WO1994013126A1

WO1994013126A1 - Beet harvester with combined rotary cleaning and elevating feature

Info

Publication number: WO1994013126A1
Application number: PCT/US1993/012162
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wayne J. Schwitters
Original assignee: Wic Incorporated
Priority date: 1992-12-14
Filing date: 1993-12-14
Publication date: 1994-06-23
Also published as: AU5849294A

Abstract

Improved elevators (80, 280) for a sugar beet harvester (10) or the like are disclosed providing multiple cleaning stages while the beets are being elevated to be discharged at an elevated height. Specifically, the elevators (80, 280) include multiple rotary tumblers (200, 202, 204, 300, 302) which are rotated about spaced axes (206, 208, 210). In a first preferred form, the tumbler axes (206, 208, 210) are parallel, with the beets being moved laterally between the tumblers (200, 202, 204) by spinners (222, 224). The spinners (222, 224) are in the form of a spiral including circumferentially spaced, involute curved arms (226) extending radially outwardly from a vertical shaft (228). The beets are retained on the rotating spinners (222, 224) by provisions (234) during the initial portion of its 360° rotation but allowed to be thrown off or to be pushed off by stationary rakes (232) during the remaining portion of its 360° rotation. In a second preferred form, the axes of the tumblers (300, 302) are perpendicular, with the tumblers (300, 302) being interconnected with the beets falling from the first tumbler (300) into the second tumbler (302). The second tumbler (302) and the axis of the first tumbler (300) are located intermediate the sides of the harvester (10). The tumblers (200, 202, 204, 300, 302) in the preferred form include circumferentially spaced buckets formed adjacent to axially spaced, circular members (212). Provisions (250) are also provided for dislodging any objects which should become wedged between the circular members (212) of the tumblers (200, 202, 204).

Description

Beet Harvester With Combined Rotary Cleaning and

Elevating Feature BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to harvesters of root crops, particularly to beet harvesters, and specifically to cleaning elevators for beet harvesters.

During the harvesting of beets, the beets are literally dug or pulled from the soil by suitable means and are discharged to a collection point which typically is at an elevated position. After removal from the soil and prior to their discharge, it is desirable to remove as much dirt and other debris from the beets as possible without damaging the quality of the beets. The price for the beets given to the grower is docked proportionately according to the amount of dirt and pther debris (tare) mixed with the beets and a premium is paid for clean beets.

Prior to the present invention, sugar beet harvesters were generally of two types. Particularly, some beet harvesters included a large elevator drum of a diameter generally equal to but slightly larger than the elevated height at which the beets were desired to be discharged. While allowing cleaning, the cleaning action is typically limited to the area where the beets fall in the elevator drum and have a tumbling action and is not significant when the beets are captured in the buckets and moving to the elevated position because of the relative lack of movement between the beets.

The other type of sugar beet harvesters are of the type shown and described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,699,218 and 4,798,248 and include scrubber or squeeze chains which engage opposite sides of the beets. The scrubber and squeeze chains are comprised of a continuous series of horizontally oriented rods or bars (potato chain) that run over a series of rollers or sprockets, with at least one set of chains being movable to compensate for the varying thickness of the beets passing therebetween. While providing a much superior cleaning action, removing about three times as much dirt and debris (tare) than elevator drum harvesters, scrubber or squeeze chain units are much more expensive to manufacture and maintain. Specifically, due to relative movement, the rods and rollers (potato chain) are subject to wear and are expensive to manufacture and replace. Further, each of the rods of the scrubber or squeeze chain has a strength capacity, which may be reduced because of wear. If that strength capacity for any one rod is exceeded causing the rod to break, the broken chain will be dumped out of the harvester causing expensive, time-consuming repair.

Thus, a need exists in beet harvesters for methods which provide the same or better level of cleaning action of prior scrubber or squeeze chain type harvesters but which eliminate the wear and maintenance problems encountered in such prior scrubber or squeeze chain type harvesters. SUMMARY

The present invention solves this need and other problems in beet harvesters by providing an improved elevator including at least first and second cleaning tumblers, each having a diameter less than the height to which the beets are desired to be elevated, with the second tumbler being rotated about an axis spaced above the axis of the first tumbler, with the beets being first cleaned and elevated by the first tumbler to an elevated position and then cleaned and elevated by the second tumbler.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the axis of the second tumbler is parallel to the axis of the first tumbler, with the beets being moved laterally through an open axial end of the first tumbler through an open axial end of the second tumbler.

In another aspect of the present invention, the beets are moved laterally between the parallel tumblers in the preferred form by a spinner in the form of a spiral including a plurality of spaced, involute curved arms and which is rotated to provide a tumbling action to the beets,

In a further aspect of the present invention, the axis of the second tumbler is perpendicular to the axis of the first tumbler, with the tumblers being in an interconnected arrangement passing through each other in the most preferred form. The axis of the first tumbler in the most preferred form is parallel to the rows and the movement direction of the harvester and is positioned to the rear of the harvester.

