A forage processing system

Abstract

A forage processing system includes an apron conveyor and a plurality of beater rolls. The apron conveyor is configured for selectively translating forage along a transverse direction. The beater rolls are disposed at a first end portion of the apron conveyor. The beater rolls are configured for breaking apart the forage as the apron conveyor translates the forage along the transverse direction towards the beater rolls. The beater rolls are offset from the apron conveyor along the transverse direction.

Description

[0001] 65104209US01

[0002] A FORAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Forage harvesters can chop crops into short pieces, typically ranging from a half centimeter (0.5 cm) to two and a half centimeters (2.5 cm) in length, that allow the chopped forage to flow via conveyors, augers, and blowers during subsequent processing. However, certain crops have fibers that are long, compliant, and strong. Processing such crops can be difficult. For instance, forage harvesters may not reliably chop such fibers into short pieces. Thus, such crops may remain long and fibrous after chopping by the forage harvesters, and the long fibrous strands may wrap around equipment, such as beater rolls, which obstructs flow of the crop and impedes subsequent processing.

[0005] A forage processing system with features that facilitate processing of fibrous crops would be useful. Moreover, a system with features for unloading harvested crop that include long, compliant, and strong fibers would be useful.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] In general, the present disclosure is directed to processing systems that includes features for processing forage with long, compliant, and strong fibers. The processing systems may include an apron conveyor and a plurality of beater rolls. A pile of forage may be loaded on the apron conveyor, and the apron conveyor may be configured for translating the forage towards the beater rolls along a transverse direction. The beater rolls may be offset from the apron conveyor along the transverse direction. Thus, e.g., the beater rolls may not be disposed directly above the apron conveyor along a vertical direction. Offsetting the beater rolls from the apron conveyor may advantageously provide space for breaking apart the forage as the apron conveyor translates the forage along the transverse direction towards the plurality of beater rolls. Moreover, entanglement of the long, compliant, and strong fibers in the forage onto the beater rolls may be limited or prevented by spacing the beater rolls from the apron conveyor along the transverse direction. For instance, such spacing may allow the forage to fall downwardly (e.g., onto a cross conveyor) and limit compression of the forage between the beater rolls and the apron conveyor. In contrast, positioning of the beater rolls directly above the apron conveyor as in conventional systems can generate significant entanglement of the forage onto the beater rolls as the forage is forced between the beater rolls and the apron conveyor, which can lead to significant system downtime to remove the entangled fibers from the beater rolls. Accordingly, the forage processing systems described herein can have significantly improved performance compared to conventional processing systems by limiting or preventing entanglement of forage onto the beater rolls. 65104209US01

[0008] In an example embodiment, a forage processing system includes a forage container extending between a first end portion and a second end portion along a transverse direction. An apron conveyor is disposed within the forage container. The apron conveyor is configured for selectively translating forage within the forage container along the transverse direction towards the first end portion of the forage container. A plurality of beater rolls is disposed at the first end portion of the forage container. At least one of the plurality of beater rolls is offset from the apron conveyor along the transverse direction. The plurality of beater rolls is configured for breaking apart the forage as the apron conveyor translates the forage along the transverse direction towards the plurality of beater rolls.

[0009] In another example embodiment, a forage processing system includes a first conveyor configured for selectively translating forage along a transverse direction. A beater roll is disposed at a first end portion of the first conveyor. The beater roll is configured for breaking apart the forage as the first conveyor translates the forage along the transverse direction towards the beater roll. The beater roll is offset from the first conveyor along the transverse direction. A second conveyor is disposed downstream of the beater roll relative to a flow of the forage from the beater roll. The second conveyor is configured for translating the forage away from the beater roll.

[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0011] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] A full and enabling disclosure of the present disclosure, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a forage transport system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a side schematic view of a forage processing system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a partial, perspective view of components of the example forage processing system of FIG. 2 installed within a forage wagon.

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a method for operating a forage processing system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a method for operating a forage processing system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. 65104209US01

[0018] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] As used herein, the terms "includes" and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a ten percent (10%) margin.

