Method and apparatus to control residue width

A system for discharging residue from an agricultural combine to a ground surface. The system including a spreader operatively connected to a rear end of the agricultural combine. The spreader having one or more impellers each having an axis of rotation and a housing. The impellers are operatively connected to the housing for rotating therein. The housing has an inlet for receiving a flow of residue, an outlet configured about a lateral side of the housing for discharging the flow of residue, and one or more residue flow distributors each pivotably movable in a direction generally parallel with the axis of rotation. Each flow distributor is configured to guide the discharged flow of residue sidewardly away from the spreader to the ground surface. The rotation of the one or more impellers discharge a flow of residue received through the inlet out through the outlet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system and method for optimization of crop residue spreading operation, with an adjustable spreader.

2. Description of the Related Art

In common harvesting operations where a combine is used to cut or pick up crop while traveling through a field, it is generally desired to leave the residue in a compact windrow for eventual pickup, or to evenly distribute the residue or MOG (material other than grain) evenly across the entire cut width. Returning the material to the ground provides nutrients for future crops. It is important that MOG be spread evenly such that all future plants have a consistent seed bed, but also because bunched or thicker distribution of straw and chaff, the residue or MOG, can make future field operations more challenging.

During the spreading of crop residue onto a field, weather elements such as wind can impact the flow of residue from the combine to the field. Wind can blow the residue during residue distribution so that residue ends up on the field in piles and not spread consistently across the field as desired.

What is needed is a system and method for optimization of residue spreading so that the residue may be spread evenly onto the field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method to optimize residue spread for even distribution of residue onto a field from a combine.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system for discharging residue from an agricultural combine to a ground surface. The system including a spreader operatively connected to a rear end of the agricultural combine. The spreader having one or more impellers each having an axis of rotation and a housing. The impellers are operatively connected to the housing for rotating therein. The housing has an inlet for receiving a flow of residue, an outlet configured about a lateral side of the housing for discharging the flow of residue, and one or more residue flow distributors each pivotably movable in a direction generally parallel with the axis of rotation. Each flow distributor is configured to guide the discharged flow of residue sidewardly away from the spreader to the ground surface. The rotation of the one or more impellers discharge a flow of residue received through the inlet out through the outlet.

The invention in another form is directed to a spreader for discharging residue from an agricultural combine to a ground surface. The spreader is configured to be operatively connected to a rear end of the agricultural combine. The spreader having one or more impellers each having an axis of rotation and a housing. The impellers are operatively connected to the housing for rotating therein. The housing has an inlet for receiving a flow of residue, an outlet configured about a lateral side of the housing for discharging the flow of residue, and one or more residue flow distributors each pivotably movable in a direction generally parallel with the axis of rotation. Each flow distributor is configured to guide the discharged flow of residue sidewardly away from the spreader to the ground surface. The rotation of the one or more impellers discharge a flow of residue received through the inlet out through the outlet.

According to another aspect of one embodiment of the invention, adjusting the spreader to optimize the flow of residue by the spreader controller includes commanding one or more flow adjustors connected to one or more flow regulators pivotably connected to a lateral side of the spreader about a substantially vertical axis to pivot the flow regulator in a fore and an aft direction to the motion of travel of the combine. The regulator includes a fore portion, an aft portion and an upper portion connecting the fore and aft portions. The one or more regulator adjustors adjust the flow regulator from a facing away position from the side of the combine in which the flow regulator extends perpendicular to the combine motion of travel position to a rear combine facing away position in which the regulator extends in the opposing motion of travel direction of the combine. In the facing away position from the side of the combine, the flow of residue distributes sideward of the combine. In the rear combine facing away position, the flow of residue distributes directly behind the combine. The one or more regulator adjustors are selected from one of an electric actuator, pneumatic actuator, and hydraulic actuator. The spreader information further includes a current regulator position and the command from the processor includes an adjusted regulator position from the current regulator position.