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a novel elevator for use in beet harvesters or the like. It is further an ob ect of the present invention to provide such a novel elevator which provides a high level of cleaning action.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide such a novel elevator which is not prone to excessive wear.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide such a novel elevator requiring reduced maintenance.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide such a novel elevator which provides multiple cleaning stages.

These and further objects and advantages of the present invention will become clearer in light of the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment of this invention described in connection with the drawings. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The illustrative embodiment may best be described by reference to the accompanying drawings where: Figure 1 shows a rear elevational view of a beet harvester including an improved elevator according to the preferred teachings of the present invention, with the ground wheels 30, raised lifter wheels 34, and truck 122 shown in phantom outline. Figure 2 shows a partial, cross sectional view of the elevator of Figure 1 according to section line 2-2 of Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a partial, cross sectional view of the elevator of Figure 1 according to section line 3-3 of Figure 1, with portions being shown in phantom outline.

Figure 4 shows an end elevational view of an alternate form of a beet harvester including an improved elevator according to the preferred teachings of the present invention, with portions shown in phantom outline.

Figure 5 shows a rear elevational view of the beet harvester of Figure 4 according to view line 5-5 of Figure 4.

Figure 6 shows a partial, cross-sectional view of the beet harvester of Figure 4 according to section line 6-6 of Figure 4.

All figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic teachings of the present invention only; the extensions of the Figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiment will be explained or will be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, and similar requirements will likewise be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood.

Where used in the various figures of the drawings, the same numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms "first", "second", "lower", "upper", "end", "inner", "outer", and similar terms are used herein, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawings as it would appear to a person viewing the drawings and are utilized only to facilitate describing the invention. DESCRIPTION

An improved elevator according to the preferred teachings of the present invention is shown in Figures 1-3 of the drawings in its most preferred form in combination with a sugar or red beet harvester (hereinafter referred to as a sugar beet harvester) 10 of the type shown and described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,699,218 and 4,798,248 and is generally designated 80. For purpose of explanation of the basic teachings of the present invention, the same numerals designate the same or similar parts in the present Figures and the Figures of U.S. Patent Nos. 4,699,218 and 4,798,248. The description of the common numerals and the sugar beet harvester 10 may be found herein and in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,699,218 and 4,798,248, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

In its most preferred form, elevator 80 includes first, second and third rotary elevating and cleaning tumblers or cages 200, 202, and 204 rotatably mounted about spaced axes 206, 208, and 210, respectively, which are parallel in the most preferred form and extend generally parallel to rolls 48 of cleaning bed 40 and perpendicular to the movement direction of harvester 10. Cages 200, 202, and 204 are formed in the most preferred form by a plurality of circular members 212 held in spaced, parallel relation by a plurality of circumferentially spaced, axially extending bars 214 which are attached to the inside ends of rods 216 extending radially inwardly from circular members 212. It can then be appreciated that rods 216, bars 214, and circular members 212 form a plurality of scoops or buckets for retaining sugar beets therein. It can be appreciated that dirt, small rocks, and other foreign materials or debris may fall through and between circular members 212. In the most preferred form, cages 200 and 204 are of an identical size and have a diameter in the order of six feet (2 meters) while cage 202 has the same axial width as cages 200 and 204 but has a diameter slightly larger than cages 200 and 204 and in the preferred form has a diameter in the order of seven feet (2-1/3 meters).

Cage 204 in the most preferred form is mounted vertically above cage 200, with cages 200 and 204 located on one side of harvester 10 beyond the extent of lifter wheel assemblies 34 and at least partially beyond the extent of cleaning bed 40 in a direction generally perpendicular to the movement direction of harvester 10. In the preferred form, cages 200 and 204 rotate in the same direction, with axes 206 and 210 being spaced from each other slightly longer than the diameter of cages 200 or 204. In the most preferred form, cages 200 and 204 are driven by a flexible drive chain 218 which extends from a drive shaft, not shown, around the lower periphery of cage 200 and the upper periphery of cage 204 back to the drive shaft. Cage 202 is mounted axially offset from and vertically intermediate cages 200 and 204, with cage 202 located within the extent of lifter wheel assemblies 34 and cleaning bed 40 in a direction generally perpendicular to the movement direction of harvester 10 and located vertically above cleaning bed 40. Cage 202 is driven by a flexible drive chain 220 which extends from the drive shaft of cages 200 and 204 around the periphery of cage 202 back to the drive shaft. Thus, in the most preferred form, cage 202 rotates in the same direction as cages 200 and 204. It can be appreciated that other forms and types of drive systems may be utilized to rotate cages 200, 202, and 204 such as but not limited to hydraulic motor drives. Devices 222 and 224 shown in the most preferred form as spinners are provided for moving the sugar beets laterally from cage 200 to cage 202 and from cage 202 to cage 204. Specifically, spinners 222 and 224 are in the form of a spiral including a plurality of circumferentially spaced, involute curved arms 226 extending radially outwardly from a vertical shaft 228 defining a rotation axis and having their radially outer ends secured to a -1- circular, periphery member 230. Spinners 222 and 224 are rotated by rotating shaft 228 through a 360° rotation and in the preferred form with a proper motion such that the radially outer ends of arms 226 pass any point at the periphery with a sweeping motion or in other words with the radially outer ends extending at an acute angle as shown in Figure 3. The sweeping motion of arms 226 reduces the possibility of a beet or other object wedging itself between the radially outer ends of arms 226 and a ₀ stationary part of harvester 10 such as the frame and is believed to enhance the tumbling action on the beets as they encounter the curve of arms 226 opposite the direction of rotation.

