GB2188822A - Crop harvesting apparatus and methods - Google Patents

Description

1 GB 2 188 822 A 1

SPECIFICATION

Crop harvesting apparatus and methods The present invention relates to apparatus for, and methods of, harvesting crop. The invention is concerned with detaching from the stems or other plant parts of standing crop, seeds, seed-bearing parts, leaves, twigs, flowers, or other predetermined required portion of the crop, collecting the required portion, and leaving the remaining stripped parts of the crop standing in the field. The invention has particular but not exclusive application in the harvesting of grain crops, such aswheat, oats, barley, and rice.

The invention also has application in the stripping of leaves, young shoots, and sometimes blossom from crops. Examples include lucerne (alfalfa) leavesfor protein production, and the leaves and flowers of herbs and other crops used forthe extraction of es- sential oils and other constituents.

It is an object of the present invention to provide improved apparatus forand methods of stripping required partsfrom a standing crop, usuallythe most valuable parts of the crop, namelythe seed, leaves, and/orflowers. It is an objectof the invention to overcome many of the disadvantages of known harvesting methods and devices, and to simplify, hasten and make less expensive the harvesting process.

According to the present invention in a first aspect there is provided apparatus for harvesting crop from rows of crops comprising a mobile frame for movement overthe ground along a crop row, moveable support means mounted for driven movement relativeto the frame, a plurality of outwardly projecting crop engaging elements mounted on the moveable support means, guide means for co-operating with the crop engaging elements to form a crop flow passage, and drive means for driving the moveable support means to carrythe elements upwardly at a front region of the apparatus so as to detach from standing crop predetermined required parts of the crop and to movethe detached crop parts along the crop flow passage, the crop engaging elements being arranged to project forwardly when engaging stand- ing crop and being adapted to be aligned in operation with the crop rows being harvested, each element having a pair of inwardly converging edges for gathering crop of a row and a transverse surface for moving the detached crop parts along the crop flow passage.

The invention encompasses apparatus fordetaching from the stems or other plant parts of standing crop, seeds, seed-bearing parts, leaves, twigs, flowers andlor other predetermined required parts of the crop, by rubbing and/or breaking and/ortearing the parts from the stems.

Bythe term standing crop is meant crop in the field before any harvesting operation has been carried out on it, forexample before any cutting operation, and theterm standing crop includes crop which may be laid, leaning, ortwisted, as well as uprightcrop.

By a transverse surface is meant a surfacewhich lies substantially in a planewhich extends principally transverseto the direction of movementof the el- ement. The plane of the surface may conveniently be 130 substantially flat, but in some arrangements may be curved, preferably slightly concave.

Preferablythe apparatus includes laterallyspaced apart crop row dividers mounted on the mobile frame and protruding forwardly for entering between crop rows.

In accordancewith a particularly preferred feature of the invention,there is provided atthejunction of said inwardly converging edges a space for allowing stripped remaining crop partsto be releasedfrom theelements and/orfor providing edges of theelements adapted to strip required partsfrom the crop.

In some arrangements each element includes at the junction of the said inwardly converging edges an inwardly extending slot aligned along the general direction of forward movement of the apparatus.

In a particularly preferred form the said inwardly converging edges lead to a relief space having edges which diverge from each other in the direction away from the distal tips of the elements. Preferably the said relief space is formed directly between the inwardly converging edges by re-entrant edges leading away from the inwardly converging edges. Alternatively a said relief space is formed atthe end of the said inwardly extending slot. In some arrangements morethan one relief space is provided in the region between the inwardly converging edges.

It is a particularly preferred feature of the invention thatthe edges of the relief spaces are adapted to de- tach crop partsfrom regions of the standing crop which faceforwardly relative to the intended direction of movement of the apparatus.

In preferred constructions of the invention, at least some of the crop engaging elements have re-entrant edges.

Another preferred feature of the invention is that the outer sides of the elements are substantially parallel to the intended direction of forward movement of the machine along the crop row. In some preferred forms at least some of the edges of the elements has a raised, ramp- shaped lip leading from the said transverse surface. Also in preferred forms each outer side of the elements has an inclined wing protruding forwardly relative to the direction of move- ment of the element through the crop, and inclined to the said transverse surface.

Preferablythe drive means is arranged to drive the crop stripping elements at a speed such that detached crop parts are impelled along the crop flow passage and do not reside to any substantial extent on the moving elements.

Preferably the drive means is arranged to drive the crop stripping elements at a tip speed greater than 5 m/s, most preferably at a tip speed in the range 5to 15 m/s.

Preferably the crop stripping elements are resiliently mounted, and/or made of flexible resilient material. Preferablythe guide means comprises a cover extending around at least part of the region atwhich the crop engaging elements move atthefront region of the apparatus. Preferably each said transverse surface for impelling detached crop parts along the crop flow passage is substantiallyf lat.

Preferablythe said moveable support means comprises a rotor, but may alternatively comprise an en- 2 GB 2 188 822 A 2 diessconveyor.

In some arrangements the crop engaging el ements are arranged in rows transverse to the direc tion of forward movement of the apparatus. Prefer ably the said crop stripping elements are arranged with succeeding elements along the support means in registerwith one another.

There is also provided in accordance with the pre sent invention a method of harvesting crop from rows of crops comprising moving along a crop row through a standing crop a harvesting apparatus, moving upwardly at a front region of the apparatus a plurality of outwardly projecting crop engaging el ements, engaging the standing crop bythe moving elements when projecting forwardly relativetothe direction of movement of the apparatus, detaching from standing crop predetermined required parts of the crop, conveying the detached crop parts along a crop flow passage bytransverse surfaces of crop en gaging elements, and collecting the detached crop 85 parts,the method including the steps of engaging the crop byelements which are aligned in operation with the crop rows being harvested, gathering the crop of a row between inwardly converging edges of crop engaging elements, stripping crop parts bythe elements, and moving the detached crop parts along the crop flow passage bytransverse surfaces of the elements.

It is a feature of the present invention thatthe crop engaging elements are preferably moved at a re latively high speed. A number of criteria can be used to establish the required high speed, for examplethe speed of movement of the crop engaging elements relative to the frame will normally be setto be sub stantially greaterthan the forward speed of move ment of the frame, and set at a speed such asto propel the stripped material in a fast moving stream along the crop f low passage defined between the guide means and the crop engaging elements. Pre ferablythetip speed of the crop engaging elements is greaterthan 5 m/s, conveniently within the app roximate range 5 to 15 mls. The forward speed of the frame may be in a range up to 15 km/hour, preferably in the range 3 to 9 km/hour.

A distinction of row crops from cereal crops isjor example, thatthe row spacing is very much greater, and that row crops have stems several timesthe dia meter of cereal crops. For cereals the spacing might be 125 to 175 mm, and for row crops the spacing might be 200 to 750 mm. The stem diameterforcer eals might be 3 to 6 mm. The stem diameterfor row crops might be 8 to 40 mm. Row crops growvery much taller, for example 2 m or more. Another differ ence is that often the material being harvestedjor example cobs, occurs relatively low down the stem, whereas with cereal crops the material being harves ted is all positioned atthe head of the crop. Examples of rowcrops include maize, sorghum, oil seed rape, and field beans.

Therewill now be introduced a number of further features of the invention, $let out in an independent second, broad, aspect, applicable in harvesting apparatus generally.

According to the present invention in an indepen dent, broad, second aspect, there is provided appar- atus for harvesting crop comprising: a mobileframe for movement overthe ground; moveable support means mounted for driven movement relative to the frame; a plurality of outwardly projecting crop en- gaging elements mounted on the moveable support means; guide means co- operating with the crop engaging elements to form a crop flow passage; and drive means for driving the moveable support means to carrythe elements upwardly at a front re- gion of the apparatus so as to detach from standing crop predetermined required parts of the crop and to movethe detached crop parts along the crop flow passage; when in combination with any one of any combination of the novel features set out in this specification.

Afirstfeature of the second aspect of the invention is concerned with the general arrangement of the crop engaging elements and the moveable support means on which they are mounted.

In accordance with a preferred feature the said moveable support means is a rotor and the said elements are arranged in rows spaced circumferentially around the rotor and aligned substantially parallel to the axis of the rotor, the core of the rotor being shaped by a series of substantially planar surfaces joining succeeding rows of elements around the rotor, each planar surface being substantially tangential where it abuts the base of the leading row of elements to which it adjoins, and being inclined to a tangent where it abuts the nextfollowing row of elements, relative to the direction of rotation of the rotor.

Preferably each planar surface of the rotor core is inclined to the said nextfollowing row of crop engag- ing elements at an angle between the leading face of the row of elements and the outerface of the planar surface in the range 11 Wto 140'.

Most preferably the said angle lies in the range 120'to 130'.

Preferably each substantially planarsurface of the core is a flat planarsurface. As an alternativeto being flatthe substantially planar surfaces of the rotor core may be concave orconvex.

In accordancewith another preferred feature each outwardly directed crop engaging element is inclined to a radius of the rotor passing through its base at an angle in the range 5 to 20'. Preferablythe said angle lies in the range 1Xto 17% Asecond feature of the second aspect of the inven- tion is concerned with the said guide meanswhich co-operates with the crop engaging elementsto form the crop flow passage.

In accordance with a preferred feature the said guide means comprises a cover extending around at least part of the region atwhich the crop engaging elements move upwardly and rearwardly, and one or more driven orfreely rotating rotors atthe intake region of the crop flow passage,there being provided meansforvarying the position of the rotor or rotors atthe intake region, in such a manner asto varythe vertical clearance between the rotoror rotors and the ground atthe intake region, and to varythe length of the hood to correspond tothe adjusted position of the intake rotor or rotors.