[0022] The present subject matter is generally directed to forage processing systems. Certain crops include long, compliant, and strong fibers that are difficult to chop to short lengths for easier processing. Short length chopped forage can flow or pass through and over beater rolls in conventional systems, but long, compliant, and strong fibers frequently wrap around the beater rolls in such conventional systems, which results in a machine down time to remove the entangled fibers. The forage processing systems of the present subject matter can include beater rolls that are spaced from an apron conveyor and / or located above a cross conveyor. Such positioning can allow the beater rolls to shave or comb off a pile of forage on the apron conveyor and deposit the forage on the cross conveyor with significantly less entanglement than conventional systems.

[0023] FIG. 1 shows components of a forage transport system 100 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. As may be seen in FIG. 1 , the forage transport system 100 may include a forage wagon 102, a tractor 104, and a truck 106. The forage wagon 102 may be configured for receiving chopped forage 50, e.g., from a forage harvester (not shown). For instance, the forage harvester may deposit the chopped forage 50 into the forage wagon 102 via an open top of the forage wagon 102. Moreover, the forage wagon 102 may be coupled to the tractor 104, and the tractor 104 may pull the forage wagon 102 within a field parallel to the forage harvester such that the forage wagon 102 is positioned for receiving the flow of chopped forage 50 from the forage harvester into the forage wagon 102. The forage wagon 102 may include features for transferring the chopped forage 50 65104209US01 to the truck 106. Thus, as the forage wagon 102 fills with the chopped forage 50, the chopped forage 50 may be transferred out of the forage wagon 102 to the truck 106 as chopped forage 54. The truck 106 may drive the chopped forage 54 to a processing facility.

[0024] The forage harvester or other harvesting device may be used to harvest various types of agricultural crops and supply the chopped forage 50 to the forage wagon 102. In example embodiments, the forage harvester may be configured to chop the forage 50 into short pieces, e.g., no less than about a half centimeter (0.5 cm) and no greater than about two and a half centimeters (2.5 cm) in length. Chopping the crops into short pieces can assist with preventing the forage 50 from wrapping around shafts or pinning on shields or other components within the forage harvester, the forage wagon 102, and other equipment. Moreover, chopping the forage 50 into short pieces can also assist with allowing the forage 50 to "flow” through the forage harvester, the forage wagon 102, and other processing equipment via conveyors, augers, and / or blowers. However, after harvesting and chopping, the forage 50 may still include long, compliant, and strong fibers. The forage transport system 100, including the forage wagon 102, may include features for moving, translating, and / or flowing the forage 50 despite the presence of the long, compliant, and strong fibers in the chopped forage 50.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1 , the forage wagon 102 may include a container 110. The container 110 may be mounted on tracks 102 or wheels such that the tractor 104 may tow the container 110. The container 110 may include walls and define an interior for receiving chopped forage 50. In example embodiments, the interior of the container 110 may be sized for receiving no less than twenty cubic meters (20 m3) and no greater than one hundred cubic meters (100 m3). Other volumes are also within the scope of the present disclosure. The container 110 may extend, e.g., longitudinally, between a first end portion 114 and a second end portion 116.

[0026] An apron conveyor 120 may be disposed within the container 110. The apron conveyor 120 may be configured for translating the chopped forage 50 in the container 110 towards the first end portion 114 of the container 110. For example, the apron conveyor 120 may extend, e.g., longitudinally, within the container 110 between the first and second end portions 114, 116 of the container 110. As chopped forage 50 is added into the container 110, the chopped forage 50 may flow onto the apron conveyor 120. The apron conveyor 120 may be sized complementary to the container 110. For instance, a surface area of the apron conveyor 120 that faces upwardly towards the interior of the container 110 may be about equal to the cross-sectional area of the interior of the container 110, e.g., in a plane that is perpendicular to a vertical direction. Thus, substantially all of the chopped forage 50 flowing into the container 110 may come to rest on the apron conveyor 120.

[0027] In example embodiments, the apron conveyor 120 may include a belt that may be rotated to 65104209US01 translate the chopped forage 50 in the container 110 towards the first end portion 114 of the container 110. In FIG. 1, the apron conveyor 120 includes a slat belt 122 that is rotatable by a motor (not shown), such as an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, a power-take off connection to the tractor 104, etc. The forage wagon 102 also includes a plurality of beater rolls 130, 132 within the container 110. The beater rolls 130, 132 may be rotatable by one or more motors (not shown), such as an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, the power-take off connection to the tractor 104, etc.