For pushing and removing any sugar beets from 5 spinners 222 and 224, rakes 232 are provided which in the preferred form are stationary and include a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally arranged bars extending radially across spinners 222 and 224. In the preferred form, a first rake 232 is provided extending from o adjacent shaft 228 to beyond periphery member 230 generally coextensive with the axial extent of the axial open end of cage 202. A second rake 232 is provided extending from adjacent shaft 228 to beyond periphery member 230 generally coextensive with the axial extent ₅ of the axial open end of cage 204.

Suitable provisions 234 can be provided for retaining the beets on spinners 222 and 224 during the initial portion of the 360° rotation and specifically for preventing the sugar beets from being thrown or falling 0 from spinner 222 into cage 200 and from spinner 224 into cage 202. In the most preferred form, provisions 234 include stationary, spaced arcuate rods located concentrically and generally in line with periphery member 230. Likewise suitable provisions can be provided 5 for preventing the sugar beets from unintentionally falling out of cages 200, 202, and 204 and out of the scoops or buckets formed by rods 216, bars 214, and circular members 212. In the most preferred form, circular screens 236 or the like may be provided closing the outer, axial ends of cages 200 and 204 opposite to cage 202 and the inner axial end of cage 202 opposite cages 200 and 204. It should be noted that the axial ends of cages 200, 202, and 204 which are adjacent to each other are open to allow the sugar beets to move laterally between cages 200, 202, and 204 as set forth for the most preferred form shown in Figure 1. Suitable provisions such as a spring loaded shoe, not shown, are provided within cages 200, 202, and 204 concentric to circular members 212 and bars 214 to prevent the sugar beets from falling from the buckets formed by rods 216, bars 214, and circular members 212. In the preferred form, the shoes extend generally from a 2 o'clock to a 5 o'clock position and particularly from a vertical position above spinners 222 and 224 or conveyor unit 110 to a vertical position above the lower extent of circular members 212 of cages 200, 202, and 204. Thus, the sugar beets are allowed to fall by gravity into the buckets of cages 200, 202, and 204 while in their lowermost position generally at the 6 o'clock position, are prevented from falling by gravity from the buckets of cages 200, 202, and 204 while in positions corresponding to the shoe, and are allowed to fall by gravity from the buckets of cages 200, 202, and 204 in positions past the shoe.

Provisions 250 are also provided for dislodging any objects such as trash, small sugar beets, or the like which may become lodged between circular members 212 of cages 200, 202, and 204. In the preferred form, dislodging provisions 250 include a plurality of axially spaced, arcuately curved arms 252. The first ends of arms 252 are connected to a pivot member 254 which is pivotally mounted about an axis 256. Arms 252 are located intermediate circular members 212 with the second, free ends of arms 252 located radially inward of circular members 212 and radially outward of bars 214. The free ends of arms 252 are biased radially inwardly by pivoting arms 252 about axis 256 and in the most preferred form by a spring 258 having an end attached to an ear 260 secured to pivot member 254 and extending opposite to arms 252 and having the opposite end attached at a stationary position relative to the frame. The movement of arms 252 is limited by a spring 262 having an end secured to an axially extending bar 264 secured to the free ends of arms 252 by a plurality of spaced legs 266 extending generally radially through and between circular members 212 and having the opposite end attached at a stationary position relative to the frame. Bar 264 is located radially outwardly of circular members 212 such that rubbing does not occur.

Now that the basic construction of elevator 80 of the most preferred form has been explained, the operation and subtle features of elevator 80 can be set forth and appreciated. Particularly and as set forth in U.S.

Patent Nos. 4,699,218 and 4,798,248, beets are dug up by lifter wheel assemblies 34 and are advanced by inclined chain bed conveyors 38 onto cleaning bed 40, which also constitute the first and second cleaning stages. Cleaning bed 40 includes ribbed roll 48 having rib 52. Beets are then shifted by cleaning bed 40 in the form shown in Figure 1 generally parallel to rolls 48 and into cage 200. It can then be appreciated that the beets fall from cleaning bed 40 into cage 200 which is rotating, with the beets falling by gravity to a first elevated position and particularly onto the lowermost portion of cage 200 below axis 206 or prior beets already in that position. As cage 200 rotates, the buckets formed therein rotate upward and beets which overfill the buckets will have a tendency to overflow and fall from the buckets as the buckets rotate to a position under the shoe of cage 200. It can then be appreciated that the beets are subjected to a third cleaning stage by the tumbling action created by the rotation of cage 200 and the overflowing bucket effect. Any dirt and debris removed by and/or located in cage 200 can fall by gravity between circular members 212.

