US4203277A — Forkless haymaking machine

Claim 1

Independent Claim 73 words

A haymaking machine for the windrowing of fodder or the turning of windrows or for tedding, comprising at least one drum rotating about a substantially vertical or inclined axis, said drum (1, 2) carrying at its base a thin flexible and deformable skirt (12, 13) which plunges beneath the fodder to be displaced while closely following the variations of level of the ground, and which transports the said fodder over its upper face.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 73 words

A haymaking machine for the windrowing of fodder or the turning of windrows or for tedding, comprising at least one drum rotating about a substantially vertical or inclined axis, said drum (1, 2) carrying at its base a thin flexible and deformable skirt (12, 13) which plunges beneath the fodder to be displaced while closely following the variations of level of the ground, and which transports the said fodder over its upper face.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 30 words

A machine according to claim 1, in which the skirt (12, 13) comprises a continuous collar (14, 15) of substantially frusto-conical form which extends all around the drum (1, 2).

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 20 words

A machine according to claim 1, in which the thickness of the skirt (12, 13) is less than 4 cm.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 18 words

A machine according the claim 3, in which the external periphery of the skirt (12, 13) is chamfered.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 22 words

A machine according the claim 1, in which the width (1) of the skirt (12, 13) is between 5 and 60 cm.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 17 words

A machine according to claim 1, in which the skirt (12, 13) comprises elements for its stiffening.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 20 words

A machine according to claim 1, in which the skirt (12, 13) comprises elements for grasping and/or entraining the fodder.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 21 words

A machine according to claim 6, in which the upper face of the skirt (12, 13) is provided with projections (17).

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 25 words

A machine according to claim 8, in which the projections (17) of the upper face of the skirt (12, 13) form part of the latter.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 36 words

A machine according to claim 8, in which the projections (17) of the upper face of the skirt (12, 13) are oriented in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the drum (1, 2).

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 34 words

A machine according to claim 7, in which the skirt (12, 13) is provided on its external periphery with points (18) of very small dimensions which form part of the said skirt (12, 13).

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 17 words

A machine according to claim 7 in which the skirt (12, 13) is provided with indentations (19).

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 15 words

A machine according to claim 12, in which the indentations (19) have a rounded form.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 81 words

A machine according to claim 12, in which at least the leading flank (108) of each protuberance (109) situated between the indentations (19) of the outer edge of the skirt (12, 13) of the drum (1, 2) has a substantially straight portion (110) prolonged on each side by a curved portion (111 and 112), of which one portion (111) extends to the apex of the said protuberance (109) and the other portion (112) extends to the bottoms of the indentations (19).

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 46 words

A machine according to claim 14, in which the radius (r) of curvature of the curved portion (111) extending to the apex of the protuberance (109) is less than the radius (R) of the curved portion (112) which extends to the bottom of the indentation (19).

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 59 words

A machine according to claim 14, in which the curved portion (111) extending to the apex of the protuberance (109) is prolonged to the rear--seen in the direction (X) of rotation of the drum (1, 2)--by a curved portion (113) the radius (R1) of curvature of which is greater than the radius (r) of the said curved portion (111).

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 43 words

A machine according to claim 8, in which at least the side (114) oriented forward--seen in the direction (X) of rotation of the drum (1, 2)--of each projection (17) of the upper face of the skirt (12, 13) is inclined upward and rearward.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 34 words

A machine according to claim 17, in which said forwardly oriented side (114) of the projections (17) forms an angle (λ) between 20° and 70° with the upper face of the skirt (12, 13).

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 33 words

A machine according to claim 12, in which projections (17) on the upper face of the skirt (12, 13) are provided which are curved and extend into the apices of the protuberances (109).

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 36 words

A machine according to claim 19, in which the forward sides (114) of the projections (17) of the upper face of the skirt (12, 13) are connected to the leading flanks (108) of the protuberances (109).

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 29 words

A machine according to claim 8, in which the extremity of each projection (17) which is close to the outer edge of the skirt (12, 13) is cut obliquely.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 38 words

A machine according to claim 8, in which the extremity of each projection (17) which is close to the inner edge of the skirt (12, 13) is cut substantially perpendicularly to the wall of the drum (1, 2).

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 26 words

A machine according to claim 6, in which a crown (16) having rigidity greater than that of the skirt (12, 13) is connected to the latter.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 28 words

A machine according to claim 23, in which the internal diameter (D) of the crown (16) is greater than the internal diameter (E) of the skirt (12, 13).

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 37 words

A machine according to claim 6, in which the skirt (12, 13) and/or the stiffening elements and/or the elements for grasping and entraining the fodder comprise reinforcements (20) embedded in the said skirt and/or the said elements.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 20 words

A machine according to claim 1, in which the wall of the drum (1, 2) is provided with projections (21).

