Abstract: A method for operating an agricultural vehicle. The method includes an initial step of providing the agricultural vehicle which includes a feeder housing and a header. The header includes at least one row unit, which has a pair of deck plates, and a deck plate adjustment system. The deck plate adjustment system includes at least one actuator connected to the deck plates, an electronic control unit operably connected to the at least one actuator, and at least one sensor. The method includes the further steps of pivoting the feeder housing to raise the header, sending, by the at least one sensor, a signal to the electronic control unit, and cycling the deck plates, by the electronic control unit actuating the at least one actuator to move the deck plates, for removing a buildup of material on the deck plates.

Abstract: A harvester comprises a first stripper plate and a second stripper plate spaced from the first stripper plate by a channel, and at least one actuator to move the first stripper plate and the second stripper plate based upon at least one of sensed crop attribute values or derived crop attribute values.

Abstract: A method for operating a snapping device to harvest stalk crop relies upon stripper plates disposed in pairs and having a variable spacing therebetween. A snapping gap is formed by or in the variable spacing. Plant stalks are drawn into the snapping gap to sever crop fruit from crop stalks by the stripper plates. The diameter of the crop stalks is determined before entry into the snapping gap by a sensor device disposed in front of the snapping gap. A width of the snapping gap is adjusted depending on the diameter value that is determined.

Abstract: A row unit (10) for a cornhead comprises a frame (12), a pair of stalk rolls (14) and a pair of stripper plates (16) forming a stripper gap (20). At least one of the stripper plates (16) is a shiftable stripper plate (16) that is shiftable in a horizontal direction transversely to the longitudinal extent of the stripper gap (20). A spring (32, 32?) has a central helical part (34) winding around a pin (40) connected to the shiftable stripper plate (16) and outer end parts (36) abutting a respective one of two members (44, 54) connected to the frame (12) on opposite sides of the pin (40).

Abstract: A cornhead row unit including first and second longitudinally extending stripper plates mounted on a frame and having opposed stripping edges which define a gap between them. The frame further includes an adjusting arrangement operatively connecting the frame and at least one of the first and second stripper plates to selectably and transversely move at least one of the first stripper plate and second stripper plate with respect to the other stripper plate to vary the width of the gap. A loss detection device is operatively connected to the frame for permitting measurement of corn kernels lost as a result of drawing corn stalks through the gap to separate corn ears from the stalks.

Abstract: A crop harvesting width of a harvester head is partitioned into a plurality of portions. At least one sensor detects a metric of a crop being harvested for each of the plurality of portions. A processing unit determines an attribute of the crop harvested for each of a plurality of portions using the detected metric.

Abstract: A cornhead row unit including first and second longitudinally extending stripper plates mounted on a frame and having opposed stripping edges which define a gap between them. The frame further includes an adjusting arrangement operatively connecting the frame and at least one of the first and second stripper plates to selectably and transversely move at least one of the first stripper plate and second stripper plate with respect to the other stripper plate to vary the width of the gap. A loss detection device is operatively connected to the frame for permitting measurement of corn kernels lost as a result of drawing corn stalks through the gap to separate corn ears from the stalks.

Abstract: A curved stripper plate for a row unit of a harvesting header. The stripper plate removes useable parts from crop stalks gathered in a crop passage. In one embodiment, the stripper plate is arched thereby providing an upwardly curved edge along a crop passage of the row unit.

Abstract: A cornhead row unit is provided including first and second longitudinally extending stripper plates mounted on a frame and having opposed stripping edges which define a gap between them. The frame further includes a resilient device arranged and disposed to adjustably transversely urge the first stripper plate on the frame toward the second stripper plate to vary the width of the gap. An adjusting arrangement connecting the frame and the second stripper plate selectably and transversely moves the second stripper plate with respect to the first stripper plate to vary the width of the gap.

Abstract: A machine for harvesting maize includes a supporting structure carrying a plurality of harvesting units set alongside one another in a transverse direction. Each harvesting unit includes a framework fixed with respect to the supporting structure and includes two box sections set at a distance from one another in a transverse direction by an empty space elongated in a longitudinal direction and two stripper plates carried by respective box sections. The stripper plate has respective edges facing one another that extend on opposite sides in the empty space, and the facing edges of the stripper plates form a squeezing channel. A pair of counter-rotating traction rollers are arranged underneath the squeezing channel. The stripper plates are mobile in a vertical direction with respect to the respective box sections and are associated to respective spring devices that push the stripper plates elastically towards a raised position.