According to another aspect of one embodiment of the invention, adjusting the spreader to optimize the flow of residue by the spreader controller includes commanding one or more impeller controller devices connected to one or more impeller motors each connected to the one more spreader impellers. The spreader controller adjusts the one or more impeller motors to drive a rotation speed of the one or more spreader impellers. The spreader setting information includes a current impeller rotation speed and the command from the processor includes an adjusted impeller rotation speed from the current impeller rotation speed.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the method further includes sensing a header width at a header detector connected on or about the combine and in proximity to a header of the combine, transmitting the header width from the header detector to the processor over the channel and modifying commands to the spreader controller from the processor for applying adjustments to the spreader to distribute flow of residue sideward and behind the combine to the ground surface at a width approximately equal to the header width.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly toFIGS. 1A-1G, there is illustrated an agricultural system70which includes agricultural harvesting equipment such as a combine72which is used for harvest. Combine72is depicted as a mobile agricultural work vehicle including a frame74, to which are installed a main body76, an operator's station or cab78, a grain tank80, an engine (not shown), and ground support devices including drive wheels82and steerable wheels84. However, the ground support devices could also be endless crawler tracks. Agricultural system70further includes communication and control system18(not shown inFIG. 1A), as further described in reference toFIG. 3, which can be integrated into combine72via electronic/electrical modules, cabling, flexible printed circuit harnesses, wiring harnesses, connectors, software, firmware, and the like.

Header86is shown inFIG. 1A, which is commonly referred to as a grain header and is typically utilized for harvesting smaller grains, such as, but not limited to, wheat and soybeans. Headers such as header86used for this purpose can have a variety of widths, for instance, from about twenty to about forty five feet, as is well known. Another well known header is a corn header, and will typically be of a six, eight, twelve or sixteen row variety, and will have an overall width of from about fifteen to about forty feet. Header86, as well as other headers (not shown), are configured to be interchangeably mounted on the front end of a feeder88of combine72in the well-known, conventional manner, for configuring combine72for harvesting a particular crop. A header detector87is also shown inFIG. 1A, as connected on the combine72, and is discussed further in reference toFIG. 3.

The crops harvested by a header86will be gathered up by the header86and conveyed by feeder88rearwardly and upwardly into the body of combine72, for processing by a threshing system. The threshing system comprises a thresher90, which is located within main body76and is disposed to receive the crop materials from feeder88. Thresher90separates kernels of grain from larger pieces of other crop materials, referred to herein as MOG (materials other than grain). The grain kernels are then conveyed to a winnowing, or cleaning section92, where smaller bits of MOG, debris, dust, etc. are removed by mechanical agitation and a stream of air. Although combine72is depicted as an axial-flow combine (i.e., having a thresher with a generally longitudinally disposed axis of rotation), the concepts described herein may also be used on other types of combines including those having threshers with transversely disposed axes of rotation.

Quite often a machine of this nature must harvest additional material other than the main product in order to complete the separation process. The excess material (herein referred to as crop residue) is typically chopped or shredded and propelled at the rear94of the combine72by a rapidly rotating beater97and into an inlet opening of the spreader96, as generally denoted by arrow G, inFIG. 1G.

Attached on the combine72is a weather sensing device32, as shown or similarly, or on or about the spreader96for optimizing the residue spreading function of the spreader96as within a communication and control system18of the combine72. Weather sensing device32can also be connected to agricultural system70at a variety of other locations, and particularly to communication and control system18. The weather sensing device32may be connected to the communication and control system18, and the processor56within the communication and control system18, over a channel. The channel may be a databus or a wireless communication link.

Weather sensing device32may contain any of the sensors to sense temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, cloud cover, and trends thereof. The weather sensing device32may sense one or more various wind characteristics, such as wind speed and wind direction. The weather sensing device32may measure the total wind speed and total wind direction. In other embodiments, the weather sensing device32can sense the perpendicular component of wind in relation to the combine72.

Wind direction and speed change can reduce the harvesting machine's ability to spread the residue uniformly onto the ground surface. By using the information provided by the weather sensing device32, such as wind speed and wind direction, adjustments for residue spreading may be automatically made in real time, and as further discussed in reference toFIG. 3, to compensate for such wind speed and wind direction, relative to the speed and direction of combine72travel. The communication and control system18may incorporate connection of various other sensors (not shown) in the combine72to receive information pertaining to combine72travel, including combine travel speed and travel direction, for transmission to processor56(seeFIG. 3). For example, the communication and control system18may include a GPS, integrated into or on or about the combine72.