In accordance with another preferred feature the 3 GB 2 188 822 A 3 said guide means comprises a cover extending around at least part of the region of which the crop engaging elements move upwardly and rearwardly, the cover including a planar shelf-like member pro jecting rearwardly and providing the trailing edge of the cover in the crop entrance region, to arrest, re direct and hence aid recovery of forwardly projected crop particles, especially in conjunction with an auxiliaryfeed-assisting rotor in the crop intake re gion.

In one arrangementthe shelf-like memberis adju stable by movement forwardly or rearwardly sub stantially in the plane of the shelf-like member.

Athird feature of the second aspect of the inven tion is concerned with the shape and form of the crop engaging elements in which at least some of the crop engaging elements comprise crop stripping el ements each of which has at least one inclined edge for detaching crop parts from standing crop, and a transverse surface for impelling the detached crop parts along the crop flow passage.

In accordance with a preferred feature each crop stripping element is made from resilient synthetic plastics material, orthe like, and has a strip of metal or otherwear resistant material along the crop 90 stripping edge or edgesthereof.

In accordance with another preferred feature each crop stripping element has a raised ramp-shaped edge or lip on the said transverse surface for impel ling the detached crop parts along the crop flow pas sage, said ramp-shaped edge or lip being arranged to raise the trajectories of particles and to impel them along the crop flow passage, preferablyto impel par ticles into steeply upwardly directed recovery traject ories and into and along the crop flow passage.

In accordance with a further preferred feature each crop stripping element has upstanding ribs and/or outwardly angled wings for collecting and impelling stripped crop parts.

In accordance with a yetfurther preferred feature each element includes atthe junction of adjacent el ements an inwardly extending slot aligned along the general direction of forward movement of the appar atus, said inwardly extending slot including two or more relief spaces each defined by re-entrant edges of the crop stripping element, and/or said inwardly extending slot following a wave-shaped path so as to induce a lateral shaking motion in the stems of crop which pass to the said slot.

In accordance with another preferred feature, the guide means comprises a cover extending around at least part of the region at which crop engaging el ements move upwardly, and an auxiliary driven or freely rotating rotor atthe intake region of the crop flow passage, the auxiliary rotor having transverse ribs or paddles which are helically arranged to count eract any unevenness of operation of the crop en gaging elements in stripping crop.

In general it is a featurethat at least some of the crop engaging elements comprise crop stripping el- 125 ements each of which has at least one inclined edge for detaching required crop parts from standing crop, and a transverse surface for impelling the det ached crop parts along the crop flow passage.

In accordance with anotherfeature at least some of 130 the crop engaging elements comprise crop stripping elements each of which has a narrowtip for entering into and dividing crop, and has side edges for detaching the required crop parts, the said side edges diverging from each other in a direction awayfrom the distal tip of the element.

Preferably the said side edges diverge from each other over at least a quarter of the crop engaging length of the element, more preferably over at least a third of the crop engaging length of the element, and most preferably overthe major proportion of the crop engaging length of the element.

Preferably the said side edges diverge from each other awayfrom the distal tip of the element at a total included angle of about 300.

The elements may be of varying shapes which will be set out hereinafter, but it is preferred particularly thatthe distal tip region of each crop stripping element is pointed with the distal side edges diverging from the apex of the element, preferably the distal tip region having a transverse leading surface.

In accordance with one preferred feature of the invention in the second aspect there are provided on side edges of the crop stripping elements, and/or at thejunction of adjacent crop stripping elements, relief spaces for detaching crop parts bythe effect of edges of the spaces and for allowing stripped remaining crop parts to be released from the elements.

For example the crop stripping elements may be formed bythe teeth of a series of transverse combs mounted on the support means transverse to the dir ection of movement of the suppor t means, there being provided at the junction of adjacent side edges of adjacentteeth on a comb an aperture allowing stripped stems to be released from the comb, the said aperture having side edges adapted to strip the required parts from the crop stems.

In accordance with a preferred feature it may be provided that at least some of the relief spaces are defined by re-entrant edges of the elements adapted to strip crop parts from regions of the standing crop which faceforwardly relative to the intended direction of movement of the apparatus.

Conveniently the crop stripping elements are formed of synthetic plastics material, butthey may be made of metal or other materials of adequate strength and wear resistance.

The elements may comprise arrays of pointed, generally triang u lar teeth at the root of which are formed elongate straight or slanted recesses, to increase the duration and extent of the work done by the elements on the crop. There may also be provided circular, square, trapezoidal or other shapes of relief apertures widerthan the narrowest part of each recess between pairs of teeth, to enable seed heads stems, tillers or branches to receive all-round treatment, and after being stripped, to withdrawfrom the stripping space without interfering with incoming crop. In general it is preferred thattransverse arrays of crop stripping elements are arranged along the crop conveying means so that tips of successive rows followthe same path, butthis is not essential and elements may be variously staggered from row to row in some arrangements, for example being displaced laterally by half the tooth pitch.

4 GB 2 188 822 A 4 Consideringthe invention in general, itisto be appreciated that the actual processof strippingwill involve contact of different parts of the stripping elementswith the crop at differenttimes as the appar- atus moves forwardly into the crop during the upward movement of the elements. Preferablythe elements are shaped so that a progressive stripping action takes place as the machine moves forwardly and elements intrude to a greater extent into the crop.

The provision of a relief space or aperture atthe junction of each pair of adjacent stripping elements may be madefor detaching the required parts of the crop by engagement of the crop with the edges of an aperture atthejunction of each pair of adjacent elements, and forthe different, or additional, purpose of assisting release of crop from the elements after stripping. It is one particular preferred feature of the invention that such a relief space or aperture can be defined by a re-entrant edge and can assist in stripping required parts of the crop from the forward facing part of the stems which may not normally be engaged by the side edges of the elements.

Convenientlythe said moveable support means comprises either a rotor or a conveyor belt orsimilar endless elongate conveying means for moving the crop engaging elements along a path including the required portion moving upwardly and rearwardly at the front region of the apparatus.

In some preferred forms of the invention the guide means comprises a cover extending around at least part of the region atwhich the crop engaging elements move upwardly and rearwardly, and there are provided one or more driven orfreely rotating rotors atthe intake region of the crop flow passage.

In a preferred form, there may be included an adjustable housing extending around at least part of the roller or rollers for adjusting the amount of interaction of the roller or rollers with standing crop.

Thusthere may be provided underthe edge of a hood or cover over a crop stripping rotor embodying the invention, a freely rotating rotor, or undershot driven roller, optionally ribbed, fluted, dimpled, or otherwise profiled or provided with small curved or straightfines orteeth,,to counteract in undriven form 110 the tensile forces applied bythe stripping rotorto crop lying or leaning towardsthe rotor. When driven, such a roller acts to loosen or lift unfavourably presented crop before it makes contactwith the rotorin addition to directing into the crop flow passage part- 115 icles which arethrown towards it bythestripping combs. Instead of the single roileror rotor atthis position,there may be provided belowthe leading edge of thefront rotorcover a primary and a sec- ondary crop control rotorto servethe purposes given above, the secondary rotor providing a stripping function forthe primary rotor.

There may also be provided in some preferred forms of the invention particularly advantageous means for separating the detached parts of the crop into selected, different fractions. The low MOG content of stripper harvested material (that is to say material stripped in embodiments of the invention) make it possible to use particularly compactthreshing and separating systems.

The separating means may comprise a separating screen againstwhich the crop is propelled, the screen having spaces through which smaller parts of the crop pass, larger parts of the detached crop being deflected bythe screen, and/or by means of a rotary device against which the detached crop is propelled in such a mannerthat different fractions of the detached crop are directed differently bythe rotary device.

The separating means may be arranged so thatthe detached parts of the crop are propelled againstthe screen or rotary device bythe moving crop engaging elements on the moveable support means.

It may be arranged thatthe said screen directsthe largerfraction of the detached crop parts to means for rubbing, rethreshing or comminuting the crop parts.

It may also be arranged thatthe rotary device comprises a forwardly rotating transverse auger, the det- ached crop being directed towards the top-deadcentre position of the auger so that differentfractions of the detached crop are directed differently bythe auger. In thiswaythe short heavyfraction of stripped material may be directed rearwardly behind the auger and the bulky fraction forwardly and downwardly underthe auger.

In accordance with other preferred features, there are provided meansfor preventing or inhibiting escape of the detached parts of the cropfrom the apparatus.

In preferred arrangements, the meansfor preventing or inhibiting escape of detached parts of the crop may comprise a hanging check curtain of flexible material againstwhich detached crop parts are thrown atthe front or rearof the apparatus bythe moving crop engaging elements on the moveable support means; and/or one or more baffles or deflectors to prevent or reduce loss of detached crop parts due to ricochetting off a cover extending around the moving elements andlor due to bouncing out of a crop conveying means atthe rear of the moveable support means; and/or at least one pronounced reverse step atthe lowerfront region of a cover extending around at least part of the region in which the elements are moved upwardly and rearwardly by the moveable support means; and/or resilient lining of surfaces againstwhich detached crop parts arethrown.

In a preferred arrangement there are provided a series of reverse steps in a lower,front section of a cover or hood overa rotor,to re-direct descending crop particles backtowards the stripping mechanism.