[0028] As the apron conveyor 120 moves the pile of chopped forage 50 towards the first end portion 114 of the container 110. The beater rolls 130, 132 may engage and break up the pile of chopped forage 50 Moreover, the beater rolls 130, 132 may scrape, shear, cut, etc. against the pile of chopped forage 50 to break off small processable clumps of the chopped forage 50, e.g., despite the presence of the long, compliant, and strong fibers within the chopped forage 50. Moreover, as discussed in greater detail below, the positioning of the beater rolls 130, 132 relative to the apron conveyor 120 may limit or prevent the long, compliant, and strong fibers within the chopped forage 50 entangling or wrapping around the beater rolls 130, 132 as the beater rolls 130, 132 engage and break up the pile of chopped forage 50.

[0029] A cross conveyor 140 may be disposed downstream of the beater rolls 130, 132 to receive a flow of chopped forage 52 from the beater rolls 130, 132. For example, the cross conveyor 140 may be disposed directly below the beater rolls 130, 132 such that the flow of chopped forage 52 falls downwardly from the beater rolls 130, 132 onto the cross conveyor 140. As described above, the pile of chopped forage 50 in the container 110 may be broken up by the beater rolls 130, 132 into the flow of chopped forage 52 that is disposed in smaller clumps than the pile of chopped forage 50 in the container 110. The cross conveyor 140 may be configured for translating the chopped forage 52 away from the beater rolls 130, 132. For instance, as shown in FIG. 1 , the cross conveyor 140 may extend through an opening 118 at the first end portion 114 of the container 110 out of the container 110. Thus, the cross conveyor 140 may be configured for translating the chopped forage 52 out of the container 110, such as into the truck 106. Moreover, a distal end of the cross conveyor 140 may be disposed over a bed of the truck 106, and the chopped forage 52 may flow off the cross conveyor 140 into the bed of the truck 106. Within the truck 106, the chopped forage 52 from the cross conveyor 140 may form a pile of chopped forage 54.

[0030] The truck 106 may drive the chopped forage 54 to another location, such as a processing plant. For instance, the truck 106 may dump the pile of chopped forage 54 into a container and / or onto a conveyor at another location. A similar system (e.g., with beater rolls, conveyors, etc.) may be used to break up the pile of chopped forage 54 from the truck 106 at such locations. Thus, it will be understood that the present subject matter is not limited to usage in the field, such as with the 65104209US01 particular arrangement shown in FIG. 1.

[0031] Turning now to FIG. 2, a forage processing system 200 according to an example embodiment will be described. The forage processing system 200 may assist with transferring forage from one location to another. The forage processing system 200 may be used to assist with forage transfer in a suitable vehicle, plant, installation, etc. For example, the forage processing system 200 may be installed in a forage wagon, such the forage wagon 102 (FIG. 1). In other example embodiments, the forage processing system 200 may be installed in a forage processing plant. Thus, it will be understood that the forage processing system 200 may not limited to use in any particular arrangement or installation location

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the forage processing system 200 includes a first conveyor 210, a second conveyor 220, and a plurality of beater rolls 230. The first conveyor 210 may be installed within a container, disposed below a chute, or at other suitable locations for receiving forage 202. The first conveyor 210 may include a belt, slats, etc. that may be rotated to translate the forage 202 along a transverse direction T towards a first end portion 212 of the first conveyor 210. The first conveyor 210 may be powered by a motor (not shown), such as an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, a power-take off connection, etc. In example embodiments, the first conveyor 210 may extend longitudinally between the first end portion 212 and a second end portion 214 of the first conveyor 210 along the transverse direction T. As the first conveyor 210 moves the forage 202 along the transverse direction T towards the first end portion 212 of the first conveyor 210, the beater rolls 230 may engage and break up the forage 202. Moreover, the beater rolls 230 may scrape, shear, cut, etc. against the forage 202 to break off small processable clumps of the forage 202, e.g., despite the presence of the long, compliant, and strong fibers within the forage 202.

[0033] The first conveyor 210 may be generally flat between the first and second end portions 212, 214. Thus, e.g., an upper face 216 of the first conveyor 210 may be generally planar between the first and second end portions 212, 214. The forage 202 may rest on the upper face 216 of the first conveyor 210 while the first conveyor 210 moves the forage 202 towards the first end portion 212 of the first conveyor 210. In other example embodiments, the first conveyor 210 may be curved or include multiple planar segments that are angled relative to one another between the first and second end portions 212, 214 of the first conveyor 210.

