is mounted on a bar which is connected to a pair of arms extending under the pan to a forward end pivotally mounted just behind the conventional sickle knife of the header. The arms and the second sickle knife can thus pivot upwardly and downwardly and are mounted on suspension springs carried on the frame of the header. A simple drive from the conventional shaft of the header is connected through a belt to a drive wobble box carried on the second sickle knife at a position partway along its length.

Abstract: A harvesting apparatus for use with fragile row crops such as tobacco where the produce or leaves must be handled with great care to avoid breakage or bruising. The apparatus has a conveyor system and gathering chains which receive the tobacco from a cutter and engage the stalks and the leaves separately to convey the tobacco to a processing point. A specially designed dual conveyor system contacts the leaves on two sides to adequately support and transport the tobacco without damage.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester has a drawing-in device, a main drive provided with a main drive shaft, an auxiliary drive having a hydraulic motor, a turning arm supporting the hydraulic motor and turnable about a stationary axis extending parallel to the main drive shaft, positioning member arranged so that the turning arm is turnable by the positioning member in two end positions, the hydraulic motor having a driven pin, a pinion having spur teeth and fixed on the driven pin of the hydraulic motor, a drive spur gear fixed on the main drive shaft, so that the turning arm is turnable by the positioning member so that the pinion engages with the drive spur gear and disengages from the latter.

Abstract: A control for a structural assembly oscillatingly supported around a swivel axis on a base unit in a harvesting machine and including a cutter table inclinably supported about an axis of rotation relative to a conveyor channel, has an hydraulic operation cylinder. The inclination of the cutter table relative to the conveyor channel is effected by the hydraulic operation cylinder pivoted at one end to the conveyor channel and at the other to the cutter table. An hydraulically loaded relief cylinder, the pressure medium of which is cushioned by a pressure reservoir, is installed with one end to the conveyor channel and with the other end to the cutter table so as to balance a position of the cutter table relative to its point of rotation by the force of the relief cylinder.

Abstract: A cane harvester including sugar cane lifting, gathering and severing structure operative to engage, lift and sever the tops and bottoms of cane oriented in a row along which the harvester is advanced with the cut cane subsequently being conveyed in an upright position and then discharged rearwardly and downwardly, in a rearwardly and upwardly inclined position, into a forwardly and upwardly opening cutter assembly operative to simultaneously sever the cane into billet lengths at points spaced predetermined distances therealong with leaf portions of the cane being simultaneously severed at the same points spaced along the cane to thereby provide cleanly cut cane billets having had a majority of the leaf portions severed therefrom and thus substantially ready for processing in the manufacture of cane sugar.

Abstract: An improved two-row, four-wheel cane harvester includes first and second front carrier assemblies for carrying cut cane rearward in first and second passageways each passing between the pair of front wheels and then outwardly between the respective front and rear wheels. First and second rear piler assemblies are provided for receiving cane from the respective first and second carrier assemblies and moving the cane transversely before releasing the cut cane across a cut cane row spaced between the first and second rows.

Abstract: A control device for controlling a cutter table oscillatingly supported on a base unit about an axis of rotation of a harvesting machine, wherein the cutter table is inclinable about the longitudinal axis of a harvester thresher, the inclination being effected by a hydraulically operating cylinder relative to a conveyor channel. The operating cylinder is pivoted at one end to the conveyor channel and, at the other end, to the cutter table. A spring bridges the hydraulically operating cylinder and rests on one end at the operating cylinder and, on the other end, at a piston rod of the operating cylinder and is biased by a bolt nut on a threaded portion of the piston rod so that an imbalance of the cutter table relative to its point of rotation is equalized.

Abstract: An auger cutter, windrower and conditioner for standing and downed crops such as hay, or forage harvester crops such as corn, sorghum and cereals including a cutter auger with cutting teeth attached to an auger flight and a conveyor auger to move the cut crop to a central area or to either side of the cutter to be discharged as a windrow or as a mass of material, or to be fed to a second crop processing device such as a forage harvester. An improved relationship of the cutting augers and the conveyor augers and height control mechanism to improve the cutting and transport of the crop.

