CA2436677A1 - Harvester and dryer device and method of use thereof - Google Patents
Harvester and dryer device and method of use thereof Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2436677A1 CA2436677A1 CA 2436677 CA2436677A CA2436677A1 CA 2436677 A1 CA2436677 A1 CA 2436677A1 CA 2436677 CA2436677 CA 2436677 CA 2436677 A CA2436677 A CA 2436677A CA 2436677 A1 CA2436677 A1 CA 2436677A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- suction head
- mouth opening
- supported
- tines
- collection area
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
- A01D46/00—Picking of fruits, vegetables, hops, or the like; Devices for shaking trees or shrubs
- A01D46/005—Picking of fruits, vegetables, hops, or the like; Devices for shaking trees or shrubs picking or shaking pneumatically
Abstract
A harvester device includes a tank with a blower to produce a negative pressure therein. A suction head communicates with the tank for drawing air into the tank through a mouth opening of the suction head. The suction head may be equipped with rotating tines, a cutter bar or a vibrating mechanism depending upon various applications in which seeds, low lying crops or insects for example may be collected.
Description
HARVESTER AND DRYER DEVICE AND METHOD OF
USETHEREOF
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present irwention relates to a device for harvesting in agriculture and more particularly relates to a device for harvesting product including crops, seeds, insects or particulate material as examples, when displaced across a field and optionally for subsequently drying the product. OnE: particular use of the harvester device involves the harvesting of insects, far example grasshoppers.
BACKGROUND
Certain crops in agriculture are difficult to harvest due to the closeness of the crop to the ground and small size thereof. In other instances it is desirable to harvest seeds or harvest crops with seeds at peak dryness, however seeds are commonly lost to the ground using conventional harvesting techniques when harvesting dry crops.
In addition to harvesting crops, it may also be desirable to collect insects from crop areas to reduce the harmful effects of thE~ inserts on the crops, however conventional harvesting techniques lack this ability as well. Collected insects are considered good feed for animals and the like.
SUMMARY
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a harvester device supported for movement across a field in a forward working direction, the device comprising:
a suction head having a mouth opening facing into the forward working direction;
suction means for drawing air into the mouth opening of the suction head; and a collection area for receiving material drawn into the mouth opening by the suction means.
The suction means are preferably located downstream from the collection area. Communication of the suction head with the collection area and communication of the suction means with the collection area are preferably spaced apart in this instance.
Communication of the suction head with the collection area may be oriented to produce a cyclonic movement of air within the collection area.
For certain applications, there may be provided a cutter bar supported within the suction head transversely to the forward working direction.
Preferably, the cutter bar is selectively mounted on the suction head using threaded fasteners.
The cutter bar may be supported on the suction head for height adjustment thereof.
A plurality of rotary tines are supported within the suction head in combination with the use of a cutter bar.
There may also be provided a forward projecting plate supported above the mouth opening of the suction head above the cutter bar.
There may be provided a vibrator mecrianism supported on the suction head for inducing a vibration in a crop through which the device is advanced in the forward working direction.
The vibrating mechanism preferably includes a plurality of downward projecting tines spanning the mouth opening of the suction head.
There may be provided a pair of loader arm mounts adjustably mounted at spaced apart positions on a rear end of the device for being supported on the loader arms of a loader. Adjustment of height and tilt at a rear end is accomplished by adjusting height and tilt of the loader arms in this instance, whereas a front end of the device can also be supported on height adjustable wheels.
The suction head is preferably elongate, extending transversely to the forward working direction.
When a plurality of tines are supported for rotation within the suction head, a rear wall of the suction head may be curved downwardly and forwardly below the rotating tines to follow a contour of a sweep area of the pines.
The rear wall of the suction head may also be pivoted about a horizontal axis lying transversely to the forward working direction along a top end of the rear wall to follow ground contours or crop density as it pivots.
Passage means are preferably located in communication with a bottom of the collection area for introducing drying air into the bottom of the collection area in a drying mode of operation of the harvester device and for vacuuming out contents of the tank when unloading certain types of products likes insects.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of harvesting insects, the method comprising:
providing a harvester device including a suction head having a mouth opening, suction means for drawing air into the mouth opening of the suction head, and a collection area for receiving material drawn into the mouth opening by the suction means;
advancing the device across a field in a forward working direction with the mouth opening facing into the forward working direction; and drawing air and insects into the mouth opening and subsequently into the collection area.
The method may include providing tines on the suction head and vibrating the tines as the device is advanced across the field.
In some applications, several individual units may be fastened side by side to harvest a greater width with each pass across the field.
This invention relates to new and usE;ful improvements to harvesters and drying equipment, particularly for harvesting crops that are subject to seedpod shattering, as well as seed crops that the seedpod is at the top of the plant as a canopy such as caraway.
This invention also relates to herbs, including oregano or caraway seed for example, that requires the cutting of the. herb and for seed, dependant on the size of the field, and would allow for the contained drying of the herb or seed within the harvester to maintain its freshness. Each herb would have its own harvester/dryer so as not to cross contaminate the aromatic influence of other herbs.
This invention also relates to the harvesting of grasshoppers and other invasive similar insects. The grasshopper due to its high protein content (approximately 44%), also has a potential as a feed crop.
This invention also relates to the harvesting of flying insects such as the mayfly and locusts. As the harvester incorporates electricity, a light could be used at night to attract insects to the tank inlet where they would be sucked into the tank by action of the blower. A screen would be fastened across the inlet having a mesh spacing suitable to allow insects to pass through while restricting access to birds and the like.
