Abstract: An automated system and method are provided for application of inoculant products onto forage material. Real time data measurements are taken for relative humidity and moisture content of the forage material in order to timely adjust the dispense rate of the inoculant applied to the forage material. Data gathering capabilities are provided with this system controller to enable an operator to view, adjust, and record various production records, as well as detailed information as to the amounts of inoculant applied. The components associated with the system of the present invention includes an inoculant bin or container including a dispense auger which dispenses a controlled amount of inoculant which is then conveyed to the intake opening of the baling machine the forage material enters the machine. The control system includes various sensors positioned at the intake opening of the baling machine which measures moisture content, and optionally the mass or volume of the incoming forage material.

Abstract: A tractor comprises an electronic tractor controller. A baler comprises a crop receiver, a baling chamber, a rear door, a rear door actuator, a bale size sensor associated with the baling chamber, and an electronic baler controller. The baler controller is operable to submit a halt signal to the tractor controller when a bale size signal provided by the bale size sensor indicates that a bale has reached a size corresponding to a predetermined size. The tractor controller then halts the tractor and the bale is wrapped. The rear door is opened automatically after the bale has been wrapped, but only if an obstacle sensor detects no obstacle in a detection zone behind the baler.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for applying preservative to agricultural crops during baling. More particularly, a baler has a preservative application system and a bale size sensor. The preservative application system has a preservative storage container, a preservative transfer device and an applicator device. The preservative transfer device is in communication with both the storage container and the applicator device to transfer a preservative stored in the storage container to the applicator device. The bale size sensor is in communication with the transfer device so that the transfer device and therefore the application of preservative to the crop can be controlled in response to a bale size sensed by the bale size sensor.

Abstract: A baler comprises a baling chamber and a sensor arrangement. The sensor arrangement comprises at least one sensor arranged to provide information about a mechanical property of a bale built in the baling chamber and a control unit receiving signals from the sensor. The control unit is operable to automatically calibrate the signals from the sensor based upon at least one signal from the sensor received in at least one known state of the sensor.

Abstract: A bale shape monitor for assisting an operator of a round baler. The bale shape monitor has an indicator with variable sensitivity. The indicator is less sensitive for small bales and more sensitive for larger bales so that the indicator de-emphasizes bale shape problems at the beginning of bale formation and emphasizes bale shape problems when the bale is almost fully formed. The indicator also changes colors according to the degree the bale is misshapen and provides textual driving instructions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a starter roll for a baler includes a continuous chevron-shaped rib provided on a contact surface of the starter roll. The rib may include a center portion arranged generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the starter roll and outwardly and rearwardly extending wings. A plurality of ribs may be provided to form guide channels for guiding wrapping material that is provided to the bale and engaged by the starter roll outward to cover the edges of a bale and distribute the wrapping material over the lateral surface of the bale.

Abstract: Real time data measurements are taken for relative humidity and moisture content of the forage material in order to timely adjust the dispense rate of the inoculant applied to the forage material. Data gathering capabilities are provided with this system controller to enable an operator to view, adjust, and record various production records, as well as detailed information as to the amounts of inoculant applied. The components associated with the system of the present invention includes an inoculant bin or container including a dispense auger which dispenses a controlled amount of inoculant which is then conveyed to the intake opening of the baling machine the forage material enters the machine. The control system includes various sensors positioned at the intake opening of the baling machine which measures moisture content, and optionally the mass or volume of the incoming forage material.

Abstract: An automated system and method are provided for application of inoculant products onto forage material. Real time data measurements are taken for relative humidity and moisture content of the forage material in order to timely adjust the dispense rate of the inoculant applied to the forage material. Data gathering capabilities are provided with this system controller to enable an operator to view, adjust, and record various production records, as well as detailed information as to the amounts of inoculant applied. The components associated with the system of the present invention includes an inoculant bin or container including a dispense auger which dispenses a controlled amount of inoculant which is then conveyed to the intake opening of the baling machine the forage material enters the machine. The control system includes various sensors positioned at the intake opening of the baling machine which measures moisture content, and optionally the mass or volume of the incoming forage material.