Abstract: An improved two-row, four-wheel cane harvester includes first and second front carrier assemblies for carrying cut cane rearward in first and second passageways each passing between the pair of front wheels and then outwardly between the respective front and rear wheels. First and second rear piler assemblies are provided for receiving cane from the respective first and second carrier assemblies and moving the cane transversely before releasing the cut cane across a cut cane row spaced between the first and second rows.

Abstract: A header for a combine harvester includes gauge wheels which can be converted from a normal gauge position to a transport position in which the header is wholly supported by the gauge wheels and towed longitudinally of its length. One of the gauge wheels is a single wheel which moves inwardly toward the centre of gravity in the transport position. The other of the wheels is a walking beam system in the working position and forms a transverse axle in the transport position. Each of the gauge wheels is mounted upon a bracket which can pivot about a horizontal axis from a raised spring biased gauge position to a vertically depending position allowing rotation of the wheel about a vertical axis on the bracket. The header therefore can be transported without the necessity for a separate trailer system.

Abstract: A mechanical harvester is specifically designed for mechanically picking "gourmet-type" leguminous crops with hand-picked quality. The picking tools are a plurality of elongate resilient fingers which are disposed on an endless moving belt for gently combing the crop from the plants. The harvester is adapted to be placed behind a towing vechicle such as a tractor, with the crop pick-up point in vertical alignment with the main tractor axis for assuring proper positioning of the pick-up point relative to the surface and for assuring good operator visibility. A universal crop transfer system is adapted to receive a removable collection chamber and a removable and readily replaceable harvesting implement, whereby the harvester may be quickly modified for harvesting any one of a predetermined variety of leguminous crops. The harvester implement, collection chamber and transfer conveyor mechanism are all adapted to be mounted on a standard three-point hitch.

Abstract: In a sugar-cane harvesting machine with a mobile machine base frame and a chopping mechanism (8), harvesting attachments which can be optionally fixed on the machine base frame are provided for adapting to different harvesting circumstances and terrain conditions, of which harvesting attachments one is designed for single-row harvesting and another for multi-row harvesting. The harvesting attachments contain row dividers (5, 6, 7), a mowing mechanism (23, 24, 25, 26) and a feeding mechanism (b 19, 20, 21, 41, 42). The multi-row harvesting attachment projects beyond the chopping mechanism (8) predominantly on one side so that symmetry is produced with respect to the running gear. In the uniform feeding space behind the mowing mechanism, the stream of material is laterally constricted and, specifically, preferably on one side.

Abstract: A harvesting attachment for a combine that includes a table or platform carrying an auger to convey a cut crop into the combine body for threshing. The leading edge of the table carries a reciprocating knife to cut the crop. There is a considerable gap between the cutting knife and auger which is bridged by special rod-like teeth which are mounted on the knife and reciprocate therewith. Such teeth assist in conveying the cut crop to the auger especially when the crop is short, thin and has a strong tendency to bunch.

Abstract: A legume harvester head assembly transports legume pods and a certain amount of vine mass delivered by a picking reel to a main apron immediately adjacent to the picking reel. The main apron moves the pods and the vine mass away from the picking reel toward a pair of vertically arranged gathering conveyors being driven and moving in a direction toward a discharge point. Pods and vine mass is deposited on an elevator conveyor from an opening between the two gathering conveyors.

Abstract: A shredder attachment for a round bale hay baler which will effectively shred corn stalks or stubble, milo stubble and the like and discharge the shredded stubble into a round bale hay baler which will form a bale of stubble which has been shredded which can be used for feed, bedding and the like. The shredding attachment can be easily and quickly attached to a round bale hay baler at the front lower area thereof and is drivingly connected to the power system of the hay baler and includes a rotatable shaft having a plurality of pivotal flail elements or knives mounted thereon for shredding stubble or stalks and discharging the shredded material rearwardly and upwardly into the hay baler in the same manner that hay enters the hay baler with the shredded stubble being rolled into a hay bale in the same manner that hay is baled by the round bale hay baler.