The weather sensing device32may be packaged in a single unit with all the appropriate weather sensors so that it can be easily moved from vehicle to another vehicle. This may be especially important for vehicles that operate for only one or two months out of the year. The weather sensing device32may communicate across a channel34including the vehicle's data bus (seeFIG. 3), such as a CAN bus, so that the data can be shared with other systems on the vehicle, thus optimizing vehicle operation. Sharing the data on the bus enables the vehicle's processor56to make automatic adjustments for the spreading operation of residue and MOG.

The weather sensing device32may also wirelessly transmit weather data to other vehicles or base stations so that other operations may use the data for fleet or vehicle optimization. This is especially helpful for those vehicles that are not equipped with their own weather sensing device. The weather sensing device32may provide the ability to set certain minimum or maximum weather parameter limits in order to preserve the quality of the crop being harvested or to insure the quality of the spreading. If these limits are exceeded an audible and/or visual warning may be given to the operator or the operation can be automatically terminated.

Combines equipped with a GPS (not shown) may be used to determine the direction and speed of the tractor. This data may be necessary in making the necessary corrections to compensate for wind speed and direction as analyzed and determined by the processor56, further described in reference toFIG. 3.

Referring particularly toFIGS. 1B-1G, a rear end94of the combine72is shown, including a vertical crop residue spreader96operable for spreading straw, stalks, and other crop residue and MOG that has been separated from the grain of the crops thresher90of combine72located forwardly of rear end94. The straw, stalks and the like are propelled rearwardly by rotating beaters or the like (also not shown) from the threshing mechanism and downwardly through a rear cavity of combine72to spreader96for spreading and optionally chopping. In other embodiments, a spreader may be positioned as a horizontal spreader that propels threshed residue in a like manner to a vertical spreader, wherein both may be designated as spreader96.

Spreader96includes a housing98of sheet metal or other construction containing a pair of side by side rotary impellers100and102rotatable in opposite predetermined rotational directions, denoted by arrows A and B, about a pair of rotational axis104and106, respectively. Housing98defines a forwardly and upwardly facing inlet opening for receiving the residue flow from the threshing system, and a downwardly facing discharge opening110, or outlet, through which the residue is propelled downwardly and in opposite sideward directions by impellers100and102, respectively. The discharge opening110may be configured about the lateral side of the housing98. Here, it should be understood that impellers100and102are representative of a variety of rotary devices that can be utilized in a spreader of this type, such as a rotor having fixed blades, or carrying a plurality of knives, such as flail knives, for propelling the crop residue outwardly from the housing from the inlet and out through the outlet. The spreader can additionally optionally include a rank of fixed knives through which the rotating knives pass for chopping crop residue.

Impellers100and102are rotated by suitable driving elements, herein referred to as motors160(seeFIG. 1F), such as by conventionally constructed and operable hydraulic motors powered by pressurized hydraulic fluid received from a pump (not shown) of combine72, an electric motor, belt, or the like, again in the well known manner. Rotational axes104and106extend at least generally in the fore and aft directions, that is, generally forwardly and rearwardly with respect to combine72, and are generally horizontal or oriented at a small acute angle to horizontal, depending on an orientation or tilt of spreader96on combine72, which can be optionally variable and adjustable in the well known manner.

Residue flow within housing98is propelled by rotating impellers100and102in the predetermined rotational directions A and B along circumferential flow paths, at speeds equal to or increased relative to the inlet speed of the residue flow such that the residue does not build up at the inlet and is expelled from housing98through discharge opening110at a corresponding speed. In the instance wherein spreader96is solely used for spreading, the speed imparted to the residue by impellers100and102will be sufficient for airborne travel of the residue a substantial sideward distance from combine72for deposition on regions of the agricultural field over which combine72has just traveled and from which the crops have been harvested.

