Abstract: A crop divider assembly for a sugarcane harvesting machine that has a first scroll having an upper end and a lower end, a first toe defined along a portion of the lower end of the first scroll, the first toe being a radially inward taper of the first scroll, and a shoe positioned adjacent to a portion of the first toe.

Abstract: A harvesting attachment for a harvester comprises a frame which includes a rear wall and a base wall. The base wall includes at its end a fastening region for fastening a harvesting unit.

Abstract: A corn header has a row unit frame and an auger sweeping ears of corn toward a center of the corn header. A corn row divider assembly has a snout and gatherer hood hingeably coupled to, and aft of, the snout. An aft end of the gatherer hood extends beneath and to the rear of the fore end of the auger in an operational configuration of the divider assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting agricultural row crops having stalks.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting agricultural row crops having stalks.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting agricultural row crops having stalks, comprising a frame having a front portion and a rear portion, the frame configured for traversing along a field of row crops; a hollow arm mounted adjacent an upper section of the front portion of the frame, the hollow arm comprising a first section disposed along an incline formed by the upper section of the front portion of the frame and the ground, the first section having a first end and a second end; an inlet positioned adjacent the first end of the first section of the hollow arm, the inlet for receiving stalks of row crops; device for cutting stalks of row crops, the device for cutting stalks mounted within the first section of the hollow arm; device for engaging and conveying the stalks along the hollow arm; and a biased guide assembly for accommodating stalks of varied diameters.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting agricultural row crops having stalks, comprising a frame having a front portion and a rear portion, the frame configured for traversing along a field of row crops; a hollow arm mounted adjacent an upper section of the front portion of the frame, the hollow arm comprising a first section disposed along an incline formed by the upper section of the front portion of the frame and the ground, the first section having a first end and a second end; an inlet positioned adjacent the first end of the first section of the hollow arm, the inlet for receiving stalks of row crops; means for cutting stalks of row crops, the means for cutting stalks mounted within the first section of the hollow arm; means for engaging and conveying the stalks along the hollow arm; and a biased guide assembly for accommodating stalks of varied diameters.

Abstract: A unitary plastic chain guide for a row unit is provided including 2 blocks, one disposed at each end of the chain guide, and a wall extending therebetween to guide the chain.

Abstract: A row unit gathering chain has a number of links that is an integral multiple of the number of teeth on the sprocket on which it is mounted.

Abstract: A gathering conveyor for a row unit of an agricultural harvesting machine, including an elongate flexible conveyor element configured for encircling spaced apart first and second rotatable elements, for rotation thereabout so as to move along a stalkway of a row unit adapted for receiving a stalk of a plant to be harvested by the row unit, the conveyor element including gathering elements for conveying harvested crops along the stalkway, including elements that project into the stalkway and elements that project in the opposite direction, each of the gathering elements having a stepped profile shape when viewed from a longitudinal direction wherein either the upper or lower terminal end portions thereof are shorter, so that the gathering elements of conveyors of adjacent row units having oppositely shortened end portions can overlap, to enable positioning of the row units in closer proximity.

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 harvesting machine for harvesting corn and similar crops on stalks has at least one circulating endless conveyor for engaging a crop, wherein the endless conveyor forms a crop feed area for feeding the crop to an inlet opening of a processing device for further processing the crop. The endless conveyor has a lower cutting plane for the crop with outwardly extending conveying and guiding elements and at least one cutting blade arranged below the conveying and guiding elements. The cutting blade has a stepped configuration and, viewed in a running direction of the conveying and guiding elements, has cutting segments. Each cutting segment has a cutting edge and extends at a slant outwardly relative to a circulating path of the conveying and guiding elements. The cutting blade has cutting segment steps positioned between two neighboring ones of the cutting segments, respectively.

Abstract: A grain harvesting mechanism having a pair of parallel chains running in vertically spaced planes is used to remove the ears of grain from the stalks. The spacing of the planes create a deeper channel for the ears to be carried in, thus preventing some spillage. The chains also run at differing speeds for removal and delivery of the ears.

Abstract: A harvesting machine for harvesting corn and similar crops on stalks has at least one circulating endless conveyor for engaging a crop, wherein the endless conveyor forms a crop feed area for feeding the crop to an inlet opening of a processing device for further processing the crop. The endless conveyor has a lower cutting plane for the crop with outwardly extending conveying and guiding elements and at least one cutting blade arranged below the conveying and guiding elements. The cutting blade has a stepped configuration and, viewed in a running direction of the conveying and guiding elements, has cutting segments. Each cutting segment has a cutting edge and extends at a slant outwardly relative to a circulating path of the conveying and guiding elements. The cutting blade has cutting segment steps positioned between two neighboring ones of the cutting segments, respectively.