In another preferred arrangement there may be provided an angularly and/or height adjustable hollow front section attached tothe lower end of a rotorcover, of minimal weight orcounter- balanced to rest and float on the crop canopy, to preventforward splash of crop particles and re-direct particles towards the stripping rotor. Such a protruding front section gives useful guidance on header height setting to the operator of self-propelled harvesters.

In accordance with yet further preferred features, at least some of the crop engaging elements corn- prise planar crop stripping elements having principal GB 2 188 822 A 5 planes transverse to the direction of movement of the elements, the elements being resiliently mounted, and/or made of flexible resilient material,to prevent or inhibit damage by impactwith the ground or 5 foreign objects.

It is a particularly preferred general featurethatthe crop engaging elements may be mounted in a position such as to engage crop unsupported by other components of the apparatus. In preferred embodiments, it may be arranged thatthe only components of the apparatus to enter into the crop and to divide and gatherthe crop in the region atwhich the said crop parts are stripped from the crop, are driven moving elements which are mounted on the said moveable support means.

It may also be arranged as a preferred general featurethatthe crop engaging elements are driven in movement in such a mannerthat detached crop parts do not resideto any substantial extent on the moving crop stripping elements. In particular it is preferred thatthe drive means is arranged to drive the elements at a speed sufficiently high to impel the detached crop parts along the crop flow passage and to release crop parts atthe rear at least predomi- nantly by centrifugal effect.

It is a generally preferred feature in all arrangements of the invention that each element may be an element having an overall width transverse to the direction of movement of the element which is grea- terthan itsthickness.

It may also be arranged as a preferred general feature that the leading crop engaging surface of each crop engaging element is a transverse, surface for impelling detached crop parts along the crop flow passage, each element having a principal plane transverse to the direction of movement of the element bythe support means.

In general,those aspects of the invention which have been described with reference to apparatus ac- cording to the invention, may also be provided with reference to methods of harvesting in accordance with the invention, and vice-versa.

It is a feature of the present invention thatthe crop engaging elements are preferably moved at a re- latively high speed.

In examples of preferred methods embodying the invention, a method of harvesting cereals may include moving the crop engaging elements relative to the frame at a speed such that the tip speed of the elements is in the range 10 to 25 m/s. In accordance with another preferred example, a method of harvesting lucerne (alfalfa) includes moving the crop engaging elements relative to the frame at a speed such that the tip speed of the elements is in the range 15to 30 m/s.

It is a general preferred feature of the present invention that the crop engaging elements may enter the crop with minimum disturbance, and move upwardlythrough the crop to strip the required parts of the crop withoutthe need forthe crop to be supported in an upright position by any stationary guide members projecting forwardly of the said moving crop engaging elements. It is to be appreciated that there may be provided in some arrangements additi- onal stationary lifting elements for raising the crop to the moving crop engaging elements in suitable mannerwherethe cropis laid, butthere is, at least in preferred embodiments of the invention, no requirement for stationary guide elements to hold the crop in the upright position during stripping in thevertical crop region swept bythe crop stripping elements.

As has been mentioned, the guide means will normally consist of or include a hood pr coveroverthe upwardly and rearwardly moving elements. It is pre- ferred thatthe said hood may be moveable either closerto orfurtherfrom the crop engaging elements, and/oraround a curved path around thefront of the path of movement of the elements. Wherethe elements are provided on a rotor, there may be prov- ided a concave plate underthe rotor, and this may also be adjustable, for example about a circular path centred on the axis of the rotor.

Particular advantage is obtained if there are provided means for adjusting the overhead hood, and an adjustable concave beneath a stripping rotor, since togetherthese adjustments limitthe intrusion of crop intothe rotor space, and give control of the degree of stripping and the manner of stripping the crop.

In accordance with anotherfeature of the invention, there may be provided means for adjusting the height of support means forthe crop engaging elements, either together with the height of the overhead hood, or independently of the height of the overhead hookcl to allow adjustment of the height at which the crop engaging elements enterthe crop and move upwardly through the crop.

The present invention has a number of applications, particularly in the harvesting of grain. The stripped material can be collected into trailers or bulk containers for transportation to a central plantfor processing. In the case of cereals and other seeds this may include completion of the threshing process and separation of the seed from material otherthan grain. Alternatively, particularly with cereals and - other seeds, the stripped material may be fed directly into a processing machine, such as a combine harvesterjor immediate threshing and cleaning. At a central plant or in thefield the material otherthan grain may be collected loose or pressed for utilisation.

Generally, the invention finds application in the harvesting of mature seeds and grains, in thevining of peas and in the defoliation of annular and perennial crops aswell as shrubs, including the non- destructive harvesting of leaves and shoots in one or repeated passes overthe crop.

The present invention provides a number of advantages as a result of onlythe seed-bearing parts of cereal, pulse, herbage and other crops being col- lected for passage through a harvester, such as a combine harvester. Because less unwanted material istaken in,the work rate and output of the harvester can be greatly increased, sometimes by a factor of two or more. The straw left standing will dryquickly after rain and can be burnt easily and completely (if it isto be disposed of in thisway), with the ash becoming uniformly distributed. If the straw isto be chopped for incorporation into the soil, communution mechanisms can be more effective with stand- ing straw than in windrowed straw because the 6 GB 2 188 822 A 6 stems are still attached to the ground. Even distribution of the chopped material is more easily achieved. If the straw is to be harvested, it can be readily cut by a windrower, for example attached at the front to a tractor which pulls and powers the harvesting machine at the rear. If desired the straw maybe cut immediately by a mowing mechanism of known design mounted behind the stripping header.

Embodiments of the invention will now be descri- bed byway of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side view in section of a crop row harvester embodying the invention; Figure 2 is a front, pa rt-sectional view of the crop row harvester shown in the direction of arrows AA in Figure 1; Figure3is a diagrammatic representation of a crop guide shown in Figure 1 in the direction of arrows BB in Figure 1; F1gure4shows in diagrammatic side viewa front part of the apparatus of Figure 1,when in operation; Figures5,6and 7showthreeforms of crop engag ing elementwhich may be used in the apparatus of Figure 1 and Figures 5(a), 6(a) and 7(a), show respect ive sections along linesAA in Figures 5,6 and 7; 90 Figures8and 8(a) show respectively dia grammatic plan and side views of a preferred form of crop stripper element which may be used in a row crop harvester embodying the invention, and Figure8(b) shows a sectional view of a support memberforthe element of one half of the crop stripper element and a support memberforthe el ement, in the direction of arrowsAA in Figure8; Figures9and 10 show respectively diagrammatic plan and sectional views of a further version of the element shown in Figure 8.

Figure 1 la is a diagrammatic side view in section of one general form of apparatus for harvesting crop, embodying the present invention; Figure 1 1b is a diagrammatic side view in section of an alternative general form of apparatus for har vesting crop, embodying the invention; Figure 1 lc is a diagrammatic side view in section of a further alternative general form of apparatus for harvesting crop, embodying the invention; Figures 12a to 12s show examples of different forms of crop stripping teeth embodying the present invention; Figure 13 is a perspective view from the front of crop harvesting apparatus embodying the invention, of the form shown generally in Figure 11 a; Figure 13a is a perspective viewfrom the rearof part of the main rotor shown in Figure 13; Figure 13b is a perspective view of an end portion of the main rotor shown in Figures 13 and 13a; Figure 13Yis an end view of the rotor shown in Figures 13 to 13b; Figure 13cshows in diagrammatic side view, partly in section, a harvesting apparatus embodying the invention and generally in the form of a con ventional combine harvester in which a stripping apparatus embodying the invention replacesthe conventional cutting table of the combine harvester; Figure 13dis an outline front view of a stripping apparatus embodying the invention, delivering det- ached material onto a transverse belt conveyor and then onto a cleated- belt elevator for delivery into a buiktrailer; Figure 13e is an outline plan view of the apparatus shown in Figure 13d; Figure 13f is an outline sideview, partly in section, of the stripper harvester shown in Figure 13d; Figure 14is a diagrammatic sido view in section of a modification of the apparatus of igurell,emb- odying the invention, showing a preferred form of rotor cover and rotor; Figure 14a is a diagrammatic side view in section of a modification of the apparatus of Figure 14, embodying the invention; Figure 15 is a diagrammatic side view in section of a modification of the apparatus of Figure 11, embodying the invention, in combination with a jogtrough crop transfer arrangement; Figure 16 is a diagrammatic side view in section of a modification of the apparatus of Fig u re 11, embodyingthe invention, illustrating use of a self cleaning airf loor for crop transfer; Figure 17is a diagrammatic side view in section of a modification of the apparatus of Figure 11, embodying the invention, showing a height adjustable auxiliary rotor atthe front of the stripping rotor cover; Figure 18 is a diagrammatic side view in section of a modification of the apparatus of Figure 17, emb- odying the invention; Figures 19 and 19a are diagrammatic sectional views of an auxiliary rotorwhich may be used in the apparatus of Figure 18; Figure20 is a diagrammatic side view in section of a modification of the apparatus of Figure 11, embodying the invention, in combination with a belt threshing mechanism; Figure21 isa diagrammatic side view in section of a modification of the apparatus of Figure 11, emb- odying the invention, illustrating use of a multi-rotor threshing mechanism; Figure22 is a diagrammatic side view in section of a modification ofthe apparatus of Figure 1 1,embodying the invention, showing co-rotating threshing drum arrangement; Figure23 is a diagrammatic plan view of oneform of crop engaging elementswhich may be used in the invention, having metal edging strips; and Figures24and 25show diagrammatic side and end views respectively of an element shown in Figure 23.