[0034] As may be seen in FIG. 2, at least one of the beater rolls 230 may be spaced from the first conveyor 210, e.g., along the transverse direction T. Thus, e.g., the beater rolls 230 may be offset from the first conveyor 210 by a gap G, which may include a component TG along the transverse direction T. Moreover, the beater rolls 230 may not be disposed directly above the first conveyor 210 along a vertical direction V, which may be perpendicular to the transverse direction T. The spacing of the 65104209US01 beater rolls 230 from the first conveyor 210 along the transverse direction T may assist with limiting or preventing entanglement of forage 202 on the beater rolls 230. Moreover, entanglement of long, compliant, and strong fibers in the forage 202 onto the beater rolls 230 may be limited or prevented by the gap G, which can allow forage broken off a pile of forage 202 on the first conveyor 210 to fall downwardly rather than being compressed between the beater rolls 230 and the first conveyor 210, e.g ., along a vertical direction V.

[0035] In example embodiments, the beater rolls 230 may be spaced from the first conveyor 210 along the vertical direction V. Thus, e.g., the gap G may include a component TV along the vertical direction V. Moreover, the beater rolls 230 may be disposed above the first conveyor 210 along the vertical direction V. The spacing of the beater rolls 230 from the first conveyor 210 along the vertical direction V may also assist with limiting or preventing entanglement of forage 202 on the beater rolls 230.

[0036] The sizing of the gap G may assist with limiting or preventing entanglement of forage 202 on the beater rolls 230. For instance, the gap G may be no less than five centimeters (5 cm) and no greater than fifty centimeters (50 cm), such as no less than seven centimeters (7 cm) and no greater than twenty-five centimeters (25 cm), in example embodiments. The transverse component TG of the gap G may be no less than seven centimeters (7 cm) and no greater than thirty centimeters (30 cm). Thus, e.g., the one of the beater rolls 230 positioned closest to the first conveyor 210 (e.g., the bottommost one of the beater rolls 230 along the vertical direction V) may be spaced from the first conveyor 210 along the transverse direction T by no less than seven centimeters (7 cm) and no greater than thirty centimeters (30 cm). The vertical component TV of the gap G may be no less than five centimeters (5 cm) and no greater than thirty centimeters (30 cm). Thus, e.g., the one of the beater rolls 230 positioned closest to the first conveyor 210 (e.g., the bottommost one of the beater rolls 230 along the vertical direction V) may be spaced from the first conveyor 210 along the vertical direction V by no less than five centimeters (5 cm) and no greater than thirty centimeters (30 cm). Such sizing of the gap G may advantageously facilitate breaking apart of the forage 202 on the first conveyor 210 while avoiding or limiting entanglement of the forage 202 on the beater rolls 230. Conversely, testing of conventional systems with beater bars that are disposed directly above an apron conveyor and not transversely spaced from the apron conveyor showed significant entanglement of long, compliant, and strong fibers within chopped forage onto the beater bars of the conventional systems.

[0037] From the beater rolls 230, the forage 202 may flow 204 to another station, piece of equipment, storage silo, etc. In the example embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, the second conveyor 220 is disposed below the beater rolls 230 for receiving the flow 204. The second conveyor 220 may be configured for translating the forage 202 that is broken up by the beater rolls 230 and flows onto the second conveyor 65104209US01

[0038] 220 away from the beater rolls 230. In some example embodiments, the second conveyor 220 may be configured for translating the forage 202 along a lateral direction (oriented into and out of the page in the view shown in FIG. 2) that is perpendicular to the transverse direction T.

[0039] The second conveyor 220 may include a belt, slats, etc. that may be rotated to translate the forage 202 from the flow 204, e.g. , along the lateral direction. However, the second conveyor 220 may be oriented at different angles in other example embodiments. The second conveyor 220 may be powered by a motor (not shown), such as an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, a power-take off connection, etc. In example embodiments, the second conveyor 220 may extend longitudinally between the opposite end portions. The second conveyor 220 may be generally flat between the opposite end portions. Thus, e.g., an upper face 226 of the second conveyor 220 may be generally planar between the opposite end portions. The forage 202 may rest on the upper face 226 of the second conveyor 220 after flowing from the beater rolls 230 onto the second conveyor 220. In other example embodiments, the second conveyor 220 may be curved or include multiple planar segments that are angled relative to one another between the opposite end portions of the second conveyor 220.

