GB2219919A - Apparatus and method for selective crop harvesting - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus for harvesting crops, particularly seed crops, comprises a mobile support structure 20 and a crop stripping device in the form of a rotor 30, which may be attached to height adjustable arms and is driven by drive means 22. The rotor 30 carries transverse rows of crop stripping elements 1 which may be combined with transverse ribs. The crop stripping elements have prominent leading edges, for example each formed at the junction between two faces which are acutely inclined with respect to each other. The drive to the rotor is so arranged that during forward movement of the apparatus the crop engaging elements 32 are propelled progressively through the crop, moving upwards at the front region. Seeds and other plant parts deteached by the action of the rotor are impelled into a crop flow passage 27 under a crop guide cover 21. Essential dimensions of the rotor and crop engaging elements can be varied quickly. A transverse auger 83 transfers the detached material into a duct 84 where an elevator 85 moves it over a screen 86 for separation of the seeds. <IMAGE>

Description

APPARATUS AND NEnIX) SEEZIlVE CROP The present invention relates to apparatus for, and a method of, harvesting crops. It is concerned with detaching from plants, without cutting them, seeds, seed-bearing parts, seed bodies, and certain fruits and/or foliage, collecting the detached material and separating from it the wanted plant parts. The invention has particular application in the harvesting of grain crops, such as wheat, barley, oats and rice, but also has application in the harvesting of pulses, oilseeds and herbage seeds.

The invention has application also in the harvesting of nuts and other seed bodies and of flower heads, some fruiting bodies and foliage.

Commonly the harvesting of seed crops, particularly cereal and herbage seed crops, is carried out by a once-over, destructive operation which involves the cutting of the seed-bearing stems near their base. Harvesting machines, particularly combine-harvesters, are easily overloaded by large volumes of crop bulk, because these create problems of seed detachment and separation.

The in-situ stripping of seeds from the uncut crop has been attempted repeatedly and has met with varying degrees of success. Insitu seed stripping by a rotary device became known through US Patent 1,290,484 entitled 'Standing Grain Harvester'. However, none of the early disclosures made adequate provision for satisfactorily harvesting seeds or other wanted parts from crops which are unfavourably presented, because they are either severely leaning, tangled, twisted or laid, with the wanted parts in close proximity of the ground.

The most recent disclosures of in-situ seed stripping are by the present inventor in published pending Patent Applications PCT/GB86 /01972 and GB 2188822A, and in unpublished pending Patent Applications PCT/GB88/00001 and PCT/GB88/00060. These relate to crop stripping apparatus using crop engaging elements which are preferably resiliently mounted or made of resilient material, so that damage is avoided if inadvertent contact is made with the ground or with foreign objects on the ground.

It is among the objects of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for, and method of, removing wanted plant parts from an uncut crop, and to overcome many of the known disadvantages of existing harvesting machinery and methods.

More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to reduce losses of wanted plant parts, particularly seeds, which can occur in some crops and conditions with existing crop engaging elements, to keep the fan effect and the energy requirement of crop stripping rotors low, to adapt stripping rotors quickly and easily to crops of different physical characteristics, dimensions and growth habits, to minimise the detachment of unwanted material and to maximise the detachment of individual seeds, as opposed to whole or part seed heads, or of other wanted parts, so that any subsequent task of separating and cleaning the wanted fraction or fractions is facilitated and the required mechanisms may be kept small and simple.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for harvesting crops comprising: a mobile support structure for movement over the ground; moveable support means capable of being driven relative to the support structure and extending transversely across the direction of forward movement of the apparatus; a plurality of crop engaging elements cantilevered outwards from the moveable support means; means for driving the moveable support means so that the crop engaging elements comb through the uncut crop at a front region, to detach and recover wanted parts including seeds; crop guide means extending over or under the apparatus to prevent detached crop particles becoming lost and to direct them rearwards for collection; characterised in that at least some of the crop engaging elements comprise crop stripping elements, each having a prominent leading edge and each forming in operation a wedge effective in the direction of movement of the elements for splitting the crop mass apart and for detaching wanted parts from the plants. It is believed that separation from the crop mass of the wanted parts, such as seeds, is achieved in embodiments of the invention primarily by beating, prising, rubbing and shaking such wanted parts off the crop. Other mechanisms involved include bending, breaking, cleaving and tearing.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of harvesting a crop comprising: moving through the uncut crop an apparatus according to claim 1, whilst driving said moveable support means so that the crop engaging elements comb through the uncut crop at a front region of the apparatus, whereby said crop stripping elements having said prominent leading edges form wedges effective in the direction of movement of the crop stripping elements and which split the crop mass apart and detach wanted parts from the plants, the method including impelling the detached crop parts towards a collection facility.

The apparatus of the invention operates by detaching from the seed-, flower- or fruit-bearing stems of uncut plants the wanted parts by combing through the crop, leaving the stems standing.

The apparatus preferably also comprises associated compact apparatus for separating already threshed seeds from the wanted and unwanted material detached by combing, and for completing the detachment and separation of seeds from whole or part seed-bearing heads broken off and collected during the combing process.

The present invention finds application in self-propelled machines for harvesting seed and forage crops, and in machines which are mounted on single- or multi-axle tractors to be pushed or pulled through the crop.

The form of the crop engaging elements has beneficial effects upon the effective operation of preferred embodiments of the invention. The size and shape of the elements, together with their operating angles and lateral and circumferential spacings, may be selected to maximise the desired effects in terms of seed detachment and recovery during the combing process.

As plant stems are stroked by fast moving crop engaging elements, the stems are deflected more readily laterally than the relatively heavy seed-bearing heads. Because of their inertia, the seed heads adjacent to elements are subjected to a whiplash effect. This causes seeds to be shed, particularly when seed heads collide with the edges and surfaces of the elements or with each other. Sometimes all or part of a head still containing seeds can break off.

Individual seeds which become detached on, or collide with, crop engaging elements bounce off and, in operation of known harvesters, may be launched into trajectories, particularly forwardly directed trajectories, which are unfavourable for recovery.

In accordance with one preferred feature, in embodiments of the invention, the outwardly projecting crop combing elements are moulded from resilient material and are smoothly shaped to minimise any crop tearing effect. Conveniently the elements may be flat in their attachment region for predictable yielding in that region if an impact with the ground or with a heavy object should occur. The flat attachment region may be laterally angled relative to the transverse rotor axis so that yielding of the outer region of an element into a reclined position may take place in an inward and lateral direction.

In accordance with another preferred feature the crop stripping elements may comprise rods or fins, each forming or being provided with a prominent leading edge region for entering into the crop with minimal disturbance. The prominent leading edge of the crop stripping elements may extend outwardly in one direction or in more than one direction.

Conveniently there may extend from the prominent leading edge of a crop stripping element on one or both sides a laterally declined surface so that in operation of the elements the crop mass is split apart by the action of a single- or double-bevel wedge respectively and wanted plant parts are beaten, prised or shaken off and are directed laterally. The trailing side surfaces may be flat, curved, grooved, ribbed or otherwise contoured.

The trailing side edge of each declined crop engaging surface may be generally parallel with the prominent leading edge. Preferably the outer edge may be reclined in the direction of movement. Elementdefining edges may be straight, curved, serrated, scalloloped or otherwise profiled to achieve the desired effects.

Conveniently there may be provided, preferably in the edge regions of the crop stripping elements, recesses and/or protrusions to enhance the stripping effect and impel detached particles into laterally and/or inwardly directed safe recovery trajectories.

Conveniently circumferentially adjacent crop stripping elements may be so spaced laterally that their declined surfaces overlap in the direction of movement of the elements, or there may be provided lateral clearance.

In accordance with yet another preferred feature outwardly extending crop engaging elements may comprise crop stripping elements mounted on the moveable support means in helically arranged succession in such a way that each of the prominent leading edges is preferably forwardly inclined, and the laterally extending surfaces taper rearwardly and inwardly towards the moveable support means. In operation of the helically arranged crop stripping elements, upstanding crop comes to be laid at an angle across the prominent leading edge regions, and complete detachment of wanted plant parts is accomplished by the combined effects of leading and trailing edge regions.

Conveniently the spirally arranged crop stripping elements may be formed of sheet-like material in continuous or sectioned strips.

They may be moulded or mounted so that the outer edge regions of the elements are laterally offset relative to the mounting region. The outwardly extending leading edge and the trailing region of the preceding element may be profiled to enhance the stripping effect by the provision of recesses and/or protrusions.

In accordance with a further preferred feature the crop stripping elements may comprise a strong spine in the outwardly extending prominent edge region, and the trailing region of each laterally declined crop engaging surface may be formed of thinner and more flexible material, to allow preferential yielding of the side regions in response to increasing crop pressure and friction.

The flexible side regions may be divided by lateral slits, preferably normal to the prominent leading edge region, so that each section forms a flap which may yield independently, allowing intrusion of stiff plant stems into the normal profile of the elements, so that the stems are momentarily enveloped from the sides.

In accordance with a yet further feature the crop stripping elements may resemble an outwardly directed conical coil spring with widely spaced coils to allow intrusion of the crop from the sides and stripping of wanted parts as the crop is pulled through between the coils.

In embodiments of the invention the laterally declined crop engaging surfaces of wedge-form elements may lie in more than one plane, and there may be provided surface contouring, including concave or convex moulding and transverse or longitudinal ribbing or corrugating, to improve the stripping and impelling characteristics of the crop engaging surfaces and edges and of any recesses and protrusions.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the crop stripping elements may form separate or integral extensions of transversely or helically arranged and outwardly directed flat or corrugated ribs. The ribs may be provided with serrations at their outer edge, so that broken-off crop fragments still containing seeds are subjected to a more severe threshing effect on impact with the edge than would be provided in the absence of an edge or by a straight, smooth edge.

Conveniently crop stripping elements may be attached also to the moveable support means so that the elements are interspersed with the transversely or helically arranged ribs. Detached crop parts which fall or slide into the space swept by the ribs may be impelled outwards for recovery. The ridges and depressions formed in corrugated ribs are advantageous, particularly in the harvesting of small and light seeds, in that detached seeds may be collected together into distinct streams.

Conveniently the side edges of acutely serrated and preferably corrugated ribs may co-operate with the stripping elements to direct crop stems laterally into the zone of influence of the elements.

Circumferentially successive, acutely serrated ribs may be staggered laterally relative to stripping elements, to intercept and re-direct all detached crop parts.

Conveniently the attachment region of crop stripping elements may lie in a plane which differs from the plane or planes of the crop engaging region. Crop stripping elements which form extensions of transversely or helically arranged ribs may be connected with the ribs in continuation of the principal plane of the rib in the attachment region, or in a plane different from the plane of the rib in the connecting region.