As cage 200 continues to rotate, the buckets filled with beets are elevated by moving under the shoe which prevent the beets from falling from the buckets until they reach the second elevated position which in the preferred form is below the upper open end of tank 138. However, when the buckets reach a second elevated position above axis 206 and pass the shoe of cage 200, the beets are allowed to fall by gravity from the buckets onto spinner 222 located at the second elevated position located in the initial portion of its 360° rotation in cage 200. Due to the rotation of spinner 222, the beets are subject to a tumbling action. It can then be appreciated that the beets are subjected to a fourth cleaning stage by spinner 222, with any dirt and debris removed by spinner 222 falling by gravity between arms 226 into cages 200 or 202.

The beets are moved at the second elevated position laterally through the open axial end of cage 200 and through the open axial end of cage 202 by spinner 222. Although the beets are generally retained by provisions 234 on spinner 222 while located in cage 200 and during the initial portion of its 360° rotation in cage 200, the beets are allowed to be thrown from spinner 222 due to centrifugal forces and fall from spinner 222 to a third elevated position while located in cage 202 and during the remaining portion of its 360° rotation in cage 202, with rake 232 forcing any beets, remaining on spinner 222 from spinner 222 while in cage 202 and prevents their reentry into cage 200 upon spinner 222. The beets are then subjected to a fifth cleaning stage by cage 202 as the beets are elevated from the third elevated position beneath spinner 222 to a fourth elevated position above spinner 224 in a same manner as the cleaning stage of cage 200. After the beets have 5 passed the shoe of cage 202, the beets are allowed to fall by gravity from the buckets of cage 202 onto spinner 224 located at the fourth elevated position. The beets are then subjected to a sixth cleaning stage by spinner 224 as the beets are moved laterally from cage 202 to the ₀ fifth elevated position within cage 204 in a same manner as the cleaning stage of spinner 222. The beets are then subjected to a seventh cleaning stage by cage 204 as the beets are elevated from the fifth elevated position beneath spinner 224 to a sixth elevated position above ■_j_₅ conveyor unit 110, with the elevation between the first and sixth elevated positions being the elevated height of elevator 80.

After the beets have passed the shoe of cage 204, the beets are allowed to fall by gravity from the buckets of 2₀ cage 204 onto conveyor unit 110 of transverse portion 84. Beets ,are then conveyed on conveyor unit 110 entrained on sprocket 112 and roller 114 in the direction of arrow 130 towards conveyor unit 116. When it is desired to discharge the beets substantially at the elevated height 2₅ into tank 138 such as during the first pass over the field, conveyor unit 116 entrained on sprocket 118 and roller 120 is reversely rotated in the direction of arrow 136 allowing the beets to be discharged through opening 128 into tank 138 as set forth in U.S. Patent Nos. 3₀ 4,699,218 and 4,798,248. On the other hand, when it is desired to discharge the beets at a point laterally spaced from side wall 144 of tank 138 and into truck 122 driving alongside the harvester 10, conveyor unit 116 is rotated in the direction of arrow 132 in the same 35 direction as conveyor unit 110 as also set forth in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,699,218 and 4,798,248. It can be appreciated that by moving conveyor unit 150 entrained about sprockets 152 and 154 in the direction of the arrow 158, beets stored in tank 138 can be discharged through opening 159 upon cleaning bed 40 and can be elevated by elevator 80 for discharge by conveyor units 110 and 116 into truck 122.

It can then be appreciated that in the most preferred form, the beets are elevated by elevator 80 on one side of harvester 10 and then transferred at that elevated height to the other side where they are discharged at that height. Thus, harvester 10 including elevator 80 of the preferred form obtains the balancing advantages set forth in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,699,218 and 4,798,248.

The radiuses of spinners 222 and 224 are generally equal to the width of cage 200, 202, or 204 to allow the axial positioning of cages 200, 202, and 204 adjacent to each other. Further, the diameters of spinners 222 and 224 and the axial extent of cages 200, 202, and 204 are substantially less than the width of harvester 10 and in the preferred form are generally equal to one half of the width of harvester 10 to allow positioning of tank 138 alongside.

