Patent ID: 6401441
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
In a harvesting implement having a crop engaging device for causing a rearward stream of crop material flowing parallel to a longitudinal vertical plane, and an upper guiding surface and a crop guide device having at least one guide element, each guiding said stream of crop material at a location downstream from said crop engaging device, the improvement comprising: a swath plate extending transverse to said stream of crop material and having a lower surface defining said guiding surface; said swath plate being provided with at least one narrow, generally fore-and-aft extending opening; said guide device including at least one substantially vertical, vane-like guide element mounted for vertical movement among a raised, non-operating position, wherein a lower edge of said guide element is substantially even with said guiding surface, and a range of lowered working positions, wherein said guide element extends different distances into a zone below said guiding surface.