Abstract: A harvester drive system includes a main hexagonal cross shaft which may be either continuous or include short shaft sections joined by couplers. Row units are pivotally connected to a cross auger housing for pivoting about the axis of the cross shaft and can slide relative to the cross auger and the drive shaft to accommodate different row spacings. A slip clutch and bevel gear assembly, which slides on the cross shaft, drives each row unit and permits simple transverse adjustments of the units. A cross shaft extension is added if harvesting widths are needed which cannot be provided by the original shaft. Each row unit drive extends forwardly from the bevel gear, and a sturdy bearing mount arrangement connected to the row unit wall immediately adjacent the bevel gear maintains proper gear mesh.

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

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 method for harvesting crops, such as rows of corn, using a harvester, which provides independent drives and independent controls for gathering belts, and independent drives and independent controls for knife rolls used on the corn harvester. The independent drives and independent controls allow the speed of the gathering belts or the knife rolls to be varied without affecting other harvester components. The independent speed control between the gathering belts and the knife rolls, allow for better harvesting in various crop conditions. The harvester also includes a set up for changing the angle of the corn head to allow better harvesting under varying conditions.

Abstract: An improved row crop header, suitable for mounting on a harvesting machine, for harvesting crops planted in rows. The improved row crop header has a plurality of row units mounted on a frame of the row crop header such that each row unit has two gatherers placed in corresponding offsetting planes. The adjacent gatherers of two adjacent row units are in offsetting planes to permit the overlap of the adjacent gatherers. This overlap of the adjacent gatherers permits the row units to be arranged closer together allowing the instant row crop header to harvest narrower crop rows than the existing corn heads. Also provided is an improved method for harvesting narrow crop rows by providing a row crop header configured so that the adjacent row units of the row crop header are arranged closer together than in the existing corn heads.

Abstract: The invention provides a harvester to harvest crops such as rows of corn. The invention provides independent drives and independent controls for gathering belts, and independent drives and independent controls for knife rolls used on a corn harvester. The independent drives and independent controls allow the speed of the gathering belts or the knife rolls to be varied without affecting other harvester components. The independent speed control between the gathering belts and the knife rolls, allow for better harvesting in various crop conditions. The invention also provides a means for changing the angle of the corn head to allow better harvesting under varying conditions.

Abstract: An improved row crop header for harvesting crops planted in rows. The improved row crop header has a plurality of row units mounted on a frame such that each row unit has at least one gatherer operating in a gatherer plane that is oblique to a row unit plane that passes through the structure of the row unit. The reduced projected width of the gatherer along the row unit plane reduces the width of a row unit. The adjacent gatherers of two adjacent row units overlap as they operate in offset planes. The overlap permits the row units to be arranged closer together on the frame. The closer arrangement together with the reduced width of the row units allows the row crop header to harvest narrower crop rows than the existing corn heads. A method is also provided that uses the improved row crop header to harvest narrower crop rows than in the past.

Abstract: An improved row crop header for harvesting crops planted in rows. The improved row crop header has a plurality of row units mounted on a frame such that the adjacent gatherers of two adjacent row units are in offset planes to permit the overlap of the adjacent gatherers. This overlap permits the row units to be arranged closer together on the frame allowing the row crop header to harvest narrower crop rows than existing corn heads. Also provided is a method that uses the improved row crop header to harvest narrower crop rows than in the past.

Abstract: A crop header for a harvesting machine includes a frame, a reciprocating support coupled to the frame and a crop conveyor pivotally coupled to the reciprocating support.

Abstract: The row crop header for a harvesting machine includes a frame and a first row unit supported by the frame in a row unit plane. The first row unit includes a first gatherer operating in a first gatherer plane oblique to the row unit plane and a second gatherer operating in a second gatherer plane parallel to the first gatherer plane and oblique to the row unit plane.

Abstract: A row crop header for a harvesting machine includes a frame and a row unit supported by the frame in a row unit plane. The row unit includes a gatherer operating in a gatherer plane oblique to the row unit plane.