As noted above, it is desired in many instances to distribute the crop residue discharged by impellers100and102substantially evenly over the width of a swath of the field from which the crop has just been harvested by combine72, which width is typically defined by the overall width of a harvesting head86of combine72, which width can be as much as thirty to forty feet in the instance of some heads currently in use. Spreader96may include a pair of adjustable crop residue flow distributors112connected to or about the discharge opening110, or outlet, about the lateral side of the housing98. Crop residue flow distributors112are mirror images of one another, and thus can be described and discussed singularly when appropriate, and are positioned for use in cooperation with respective impellers100and102of spreader96for receiving and carrying flows of crop residue discharged through discharge opening110, in opposite sideward directions outwardly away from spreader96, for distribution in a desired pattern on sides of a just harvested swath of a field over which combine72is moving. Here, it should be understood that by the term “sideward” what is meant is a direction transverse the fore and aft directions, the term “sidewardly outwardly” thus meaning sidewardly away from a center line114of spreader96, the term “sidewardly inwardly” meaning closer to center line114.

Each of flow distributors112preferably includes a flow guide of suitable, rigid construction, such as of sheet metal, or plastics, having a first end portion118supported adjacent to discharge opening110in the vicinity of center line114in a position so as to receive at least a portion of the crop residue flow discharged through about the outlet. Flow guide116, or guide116, includes a second end portion120opposite first end portion118, and a fore edge122and an opposite aft edge124extending between first and second end portions118and120defining a crop residue flow surface126extending between end portions118and120for guiding and carrying the received crop residue flow sidewardly outwardly away from spreader96and distributing the crop residue, illustrated by strings of oppositely directed arrows C and downwardly directed arrows D inFIG. 1C, for distribution in a pattern on a field on the ground surface, represented by dotted line128inFIG. 1C, having desired characteristics, such as uniformity and evenness of crop residue distribution.

Flow guide116is additionally preferably elongate in the sideward direction, and crop residue flow surface126preferably has an upwardly directed concave shape. Additionally, at least aft edge124includes a tapered portion130which extends diagonally forwardly and sidewardly outward toward second end portion120, such that a portion of crop residue flow surface126adjacent to second end portion120of the flow guide, is reduced in fore and aft extent, compared to a portion of surface126adjacent to first end portion118.

Each of flow guides116is preferably supported on combine72, and more preferably on spreader96, by adjustable support structure132. Support structure132preferably includes a rear plate134mountable in a suitable manner, such as using bolts or other fasteners, to a central region of rear wall108of spreader96, so as to be at least generally aligned with center line114of spreader96. Support structure132includes a center flow divider136connected to plate134and extending forwardly therefrom, so as to be disposed between impellers100and102for dividing crop residue flow therebetween, and for supporting flow guides116for fore and aft movement relative to structure132, as denoted by arrows E, and also upward and downward pivotal movement relative thereto, as denoted by arrows F. The first end portion118of each of flow guides116is connected to support structure132by a fore and aft extending pivot pin138retained in position by a cotter pin140. Additionally, pins138support a center bracket142which extends downwardly from divider136and is movable in the fore and aft directions with flow guides116. Each of flow guides116includes a bracket144on an underside thereof about midway between end portions118and120.

As shown inFIG. 1B-1G, this particular combine uses a spreader96that includes two impellers100,102to perform the spreading process, along with the flow distributors112, which are used to aid the impellers in the spreading process. By adjusting the flow guides116, the residue spreading can be adjusted in order to accommodate different combine header widths or changes due to weather conditions, including wind changes, and still perform a quality job of residue distribution. Flow guide adjustors146or guide adjustors146, which may be remotely controlled actuators, which can be electric, pneumatic and/or hydraulic, and are connected to a processor56(seeFIG. 3), which is able to determine the proper adjustment of the flow guides116as a function of wind speed and direction and command the flow guide adjustors146to raise or lower the flow guides up or down in direction F (seeFIG. 1D). By adjusting the flow guides116closer to the impellers100,102, in a vertical direction away from the ground surface, residue is thrown from the impellers100,102further to the sides and sidewardly outwardly of the combine72making for a wider distribution and longer range along path C. In contrast, by adjusting the flow guides116away from the impellers100,102, in a vertical direction towards the ground surface, residue is not projected with as much force and velocity making the spreading from the side of the combine72more narrow and directed sidewardly inwardly in distribution with less range along path C. For example, if the wind is blowing from left to right, the flow guides can be adjusted independently of each other in order for the residue being thrown to the left side of the combine to be thrown further than to the right in order to achieve uniform distribution, requiring the left flow guide being adjusted closer to the impeller100and the right flow guide being lowered away from impeller102. Conversely, the right side can be adjusted in order to prevent the residue from being thrown too far relative to the left side. In addition, the speed of each impeller can be adjusted independently in order to compensate for wind speed and direction, i.e. faster the speed, the farther it throws the residue.