An alternate form of an improved elevator according to the preferred teachings of the present invention is shown in Figures 4-6 of the drawings and is generally designated 280. Cleaning bed 40 of harvester 10 including elevator 280 includes four scroll-type grab rolls 42, 44, 46, and 48. From Figures 4 and 6, it can be discerned that grab roll 42 nearest to the upper end of the inclined chain bed conveyors 38 has a helical rib 50 for moving the sugar beets towards but spaced from the opposite sides of har¬ vester 10. Grab roll 48 rotates in the reverse direction from that of grab rolls 42, 44, and 46 which rotate in the same direction. Grab roll 48 includes a helical rib 52a so as to throw the beets and dirt away from the rear of cleaning bed 40 of harvester 10 and towards the center, i.e. in an opposite direction from which rib 50 moves the beets. Grab rolls 44 and 46 each include a rib 52 for moving the sugar beets towards the center of harvester 10. Intermediate grab rolls 42, 44, 46, and 48 are ribless or relatively smooth rolls 54, 56, and 58 which rotate in the same direction. Roll 48 is positioned generally vertically above roll 58 and includes first and second axially spaced portions, with the first portion extending from one side of harvester 10 towards but spaced from the center and the second portion extending from the opposite side of harvester 10 towards but spaced from the center of harvester 10.

In its most preferred form, elevator 280 includes first and second rotary elevating and cleaning tumblers or cages 300 and 302 rotatably mounted about spaced axes which are perpendicular in the most preferred form. Cages 300 and 302 are interconnected in the most preferred form such that cage 302 passes through cage 300 allowing the beets to fall from cage 300 directly onto cage 302 without including provisions for axially moving the beets between cages 300 and 302. In the most preferred form, the axis of cage 302 extends generally parallel to rolls 42, 44,

46, 48, 54, 56, and 58 of cleaning bed 40 and perpendicular to the movement direction of harvester 10 while the axis of cage 300 extends generally perpendicular to rolls 42, 44, 46, 48, 54, 56, and 58 of cleaning bed 40 and parallel to the rows of sugar beets to be harvested and to the movement direction of harvester 10. Cages 300 and 302 are generally of the same construction as cages 200, 202, and 204 and are formed in the most preferred form by a plurality of circular members 212 held in spaced, parallel relation by a plurality of circumferentially spaced, axially extending bars 214 which are attached to the inside ends of rods 216 extending radially inwardly from circular members 212. It can then be appreciated that rods 216, bars 214, and circular members 212 form a plurality of scoops or buckets for retaining sugar beets therein. It can be appreciated that dirt, small rocks, and other foreign materials or debris may fall through and between circular members 212. In the most preferred form, cage 300 has a diameter in the order of seven and one-half feet (2-1/2 meters). Cage 302 has an axial width and a diameter larger than those of cage 300 and in the preferred form has an axial width generally 25% larger than the axial width of cage 300 and has a diameter in the order of nine and one-half feet (3-1/6 meters).

Cage 300 in the most preferred form is mounted behind and intermediate the sides of cleaning bed 40. The lowest vertical extent of bars 214 are at a level generally equal to and preferably below the upper vertical extent of roll 58 such that the sugar beets fall from roll 58 of cleaning bed 40 between the first and second portions of roll 48 into cage 300. Cage 300 is mounted for rotation about its axis by rollers 322 which abut and roll against a circular track 324 which abut and roll against a circular track 324 formed on the outer axial end of cage 300. Cage 302 in the most preferred form is mounted for rotation about its axis by rollers 326 which abut and roll against a circular track 328 formed on each of the axial ends of cage 302. The axis of cage 302 is located vertically above the axis of cage 300 and forward of the forward axial extent of cage 300. In the most preferred form, the axial extent of cage 300 is substantially less and particularly less than one-fourth of the diameter of cage 302 such that tank 138 can be positioned to extend through cage 302 and alongside of the portion of cage 300 inside of cage 302. Conveyor 110 also extends through cage 302 and is positioned above tank 138. Rollers can also be mounted upon tank 138 to abut with the forward axial extent of cage 300 for rolling support of cage 300. In the most preferred form, cage 300 is driven by a flexible drive chain 318 which extends from a drive shaft 319 around the lower periphery of cage 300 adjacent to track 324 back to drive shaft 319. Cage 302 is driven by a flexible drive chain 320 which extends from a drive shaft 321 around the periphery of cage 302 back to drive shaft 321. In the most preferred form, cage 300 rotates clockwise when viewed from the rear as shown in Figure 5 and cage 302 rotates clockwise when viewed from the right side with the front of harvester 10 being to the left and the rear of harvester 10 being to the left as shown in Figure . It can be appreciated that other forms and types of drive systems may be utilized to rotate cages 300 and 302 such as but not limited to hydraulic motor drives.