Abstract: A corn head includes plural pairs of first and second laterally spaced rotating stalk rolls each having outer fluting and plural outer arrays of spaced knife members extending along the length of each stalk roll. Corn stalks are directed by rotating pick-up cones each disposed forward of a respective stalk roll into the space between adjacent stalk rolls, where the stalks are directed downwardly through the inter-roll space and are reduced by the cutting action of the rotating knives. Each pick-up cone and its associated stalk roll rotate in opposite directions as do the two stalk rolls. Disposed above and extending along the length of the stalk rolls are a closely spaced upper auger and stripper plate which remove an ear of corn from the stalk and direct the ear to the combine for further processing. A skid plate is disposed adjacent a lower, forward portion of each pick-up cone.

Abstract: A stripper plate for use with a corn head row unit includes a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion is substantially flat such that the lateral surface of the front portion is parallel to the ground surface. The rear portion is integrally formed with the first portion and is beveled downward toward the ground surface. The interface between the front portion and the rear portion may be a gradually beveled area wherein the downward slope of the stripper plate increases along its length from the front thereof to the rear thereof.

Abstract: First and second snap rolls corresponding with a pair of forward-extending row units of a harvesting header wherein the snap rolls oppose one another on opposite sides of a crop passage and wherein one of said first and second snap rolls is substantially smooth along its length. In one embodiment, one of the snap rolls is a powered snap roll and the other smooth snap roll is an unpowered idler roll.

Abstract: First and second stripper plates for a harvesting header that are offset from one another relative the ground. The first and second stripper plates oppose one another to at least partially define a first crop passage for receiving crop stalks and to remove useable parts from the crop stalks gathered in the crop passage. In one embodiment, the first and second stripper plates are offset from one another relative the ground to urge the crop stalks laterally toward a gathering auger of a row unit of the header.

Abstract: A harvester for root crops such as beets is provided which preferably provides continuous flow of root crops from a header, along a transfer assembly, through a processing run, and to an elevator assembly. The harvester can be configured to include or accommodate interchangeable header assemblies having different numbers of rows and/or row spacings. The transfer assembly can be of a floating type and helps to provide an even distribution of beets to the grabrollers. The processing run includes full-length cleaning grabrollers disposed parallel to the direction of travel. Modular elevator assemblies can be provided to further enhance harvester versatility. Such an approach includes interchangeable ferris wheel and scrubber chain elevator assemblies. An improved scrubber chain elevator assembly can be used which has a wraparound scrubber chain design. A pivoting tank conveyor for evenly filling a holding tank can be included.

Abstract: A cornhead row unit is provided including first and second longitudinally extending stripper plates mounted on a frame and having opposed stripping edges which define a gap between them. The frame further includes a resilient device arranged and disposed to adjustably transversely urge the first stripper plate on the frame toward the second stripper plate to vary the width of the gap. An adjusting arrangement connecting the frame and the second stripper plate selectably and transversely moves the second stripper plate with respect to the first stripper plate to vary the width of the gap.

Abstract: A machine for harvesting maize, comprising a supporting structure carrying a plurality of harvesting units set alongside one another in a transverse direction, wherein each harvesting unit comprises, a framework fixed with respect to the supporting structure and including two box sections set at a distance from one another in a transverse direction by an empty space elongated in a longitudinal direction, two stripper plates carried by respective box sections, the stripper plate having respective edges facing one another that extend on opposite sides in said empty space, the facing edges of said stripper plates forming a squeezing channel, and a pair of counter-rotating traction rollers arranged underneath said squeezing channel, wherein said stripper plates are mobile in a vertical direction with respect to the respective box sections between a raised position and a lowered position and are associated to respective spring devices that push the stripper plates elastically towards said raised position.

Abstract: A row unit for an agricultural harvester includes left and right row unit arms that are fixed together with the shaped support. The shaped support is bent to extend across the top of the row unit arms and down the outside vertical surfaces of the row unit arms. The shaped support is welded to the outside vertical surfaces of the row unit arms.

Abstract: A work machine for harvesting a cane crop having a lower crop material gathering device, the work machine including a chassis and an upper crop material gathering device coupled to said chassis. The upper crop material gathering device including at least one moving device configured to substantially surround a stalk of a cane crop plant as said at least one moving device moves, and a stalk engaging device positioned proximate to the at least one moving device. The stalk engaging device being configured to pull the stalk from the at least one moving device, thereby stripping grain from a head of the cane crop plant.