Abstract: A row crop harvesting device for mounting on the forward end of a combine, the row crop harvesting unit having closely spaced individual row harvesting units to facilitate retrieval of downed crop and use on closely-spaced crops. The present invention is particularly applicable to corn harvesting units that include a gear housing which is part of and supports the individual row harvesting units, which individual row harvesting units are adjustable transverse to the forward end of the combine to allow adjustment for crop row spacing. The present invention allows closer spacing of the individual row harvesting units by offsetting certain components of the row harvesting units on alternate row harvesting units.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a plastic row divider assembly with a frame for a corn head on a combine. The invention consists of several center divider assemblies surrounded by a pair of end divider assemblies. A center divider assembly consists of a narrow island shield supported by a narrow island shield sub-assembly. Pivotially attached to the narrow island shield sub-assembly is a narrow point shield sub-assembly. The narrow island shield sub-assembly is pivotially attached to the row unit frame. Affixed to the narrow point shield sub-assembly is a narrow point shield. An end divider assembly consists of an end island shield supported by an end island shield support sub-assembly. The end island shield support sub-assembly is pivotially affixed to the end frame. An end point shield is supported by an end island shield sub assembly. The sub-assembly is pivotially affixed to the row unit. The end point shield and narrow point shield heights may be altered.

Abstract: A cane harvester having at least two basecutter assemblies disposed so as to harvest cane stalks from at least two rows simultaneously. The harvester comprises a first basecutter assembly for severing a first row of cane stalks and at least a second basecutter assembly arranged so as to severe cane stalks in a row substantially parallel to the first row of cane stalks. The cane stalks severed by the second base cutter assembly are transported by a conveying means to a position proximate the first row of cane stalks so that the cane stalks can then be fed into the harvester.

Abstract: The sunflower harvesting attachment comprises a generally triangular-shaped blade which is attached to a blade mount having an elongated upper plate member, an elongated lower plate member, a space member fixedly attached to and separating the two plate members, and an eyelet member to which the blade is fastened. Two longitudinal grooves extend along either side of the blade mount and are defined by the two plate members and the spacer member. The sunflower harvesting attachment is fastenably inserted in the crop-gathering channel between two adjacent crop dividers or deck plates with the cutting edge of blade disposed in the direction of operationally movement of the implement head so that as the stalks of the sunflowers enter the crop-gathering channel they are severed and the sunflower portion is fed through the implement header and combine into a holding bin.

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: A corn harvesting implement for a field chopping machine has a drawing-in trough, a plurality of transporting passages supported on the drawing-in trough, the transporting passages including at least two outer transporting passages which are foldable upwardly to a transporting position for obtaining a smaller transporting width and foldable outwardly to a working position. The transporting passages also include stationary transporting passages. The transporting passages are arranged so that in the working position a predetermined distance is provided between at a part of at least one of the upwardly foldable transporting passages and at least a part of a neighboring part of the stationary transporting passages. Means for increasing the distance at least before a beginning of folding the upwardly foldable passages from the working position to the transporting position is provided.

Abstract: A row crop attachment for forage harvesters has a plurality of row crop divider units arranged side-by-side on a base frame to define a plurality of crop conveying paths. A pair of gathering chains are arranged to pass through each of the crop conveying paths from an entrance to an exit thereof, and a pair of rotary knives are disposed adjacent the entrance of each crop conveying path. Apparatus is provided for converting each of the gathering chains between an extended profile where it is wrapped around a drive sprocket and a pair of idler sprockets with one of the idler sprockets being located forwardly of the rotary knives, and a non-extended profile wherein it is wrapped around only the drive sprocket and the other idler sprocket so that the forwardly located idler sprocket is eliminated.

Abstract: A row crop attachment for forage harvesters has a plurality of row crop divider units arranged side-by-side on a base frame to define a plurality of crop conveying paths. A pair of gathering chains are arranged to pass through each crop conveying path from entrance to an exit thereof for conveying crop material rearwardly through the crop conveying paths. Each gathering chain is wrapped around a drive sprocket and an idler sprocket. An adjustment mechanism is provided for adjusting tension in each gathering chain. The adjustment mechanism includes a shaft connected at one end with the idler sprocket, a pawl engageable with the shaft for holding the shaft in an adjusted position, and an adjusting bolt associated with the other end of the shaft for moving the shaft into the adjusted position.