Suitable provisions such as a spring loaded shoe 330 and 332 are provided within cages 300 and 302, respectively, concentric to circular members 212 and bars 214 to prevent the sugar beets from falling from the buckets formed by rods 216, bars 214, and circular members 212. In the preferred form, shoes 330 and 332 extend generally from a 9 o'clock to an 11 o'clock position. Thus, the sugar beets are allowed to fall by gravity into the buckets of cages 300 and 302 while in their lowermost position generally at the 6 o'clock position, are prevented from falling by gravity from the buckets of cages 300 and 302 while in positions corresponding to shoes 330 and 332 and are allowed to fall by gravity from the buckets of cages 300 and 302 in positions past shoes 330 and 332. Provisions 250, not shown in Figures 4-6, can also be provided for dislodging any objects such as trash, small sugar beets, or the like which may become lodged between circular members 212 of cages 300 and 302.

Now that the basic construction of elevator 280 of the preferred form shown in Figures 4-6 has been explained, the operation and subtle features of elevator 280 can be set forth and appreciated. Particularly and as set forth in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,699,218 and 4,798,248, beets are dug up by lifter wheel assemblies 34 and are advanced by inclined chain bed conveyors 38 onto cleaning bed 40, which also constitute the first and second cleaning stages. Beets are then shifted by cleaning bed 40 such as in the form shown in Figures 4 and 6 into cage 300. It can then be appreciated that the beets fall from _! cleaning bed 40 into cage 300 which is rotating, with the beets falling by gravity to a first elevated position and particularly onto the lowermost portion of cage 300 below its axis or prior beets already in that position. As cage

₅ 300 rotates, the buckets formed therein rotate upward and beets which overfill the buckets will have a tendency to overflow and fall from the buckets as the buckets rotate to a position under shoe 330 of cage 300. It can then be appreciated that the beets are subjected to a third

1₀ cleaning stage by the tumbling action created by the rotation of cage 300 and the overflowing bucket effect. Any dirt and debris removed by and/or located in cage 300 can fall by gravity between circular members 212.

As cage 300 continues to rotate, the buckets filled

₁5 with beets are elevated by moving under shoe 330 which prevent the beets from falling from the buckets until they reach the second elevated position which in the preferred form is below the upper open end of tank 138. However, when the buckets reach a second elevated position

₂₀ above the axis of cage 300 and pass shoe 330 of cage 300, the beets are allowed to fall by gravity from the buckets of cage 300 into cage 302 at a third elevated position and particularly onto generally the portion of cage 302 below its axis or prior beets already in that position. The

₂₅ beets are then subjected to a fourth cleaning stage by cage 302 as the beets are elevated from the third elevated position beneath the uppermost extent of cage 300 to a fourth elevated position in a same manner as the cleaning stage of cage 300.

₃0 After the beets have passed shoe 332 of cage 302, the beets are allowed to fall by gravity from the buckets of cage 302 onto conveyor unit 110 of transverse portion 84. In the most preferred form, conveyor unit 110 is formed from first and second portions 110a and 110b. When it

₃- is desired to discharge the beets substantially at the elevated height into tank 138 such as during the first pass over the field, portion 110a is rotated in the direction of arrow 129 opposite to portion 110b and discharges the beets into tank 138. Conveyor unit 116 is _ reversely rotated in the direction of arrow 136 allowing the beets transported by portion 110b to be discharged into tank 138 as set forth in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,699,218 and 4,798,248. On the other hand, when it is desired to discharge the beets at a point laterally spaced from side wall 144 of tank 138 and into truck 122 driving alongside the harvester 10, portion 110a is rotated towards portion 110b for discharging beets thereon. Conveyor unit 116 is rotated in the direction of arrow 132 in the same direction 0 as conveyor unit 110 as also set forth in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,699,218 and 4,798,248. It can be appreciated that by moving first and second conveyor units 150, beets stored in tank 138 can be discharged at the center of harvester 10 and preferably into cage 302 of elevator 280 for 5 discharge by conveyor units 110 and 116 into truck 122.

It can then be appreciated that in the most preferred form, cage 302 and the axis of cage 300 are located intermediate the sides of harvester 10. Thus, the weight of harvester 10 including elevator 280 of the preferred

₂₀ form is balanced from side to side such that it will not cant or tilt appreciably when traversing soft soil to obtain the balancing advantages set forth in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,699,218 and 4,798,248. It should further be appreciated that cage 300 has a diameter less than and

₂₅ specifically the sugar beets are elevated by elevator 280 within the extent of cleaning bed 40 and the combined distance between the rows of sugar beets being lifted. Thus, the width of harvester 10 can be minimized according to the teachings of the present invention as elevator 280

₃₀ can be positioned totally with the axial extent of cleaning bed 40 and the width of harvester 10. Further, the axial width of cages 300 and 302 can be increased to increase the capacity of elevator 280 without significantly increasing the physical size of harvester 10.

3₅ It should be noted that the diameters of cages 200, 202, 204, 300, and 302 are less than the elevated height to which the beets are desired to be discharged and in the most preferred form are generally equal to one half of the desired elevated height. It can be appreciated that the cleaning stages of elevators 80 and 280 maximize the cleaning of beets and removal of dirt and debris mixed therewith while minimizing the maintenance required. Specifically, elevator 80 has only five rotating parts and elevator

280 has only two rotating parts which are not susceptible to wear and specifically which eliminate the use of the series of horizontally oriented rods or bars and rollers which engage the beets in prior scrubber chain cleaning units. Thus, harvester 10 requires less maintenance and is less prone to breakdown than prior harvesters providing cleaning at an equivalent level.