Abstract: A tongue for towing a baler behind a combine harvester for biomass collection. In one embodiment, crop material such as the residue or material other than grain (MOG) from the back of the combine is directly projected toward a target on a baler collection device. A tailboard with defection panels may be used to alter the direction of the crop residue from the combine. The tongue of the baler is configured to not obstruct the crop material as the crop material is projected toward the baler. One or more knives of a chopper coupled to the combine may be configured to optimally project MOG toward the baler. Also, the stuffer chute of the baler may be configured to facilitate the flow of crop material such as MOG and therefore minimize obstructions. The crop material is transferred from the combine to the baler without the use of a conveyor.

Abstract: A collector coupled to a baler defining a target for receiving crop material projected toward the baler from a combine harvester. In one embodiment, crop material such as the residue or material other than grain (MOG) from the back of the combine is directly projected toward a target on a baler collection device. A tailboard with defection panels may be used to alter the direction of the crop residue from the combine. The tongue of the baler is configured to not obstruct the crop material as the crop material is projected toward the baler. One or more knives of a chopper coupled to the combine may be configured to optimally project MOG toward the baler. Also, the stuffer chute of the baler may be configured to facilitate the flow of crop material such as MOG and therefore minimize obstructions. The crop material is transferred from the combine to the baler without the use of a conveyor.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a continuous baler includes a round baler and a pickup conveyor for providing crop to the round baler. The pickup conveyor may include a conveyor belt and a controller for manipulating the conveyor belts. In one example embodiment, the speed of the conveyor is adjusted in accordance with the operation of the baler.

Abstract: A deflector for deflecting crop material from a combine harvester for biomass collection. In one embodiment, crop material such as the residue or material other than grain (MOG) from the back of the combine is directly projected toward a target on a baler collection device. A tailboard with defection panels may be used to alter the direction of the crop residue from the combine. The tongue of the baler is configured to not obstruct the crop material as the crop material is projected toward the baler. One or more knives of a chopper coupled to the combine may be configured to optimally project MOG toward the baler. Also, the stuffer chute of the baler may be configured to facilitate the flow of crop material such as MOG and therefore minimize obstructions. The crop material is transferred from the combine to the baler without the use of a conveyor.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a continuous baler includes a round baler and an adjustable conveyor for providing crop to the round baler. The adjustable conveyor may include a conveyor belt and a controller for manipulating the conveyor belts. In one example embodiment, the speed of the conveyor is adjusted in accordance with the operation of the baler.

Abstract: A combine harvester and baler for biomass collection. In one embodiment, crop material such as the residue or material other than grain (MOG) from the back of the combine is directly projected toward a target on a baler collection device. A tailboard with defection panels may be used to alter the direction of the crop residue from the combine. The tongue of the baler is configured to not obstruct the crop material as the crop material is projected toward the baler. One or more knives of a chopper coupled to the combine may be configured to optimally project MOG toward the baler. Also, the stuffer chute of the baler may be configured to facilitate the flow of crop material such as MOG and therefore minimize obstructions. The crop material is transferred from the combine to the baler without the use of a conveyor.

Abstract: A pickup for a combine-towed baler. In one embodiment, crop material such as the residue or material other than grain (MOG) from the back of the combine is directly projected toward a target on a baler collection device. A tailboard with defection panels may be used to alter the direction of the crop residue from the combine. The tongue of the baler is configured to not obstruct the crop material as the crop material is projected toward the baler. One or more knives of a chopper coupled to the combine may be configured to optimally project MOG toward the baler. Also, the stuffer chute of the baler may be configured to facilitate the flow of crop material such as MOG and therefore minimize obstructions. The crop material is transferred from the combine to the baler without the use of a conveyor.

Abstract: A combine harvester and baler for biomass collection. In one embodiment, crop material such as the residue or material other than grain (MOG) from the back of the combine is directly projected toward a target on a baler collection device. A tailboard with defection panels may be used to alter the direction of the crop residue from the combine. The tongue of the baler is configured to not obstruct the crop material as the crop material is projected toward the baler. One or more knives of a chopper coupled to the combine may be configured to optimally project MOG toward the baler. Also, the stuffer chute of the baler may be configured to facilitate the flow of crop material such as MOG and therefore minimize obstructions. The crop material is transferred from the combine to the baler without the use of a conveyor.

