Patent ID: 6662539
Filing Date: 2003-12-16
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
In a crop harvesting machine having a frame with a wheel on each side of the frame so that the crop harvesting machine is adapted for movement in a field, with the crop harvesting machine having a crop harvesting header mounted on the frame, the improvement comprising:said header including a transversely extending single cutting apparatus for cutting standing crop from the field to initiate the crop harvesting process and also including a transversely extending elongate unidirectional auger conveyor, with auger flights thereon, mounted within a trough to receive the cut crop from the cutting apparatus and to discharge the cut crop from a discharge end of the auger convevor that is located at one side of the crop harvesting machine, said trough comprising a transverse generally elongate U-shaped member extending substantially the full length of, and partially enclosing said auger conveyor with the open portion of said U-shaped member facing generally upwardly and forwardly with respect to the movement of the crop harvesting machine; rotating paddles located at the discharge end of the auger conveyor with the paddles located beyond the wheel of the crop harvesting machine at the discharge end of the auger conveyor; said rotating paddles and said auger conveyor attached to a single center tube for rotational support therewith; and a crop discharge opening located at the rear of said auger conveyor trough so that the cut crop is engaged and pushed by the paddles through the crop discharge opening rearward relative to movement of the crop harvesting machine and fully beyond the wheel of the crop harvesting machine.