NZ726111A - Mechanical Weed Seed Management System - Google Patents
Mechanical Weed Seed Management SystemInfo
- Publication number
- NZ726111A NZ726111A NZ726111A NZ72611115A NZ726111A NZ 726111 A NZ726111 A NZ 726111A NZ 726111 A NZ726111 A NZ 726111A NZ 72611115 A NZ72611115 A NZ 72611115A NZ 726111 A NZ726111 A NZ 726111A
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- trough
- straw
- waste
- harvester
- chaff
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000010902 straw Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 46
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 230000000295 complement Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000003306 harvesting Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 235000013339 cereals Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 241000209140 Triticum Species 0.000 description 3
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000009313 farming Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000002363 herbicidal Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000004009 herbicide Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 description 3
- 235000021307 wheat Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 241000209082 Lolium Species 0.000 description 2
- 244000144972 livestock Species 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000006008 Brassica napus var napus Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000000385 Brassica napus var. napus Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000006618 Brassica rapa subsp oleifera Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000004977 Brassica sinapistrum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000006022 Lolium multiflorum Species 0.000 description 1
- 240000007742 Raphanus sativus Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000006140 Raphanus sativus var sativus Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241000030366 Scorpidinae Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000008984 brauner Senf Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004035 construction material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002457 flexible plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000005389 magnetism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008188 pellet Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003892 spreading Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001988 toxicity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100000419 toxicity Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Abstract
The present invention relates to a mechanical weed seed management system and device for use on a harvester. The device comprises a plate for providing a barrier between straw and chaff waste after discharge from a harvester; a chute for catching, directing and depositing the straw waste to the ground; and a trough comprising a means for transporting material through its length, for catching, transporting and depositing the chaff waste on top of the straw waste on the ground, wherein the trough is of a depth greater than 150mm. The system for the management of weeds in farmable land comprises the use of the device. und; and a trough comprising a means for transporting material through its length, for catching, transporting and depositing the chaff waste on top of the straw waste on the ground, wherein the trough is of a depth greater than 150mm. The system for the management of weeds in farmable land comprises the use of the device.
Description
TITLE
“MECHANICAL WEED SEED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM”
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a mechanical weed seed management system
and device for use therewith.
BACKGROUND
Annually, grain farmers are faced with weeds, for example, ryegrass and radish,
within their crops. Often, weeds cause huge production losses each harvest. Presently,
herbicides are used to attempt to control weeds in techniques such as crop-topping: the
late application of herbicides to prevent weed seed-set in crop. This may reduce grain
contamination, however crop-topping will not increase yields. Herbicide resistance is
also making the use of chemicals to control weeds increasingly ineffective.
Another method of weed control includes careful management of rotation of
land use. This involves farming different produce, such as vegetative crop then
livestock, on alternative areas of land. Rotation methods may also involve not farming
on a particular land area for one or more seasons. Rotation methods can decrease the
amount of profitable land available to a farmer in a year and may force the farming of
less profitable material on the available land.
Mechanical control of weed seed has also been used by farmers during harvest
with the use of attachments to harvesting machinery. When plant material, including
grain and unwanted straw and weed material is harvested, the grain is separated from
the unwanted waste and collected, while the waste is either spread onto the harvested
land or compiled into windrows for burning or baling. Whilst the spreading technique
is almost entirely useless for weed control, the windrows can be somewhat effective.
Burning windrows has the ability to destroy weed seeds but only if the
temperature of the burn is high enough. If seeds are dropped to the earth from the
harvester and an unacceptable amount of straw and other material covers the seed, the
seeds are insulated somewhat from the burn and remain viable. Conversely, baling
collects the dropped waste material and compiles it into bales for removal from the area
and use as livestock feed, for example. However, if the ryegrass levels in the crop were
significant, the baled material will have an unacceptable level of annual ryegrass
toxicity (ARGT) for direct straw export. Rather, the bales may only be used for pellet
production.
An existing accessory for a harvester, known as a chaff top, transports the chaff
fraction of the waste material, which contains the greatest portion of weed seed, to be
placed on top of the straw fraction within a windrow. Accordingly, effective burning
can be achieved and seeds are rendered unviable. However, these accessories have
been rarely used as they have been found to prevent the smooth flow of material through
the harvester and cause frequent blockages.
The present invention attempts to overcome at least in part the aforementioned
disadvantages of previous mechanical weed seed management systems and devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a
mechanical weed seed management device for use on a harvester comprising:
a plate for providing a barrier between straw and chaff waste after discharge
from a harvester;
a chute for catching, directing and depositing the straw waste to the ground;
a trough comprising a means for transporting material through its length,
for catching, transporting and depositing the chaff waste on top of the straw waste on
the ground,
wherein the trough is of a depth greater than 150 mm.
The trough may be of a depth of 310 mm.
The trough may be of a width of between 250 and 450 mm.