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 23 words

A machine according to claim 1, in which the skirt (12, 13) is fixed to the internal face of the drum (1, 2).

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 23 words

A machine according to claim 1, in which the skirt (12, 13) is fixed to the outer face of the drum (1, 2).

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 22 words

A machine according to claim 1, in which the skirt (12, 13) is fixed to the bottom of the drum (1, 2).

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 25 words

A machine according to claim 1, in which the skirt (12, 13) is fixed on an intermediate element (22) attached to the drum (1, 2).

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 22 words

A machine according to claim 1, and means for varying the incidence of the skirt (12, 13) in relation to the ground.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 81 words

A machine according to claim 31, in which the last-named means are constituted by a dish (24) independent of the corresponding drum (1, 2) and having a diameter different from that of the said drum, the position of which dish in relation to the drum can be adjusted by means of a threaded rod (25) so that the edge of the said dish, by bearing upon the skirt (12, 13) determines the incidence of the latter in relation to the ground.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 103 words

A machine according to claim 31, in which the last-named means are constituted by stirrup pieces (28) one of the arms of which is fast with the skirt (12, 13) and the other arm of which is guided on a ramp (30) of a crown (31) the position of which in relation to the drum (1, 2) can be modified by rotation about the rotation axis (9, 10) of the drum (1, 2), by virtue of which the said ramp causes a pivoting of the stirrup pieces (28) which entrain the skirt (12, 13) and determine its incidence in relation to the ground.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 55 words

A machine according to claim 1, and means which control the incidence of the skirt (12, 13) of the drum (1, 2) in relation to the ground, during the rotation of the said drum, in order to keep the said skirt in contact with the ground over at least a large sector of its circumference.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 124 words

A machine according to claim 34, in which the last-named means are constituted by stirrup pieces (35) one of the arms of which is fast with the skirt (12, 13) and the other arm of which is directed upward and comprises a weight (36) which tends to depart from the rotation axis (9, 10) of the drum (1, 2) under the action of the centrifugal force resulting from the rotation of the said drum, the said weight thus causing the stirrup pieces to pivot in such manner that their arms fast with the skirt (12, 13) push the latter downward and keep it in contact with the ground over at least its forwardly direct part--seen in the direction (A) of travel of the machine.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 113 words

A machine according to claim 34, in which the last-named means are constituted by pivots (39) one of the ends of which is fast with the skirt (12, 13) while the other end is guided in a non-rotating cam (37) fixed on the support spindle (7, 8) of the drum (1, 2), the profile of the said cam being arranged in such manner that during the rotation of the drum (1, 2) it causes the pivots (39) to pivot so that their ends fast with the skirt (12, 13) keep the latter in contact with the ground over at least its forwardly directed part--seen in the direction (A) of travel of the machine.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 16 words

A machine according to claim 1, in which the drum (1, 2) has a cylindrical form.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 39 words

A machine according to claim 1, in which the drum (1, 2) has substantially the form of a cone frustum the generatrices of which are rectilinear or curved and the imaginary apex of which is directed toward the ground.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 20 words

A machine according to claim 1, and means (104, 105, 106) for separating foreign bodies from the fodder during working.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 29 words

A machine according to claim 39, in which the skirt (12, 13) of the drum (1, 2) comprises apertures (104) permitting foreign bodies to drop back onto the ground.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 24 words

A machine according to claim 40, in which said aperatures (104) are situated in the vicinity of the wall of the drum (1, 2).

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 27 words

A machine according to claim 39, in which the wall of the drum (1, 2) comprises apertures (105) permitting foreign bodies to drop back onto the ground.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 22 words

A machine according to claim 42, in which said apertures (105) are situated at the lower part of the drum (1, 2).

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 30 words

A machine according to claim 39, in which the external part of the skirt (12, 13) of the drum (1, 2) is formed by rounded tongues (106) of elongated form.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 23 words

A machine according to claim 44, in which the tongues (106) extend substantially over half of the width of the skirt (12, 13).

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 24 words

A machine according to claim 44, in which the tongues (106) are in contact with the ground over only a part of their length.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 28 words

A machine according to claim 44, in which the tongues (106) are oriented in the direction opposite to the direction (X) of rotation of the drum (1, 2).

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 45 words

A machine according to claim 1, in which the skirt (12, 13) is formed by a belt (41) guided by at least one drum (1, 2) and comprising at its base a plurality of tongues (42) which overlap and are directed obliquely toward the ground.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 38 words

A machine according to claim 1, comprising several drums (1, 2) each carrying a skirt (12, 13) which are placed side by side and are staggered in relation to one another toward the rear especially for lateral windrowing.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 24 words

A machine according to claim 49, in which the trajectories described by the skirts (12, 13) of the adjacent drums (1, 2) partially overlap.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 24 words

A machine according to claim 50, in which the skirts (12, 13) of the adjacent drums (1, 2) pass partially one over the other.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 34 words

A machine according to claim 49, and means between the adjacent drums (1, 2) to facilitate the passage of the fodder from one drum to the other in the formation of a lateral windrow.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 33 words

A machine according to claim 52, in which the last-named means are constituted by a deflector (46) which extends above the skirts (12, 13) and is connected to a transverse support chassis (3).