Abstract: An implement for attachment onto a harvesting vehicle, particularly adapted for harvesting stalk-type crops independent of the direction of and distance between the rows of crops to be harvested, includes a frame, a plurality of directing fingers fixedly attached to the frame and extending generally forwardly therefrom and a generally transverse cutter bar mounted horizontally along a front portion of the frame. A pair of triangular shaped members are mounted on the frame behind the cutting bar and have guide chains slidingly mounted thereon. The guide chains surround each member and are adapted to revolve therearound. A plurality of gathering lugs are fixedly attached to each guide chain and extend outwardly from each member. Crops are directed to the cutter bar and gathering lugs by the directing fingers and are transferred onto the harvesting vehicle by the gathering lugs as the guide chains revolve about each triangular member.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for harvesting corn or other grain fruits to be used especially as a front implement as a harvester thresher comprises a drawing unit, a unit forming a picking gap for separating cobs from a fruit, a picking roller surrounded by a partial casing and having a cylindrical base body with a plurality of impact plates provided with cutouts, a cutting unit provided with a plurality of cutting members extending through the cutouts, the cutting unit having an end which is opposite to the cutting members, a joint traverse supporting the cutting unit at the end independently of the partial casing the turnable about an axis extending parallel to an axis of the picking roller, the traverse together with the cutting unit being turnable against a spring force about an axis which extends parallel of the axis of the base body and being arrestable upon turning.

Abstract: A rotary crop feed assist device mounted on a divider of a row crop harvesting header has a plurality of angularly spaced crop-engaging members projecting radially from a forwardly inclined rotational axis. The crop-engaging members are connected together at inner longitudinally-extending portions and have outer longitudinal edges which taper downwardly and inwardly toward the rotational axis. Their outer longitudinal edges sweep along a rotational path in the shape of an inverted truncated cone upon rotation of the device to impose a downward force on the crop material as it is being pulled into the discharge end of the row crop header past the feed assist device.

Abstract: A front attachment of a field chopping machine for picking and transporting stalk fruits standing in a row has a plurality of stalk dividers, at least four transporting passages inclined relative to one another opposite to a travelling direction, and a transporting element provided in each of the transporting passages, wherein two outwardly located transporting passages with their transporting elements are turnable upwardly to an inoperative position each one about an axis extending in the travelling direction and are fixable in this position. The outer transporting passages are turnable about the axle provided on a supporting frame of the attachment.

Abstract: A crop gathering head 10 including crop gathering belt 11, 12 of reinforced elastomeric material and its associated driving sprocket 30 and idler sheave 50 is described. The belt 11 or 12, sprocket 30 and sheave 50 system may be used to convey crops into a combine. The belt 11 or 12 includes a plurality of cleats 20 of elastomeric material on its top surface 18 and a plurality of equally spaced driving lugs 24 of elastomeric material on its bottom surface 19. The sprocket 30 has first and second sides 31, 32 respectively and comprises a plurality of equally spaced apart radially projecting teeth 33 separated by first and second cavities 34, 34' respectively. The first cavities 34 are open only to the first side 31 of the sprocket 30. The second cavities 34' are open only to the second side 32 of the sprocket 30.

Abstract: Three versions of a gear box for a combine corn head are illustrated. The gearing to drive a pair of snapping roll shafts and a pair of gathering chain drive shafts are housed in two casings releasably secured to one another in an end-to-end relationship.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine which is pulled or attached to a three-point attachment on a tractor and used for the harvesting of corn or similar stalk-like crops. The machine has a cutting device and a chopping blower arranged subsequent thereto with slide-in rollers to which the crop is supplied by a cross-conveyor running transversely to the direction of travel of the tractor. The cross-conveyor is designed as a cutting and supplying device, cutting the crop at any point in the working area, holding it above the cut area and supplying it in an approximately upright or inclined position, opposite to the conveying direction, to the slide-in rollers or a chopping machine with simultaneous release.

Abstract: A front attachment of a field chopping machine for picking and transporting stalk fruits standing in a row has a plurality of stalk dividers, at least four transporting passages inclined relative to one another opposite to a travelling direction, and a transporting element provided in each of the transporting passages, wherein two outwardly located transporting passages with their transporting elements are turnable upwardly to an inoperative position each one about an axis extending in the travelling direction and are fixable in this position. The outer transporting passages are turnable about the axle provided on a supporting frame of the attachment.

Abstract: A front attachment of a field chopping machine for picking and transporting stalk fruits standing in a row has a plurality of stalk dividers, at least four transporting passages inclined relative to one another opposite to a travelling direction, and a transporting element provided in each of the transporting passages, wherein two outwardly located transporting passages with their transporting elements are turnable upwardly to an inoperative position each one about an axis extending in the travelling direction and are fixable in this position. The outer transporting passages are turnable about the axle provided on a supporting frame of the attachment.