This invention, due to its design would allow specific growers to enlarge their crops and reduce labour costs due to the mechanisation of the harvest.
The invention, also by its design, would harvest all materials within its scope, which would include weed seeds, which could be separated from the intended harvested materials at a later time.
Certain crops, such as birdsfoot trefoil or canola must be swathed when the plants are slightly damp to curtail seed loss. The windrows are then turned over _5_ as the top portion dries. When it is determined that the plants are dry enough, weather permitting, they are then put through the thrashing machine.
This invention overcomes these liabilities by allowing the crops to be harvested dry, at the apex of their development, in dry weather and to be able to retain as much seed as is possible, A variety of crops could be harvested by specific types of interchangeable attachments.
The loader/tractor should have at least a 3 hydraulic system, for the harvester to work to its full capacity. It becomes part of the harvester.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
in the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention:
Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the harvester device shown mounted on a loader tractor with a light attachment shown mounted in dotted line.
Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the harvester device.
Figure 3 is a front elevationai view of the frame of the harvester device with the suction head and tank removed therefrom.
Figure 4 is a top plan view of the harvester device.
Figures 5A, 5B and 5C are respective top plan, front elevational and side elevational views of the suction head with a cutter bar and bottom plate shown attached to the suction head.
Figures 6A, 6B and 6C are respective top plan, front elevational and side elevational views of the suction head with rotating tines mounted therein.
Figures 7A, 7B and 7C are respective top plan, front elevational and side elevational views of the suction head with a vibrator mechanism shown mounted thereon.
Figure 8 is an end elevational view of the suction head in a hammer mill mode of operation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the accompanying drawings there is illustrated a harvester device generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The device is particularly useful for harvesting seeds, low lying and higher crops, insects and like particulate material to be collected from a field.
The device includes a frame 12 which is supported for movement across the ground in a forward working direction 14. The frame includes a square base frame 16 comprised of spaced apart side rails connected by front and rear crossbars.
A set of four corner posts 18 extend vertically ulaward from the base frame at respective corners of the base frame. An intermediate frame 20 similar to the base frame is also square in configuration, comprised of side rails spaced apart from one another joined by cross bars at respective front and rear ends thereof. The intermediate frame spans the corner posts 18 spaced above the base frame. An annular tank frame 22 is mounted at a top end of the corner posts 18 for supporting a tank 24 thereon.
A pair of loader brackets 26 are mounted at spaced positions spanning between the rear cross bars of the base frame 16 arid the intermediate frame 20 for mounting the frame at the rear end thereof on a loader, or combine and the like. The loader brackets each include vertically spaced mounting holes therein and are arrange to be either bolted or welded onto the frame 12 ire an adjustable manner to accommodate varying sizes of loader arm widths.
A set of support arms 28 are mounted on a front of the frame 12 to project forwardly therefrom in pairs. A pair of the support arms 28 projects horizontally forward from each of the base frame 16 and the intermediate frame 20 for _ 7 _ supporting a suction head 30 of the device thereon. A support frame 32 spans the front ends of the support arms 28 for mounting the suction head thereon.
A front pair of the posts 18 include hydraulic actuators 34 mounted alongside thereof which support castors 36 at a bottom end thereof such that the front end of the frame is supported for rolling movement along the ground. The hydraulic actuators 34 permit a height and tilt of the frame relative to the castors supported on the ground to be adjusted.
A pair of legs 38 are adjustably mounted along side a rearward pair of the posts 18 for supporting the frame in a horizontal and level position on the ground when in storage. In use the legs 38 are removed or raised by using hydraulics or by removing threaded fasteners which secure the legs to the frame such that the rear end of the frame is supported on the loader brackets 26 in a manner in which the height and tilt of the frame at the rear end thereof is adjusted by raising and lowering the height and adjusting the tilt of the loader arms.
The suction head 30 comprises an elongate enclosure which extends in a longitudinal direction perpendicularly to the forward working direction. The enclosure includes a mouth opening 40 formed along a bottom and front side thereof to face downwardly and infio the direction of travel for collecting material therethrough.
A top side of the enclosure is in open communication with a funnel portion 42 which tapers upwardly towards a tube 44 which couples the suction head to the tank 24.
Each end of the suction head is enclosed by an end wall 46.
Mounted within the suction head are a plurality of tines 48 which project radially from a bar 50 supported for rotation about a longitudinal axis thereof. The rotating bar 50 is supported horizontally and perpendicular to the forward working direction. The tines which project radially from the bar 50 are rigid and rotated in a direction to be displaced upwardly at a front side of the suction head.
_ $ _ A rear wall 52 of the enclosure forming a suction head is hinged along a top end thereof parallel to the rotating bar. The wall is curved downwardly and forwardly to follow a contour of the sweep area of the rotating tines 48. By permitting the rear wall to be hinged, the wall can be deflected) reann~ardly if required to permit the suction head to follow more closely to the ground or crops without risk of damage.
A forward flange 54 is mounted above the mouth opening to project forwardly from the suction head to define a canopy hovering above the mouth opening in use. The forward flange 54 comprises a plate which adjustably mounts on the suction head using threaded fasteners and the like to permit mounting in different positions depending on the different applications of the harvester device.