[0040] The second conveyor 220 may be disposed below the beater rolls 230 along the vertical direction V. For example, the second conveyor 220 may be disposed directly below the beater rolls 230 along the vertical direction V such that the forage 202 broken up by the beater rolls 230 falls downwardly onto the second conveyor 220. In other example embodiments, a funnel or hopper may receive and guide the flow 204 of the forage 202 onto the second conveyor 220, e.g., via augers, blowers, etc.

[0041] The second conveyor 220 may also be disposed below the first conveyor 210 along the vertical direction V to assist with receiving the forage 202 from the first conveyor 210. In example embodiments, a wall 240 may be positioned and oriented for guiding the forage 202 from the first conveyor 210 and / or the beater rolls 230 onto the second conveyor 220. For example, the wall 240 may be sloped towards the second conveyor 220. The wall 240 may extend upwardly along the vertical direction V from the second conveyor 220, e.g., to above the first conveyor 210 and / or one or more of the beater rolls 230.

[0042] The beater rolls 230 may be rotatable in the same or opposite directions. For example, in the view shown in FIG. 2, both of the beater rolls 230 may be rotatable counterclockwise. Thus, the beater rolls 230 may urge the forage 202 on the first conveyor 210 downwardly along the vertical direction V and / or towards the gap G. In other example embodiments, in the view shown in FIG. 2, the bottommost one of the beater rolls 230 along the vertical direction V may rotate counterclockwise, and the other of the beater rolls 230 may rotate clockwise. Thus, the one of the beater rolls 230 closest to the gap G may urge the forage 202 closest to the gap G on the first conveyor 210 downwardly along 65104209US01 the vertical direction V and / or towards the gap G while the other of the beater rolls 230 located more remotely from the gap G may lift forage 202 upwardly away the gap G and thereby limit compression of the forage 202 at beater rolls 230.

[0043] Turning now to FIG. 3, the beater rolls 230 may include a plurality of tines that extend outwardly from the beater rolls 230. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the beater rolls 230 may include tines 236, 238 that extend radially outward from shafts 234 of the beater rolls 230. A radial length of the tines 236, 238 may be no less than two centimeters (2 cm) and no greater than twenty centimeters (20 cm) in some example embodiments. The tines 236, 238 may include one or both of retractable tines 236 and fixed tines 238 The tines 236, 238 may be axially and circumferentially distributed on the beater rolls 230.

[0044] The retractable tines 236 may be configured to retract into the shaft 234, e.g., while the beater rolls 230 rotate. For example, the retractable tines 236 may be extended from the shaft 234 when the retractable tines 236 are positioned adjacent and / or face towards the forage 202 on the first conveyor 210 and / or the gap G. Conversely, the retractable tines 236 may be retracted into the shaft 234 when the retractable tines 236 are positioned remote and / or face away from the forage 202 on the first conveyor 210 and / or the gap G. The retraction and extension of the tines 236 may be automatic or may be manually controlled. Such selective retraction of the retractable tines 236 into and out of the shaft 234 may allow the retractable tines 236 to break apart of the forage 202 on the first conveyor 210 while also allowing for removal of entangled forage 202 from the tines 236.

[0045] The fixed tines 238 may also assist with breaking apart the forage 202 on the first conveyor 210. However, the fixed tines 238 may not retract into the shaft 234 during operation of the beater rolls 230. The fixed tines 238 may have a tapered leg that limits or prevents entanglement of the forage 202 on the fixed tines 238.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, the beater rolls 230 may be adjustably mounted to a wall 300. Thus, e.g., a position of the beater rolls 230 along the vertical direction V and / or the transverse direction T may be adjustable. In FIG. 3, a vertical mounting bracket 232 includes a plurality of mounting holes distributed along the vertical direction V. The vertical position of each beater roll 230 may be selected by mounting the beater roll 230 to the desired mounting holes on the vertical mounting bracket 232. A transverse mounting bracket 233 includes a plurality of mounting holes distributed along the transverse direction T. The transverse position of each beater roll 230 may be selected by mounting the beater roll 230 to the desired mounting holes on the transverse mounting bracket 233. In FIG. 3, the positions are manually adjustable. In other example embodiments, actuators may be coupled to the beater rolls 230 to allow for adjusting of the position of the beater rolls 230 along the vertical direction V and / or the transverse direction T. 65104209US01

[0047] FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 for operating a forage processing system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 400 may be used in or with any suitable forage processing system, such as the forage transport system 100 (FIG. 1) and / or the forage processing system 200 (FIG. 2). The method 400 may assist with modulating forage flow through the forage processing system, e.g., to avoid overloading downstream systems.