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 31 words

A machine according to claim 53, in which the deflector (46) is substantially in the form of a (V) the point of which is directed toward the rear of the machine.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 47 words

A machine according to claim 53, in which the deflector (46) is on the one hand substantially tangential to the drum (2) from which it receives the fodder and on the other hand directed substantially radially to the drum (1) to which it transmits the said fodder.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 45 words

A machine according to claim 1, in which laterally of the drum (1) which completes the formation of the windrow in working there are disposed means for clearing fodder from the said drum and from its skirt (12) and for the formation of said windrow.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 45 words

A machine according to claim 56, in which the last-named means are constituted by a deflector (47) substantially tangertial to the drum (1) and extending from the upper face of the skirt (12) of the said drum substantially to the upper level of the drum.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 46 words

A machine according to claim 57, in which the side of the lateral deflector (47) closer to the drum (1) substantially matches the profile of the latter, the side more remote therefrom being slightly incurved in such manner as to cause a turning of the fodder.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 29 words

A machine according to claim 57, in which the side of the lateral deflector (47) which is more remote from the drum (1) is constituted by flexible rods (48).

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 46 words

A machine according to claim 53, in which the deflector (46) situated between two adjacent drums (1, 2) and the lateral deflector (47) comprise, close to their edges turned toward the drums (1 and 2) which transmit the fodder to them, means which facilitate this transmission.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 44 words

A machine according to claim 60, in which the last-named means are constituted by packings (49) of flexible material which are fast with the deflectors (46 and 47) and which sweep the drums (1 and 2) which transmit the fodder to the said deflectors.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 39 words

A machine according to claim 60, in which the last-named means are constituted by lugs (50) situated on the edges of the deflectors (46 and 47) and engaging in grooves (51) extending all around the drums (1 and 2).

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 34 words

A machine according to claim 60, in which the last-named means are constituted by freely rotating rollers (52) extending parallel with the drums (1 and 2) and disposed before the deflectors (46 and 47).

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 29 words

A machine according to claim 63, in which the rollers (52) at least partially match the form of the skirts (12 and 13) of the drums (1 and 2).

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 49 words

A machine according to claim 53, in which the deflector (46 or 47) is arranged so that the angle μ which it forms with projections (17) on the upper face of the skirt (12, 13) increases progressively as the outer edge of the said skirt (12, 13) is approached.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 56 words

A machine according to claim 65, in which at least the part of the deflector (46, 47) which is disposed above the skirt (12, 13) extends along a curve which departs from the wall of the drum (1, 2) progressively as it is directed toward the rear--seen in the direction (A) of travel of the machine.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 80 words

A machine according to claim 66, in which the curved deflector (46, 47), seen from above, starts substantially at the level of a line (L) perpendicular to the direction (A) of travel of the machine and tangential to the forward face of the wall of the drum (1, 2) and leaves the skirt (12, 13) substantially at the level of a line (M) parallel to a line (L) passing through the rotation axis (9, 10) of the drum (1, 2).

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 56 words

A machine according to claim 52, in which said means for facilitating the passage of the fodder from one drum to the other are constituted by a conveyor belt (56) which is driven by one of the drums (1, 2) and is moreover guided by at least one roller (57) substantially parallel with the said drums.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 65 words

A machine according to claim 56, in which said means for favoring at the same time the clearance of the fodder from the drum (1) which completes the formation of the windrow and the formation of the said windrow are constituted by a conveyor belt (56) driven by the said drum and furthermore guided by at least one roller (58) substantially parallel with the drum.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 74 words

A machine according to claim 1, and means to facilitate the passage of the fodder from one drum to the other and to favor at the same time the clearance of the fodder from the drum (1) which completes the formation of the windrow and the formation of the said windrow, constituted by one and the same conveyor belt (56) driven by the said drum (1) and guided by two rollers (57 and 58).

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 60 words

A machine according to claim 70, in which the conveyor belt (56) is guided in such manner that its forward run in contact with the fodder passes partially behind the drum (2) from which the said fodder comes and in front of the drum (1) which collects the said fodder and deposits it in the form of a lateral windrow.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 51 words

A machine according to claim 52, in which the last-named means are constituted by an intermediate drum (59) rotating in the same direction as the drums (1 and 2), the base of which intermediate drum at least partially matches the form of the skirts (12 and 13) of the said drums.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 25 words

A machine according to claim 52, in which the last-named means are constituted by a wheel (63) situated substantially between the drums (1 and 2).

