Patent · US Expired

Corn head row unit

US7373767B2 · kind B2 · utility

52Cited by
29References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 28, 2003
Grant dateMay 20, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 16, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA01D45/025
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

This row unit utilizes an improved multi-zone, multi-functional stalk roll, which contains a novel revolving entry window to improve entry and increase engagement of the fluted portion of the stalk roll flutes with the corn stalk. The stalk rolls described are multi-sectional and contain multi-length variable flutes. The number of flutes described for each zone may vary as well as whether the flutes are meshing or non-meshing and angled or non-angled. The stalk rolls described allow a constant speed drive shaft to create lower and/or higher effective circumferential contact speeds within each zone of the stalk roll. The invention provides that the rotating transport vanes located on the helical nose cone at the entry area to the stalk roll flutes lock the corn stalk into a revolving entry window. This novel row unit contains a multi-zone, multi-functional stripper plate that ensures minimal ear wedging and maximum discharge of material other than ears. This row unit utilizes a novel gathering/conveying chain(s), which reduces the number of and increases the angle and size of the paddles. This row unit design optimizes operation between the components imparting force to the corn pla…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.