Abstract: There is provided an improved elevator control and slewing mechanism for a cane harvester including a bracket pivotally mounted to the harvester frame for rotation about a first vertical axis to which the elevator is mounted, a pair of slew control arms each of which includes two links which are pivotally joined to one another to form an elbow joint rotatable about a second vertical axis and means to pivotally couple one of the links of each pair to the harvester frame and the other one of each pair to the bracket and means for slewing the elevator about the first vertical axis.

Abstract: An agricultural carrier vehicle comprises a vehicle, an agricultural aggregate connectable with the vehicle, a saddle unit arranged on the vehicle, a driver's cabin, at least two clamping devices arranged for bracing the driver's cabin in two different positions, an upwardly guiding transporting device arranged so that the agricultural aggregate and the saddle unit are connectable with the transporting device.

Abstract: An auger cutter, windrower and conditioner for standing crops such as hay, a cutter and a feed mechanism for feeding forage harvesters crops such as corn and sorghum, including a cutter auger with cutting teeth attached to the auger flight and a conveyor auger to move the cut crop to a central area to be discharged as a window or as a mass of material to be fed to a second crop processing device such as a forage harvester.

Abstract: A flexible header for a combine or swather includes a pair of wing sections which can flex relative to a central section. Each wing section carries a draper canvas for transporting a cut crop inwardly toward the central section. Beneath the inner ends of the drapers is mounted a further draper for transporting the crop rearwardly through an opening in the central frame into the feeder housing of the combine. Above the central draper is mounted a roller member having a central paddle portion and auger portions outside of the central portion for confining and directing the crop in cooperation with the central draper into the feeder housing. The pivot axis of each wing portion is inclined inwardly and forwardly so that the axes intersect at the sickle knife. This arrangement allows the manufacture of a large width flexible combine header.

Abstract: An agricultural machine for harvesting crop includes a frame provided with a tongue and carrying wheels. The frame carries a cutting device, a conditioning and/or throwing device and adjustable deflectors. The cutting device and the conditioning and/or throwing device can be transposed into a second work position in which they form an acute first angle with a straight line perpendicular to direction of advance and acute second angles with axes of carrying wheels. The second angles have approximately the same value as the first angle.

Abstract: Removable paddles are disclosed for use on a grain auger to assist material flow when changing direction of flow from parallel to the auger's longitudinal axis to a flow path at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the auger. The device provides a mounting attachment at the base of the paddle unit using bolts through the auger tubing. The base of the paddle unit extends nearly perpendicular to the paddle-shaped member oriented lengthwise with the auger's longitudinal axis. Auger rotation thereby positively ejects transported material on contact with each revolution of the auger. Each paddle exhibits an "L" shaped cross section and the area, shape and angular orientation of the paddle blade is determined by the material requirements upon the auger tubing. Methods of paddle unit manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible header for a combine or swather includes a pair of wing sections .[.which can flex relative to.]. .Iadd.and .Iaddend.a central section .Iadd.mounted on a rigid header frame.Iaddend.. Each wing section carries a draper canvas for transporting cut crop inwardly toward the central section. Beneath the inner ends of the .Iadd.side .Iaddend.drapers is mounted a .[.further.]. .Iadd.feed .Iaddend.draper for transporting the crop rearwardly through an opening in the central frame into the feeder housing of the combine. .Iadd.The header frame is mounted on a fixed mounting frame for floating vertically and pivotally. .Iaddend.Above the central draper is mounted a roller member having a central paddle portion and auger portions outside of the central portion for confining and directing the crop in cooperation with the central draper into the feeder housing. .[.The pivot axis of each wing portion is inclined inwardly and forwardly so that the axes intersect at the sickle knife..]. .Iadd.