Patent ID: 6058689
Filing Date: 2000-05-09
Classification: A01D,Y10S

Abstract:
Self propelled harvesting apparatus for processing plant material comprising in combinationrotatable means for crushing plant material,impacting means operably associated with said rotatable means for impacting said crushed plant material,means operably associated with said impacting means for directing the impacted plant material back to said impacting means for reimpacting said plant material to provide severely conditioned plant material,means for pressing said severely conditioned plant material to form a mat,means for discharging said mat of compressed plant material from said self propelled harvesting apparatus,said means for pressing comprise an upper belt having a plant engaging surface traveling along a predetermined path, a lower belt having a plant engaging surface traveling along a second predetermined path adjacent said upper belt to receive and convey said severely conditioned plant material, and a series of rolls selectively arranged to engage said upper and lower belts to provide a path through which said plant material is conveyed,means for providing a load applied by one of said series of rolls,means for mounting said one of said series of rolls to vary said load on said mat under conditions where said mat is being conveyed along said path,another of said series of rolls comprising an idler roll about which said upper belt is trained, andremote means for moving said idler roll during operation relative to said belt to maintain the tension in said belt regardless of said load.