The funnel portion 42 includes an upright rear wall 56 and a front wall 58 which tapers upwardly and rearwardly towards the rear wall to narrow towards a top end while similarly including end walls which extend upwardly and inwardly at an incline to meet at the tube 44. A deflector 60 is supported within the suction head at a top end thereof before communication with the funnel 42 to act as a venturi which partially restricts the flow into the funnel by narrowing the passage and accelerating the flow therethrough. The deflector 60 generally comprises a forward projection which is tapered into the direction of flow while extending forwardly along the full length of the rear wall of the funnel so that the flow is directed forwardly towards the front wall of the funnel as it is drawn into the suction head and subsequently the tube 44. The deflector 60 projects farther forward at central portion than at respective ends of the suction head to produce a narrower passage centrally than at opposed ends of the suction head. The deflector is sloped laterally outward and rearward from an apex at the centre to the ends such that the passage through the funnel gradually increases in cross-sectional area from the centre outwards to draw more air from the ends of the suction head than at the centre.
The tube 44 extends upwardly from the funnel towards the tank to communicate through a cylindrical side wall 62 of the tank 24. Direction of the tube is oriented to extend substantially in a circumferencial direction at the point of communication with the cylindrical side wall of the tank surf ~ that flow is induced into a vortex within the tank whereby cyclonic action of the flow causes product material to fall to bottom of the tank about the circumference thereof while a blower 64 downstream of the tank draws air upwardly through the centre of the tank to the outlet at the top end of the tank.
A screen 66 is provided spaced above tine communication of the tube 44 forming the inlet of the tank, towards a top end of the tank. The screen spans a circular outlet opening in the top of the tank through which the blower 64 communicates to exhaust air through the open top end of the tank. The blower 64 is mounted within a retainer ring on the tank and sea~ied with respect to the tank by means of a suitable gasket 68. Positioning tabs 70~ align the blower with the tank.
Centrally located within the screen is a cap with depending walls forming a vortex protector.
Product is removed from the tank through an opening 72 at a bottom of the tank. A gate 74 spans 'the opening 72 and is hinged along one side thereof for movement between an open position and a closed position sealing the opening 72 of the tank shut. A chute 76 is mounted below the opening 72 to be aligned therewith.
The chute 76 extends down~vardly and outwardly at an incline from a top end spaced below the gate 74 to a bottom end extending laterally outwardly on an opposing side from the hinge of the gate 74.
A latching mechanism supported below the gate includes a generally U-shaped latching bar 78 including a pair side members positioned forwardly and rearwardly of the gate and pivoted at a bottom end and mounting a roller 79 at a top end spanning between the sides thereof. The roller T9 is oriented for rotation about a longitudinal axis lying parallel to the forward working direction and the hinge of the gate 74. When the sides of the bar 78 are oriented vertically upward the roller is positioned to lie directly beneath the gate in the closed position thereof, extending centrally thereacross.
By pivoting the bar 78 about respective pivots at the bottom of the side members thereof the roller is pivoted towards the hinge whereby arcing movement of the roller reduces the height thereof to permit the gate to be opened with the free end of the gate being aligned to contact the chute 76 so that ~>roduct dispensed through the opening by the gate lands on the chute to be dispensed from the device.
Movement of the bar 78 to open and close the gate is controlled manually or by a rotary electric motor 80 which rotates an actuator rod 82 coupled to the bar 78 at both ends thereof by a cable and suitable pulleys supported on each of the posts 18 of the frame. Rotation of the motor 80 in one direction resuVts in the cables pulling the bar in a open direction while reverse rotation of the motor results in the gate being pulled in the closed direction. Stops 84 are mounted on the frame for engagement with the bar 78 in the fully open position such that the bar rests thereon and bears the weight of the gate instead of bearing weight on the pulleys and cables.
Turning now to Figures 5A through 5C one particular application of the harvester is shown in greater detail in which a cutter bar 90 is mounted on the suction head for use in cutting low lying crops, for example spinach or various types of herbs.
The cutter bar is a sickle type cutter which extends longitudinally between opposing ends of the suction head near a bottom side thereof. A botaom plate 92 encloses the bottom side of the suction head so that all air is drawn in through the open front side thereof. The cutter bar 90 is mounted onto the suction head using threaded fasteners or other selective and height adjustable mounting means to permit the height of the -~1-cutter bar relative to the suction head to be adjusted.
Preferably the cutter bar is located near a bottom side of the suction head with the height of the suction head being adjusted using the hydraulics of the castor wheels on the frame or tilt of the loader arms so that the cutter bar just slightly skims over the ground. The forward flange 54 is selected in this instance to be mounted directly adjacent the front wall of the funnel in a sealing engagement therewith to act as a canopy above the height of the crops.
An additional front face plate 94 is adjustably mounted using threaded fasteners and the like to project downwardly from the forn~ard flange 54 to partially obstruct the top end of the i~ront mouth opening of the suction head. The downward free end of the face plate 94 is positioned to be approximately aligned with the tops of the crop being harvested. l~/hen harvesting leafy crops such as spinach for example, the rotary tines 48 are not rotated and remain fixed in position or are removed. For crops such as herbs and the like it may be preferable to rotate the tines by means of an electric motor 98 coupled at one end of the rotating bar 50 by a chain drive 96 so that the bar is rotated by the electric motor while the sickle cutter is operating.
Turning now to figures 6A through 6C a basic operation of the suction head is illustrated in which the cutter bar is removed. In this instance the bottom and front sides of the suction head remain open while the tines are rotated for harvesting crop materials while preventing seed loss. Only the seeds may be collected by rotating the tines without having cut the crop as the tires act to shake the seeds loose from the planted crops while the deflector 60 produces an accelerated airflow within the suction head to draw the seeds up into the funnel once shaken loose. A
forward flange 54 may be provided which is particularly suited to the type of crop or seeds being harvested. The height of the suction head in i:his instance is preferably set at the seed height of a planted crop.