An upper flow guide119may also be incorporated above the outlet on either side of the spreader, as shown inFIG. 1F. The upper flow guide119can be lowered or raised by an upper flow guide adjustors150, which may too be remotely controlled actuators, which can be electric, pneumatic and/or hydraulic, and connected to a processor56. The upper flow guide119may serve to bank crop flow towards the ground surface under the spreader when the upper flow guide is lowered or allow the crop flow to travel further from the spreader from the impellers with the upper flow guide119raised up.

Referring toFIG. 1E-1G, there is an additional guide adjustor148which may be an actuator which can also be connected to processor56, and is controlled automatically in order to achieve optimum residue distribution. The additional guide adjustor148can adjust, or swing, the guides116in direction E, in a lateral direction parallel to the ground surface, to a position nearer or further away from the rear of the combine72. The further the guides116are positioned from the rear of the combine in direction E, the larger the variable clearance145. A larger variable clearance145allows material to drop straight down without being projected by the impellers100,102. A larger variable clearance145is necessary if more material is desired directly behind the combine72as opposed to towards the sides.

As shown inFIGS. 1F and 1G, the positions or orientations of guides116are adjustable or settable by flow guide adjustors146and additional guide adjustor148for determining a width of a pattern of deposition of the crop material on a field. Flow guide adjustors146and additional guide adjustor148may be actuators that can be a linear actuator or actuators, such as, but not limited to, a fluid cylinder or an electric linear actuator, a rotary actuator, or any other suitable type actuator of well known construction and operation.

Referring toFIGS. 1F and 1G, impellers100and102of spreader96are drivingly rotated by a suitable drive, such as motors160, which can be, for instance, fluid or electric motors, controlled by an impeller control device162. Impeller control device162can include, for instance, one or more remotely controllable fluid control valves, or electric motor controllers, or a suitable belt drive, as desired or required for a particular application, controllable for varying a speed of rotation of the impeller or impellers, for changing one or more parameters of crop discharge from the spreader, such as the width of a pattern of deposition of crop residue on a field. The impeller control device162is connected to a processor56, wherein the processor56commands the impeller control device162to adjust the speed of the impellers100and102. The faster the impellers100and102are rotated by the control device, the further the residue travels in path C from the combine72(seeFIG. 1C). The slower the impellers100and102are rotated by the control device, the less distance the residue travels in path C.

Addressing environmental conditions, under no or low wind conditions, aligning the sideward position or location of the pattern of crop residue deposition relative to a swath through a field can be a simple matter of making appropriate adjustments as discussed above, symmetrically about a forwardly and rearwardly extending centerline of combine72. However, when wind conditions are sufficient for affecting the location of crop residue deposition, for instance when blowing sidewardly, and/or frequently changing, some adjustments will likely be necessary to maintain or achieve the desired alignment with the swath. There may also be internal conditions which require this, such as in feeding of a greater amount of crop material to one side of the spreader or the other. Adjustments may also be required when turning and changing direction. Thus it is contemplated that actuator or actuators146,148,150, and impeller control device or devices162, as applicable, can optionally be suitably controllable for providing a capability for making asymmetrical adjustments to accommodate such requirements. For instance, the speeds of motors160may be adjusted differently, and/or one or more of the distributors112may be adjusted differently than its counterpart on the other side of the spreader, to provide desired distribution and alignment characteristics.

This same methodology could be used in machines which use fan type spreaders in order to distribute granulated fertilizers on a field. These machines use impellers to throw the granules to each side of the applicator. The spread width can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the speed of the impellers, adjusting the height of the impellers, or adjusting the vanes which are typically located on both sides of the impeller in order to negate the effects of a lateral wind.

In another embodiment, and as shown inFIG. 2A, a flow regulator210or regulator210, two of which are shown, a left regulator210aand a right regulator210b, are mounted to the outwardly lateral sides of the spreader96. Each regulator210may be described as a chute. The regulator210is generally sized to complement, circumvent, or otherwise surround or partially surround the discharge opening110(seeFIG. 1F) of the spreader96, such that the regulator210can readily receive an uninterrupted flow of crop residue from the spreader96. That is, the regulator210forms a flow path for the flow of crop residue through the regulator210that is in fluid communication with the discharge opening110.