Abstract: A biomass harvesting system for harvesting agricultural plant growth from agricultural fields comprises in operative combination a power source for providing mechanical and electric power to the system, a biomass accumulator for producing discrete units of accumulated biomass and a windrower for feeding biomass to the biomass accumulator. The system also includes a biomass quality analyzer for determining a set of quality characteristics of the accumulated biomass, a dirt control system for controlling the quantity of dirt in the accumulated biomass, and a ground cover residue monitor for determining on optimal quantity of biomass residue to remain on the agricultural field. An active tracking system identifies individual ones of the discrete units of accumulated biomass.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for the adjustment of the position of a take-up drum and a hold-down of an agricultural harvesting machine. A first actuator is arranged for the movement of the take-up drum relative to the harvesting machine between an operating position and a non-operating position, a second actuator arranged for the adjustment in height of the hold-down relative to the take-up drum and a control arrangement connected with the actuators. The control arrangement is designed to control the second actuator in the sense of a downward movement of the hold-down when it controls the first actuator to bring the take-up drum into the non-operating position.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for directing movement of a plurality of side-by-side belts in a round baler wherein a bale chamber is optimally configured for bale core formation thereby reducing the need for an aggressive surface on the belts to initiate rotation of the incoming crop material. As the bale expands, the improved mechanism enables the unguided span of belts surrounding the periphery of the bale to be minimized by positioning intermediate guide rolls generally equidistantly from idler rolls bounding the belt guides defining the bale forming chamber. Further, the improved mechanism reduces the friction force between the crop and the belts necessary to initiate crop rolling for bale core formation enabling smooth-surfaced belts to be used which reduce trash generation.

Abstract: A combine has a transverse crop residue baler disposed at the rear of the combine that moves integrally with the combine. The transverse crop residue baler can be towed by the combine and connected to the combine by two widely spaced-apart joints that permit only movement in the pitch axis. The transverse crop residue baler also can be disposed at the rear of and carried by the forward unit of an articulated combine.

Abstract: A round baler has a tailgate moveable between a closed position in which the tailgate extends along the back side of the baling chamber and an open position in which a completely formed bale can be discharged from the baling chamber and a controller programmed to open and close the tailgate in response to a bale discharge signal. The tailgate opens and closes initially relatively quickly and then more slowly as the tailgate approaches the fully open or fully closed position, the rate of opening and closing being determined by the period of time lapsing from the bale discharge signal.

Abstract: A remote control system and apparatus enabling safely accessing the interior of a cotton compacting chamber and other regions of a cotton harvester, and also operating aspects of the compacting apparatus contained therein and thereabout, and which system is optionally operable for operating other aspects of the harvester, for inspection, maintenance and/or service, as well as other purposes. The system requires initial steps, including to safely neutralize or lock out operating systems of the harvester, then enables accessing designated interior locations of the compactor and the ability to operate systems therein, including aspects of the compacting apparatus.

Abstract: A method of unplugging hay and forage equipment, including the steps of identifying a plug, activating unplugging devices, unplugging the equipment, and returning the unplugging devices to position of normal operation. The identifying step includes identifying a plug in the equipment caused by the material entering the equipment. The activating step includes activating substantially simultaneously a plurality of unplugging devices. The returning step includes returning the plurality of unplugging devices to their normal operating positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for baling a crop with stiff stalks such as corn stalks has a frame with a front and a rear. At least one ground engaging wheel operatively attached to the frame for facilitating movement of the frame in a forward direction. An accumulator is operatively attached to the frame for holding the crop in various amounts. A pickup is operatively attached to the front of the frame for picking up the crop from a field and transferring the crop into the accumulator. A baler is operatively attached to the frame behind the accumulator for transforming a crop into a bale. A transfer mechanism such as a conveyor is provided in the accumulator for moving the crop in the accumulator to the inlet of the baler. In another embodiment, a pickup of a first predetermined width is provided for picking up the crop from a field and transferring the crop into the accumulator.