[0048] In the context of the forage transport system 100 and the forage processing system 200, the forage 202 may be added to the first conveyor 210 in bulk. For instance, the truck 106 may dump a load of the forage onto the first conveyor 210. A height of the pile of forage 202 may thus vary along the transverse direction T. Moreover, a flow rate of the forage 202 from the first conveyor 210 onto the second conveyor 220 may vary. The second conveyor 220 may transport the forage 202 to processing equipment with a limited capacity or that is sensitive to excess input rates of the forage 202. The method 400 may assist with adjusting operation of the forage processing system 200 to account for variation in the flow rate of the forage 202 from the first conveyor 210 onto the second conveyor 220.

[0049] At 410, a flow rate of forage may be measured. For example, a sensor, such as an optical sensor, weight sensor, etc., may measure the flow rate of forage 202 within the forage processing system 200. For instance, a camera may capture images of the flow 204 of the forage 202 and estimate the flow rate of the forage 202 from the first conveyor 210. As another example, a weight sensor on the second conveyor 220 may measure the weight of the forage 202 on the second conveyor 220 to estimate the flow rate of the forage 202 from the first conveyor 210.

[0050] At 420, the speed of one or more conveyors, such as the first conveyor 210 and / or the second conveyor 220, may be adjusted based on the measured flow rate of forage from 410. Thus, e.g., when the flow rate of forage is greater than a maximum threshold rate, the speed of one or more conveyors may be decreased. As another example, when the flow rate of forage is less than a minimum threshold rate, the speed of one or more conveyors may be increased. In such a manner, the forage processing system 200 may be adjusted to maintain a desired output of forage to downstream processing equipment.

[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates another method 500 for operating a forage processing system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 500 differs from method 400 in that a volume, mass, etc. of forage is a control variable for the forage transport system. Thus, at 510, a volume, mass, etc. of forage may be measured. For example, a sensor, such as an optical sensor, weight sensor, etc., may measure the volume, mass, etc. of forage 202 within the forage processing system 200.

[0052] At 520, the speed of one or more conveyors, such as the first conveyor 210 and / or the second conveyor 220, may be adjusted based on the measured volume, mass, etc. of forage from 510. Thus, 65104209US01 e.g., when the volume, mass, etc. of forage is greater than a maximum threshold value, the speed of one or more conveyors may be decreased. As another example, when the volume, mass, etc. of forage is less than a minimum threshold value, the speed of one or more conveyors may be increased. In such a manner, the forage processing system 200 may be adjusted to maintain a desired output of forage to downstream processing equipment.

[0053] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

[0054] These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention so further described in such appended claims.