The regulator210is pivotably connected to the lateral side of the spreader96by a pivot mechanism304, about a substantially vertical axis. Such pivot mechanisms304may be known in the art. Exemplary pivot mechanisms can include e.g., a nut and bolt fastener304, as shown inFIG. 2A. For example, the regulator210can be mounted to the spreader96by a support structure311. The support structure311can be a pair of L-shaped brackets that are attached to the regulator210, and further pivotally connected to the spreader96by the pivot mechanism304. Preferably, the regulator210is pivotably connected to the spreader96so as to pivot in the fore and aft directions.

The regulator210is preferably configured with an aft portion214, a fore portion216and an upper portion218connecting the aft and fore portions214,216. The aft214, fore216and upper portions218can be individual units or a single combined unit, such as a generally arched shaped unit. Preferably, the regulator210is configured with a planar aft214, planer fore216, and planer upper portion218, as shown inFIG. 2A. However, the regulator210can alternatively be configured as an inverted “U” or arched configuration322a(FIG. 2C) having an aft portion314, a fore portion316, and an upper portion318. The arched configuration322acan arc up to 360 degrees322b(FIG. 2D). The regulator210can be constructed out of any rigid construction material, such as a metal, a plastic, a composite or any other material suitable for its intended use.

Referring again toFIG. 2A, the fore portion216is configured to deflect a flow of crop reside sidewardly and/or rearwardly (i.e., towards the lateral and aft direction of the combine72). The fore portion216can be of a planar configuration (FIG. 2A).

The regulator210also includes remotely controllable regulator adjustors (or adjustors)220a,220bfor independently adjusting each of the regulators210a,210bin either the fore or aft direction. The remotely controllable adjustors220a,220bcan be, for example, remotely controllable actuators220a,220b. Referring toFIG. 2A, the remotely controllable actuators220a,220bare connected to a rearward facing end of the combine72. The remotely controllable actuators220a,220bare connected to the vertical spreader96for effecting fore and aft rotation of the regulators210a,210babout a substantially vertical axis. That is, one end of the actuator220ais pivotably connected to a rear portion of the vertical spreader96while the other end of the actuator220ais pivotably connected to a rear portion214of the regulator210. Further, the remotely controllable actuators220a,220bcan be any suitable commercially available device, such as, but not limited to, electric or other motors, cylinders, solenoids, linear actuators, electric actuators, pneumatic actuators, or hydraulic actuators, or the like, and can be controlled from any suitable location of the combine72, such as an operator cab (not shown). The remotely controllable actuators220a,220bmay also be commanded to position by and in connection with processor56, discussed further in reference toFIG. 3.

The regulator's length extending laterally and rearwardly can vary depending on the required use. However, the length of the regulator210is preferably about two feet in length. Moreover, each of the aft, fore and upper portions214,216,218can each independently vary in length, however, each of the aft, fore and upper portions214,216,218are preferably configured to be about the same length. Furthermore, the regulator210can be configured such that a distal end212aof the regulator210has a smaller cross-sectional area than a proximal end212bof the regulator210.

An important advantage of the regulator210is the ability to adjustably position each of the regulators210a,210b(FIG. 2A) through a range of fore and aft positions. The ability to vary the fore and aft position of the regulators210a,210ballows the combine72to more advantageously distribute and adjust the distribution pattern of crop residue over a field.

FIG. 2F-2Iillustrate the utility of the regulator210. The spreader96is directed to flow MOG directly perpendicular to the direction of travel (the forward direction) thereby distributing crop residue or MOG evenly across the cut width. Such a distribution can be accomplished with the perpendicular orientation of the flow of MOG under no external environmental conditions, such as crosswinds. The matched distribution of MOG by the spreader96is illustrated by arrows C. As shown inFIG. 2F, regulators210a,210bpoint in position away from the side of the combine72, as extending perpendicular to the side of the combine72.