In other preferred forms the elements may be formed, preferably by moulding, with the base portions thickened, in stepped form or by gradual lateral tapering towards the support means. Corresponding guides, which may be welded, screwed, bolted or otherwise secured directly to the moveable support means, may be provided to enable the elements to be slid into their operating positions and to be retained there securely. Conveniently in an alternative form the guides may be so shaped that outwardly directed flanges may be sprung apart by forcing the shaped base portion of the elements between them. On return to their normal dispositions at least one of the flanges locks the elements in position.

Alternatively the elements may be bolted or pinned to continuous or sectioned flange-type, channel-section or other types of bracket.

As an alternative to securing the guides or brackets directly to the moveable support means, which may be tubular of circular or polygonal cross-section or may consist of a continuous belt, the retaining means for the elements may be attached to transverse or circumferential strips of metal or other rigid or semi-rigid material, and the strips in turn may be bolted, slideably located or held in tension on the surface of the moveable support means. A particular advantage of mounting brackets and guides for the wedge-form crop stripping elements being attached to strips which can be tensioned around the circumference of moveable support means of tubular construction is that the lateral spacing of circumferential arrays of elements may be easily varied by slackening the tensioning means, relocating the mounting straps and re-tensioning them.Reversing the elements for operation of the crop stripping device in the opposite direction is also made possible.

As a further alternative to attaching the elements by means of guides or brackets secured directly to tubular moveable support means, individual elements, or continuous arrays of elements, may be attached by fasteners extending axially, tangentially or in intermediate directions to transverse mounting bars. The bars may be hollow and may comprise, for example, lengths of appropriately shaped channel section, or rails or battens made preferably from non-metallic materials.

Conveniently the mounting bars may be provided at the inner end with flanges extending in and against the direction of movement of the crop engaging elements. Intermittent or continuous transverse guides, secured circumferentially spaced to the moveable support means, allow the channel sections carrying arrays of crop stripping elements to be slid into position from the side. Conveniently, retention of the end sections may be by set bolts or other known means.

Alternatively the mounting bars may be provided at the base with recessed studs, which register for insertion into slotted holes cut in the surface of the moveable support means. After insertion of the recessed studs into the holes, lateral sliding of the bars along the short slots locks the bars in position.

In cross-section the bars may form syninetrical or asymmetrical mounting pedestals which may have steep or slanting sides.

Conveniently the crop-facing surface or surfaces of the bars may serve to impel detached crop material in the direction of movement of the crop engaging elements. Conveniently also the outer surface and edges of the bars may combine with the elements to promote stripping of wanted plant parts. To enhance this effect, the outer surface and edges may be profiled or contoured, for example they may be provided with recesses and/or protrusions.

Axial fastening of crop engaging elements to transverse mounting bars, which may be hollow or be made conveniently of wood or plastic materials, may be facilitated if threaded nuts or inwardly extending screws, bolts or pins are moulded into the base portions of elements.

Alternatively there may be provided flanges or webs extending to one or both sides of the transverse centre line of arrays of crop engaging elements, to enable fastenining by any convenient means or mode.

The method of attaching crop engaging and crop stripping elements to mounting bars, which are then slideably or otherwise rapidly secured as assemblies to the moveable support means, provides several advantages. The most important of these include the ability to repair and replace faulty elements quickly and easily, to interchange types of elements readily, for example for harvesting different crops, and to vary the effective stripping rotor diameter and/or the number of transverse rows of elements for specific purposes. Conveniently, alternative mounting bars may have different cross-sectional shapes and dimensions.

To facilitate removal and replacement of quick-fit mounting bars, particularly slideably located bars, a suitably dimensioned and positioned aperture in one or both side plates of the rotor housing may be provided. Alternatively, provision may be made for the guide or other retaining means of one mounting section in each transverse array of elements to be removed or rendered inoperative.

Conveniently some forms of discrete crop stripping element may be mounted so that in operation the elements are self-rotating about their outwardly extending axes. Rotation can enhance the stripping effect, contribute to smooth crop flow, minimise the detachment of unwanted parts and help to distribute wear evenly.

In embodiments of the invention the height-adjustable moveable support means to which the crop engaging elements are secured may be driven to move the elements through the crop in the overshot or the undershot mode, that is to say in such a way that the elements move respectively upwards or downwards at a front region. Conveniently the crop flow passage may extend around the upper part of the crop stripping device, when the device is driven in the overshot mode. In the outward direction the passage is defined by a preferably smoothly curved crop guide cover which serves to direct detached plant parts rearwards to the second part of the apparatus for further processing, cleaning and collection.

In some embodiments of the invention the crop stripping device may be driven so that the crop engaging elements move downwards at a front region. This form of operation is particularly appropriate in short crops and when the crop stripping elements are formed to impel detached plant parts initially inwards relative to the tips of the elements. Conveniently the crop flow passage then extends around a lower part of the crop stripping device, and it may be defined in the outward direction by one or more conveying rotors, or preferably by a belt conveyor, which may be cleated or provided with transverse slats.

Preferably the lower conveying means are provided with means for adjustment of the angle of inclination relative to the ground, independent of the height adjustment of the stripping rotor and of the apparatus as a whole. Preferably also the stripping rotor is provided with means for adjustment of its fore-and-aft position, so that from a wide range of possible settings the most appropriate combination may be selected for effective and efficient crop recovery regardless of the conditions of the crop and of the ground.

The height-adjustable moveable support means may comprise a horizontal rotor mounted in the mobile support structure substantially transverse to the path of forward movement of the apparatus, or leading at one end, the rotor being provided with at least two transversely arranged arrays or one helically arranged array of crop stripping elements.

Alternatively the height-adjustable, driven moveable support means may comprise a continuous belt or flexible sheet which extends across the full working width of the apparatus, generally transversely to its path of forward movement and vertical, or forwardly inclined in the front region. The full-width belt or other means may be supported, under sufficient tension to transmit the required driving force, between two rollers or sets of sprockets or wheels. Preferably there may be secured to the driven side of the flexible support means teeth or toothed belts at least near both sides, to register with toothed wheels or pulleys at least on one of the shafts which provides the drive.

Advantageously there may be provided an additional high-speed front rotor co-operating with the principal stripping device when this is driven in the overshot mode. Thus there may be provided a preferably separately height-adjustable rotor facing the principal stripping device and rotating in the lower centre region against the direction of forward movement of the harvesting apparatus. Around a variable part of its front region the additional rotor may be shielded by a hood against premature contact with the crop.The additional rotor is driven at peripheral speeds suitable for stripping wanted plant parts from the forward facing regions particularly of seed heads, to redirect into recovery trajectories seeds which are propelled against it by the principal stripping device, and to assist feeding of the crop into the principal stripping device, especially when the crop is tangled or lodged.

The additional rotor may be provided for stripping forward facing plant regions with transversely or helically arranged serrated ribs or with arrays of crop stripping elements of the present invention.

In an alternative embodiment the additional rotor may be densely studded on its core surface with tough but relatively soft protrusions which may taper towards their tips and may be circular or oblong in cross-section. The protrusions serve to remove seeds from the forward facing plant parts and to lift crop by a flailing action. Any particles which may be thrown against the rotor are particularly likely to be re-directed upwards. In known manner an adjustment may be provided for the position of the hood which covers the additional rotor at the front, to advance or retard contact between the crop and the rotor.

In embodiments of the invention there may be combined, with the crop stripping device, preferably transversely oriented apparatus for separating wanted from unwanted crop fractions and for cleaning the wanted fraction. Accordingly there may be provided transversely arranged compact means for separating the free seeds already threshed by the stripping device, re-threshing any crop portions still containing seeds, separating the further detached seed and optionally applying primary cleaning to the separated seed before conveying it for final cleaning and collection.

A form of primary cleaning apparatus for stripped seed samples contaminated.with coarse unwanted crop fractions may be provided by replacing with a perforated screen or sieve the floor plate of the kind of crop elevator which is commonly used in conventional combine harvesters for feeding the cut material from the cutting table to the threshing mechanism. Cut seed-bearing crops do not contain worthwhile quantities of free seeds, but during in situ stripping, particularly of grain crops, over 90% of the seeds may be threshed by the stripping device of the present invention.

The screen which may be provided under the crop elevator may have fixed apertures of different shape and size, or it may be an adjustable-aperture sieve. The screen may be kept static, or it may be reciprocated in or across the direction of crop flow or about a pivot positioned in any of a range of locations in or adjacent the screen area. Separateed seeds fall on to a collecting ramp, from which they slide into, for example, an auger conveyor or are removed by scraper or other means.

A seed separating conveyor may employ slats, tines, fingers or other discontinuous means for moving stripped crop material over a perforated surface, optionally delivering it to further processing means, which may be oriented parallel with or transversely to the direction of movement over the ground of the harvesting apparatus.

The present invention may be put into effect in such a way that the apparatus may be attached to and driven by a tractor of single- or multi-axle configuration, that it may be mounted on a self-propelled vehicle with appropriate controls and optionally provided with final seed cleaning means and a holding tank with emptying conveyors, that it may replace the cutting tables of conventional combine harvesters, or that it may replace the cutting or pick-up heads of forage harvesters. The last-mentioned application provides the advantages that the comminution mechanism of the forage harvester acts as a threshing mechanism to dislodge any seeds not separated from the stripped-off seed heads and that it chops any detached long material, thus increasing the load density in the collecting tank or trailer body.