[0055] 65104209US01

[0056] REFERENCE CHARACTERS

[0057] 50 Forage

[0058] 52 Forage

[0059] 54 Forage

[0060] 100 Forage transport system

[0061] 102 Forage wagon

[0062] 105 Tractor

[0063] 106 Truck

[0064] 110 Container

[0065] 112 T racks

[0066] 114 First end portion

[0067] 116 Second end portion

[0068] 118 Opening

[0069] 120 Apron conveyor

[0070] 122 Belt

[0071] 130 Beater roll

[0072] 132 Beater roll

[0073] 140 Cross conveyor

[0074] 200 Forage processing system

[0075] 202 Forage

[0076] 204 Flow of forage

[0077] 210 Apron conveyor

[0078] 220 Cross conveyor

[0079] 230 Beater rolls

[0080] 232 Gap adjustment plate

[0081] 233 Gap adjustment plate

[0082] 234 Retractable tines

[0083] 236 Fixed tines

[0084] 240 Wall

[0085] 300 Forage wagon

[0086] 302 Open end 65104209US01

[0087] T Transverse direction

[0088] L Lateral direction

[0089] V Vertical direction

[0090] R1 First rotational direction

[0091] R2 Second rotational direction

[0092] G Gap

[0093] TG Transverse spacing

[0094] 65104209US01

[0095] EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0096] First example embodiment: A forage processing system, comprising: a forage container extending between a first end portion and a second end portion along a transverse direction; an apron conveyor disposed within the forage container, the apron conveyor configured for selectively translating forage within the forage container along the transverse direction towards the first end portion of the forage container; and a plurality of beater rolls disposed at the first end portion of the forage container, at least one of the plurality of beater rolls offset from the apron conveyor along the transverse direction, the plurality of beater rolls configured for breaking apart the forage as the apron conveyor translates the forage along the transverse direction towards the plurality of beater rolls.

[0097] Second example embodiment: The forage processing system of the first example embodiment, wherein one or more of the plurality of beater rolls is not disposed directly above the apron conveyor along a vertical direction.

[0098] Third example embodiment: The forage processing system of either the first example embodiment or the second example embodiment, wherein the one or more of the plurality of beater rolls are spaced from the apron conveyor along the transverse direction by no less than five centimeters and no greater than thirty centimeters.

[0099] Fourth example embodiment: The forage processing system of any one of the first through third example embodiments, wherein the at least one of the plurality of beater rolls is spaced from the apron conveyor along a vertical direction by no less than five centimeters and no greater than thirty centimeters.

[0100] Fifth example embodiment: The forage processing system of any one of the first through fourth example embodiments, wherein the plurality of beater rolls are distributed along a vertical direction; a bottommost one of the plurality of beater rolls is spaced from the apron conveyor by a gap along the transverse direction and the vertical direction; and the gap is no less than five centimeters and no greater than fifty centimeters.

[0101] Sixth example embodiment: The forage processing system of any one of the first through fifth example embodiments, further comprising a conveyor disposed outside of the forage container and below the plurality of beater rolls, the conveyor configured for selectively translating the forage away from the forage container.

[0102] Seventh example embodiment: The forage processing system of any one of the first through sixth example embodiments, wherein the cross conveyor is disposed directly below the plurality of beater rolls along a vertical direction. 65104209US01

[0103] Eighth example embodiment: The forage processing system of any one of the first through seventh example embodiments, wherein the cross conveyor is disposed below the apron conveyor along a vertical direction.

[0104] Nineth example embodiment: The forage processing system of any one of the first through eighth example embodiments, wherein the plurality of beater rolls are rotatable in opposite directions.

[0105] Tenth example embodiment: The forage processing system of any one of the first through nineth example embodiments, wherein a first beater roll of the plurality of beater rolls comprises a plurality of tines that extend outwardly from a shaft of the first beater roll.

[0106] Eleventh example embodiment: The forage processing system of any one of the first through tenth example embodiments, wherein the plurality of tines comprise a plurality of retractable tines that retract into the shaft.

[0107] Twelfth example embodiment: The forage processing system of any one of the first through eleventh example embodiments, wherein the plurality of tines further comprise a plurality of fixed tines that are fixed on the shaft.

[0108] Thirteenth example embodiment: The forage processing system of any one of the first through twelfth example embodiments, wherein the plurality of retractable tines comprise a plurality of retractable tines configured to retract into the shaft as the first beater roll rotates.

[0109] Fourteenth example embodiment: A forage processing system, comprising: a first conveyor configured for selectively translating forage along a transverse direction; a beater roll disposed at a first end portion of the first conveyor, the beater roll configured for breaking apart the forage as the first conveyor translates the forage along the transverse direction towards the beater roll, the beater roll offset from the first conveyor along the transverse direction; and a second conveyor disposed downstream of the beater roll relative to a flow of the forage from the beater roll, the second conveyor configured for translating the forage away from the beater roll.

[0110] Fifteenth example embodiment: The forage processing system of the fourteenth example embodiment, wherein the beater roll is spaced from the first conveyor along the transverse direction by no less than five centimeters and no greater than thirty centimeters.

[0111] Sixteenth example embodiment: The forage processing system of the fourteenth example embodiment or the fifteenth example embodiment, wherein the second conveyor is disposed below the first conveyor along the vertical direction.