FIG. 2Gillustrates the regulators210a,210boperated at an angle of about 135 degrees relative to the forward direction of travel, represented by arrow H, as pointing more to the opposing direction of travel of the combine72. In this position, and under conditions of no external crosswinds, the spread of MOG represented by arrows C, is configured to be distributed over the cut width of the header.

FIG. 2H-2Iillustrate the pivotal adjustments of the regulators210a,210bnecessary for optimal distribution of MOG under conditions of crosswinds, represented by arrows I, perpendicular to the direction of travel, represented by arrow H. As shown inFIG. 2H, the regulators210a,210bare angled similar to that shown inFIG. 2Gso as to match the cut width of the combine72. However, under crosswind conditions (represented by arrows I), the flow distribution of MOG is expected to be non-uniform due to the crosswind.

The regulators210a,210bcan be adjusted to be positioned as shown inFIG. 2I. As a result, the regulators210a,210bcan compensate for environmental conditions, such as crosswinds I. For example, the combine's right-hand side regulator210bis angled perpendicular to the direction of travel and directly into the crosswinds I. The combine's left-hand side regulator210ais angled at about a 160 degrees angle relative to the direction of travel H or about 60 degrees relative to the direction of the crosswinds I, to advantageously compensate for the crosswinds I influence on the spread of MOG. In other words, the regulator210bis adjusted an angle alpha relative to its original position, while the regulator210ais adjusted an angle beta relative to its original position to compensate for crosswinds I. The advantageous effects of the pivotable regulators210a,210bcompensate for environmental conditions.

Referring now toFIG. 2E, in another embodiment, the left regulator210bincludes an aft portion214with a tapered portion222. The tapered portion222tapers in an outwardly and upwardly direction i.e., the lateral superior direction. The tapered portion222advantageously distributes the flow and spread of crop residue more gradually across a swath of a field, compared to a non-tapered regulator.

Other types of regulators210are further described in application Ser. No. 12/629,669, entitled “A Regulator of Residue Flow for Spreading Devices on Agricultural Combines”, which is fully incorporated in the present disclosure.

FIG. 3illustrates a communication and control system in which the spreader is controlled according to one embodiment. Communication and control system18can include a channel34, which may be a wireless communication link or databus, and which is connected between a processor56and at least one of input devices, data storing devices, detectors, and controllers. At least one input device can be connected to channel34. Input devices can include, but are not limited to, automatic input devices31and manual input devices35(or manual operator input devices35). The manual input device35may include a user interface36. User interface36can include keyboards, keypads, readable memory drives, switches, dials, indicators, and other input devices to allow an operator to provide settings and input to system18. The automatic input device31may include the weather sensing device32, a spreader setting unit38, and a combine settings unit39. The spreader setting unit38may include various spreader setting information including, but not limited to, spreader impeller rotation speed38a, guide position38bfor distributor112, and regulator position38c. The spreader setting unit38may sense any adjustments at the spreader including, but not limited to, spreader impeller rotation speed38a, guide position38bfor distributor112, and regulator position38c. The spreader impeller rotation speed38ain the spreader setting unit38may be the current impeller rotation speed occurring in the spreader96. The spreader guide position38bin the spreader setting unit38may be the current guide position present in the spreader96. The regulator position38cin the spreader setting unit38may be the current regulator position present in the spreader96. The combine setting unit39may include various combine settings including, but not limited to, combine location sensing39a(such as a GPS) from, a combine location sensing device, which may provide latitude/longitude coordinates and vehicle direction in real-time. The combine setting unit39may also include combine speed sensing39bfrom a combine speed sensor device, sensing the speed of the combine. Both the combine speed sensing and location sensing devices may be located on or about the combine72.

At least one data storage device41is connected to channel34. Data storage device41can be, but is not limited to, data storage devices or peripheral devices such as a CD, DVD, floppy or other drives; processor memory, flash memory, EEPROMs, RAM, ROM, etc. The data storage device(s)41can include a look-up table45. The look-up table45stores wind information entries, which may include wind speed entries and wind location entries in a wind speed and direction listing44. The look-up table45may also compensation spreader setting entries in a compensation spreader setting listing46. The wind speed and direction listing44may be adjoined to the compensation spreader setting listing46. The look-up table45provides the processor56with a compensation spreader setting46, regarding spreader impeller rotation speed, distributor position, and/or regulator position based on the wind speed and direction provided for in for example, the wind speed and direction listing44of the look-up table45. In other embodiments, the look-up table45may also include a listing of combine speed and direction. Combine speed and direction may also be considered as a factor, in addition to wind speed and direction, to link with a compensated spreader setting46within table45.