Generally the invention finds application in the harvesting of mature seeds by a single pass or in successive passes, including cereals, pulses, oil seeds and herbage seeds, and in the harvesting of whole seed bodies, some fruiting bodies and foliage fractions.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention to be described provide, in addition to compactness of construction offering low weight and cost, the advantages of high work rates and hence low harvesting costs, timeliness of harvesting, extended time available to the farmer for preparing for the next crop, and efficient and economical disposal or utilisation of the crop residue, which dries quickly after rain and is favourably presented for burning, chopping or harvesting, as required.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagramnatic cross-sectional side elevation of a stripper harvester embodying the invention; Figure la shows in front elevation and plan view an arrangement of cone-shaped crop stripping elements, mounted indirectly on the moveable support means; Figures ib and ic are side elevations, partly in section, of cone-shaped crop stripping elements mounted indirectly on the moveable support means; Figure Id is a front elevation and plan view of alternative crop stripping elements to those shown in Figure la; Figure le is a side elevation, partly in section, of the elements shown in Figure ld;; Figures If to ln are front elevations and plan views of alternative forms of discrete crop stripping element; Figures 2 and 2a are respectively front and side elevations of fin-like crop stripping elements with pronounced leading edges; Figure 2b is a view in the direction of arrow A in Figure 2, and Figure 2c shows in end elevation the fin-like crop stripping elements tilted laterally; Figures 3 and 3a are respectively front and side elevations of crop stripping elements forming outwardly directed extensions of transversely arranged, serrated and corrugated ribs; Figure 3b is a view of the elements in Figure 3 in the direction of arrow B; Figures 4 and 4a are respectively a side and end elevation of a wedge-form crop stripping element with coarsely serrated laterally declined trailing side region; Figure 4b is a cross-sectinal view in the direction of arrows CC in Figure 4;; Figures 5 and 5a are respectively a side elevation of the outer part of a wedge-form crop stripping element and an end elevation, showing surface and edge profiling; Figures 6 and 6a are respectively a side and end elevation of wedge-form crop stripping elements provided with protrusions on the laterally declined surface; Figures 7, 7a and 7b are respectively a side, end and partly cross-sectional side elevation of a wedge-form crop stripping element provided with ribbed crop engaging surface and stepped leading and trailing edges; Figure 8 is a diagrammatic end elevation of a wedge-form element attached to a cantilevered zig-zag bracket arrangement; Figure 9 shows in plan view a section of the development of the surface of a crop stripping rotor; ; Figures 10 and lOa are respectively front and side elevations, partly in section, of fin-like crop stripping elements in which the prominent leading edge extends in more than one direction; Figures 11 and ila are respectively front and side elevations, partly in section, of fin-like crop stripping elements in which the crop facing surfaces lie in more than one plane; Figures 12 and 12a are respectively side and end elevatidns, partly in section, of a fin-like crop stripping element with laterally declined wings in the outer region; Figures 13 and 13a are respectively side and end elevations of a crop stripping element having a flexible, sectioned side region;; Figure 14 shows schematically the interaction between crop stems, seed heads and wedge-form crop stripping elements, as they appear in plan view in a section of the development of the surface of a crop stripping device; Figures 15 and 15a are respectively side and end elevations of a crop stripping element of the invention capable of momentarily gathering detached plant parts, illustrating also a self-locking mounting arrangement; Figure 15b is a plan view of the crop engaging part of the element shown in Figure 15; Figures 16 and 16a show in front elevation and plan view respectively a coil-shaped and fin-like crop stripping element alongside a circumferentially displaced corrugated fin-like crop stripping element, with interspersed serrated and corrugated transverse ribs; Figure 17 shows coil-shaped crop stripping elements and interspersed serrated ribs of alternative depth;; Figures 18, 18a and 18b show respectively front, side and end elevations of crop stripping elements connected to serrated corrugated ribs, the elements being provided with apertures and recesses to achieve maximum threshing effect; Figures 18c to 18g show in front elevation and plan view alternative corrugated crop stripping elements which are provided at the base with flanges or webs for axial fastening; Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of a rotor on which the crop stripping elements are arranged in three helically disposed rows; Figure 19a is a diagrammatic front elevation of a stripping rotor having the crop stripping elements arranged in a three-start helix; Figure 20 is a perspective front elevation of a crop stripping rotor and its crop guide cover embodying the invention;; Figure 21 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional side elevation of the header of a harvester embodying the invention; Throughout this specification corresponding components of the various arrangements have been given identical reference numerals.

For brevity and simplicity the functions and inter-relationships between the various components are described and explained only when they are first mentioned and not fully in connection with each figure.

Thus it is to be appreciated that each time corresponding components with identical reference numerals are referred to, the appropriate description applies.

Referring first to Figure 1, there is shown in diagramnatic side elevation a generalised layout of one embodiment of the present invention for harvesting crops by stripping off the wanted parts in situ. The apparatus comprises a mobile support structure, or frame, indicated generally at 20, for movement over the ground when pushed or pulled by a tractor, or when attached to a self-propelled power unit.

Connected to frame 20 is a moveable support means 32; in the embodiment shown this is a hollow tube, but other support means may be used, for example a continuous belt. Mounted on the support means 32 are a plurality of outwardly projecting crop engaging elements 1, which may take several different forms, as described hereinbefore or hereafter. In combination the moveable support means 32 and the crop engaging elements 1 form a rotary crop stripping device 30. This is driven by drive means indicated diagrammatically at 22, which may comprise a drive train made up of gears, belts, chains and/or hydraulic means, using power derived conveniently from the engine of the operating unit.

The direction of rotation of crop stripping device 30 is such that the crop engaging elements 1 comb through the crop in the upward direction at a front region, splitting the crop mass apart by a wedge action. Detachment of wanted plant parts is accomplished at peripheral speeds in the approximate range of 8 to 40 m/s at the tips of elements 1 by beating, bending, breaking, cleaving, rubbing and tearing the crop. It is achieved also at least in part by shaking due to the whiplash effect resulting from appropriate lateral inclinations and the lateral and circumferential spacings of the elements as they comb through the crop.

To prevent material detached from the crop by stripping device 30 becoming lost, there is provided a crop guide cover 21; this cover is preferably smoothly curved and extends from in front of the seed stripping region to beyond the rear of stripping device 30. The unobstructed space beneath the cover 21 forms a crop flow passage 27.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 the stripped material is directed into a transverse conveying auger 83 which is located in a trough and has series of retracting fingers over part of its length.

The fingers serve to push the collected material into ducting 84 where a slatted chain elevator 85 conveys it to a higher level for further processing or collection.

When seed crops are harvested by stripping with the harvester shown in Figure 1, a high percentage of seeds is threshed by the stripping device 30. This free seed may be separated from any coarse crop fraction through a screen 86, which is shown diagramatically to provide the floor of duct 84. A ramp 87 directs the separated seeds into a transverse conveyor 88, conveniently an auger conveyor, for transfer to one side of the apparatus.

Screen 86 may be provided over the whole or part of its surface area with apertures which allow mainly seeds and not coarse material to pass through. The apertures may be of fixed size and shape; alternatively the screen 86 may be a sieve with adjustable apertures, for example a frog-mouth or laminar-type sieve.

Preferably the screen 86 may be trapezoidal, being widest at the upper delivery end. An eccentric drive mechanism of known form may be provided to cause the delivery end of the screen to reciprocate in an arcuate path about a pivot near the centre of the lower feed-on end.

Material fed on to the inclined screen 86 by slatted chain conveyor 85 has threshed seeds concentrated in the lower stratum of the crop layer, so that many seeds pass through the apertures close to the feed-on region. The lateral movement of the screen increases towards the delivery end, and this increases crop agitation, so that any remaining free seeds are dislodged from the mat of coarse material and become separated.

Conveniently the pivot for screen 86 may be positioned in a range of locations in or adjacent the screen area. As an alternative to the pivotal motion, the screen may be reciprocated in or across the direction of crop flow, or it may be kept static.

An advantage of a screen which is static or reciprocated in the direction of crop flow is that the screen may be transversely dished to be concave on its upper crop facing surface, so that the crop moving means on the conveyor above, such as slats, ribs, tines, fingers or other discontinuous means, may be of unequal length and arranged to form a transverse tip profile which is shaped to be convex. In this way the difference between the density of seed and other crop matter causes the seeds to migrate by gravity into the central region of the screen, where the population density and shape of the crop moving means may be so arranged that a high degree of agitation, and consequently separation, is achieved.

Referring next to the crop engaging elements, which perform the important function of detaching the wanted crop parts, there is shown in Figure la in front elevation and plan view a section of the development of a cylindrical crop stripping rotor in which the crop stripping elements comprise cones made of resilient plastic material and mounted in successive arrays to cause lateral bending of stems and whiplash of the seed-bearing heads.

In operation each cone-shaped element 1 presents to the crop a prominent leading edge, having on each side curved and progressively reclining surfaces of inwardly increasing radial dimension. Moulded into the base portion of each element 1 are threaded bolts for axial attachment to a transversely extending channel-shaped mounting bar 32a, which is slideably attached to the tubular moveable support means 32. Successive transverse arrays of cone-shaped crop engaging elements 1 comb through the crop at equidistant lateral spacing and a circumferential offset which encourages the seed heads to penetrate inwards to the base region of the elements.

The elements 1 shown in full outline comprise the leading array, and those in broken and chain-dotted outlines represent the second and third transverse arrays respectively. The right-hand element of the leading array is shown as the leading half of a vertically split cone.

As an alternative, split cones may be mounted in such a way that the leading edge of the outwardly extending flat surface is positioned anywhere between the 9 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions. One-third or one-quarter of a cone may also be used.

Figure ib is a side elevation, partly in section, of the leading array of cone-shaped crop stripping elements 1 shown in Figure la.

Elements 1 are mounted on the outer surface of channel-section 32a, which, at its base, has two flanges in contact with the outer surface of moveable support means 32, the flanges being retained by guides 8 secured by screwing, pinning or welding to the moveable support means 32. The arrangement allows channel section 32a with the elements fitted to it to be withdrawn, for repair or substitution, through an aperture in one side plate of the rotor housing.

Alternatively, one of the guides 8 may be made detachable, to allow at least one section of the hollow mounting bar 32a to be removed initially; adjacent sections may then be slid along for subsequent removal.

Conveniently the outwardly extending sides of mounting bar 32a serve to impel detached crop parts in the direction of movement of the elements 1. Conveniently also the dimensions of mounting bar 32a may be varied to suit different requirements. In particular, if the outwardly extending thickness is varied, the effective diameter of stripping rotor 30 may be changed, or it may be kept constant when elements of different length are to be used.

In Figure ic the channel section 32a is shown to be shaped to incline elements 1 in the direction of rotation of moveable support means 32. Such inclination can contribute to the minimisation of seed losses in some crops and conditions.

Figure id shows crop stripping elements 1, with annular recesses 16 at he base, secured axially to a transverse hollow mounting bar 32a in front elevation and plan view. By way of example the elements 1 in each transverse array are shown to occupy alternate stations circumferentially, but less than or double the population density shown may be provided.

The arrangement illustrated in Figure id causes the final stripping of wanted crop parts to take place by the co-operation of the recessed base regions of elements 1 with the outward facing surface and edges of hollow mounting bar 32a.

Figure le is a side elevation, partly in section, of the arrangement in Figure ld. Hollow mounting bar 32a has leading and trailing side faces which converge in the outward direction to impel detached crop parts in the direction of movement of the elements with minimal risk of loss.

