Patent ID: 6988352
Filing Date: 2006-01-24
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
1. A forage harvester comprising: a cutter operable to comminute crop material; and a unit arranged downstream of the cutter, the unit including an accelerator having an exit and being arranged in the path of crop flow for propelling the crop towards a discharge spout and a crop processor for cracking kernels, the crop processor being selectively movable into and out of the crop flow path at a location between the cutter and the accelerator, the accelerator comprising a rotor and housing which are together movable towards the cutter when the crop processor is withdrawn from the crop flow path, and wherein a gap is defined between the exit of the accelerator and an intake end of a discharge spout when the accelerator is moved towards the cutter, and wherein a retractable section of conduit is provided to occupy the gap and guide the crop from the accelerator into the discharge spout.