Abstract: An automated system and method are provided for application of inoculant products onto forage material. Real time data measurements are taken for relative humidity and moisture content of the forage material in order to timely adjust the dispense rate of the inoculant applied to the forage material. Data gathering capabilities are provided with this system controller to enable an operator to view, adjust, and record various production records, as well as detailed information as to the amounts of inoculant applied. The components associated with the system of the present invention includes an inoculant bin or container including a dispense auger which dispenses a controlled amount of inoculant which is then conveyed to the intake opening of the baling machine the forage material enters the machine. The control system includes various sensors positioned at the intake opening of the baling machine which measures moisture content, and optionally the mass or volume of the incoming forage material.

Abstract: An endless elastomeric belt includes a carcass that includes an elastomeric matrix extending in an endless loop around a circumference of the belt. The matrix has opposite lateral edges defining a width of the matrix, and a carcass cord within the matrix extending in multiple turns around the circumference of the belt. An elongate binder extends around the lateral edges of the matrix generally transverse to the centerline of the body.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated bale kicker apparatus for ejecting a completed bale rearwardly from a round baler without interfering with the opening and closing of the baler tailgate wherein actuators for the tailgate and bale kicker are hydraulically connected in a single, reversible flow hydraulic circuit for coordinated movement.

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 cutter head for stalk-like harvested agricultural crop is provided including a number of pivoted knives arranged along side each other. Levers are associated with the knives and can be moved between an operating position in which they retain the knife associated with it in an active position, and a non-operating position in which they are preloaded by springs. A control shaft allows for the selection of the length of cut. An actuator, that is independent of the control shaft can move between a first position, in which all levers are brought into the non-operating position and a second position, in which the levers can reach the operating position and the control shaft retains the levers of the knives not selected in each case in the non-operating position.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for directing the motion of a knife mechanism in a bale wrapping apparatus which reduces actuation and acceleration forces in the knife mechanism thereby improving operational efficiency and durability of the mechanism and actuator.

Abstract: A device for harvesting crops comprising woody material including a processor arranged to mechanically work the woody material and to feed the mechanically worked woody material to a bale-forming mechanism, the bale-forming mechanism being arranged to form a bale of the mechanically worked woody material. The present invention also extends to a method for harvesting crops comprising woody material in a continuous operation including the steps of: (a) mechanically working the woody material using a processor of a harvesting device; (b) feeding the mechanically worked woody material to a bale-forming mechanism of the harvesting device; and (c) forming a bale from the mechanically worked woody material.

Abstract: An automated system and method are provided for application of inoculant products onto forage material. Real time data measurements are taken for relative humidity and moisture content of the forage material in order to timely adjust the dispense rate of the inoculant applied to the forage material. Data gathering capabilities are provided with this system controller to enable an operator to view, adjust, and record various production records, as well as detailed information as to the amounts of inoculant applied. The components associated with the system of the present invention includes an inoculant bin or container including a dispense auger which dispenses a controlled amount of inoculant which is then conveyed to the intake opening of the baling machine the forage material enters the machine. The control system includes various sensors positioned at the intake opening of the baling machine which measures moisture content, and optionally the mass or volume of the incoming forage material.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a hay baler having an in-feed pickup including a rigid member base member fixedly securable with respect to the baler and located forwardly of the same, a rake comprising first and second sweep arms, means swingably connecting the sweep arms to the base member, and a plurality of tined raking members spaced apart from one another longitudinally along each of respective ones of the rake sweep arms for sweeping cut crop material lying on the ground into a windrow. The sweep arms diverge outwardly from one another in a direction forwardly away from the baler with reference to the direction of travel during baling. The apparatus provides means for laterally shifting marginal edge portions of the windrow relative to a selected path of travel of the baler pickup during baling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for baling crop materials using a baler with a pickup thereon for picking up crop materials from the ground and moving such crop materials towards a baling chamber. The pickup has a pickup frame operatively attached to the baler, the frame having a plurality of laterally spaced apart tines of a type which is typical for balers. A powered rotor is rotationally attached to the baler a predetermined distance above and forwardly of the pickup frame, the rotor being powered to rotate in at least one direction. A plurality of blade assemblies are disposed on the rotor having blades extending radially outwardly from the axis of the rotor wherein at least at times one or more of the blade assemblies are disposed between one or more of the tines.