Referring to Figure 1 the apparatus comprises a mobile frame 12 on which is mounted a moveable support means which in the example shown is a rotor 11, carrying outwardly projecting crop engaging elements 15. The rotor 11 is driven in the socalled overshot mode so that the crop engaging elements 15 are moved in an upward direction atthe front of the apparatus. Guide means co-operatewith the crop engaging elements 15to form a cropfiow passage 33. In the example shown,the guide means are constituted by a hood orcover 18which extends around at least part of thefront half of the rotorand defines with the rotor elements 15the cropflow pas- sage 33 along which crop is conveyed by the rotor.

7 GB 2 188 822 A 7 The hood or cover 18 prevents forward projection of parts of the crop detached by the rotor 11.

In operation, rotation of the rotor 11 moves the crop engaging elements 15 so that the elements gather the crop and then move upwardly through the crop, gathering one or more crop stems. As the elements 15 reach the seed or fruit bearing parts of the crop the required parts to be detached are detached by rubbing and/or breaking a nd/or tearing the parts from the stems.

After the detachment, the required crop parts are conveyed upwardly and rearwardly over the rotor 11, and pass to crop conveying means positioned within a collecting trough 28 having a front wall 29 in close proximity to the rear of the rotor 11. Usually the crop transfer means wil I include means fortransferring crop laterally, eg an auger 27, and means for conveying the crop rearwardly, eg a slatted chain conveyor31.

Figure4 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 in operation, and illustrates the sequence of guiding and stripping a row crop resembling a hybrid between maize and sunflowers. Forsuch cropsthe stripping rotordiameter may be in excess of 1 m and thatthe numberof transverse rows of stripping elements can be greaterthan the eightshown. The dimensions of the stripping elements may be adapted to suit specific applications, particularly the element length, the width to length ratio, the angle of the crop engaging edges, and the size and inclination of wings which may be provided along the outer sides of the elements.

With referenceto Figure 2,there is provision for the lateral spacing of the stripping elements on the rotor coreto be adjustable,to adaptthe rotorquickly and easilyto differentcrops. For example, the elements may be located in transverse channeiswith provision forclamping or locking them in position. Moreover, the circumferential position of elements covering adjacentcrop rows may be offset, sothat the drive torque characteristic of the stripping rotor is smoothed out. That is to say, thatthe elements need not be positioned in straight rows parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor.

Section AA of Figure 1 is shown in Figure 2 and indicates thatthe elements 15 are laterally spaced apart to coincide with the row spacing of the crop. Between sets of circumferentially aligned stripping elements 15 there is provided hingedly attached to the front of the harvestertable a divider assembly 112 which protrudes forwardly into the spaces between crop rows. The dividers 112 have the purpose of deflecting upwardly and sideways any crop stems or parts which are misaligned in respect to the strip- ping elements 15. It is arranged thatthe stripping rotor 11 and hood 18 can be raised and lowered independently of such dividers 112 above a minimum setting.

As shown in Figure 2, there may optionally be attached to the main body of the crop divider 112 a central, upwardly projecting bow divider 113. Atthe sides are rearwardly and upwardly extending crop guides 114, which may be provided with angular adjustment. Attached to the front of the lower hood section 18 are optional upper crop guides 11 5whose lateral spacing also coincides with the row spacing. At the front of also coincides with the row spacing. At thefront of each uppercrop guide 115 is a flared intake section 116. The apex of the cross-sectional shape of an upper guide 115 lies on the vertical plane which passesthrough the centre of the recesses 21 in the stripping elements 15. Figure 3'shows a section through the upper crop guide 115 in the direction of arrows BB in Figure 1. Asupport strut 117 abovethe uppercrop guide 115 may be designed to adjustthe inclination of the guide 115.

It should be noted thatthe crop dividers can take manyforms and may be pivoted orsuspended in many differentways. They may be provided themseIveswith ground-engaging skids.

In Figures 5and 5(a) is shown a stripping element 15 for row crops which produce largefruiting bodies orseed heads, ora large bulkof foliage needing to be detached. To accommodatethe crop bulkand mini- misethe riskof loss, a largeflared wing 118,setata suitable angletothe horizontal, is provided on each side. Thecentral recess can have morethan one relief aperture21,to ensure stripping of wanted crop partsfrom the "sheltered" stem region andto cause lateral "agitation".

In Figures 6 and 6(a) isshown a row crop stripping element 15, also of largedimension butwith wings 118which are perpendiculartothe plane of theelement 15 and may be dimensionedto meetthe re- quirements of specific crops. Converging cropengaging edges 107 are provided with a ramp-shaped lip 107B (notshown in cross-section, but simiiarto that shown at 107B in Figure 10),to increasethe upward angle of thetrajectoryof det- ached crop parts on leaving the element undercentrifugal effect. The central recess 21 is shaped to be wavy, to impart a lateral agitation tothe crop stems and atthe sametime provide re-entrant edgesfor more complete stripping.

Figures 7 and 7(a) showfurther modifications of the element of Figure 5, in which the central transverse surfaces of the element 15 are inclined upwardly atthe centre, that isto sayforwardly relative to the direction of movement of the elementthrough the crop.

Figures 8 to 10 showfurther modified forms of crop stripping elements which may be used.

Figure 8 shows large stripper paddles 15 which may be up to 300 mm in overall length, or even Ion- gerfor specific purposes and crops. The paddles 15 form a pronounced flared entry region by edges 107, so as to guide for example row crops into a subsequent narrower stripping section bounded by edges 107A, which is followed optionally by a relief aperture 21 bounded by edges 20 of circular orother shape. As shown in Figure 8(b), which is a crosssectional view on arrows AA in Figure 8, the paddles have pronounced upstanding ribs 108 atthe sides, and optionally at the leading flared edges there may be integral ramp-shaped upward protrusions 107B as shown in Figure 8. Beneath them, neartheirworking edges, the paddles 15 are supported and strengthened by,for example, angle-section members 110 as shown in Figure 8(b). Attheir basethe paddles are fastened to suitable brackets, fins or other support- 8 GB 2 188 822 A 8 ing elements on the rotor core. This form of stripping elementfinds particular application in the harvesting of such crops as grain maize, sunflowers, Brussels sprouts, sugar beet seed, and other stiff crops with stem cross-sectional dimensions substantially larger than cereal and othersmall seed crops.

In Figure 9 is shown atype of stripping element 15 which is particularly suitable for intermediate crops, whethergrown in rows or not. Examples of such crops arefield beans and oil seed rape. The dimensions of the elements 15 can be adapted to suit specific requirements. Essentialy each element 15 forms a small impelling paddle which has an optional raised, ramp-shaped rim 107B surrounding it along the crop-engaging edges. The purpose of the integral ramps 111 is to allow particles to escape freely butto directthem into more steeply inclined trajectories for more positive recovery. This is particularly important in crops which are atthe point of shedding and which have seeds or otherwanted parts in the lower stem regions. Between adjacent elements there may be optional relief apertures of suitable design. Figure 10 is a section in the direction of arrows BB in Figure 9. The slope of the ramp- shaped rim section 108 may be from approximately Wto 45', or steeper.

The ramp-shaped edges are provided by additional plastics material which increases the wear resistance in the edge region and causes crop particles leaving the elements underthe effect of centrifugal force to be directed into more steeply inclined trajectories for more positive recovery. The edges have particular relevance in the context of moulded stripping elements made from resilient material. The edges are provided for influencing the trajectory of the detached crop parts in the impelling phase of previously collected material. One advantage of the crimped or raised edges, is that bythese means radiaNy mounted elements may be caused to achieve the effects of forwardly inclined elements.

There will now be described a number of embodiments of the present invention in its second, broad, independent aspect.

Throughoutthis specification, corresponding components of the various arrangements shown are 110 indicated by like reference numerals. Forsimplicity, thefunctions and inter-relationships between the various components are not described in connection with each figure when these have been described previously. It is particularlyto be appreciated that where corresponding components have like refer ence numerals, the appropriate description applies equally each time those elements are referred to.

Referring firstto Figure 1 a there is shown in dia grammatic side viewthe generalised layout of an embodiment of the present invention for harvesting crop. The apparatus comprises a mobile framefor movement overthe ground, indicated generally at 12. Mounted on the frame 12 is a moveable support means 5 which in the example shown is a rotor 11, although other support means may be used such as a conveyor belt.

Mounted on the rotor 11 are a plurality of out wardly projecting crop engaging elements 15, which may take a number of forms in accordance with the 130 invention, as has been described hereinbefore orwill be described hereinafter.

The rotor 11 is driven by drive means indicated diagrammatically at 10 which may conveniently com- prise a gear box and powertrain driven by a tractor, or other power source such as the engine of a combine harvester. The rotor 11 is driven in the so-called overshot mode so that the crop engaging elements 15 are moved in an upward direction atthe front of the apparatus. There are provided guide means 4 cooperating with the crop engaging elements 15to form a crop f low passage 33. In the example shown, the guide means 4 are constituted by a hood orcover 18 which extends around at least part of the front half of the rotor and defines with the rotor elements 15 the crop flow passage 33 along which crop is conveyed bythe rotor. The hood or cover 18 prevents forward projection of parts of the crop detached by the rotor 11.

In operation, rotation of the rotor 11 movesthe crop engaging elements 15 so thatthe distal tips of the elements enterthe crop with minimum disturbance of the stems 19 of the crop. The elements 15 then move upwardlythrough the crop, gathering one or more crop stems. As the elements 15 reach the upper parts of the crop the required parts to be detached are detached by rubbing and/or breaking and/ortearing the parts from the stems.