Abstract: A corn head includes plural pairs of first and second laterally spaced rotating stalk rolls each having outer fluting and plural outer arrays of spaced knife members extending along the length of each stalk roll. Corn stalks are directed by rotating pick-up cones each disposed forward of a respective stalk roll into the space between adjacent stalk rolls, where the stalks are directed downwardly through the inter-roll space and are reduced by the cutting action of the rotating knives. Each pick-up cone and its associated stalk roll rotate in opposite directions as do the two stalk rolls. Disposed above and extending along the length of the stalk rolls are a closely spaced upper auger and stripper plate which remove an ear of corn from the stalk and direct the ear to the combine for further processing. A skid plate is disposed adjacent a lower, forward portion of each pick-up cone.

Abstract: A work machine for harvesting a cane crop having a lower crop material gathering device. The work machine has a direction of travel and the work machine has a chassis and an upper crop material gathering device coupled to the chassis. The upper crop material gathering device includes at least one moving device and a stalk cutting device. The at least one moving device is configured to substantially surround a stalk of a cane crop plant as the at least one moving device moves. The at least one moving device is further configured to bend the head of the cane crop plant in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of travel. The stalk cutting device is positioned proximate to the at least one moving device. The stalk engaging device being configured to cut the peduncle of the cane crop plant.

Abstract: A harvester for crops including biomass crop material and seed heads. The harvester includes a base unit, a biomass harvester sub-system for harvesting the biomass crop material, and a seed harvester sub-system for harvesting the seed heads. The biomass harvester sub-system includes a biomass harvester carried by the base unit. The seed harvester sub-system is carried by the base unit and operable independent from the biomass harvester sub-system, whereby the biomass crop material and seed heads are processed independently from each other within the harvester.

Abstract: A stripper plate having for use with a corn head row unit includes a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion is substantially flat such that the lateral surface of the front portion is parallel to the ground surface. The rear portion is integrally formed with the first portion and is beveled downward toward the ground surface. The interface between the front portion and the rear portion may be a gradually beveled area wherein the downward slope of the stripper plate increases along its length from the front thereof to the rear thereof.

Abstract: An auger stripper assembly for a combine head has first and second auger stripper fixed to a wall of the combine head, wherein one auger stripper is disposed above the other auger stripper.

Abstract: A harvester for harvesting stalky crops has an intake and conveying device having an endless conveyor provided with outwardly oriented cutting, holding, and conveying elements that form cutting planes and holding planes. The endless conveyor has a supply area for transferring crop to an inlet opening of a processing device. The supply area has a stripping device with clearing elements each having a stripping surface. The stripping surfaces of the clearing elements are remote from a holder and face forwardly in the traveling and working direction. The stripping surfaces are vertical in an end area pointing in the traveling and working direction and positioned in a common vertical plane. The stripping surfaces have a section extending from the end area in a direction of crop flow and diverge with increasing spacing from one another in the direction of crop flow.

Abstract: A machine for mowing crops includes a plurality of intake and mowing arrangements which each include a cutting disk and a plurality of conveying disks spaced vertically from each other along an upright axis of rotation. A plurality of strippers are mounted in the vicinity of the intake and mowing arrangements and define slots through which driver elements of the conveying disks pass during operation. Crop pieces accumulate in these slots and provided on the drivers of the disks for sweeping these crop pieces out of the slots are removers. These removers are in the form of elongate bars and are connected to the disks so as to be easily removable so that they may be easily replaced when worn to the extent they are no longer effective in cleaning the crop pieces from the stripper slots.

Abstract: A harvesting machine, especially a self-propelled pick-up chopper for picking up and chopping corn, wilted grass, green feed and similar harvested material includes a feeding housing, which is disposed ahead of a chopping device and accommodates feeding rollers, which can be driven. In order to have created a harvesting machine, which can be adapted to different use conditions, provisions are made so that more than two pairs of feeding rollers are provided, which are disposed consecutively in the feed-conveying direction and the upper rollers of which in each case can be driven over a common driving mechanism the common driving mechanism for adjusting the height of the upper rollers, having at least one driving element, which passes through the feeding housing and the position of which can be changed, and this driving element and the upper rollers being disposed so that they can be shifted by sliding in each case in guides at the side of the feeding housing.

Abstract: An adjusting mechanism for a stripper plate in a cornhead row unit includes two slots formed through the plate adjacent its outer edge. The slots define narrow plate segments from the outer edge. Arcuate surfaces are formed on inner and outer edges of the plate segments. An actuation arm associated with each slot has opposed fingers which engage a corresponding arcuate surface when the lever is manipulated to adjust the stripper plate position.

Abstract: A cornhead for an agricultural combine has a plurality of row units including generally U-shaped frames. Each frame includes parallel side frame sections on which stripper plates are mounted. One of the stripper plates is adjustable transversely of the corresponding side frame section by an actuator mounted within the side frame section. The actuator includes a torque shaft operatively connected to the adjustable stripper plate through the top plate of the side section.