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 33 words

A machine according to claim 73, in which the wheel (63) is mounted freely in rotation on a downwardly slightly inclined spindle (64) so that it is situated in a forwardly inclined plane.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 17 words

A machine according to claim 73, in which the drums (1 and 2) are of concave form.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 34 words

A machine according to claim 52, in which the last-named means are constituted by flexible rods (65) at least the lower extremities of which are oriented toward the drum (1) which receives the fodder.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 33 words

A machine according to claim 56, in which the last-named means are constituted by flexible rods (67) at least the lower extremities of which are oriented toward the exterior and toward the rear.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 66 words

A machine according to claim 1, in which laterally of the drum (2) closer to the fodder remaining on the ground in a passage with the machine there are disposed means which on the one hand facilitate the separation between the said fodder remaining on the ground and the fodder taken up by the machine, and on the other hand facilitate the entraining of this fodder.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 38 words

A machine according to claim 78, in which the last-named means are constituted by a deflector (68) extending from the upper face of the skirt (13) of the drum (2) substantially to the upper level of the latter.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 25 words

A machine according to claim 79, in which the deflector (68) extends obliquely toward the exterior from the drum (2) with which it is associated.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 17 words

A machine according to claim 79, in which the external extremity of the deflector (68) is rounded.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 55 words

A machine according to claim 78, in which the last-named means are constituted by a conveyor belt (69) driven by the drum (2) closer to the fodder remaining on the ground in a passage with the machine, which belt further passes over a roller (70) substantially parallel with the said drum and disposed laterally thereof.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 48 words

A machine according to claim 68, in which the spaces between the bases of the conveyor belt (56) and the upper faces of the skirts (12 and 13) of the drums (1 and 2) are blocked by deflectors (74, 75 and 76) of a flexible and deformable material.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 55 words

A machine according to claim 78, in which said means for facilitating the separation between the fodder remaining on the ground and the fodder taken up by the machine are constituted by a wheel (71) placed slightly before the foremost drum (2), in a plane transverse to the direction (A) of travel of the machine.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 27 words

A machine according to claim 84, in which the wheel (71) is driven in rotation about a substantially horizontal axis by friction on the ground during working.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 31 words

A machine according to claim 78, in which the last-named means are constituted by flexible rods (72) disposed laterally of the drum (2) closer to the fodder reamining on the ground.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 49 words

A machine according to claim 53, in which at least the side of the deflector (46) which is directed toward the drums (1 and 2) and its base which is close to the skirts (12 and 13) of the said drums are made of a flexible and deformable material.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 25 words

A machine according to claim 1, in which said drums (1 and 2) are driven in rotation from the power take-off of a propelling vehicle.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 19 words

A machine according to claim 88, in which the drums (1 and 2) are driven at different rotation speeds.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 82 words

A machine according to claim 1, in which said drums (1 and 2) are driven in rotation by the ground and for this purpose have a contact zone (P) with the said ground, by virtue of which the displacement of the machine in its travel direction (A) causes the rotation of the said drums about their respective rotation axes (9, 10) which for this purpose are slightly inclined in relation to the vertical toward the side on which the windrow is deposited.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 31 words

A machine according to claim 90, in which the skirts (12 and 13) of the drums (1 and 2) are provided with points (86) of small dimensions to increase ground adhesion.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 46 words

A machine according to claim 90, in which in addition to their zone (P) of contact with the ground, the drums (1 and 2) rest on the ground through a wheel (87) oriented in a plane parallel to the direction (A) of travel of the machine.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 43 words

A machine according to claim 92, in which the wheel (87) is substantially diametrically opposite to the zone (P) of contact of the corresponding drum (1, 2) with the ground and serves to bear upon the bottom portion (84) of the said drum.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 41 words

A machine according to claim 90, in which the drums (1 and 2) are connected to the coupling device (5) by means of elements (91) which permit the said drums to retain their position in relation to the ground during working.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 14 words

A machine according to claim 94, in which said elements (91) constitute a parallelogram.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 33 words

A machine according to claim 90, in which the drums (1 and 2) are interconnected by means of a transmission element in the form of a telescopic shaft (100) comprising Cardan joints (101).

Claim 98

Dependent Claim 40 words

A machine according to claim 53, in which the deflector (46) disposed between the two drums (1 and 2) to favor the passage of the fodder from the one to the other is made in two parts (102 and 103).

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1983-05-20	1983-11-19	1984-05-20	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1987-05-20	1987-11-19	1988-05-20	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1991-05-20	1991-11-19	1992-05-20	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Forkless haymaking machine

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