Afterthe detachment, the required crop parts are conveyed upwardly and rearwardly overthe rotor 11, and pass to crop conveying means indicated generally at 9, and positioned within a collecting trough 28 having a frontwall 29 in close proximityto the rear of the rotor 11. Usuallythe crop transfer means 9 will include means fortransferring crop laterally, indicated diagrammatically at 8, and means for conveying the crop rearwardly, indicated diagrammatically at 7. Convenientlythe transverse crop transfer means 8 may be auger, but may alternatively be a transverse conveyor belt. Convenientlythe rearward crop transfer means 7 may be a conveyor, for example a slatted chain conveyor, although other means may be prov- - ided.

In Figure 11 b there is shown in diagrammatic side viewthe generalised layout of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, also for harvesting crop. The apparatus again comprises a mobile frame 12 for movement overthe ground, and mounted on the frame 12 is a moveable support means 5 carrying a plurality of outwardly projecting crop engaging elements 15, which maytake a number of forms in accordance with the invention, as has been described hereinbefore orwill be described hereinafter. Except forthe moveable support means 5, the other components of the apparatus of Figure 11 b correspond generally to those shown in Figure 11 a, and in general the description given with regard to Figure 11 a applies also to Figure 11 b.

The moveable support means 5 in the apparatus of Figure 11 b comprises a conveyor 2 mounted for movement around two sets of pulleys or other guides 3 and 3A. The elements 15 are mounted on the conveyor 2, which is driven by drive means indicated generally at 10, in a direction such thatthe elements 15 move upwardly and rearwardly atthe front of the 9 GB 2 188 822 A 9 & 10 1 apparatus.

In Figure 1 '1 c there is shown in diagrammatic side view the generalised layout of a yet further alternative general form of the present invention for harvest- ing crop. Again, in general the components shown in Figure 11 c correspond to those shown in Figures 1 la and 11 b,the only difference being in the form of a moveable support means 5 which is provided. Again, the description which has been provided with regard to Figure 11 a is in general applicable also to the apparatus of Figure 11 c.

In Figure 11 c the moveable support means 5 is provided by a rotor 11 of smaller diameterthan that shown in Figure 11 a, and this rotor operates in close co-operation with a second rotor 6 (in the example a conveying drum), which is provided to the rear of and above the stripping rotor 11. The second rotor 6 carries crop conveying elements 6A (in the example relatively shallow ribs extending across the width of the drum, and spaced around its circumference). In the embodiment of Figure 11 c, thefunctions of stripping and conveying which in Figure 1 a are carried out bythe rotor 11, are divided between the rotors 11 and 6, with the rotor 11 being provided chieflyfor stripping crop, and the rotor 6 being provided for conveying the crop upwardly and rearwardly over the rotor 6 to the crop transfer means 8 at the rear of the apparatus and to prevent crop wrapping around the rotor 11. As an alternative to shallow ribs, the rotor 6 may be fitted with deeper ribs of serrated profile, to intermesh in an overlapping mode with the combs on the rotor 11. In that form it positively prevents wrapping of crop around the rotor 11, even if the rotor has a smaller diameter than shown. As with the arrangements of Figures 11 a and 11 b, the embodiment of Figure 1 c may utilise any of the forms of crop stripping elements described hereinbefore or as will be described hereinafter, and may also utilise anyfeatures of the in- vention described herein.

It is particularly to be appreciated thatthe arrangements of Figures 11 a, 11 b and 11 c indicate general layouts of apparatus embodying the invention, and thatthe various components shown may be prov- ided in practice by any of the appropriate cornponentswhich have been described hereinbefore, or areto be described hereinafter.

Referring nowto Figure 11 a, and Figures 13,13a, 13b, and 13W, there is shown oneform of a crop stripping apparatus embodying the invention,which conveniently may be used as a headerfor a combine harvester, or may be used in conjunction with other threshing and grain separating apparatus.

The apparatus comprises a rotor 11 mounted in a main frame 12 for movementthrough the crop to be harvested. The rotor 11 comprises an inner core 13 generally in theform of a circular section or, preferably, flat-sided core (to be described further hereinafter), and a succession of transverse combs 14 spaced circumferential iy around the rotor 11.

As shown in Figures 13,13a, 13b, and 13W, each comb 14 maybe formed from a transverse rib of solid material shaped to provide an array of teeth 15 mounted in a rowtransverse to the direction of movement of the harvesting apparatus through the crop. Each tooth 15 has side edges 16 and 17 which diverge from each other in a direction away from the distal tip of the tooth 15.

There is provided atthejunction of each adjacent pairof side edges 16 and 17 of adjacentteeth 15,an enlarged aperture 21, which in the exampleshown, is part circular. Each aperture 21 is formed by relieved portions of adjacent teeth atthe base regions thereof Thus each tooth has a portion at or in the re- gion of its base which is narrowerthan the widest part of the portion which has diverging side edges. In the examples shown, each comb is formed from a flat sheet-like rib of solid material, having cuttherein, or otherwise formed, a series of keyhole shaped apertures, forming the said teeth.

The rotor 11 is driven to rotate in the so-called overshot mode, so thatthe combs 14 are moved in an upward direction atthe front of the apparatus. There is provided overthe frontof the rotor 11 a hood orcover 18to preventforward projection of parts of the crop detached bythe rotor 11.

In operation, rotation of the rotor 11 moves the combs 14sothatthe narrowor pointed distal tips of theteeth 15 enter the crop with minimum disturb- ance of thestems 19 of the crop. Theteeth 15then move upwardlythrough the crop, gathering between adjacent side edges of adjacentteeth one or more crop stems. As the teeth 15 reach theseedbearing heads of the crop,the seeds, or seed heads, are detached by rubbing the seedsfree, orsnapping off the seed heads. The seeds and seed heads are removed by engagement of the crop with the side edges 16 and 17 of the teeth, and by engagement with the edges 20 of the apertures 21 at the base of the junctions of adjacent side edges 16 and 17.

An upturned leading portion 32 of the cover usual ly engages crop first during forward movement of the apparatus. The upturned leading portion 32 of the rotor cover 18 engages the crop and preferably seals off the crop passage 33 immediately in front of the overshot rotor 11.

Material including grain and grain heads is dislodged and then impelled upwardly and rearwardly along the passage 33, bythe effectof the combs 14. The overhead hood 18 is important in avoiding forward projection of grain and grain heads. The hood produces a funnel effect so that grain is guided into the machine ratherthan being ricochetted backonto the ground.

The stripped crop stems 19 pass underthe machine and remain standing in the field. To avoid straw being pressed into the ground bytractor or machine wheels, dividers may be fitted in front of the wheels to force the crop residue apart temporarily.

it will normally be necessaryto provide means for adjusting the height above ground of the stripping rotor 11 so as to be atthe correct height in relationship to the height of the seed-bearing heads or other required parts of the crop. The height above the ground of the stripping rotor unit alone may be varied, orthe height of the whole header arrangement may be varied according to conditions. For example, the rotorwill need to be lowered in orderto gatherthe desired material efficiently where crops are exceptionally short or laid. Proximity sensors GB 2 188 822 A - 5 maybe attached at the front of the stripping rotor cover 18, and the output signal maybeusedtokeep the rotor height adjusted automatically in relationto thecrophorizon and/orto adjustthe height of the rotor cover.

Itshould be noted that by adjustment of the speed ofthecombing ribs 14, togetherwith appropriate arrangements of the geometry of the components,selective harvesting of onlythe ripest seed, part- icularly of herbage seed, may be effected during successive passes of the crop.

The present invention provides a number of advantages, in particularwhere the invention is applied to stripping grain from standing crop such as wheat, barley and oats. Grain stripping of standing crop leaves the straw standing ratherthan leaving cut strawfrom a combine harvester. The standing straw is easierto chop for subsequent disposal, than is the randomly orientated cut straw shich is left spread or in spaced windrows by a combine harvester. Grain crop harvested in accordance with the present invention can, at least in preferred embodiments, have a higher proportion of grain to material otherthan grain, compared with the material collected by a combine harvester. In consequence higher work rates become possible, because in a combine harvester these are related principallyto thethroughput of straw. Finally, at least in preferred embodiments, the apparatus often leaves less wasted grain and grain heads in the field than does a conventional combine harvester.

Figures 12a to 12j show a numberof alternative forms of the combs 14which may be used on the stripping rotor 11. In Figure 12a a comb 14consists of plain, deep serrations formind the teeth 15.Thejunction 42 between adjacentside edges 16 and 17 of adjacentteeth 15 is slightly radiused as a recessto avoid crop becoming wedged therein. Normallythe combs 14 are arranged so that successiveteeth 15 followthe same peripheral path, but in some arrangements it may be advantageous laterallyto offset alternate combs 14 by half thetooth pitch.

In the comb 14 shown in Figure 12Mhe gap or recess 44 between each pairof adjacentteeth 15 is ex- tended atthe narrowest point between adjacentside edges 16 and 17 to terminate in an elongate slot21. The end of each slot 21 may be relieved as shown in dotted lines to aid withdrawal of stripped stems and avoid interference with incoming crop.

In Figure 12c the slots 21 of the recesses 44 are directed to one side, which aids stripping of seeds off the forward pointing side of stems or seed heads. In an arrangement such as shown in Figure 12(c) alternate combs 14 around the circumference of the rotor may be mounted so thatthe slots 21 point in opposite directions. The slots 21 may be relieved at their innermost end, as shown in Figure 12(b).