Figures if to in are examples, in front elevation and plan view, of alternative crop stripping elements producing the effects of a double-bevel wedge. Figure if shows a cone with an annular recess 16 positioned slightly above the base surface. Figure Ig shows a cone witha cylindrical base section which may be waisted optionally.

Figure lh shows a fluted cone, the protruding ribs 19 being particularly suitable for enhancing the threshing effect on seedbearing heads. Conveniently, provision may be made for this type and some other discrete crop stripping elements to be mounted so that the elements are self-rotating, to increase their effectiveness and spread wear evenly.

Figure li shows a twice waisted cone on a cylindrical base. If made from flexible plastics material, as is preferred, this shape of element is particularly well protected against impact damage. Figure lj shows an oblique cone in which the apex may lie above the base circle or outside it. Figure 1k shows a pyramid-shaped crop stripping element which may have a triangular or rectangular base.

The prominent leading edge 4 may be an acute edge.

Figure 11 shows a cone with an elliptical base which may be mounted so that the major axis is oriented in or transverse to the direction of movement. Figure im shows a crop stripping element 1 with prominent leading edge 4 which resembles a prism. Figure in shows a crop stripping element 1 comprising a cone which has two inwardly extending helical ribs or ridges 19, and which has provision made in the base region for mounting it to be free to rotate in operation. The separation of seeds is enhanced by rotation and by the effect of the ridges. Further improvement may be provided by gaps or breaks in the ribs or ridges.

Figures 2 and 2a are respectively a front and a side elevation of fin-like crop stripping elements 1 forming, or having provided on them, a prominent leading edge 4. The elements are moulded to be connected with a transverse rib 7 so that the prominent leading edges lie at an angle to the direction of forward movement, to form inwards of the element tips laterally offset regions in which forward facing parts of the crop may be stripped by the co-operation on laterally and circumferentially adjacent elements of edges 3, 4 and 5, which bound the outer region of crop stripping elements 1.

Parallel sided crop entry regions are provided by the prominent leading edges 4 of laterally adjacent elements. The crop entry regions form the leading regions of rearwardly extending crop stripping passages, which may also be laterally oriented, in which the edge and surface regions of adjacent elements co-operate to act upon the crop.

The transverse rib 7 is serrated or scalloped at its outer edge in such a way that crop stems are deflected behind the laterally angled outer regions of the fin-like elements for complete stripping of the forward facing parts of the crop. The principal planes of crop stripping elements 1 and transverse ribs 7 are disposed normal to each other.

Like prominent leading edge region 4, the outer edge region 5 may be bevelled to be sharp along its crop facing length. Preferably edge 5 is reclined in a straight or curved line in the direction of movement of elementsl, to prevent its trailing end in particular from dislodging and impelling forwards wanted crop parts.

Conveniently ribs 7 may be provided at appropriate lateral spacings with mounting holes for attachment to outwardly extending mounting means such as flanges arranged on the surface of the moveable support means.

Figure 2b is a view in the direction of arrow A in Figure 2, showing in full outline the normal relationship of the fin-like elements 1 to the transverse ribs 7. In broken outline in Figures 2 and 2b there is indicated that the trailing regions of elements 1 may be angled laterally and, optionally, may be profiled to form serrations. Circumferentially adjacent arrays of crop stripping elements 1 may be laterally offset, as shown in broken outline in Figure 2.

Figure 2c indicates that fin-like elements 1 may be inclined laterally throughout their depth relative to transverse ribs 7. This lateral attitude of the elements increases crop contact and achieves more positive impelling of detached crop parts both laterally and inwardly towards the moveable support means.

In the outward direction fin-like elements 1 as shown in Figure 2 may be set normal- to the transverse axis of the moveable support means, provided they are inclined so that at least half the elements have trailing edges which are laterally offset relative to the leading edges and/or the crop stripping device is angled laterally relative to the direction of forward movement.

Conveniently for some applications rod-like crop stripping elements may be substituted for the fin-like elements shown in Figure 2.

Figures 3 and 3a are respectively front and side elevations of crop stripping elements 1 which form outwardly directed extensions of transversely arranged serrated and corrugated ribs 7. The outermost tip region of element 1 is bounded by prominent leading edge 4 and part of reclined edge 5; it lies in a different plane to the inner region of the element.

Elements 1 and corrugated ribs 7 are disposed in several different planes, and conjointly they form regions inwards of the tips of the elements, which regions are laterally and/or inwardly offset relative to the tip paths of elements 1, so that forward facing wanted parts of the crop may be stripped off when the crop stems enter into the regions. The offset regions may be provided to be sufficiently spacious to accommodate most crops regardless of stem thickness, and they may take different shapes and have different spacings.

Figure 3b is a view of elements 1 in Figure 3 in the direction of arrow B, indicating that the outer regions of elements 1 may continue optionally in the same plane as the inner regions of the elements.

Conveniently the shape and size of the outer region of elements 1, which may be inclined at different angles to the inner region, may vary in accordance with requirements.

Figures 4 and 4a are respectively a side and end elevation of another wedge-form crop stripping element 1 having a prominent leading edge 4 and a laterally declined surface with a serrated trailing edge 3. Along the reclined outer edge 5 of the surface is provided a protruding ridge 9 to block detached crop particles being impelled forwards. The serrations 17 in the side region of element 1 form tapering recesses 16 into which crop stems are able to enter, the extent depending on their cross-sectional diameter, for effective removal of wanted plant parts. The cross-sections of the small and large crop stems indicated diagrammatically in Figure 4 may resemble a cereal and an oilseed rape stem respectively.

Conveniently, the depth and shape of the serrations in the side region of element 1 may be made more or less aggressive to suit the range of crops which are to be harvested.

Optionally, the serrations 17 may be moulded to project above the principal plane of element 1 against the direction of rotation, to form curved or angled protrusions 19. These give advantageous stripping and impelling, particularly in crops which have free-flowing seeds.

Figure 4b is a cross-sectional view in the direction of arrows CC in Figure 4; it shows the general shape of the raised ridge 9, which may be provided along the outer edge 5 of the laterally declined crop engaging surface of element 1.

Figures 5 and 5a are respectively side and end elevations of the outer region of a wedge-form crop stripping element 1 which has an outwardly ridged laterally declined- crop engaging surface. In operation the protruding ridges 17 create a washboard effect which reduces crop friction and enhances the stripping effect.

Optionally there may be provided in the region of trailing edge 3 notches 16 of depth less or greater than the thickness of the material from which the elements are made. Thus more or less pronounced recesses 16 may be formed with stepped side edges giving gentle but effective removal of wanted plant parts.

Conveniently the notches 16 may be of symmetrical or asymmetrical shape and may be cut at different angles relative to the principal plane of the crop engaging surface. Protruding ridges 17 on the crop engaging surface may be provided in different directions and in more than one direction simultaneously. All or part of the crop engaging surface may be studded with small protrusions to make the surface rough, or there may be provided recesses, including perforations, of a variety of shapes and sizes.

Returning now to Figure 5a, there is shown in broken outline the relative position of a complementary element, as seen in front elevation of a development of the rotor surface. Whilst for coarse crops, such as some row crops like beans and sunflowers, two inversely angled elements may be combined to form a double-bevel wedge, it is preferable for the maJority of densely planted crops, particularly cereals, that the elements are effectively of single-bevel wedge shape.

Figures 6 and 6a are side and end elevations respectively of an alternative wedge-form crop stripping element 1. Protrusions 9 in the region of trailing edge 3 are dimensioned to fall within the working width of the element in the direction of rotation; they are shaped and oriented to impel particles laterally and inwardly on detachment from the plants.

Preferably there is provided along the outer reclined edge 5 of element 1 an inwardly tapering ridge 9, to assist in the stripping of crop as it slides over the edge, and to deflect into favourable trajectories detached particles moving over the reclined surface in the front region.

For least losses in some crops and conditions the outer region of the element may be acutely tapered from the tip region towards the support means, as indicated by broken line 5 in Figure 6. It is preferred generally that the crop engaging side regions of wedge-form crop stripping elements are shaped to resemble a parallelogram or trapezium, but for some purposes outer edge 5 may be tapered inwards from the tip region so that the side of the element forms a triangle.

Figure 6a shows optional protrusions 19 extending from the crop engaging surface of element 1 into a region outside the effective width of the element. On its underside the element is supported by mounting bracket 8 to which it is secured by fastening bolt 10. At its inner end (not shown) the element 1 may be shaped to abut tightly against the curved or otherwise shaped surface of the moveable support means, to prevent rotation of the element in operation.

Figures 7 and 7a are front and end elevations respectively of an element 1 having a ribbed crop engaging surface and stepped leading and trailing edges. The ribs run at a reclined angle across the crop engaging surface, forming small ridges 17 and depressions 16 broadly parallel to the outer edge 5.

The stepped prominent leading edge 4 is formed by the adjacent chamfered side face perpendicular to the transverse rotor axis intersecting the laterally declined ribbed surface. The edge pattern thus achieved assists in the parting of some crops, especially if they are tangled or weed-infested.

The ribbed surface is provided to enhance the stripping effect and to guide detached particles favourably. Purpose of the stepped trailing edge is to sub-divide the strip of crop being treated by each element and thus improve access to the seeds and other wanted parts within the crop mass.

In broken outlines in Figure 7 is shown that stepped trailing edge 3 may be forwardly stepped in the inward direction, to be particularly effective in the stripping of forward facing plant regions.

The base region 6 of element 1 is tapered inwards to form a wide foot section adjacent the moveable support means. This makes it possible to locate the base of the element and to hold it captive in an outwardly converging channel-section bracket, as indicated at 8 in Figure Tb, which is a cross-sectional view in the direction of arrows DD in Figure 7.

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic end elevation of a wedge-form crop stripping element 1 which has a reduced-width mounting flange. It is secured by a bolt 10 to a section of a zig-zag bracket arrangement 8, which forms part of a transverse mounting strip 91. The surface of the moveable support means 32 is provided at intervals on opposite sides with guides 90 which are suitably cranked to allow a continuous length, or sections of, element mounting strip 91 to be inserted from the side, to be retained firmly in the operating position. Slots 92 allow transverse positioning of successive arrays of crop stripping elements and subsequent clamping by, for example, set bolts.

This arrangement allows rapid repair and replacement of elements as well as adaptation of the stripping device to different crops and conditions and, if desired, to the reverse direction of operation.

Conveniently there may be made provision on the surface of the moveable support means 32 for accommodating different numbers of transverse arrays of stripping elements.