[0112] Seventeenth example embodiment: The forage harvester of any one of the fourteenth through sixteenth example embodiments, wherein the beater roll is one of a plurality of beater rolls that are rotatable in opposite directions. 65104209US01

[0113] Eighteenth example embodiment: The forage harvester of any one of the fourteenth through seventeenth example embodiments, wherein the beater roll comprises a plurality of tines that extend outwardly from a shaft of the beater roll.

[0114] Nineteenth example embodiment: The forage harvester of any one of the fourteenth through eighteenth example embodiments, wherein the plurality of tines comprise a plurality of retractable tines that retract into the shaft.

[0115] Twentieth example embodiment: The forage harvester of any one of the fourteenth through nineteenth example embodiments, wherein the plurality of tines further comprise a plurality of fixed tines that are fixed on the shaft

Claims

65104209US01What Is Claimed:1 . A forage processing system, comprising: a forage container extending between a first end portion and a second end portion along a transverse direction; an apron conveyor disposed within the forage container, the apron conveyor configured for selectively translating forage within the forage container along the transverse direction towards the first end portion of the forage container; and a plurality of beater rolls disposed at the first end portion of the forage container, at least one of the plurality of beater rolls offset from the apron conveyor along the transverse direction, the plurality of beater rolls configured for breaking apart the forage as the apron conveyor translates the forage along the transverse direction towards the plurality of beater rolls.

2. The forage processing system of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the plurality of beater rolls is not disposed directly above the apron conveyor along a vertical direction.

3. The forage processing system of claim 2, wherein the one or more of the plurality of beater rolls are spaced from the apron conveyor along the transverse direction by no less than five centimeters and no greater than thirty centimeters.

4. The forage processing system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one of the plurality of beater rolls is spaced from the apron conveyor along a vertical direction by no less than five centimeters and no greater than thirty centimeters.

5. The forage processing system of claim 1 , wherein: the plurality of beater rolls are distributed along a vertical direction; a bottommost one of the plurality of beater rolls is spaced from the apron conveyor by a gap along the transverse direction and the vertical direction; and the gap is no less than five centimeters and no greater than fifty centimeters.

6. The forage processing system of claim 1 , further comprising a conveyor disposed outside of the forage container and below the plurality of beater rolls, the conveyor configured for selectively translating the forage away from the forage container.65104209US017. The forage processing system of claim 6, wherein the cross conveyor is disposed directly below the plurality of beater rolls along a vertical direction.

8. The forage processing system of claim 6, wherein the cross conveyor is disposed below the apron conveyor along a vertical direction.

9. The forage processing system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of beater rolls are rotatable in opposite directions.

10. The forage processing system of claim 1 , wherein a first beater roll of the plurality of beater rolls comprises a plurality of tines that extend outwardly from a shaft of the first beater roll.11 . The forage processing system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of tines comprise a plurality of retractable tines that retract into the shaft.

12. The forage processing system of claim 11 , wherein the plurality of tines further comprise a plurality of fixed tines that are fixed on the shaft.

13. The forage processing system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of retractable tines comprise a plurality of retractable tines configured to retract into the shaft as the first beater roll rotates.

14. A forage processing system, comprising: a first conveyor configured for selectively translating forage along a transverse direction; a beater roll disposed at a first end portion of the first conveyor, the beater roll configured for breaking apart the forage as the first conveyor translates the forage along the transverse direction towards the beater roll, the beater roll offset from the first conveyor along the transverse direction; and a second conveyor disposed downstream of the beater roll relative to a flow of the forage from the beater roll, the second conveyor configured for translating the forage away from the beater roll.

15. The forage processing system of claim 14, wherein the beater roll is spaced from the first conveyor along the transverse direction by no less than seven centimeters and no greater than thirty centimeters.65104209US0116. The forage processing system of claim 14, wherein the second conveyor is disposed below the first conveyor along a vertical direction.

17. The forage processing system of claim 14, wherein the beater roll is one of a plurality of beater rolls that are rotatable in opposite directions.

18. The forage processing system of claim 14, wherein the beater roll comprises a plurality of tines that extend outwardly from a shaft of the beater roll.

19. The forage processing system of claim 18, wherein the plurality of tines comprise a plurality of retractable tines that retract into the shaft.

20. The forage processing system of claim 19, wherein the plurality of tines further comprise a plurality of fixed tines that are fixed on the shaft.

Images