Figure 12d shows the most preferred form of comb for stripping cereals and small seeds and for defoliat- ing legumes. Theteeth 15 have generallythe shape of an arrow head, the recess 44 between adjacent pairs of teeth having generallythe shape of a keyhole. The distance between the closest points of the adjacent side edges 16 and 17, indicated in the region 45, frequently determines the amount of extraneous matter being collected with the seeds and other required material. The relief aperture 21 atthe inner end of the recess 44, again promotes stripping of seeds on the leading face of seed heads andfac- ilitates the withdrawal of stems afterstripping. The side edges 16 and 17 may be rounded at the narrowest part of the recess 44 as shown in dotted lines.

In Figure 12e the rubbing edges 16 and 17 of the teeth 15 have been recessed at 46 to help treatthe forward face of crop heads and to achieve effective stripping in particularly tough crops. In Figure 12f an alternative arrangement is shown in which some edges of teeth are serrated. Where only one side edge is serrated as in Figure 12f, it is preferred to re- verse the directions of alternate combs 14 around the circumference of the rotor 11. Figure 129 illustrates yet another alternative design in which both side edges of each tooth 15 are serrated. Figure 12h shows alternatively shaped relief spaces at the base of the recesses between stripping teeth.

In Figure 12j there are shown teeth 15 having apertures 21 which are inclined in one direction, followed byteeth shown in dotted lines, 15', in the nextfollowing row of teeth, inclined in the opposite direction.

The succeeding combs of teeth 15 shown in Figure 2j are offsetto a greater extent so that the outwardly projecting tips overlap. If alternate stripping rib elements are optionally moved laterally, for example by sliding them inside a retaining channel as will be described hereinafter, then the dimensions of the intake funnels and of the stripping recesses formed by each pair of ribs can be adjusted to suit different crops, conditions and requirements forstripping.

It should be noted thatthe combs 14 are formed in preferred arrangements by transverse planar ribs, conveniently made of flat, sheet-like, synthetic plastics material. However, optionally the leading face of each tooth may be concave. Not every rib 14 need be profiled to form teeth. Good effects can be obtained when alternate ribs 14 are plain edged to scoop up material dislodged by the preceding rib. It is not necessarythat such alternate plane ribs should havethe same depth radially as the profiled ribs; a reduced depth is often preferable. Variation of the depth of plain ribs following stripping combs gives yet another means of controlling the depth of intrusion of the crop into the rotor space. It is also advantageous attimes forthe operative plane of the ribs and/or combsto be slightly forwardly or rearwardly inclined to thetransverse radial plane.

Further alternative forms of crop stripping teeth are shown in Figures 12kto 12s. Figures 12k and 121 show a general purpose stripping element 15 which is crimped along its longitudinal centre line, so that the two halves are inclined upwardly on the crop engaging surface. Both side edges diverging from the tip section are profiled to form re-entrant edgesto enhance the stripping effect. Byway of example, the profiled edge along the left-hand half is formed by scallops and along the right-hand half by serrations. Between pairs of elements 15 a relief aperture 21 is provided. Optionally an upstanding, double-beveledged rib 15A may be provided along all or part of the longitudinal centre section, as shown in Figure 121.

11 GB 2 188 822 A 11 1 10 Figure 12m shows asymmetrical general-purpose stripping elements. Special features are detailed on the central element and in Figure 12m, which is a cross-sectional view in the direction of arrows AA in Figure 12m. The features shown are intended nor mallyto be provided on all the elements of one rotor.

The crop engaging edge 16 (on the side of the central element 15) which is perpendicularto the rotoraxis isformed by an upstanding fin 16A, which may be perpendicularto the base of the element 15 or may be leaning outwardly towards the adjacentelement on the left, as indicated bythe broken lines in Figures 12m and 12n. The fin 16A may be higher orlower than is shown and may have a double bevel at its upper edge ora single bevel in either direction. The fin 16A may also be scalloped orserrated along its crop engaging edge. This is particularly useful when thefin 16A is outwardly inclined. On the slanting crop engaging edge 17 of the element 15 is provided a ramp-shaped lip 17A. which is easily negotiated by crop particles being thrown off underthe effects of centrifugal force butwhich raises the trajectory of such particles so thattheir recovery is made more certain.

Figures 12p to 12s showon twicethe scale of 90 Figure 12m side views of the asymmetrical stripping element 15 looking from rightto left in a direction normal tothe side 16 of the element 15which is per pendiculartothe rotor axis. Instead of the upstand ing lips or ribs along the perpendicular side being of equal heightfrom frontto rear,they may betapering upwards or downwards from froritto rear, as indica ted in Figures 12p and 12q respectively, they may have a rounded leading section as shown in Figure 12r, orthey may be smoothly curved as in Figure 12s.

As shown, the upstanding ribs have a single-bevel upperedge so that, when the ribs are perpendicular to the base. the reaction of seeds orcrop parts det ached bythe beveled surface is movementto the left in the direction of the adjacent element.

It should be noted thatsymmetrical general purpose stripping elements may also be provided with one upstanding rib, perpendicular or outwardly inclined, with the other edge optionally provided along its length by a ramp-shaped lip.

Typical applications of the invention are shown in Figures 13cto 13f. In Figure 13c, a conventional com bine harvester 124 is shown to have a crop stripping header 125 embodying the invention, in place of the conventional cutting table. The grain and other mat erial detached from the crop is delivered into lateral crop transfer means 8, in this case a transverse crop auger 27 from which it passes to a crop elevating means 7, in this case a central feed conveyor31, and thence to the threshing drum and separating and cleaning mechanisms of the combine harvester. The small amount of efflux atthe rear is spread evenly by a rotary spreading mechanism.

Figure 13d is an outline frontview of atractor mounted stripping header 125 delivering the det ached material onto a lateral crop transfer, in this case a transverse belt conveyor 126, and then onto a crop elevating means in this case a cleated-belt el evator 127 for delivery into a bulktrailer 128 drawn by a second tractor. The tractor 124A operating the stripper header 125 has reverse-drive facility so that the operator can effectively supervise the harvesting operation. Figure 13c, shows an outline plan view wherethetractor and trailerwheels are seen to be fitted with crop dividers 128Afor parting the strawor otherstripped crop so thatthewheels can pass without pressing down significant amounts of it. An outline side view of the stripper harvester of Figures 13d and 13e is shown in Figure 13f.

Therewill now be discussed a number of general featureswhich may be applicableto various embodiments set out above.

In addition to meansfor adjusting the height of the stripper mechanism and/orthe hood orotherguide means, byjudgement of the operator,there may be provided sensors on or in front of the stripping header, or each section of such a header, to identifythe crop horizon,the signals derived from the sensors being used to control the height of the stripping header or a section thereof, automatically. Normallythe lower extent of stripper height setting will be provided by skids under orto the rear of bottom-deadcentre.

Afurther additional feature which may be provided in any of the embodiments described, comprises a reciprocating cutter bar or rotary cutter which may be fitted for severing the stripped material at a preselected height above ground, after stripping.

Considering now generallythe dimensions which may be used in embodiments of the invention, preferablythe stripping rotor 11 for cereal and mostforage crop has an overall diameter of 500-600 mm. However, smaller diameters are suitable for short or low crops (as in Figure 1 c), and larger diameters for particularly tall crops. By way of example, appropriate tip speeds of stripping rotors embodying the invention forthe harvesting of cereals range from less than 10 m/s to approximately 25 m/s, and for harvesting lucerne (alfalfa) leaf, speeds should be in the range of 15 to 30 mls. Although the stripping rotor 11 in Figure 1 a is shown as having eight rows of elements fewer or more may be used. The combs or ribs, or otherforms of rows of elements, need not be arranged in straight rows perpendicular to the direction of travel butthey may be curved or helically mounted, to even out the drive torque and achieve delivery of the stripped material to one side or into the centre of any collecting device. By way of ex- ample of particular dimensions which may be used, the rotor shown in Figure 11 a may have a diameter of 550 mm overall; the diameter of an inner core may be 300 mm, and the depth of each element from the tip to the base of a recess between adjacent elements may be 80 mm. In typical use in standing cereal crops, the bottom of the rotor may be setto 250to 300 mm above the ground. Convenientlythe bottom of the rotor may be setto a height equivalentto about one quarter of the height of the crop.

Where the overall diameter of the rotor is in the range 400 mm to 700 mm, the rate of rotation of the rotor may be preferably in the range 250 to 950 rev/ min.

Rotor outer diameters may vary from app- roximately200 mmto 1000 mm diameter, a prefer- 12 GB 2 188 822 A 12 red range being 400 mm to 600 mm diameter. Tip speeds of the crop engaging elements may vary within the approximate range 5 to 40 mls.

Considering furtherthe general arrangement of the apparatus, and dimensions which can be used, it has been found thatthere is an important relationship between so called header losses (that is to say losses of free grains and heads or part heads) and the vertical front clearance of the rotor hood relative to a datum level of the bottom-dead-centre of the stripping rotor. Adjustment of the vertical clearance atthe front of the hood was found to be particularly effective in reducing header losses. Losses decreased steeplywith increasing clearance up to around 250 mm and reached a minimum at around 350 mm.

Thus in many preferred forms of the invention,the vertical front clearance of the rotor hood relative to the bottom-dead-centre level of the rotor, lies in the range 300 to 370 mm, preferably in the range 330to 350 mm. In most normal conditions horizontal hoodto-rotor clearance is of secondary importance, but preferably should be at least 90 mm in most crop conditions.