Turning now to figures 7A through 7n a vibrator mechanism 100 is shown for attachment to the suction head for collection of insects. The vibrator mechanism includes a plurality of vertically oriented tines 102 depending from a top plate 104 supported on the suction head by springs 100. Tines 102 are spaced horizontally from one another and are positioned to project downwardly across the mouth opening of the suction head at a rearward incline. ~-he springs 106 permit the tines to be movable relative to the suction head by action of a vibrating motor 108 centrally mounted on the top plate 104. The forward flange 54 may be mounted forwardly from the tines or may project from the top plate 104 of the tines to act as a canopy for trapping jumping and flying insects. An additional feature may include the use of an electrical discharge device for killing the insects. In operation the vibrating motor causes the tines to vibrate while rotation of thE: tines 48 is stopped or the tines are removed. ~y advancing the vibrating tines 10~'. through a crop, insects and in particular grasshoppers, are induced to jump upwardly in front of the suction head to be collected and draw in by movement of air through the mouth opening and into the tank.
Removal of insects from the tank can be accomplished through an outlet pipe 109 adjustably mounted in the gate 74 at the bottom of the tank. The outlet pipe can be opened or closed as desired and does not: affect norms! operation of the device 10 as described above when closed. When the outlet pipe 109 is opened, a vacuum device coupled to the pipe 109 can be used to dravrv the collected insects out of the tank without the expected losses that might occur if the gate 74 where opened to remove the insects.
The device may also be used as a stand alone device to collect insects by disconnecting the suction head 30 along with the funnel and tube 44 from the tank 24. The inlet into the tank has a screen and a light source installed therein in this _13_ instance for attracting insects and subsequently collecting the insects in the tank by operating the blower to produce suction at the inlet of the tank formerly occupied by tube 44 as illustrated in dotted line in Figure 1.
When the harvester device is used with a loader 110 a generator 112 is supported on a three point hitch 114 of the loader or is pulled on wheels and provides power to the motor for rotating the tines, the vibrator mechanism and the motor for operating the gate latch which are all electrically operated, as well as providing power to any heaters used.
In a drying mode of operation the harvester device may be fixed mounted on the ground by supporting the rear end of the frame on the legs secured to the rear posts in a level position. Air from outside of the tank may be communicated through the outlet pipe 109 to a bottom of the tank such that operation of the blower causes air to be drawn in through the pipe to the bottom of the tank and subsequently through the product stored within the tank to be exhausted at the screen spanning the outlet at the top of the tank below the blower. The harvester device thus permits product to be dried in the same container that it is harvested in for improved quality of herbs and the like. An electrical heater in this instance is preferably mounted near the gate at the bottom end of the tank which is also electrically operated for receiving power from the generator 112 or a regular electric outlet.
Turning now a Figure 8, a hammer mill rnode of operation is illustrated in which a basket 120 connects to the suction head 30 'for enclosing the mouth opening 40 thereof. The basket 120 includes a face plate 12 °I which spans a forward facing portion of the mouth opening and a bottom plate 122, spanning transversely to the face plate, which is slidably received between the end plates 46 of the suction head below the rotating tines 48 to enclose a downward facing portion of the mouth opening. A hinge plate 124 is pivoted along a horizontal axis parallel to the rotating bar 50 supporting the rotating tines 48. The hinge plate 124 is movable into a horizontal position projecting forwardly and enclosing a top side of the suction head over a portion of the end plates 46 which projects forvvardly from the funnel portion 42.
With the suction head enclosed, rotates of the tines 48 acts as a hammer mill as seed can be contained therein to assist in cracking the seed open.
In operation, a set of chains may be mounted in front of the suction head to dangle well ahead of the rotating tines and oti-ier working components of the suction head. The chains would alert small birds o~r animals and the like to move away from the path of the harvester device.
While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in the foregoing, it is to be understood that other embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention. The invention is tc~ be considered limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.
USETHEREOF
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present irwention relates to a device for harvesting in agriculture and more particularly relates to a device for harvesting product including crops, seeds, insects or particulate material as examples, when displaced across a field and optionally for subsequently drying the product. OnE: particular use of the harvester device involves the harvesting of insects, far example grasshoppers.
BACKGROUND
Certain crops in agriculture are difficult to harvest due to the closeness of the crop to the ground and small size thereof. In other instances it is desirable to harvest seeds or harvest crops with seeds at peak dryness, however seeds are commonly lost to the ground using conventional harvesting techniques when harvesting dry crops.
In addition to harvesting crops, it may also be desirable to collect insects from crop areas to reduce the harmful effects of thE~ inserts on the crops, however conventional harvesting techniques lack this ability as well. Collected insects are considered good feed for animals and the like.
SUMMARY
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a harvester device supported for movement across a field in a forward working direction, the device comprising:
a suction head having a mouth opening facing into the forward working direction;
suction means for drawing air into the mouth opening of the suction head; and a collection area for receiving material drawn into the mouth opening by the suction means.
The suction means are preferably located downstream from the collection area. Communication of the suction head with the collection area and communication of the suction means with the collection area are preferably spaced apart in this instance.
Communication of the suction head with the collection area may be oriented to produce a cyclonic movement of air within the collection area.
For certain applications, there may be provided a cutter bar supported within the suction head transversely to the forward working direction.
Preferably, the cutter bar is selectively mounted on the suction head using threaded fasteners.
The cutter bar may be supported on the suction head for height adjustment thereof.
A plurality of rotary tines are supported within the suction head in combination with the use of a cutter bar.
There may also be provided a forward projecting plate supported above the mouth opening of the suction head above the cutter bar.