Conveniently, in place of the continuous zig-zag bracket arrangement there may be provided on the sliding mounting strip 91 individual retaining brackets of varying design, including channelsection brackets with outwardly extending parallel or converging flanges. Converging-channel brackets may be blanked off at their trailing ends, so that each element may be positively secured by simple means at the leading open end, for example by deforming the side walls slightly.

Figure 9 shows in plan view a section of the development of the surface of a crop stripping rotor in which the bracket-carrying strips 91 are oriented to surround the moveable support means 32. Known means may be used to tension the straps 91, provided a distribution of mass is maintained around the rotor axis which takes account of the requirements for adequate dynamic balance. To prevent circumferential slip of the sliding straps 91, there may be provided recesses 93 in the straps to register with dowels 94. Other locating means may be employed.

Whilst in Figure 9 the upper two transverse rows of brackets 8 for securing the elements 1 are simple cantilevered flanges, the lowermost row shows channel-type brackets with outwardly converging walls. Optionally other means and methods of attaching discrete crop stripping elements to moveable support means may be provided.

Figure 9 also discloses possible patterns and densities of providing crop stripping elements on the moveable support means 32.

Whilst every bracket station shown may be occupied by an element, in many crops and conditions a reduced number of elements is likely to give satisfactory performance.

As shown in Figure 9, adjacent straps 91 are provided with inversely inclined wedge-form elements. Preferably the prominent leading edges should at least follow each other or overlap slightly in the direction of rotation. The trailing edges 3 between two circumferential arrays of inversely angled stripping elements may be laterally spaced apart, because the whiplash effect which is forced upon the crop by the inclined crop engaging surfaces of successive elements causes detachment of wanted plant parts, even though an intervening strip of the crop may not be physically swept or combed by any part of an element. The permissible lateral distance between trailing edges of inversely inclined elements also depends on the shape and profile of the trailing edges.

The means and method of attaching crop stripping elements to a rotor core, as disclosed in Figure 9, have the important advantage that the lateral spacing between circumferential arrays of elements may be changed quickly and easily.

As an alternative to the arrangement of elements shown in Figure 9, successive circumferential arrays may all be oriented in the same direction, for example in one half of the stripping rotor, whilst in the other half the orientation may be in the opposite direction. Preferably in operation the elements may be angled away from the ends of the rotor and towards the centre. In such an arrangement successive circumferential arrays of uni-directionally angled elements may also be spaced apart laterally, the margin depending on the length and other aspects of the crop.

In Figure 9 the elements are shown to be attached to their brackets displaced to one side. This is one option and not a requirement to put the invention into effect.

Figures 10 and lOa are respectively front and side elevations, partly in section, of fin-like crop stripping elements 1 in which the prominent leading edge 4 extends in more than one direction. As in the case of the elements shown in Figure 2, the outer edge 5 is reclined and the inner regions are moulded or otherwise secured to transversely disposed serrated ribs 7.

The outer region of element 1 is angled less acutely to the direction of forward movement of the apparatus than the inner regions, and the tip region is chamfered, to promote entry into the crop with minimal adverse disturbance.

Preferably the thickness and flexibility of the material from which elements 1 and ribs 7 are made are such that the elements are held in their operative positions at least in part by the centrifugal effect in operation of the apparatus. In conditions of overload or impact with foreign objects the elements 1 and ribs 7 may deflect laterally and rearwardly to escape damage.

Conveniently elements 1 may be secured to ribs 7 so that they are inclined laterally against the direction of movement, as indicated by the broken outlines in Figure 10. Alternatively or additionally the elements may be tilted forwardly along their outwardly extending length so that the tip regions lead in the direction of movement of the elements.

Figures 11 and lia are respectively front and side elevations, partly in section, of fin-like crop stripping elements 1 in which the crop facing surfaces of the elements and of ribs 7 lie in more than one plane. In broken outlines it is indicated that the laterally offset trailing regions may be serrated optionally; such serrations may be provided also in other edge regions, notably in the region of prominent leading edge 4.

Preferably the elements are arranged in transverse arrays.

Conveniently in circumferentially displaced arrays of elements the tips follow each other in the direction of movement or are marginally laterally displaced to form a helix. Ribs 7 may be moulded to take different forms, including forwardly inclined in the outward direction.

Figures 12 and 12a are respectively side and end elevations, partly in section, of a fin-like crop stripping element 1 provided in the outer region with laterally extending and rearwardly and inwardly trailing wings. In cross-section the fin is wedge-shaped as indicated in broken outline in Figure 12a.

In side elevation prominent leading edge 4 may be concave, to provide a prominent tip region.

Preferably the wings bounded in the outer region by the edges 5 have crop facing surfaces which are laterally declined relative to the direction of movement of the elements. Alternatively the wings may extend laterally at different angles, including inclined angles relative to the central fin.

Conveniently transverse ribs 7 may be corrugated in the outward direction and elements 1 may extend outwardly from the ridges or from the depressions of the corrugations, or both.

Figures 13 and 13a are respectively side and end elevations of a crop stripping element 1 having a flexible side region. Rearwards of prominent leading edge 4 is provided a strong spine from which extends laterally a declined surface comprising sufficiently thin flexible material that it allows preferential yielding to take place in response to increasing crop pressure and friction.

Preferably the flexible side regions are divided by lateral slits 11 so that each section forms a flap 14 which may yield independently This may allow intrusion of stiff plant stems into the normal profile of the elements so that the stems become enveloped momentarily froni the sides.

Conveniently the lateral slits 11 may terminate near the spine region in pre-formed holes 12, to minimise the risk of tearing and fatigue. The slits 11 may be provided at different angles, and the elements may be made symmetrical by the provision of a flexible region on both sides of the outwardly extending central spine.

Figure 14 shows schematically the interactions between crop stems, seed heads and wedge-form crop stripping elements, as seen in plan view in a section of the development of the surface of a crop stripping device according to the invention. The elements 1 with prominent leading edge 4 have flexible side regions on both sides of an outwardly extending spine. The staggered formation of the elements in and across the direction of movement relative to the 'tethered' crop induces lateral whiplash. This causes the heavy seed heads to be threshed by repeated impact with the leading and trailing edges and with the side regions of laterally and circumferentially adjacent elements.

Detached particles, particularly seeds, are impelled sideways, as seen, and in the general direction of movement of the elements.

In broken outline in Figure 14 are indicated alternative crop stripping elements, as shown in Figures 15, 15a and 15b. These are respectively side and end elevations and plan view of an element 1 which has a prominent central leading edge 4 and reclined outer edges 5 which combine to split the crop apart. Following inwardly is a widening boat-shaped section which is recessed towards the centre against the direction of rotation and which is provided on each side with forwardly extending protrusions 19.

The element serves to detach, gather and retarddetached plant parts before impelling them outwardly for recovery. Protrusions 19 may be provided with recesses 16 and may extend forwardly and laterally at different inclinations.

Illustrated in Figure 15 by way of example is a mounting arrangement 8 secured to the surface of moveable support means 32.

The shaped resilient foot region 6 of element 1 is retained by the inwardly directed lip of one of the two flanges of mounting arrangement 8. The other flange supports the base region of the element from behind.

Element 1 may be fitted to mounting arrangement 8 by sliding it between the flanges from the sides or by prising the two flanges apart and springing the enlarged foot section into position. The heel of the foot section comprises a tapered ridge which is capable of deforming during insertion of the element and then extends to ensure correct and firm location in the mounting arrangement.

Figures 16 and 16a show in front elevation and plan view respectively a coil-shaped crop stripping element 2 alongside a circumferentially displaced corrugated rod- or fin-like crop stripping element 1. In the inward direction both elements provide crop stripping regions which are laterally offset relative to the tip region. The side edges of the protruding regions of corrugated transverse ribs 7 deflect crop laterally into the sphere of influence of elements 1 and 2.

Detached plant parts are collected and impelled for recovery by transverse ribs 7. Crop stripping elements 1 or 2 and ribs 7 may be transversely displaced in circumferential succession to form a helical pattern by which all detached particles are intercepted and redirected for recovery.

Conveniently elements 1 and 2 may be secured directly to the moveable support means 32 by mounting bolts 10.

The outwardly directed cone-shaped coil element 2 is fashioned from rod material which is semi-circular in cross-section.

Conveniently material of other cross-sectional shapes may be used, including rectangular, triangular and circular.

Figure 17 shows coil-shaped crop stripping elements 2 and interspersed serrated ribs 7. As previously, the elements shown in broken outline are implied to be offset circumferentially from elements shown in full outline. The transverse corrugated ribs 7 may be of different effective depth and spaced apart differently in the direction of movement of the stripping device.

When only coil-type and/or corrugated fin-like stripping elements are provided, it is preferred that there follows one transverse rib after 2 to 4 transverse arrays of elements and that the ribs extend outwardly to at least two-thirds of the effective length of the elements.

Figures 18, 18a and 18b show respectively front, side and end elevations of crop stripping elements 1 connected to serrated corrugated ribs 7. Each element 1 is shaped to provide 3 prominent leading edge regions 4 which are laterally and rearwardly displaced to each other. The elements are also shaped to provide regions which are laterally offset for stripping off forward facing wanted plant parts within or adjacent to the boundaries of the elements in operation.

The crop facing edges and surfaces of the elements and of the corrugated transverse ribs lie in several different planes, and there are provided additional edges in each element by the provision of a diamond-shaped aperture 16, to achieve in seed crops a maximum threshing effect.

At the outer, central prominent leading edge 4 of each element 1 the two outer halves may be separated and allowed to flex independently by the provision of a slit extending the short distance inwards from the tip to aperture 16.

At the junctions of elements 1 with corrugated ribs 7 the laterally recessed space may be shaped to provide more or less aggressive stripping, as indicated by the full and the broken outlines on one element in Figure 18.

Figures 18c and 18f show respectively a front elevation and a plan view of a section of a transverse, corrugated array of crop stripping elements 1 in which the crop is split apart by prominent leading edge 4. As seen in Figure 18c, trailing edge 3 diverging inwardly from the outer end of prominent leading edge 4 and curved outer edge 5 deflect crop to either side and guide it into the laterally and inwardly slanting recess 16 for stripping by the adjacent trailing edges 3. In operation of the elements, trailing edges 3, on both sides of the inner part of recess 16, appear substantially parallel.

Figure 18d and 18e are respectively views in the direction of arrows A and B in Figure 18f normal to the two side faces of each corrugated element 1. A particularly advantageous feature of this arrangement of corrugated crop stripping elements is the generously dimensioned outer inlet funnel, generally indicated at 16, which is formed between two surfaces lying in different planes relative to one another.