Now that the basic teachings of the present invention have been explained, many extensions and variations will be obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art. For example, although spinners 222 and 224 are shown and described for moving the beets between cages 200, 202, and 204 of elevator 80, other methods such as but not limited to conveyors, shaking slides, or the like may be utilized, with or without providing cleaning.

Likewise, although discharge of the beets in harvester 10 occurs on the side opposite elevator 80 and is believed to be advantageous, it can be appreciated that elevator 80 according to the teachings of the present invention may be utilized on harvesters having the same side discharge if such advantages are not desired.

Further, although elevators 80 and 280 according to the preferred teachings of the present invention provide five and two cleaning stages, respectively, elevators 80 and 280 may be constructed providing a different number of cleaning stages. In this regard, only two rotary tumblers can be provided in elevator 80 with the second tumbler discharging the beets onto the conveyor 110. Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or general characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated, the embodiments described herein are to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is to be indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein. What is claimed is:

Claims

CLAIMS: -20-

1. In a beet harvester or the like including members for digging up the beets when the harvester is moved in a movement direction and members for shifting the beets to an elevator, with the elevator elevating the beets to an elevated height for discharge substantially at the elevated height, the improvement comprising an improved elevator comprising, in combination: at least first and second cleaning tumblers, with the tumblers each having a diameter less than the elevated height; means for rotating the first tumbler about a first axis; and means for rotating the second tumbler about a second axis, with the shifting members shifting the beets into the first tumbler at a first elevated position for elevating by the rotation of the first tumbler to a second elevated position for passage to the second tumbler for elevating by the rotation of the second tumbler to a third elevated position.

2. The beet harvester of claim 1 wherein the second axis is parallel to and spaced above the first axis; wherein the first and second tumblers each include a first, open axial end; and wherein the harvester further comprises, in combination: means for moving the beets at the second elevated position through the open axial end of the first tumbler and the open axial end of the second tumbler.

3. The beet harvester of claim 2 wherein the moving means comprises means for cleaning the beets while the beets are moved from the first tumbler to the second tumbler.

4. The beet harvester of claim 3 wherein the moving means comprises, in combination: a spinner located at the second elevated position; and means for rotating the spinner about a vertical axis.

5. The beet harvester of claim 4 wherein the moving means further comprises, in combination: means for removing the beets from the spinner in the second tumbler comprising a rake for pushing the beets from the spinner before the beets leave the open axial end of the second tumbler, with the beets falling from the spinner into the second tumbler.

6. The beet harvester of claim 5 wherein the spinner is in the form of a spiral and comprises, in combination: a shaft defining the vertical axis; and a plurality of involute curved arms, with the involute curved arms extending radially outwardly from the shaft and being circumferentially spaced from each other; and wherein the rotating means rotates the spinner with the involute curved arms moving with a sweeping motion.

7. The beet harvester of claim 1 wherein the tumblers comprise, in combination: a plurality of circular members held in a spaced, parallel relation and including a plurality of buckets located at circumferentially spaced locations therearound, with dirt and debris being allowed to fall through the spacing between the circular members; and wherein the beet harvester further comprises, in combination: means for dislodging objects which become lodged between the circular members comprising a plurality of axially spaced arms having free ends extending between the circular members, with the free ends being biased to move radially inwardly of the circular members.

8. The beet harvester of claim 7 wherein the axially spaced arms have first ends opposite to the free ends, with the first ends of the arms being connected to a pivot member which is pivotally mounted about an axis, with the biasing of the free ends created by pivoting the pivot member about the axis.

9. The beet harvester of claim 8 wherein the dislodging means further comprises, in combination: a plurality of legs secured to the free ends of the arms and extending radially outwardly between the circular members; an axially extending bar secured to the legs radially outwardly of the circular members; and means for allowing outward movement of the axially extending bar but preventing engagement of the axially extending bar with the circular members.

10. The beet harvester of any preceding claim further comprising, in combination: a third cleaning tumbler; and means for rotating the third tumbler about a third axis, with the beets passing from the second tumbler to the third tumbler for elevating by the rotation of the third tumbler to a fourth elevated position.

11. The beet harvester of claim 10 further comprising, in combination: a conveyor unit for discharging the beets, with the third tumbler having an open axial end, with the conveyor unit moving the beets out of the open axial end of the third tumbler.

12. The beet harvester of claim 11 wherein the beets are discharged by the conveyor unit on the side of the harvester opposite the elevator to balance the harvester.

13. The beet harvester of claim 1 further comprising, in combination: a conveyor unit for discharging the beets with the beets being discharged from the elevator onto the conveyor.