There may be provided a vibrator mecrianism supported on the suction head for inducing a vibration in a crop through which the device is advanced in the forward working direction.
The vibrating mechanism preferably includes a plurality of downward projecting tines spanning the mouth opening of the suction head.
There may be provided a pair of loader arm mounts adjustably mounted at spaced apart positions on a rear end of the device for being supported on the loader arms of a loader. Adjustment of height and tilt at a rear end is accomplished by adjusting height and tilt of the loader arms in this instance, whereas a front end of the device can also be supported on height adjustable wheels.
The suction head is preferably elongate, extending transversely to the forward working direction.
When a plurality of tines are supported for rotation within the suction head, a rear wall of the suction head may be curved downwardly and forwardly below the rotating tines to follow a contour of a sweep area of the pines.
The rear wall of the suction head may also be pivoted about a horizontal axis lying transversely to the forward working direction along a top end of the rear wall to follow ground contours or crop density as it pivots.
Passage means are preferably located in communication with a bottom of the collection area for introducing drying air into the bottom of the collection area in a drying mode of operation of the harvester device and for vacuuming out contents of the tank when unloading certain types of products likes insects.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of harvesting insects, the method comprising:
providing a harvester device including a suction head having a mouth opening, suction means for drawing air into the mouth opening of the suction head, and a collection area for receiving material drawn into the mouth opening by the suction means;
advancing the device across a field in a forward working direction with the mouth opening facing into the forward working direction; and drawing air and insects into the mouth opening and subsequently into the collection area.
The method may include providing tines on the suction head and vibrating the tines as the device is advanced across the field.
In some applications, several individual units may be fastened side by side to harvest a greater width with each pass across the field.
This invention relates to new and usE;ful improvements to harvesters and drying equipment, particularly for harvesting crops that are subject to seedpod shattering, as well as seed crops that the seedpod is at the top of the plant as a canopy such as caraway.
This invention also relates to herbs, including oregano or caraway seed for example, that requires the cutting of the. herb and for seed, dependant on the size of the field, and would allow for the contained drying of the herb or seed within the harvester to maintain its freshness. Each herb would have its own harvester/dryer so as not to cross contaminate the aromatic influence of other herbs.
This invention also relates to the harvesting of grasshoppers and other invasive similar insects. The grasshopper due to its high protein content (approximately 44%), also has a potential as a feed crop.
This invention also relates to the harvesting of flying insects such as the mayfly and locusts. As the harvester incorporates electricity, a light could be used at night to attract insects to the tank inlet where they would be sucked into the tank by action of the blower. A screen would be fastened across the inlet having a mesh spacing suitable to allow insects to pass through while restricting access to birds and the like.
This invention, due to its design would allow specific growers to enlarge their crops and reduce labour costs due to the mechanisation of the harvest.
The invention, also by its design, would harvest all materials within its scope, which would include weed seeds, which could be separated from the intended harvested materials at a later time.
Certain crops, such as birdsfoot trefoil or canola must be swathed when the plants are slightly damp to curtail seed loss. The windrows are then turned over _5_ as the top portion dries. When it is determined that the plants are dry enough, weather permitting, they are then put through the thrashing machine.
This invention overcomes these liabilities by allowing the crops to be harvested dry, at the apex of their development, in dry weather and to be able to retain as much seed as is possible, A variety of crops could be harvested by specific types of interchangeable attachments.
The loader/tractor should have at least a 3 hydraulic system, for the harvester to work to its full capacity. It becomes part of the harvester.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
in the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention:
Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the harvester device shown mounted on a loader tractor with a light attachment shown mounted in dotted line.
Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the harvester device.
Figure 3 is a front elevationai view of the frame of the harvester device with the suction head and tank removed therefrom.
Figure 4 is a top plan view of the harvester device.
Figures 5A, 5B and 5C are respective top plan, front elevational and side elevational views of the suction head with a cutter bar and bottom plate shown attached to the suction head.
Figures 6A, 6B and 6C are respective top plan, front elevational and side elevational views of the suction head with rotating tines mounted therein.
Figures 7A, 7B and 7C are respective top plan, front elevational and side elevational views of the suction head with a vibrator mechanism shown mounted thereon.
Figure 8 is an end elevational view of the suction head in a hammer mill mode of operation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the accompanying drawings there is illustrated a harvester device generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The device is particularly useful for harvesting seeds, low lying and higher crops, insects and like particulate material to be collected from a field.
The device includes a frame 12 which is supported for movement across the ground in a forward working direction 14. The frame includes a square base frame 16 comprised of spaced apart side rails connected by front and rear crossbars.
A set of four corner posts 18 extend vertically ulaward from the base frame at respective corners of the base frame. An intermediate frame 20 similar to the base frame is also square in configuration, comprised of side rails spaced apart from one another joined by cross bars at respective front and rear ends thereof. The intermediate frame spans the corner posts 18 spaced above the base frame. An annular tank frame 22 is mounted at a top end of the corner posts 18 for supporting a tank 24 thereon.
A pair of loader brackets 26 are mounted at spaced positions spanning between the rear cross bars of the base frame 16 arid the intermediate frame 20 for mounting the frame at the rear end thereof on a loader, or combine and the like. The loader brackets each include vertically spaced mounting holes therein and are arrange to be either bolted or welded onto the frame 12 ire an adjustable manner to accommodate varying sizes of loader arm widths.
A set of support arms 28 are mounted on a front of the frame 12 to project forwardly therefrom in pairs. A pair of the support arms 28 projects horizontally forward from each of the base frame 16 and the intermediate frame 20 for _ 7 _ supporting a suction head 30 of the device thereon. A support frame 32 spans the front ends of the support arms 28 for mounting the suction head thereon.