Figure 18g is a front elevation of a short section of an alternative array of corrugated crop stripping elements 1, the elements being symmetrical and having recesses 16 formed by trailing edges 3 in continuation of curved outer edges 5. The serrated corrugations 7 at the inner end of recesses 16 serve to divide the trapped crop and to guide it sideways for complete stripping by trailing edges 3 and protrusions 19.

Elements which are corrugated or are attached to corrugated ribs may be secured by means of tangential fasteners to plain or shaped supports extending outwards from the moveable support means, or they may be secured by axial fastening means on to the surface of the moveable support means or on to raised transverse members serving as mounting bars, for example as shown in Figures la to le. Axial fastening of the elements shown in Figures 18d to 18g is facilitated by the provision at their base of circumferentially extending flanges or webs 6 joined to the corrugations on one or both sides. Webs 6 also ensure that the angular relationship of the corrugated surfaces is maintained.

It will be noted that in the crop stripping elements illustrated in Figures 2 to 2c, 4 to Tb, 10 to 13 and 15 to 15b, prominent leading edge 4 is formed at the junction of two faces of the respective element which are inclined at an acute angle with respect to one another. If desired, of course, this feature may also be incorporated in crop stripping elements which are otherwise the same as any of the other forms of crop stripping element disclosed hereinbefore.

Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of a short section of a rotor on which the crop stripping elements 1 are arranged on the moveable support means 32 in three helically disposed rows. In each row the elements follow in helical succession in such a way that each of the prominent leading edges 4 is preferably forwardly inclined and the laterally extending surfaces taper rearwardly and inwardly towards the moveable support means.

In Figure 19 elements 1 have sides bounded at the outer region by straight or curved reclined edges 5.

In operation of the helically arranged crop stripping elements crop stems come to be gathered across prominent leading edges 4 at an angle to the side regions, and detachment of wanted plant parts is achieved by the combined effects of the leading, outer and trailing edge regions. The stripping effect of rotor 30 may be enhanced by provision in the inner region of prominent leading edge 4 of recesses 16 or by the provision of protrusions 9 at the trailing edges of helically arranged elements 1 or between helically adjacent elements.

Conveniently the spirally arranged crop stripping elements may be formed of sheet-like resilient material in strips which may be moulded or mounted so that the outer regions of the elements are laterally offset relative to the mounting region. A momentary scooping effect is obtained if the lateral offset is in the direction of movement of the elements.

Figure 19a is a diagramnatic front elevation of a stripping rotor 30 on which the crop stripping elements 1 are arranged in a threestart helix. A section in the direction of arrows FF is represented by Figure 19.

Figure 20 is a perspective front elevation of a crop stripping rotor 30 and its crop guide cover 21. Crop engaging elements 1 are laterally reclined, trapezoidal elements, generally as shown in Figures 4 to 9.

Figure 21 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional side elevation of the header of a harvester embodying the invention. The crop stripping rotor 30, comprising the moveable support means 32 and wedge-form elements 1, is supported on each side by a hydraulically pivotable arm 82, to which is attached also crop guide cover 21.

As shown in solid outline, the elements 1 of crop stripping device 30 may be rotated in the undershot mode; the adjustable front portion of crop guide cover 21 then shields the crop from premature contact with the elements. Detached crop parts are delivered into the lower crop flow passage 27 and thence on to crop conveyor 89. The conveyor discharges the collected material into a trough, for the auger 83 to move the material laterally and deliver it at one end or in the centre through a feed duct 84 for further processing or collection.

The rotor support arms 82 are telescopic and may be shortened or lengthened by separate hydraulic means or more simply, as shown, with the aid of a locking pin which may be located in alternative aligned holes. Thus, to recover severely laid crops, the rotor and its cover may be pushed forward and lowered to reach closer to the ground.

To be complementary to the height setting and fore-and-aft position of rotor 30, conveyor 89 may be angled appropriately by means of hydraulic ram 91. An interconnecting linkage or other means may be provided to prevent contact of rotor 30 with conveyor 89. A skid 90 at the front of the housing under conveyor 89 prevents damage to the conveyor due to ground contact. The operating height of the whole header may be adjusted by means of hydraulic ram 92.

The undershot mode of operation is particularly suitable for harvesting seeds from short crops with a large-diameter rotor. For operation in the overshot mode the stripping elements 1 are oriented as shown in broken outline. Detached crop is delivered into, and passes through, the upper crop flow passage 27 and is then guided by cover 21 in the general direction of crop conveyor 89 and auger 83.

Conveniently, the header shown in Figure 21 may replace the con- ventional header of a combine-harvester or may be provided simply with means for conveying the collected material into a container or trailer.

Conveniently, the harvesting apparatus described in the foregoing may be used with or without separating components, depending on the degree of separation it is required to achieve. In some instances as clean a seed sample as possible may be demanded, whilst in others nothing, or only the coarsest non-seed fraction, is to be removed.

The seed stripping apparatus may be used without provision for additional cleaning, for example when all the detached material may be needed for grinding up as a livestock feed. In that event any of the different known forms of crop collecting device may be combined with the seed stripping part of the apparatus.

There will now be considered the important dimensions and general arrangements which are appropriate for the effective operation of the embodiments of the invention. The requirements of different seed crops may vary appreciably, depending on seed size, stem thickness, crop maturity and growth habit.

For dwarf crops having low seed or fruiting bodies the minimum ground clearance under the tip envelope of the seed stripping device may be 25 inn, and the effective radius of the stripping rotor preferably may be no greater than 200 mn. A small tip radius is most readily provided by the vertical or forwardly inclined continuous-belt type stripping apparatus, but in short crops stripping rotors of small diameter also perform satisfactorily without wrapping.

For the most cormnonly grown crops, particularly cereal and pulse crops, the effective length of the crop stripping elements is preferably 40-160 nnn, most preferably 50-80 inn. The overall length range of the elements for all types of crop may include 20 and 240 mm. Conveniently the crop stripping elements may have different tip radii as a result of extending outwards from the moveable support means for different distances, and transverse and/or circumferential arrays of crop stripping elements may comprise different types of element.

Conveniently the effective width of wedge-form crop stripping elements may vary between 20 and around 200 nin, preferably between 35 and 100 nrn. The material from which rod- and fin-like crop stripping elements are made may have thickness dimensions which include conveniently 5 and 20 mn.

Preferably the depth of fin-like crop stripping elements in the direction of movement may vary between 6 and 60 mn.

Preferably the lateral inclination of the principal plane of the crop engaging surface of wedge-form crop stripping elements is 10 to 650 relative to a plane perpendicular to the transverse rotor axis.

The reclined angle the outer edge of an element makes with a transverse radial plane passing through the tip of the element is preferably at least 100, more preferably 10 to 20 and most preferably 300 or more.

Conveniently the maxImum effective radius of seed stripping rotors for the majority of crops in temperate climates may be around 500 mm, and the maximum effective length of a continuous belt-type seed stripping device 1200 mn. The preferred effective radius of a crop stripping rotor for general purpose use ranges between 200 and 300 mm.

Conveniently the tip speeds of the crop engaging elements on a crop stripping rotor or belt may vary between 8 and 40 m/s, the preferred range being 12-24 m/s, and the most preferred 15-22 m/s.

Claims (75)

1. Apparatus for harvesting crops comprising: a mobile support structure for movement over the ground; moveable support means capable of being driven relative to the support structure and extending transversely across the direction of forward movement of the apparatus; a plurality of crop engaging elements cantilevered outwards from the moveable support means; means for driving the moveable support means so that the crop engaging elements comb through the uncut crop at a front region, to detach and recover wanted parts including seeds; crop guide means extending over or under the apparatus to prevent detached crop particles becoming lost and to direct them rearwards for collection; characterised in that at least some of the crop engaging elements comprise crop stripping elements, each having a prominent leading edge and each forming in operation a wedge effective in the direction of movement of the elements for splitting the crop mass apart and for detaching wanted parts from the plants.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the crop stripping elements are inclined relative to the crop and are shaped so as to detach from the crop wanted parts and to impel the detached parts into paths which are directed laterally and/or inwardly at a front region.

3. Apparatus according to claims l or 2 wherein, in at least one of said crop stripping elements, said prominent leading edge is formed at the junction of two faces of the element which are inclined at an acute angle with respect to one another.

4. Apparatus according to claims 1 to 3 in which each crop stripping element comprises at least one outwardly extending crop facing surface which is bounded in its outer crop engaging region by a prominent leading edge, a trailing edge and an intermediate outer edge.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which the outer edge is reclined relative to the direction of movement of the element.

6. Apparatus according to claims 4 and 5 in which the outer edge region is provided at least for part of its length with a crop facing ridge.

7. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which the outwardly extending surface is shaped to resemble generally a parallelogram, a trapezium or a triangle.

8. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which the outwardly extending surface is flat.

9. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which the outwardly extending surface is laterally declined relative to the prominent leading edge.

10. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which the outwardly extending surface lies in two or more planes.

11. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which the outwardly extending surface is grooved, ribbed or otherwise contoured.

12. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which in an array of crop stripping elements the prominent leading edges lie parallel to each other.

13. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which the prominent leading edges of adjacent crop stripping elements define in operation crop entry regions.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13 in which the crop entry regions form the leading regions of rearwardly extending crop stripping passages defined by adjacent elements which act on the crop by co-operation of their surface and edge regions.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14 in which the crop stripping passages extend both rearwardly and laterally.

16. Apparatus according to claims 8 to 10 in which the trailing edge regions are profiled in stepped or serrated forms.

17. Apparatus according to claims 8 to 10 in which the trailing edge regions are provided with protrusions.

18. Apparatus according to claims 1 and 2 in which the crop stripping elements comprise outwardly extending fins or rods.

19. Apparatus according to claim 18 in which the leading edge regions of the outwardly extending fins or rods are laterally inclined to the transverse axis of the stripping device.

20. Apparatus according to claims 18 and 19 in which the outwardly extending fins have trailing regions comprising lateral protrusions.

21. Apparatus according to claims 18 to 20 in which the fins or rods extend outwardly in more than one direction.

22. Apparatus according to claim 21 in which outwardly extending rods comprise helically formed springs.

23. Apparatus according to claims 1 to 22 in which crop engaging elements are shaped and oriented to form regions which are inwardly, laterally and/or rearwardly offset relative to the tips of the elements for stripping wanted plant parts off the forward facing crop regions when stems intrude into the offset regions

24. Apparatus according to claims 1 to 4 in which crop stripping elements have differing stiffness across their effective width, so that in operation flexible trailing edge regions may yield into reclined positions in response to increasing crop pressure and friction.