The trough may be of a width of between 275 and 290 mm.
The trough may be generally triangular with rounded corners in shape.
The device may further comprise at least one guard abutting a section of the
trough for assisting in guiding the chaff waste into the trough.
The at least one guard may be disposed at one or more of: forward of the trough;
within a middle area of the annular trough, forward of the chute; and above an unroofed
length of the trough, at respective sides of the device.
The chute may be tapered inwardly downwards for directing the straw into a
narrower deposit.
The width of the chute may be variable for a variable width deposit of straw
waste on the ground.
The trough may square shaped in sectional profile.
The means for transporting material through the length of the trough may
comprise a paddled chain.
Each paddle may be dimensioned so as to be of a complementary size and shape
to the trough.
The device may be powered by a hydraulic pump.
The device may further comprise monitoring means for monitoring the
operation of the device and/or alerting a user if operation is interrupted.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a
mechanical weed seed management system for the management of weeds in farmable
land comprising the use of a weed seed management device.
The waste on the ground may be removed by burning or bailing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference
to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is an upper front perspective view of a device of a mechanical weed seed
management system according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is an upper rear perspective view of the device of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is an upper plan view of the device of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a rear plan view of the device of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a front plan view of the device of Figure 1;
Figure 6 is a side plan view of the device of Figure 1;
Figure 7 is a top schematic view of a first point of attachment 14 of the device of
Figure 1; and
Figure 8 is a perspective schematic view of the device of Figure 1.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the Figures, there is shown a device 10 of a mechanical weed seed
management system for use with and upon a harvester 12. The device 10 is mounted
upon the harvester 12 so as to catch and process waste material, such as weed and straw,
from the harvesting process. Accordingly, the device 10 is generally mounted toward
the rear of the harvester 12.
The trough 24 of the device 10 is annular and generally rounded-triangular in
shape (as best seen in Figure 3), encircling the back of the harvester 12 and reaching to
an underside of the harvester 12. The trough 24 comprises at least three walls defining
a volume therein of a depth greater than 150 mm, preferably about 310 mm deep. The
width of the trough is between about 250 and 450 mm, preferably between 275 and 290
mm. Within the trough 24 is disposed a chain 26 comprising paddles 28 spaced apart
on links of the chain 26. The height of each paddle 28 is complementary to the depth
of the trough 24; similarly, the length of each paddle 28 is complementary to the width
of the trough 24. Preferably, the chain 26 further comprises at least one adjustment link
for adjusting the tension of the chain 26.
It is preferred that the cross-sectional profile of the trough 24 is square.
However, other shaped profiles are contemplated, including but not limited to generally
square with rounded corners, or half-circular, with a rounded base. In the case of a
half-circular profile, the paddles may be complementary shaped, for example be formed
as half-moons.
The chain 26 is in connection with a drive cog 30, which is, according to a
preferred embodiment, driven by a hydraulic pump 32 in a usual manner as would be
understood by the skilled person. The pump 32 is located at an underside of the trough
24, as best seen in Figure 2. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the chain 26 is driven to move in an anticlockwise direction through the
volume defined within the trough 24. It is envisioned that the device 10 is equally as
capable of operating with the chain 26 being driven to move in a clockwise direction.
The device 10 may optionally further comprise a camera and other monitoring
equipment such as alarms. Said equipment may be in connection with the cog 30 or
chain 26 such that if either integer ceased normal operation, a user would be alerted
visually or audibly.
Approximately half the length of the trough 24, positioned toward the rear of
the device 10 where it exits from the harvester 12, comprises a roof 42 which acts to
completely enclose the volume defined within the trough 24. The roof 42 comprises
an access panel 44 removable from the roof 42. The access panel 44 is aligned with
and located generally above the drive cog 30 for ease of access to the interior of the
trough 24, chain 26 and said drive cog 30.
Within a floor of the trough 24 is disposed a chaff vent 46 for material within
the trough 24 to fall through under gravity. According to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the chaff vent 46 comprises a generally rectangular cut-out piece
from the central rear floor of the trough 24.
Located generally encircled by the trough 24 is a straw chute 48. The straw
chute comprises two side walls 52 angled to create a downward taper to the straw chute
48. The straw chute 48 is open at both its upper and lower ends to allow material to
fall through the chute 48 under gravity, and also to be selectively directed to fall into a
narrower width by the taper of the straw chute 48. The width of the chute 48 can be
varied according to a user’s preference or to better suit the crop being harvested.
Disposed generally above and forward of the straw chute 48 is a plate 54. The
forward end 56 of the plate 54 is substantially adjoining the floor of the compartment
of the harvester 12 from where straw waste 68 is disposed. The plate 54 extends from
its forward end 56 to its back end 58, which is located substantially over the upper end
of the straw chute 48. Accordingly, the plate 54 acts, in use, to direct straw waste 68
from the harvester 12 into the straw chute 48.
