Abstract:
A device for cutting a mass of leaf and stalk material into elongated rope-like portions includes a hollow or cup-shaped cutting member which rotates about a central axis. A curvilinear cutting edge is formed on the outer periphery of the cutting member. At least one of the cutting members and the mass of material are moved relative to the other. An arcuate portion of the cutting edge is directed into the mass of material and the cutting member is oriented relative to the mass so that a ropelike portion is removed and is guided by the interior of the hollow member or by the concave shape of the cup-shaped member away from the mass. The cutting member can be supported for movement in both a horizontal and a vertical direction. Further, a plurality of cutting members can be supported in spaced relationship on a common support for cutting multiple rope-like portions from the mass of leaf and stalk material.
Abstract:
In an apparatus for mechanically distributing feed to spaced animal feeding stations in a barn and the like, an endless belt or chain conveyor is positioned within a housing so that at least its sides and bottom are enclosed and the housing forms a trough through which feed is delivered to the feeding stations. Longitudinally and transversely spaced prong-like extensions are secured to the conveyor and they depend from the lower surface of the conveyor to almost the bottom of the trough so that the extensions move the feed through the trough. The bottom surface of the trough is pivotally connected to the remainder of the housing for selectively discharging feed to the feeding stations.
Abstract:
A device for collecting crops includes means collecting the crops from the ground and conveying them during the movement of the collecting device over the ground, in a direction substantially transverse to the traveling direction. The crop is compressed immediately after it is collected and conveyed during its compression in the transverse direction. A conveying duct is oriented behind a collecting drum which is adapted to be positioned adjacent the ground. The conveying duct widens in a conveying direction in the manner of a wedge and conveyor means are arranged to run in a direction transverse to the collecting drum to move the collected crop along the conveying duct and to transfer it, for example, into a receiving truck. The outlet port for the conveying duct is arranged laterally next to and behind the collecting drum. The collecting drum may be advantageously mounted on a pivotal arm which may also telescopic so that it may be positioned directly adjacent the entrance to the collecting duct and operated, for example, in conjunction with a mower. The collecting duct itself advantageously includes baffle plates or wall elements which may be pivoted to accommodate the feeding to a selected orientation and size for facilitating the feeding to a collecting truck.
Abstract:
Apparatus for the uniform distribution of material issuing from blast pipe lines has a terminal distributor arranged directly on the discharge end of a horizontal or slightly rising conveyor pipe line, with the distributor including a drivable and swingable discharge trough. The discharge trough is mounted for oscillation, in a predetermined adjustable range, about the axis of the conveyor pipe to direct the material at an angle to the axis either laterally or downwardly. The conveyor pipe includes an intermediate section and a terminal section having a diameter larger than that of the intermediate section. A guide rail extends above the material receiving area and mounts the terminal section for reciprocation parallel to its axis with the major part of its length being telescopable over the intermediate section. The terminal section may be designed as an elongated hood with a detachable bottom wall which is detached from the hood as the terminal section is retracted and which is attached to the hood as the terminal section is extended.
Abstract:
Leaf and stalk feed material, piled on a rotatable turntable, is removed in a continuous rope-like form by a cutting tool supported on one end of a boom. The boom is pivotally mounted at one end so that its other end supporting the cutting tool can swing inwardly from the outer circumferential periphery of the turntable toward its center as the cutting tool removes the material from the pile and directs it into a conveyor duct extending along the boom from its free end to its pivoted end. The drive arrangements for the boom, the cutting tool and the turntable can be interrelated to afford coordinated operation in removing the material from the turntable as the cutting tool swings inwardly and for returning the cutting tool to its starting position when the material has been completely removed from the turntable.
Abstract:
A unit for harvesting hoed, leafy and stalk crops includes a frame and a draw bar extending from the frame for towing of the unit along a path laterally adjacent and parallel to the travel of a tractor, with the harvesting unit extending rearwardly and laterally of the tractor. A crop carrier may be drawn by the tractor and the harvesting unit may be drawn by the crop carrier. The harvesting unit includes a guide scoop and associated power driven means for moving harvested material along the guide scoop and into the crop carrier. Various known harvesting devices may be interchangeably mounted to extend along the forward edge of the scoop and substantially perpendicular to the path of travel.