25. Apparatus according to claim 24 in which outwardly extending central rib regions are thicker and stiffer than the side regions which are adapted for yielding.

26. Apparatus according to claim 25 in which the flexible side regions are subdivided into a series of flaps, by transverse slits, so that stiff plant stems may be enveloped from the sides by the side regions for efficient stripping of wanted plant parts.

27. Apparatus according to claims 4 and 24 in which the trailing side regions of circumferentially spaced but laterally adjacent crop stripping elements overlap in the direction of movement of the elements.

28. Apparatus according to claims 4 and 24 in which any or all of the crop engaging edges are curved, serrated, scalloped or otherwise profiled.

29. Apparatus according to claims 1 to 4 in which the crop stripping elements are mounted on the moveable support means in helically arranged succession.

30. Apparatus according to claim 29 in which the prominent leading edges are forwardly inclined.

31. Apparatus according to claims 29 and 30 in which the crop stripping elements are moulded from sheet-like material or mounted so that the outer edge regions are laterally offset from the mounting regions.

32. Apparatus according to claims 29 to 31 in which the trailing and the helically adjacent leading edge regions are adapted, by the provision of recesses and/or protrusions, to enhance the stripping effect.

33. Apparatus according to claims 1 to 32 in which transversely or helically arranged ribs co-operate with the crop stripping elements to detach, thresh and impel for recovery wanted plant parts.

34. Apparatus according to claim 33 in which the transverse ribs have a serrated or otherwise profiled outer edge.

35. Apparatus according to claims 33 and 34 in which the transverse ribs are corrugated or intermittently folded in the outward direction.

36. Apparatus according to claims 33 to 35 in which the crop stripping elements form outwardly directed integral or separate extensions of the transverse ribs.

37. Apparatus according to claim 36 in which the attachment regions of the crop stripping elements are flat and lie in a plane different from the plane of the rib in the connecting region.

38. Apparatus according to claims 1 to 37 in which any or all of the crop engaging elements are made of resilient material

39. Apparatus according to claim 38 in which crop engaging elements are joined together at the mounting region.

40. Apparatus according to claim 39 in which continuous arrays of crop engaging elements are provided at the base with circumferentially extending flanges or webs to adapt the elements for attachment by generally axial fastening means.

41. Apparatus according to claim 38 in which each crop stripping element is a separate element.

42. Apparatus according to claim 41 in which the elements are generally cone-, pyramid- or prism-shaped.

43. Apparatus according to claim 41 in which the elements have incorporated in the base region means for attaching them axially.

44. Apparatus according to claim 43 in which the elements are adapted to be rotating in operation of the apparatus.

45. Apparatus according to claims 39 to 44 in which the elements are provided with inwardly extending continuous or intermittent ribs or ridges to enhance the threshing effect of the rotor

46. Apparatus for harvesting as claimed in any preceding claim in which the crop stripping elements form transversely and circumferentially extending arrays of elements.

47. Apparatus according to claim 46 in which the arrays comprise crop stripping elements of different type and/or outwardly extending length.

48. Apparatus according to claims 46 and 47 wherein the desired crop stripping, threshing and impelling effects are achieved by the co-operation of crop engaging elements which are laterally, circumferentially and/or radially disposed in respect to one another.

49. Apparatus according to claim 38 in which the inner mounting region of crop engaging elements is enlarged to form a broadened foot region which may be inserted by lateral sliding into guides, to be held captive therebetween.

50. Apparatus according to claim 49 in which the broadened foot region is shaped to be sprung into guides by inwardly directed pressure and to provide a self-locking fit.

51. Apparatus according to claims 1 or 2 in which there are provided on the surface of the driven moveable support means paired transversely arranged, and outwardly angled, or stepped, guide rails for holding the crop engaging elements captive at their enlarged foot sections.

52. Apparatus according to claims 1 or 2 in which there are provided on the surface of the driven moveable support means flanges or brackets for mounting crop engaging elements.

53. Apparatus according to claims 1 or 2 in which crop engaging elements are integral with, or mounted on, transversely slideable strips of stiff material, to permit lateral adjustment of the position of the elements and reversal of their lateral inclination.

54. Apparatus according to claims 1 to 45 in which the crop engaging elements are secured to transverse members which form mounting pedestals and which are adapted to be quickly and easily attached to and detached from the moveable support means.

55. Apparatus according to claim 54 in which the cropfacing surfaces of the transverse members serve to impel crop parts detached by the crop stripping elements.

56. Apparatus according to claim 54 in which the crop-facing surfaces and edges of the transverse members co-operate with the crop engaging elements to detach wanted parts from the crop.

57. Apparatus according to claim 56 in which the crop-facing surfaces and edges of the transverse members are adapted by contouring and/or profiling to enhance the crop stripping effect.

58. Apparatus according to claims 1 or 2 in which the crop engaging elements are integral with, or mounted on, moveable strips disposed circumferentially around the moveable support means, to permit lateral adjustment of the position of the elements and reversal of their lateral inclination.

59. Apparatus according to claims 1 or 2 in which the moveable support means is driven to move the crop engaging elements in the overshot mode.

60. Apparatus according to claims 1 or 2 in which the moveable support means is driven to move the crop engaging elements in the undershot mode.

61. Apparatus according to claims 1 or 2 in which the moveable support means comprises a continuous transverse belt from which the crop engaging elements are cantilevered outwards and the front region of which is vertically or forwardly inclined.

62. Apparatus according to claims 1 or 2 in which the said moveable support means is provided by a tubular member which carries on its periphery at least two transverse rows of outwardly cantilevered crop engaging elements.

63. Apparatus according to claim 62 in which the moveable support means comprises a rotor.

64. Apparatus for harvesting as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the driven moveable support means together with the crop engaging elements form principal crop stripping means, which are provided with height adjustment means independent of the remainder of the apparatus, to enable only that region of the crop to be engaged which contains the wanted crop parts, particularly seeds.

65. Apparatus according to claims 58 to 61 in which there is provided in front of and in proximity with the principal seed stripping means a rotor, shielded at the front against premature crop contact, for stripping seeds off the forward facing seed heads and for presenting seed-bearing parts to the principal seed stripping means.

66. Apparatus according to claim 65 in which the rotor has transversely arranged profiled ribs.

67. Apparatus in accordance with claim 65 in which the rotor has a core member densely populated with flexible elongate projections to provide a flailing effect.

68. Apparatus in accordance with claims 1 or 2 in which there is provided a crop guide cover over the crop stripping means which is smoothly curved and has an extendible front section.

69. Apparatus according to claim 65 in which the crop guide cover extends over the whole of the apparatus, including further processing means.

70. Apparatus according to claims 1 or 2 in which there are provided further processing means for separating freed seeds from the remainder of the detached plant parts, for completing the detachment of seeds from broken off stem and seed head portions from among said remainder, and for separating the further freed seeds from non-seed material.

71. Apparatus according to claim 70 in which the further processing means are arranged transversely behind seed stripping means.

72. Apparatus according to claim 70 in which a seed separator is provided by a screen, or adjustable sieve, positioned under a crop conveyor for stripped material, the material being moved over the screen by discontinuous conveying elements.

73. Apparatus according to claim 72 in which the screen is driven in a reciprocatory or pivotal motion.

74. Apparatus according to claims 72 and 73 in which the screen is dished to be concave across its width on the upper surface.

75. A method of harvesting crops substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one or any combination of the accompanying drawings.

75. Apparatus for harvesting crop substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, Figures 1 to 21 of the accompanying drawings.

76. A method of harvesting a crop comprising: moving through the uncut crop an apparatus according to claim 1, whilst driving said moveable support means so that the crop engaging elements comb through the uncut crop at a front region of the apparatus, whereby said crop stripping elements having said prominent leading edges form wedges effective in the direction of movement of the crop stripping elements and which split the crop mass apart and detach wanted parts from the plants, the method including impelling the detached crop parts towards a collection facility.

77. A method according to claim 76 wherein the detached crop parts are impelled towards the said collection facility at least in part by the action of transverse ribs provided on said moveable support means.

78. A method according to claim 76 or claim 77 wherein at least some of said crop stripping elements have lateral wings or protrusions and wherein seed is detached from the seed heads by beating the seed heads with said laterally extending wings and protrusions.

79. A method according to claims 76 to 78 wherein the effectiveness of the crop stripping process can be adapted readily to different crops and conditions by quick and easy substitution of different arrays of crop engaging elements to vary essential dimensions.

80. A method according to claim 76 wherein seeds are detached from forward-facing parts of seed-bearing heads by the effect of impacts directed on the seed heads by separate means in a direction counter to the direction of forward movement of the apparatus.

81. A method according to claim 76 wherein at least some of said crop stripping elements are flexible and the seed-bearing stems of the crop are parted, and seeds detached from the seed heads, by a flailing effect of said crop stripping elements.

82. A method of harvesting crop as claimed in any of claims 76 to 81, including the steps of dividing the detached crop material into seed and non-seed fractions.

83. A method of harvesting crops substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one or any combination of the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. Apparatus for harvesting crops comprising: a mobile support structure for movement over the ground; moveable support means capable of being driven relative to the support structure and extending transversely across the direction of forward movement of the apparatus; a plurality of crop engaging elements cantilevered outwardly from the moveable support means; means for driving the moveable support means so that the crop engaging elements comb through the naturally disposed uncut crop at a front region, to detach and gather wanted plant parts; crop guide means extending over or under the apparatus to prevent detached crop parts becoming lost and to direct them towards a collection facility; characterised in that at least some of the crop engaging elements comprise crop stripping elements, each presenting in operation, at least in the outer region, an acutely bevelled wedge providing a sharply defined or rounded leading edge effective in the direction of rotation of the elements around the transverse axis of the moveable support means and movement of the apparatus through the crop, for dividing the crop mass and for detaching and conveying wanted plant parts.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the crop stripping elements provide crop engaging surfaces inclined and shaped so that detached crop parts are deflected laterally and/or inwardly at a front region.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which said acutely bevelled wedge provides a prominent leading edge formed at the junction of two faces of the element.

4. Apparatus according to claims 1 to 3 in which each crop stripping element comprises at least one outwardly extending crop facing surface which is bounded in its crop engaging region by a prominent leading edge, a trailing edge and an intermediate outer edge.

5. Apparatus according to claims 1 to 4 in which the outer edge regions of crop stripping elements are laterally and inwardly reclined linearly or curvilinearly relative to the direction of movement of the elements.

6. Apparatus according to claims 1 to 5 in which the outer edge region is provided at least for part of its length with a crop facing ridge.