A front pair of the posts 18 include hydraulic actuators 34 mounted alongside thereof which support castors 36 at a bottom end thereof such that the front end of the frame is supported for rolling movement along the ground. The hydraulic actuators 34 permit a height and tilt of the frame relative to the castors supported on the ground to be adjusted.
A pair of legs 38 are adjustably mounted along side a rearward pair of the posts 18 for supporting the frame in a horizontal and level position on the ground when in storage. In use the legs 38 are removed or raised by using hydraulics or by removing threaded fasteners which secure the legs to the frame such that the rear end of the frame is supported on the loader brackets 26 in a manner in which the height and tilt of the frame at the rear end thereof is adjusted by raising and lowering the height and adjusting the tilt of the loader arms.
The suction head 30 comprises an elongate enclosure which extends in a longitudinal direction perpendicularly to the forward working direction. The enclosure includes a mouth opening 40 formed along a bottom and front side thereof to face downwardly and infio the direction of travel for collecting material therethrough.
A top side of the enclosure is in open communication with a funnel portion 42 which tapers upwardly towards a tube 44 which couples the suction head to the tank 24.
Each end of the suction head is enclosed by an end wall 46.
Mounted within the suction head are a plurality of tines 48 which project radially from a bar 50 supported for rotation about a longitudinal axis thereof. The rotating bar 50 is supported horizontally and perpendicular to the forward working direction. The tines which project radially from the bar 50 are rigid and rotated in a direction to be displaced upwardly at a front side of the suction head.
_ $ _ A rear wall 52 of the enclosure forming a suction head is hinged along a top end thereof parallel to the rotating bar. The wall is curved downwardly and forwardly to follow a contour of the sweep area of the rotating tines 48. By permitting the rear wall to be hinged, the wall can be deflected) reann~ardly if required to permit the suction head to follow more closely to the ground or crops without risk of damage.
A forward flange 54 is mounted above the mouth opening to project forwardly from the suction head to define a canopy hovering above the mouth opening in use. The forward flange 54 comprises a plate which adjustably mounts on the suction head using threaded fasteners and the like to permit mounting in different positions depending on the different applications of the harvester device.
The funnel portion 42 includes an upright rear wall 56 and a front wall 58 which tapers upwardly and rearwardly towards the rear wall to narrow towards a top end while similarly including end walls which extend upwardly and inwardly at an incline to meet at the tube 44. A deflector 60 is supported within the suction head at a top end thereof before communication with the funnel 42 to act as a venturi which partially restricts the flow into the funnel by narrowing the passage and accelerating the flow therethrough. The deflector 60 generally comprises a forward projection which is tapered into the direction of flow while extending forwardly along the full length of the rear wall of the funnel so that the flow is directed forwardly towards the front wall of the funnel as it is drawn into the suction head and subsequently the tube 44. The deflector 60 projects farther forward at central portion than at respective ends of the suction head to produce a narrower passage centrally than at opposed ends of the suction head. The deflector is sloped laterally outward and rearward from an apex at the centre to the ends such that the passage through the funnel gradually increases in cross-sectional area from the centre outwards to draw more air from the ends of the suction head than at the centre.
The tube 44 extends upwardly from the funnel towards the tank to communicate through a cylindrical side wall 62 of the tank 24. Direction of the tube is oriented to extend substantially in a circumferencial direction at the point of communication with the cylindrical side wall of the tank surf ~ that flow is induced into a vortex within the tank whereby cyclonic action of the flow causes product material to fall to bottom of the tank about the circumference thereof while a blower 64 downstream of the tank draws air upwardly through the centre of the tank to the outlet at the top end of the tank.
A screen 66 is provided spaced above tine communication of the tube 44 forming the inlet of the tank, towards a top end of the tank. The screen spans a circular outlet opening in the top of the tank through which the blower 64 communicates to exhaust air through the open top end of the tank. The blower 64 is mounted within a retainer ring on the tank and sea~ied with respect to the tank by means of a suitable gasket 68. Positioning tabs 70~ align the blower with the tank.
Centrally located within the screen is a cap with depending walls forming a vortex protector.
Product is removed from the tank through an opening 72 at a bottom of the tank. A gate 74 spans 'the opening 72 and is hinged along one side thereof for movement between an open position and a closed position sealing the opening 72 of the tank shut. A chute 76 is mounted below the opening 72 to be aligned therewith.
The chute 76 extends down~vardly and outwardly at an incline from a top end spaced below the gate 74 to a bottom end extending laterally outwardly on an opposing side from the hinge of the gate 74.
A latching mechanism supported below the gate includes a generally U-shaped latching bar 78 including a pair side members positioned forwardly and rearwardly of the gate and pivoted at a bottom end and mounting a roller 79 at a top end spanning between the sides thereof. The roller T9 is oriented for rotation about a longitudinal axis lying parallel to the forward working direction and the hinge of the gate 74. When the sides of the bar 78 are oriented vertically upward the roller is positioned to lie directly beneath the gate in the closed position thereof, extending centrally thereacross.
By pivoting the bar 78 about respective pivots at the bottom of the side members thereof the roller is pivoted towards the hinge whereby arcing movement of the roller reduces the height thereof to permit the gate to be opened with the free end of the gate being aligned to contact the chute 76 so that ~>roduct dispensed through the opening by the gate lands on the chute to be dispensed from the device.