Abstract: A round baler has a tailgate moveable between a closed position in which the tailgate extends along the back side of the baling chamber and an open position in which a completely formed bale can be discharged from the baling chamber and a controller programmed to open and close the tailgate in response to a bale discharge signal. The tailgate opens and closes initially relatively quickly and then more slowly as the tailgate approaches the fully open or fully closed position, the rate of opening and closing being determined by the period of time lapsing from the bale discharge signal.

Abstract: An agricultural baling machine that includes a rotating element, a plunger, a guiding channel and a linking element. The plunger has a pivoting point. The pivoting point travels in the guiding channel. The guiding channel defines the longitudinal axis. The linking element is connected between the rotating element and the plunger. The plunger has a face configured to have a line of loading. The line of loading is generally normal to the longitudinal axis. The line of loading shifts across the face as the linking element drives the plunger generally in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method for creating a building material that makes use of a wheeled, moveable apparatus that moves through a field after the straw or other agricultural waste has been processed into tightly bound cables. Said cables are formed into woven mats, and said mats are bonded together to form flat or curved wall sections or panels.

Abstract: A round baler has an overshot secondary rotor located behind an undershot precutter rotor. The round baler has a relatively wide swath crop pick-up and a baling chamber with a significantly more narrow inlet. The precutter rotor has a central region supporting a plurality of rotatable crop conveying members interleaved by both a set of relatively fixed cutting blades and a set of relatively fixed strippers for urging cut crop away from the rotor, and end regions supporting rotatable helically disposed bands for receiving wide swath crop from the pick-up arrangement and urging the received crop toward the central region. The secondary rotor creates an S-shaped or serpentine crop path with minimal dead space and is a positive feeder for bale starting. Stationary strippers for the secondary rotor prevent crop from exiting the baler behind the secondary rotor.

Abstract: A round baler having a plurality of rolls to gather crop grasses within an interior of a housing. The baler has a belt drive roll that is connected to a belt drive gear with a belt drive clutch wherein the belt drive clutch is actuated by a hydraulic assembly. The hydraulic assembly has first and second fluid lines that go to both the belt drive clutch and hydraulic cylinders that control the tailgate such that the hydraulic assembly controls the operation of both.

Abstract: A round baler has an overshot secondary rotor located behind an undershot precutter rotor. The round baler has a relatively wide swath crop pick-up and a baling chamber with a significantly more narrow inlet. The precutter rotor has a central region supporting a plurality of rotatable crop conveying members interleaved by both a set of relatively fixed cutting blades and a set of relatively fixed strippers for urging cut crop away from the rotor, and end regions supporting rotatable helically disposed bands for receiving wide swath crop from the pick-up arrangement and urging the received crop toward the central region. The secondary rotor creates an S-shaped or serpentine crop path with minimal dead space and is a positive feeder for bale starting. Stationary strippers for the secondary rotor prevent crop from exiting the baler behind the secondary rotor.

Abstract: An agricultural baler is provided having an adjusting arrangement between a tow bar and a frame, that maintains the spatial relationships existing in the baler constant so that there is no effect upon the flow of the crop. The use of a sensor and a positioning arrangement provides the assurance that the repositioning is not dependent upon the capability of an operator, and finally the arrangement of the sensor in the region of the take-up device sees to it that the signals are transmitted at the exact time, not too soon and not too late.

Abstract: A rotor reversing mechanism for a baler comprises a ratchet 12 mounted for rotation with the rotor, a pawl 22 carried by a reversing arm 16 for engaging the ratchet 12, a double acting hydraulic cylinder 32 for reciprocating the reversing arm 16 to cause the rotor to rotate in a reverse direction and means for disengaging the pawl 22 from the ratchet when the reversing arm is in a park position. In the invention, a spring 40 is provided for urging the reversing arm 16 towards the park position and the working chambers of the double acting hydraulic cylinder 32 are permanently connected to one another by way of a throttled passage 74.