7. Apparatus according to claims 1 to 4 in which the outwardly extending surfaces are shaped to resemble generally a parallelogram, a trapezium or a triangle.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 in which the outwardly extending surfaces are flat.

9. Apparatus according to claims 1 to 4 in which the outwardly extending surfaces lie in two or more planes in the outward and/or rearward direction.

10. Apparatus according to claims 1 to 4 in which the outwardly extending surfaces are grooved, ribbed or otherwise contoured.

11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which in an array of crop stripping elements the prominent leading edges lie parallel to each other.

12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the prominent leading edges of adjacent crop stripping elements define in operation the leading regions of rearwardly extending and laterally reclined crop stripping passages in which adjacent elements act on the crop by co-operation of their surface and edge regions.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12 in which at least some of the wedge form elements have each a stepped, scalloped or otherwise profiled prominent leading edge to assist in the parting of crop and the detachment of wanted plant parts.

14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the trailing edge regions are stepped, serrated or otherwise profiled.

15. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the trailing side regions are provided with wings or intermittent protrusions.

16. Apparatus according to claim 1 and claim 2 in which the crop stripping elements comprise outwardly extending fins or rods.

17. Apparatus according to claim 16 in which the leading edge regions of the outwardly extending fins or rods are laterally inclined to the transverse axis of the stripping device.

18. Apparatus according to claim 16 and claim 17 in which the outwardly extending fins have trailing regions comprising lateral wings or protrusions.

19. Apparatus according to claims 16 to 18 in which the fins or rods extend outwardly in more than one direction.

20. Apparatus according to claim 19 in which outwardly extending rods comprise helically formed springs.

21. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which crop engaging elements are shaped and oriented to form regions which are inwardly, laterally and rearwardly offset relative to the tips of the elements for stripping wanted plant parts off the forward facing crop regions when stems intrude into the offset regions.

22. Apparatus according to claims 1 to 15 in which the acute wedge form in the outer region of a crop stripping element is followed inwardly by a depression in the crop engaging surface or surfaces.

23. Apparatus according to claims 1 to 15 in which the crop facing surface or surfaces of a crop engaging element is/are perforated.

24. Apparatus according to claims 1 to 19 in which crop stripping elements have differing stiffness across their effective width, so that in operation flexible trailing side regions may yield rearwardly in response to increasing crop pressure and friction.

25. Apparatus according to claim 24 in which the flexible side regions are divided by slits or recesses into a series of flaps so that plant stems may be enveloped from the sides by the side regions for efficient stripping of wanted plant parts.

26. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the trailing side regions of circumferentially spaced but laterally adjacent crop stripping elements overlap in the direction of movement of the elements.

27. Apparatus according to claims 1 to 8 in which the crop stripping elements have outer edge regions which are laterally offset from the mounting region.

28. Apparatus according to claims 1 to 8 in which the leading and trailing edge regions of laterally and at the same time circumferentially disposed stripping elements are adapted by the provision of recesses and/or protrusions to enhance the stripping effect.

29. Apparatus according to claim 28 in which the prominent leading edge regions are forwardly inclined.

30. Apparatus according to claims 1 to 29 in which transversely arranged additional ribs, providing a serrated or otherwise profiled outer edge, co-operate with the crop stripping elements to detach, thresh and impel for recovery wanted plant parts.

31. Apparatus according to claim 30 in which the transverse ribs are corrugated or intermittently folded in the outward direction.

32. Apparatus according to claim 30 and claim 31 in which the crop stripping elements form outwardly directed integral or separate extensions of the transverse ribs.

32. Apparatus according to claim 31 in which the attachment regions of the crop stripping elements are flat and lie in a plane different from the plane of the rib in the connecting region.

33. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which each crop engaging side and outwardly extending boundary region of a crop stripping element is formed from front to rear of a smooth continuous surface, or surfaces, free of outwardly extending abrupt or definitive edges and other disruptions and surface discontinuations, to detach plant parts by the effects of beating and avoid the mechanism of scraping and other edge-induced effects.

34. Apparatus according to claim 33 in which the crop stripping elements take the general form of a perpendicular cone, an oblique cone or an elliptical cone, at least in the front region.

35. Apparatus according to claim 33 in which the elements have a cylindrical base region.

36. Apparatus according to claims 33 to 35 in which each crop engaging element has one or more annular protrusions and/or recesses to contribute to the stripping effect and provide preferential yielding.

37. Apparatus according to claim 34 in which elliptical-cone shaped crop engaging elements are adapted to be mounted so that the major axis can be oriented perpendicular or parallel to the transverse axis of the moveable support means.

38. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the crop engaging elements are generally cone-, pyramid- or prism-shaped, at least in the outer crop engaging region.

39. Apparatus according to claims 34 to 38 in which the elements are provided with inwardly extending continuous or intermittent ribs or ridges to enhance the stripping effect.

40. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the crop engaging elements are provided at their base with flanges, webs or lugs extending in and/or against the direction of rotation, to adapt the elements for attachment by generally axial fastening means.

41. Apparatus according to claim 40 in which elements have incorporated in the base region such means as bolts or nuts for attaching them generally axially to the moveable support means.

42. Apparatus according to claims 33 to 41 in which at least some of the elements are adapted in operation of the apparatus to rotate about their outwardly extending axes.

43. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which arrays of crop engaging elements comprise elements of different type and/or outwardly extending length.

44. Apparatus according to claim 43 in which the inner mounting region of crop engaging elements is enlarged to form a broadened foot region shaped to be sprung by inwardly directed force into yielding guides to provide a self-locking fit.

45. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which any or all of the crop engaging elements are secured indirectly to the moveable support means.

46. Apparatus according to claim 45 in which crop engaging elements are integral with, or mounted on, transversely moveable strips of material disposed circumferentially around the moveable support means, so as to permit lateral adjustment of the position of the elements and reversal of their lateral inclination.

47. Apparatus according to claim 45 in which the crop engaging elements are secured to distinct demountable solid or hollow transverse members which form mounting pedestals.

48. Apparatus according to claim 47 in which the crop-facing regions of the transverse members contribute to the stripping and impelling towards the collection facility of detached crop parts.

49. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which there is provided under and to the rear of the moveable support means, when this is driven to move the crop engaging elements in the undershot mode to detach wanted plant parts unaided by other means, a belt or apron type conveyor, to assist the recovery and collection of detached plant parts being delivered rearwardly from under the rotor.

50. Apparatus according to claim 1 and claim 2 in which the moveable support means comprises a continuous transverse belt, canvas or apron from which the crop engaging elements are cantilevered outwardly and the front region of which is vertically or forwardly inclined.

51. Apparatus for harvesting as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the driven moveable support means together with the crop engaging elements form principal crop stripping means, which are provided with height adjustment means independent of the receiving means for stripped material of the apparatus.

52. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which there is provided in front of and in proximity with the principal seed stripping means a rotor, shielded at the front against premature crop contact, for stripping seeds off the forward facing parts of seed heads.

53. Apparatus according to claim 52 in which the rotor has transversely arranged profiled ribs.

54. Apparatus according to claim 52 in which the rotor has a core member densely populated with flexible elongate projections to provide a flailing effect.

55. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which there is provided downstream of the principal crop stripping means a separator for seed freed during stripping, the separator comprising a screen or adjustable sieve, positioned under crop conveying means for the stripped material, the material being moved over the screen by intermittently disposed or discontinuous conveying elements.

57. Apparatus according to claim 55 in which the screen is driven in a reciprocatory or pivotal motion.

57. Apparatus according to claim 55 and claim 56 in which the screen is dished to be concave across its width on the upper surface.

58. Apparatus for harvesting crop substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, Figures 1 to 21 of the accompanying drawings.

59. A machine for harvesting seed crops incorporating as an intake section an apparatus as claimed in claim 58.

60. A machine for chopping field crops incorporating as an intake section an apparatus as claimed in claim 58.

61. A machine for compacting field crops incorporating as an intake section an apparatus as claimed in claim 58.

62. A method of harvesting a crop comprising: moving through the uncut crop an apparatus according to claim 1, whilst driving said moveable support means so that the crop engaging elements comb through the naturally disposed uncut crop at a front region of the apparatus, whereby said crop stripping elements present to the crop acutely bevelled wedges effective in the direction defined by rotation of the elements around the transverse axis of the moveable support means and movement of the apparatus through the crop, to divide the crop mass and detach wanted parts from the plants unaided by other means, the method including impelling the detached crop parts substantially laterally and rearwardly towards a collection facility.

63. A method according to claim 62 wherein wanted crop parts are detached and impelled towards the said collection facility at least in part by the action of additional profiled and/or folded transverse ribs provided on said moveable support means.

64. A method according to claim 62 or claim 63 wherein at least some of said crop stripping elements have lateral wings or intermittent protrusions and wherein seed is detached from the seed heads by beating the seed heads with said laterally extending wings and protrusions.

65. A method according to claims 62 to 64 wherein the wanted crop parts are detached and impelled towards the said collection facility at least in part by the effects of crop-facing surfaces of distinct transverse mounting members provided on said moveable support means.

66. A method according to claims 62 or 63 wherein the wanted crop parts are detached by the effects of beating the crop whilst avoiding the mechanism of scraping, by using crop stripping elements which are devoid in the side regions of outwardly extending abrupt or definitive edges and other disruptions and surface discontinuations.

67. A method according to claims 62 to 66 wherein the effectiveness of the crop stripping process can be adapted readily to different crops and conditions by convenient in-situ changes, involving adjustment to pre-determined alternative settings and/or substitution of assemblies of elements, to vary essential dimensions of the stripping device.

68. A method according to claims 62 to 67 wherein seeds are detached by the effects of impacts imparted to the seed heads by a stripping device operating in the undershot mode so that in the lowermost region the crop engaging elements move counter to the direction of forward movement of the apparatus.

69. A method according to claims 62 to 67 wherein seeds are detached from forward-facing parts of seed-bearing heads by the effect of impacts directed on the seed heads by separate means rotating in front of the principal stripping means in a direction counter to the direction of forward movement of the apparatus.

70. A method according to claim 62 wherein at least some of said crop stripping elements are so flexible that the crop is parted and wanted parts are detached by a flailing effect of said crop stripping elements.

71. A method of harvesting seed crops by using a machine substantially as claimed in claim 59.

72. A method of harvesting forage crops by using a machine substantially as claimed in claim 60.

73. A method of compacting field crops by using a machine substantially as claimed in claim 61.

74. A method of harvesting crops as claimed in any of claims 62 to 73, including the steps of dividing the detached crop material into seed and non-seed fractions.