Movement of the bar 78 to open and close the gate is controlled manually or by a rotary electric motor 80 which rotates an actuator rod 82 coupled to the bar 78 at both ends thereof by a cable and suitable pulleys supported on each of the posts 18 of the frame. Rotation of the motor 80 in one direction resuVts in the cables pulling the bar in a open direction while reverse rotation of the motor results in the gate being pulled in the closed direction. Stops 84 are mounted on the frame for engagement with the bar 78 in the fully open position such that the bar rests thereon and bears the weight of the gate instead of bearing weight on the pulleys and cables.
Turning now to Figures 5A through 5C one particular application of the harvester is shown in greater detail in which a cutter bar 90 is mounted on the suction head for use in cutting low lying crops, for example spinach or various types of herbs.
The cutter bar is a sickle type cutter which extends longitudinally between opposing ends of the suction head near a bottom side thereof. A botaom plate 92 encloses the bottom side of the suction head so that all air is drawn in through the open front side thereof. The cutter bar 90 is mounted onto the suction head using threaded fasteners or other selective and height adjustable mounting means to permit the height of the -~1-cutter bar relative to the suction head to be adjusted.
Preferably the cutter bar is located near a bottom side of the suction head with the height of the suction head being adjusted using the hydraulics of the castor wheels on the frame or tilt of the loader arms so that the cutter bar just slightly skims over the ground. The forward flange 54 is selected in this instance to be mounted directly adjacent the front wall of the funnel in a sealing engagement therewith to act as a canopy above the height of the crops.
An additional front face plate 94 is adjustably mounted using threaded fasteners and the like to project downwardly from the forn~ard flange 54 to partially obstruct the top end of the i~ront mouth opening of the suction head. The downward free end of the face plate 94 is positioned to be approximately aligned with the tops of the crop being harvested. l~/hen harvesting leafy crops such as spinach for example, the rotary tines 48 are not rotated and remain fixed in position or are removed. For crops such as herbs and the like it may be preferable to rotate the tines by means of an electric motor 98 coupled at one end of the rotating bar 50 by a chain drive 96 so that the bar is rotated by the electric motor while the sickle cutter is operating.
Turning now to figures 6A through 6C a basic operation of the suction head is illustrated in which the cutter bar is removed. In this instance the bottom and front sides of the suction head remain open while the tines are rotated for harvesting crop materials while preventing seed loss. Only the seeds may be collected by rotating the tines without having cut the crop as the tires act to shake the seeds loose from the planted crops while the deflector 60 produces an accelerated airflow within the suction head to draw the seeds up into the funnel once shaken loose. A
forward flange 54 may be provided which is particularly suited to the type of crop or seeds being harvested. The height of the suction head in i:his instance is preferably set at the seed height of a planted crop.
Turning now to figures 7A through 7n a vibrator mechanism 100 is shown for attachment to the suction head for collection of insects. The vibrator mechanism includes a plurality of vertically oriented tines 102 depending from a top plate 104 supported on the suction head by springs 100. Tines 102 are spaced horizontally from one another and are positioned to project downwardly across the mouth opening of the suction head at a rearward incline. ~-he springs 106 permit the tines to be movable relative to the suction head by action of a vibrating motor 108 centrally mounted on the top plate 104. The forward flange 54 may be mounted forwardly from the tines or may project from the top plate 104 of the tines to act as a canopy for trapping jumping and flying insects. An additional feature may include the use of an electrical discharge device for killing the insects. In operation the vibrating motor causes the tines to vibrate while rotation of thE: tines 48 is stopped or the tines are removed. ~y advancing the vibrating tines 10~'. through a crop, insects and in particular grasshoppers, are induced to jump upwardly in front of the suction head to be collected and draw in by movement of air through the mouth opening and into the tank.
Removal of insects from the tank can be accomplished through an outlet pipe 109 adjustably mounted in the gate 74 at the bottom of the tank. The outlet pipe can be opened or closed as desired and does not: affect norms! operation of the device 10 as described above when closed. When the outlet pipe 109 is opened, a vacuum device coupled to the pipe 109 can be used to dravrv the collected insects out of the tank without the expected losses that might occur if the gate 74 where opened to remove the insects.
The device may also be used as a stand alone device to collect insects by disconnecting the suction head 30 along with the funnel and tube 44 from the tank 24. The inlet into the tank has a screen and a light source installed therein in this _13_ instance for attracting insects and subsequently collecting the insects in the tank by operating the blower to produce suction at the inlet of the tank formerly occupied by tube 44 as illustrated in dotted line in Figure 1.
When the harvester device is used with a loader 110 a generator 112 is supported on a three point hitch 114 of the loader or is pulled on wheels and provides power to the motor for rotating the tines, the vibrator mechanism and the motor for operating the gate latch which are all electrically operated, as well as providing power to any heaters used.
In a drying mode of operation the harvester device may be fixed mounted on the ground by supporting the rear end of the frame on the legs secured to the rear posts in a level position. Air from outside of the tank may be communicated through the outlet pipe 109 to a bottom of the tank such that operation of the blower causes air to be drawn in through the pipe to the bottom of the tank and subsequently through the product stored within the tank to be exhausted at the screen spanning the outlet at the top of the tank below the blower. The harvester device thus permits product to be dried in the same container that it is harvested in for improved quality of herbs and the like. An electrical heater in this instance is preferably mounted near the gate at the bottom end of the tank which is also electrically operated for receiving power from the generator 112 or a regular electric outlet.