Bythe vertical front clearance of the rotor hood re- lative to the bottom -dead -centre level of the rotor is meantthe height of the lowest portion of the hood projecting in front of the stripping rotor, above a horizontal plane passing through the bottom-deadcentre of the stripping rotor. By the horizontal hood- to-rotor clearance is mearitthe distance between the lowest point of the hood projecting towards the rotor, and a vertical plane, passing through the frontdead-centre of the periphery of the stripping rotor.

A preferred feature of the invention is that the said guide meanswhich co-operates with the crop engag- 100 ing elements (e.g. a hood or auxiliary rotor), defines a funnel-shaped intake region into which the crop is guided, for stripping bythe crop engaging elements.

In Figure 14there is shown a modification of the apparatus shown in Figure 11 a. The stripping rotor 11 is shown to have eight rows of transverse stripping elements 15, each set approximately 15'forwardly inclined to thp radius. Atthis inclination performance is slightly betterthan in the radial position, but at greater inclinations performance deteriorates.110 The closed rotor core 13 is formed byflat planar slats or panels 50 set approximately tangentiallytrailing from the base region of one row of elements 15to a level just inwards of the bottom of the relief aper- tures 21 (where provided) on the next row of elements 15. In front of the stripping rotor 11 is an auxiliary, counter-rotating rotor 51, forming between them a crop flow passage 33 with active elements on both sides. The preferred diameter of the auxiliary rotor 51 is 180-280 m m, most preferably 200 m m. In front of the auxiliary rotor 51 and attached tot6e lower edge of the static hood 18 serving both rotors 51 and 11 is a slidably adjustable deflector plate 52 which also shields the crop from coming into contact with outwardly extending ribs 53 of the auxiliary rotor51 prematurely. Ithas been found that the trailing edge 54 of the deflector plate 52 is preferably set to be 60-100 mm in front of a vertical planethrough the axis of the auxiliary rotor 51. The trailing edge 54 of the deflector plate 52 peovides a sharp cut-off and helps to retrieve seeds from lowtrajectories to a greater extentthan a forwardly curved front plate. A full-width curved or angled profile or pressing bar 54', positioned on the upper defleQtor plate surface forward of the trailing edge 54, servesto deflect particles arriving from either direction into the auxiliary rotor so that they are impelled into the crop flow passage 33 or across it into the stripping rotor 11 for positive recovery.

Above the deflector plate 52 the rotor hood 18 may be arranged as shown in solid outline or, optionally, it may surround the upperfront quadrant of the auxiliary rotor 51, as shown in broken outline. An auxiliary rotor 51 with six straight transverse ribs 53 has been found to be effective, particularly when the tip speed was approximately 2.2 timesforward speed. The transverse ribs 53 of the auxiliary rotor 51 may also be arranged in helical form, or a split helix. In such an arrangement crop is fed to the main rotor 11 for stripping gradually and consistently despite the stripping elements 15 on the main rotor 11 being mounted in straight transverse rows.

A particularfeature isthatthe auxiliary rotor atthe intake region of the hood has a relatively large dia- meter and an aggressive surface. The full-width rotor has very pronounced full-width paddles which are preferably made of plastics material, forwardly or rearwardly inclined and helically arranged to create a constant-load condition forthe stripping rotor even though the stripping elements may be arranged in straight transverse rows.

Seeds and crop particles detached from the crop bythe stripping elements 15 are assisted in leaving the rotorenvelope by the tangentially arranged panels 50forming the rotorcore 13. Atsuitable stripping rotortip speeds, which forcereal cropsare in the region of 15-25 m/s,the bulkof the detached particles clears the stripping rotor 11 well before reaching the top-dead-centre position. The hood sec- tion 18 forming the frontwall of the stripper header directs the stream of detached seeds and material otherthan grain (MOG) from a steeply rising trajectory into a near-horizontal path, across an optional gap 34 in the hood 18 to allowfor some air escape underthe top wall 23 and towards a rear cover 23 of the header unit. Optionally placed into the path of the particle stream is at least one transverse row of spaced- apartwires orfins 26, to deflectthe larger particles downwardly into a path which is com- plementary to the direction of rotation of a centre-delivering feed auger 27. Small particles, especially seeds, are able to pass through the screen and then impinge on the upper part of a rearwall 61 which, preferably, is provided with an impact absorbing curtain or lining 55. If an optional, additional,transverse auger 56 is present, as shown in Figure4,the seeds and other small particles can be collected; otherwise they fall behind the main conveying auger 27 onto the course material which occupies the space around the lower rear quadrant of the auger 27. In an alternative modification, instead of the separating means 26, there may befitted a full-width deflector (shown in broken line at 23A) for all the crop detached bythe rotor 11, to feed it on to the transverse crop auger 27 complementary to its 7 13 GB 2 188 822 A 13 1 10 k 50 forward rotation at the top.

Should any seeds ricochet forwardly off the tube orf lighting of the auger 27, they are prevented from re-entering the stripping rotor space by a baffle 57 in front of the auger 27. Preferably the upper leading edge 58 of the baffle 57 is located close to the tip circle of the stripping rotor 11 slightly behind top dead centre, so that accumulation of long crop particles cannot occur. The baffle 57 has a short upper surface 59 and a much longer lower bent or optionally curved, surface 60. The space between this lower surface and the stripping rotor 11 provides an escape routefor any seeds or crop particieswhich leavethe rotor late. Such particles are guided into the collect- ing space immediately in front of the auger 27 but behind a ramp 29 extending full-width acrossthe front of the auger pan 28. The crop guide surface of ramp 29 may be stepped optionally or undercut in such a waythat ricocheted particles moving towards the stripping rotor 11 are arrested. It is a secondary purpose of the lowermost part of the baffle 57 between auger27 and stripping rotor 11 to guide and hold coarse material descending in front of the auger 27 so that it is gripped bythe flighting and drawn under.

In the centre section of the stripping header 125the crop conveyed across from both sides is moved rearwards by fingers (not shown) protruding through the tube of the auger 27, or bytransverse vanes (not shown), into the path of a crop elevator 7, as provided on conventionai combine-harvesters.

To allowforthe escape of more airconveyed by the stripping rotor 11 into the headerspace, a shielded opening 62 is provided in front of the rearwall 11 atthe top. This "flue" is so constructed that escape of 100 wanted particles is rnade difficult. An optional short, flexible curtain 63 abovethe centre of the grain auger 56 contributes to the retention of wanted material. To raise or lowerthe header 125 to the required height position, a hydraulic lift rarn 64 is provided and acts on a bracket65 behind and slightly above skid 66.

Figure 14a shows modification of the apparatus of Figure 14, including a small supplementary rotor 67 of, say, 150 mm diameter immediately behind the lower rearquadrant of the main stripping rotor 11. The purpose of this isto recoverwanted particles which may leave the stripping rotor 11 late and impell them, by means of forwardly raked transverse fins 68, into a recovery trajectory, namely upwards and rearwards towardsthe stream of coarse crop particles moving downwards atthe front of the cross-conveying crop auger27. Immediately behind the supplementary rotor67 is a static ramp 29to shield the supplementary rotor 67 and urge material in the direction of the auger27.

Figure 15 shows a similar header arrangement with a preferred construction of a lower portion of the hood 18, but withoutthe optional auxiliary rotor 51 of Figure 14. Material which falls onto thefloor behind the stripping rotor 11 is conveyed into the crop auger 27 by a stepped pan 69 supported on rocker arms 70 and actuated by a simple eccentric drive. The drive arrangement is indicated in broken outline at 71, and may be positioned as shown orat alternative angles to the plane of the pan.

Instead of the jog-trough principle described above for conveying crop into the auger 27, the stepped pan may be reciprocated fore and aft on rollers, or it may be pivotted in the centre or atthe downstream end.

In Figure 16there is shown a modification of the apparatus of Figure 15 including a self-cleaning air floor72 to convey stripped material intothe auger. Thefloor72 is constructed to be effectively a short, full-width plenum charriber into which air is blown from a fan orfans 73. Horizontal slits in thevertical parts of the steps cause airto beforced up the miniature ramps and thus convey any material lying on thefloorsection towardsthe auger27.

in Figure 17 there is shown a height-adjustable auxiliary rotor51 which may be controlled remotely. Afront portion 74 of the hood 18 isfiexible orconstructed to be similarto a roller blind and is guided in a curved track75,which itself is pivoted at pivot76.

Theshaft77oftherotor51 protrudes through slots 78 in each of two end plates (not shown), of the hood 18, permitting hydraulic rams 79 connected for example to the end bearings of the shaft 77 on the outside of the end plates, to raise and lowerthe auxiliary rotor 51 in accordance with crop conditions. The extreme positions are determined bythe length of the vertical slots 78. Connection of the rotorshaft 77with the front hood 74 is byfin-shaped brackets 80 ateach end and optionally at one or more intermediate positions.

If the hydraulic ram 79 is shortened, the rotor 51 is lifted,the upper end of theflexible hood slides further along the guide rails, and the railsthemselves can pivot, to prevent binding of the hood atthefront.

A particular advantage ofa height-adjustable auxiliary rotor isthat in crops which are leaning or laid and can only be harvested lying awayfrom the header,the auxiliary rotor 51 can be used to reorientate and liftthe crop to be presented more suitably for stripping.

Additional features disclosed in Figure 7 are a freely rotating or driven roller 81 forming the leading edge of the crop baffle 57 and a louvred wall section 82 above the conveyor 7,to allowthe escape of air without loss of wanted particles.