14. The beet harvester of claim 13 wherein the beets are discharged by the conveyor unit on the side of the harvester opposite the elevator to balance the harvester.

15. The beet harvester of claim 1 wherein the axis of the second tumbler extends generally perpendicular to the movement direction of the harvester.

16. The beet harvester of claim 15 wherein the members for digging up the beets and the members for shifting the beets have an extent in a direction generally perpendicular to the movement direction of the harvester, with the second tumbler located within the extent of the members for digging and the members for shifting the beets.

17. The beet harvester of claim 16 wherein the second tumbler is located vertically above the members for shifting the beets.

18. The beet harvester of claim 17 wherein the axes of the first and second tumblers are parallel.

19. The beet harvester of claim 16 wherein the second tumbler is located intermediate the extent of the members for digging and the members for shifting the beets.

20. The beet harvester of claim 19 wherein the first axis of the first tumbler extends generally parallel to the movement direction of the harvester and is located intermediate the extent of the members for digging and the members for shifting the beets.

21. The beet harvester of claim 20 wherein the first and second tumblers are interconnected, with the beets falling from the first tumbler directly into the second tumbler.

22. The beet harvester of claim 1 wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis.

23. The beet harvester of claim 22 wherein the first axis is generally parallel to the movement direction of the harvester.

24. The beet harvester of claim 23 wherein the first and second tumblers are interconnected, with the beets falling from the first tumbler directly into the second tumbler.

25. The beet harvester of claim 24 wherein the members for digging up the beets and the members for shifting the beets have an extent in a direction generally perpendicular to the movement direction of the harvester; and wherein the first axis and the second tumbler are located intermediate the extent of the members for digging and the members for shifting the beets.

26. The beet harvester of claim 24 further comprising, in combination: a tank for holding the beets having an upper open end, with the tank extending through the second tumbler and positioned adjacent to the first tumbler.

27. The beet harvester of claim 26 wherein the second tumbler is located intermediate the sides of the tank extending parallel to the second axis.

28. The beet harvester of claim 22 wherein the first and second tumblers are interconnected, with the beets falling from the first tumbler directly into the second tumbler.

29. The beet harvester of claim 28 wherein the members for digging up the beets and the members for shifting the beets have an extent in a direction generally perpendicular to the movement direction of the harvester; and wherein the first and second tumblers are located intermediate the extent of the members for digging and the members for shifting the beets.

30. The beet harvester of claim 29 wherein the second tumbler is located vertically above the members for shifting the beets.

31. The beet harvester of claim 1 wherein the second tumbler is located vertically above the members for shifting the beets.

32. The beet harvester of claim 1 further comprising, in combination: a tank for holding the beets having an upper open end, with the second elevated position being below the upper open end of the tank.

33. In a beet harvester having a tumbler including a plurality of circular members held in a spaced, parallel relation and including a plurality of buckets located at circumferentially spaced locations therearound, with dirt and debris being allowed to fall through the spacing between the circular members, apparatus for dislodging objects which become lodged between the circular members comprising a plurality of axially spaced arms having free ends extending between the circular members, with the free ends being biased to move radially inwardly of the circular members.

34. The beet harvester of claim 33 wherein the axially spaced arms have first ends opposite to the free ends, with the first ends of the arms being connected to a pivot member which is pivotally mounted about an axis, with the biasing of the free ends created by pivoting the pivot member about the axis.

35. The beet harvester of claim 34 wherein the dislodging device further comprises, in combination: a plurality of legs secured to the free ends of the arms and extending radially outwardly between the circular members; an axially extending bar secured to the legs radially outwardly of the circular members; and means for allowing outward movement of the axially extending bar but preventing engagement of the axially extending bar with the circular members.

36. Cleaning stage for use in a harvester of root crops such as beets comprising, in combination: a spinner comprising, in combination: • a vertical shaft defining a rotation axis, with the shaft being rotatable 360°; and a plurality of arms secured to and extending radially outwardly from the shaft and being circumferentially spaced from each other; and means for retaining the root crop along an initial portion of the 360° rotation of the spinner while allowing the root crop to be thrown from the spinner during the remaining portion of the 360° rotation, with the root crop being introduced on the spinner in the initial portion of the 360° rotation.

37. The cleaning stage of claim 36 further comprising, in combination: means for pushing any remaining root crop from the spinner in the remaining portion of the 360° rotation to prevent reentry of the root crop to the initial portion of the 360° rotation of the spinner.

38. The cleaning stage of claim 37 wherein the pushing means comprises a stationary rake extending radially across the spinner.

39. The cleaning stage of claim 36 wherein the arms are in the shape of an involute curve, with the spinner being rotated with the arms providing a sweeping motion.

40. The cleaning stage of claim 39 wherein the spinner further comprises, in combination: a circular, periphery member, with the arms having radially outer ends secured to the circular, periphery member.