Optionally, the device 10 may further comprise a front guard 62. The front
guard 62 extends forward from the upper edge of the front wall of the trough 24 to the
underside of the compartment of the harvester 12 from where chaff, weed seeds and
other fine waste material 70 (hereinafter called “chaff” for ease of description) is
discharged. Accordingly, the front guard 62 acts, in use, to direct chaff 70 from the
harvester 12 into the trough 24. The action of the front guard 62 may be further assisted
by a front flap (not shown), preferably comprising a flexible sheet suspended from an
underside of the harvester 12 to rest upon the front guard 62.
A rear guard (not shown) may also be provided on the device 10. The rear guard
generally encloses the central hole created by the annular shape of the trough 24,
forward of the chute 48. Hence, the rear guard extends upwards from the upper edge
of the rear wall of the trough 24 to the underside of the plate 54. To each side, the rear
guard extends along the majority of the unroofed portion of the trough 24. Accordingly,
very little material entering from the harvester 12 to the trough 24 area is allowed escape
excepting into the trough 24.
The device 10 may be provided with left and right side guards 72, as best seen
in Figure 4. Each side guard 72 is disposed on a respective side of the device 10, curved
above the trough 24 forward of the roofed portion of the trough 24. The lower, outer
edge of each side guard 72 abuts the front guard 62, and the upper, inner edge of each
side guard 72 abuts the harvester 12 so as to further enclose the unroofed portion of the
trough 24. The rear end of each side guard 72, proximal to the forward roofed portion
of the trough 24, is truncated so as to allow dust, for example, to escape from the
guarded areas of the device 10. It has been advantageously found that the curved, open
shape of the optional side guards 72 act to direct dust out of unwanted areas and
downwards to the ground and away from the device 10. In addition, the reduction in
circulating dust provided by the side guards 72 and the effectiveness of the device 10
generally, render the device 10 and harvester 12 combination capable of operating at
50 tons of wheat or 15-18 tons of canola per hour while further processing waste 68,
70 from the harvester 12. The device 10 is operable on a class 9 header, functioning at
its maximum capability, without blockages or disruptions.
It is preferred that the guards 62, 72 and rear guard are constructed of a moulded
plastic. Alternatively, the guards 62, 72 and rear guard may be constructed of a flexible
plastic so that they assume their preferably shape once in place on the device 10. It is
preferred that the guards 62, 72 and rear guard are in connection with the device 10
and/or harvester 12 using magnetism. However, other suitable means for attachment
of the guards 62, 72 and rear guard may also be used, including but not limited to, rivets,
studs or latches.
With particular reference to Figures 4 to 7 and in accordance with a preferred
embodiment, the device 10 comprises first 14, second 16 and third 18 points of
attachment. The first point of attachment 14 connects the device 10 to the rear axle of
the harvester 12 and preferably comprises an axle bracket 34 for mounting onto the axle
and a trough bracket 36 for mounting onto a trough 24 of the device 10 in any suitable
manner as known. Both the brackets 34, 36 comprise at least one stud receiver 38
through which, aligned, a stud 40 can pass to complete attachment at the first point of
attachment 14.
The second 16 and third 18 points of attachment may comprise at least one strap
22 each, connecting the trough 24 to suitable locations near the rear of a respective side
of the harvester 12.
In use, the weed seed management device 10 is attached to the rear of the
harvester 12 in such a way so as to further process the waste material exiting the
harvester 12. The device 10 is attached to the harvester 12 at the first 14, second 16
and third 18 points of attachment. As would be clear to the skilled person, the stud
receivers 38, of both the axle bracket 34 and trough bracket 36 of the first point of
attachment 14, are aligned for the passage of the stud 40 and hence attachment of the
device 10 to the rear axle of the harvester 12. The straps 22 of the second 16 and third
18 points of attachment are placed into connection with both the device 10 and the
harvester 12 by any suitable means including, but not limited to, the use of bolts through
bolt holes at respective ends of the straps 22.
The harvester 12 may be used normally in the manner in which it is intended or
any other way as is desired by the user. Accordingly, the harvester 12 cuts and
processes crops, for example, wheat, so that the useable wheat seeds are delivered to a
storage bin for transport and use, and waste material from the harvesting process, such
as straw 68 and chaff 70, are disposed of on the harvested land. The normal operation
of the harvester 12 separates the two waste fractions 68, 70 using weight differences,
with the lighter straw 68 being blown along a higher path through the harvester than
the chaff 70.