Abstract: An adjustable multiple row head assembly for a crop harvester provides cantilevered support arms for a plurality of row head units. The units are adjustably positioned for harvesting crops planted in differently spaced rows. An adjusting device for the row head units provides infinitely variable adjustment, and specifically includes a jackscrew operating between a moveable frame member of the row head unit and the fixed cantilevered support arm therefor. The row head units extend in a fore-and-aft direction with respect to a base and include gathering conveyors driven by sprockets. The conveyors cooperatively form passageways having inlets for the crop, and engage idler sprockets adjustable in accordance with the row head unit adjustment to maintain proper tension in the conveyors.

Abstract: A multi-row forage harvester row crop header attachment having a rearwardly disposed transversely extending consolidating auger section and a plurality of fore-and-aft crop dividers projecting forwardly from the auger section. The crop dividers define passageways for accommodating rows of crop material. Crop severing means are disposed along each passageway for cutting the crop that is guided rearwardly during operation. Gathering and feeding mechanisms disposed along the passageways engage the severed crop material and feed it rearwardly to the auger section. The auger section includes a rear wall having an outlet for discharging crop that is conveyed laterally via the auger. Crop material being guided to the auger via the outward passageways is fed from the outlet of the passageway to the auger in a path that avoids a collision and thereby obviates bunching with crop material being fed from the next adjacent inward passageway.

Abstract: A safety interlock system for mounting on the support assembly of a row-crop harvester is provided to protect against damage from a loose or broken gathering member being drawn into the chopper of the harvester. Specifically, the system includes a guide sprocket mounted on an idler arm that is urged by spring means to tension the gathering member. If the gathering member is loose or breaks, the idler arm swings forward under the force of the spring. A linkage, connected to the idler arm, moves in response thereto and interacts with a finger lever to activate a switch. Activation of the switch energizes an interrupter means, such as an electronic clutch, that interrupts the drive to the gathering member. The switch is protected from damage, dirt and debris by being mounted away from the gathering member within a compartment in the support assembly.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for the harvesting of corn or other granular fruits, particularly embodied as a front-mounted unit for a reaper, in which the plant stems are drawn through a picking aperture and a separation of the fruit from the plant is characterized in that the plant is grasped only on one side and is drawn through the picking aperture.

Abstract: An attachment for a field chopping machine has a cutting device arranged in a picking region of a working unit and having two cutting disks which rotate in opposite directions and arranged so that at least one of the cutting disks is turnable about an further axle which lies in a working direction of the machine normal to its pivot axle and is held in frictional engagement with the other cutting disk under the action of the spring acting on the further axle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for harvesting corn or other cereals with a harvester, particularly a combine attachment for a thresher-harvester, in which the ears of corn or other grains are separated from the plants by way of a single-sided draw of the crop through a gap and is characterized in that a mincing of the crop plants is effected simultaneously with the single-sided draw-through operation. The mincing occurs by a movement of the drawn crop plants relative to a stationary comminution device.

Abstract: A machine and method are disclosed for securing a loop of thermoplastic strap around an article so that two overlapping portions of strap are bonded together. One form of an apparatus in the machine has a strap engaging weld pad with spaced-apart, parallel strap-engaging ribs for effectively making a friction-fusion weld in thin film strap. Another form of the apparatus in the machine includes a rack gear associated with a weld pad and engaged with an arc of teeth on a torsion bar for utilizing the torsional oscillation kinetic energy to reciprocate the weld pad along a linear path of motion. Another form of the apparatus in the machine includes a strap carrier chain for forming the strap in a loop about an article and the chain may include a resilient lug positioned between each pair of adjacent cross pins in the chain.

Abstract: An adjustable multiple row head assembly for a crop harvester provides cantilevered support arms for a plurality of row head units. The units are adjustably positioned for harvesting crops planted in differently spaced rows. An adjusting device for the row head units provides infinitely variable adjustment, and specifically includes a jackscrew operating between a moveable frame member of the row head unit and the fixed cantilevered support arm therefor. The row head units extend in a fore-and-aft direction with respect to a base and include gathering conveyors driven by sprockets. The conveyors cooperatively form passageways having inlets for the crop, and engage idler sprockets adjustable in accordance with the row head unit adjustment to maintain proper tension in the conveyors.