Abstract: A combine and corn harvesting head of the type for removing ears of corn from their associated stalks are disclosed herein. The harvesting head includes a row unit for each row to be harvested by the combine while following a path through a field of corn to be harvested. The row units each include a stationary vertical surface and a continuous belt rotatably supported to provide a moving surface parallel to the vertical surface. The row unit removes ears of corn from their respective stalks when the ears are engaged by both the moveable and the stationary surfaces. More specifically, the movement of the moveable surface relative to the stationary surface rotates the ears relative to the stalks (i.e. rolls the ears along the stationary surface) to remove the ears and to convey them to the conveying auger of the harvesting head. The ears are then conveyed into the combine where they are threshed to remove the kernels of corn from the cobs of the ears.

Abstract: Parallelogram linkage apparatus for slidably shifting stripper plates in a corn head of a corn harvesting machine to widen or narrow the gap between opposed plates in a row harvester. Each slidable stripper plate has a parallelogram linkage which slidably connects the plate to a supporting frame. The linkage includes two bell cranks pivotably mounted in spaced apart relationship on the frame and connected by an interconnecting arm and having an actuation shaft extending upward from a lobe of each bell crank to engage motion-transforming members at the stripper plate for transforming the arcuate motion of the bell cranks into linear motion of the stripper plate. The upper ends of the actuation shafts are guided in guide elements at the stripper plate elongated in the direction parallel to an edge of the stripper plate.

Abstract: The invention provides self propelled harvester that tops, cuts, cleans and oads "whole stalk green sugar cane".The canes are flexed forward by the movement of the harvester by means of a roller, while the base is cut with a pair of counter rotating disk cutters per row. The base cutters automatically follow the level of the ground using by spherically dished sliders pivotably connected to cutter shafts. The topped canes, with attached green and dry leaves are fed gently but firmly into the front section of the machine through a single, full width, large 100 dm2 throat, helped by vertical and-horizontal rubber rollers. By the action of the rotation of preferably three pairs of rollers and paddles, rocks, tramp iron, cans, bottles, soil, and mud, fall through the paddles, and through grizzlies back to the ground; all materials over 0.05 Mt. are retained by the grizzlies, which can be emptied at the operators choice.

Abstract: A corn head with a pair of parallel counterrotating harvesting rolls is disclosed. Each roll has primary flutes and secondary flutes extending longitudinally which oppose flutes of the other type on the other roll. Improved ear stripping and stalk processing by crushing result.

Abstract: A pair of horizontal rods mounted to be very close to the ground run on either side of a row of stalks. The rods are mounted under harvesting equipment which would harvest the crop from the stalks. The rods are independently biased toward the row so that each of the rods contact and slide along the stalks. The rods are at least partially supported by pendants which hang from the harvesting equipment. The lateral movement of one of the pendants is measured to determine the deviation of the vehicle from the row.

Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting the stalk-receiving gaps between stripper plates in a produce harvester. The mechanism is adapted for use in harvester where a number of pairs of stripper plates are utilized, and where a space is formed between adjacent pairs of stripper plates, and a stalk-receiving gap is formed between the stripper plates within each pair. The mechanism permits all stalk-receiving gaps in the harvester to be adjusted simultaneously and to the same degree. These gaps are adjusted from both sides allowing for optimum centering of the gap to engage the stalks. The mechanism comprises a reciprocating shaft disposed so as to move substantially perpendicular to the movement of the harvester. A number of rotating shafts are connected to the reciprocating shaft and these are disposed within the spaces between adjacent pairs of stripper plates. The rotating shafts are disposed substantially at right angles to the movement of the harvester.

Abstract: A harvester especially adapted for removing ears of sweet corn from stalks which are severed and enter the harvester, rather than being ejected by the snapping rolls of a primary ear stripping mechanism of the harvester, uses stalk engaging belts which bring the severed stalks into stalk ejecting rolls. Ahead of the rolls are stripping rods which engage the ears at their shanks and peel the ears off the stalks as the stalks are pulled outwardly out of the harvester by the ejecting rolls.

Abstract: An improved Corn Ear Cutter reduces kernel damage through the use of a cushion in the form of a strip of cushioning material, preferably urethane having a hardness in the range from about 50 to 60 Shore A, which is removably installed on the stripper plates by channels which are mounted on the plates and receive the strips by sliding them into the channel. The strips support the ears of corn at the moment they are cut from the stalk and then propelled along the gap by lugs extending from gathering belts.