The plate 54 of the device 10 acts to continue the separation of the waste
fractions 68, 70 after their transport through the harvester 12. The longer straw 68 is
continued to be separated from the chaff by the plate 54 positioned to direct the straw
68 from the harvester 12 to the straw chute 48. The straw 68 moves from the harvester
12 along the plate 54 to the open upper end of the straw chute 48. As the straw 68 falls
through the straw chute 48 under the effects of gravity, the tapered side walls 52 of the
straw chute 48 direct the straw 68 to form a relatively narrow windrow along the
harvested land from the open lower end of the straw chute 48.
Meanwhile, the finer chaff 70 is discharged from the harvester 12, from its usual
exit point, into the trough 24. The front guard 62 and optional front flap assist in
guiding the chaff 70 into the trough 24 and prevent it from falling forward of the trough
24. The plate 54 positioned above the trough 24 and the rear guard also assist in guiding
the chaff 70 into the trough 24 and prevent it from falling through the central hole of
the annular trough 24. The optional side guards 72, if fitted to the device 10, also assist
in directing the chaff 70 into the trough 24 at respective left and right sides of the device
The hydraulic pump 32 is placed into powered connection with the harvester 12
so as to be operable. The pump 32 drives the cog 30, the teeth of which grip links of
the chain 26. As would be understood, the driven cog 30 causes the chain 26, and
paddles 28 provided thereon, to rotate through the trough 24.
Once caught within the trough 24, the chaff 70 is moved through the trough 24
by the moving paddles 28. As the chain 26 and paddles 28 move in a singular direction,
the chaff 70 is caused to move from the forward unroofed portion of the trough 24 back
towards the rear roofed portion of the trough 24. In time, the chaff 70 reaches the rear
centre of trough 24 and is caused to fall through the chaff vent 46. As the chaff vent
46 is aligned with the straw chute 48, the chaff 70 would fall on top of the previously
deposited straw 68 windrow. Accordingly, the windrows can be baled in the normal
manner and the chaff 70, including weed seeds is ensured to be collected in the bales
and removed from the harvested land, thereby decreasing viable weeds in the land.
Otherwise, the windrows may be burnt; due to the chaff 70 sitting above the straw 68,
the chaff 70 is exposed to adequate temperatures to destroy weed seeds, rather than
being insulated from the fire by the straw 68 were the chaff 70 situated below the straw
Other embodiment weed seed management devices 10 are also contemplated in
accordance with the present invention. For instance, the aforementioned means for
moving chaff 70 through the trough 24 may, instead of being provided as a chain 26
and paddles 28, be any means suited to the relevant function of moving chaff 70 through
the trough 24. These means may include, for example, a spiral conveyer such as an
auger, a conveyer belt, air blowing, vacuum means, or using an electrical charge.
Likewise, the points of attachment 14, 16, 18 may be provided as any suitable
attachment means, for example welding, providing a means for secure attachment of
the device 10 to the harvester 12. Further, the construction materials herein described
are preferable materials and other materials suited to construction of particular integers
may also be used. For example, the aforementioned plastic guards 62, 72 and rear guard
may be constructed of metal or fabric, for example, or any other material suited to
directing material from the harvester 12 along its desired path. The drive cog 30 has
been described as being driven by a hydraulic pump 32, which is generally the source
of power for the device 10. However, any power source suitable for operating the
device 10, may substitute the hydraulic pump 32.
Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are
deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.
Claims (16)
1. A mechanical weed seed management device for use on a harvester comprising: a plate for providing a barrier between straw and chaff waste after discharge from a harvester; a chute for catching, directing and depositing the straw waste to the ground; a trough comprising a means for transporting material through its length, for catching, transporting and depositing the chaff waste on top of the straw waste on the ground, wherein the trough is of a depth greater than 150mm.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the trough is of a depth of 310mm.
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the trough is of a width of between 250 and 450 mm.
4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the trough is of a width of between 275 and 290 mm.
5. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the trough is generally triangular with rounded corners in shape.
6. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising at least one guard abutting a section of the trough for assisting in guiding the chaff waste into the trough.
7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the at least one guard is disposed at one or more of: forward of the trough; within a middle area of the annular trough, forward of the chute; and above an unroofed length of the trough, at respective sides of the device.
8. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the chute is tapered inwardly downwards for directing the straw into a narrower deposit.
9. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the width of the chute is variable for a variable width deposit of straw waste on the ground.
10. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the trough is square shaped in sectional profile.
11. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the means for transporting material through the length of the trough comprises a paddled chain.
12. A device according to claim 11, wherein each paddle is dimensioned so as to be of a complementary size and shape to the trough.
13. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the device is powered by a hydraulic pump.
14. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising monitoring means for monitoring the operation of the device and/or alerting a user if operation is interrupted.
15. A mechanical weed seed management system for the management of weeds in farmable land comprising the use of a device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.
16. A system according to claim 15, wherein the waste on the ground is removed by burning or bailing.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2015902339 | 2015-06-18 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ726111A true NZ726111A (en) |
Family
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