Turning now a Figure 8, a hammer mill rnode of operation is illustrated in which a basket 120 connects to the suction head 30 'for enclosing the mouth opening 40 thereof. The basket 120 includes a face plate 12 °I which spans a forward facing portion of the mouth opening and a bottom plate 122, spanning transversely to the face plate, which is slidably received between the end plates 46 of the suction head below the rotating tines 48 to enclose a downward facing portion of the mouth opening. A hinge plate 124 is pivoted along a horizontal axis parallel to the rotating bar 50 supporting the rotating tines 48. The hinge plate 124 is movable into a horizontal position projecting forwardly and enclosing a top side of the suction head over a portion of the end plates 46 which projects forvvardly from the funnel portion 42.
With the suction head enclosed, rotates of the tines 48 acts as a hammer mill as seed can be contained therein to assist in cracking the seed open.
In operation, a set of chains may be mounted in front of the suction head to dangle well ahead of the rotating tines and oti-ier working components of the suction head. The chains would alert small birds o~r animals and the like to move away from the path of the harvester device.
While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in the foregoing, it is to be understood that other embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention. The invention is tc~ be considered limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A harvester device supported for movement across a field in a forward working direction, the device comprising:
a suction head having a mouth opening facing into the forward working direction;
suction means for drawing air into the mouth opening of the suction head; and a collection area for receiving material drawn into the mouth opening by the suction means.
a suction head having a mouth opening facing into the forward working direction;
suction means for drawing air into the mouth opening of the suction head; and a collection area for receiving material drawn into the mouth opening by the suction means.
2. The device according to Claim 1 wherein the suction means are located downstream from the collection area.
3. The device according to Claim 2 wherein communication of the suction head with the collection area and communication of the suction means with the collection area are spaced apart.
4. The device according to Claim 2 wherein communication of the suction head with the collection area is oriented to produce a cyclonic movement of air within the collection area.
5. The device according to Claim 1 wherein there is provided a cutter bar supported within the suction head transversely to the forward working direction.
6. The device according to Claim 5 wherein the cutter bar is selectively mounted on the suction head using threaded fasteners.
7. The device according to Claim 5 wherein the cutter bar is supported on the suction head for height adjustment thereof.
8. The device according to Claim 5 wherein a plurality of rotary tines are supported within the suction head.
9. The device according to Claim 5 wherein there is provided a forward projecting plate supported above the mouth opening of the suction head above the cutter bar.
10. The device according to Claim 1 wherein there is provided a vibrator mechanism supported on the suction head for inducing a vibration in a crop through which the device is advanced in the forward working direction.
11. The device according to Claim 10 wherein the vibrating mechanism includes a plurality of downward projecting tines spanning the mouth opening of the suction head.
12. The device according to Claim 1 wherein there is provided a pair of loader arm mounts adjustably mounted at spaced apart positions on a rear end of the device for being supported on the loader arms of a loader.
13. The device according to Claim 12 wherein a front end of the device is supported for rolling movement along the ground on height adjustable wheels.
14. The device according to Claim 1 wherein the suction head is elongate, extending transversely to the forward working direction.
15. The device according to Claim 14 wherein there is provided a forward projecting plate mounted on the suction head to project forwardly above the mouth opening.
16. The device according to Claim 14 wherein a plurality of tines are supported for rotation within the suction head and wherein a rear wall of the suction head is curved downwardly and forwardly below the rotating tines to follow a contour of a sweep area of the tines.
17. The device according to Claim 14 wherein a rear wall of the suction head is pivoted about a horizontal axis lying transversely to the forward working direction along a top end of the rear wall.
18. The device according to Claim 1 wherein there is provided passage means communicating with a bottom of the collection area for introducing drying air into the bottom of the collection area in a drying mode of operation of the harvester device.
19. A method of harvesting insects comprising:
providing a harvester device including a suction head having a mouth opening, suction means for drawing air into the mouth opening of the suction head, and a collection area for receiving material drawn into the mouth opening by the suction means;
advancing the device across a field in a forward working direction with the mouth opening facing into the forward working direction; and drawing air and insects into the mouth opening and subsequently into the collection area.
providing a harvester device including a suction head having a mouth opening, suction means for drawing air into the mouth opening of the suction head, and a collection area for receiving material drawn into the mouth opening by the suction means;
advancing the device across a field in a forward working direction with the mouth opening facing into the forward working direction; and drawing air and insects into the mouth opening and subsequently into the collection area.
20. The method according to Claim 19 including providing tines on the suction head and vibrating the tines to agitate insects as the device is advanced across the field.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2436677 CA2436677A1 (en) | 2003-08-07 | 2003-08-07 | Harvester and dryer device and method of use thereof |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2436677 CA2436677A1 (en) | 2003-08-07 | 2003-08-07 | Harvester and dryer device and method of use thereof |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2436677A1 true CA2436677A1 (en) | 2005-02-07 |
Family
ID=34120696
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2436677 Abandoned CA2436677A1 (en) | 2003-08-07 | 2003-08-07 | Harvester and dryer device and method of use thereof |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2436677A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN105325116A (en) * | 2015-12-10 | 2016-02-17 | 中国科学院海洋研究所 | Method for obtaining halophyte provenance |
| CN113455187A (en) * | 2021-06-03 | 2021-10-01 | 安徽农之源生态农业有限公司 | Pollen collecting and preserving method for prolonging pollen vitality |
-
2003
- 2003-08-07 CA CA 2436677 patent/CA2436677A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN105325116A (en) * | 2015-12-10 | 2016-02-17 | 中国科学院海洋研究所 | Method for obtaining halophyte provenance |
| CN113455187A (en) * | 2021-06-03 | 2021-10-01 | 安徽农之源生态农业有限公司 | Pollen collecting and preserving method for prolonging pollen vitality |
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