Abstract: A baffle arrangement is provided for a harvested crop recovery machine such as a baler. The baffle arrangement has two baffles that follow each other in the direction of the flow of the crop. The upstream baffle is configured in the form of a rake and permits harvested crop lying upon it to fall back into the flow of the crop. A second baffle following the above baffle is configured as a deflector plate having a substantially closed surface and extends above an overshot conveyor in order to conduct harvested crop lifted by it with a minimal amount of friction and prevents the harvested crop from leaving the flow of crop.

Abstract: A simplified mechanism for feeding a plurality of individual twine strands into a bale forming chamber for wrapping a bale that allows user-selectable adjustment of twine strand spacing along the bale length so that an optimal number of circumferential twine wraps around the bale necessary to secure the bale after discharge from the bale forming chamber may be selected. The simplified thus enables the spacing between twine strands to be optimized for various crop materials that are being baled.

Abstract: A windguard is adapted to be attached to the frame of a crop pickup in overlying relationship to the pickup tine rotor so as to control the incoming flow of crop materials. A transversely extending crop hold down portion of the windguard is pivotally supported between the front ends of a pair of fore-and-aft extending support arms that are pivotally attached at their rear ends to the frame of the pickup so that the windguard can articulate as it is moved up and down relative to the pickup by engagement with inflowing crop material.

Abstract: A round baler is disclosed having a bale forming chamber. A duck bill, which comprises a pair of elongate plates that are biased towards one another to grip the wrapping material between them, is movable between an advanced position and a retracted position to introduce the free end of a wrapping material drawn from a supply roll into the bale forming chamber of the baler. A cutting device is located between the retracted position of the duck bill and the bale forming position for severing the length of wrapping material wrapped around the bale in the bale forming chamber at the end of a bale wrapping cycle from the supply roll. In the invention, a clamping device is provided to apply an additional force to urge the plates of the duck bill towards one another while the duck bill is in the retracted position in order for the wrapping material to be gripped more firmly between the plates of the duck bill between bale wrapping cycles.

Abstract: A tractor comprises a tractor frame, driven ground engaging device, and an electronic tractor controller. A baler comprises a baler frame coupled or connected to the tractor frame, a crop receiving device, a baling chamber, a bale size sensor associated with the baling chamber, and an electronic baler controller. The baler controller is operable to submit a halt signal to the tractor controller when a bale size signal provided by the bale size sensor indicates that a bale has reached a size equal to or exceeding a first predetermined size. The tractor controller is operable to command the ground engaging means to automatically halt the tractor when receiving a halt signal from the baler controller. A steering controller is connected to a swath position sensor and operable to automatically steer the tractor along a swath based upon the signals of the crop swath sensor and of the bale shape sensor such that a uniform bale shape is obtained.

Abstract: A system and method for tagging individual bales of hay as they are baled and recording information regarding the moisture, weight, preservative applied, field position, quality and other information available at the time of baling, all sequenced to the formation of the bale by a timing and positioning device.

Abstract: Bailing systems and methods for bailing a material into bales. The bailing systems may include a movement mechanism, a compactor disposed downstream of the movement mechanism and a controller in wired or wireless communication with the movement mechanism and the compactor. In some examples, the movement mechanism includes an arm, a first sensor configured to collect dynamic arm position data, and a second sensor configured to collect dynamic movement parameter data. In some examples, the controller includes instructions for determining the length of the material by comparing dynamic arm position data and dynamic movement parameter data. In some examples, the compactor includes a ram, a block, and an actuator configured to move the block between a passageway position and a ram position.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated bale kicker apparatus for ejecting a completed bale rearwardly from a round baler without interfering with the opening and closing of the baler tailgate wherein actuators for the tailgate and bale kicker are hydraulically connected in a single, reversible flow hydraulic circuit for coordinated movement.