In Figure 18 is shown an alternative arrangement for a height adjustablefront hood 18 and auxiliary rotor 51 which avoidsthe need for pivotting guide rails. It should be noted that raising or lowering of the hood alone orthe hood/auxiliary rotor combination can be achieved by differentforms of simple lever linkage or cables provided for example outside the end plates of the header unit.

Figure 19 is an end view of an auxiliary stripping rotor 51. Thetransverse fins 53 may be arranged to be radial or set at a trailing or leading angle. Figure 19a is a section through AA in Figure 19, showing thatthe ribs orfins may be plain, notched or otherwise profiled. They may also be made of flexible mat- erial, such as rubberor soft plastic,to preventdamage if contact is madewith the ground or objects lying on the ground.

Figure 20 sho.,jvsthe preferred stripping rotor 11 feeding the detached material into a funnel formed between an uppercrop guide surface and a self- 14 GB 2 188 822 A 14 tensioning beitthreshing mechanism 85. Athreshing belt 86 is surrounded atthe rear and beneath it by an open-grate concave 87. Free grain in the detached crop material will pass through the concave 87 al- most immediately, whilst unthreshed or partly threshed heads will travel further before all seeds are detached and separated out. Beneath the lower part of the concave 87 is a reciprocating shaker shoe 88 so arranged that itforms a passage through which air from a radial fan 89 is blown, to carry rearwards any light material such as chaff and other small fragments. Any long straw emerges from the end of the concave 87,to fall onto the ground behind the stripping rotor. Behind the threshing mechanism baffles prevent separated seeds from being lost and direct them onto the shaker shoe. This, in turn, feedsthe cleaned seed into a transverse auger 88'for collection in a bulkcontainer.

Theworking width of thethreshing mechanism is identicalto, oronlyslightly less than, that of the stripping rotor 11. The system as shown, therefore, is particularly suited to smaller harvesters, asare appropriate in less intensive farming systems, forexampleforthe harvesting of rice. Bythe provision of widestripping headerswith centre orside delivering crop augers,the system finds wider application.

In Figure 21 the stripping header 125 is provided with grain separation and collection at screen 26 and auger 56, so that onlythe coarse material requiring further threshing isfed through a rear opening 90 in the headerto a multi- rotorthreshing mechanism shown generally at91. Afeeder beater92 delivers the material to a conventional threshing drum 93 over an open-grate concave 87 which then continues undersubsequent rotors 95,96,97. Adjacenttothe firstthreshing drum 93 there is the further stripper beater95. Cleaning and collecting of the seedswhich passthrough the concave are achieved by means simiiartothose described before in the contextof Figure 20.

Figure 22 shows a compact system of maximising the effectiveness of two successive, co-rotating threshing drums for processing stripper harvested material with a low MOG content. Afirst drum 98 is fed with crop by a feeder beater 92 and rubs the material in a closed concave 100 above. Then a second drum 101 takes over and continuesthe rubbing process in the first, closed part of an overhead concave 102. At approximately the one o'clock position the design of concave 102 changesto an open grate, so thatfreed seeds can pass outwards to fall through an air blast created by a fan 103 below a shaker shoe 104. In this case the shoe is designed and reciprocated to deliverthe seed sample into an auger 105 at the rear. Threshed straw passes back onto the ground underthe first threshing drum 98. The embodiments described show the advantages of the stripping concept

particularly in terms of the very low MOG content of the harvested sample, in respect of the abilityto achieve final threshing and seed cleaning by close-coupled compact mechanisms, as opposed to the very bulky conventional combine-harvest layout. In the most compactforms of final processing mechanism, in embodiments of the invention only one threshing drum is required behind the header.

In Figure 23 is shown a section of a stripping element 15 of the form described herein before which is made from resilient plastic material, for example polyrethane. To increase the wear resistance atthe leading edges of individual stripping teeth 15, preformed metal strip 106 is bonded onto theteeth, as shown. Thetooth 15 on the left has a strip 106which continues into the recess 21; in the centretooth 15 the strip 106 continues inwardsfrom the shoulders of thetooth 15 at optional angles; on the righ-hand tooth 15the strip 106terminates atthe shoulders of the aperture 21.

Atthe basethe fastening strip 106 is made of metal and has slots for mounting and laterally aligning the elements. Figure 24 is a view along the direction BB, in Figure 23, showing the metal strip in side view and the bonding region in cross-section. In Figure 25 is shown a section along the direction AA in Figure23, indicating the probable wear pattern which leaves the teeth 15 cupped, with the metal edges 106 remaining proud.

Returning to Figures 17 and 18, it has previously been said thatthe auxiliary rotorcan be supported in the centre, if necessary, by a metal fin attached tothe hood. Similarly, verywide stripping rotors can also have intermediate bearings supported on metal fins. These are attached most appropriatelyto the forward section of the auger pan for example as a con- tinuation in the direction of the rotor shaft of the wedge shown immediately behind the stripping rotor in Figure 14.

Claims (28)

1. Apparatus for harvesting crop from rows of cropscomprising a mobile frame for movement over the ground along a crop row, moveable support means mounted fordriven movement relative to the frame, a plurality of outwardly projecting crop engaging elements mounted on the moveable support means, guide means for co-operating with the crop engag- ing elementsto form a cropflow passage, and drive meansfor driving the moveable support meansto carrythe elements upwardlyat a front region of the apparatus so as to detach from standing crop predetermined required parts of the crop and to move the detached crop parts along the crop flow passage, the crop engaging elements being arranged to project forwardly when engaging standing crop and being adaptedto be aligned in operation with the crop rows being harvested, each element having a pair of inwardly converging edgesfor gathering crop of a row and a transverse surfacefor moving the detached crop parts along the crop f low passage.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the apparatus includes laterally spaced apart crop row dividers mounted on the mobile frame and protruding forwardly for entering between crop rows.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or2 in which there is provided at the junction of said inwardly con- verging edges a space for allowing stripped remain- wi GB 2 188 822 A 15 ing crop parts to be released from the elements and/ or for providing edges of the elements adapted to strip required parts from the crop.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or3 in which each element includes at the junction of the said in wardly converging edges an inwardly extending slot aligned along the general direction of forward move ment of the apparatus.

5. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4 in which the said inwardly converging edges lead to a relief space having edgeswhich divergefrom each otherin the direction awayfrom the distal tipsofthe elements.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 in which a said relief space is formed directly between the inwardly converging edges by re-entrant edges leading away from the inwardly converging edges.

7. Apparatus according to claim 5 when depen dent upon claim 4 in which a said relief space is formed at the end of the said inwardly extending slot. 85

8. Apparatus according to any of claims 5to 7 in which more than one relief space is provided in the region between the inwardly converging edges.

9. Apparatus according to any of claims 5to 8 in which the edges of the relief space are adapted to detach crop parts from regions of the standing crop which face forwardly relative to the intended direc tion of movement of the apparatus.

10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which at least some of the crop engaging elements have re-entrant edges.

11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the outer sides of the elements are substan tially parallel to the intended direction of forward movement of the machine along the crop row.

12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which at least some of the edges of the elements have a raised, ramp-shaped lip leading upwardly from the said transverse edges.

13. Apparatus according to any preceding claim 105 in which each outer side of the element has an in clined wing protruding forwardly relative to the dir ection of movement of the elemeritthrough the crop, and inclined to the said transverse surface.

14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the drive means is arranged to drive the crop stripping elements at a speed such that detached crop parts are impelled along the crop flow passage and do not reside to any substantial extent on the moving elements.

15. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the drive means is arranged to drive the crop stripping elements at a tip speed greater than 5 m/S.

16. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the drive means is arranged to drive the crop stripping elements at a tip speed in the range 5 to 15 m/s.

17. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the crop stripping elements are resiliently mounted, andlor made of flexible resilient material.

18. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the guide means comprises a cover extending around at least part of the region at which the crop engaging elements move at the front region of the apparatus.

19. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which each said transverse surface for impelling detached crop parts along the crop flow passage is substantially flat.

20. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the said moveable support means comprises a rotor.

21. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 19 in which the said moveable support means comprises an endless conveyor.

22. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the crop engaging elements are arranged in rows transverse to the direction of forward movement of the apparatus.

23. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the said crop stripping elements are arranged with succeeding elements along the support means in registerwith one another.

24. A method of harvesting crop from rows of crops comprising moving along a crop rowthrough a standing crop a harvesting apparatus, moving upwardly at a front region of the apparatus a plurality& outwardly projecting crop engaging elements, en- gaging the standing crop bythe moving elements when projecting forwardly relative to the direction of movement of the apparatus, detaching from standing crop predetermined required parts of the crop, conveying the detached crop parts along a crop flow passage by transverse surfaces of crop engaging elements, and collecting the detached crop parts, the method including the steps of engaging the crop by elements which are aligned in operation with the crop rows being harvested, gathering the crop of a row between inwardly converging edges of crop engaging elements, stripping crop parts bythe elements, and moving the detached crop parts along the crop flow passage bytransverse surfaces of the elements.

25. Apparatus for harvesting row crops substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of Figures 1 to 10 of the accompanying drawings.

26. A method of harvesting row crops substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of Figures 1 to 10 of the accompanying drawings.

27. Apparatus for harvesting crop substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of Figures 1 lato 25 of the accompanying drawings.

28. A method of harvesting crops substantially as herein before described with reference to any of Figures 11 a to 25 of the accompanying drawings.

Printed for Her Majesty's Stationery Office by Croydon Printing Company (UK) Ltd,8187, D8991685. Published by The Patent Office, 25Southampton Buildings, London, WC2A l AY, from which copies may be obtained.