A processor56is connected to channel34to communicate with the automatic input device31, manual input device35, and data storage device41. Processor56can be a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit, a single or multiple board computing device, or other computing/controlling device. The processor56analyzes sensed information provided from the automatic input devices31. The processor56also analyzes any operator defined settings provided from, for example, a user interface36or any other manual input device35. Commands may be provided from the manual input device35to override commands from the processor56. The processor56receives wind speed and wind direction characteristics through a communication connection or channel with the weather sensing device32. The processor also receives spreader impeller rotation speed, distributor position, and/or regulator position from the spreader setting unit38. The processor56may also receive combine information such as combine location and traveling speed from the combine settings unit39. In other embodiments, combine information entries including at least one of combine location entries and combine speed entries may be stored in the look-up table45in the data storing device41. Based on the information received from the automatic input devices31, the processor56may then compare the received information with data stored at the data storing device41.

The processor56matches wind speed and direction information received from the weather sensing device32with wind speed and direction entries in the wind speed and direction listing44in the look-up table45. The processor56may match the wind speed and direction information received with an approximately equal wind speed and direction entries in the wind speed and direction listing44. Linked to each wind speed and direction listing44is a compensation spreader setting46. The processor56retrieves the compensation spreader setting46linked to the wind speed and direction setting44matched to the information provided from the weather sensing device32. The processor56may analyze combine location and speed sensing information to retrieve compensation spreader settings. The combine information entry may also be adjoined to the compensation spreader setting for the processor56to match and retrieve a comparable compensation spreader entry. In other embodiments, processor56may also match combine location and/or speed information received from the combine settings unit39with a combine location and speed listing (not shown) provided for in the look-up table45. The combine location and speed listing may be linked with wind speed and direction listings44as additional factors in link with compensation spreader settings46. The processor56retrieves the compensation spreader setting46linked to the combine location and speed listing and/or the wind speed and direction setting44.

The processor56commands the spreader controller161to then adjust various spreader components to conform to the compensation spreader setting46retrieved by the processor56from the data storage device41. In other embodiments, the processor may calculate the appropriate compensating spreader setting by analyzing wind speed and wind direction without having to retrieve spreader settings from a look-up table45in the data storage device41. In other embodiments, the processor56may generate a compensating spreader setting by utilizing the look-up table45and analyzing and/or calculating other information such as combine location and combine speed in addition.

The user interface36is preferably located in cab78(seeFIG. 1) of combine72. User interface36can include, for instance, a switch or touch screen, and is usable by an operator for inputting commands to processor56for inputting information, such as, but not limited to, crop type and/or conditions, and for adjusting the spreader setting or settings. Analysis and calculation for configuring the spreader controller161automatically by the processor56, as further discussed below, may be overridden by input commands from the operator about the user interface36.

Automatic input devices31can include connections from the input devices31directly to the processor via channel34, as shown inFIG. 3. Input devices31may communicate with processor56wirelessly, including but not limited, to over a radio frequency or network. Input devices31can be connected to or include an appropriate commercially available transmitter for sending wireless information to the processor56having a receiver.

Processor56communicates with spreader controller161over connection on channel34. The spreader controller161may include the impeller controller device162(seeFIG. 1F) for adjusting the spreader impeller rotation speed50of impellers100,102. The spreader controller161may also include the guide adjustor146and additional guide adjustor148for adjusting guide position52, in both a vertical and horizontal direction, of guides116of distributors112. The spreader controller161may also include regulator adjustors220a,220bfor adjusting regulator position54of regulators210. Some combines20may include one or more of the various spreader controllers161. The one or more spreader controllers161available in the combine72may depend on whether, for example, the combine72implements flow guides116, regulators210, or both. The processor may command an adjusted spreader impeller rotation speed50, an adjusted guide position52, and/or an adjusted regulator position54from the current speed or position.

The processor56transmits a command to the spreader controller161to include adjustment of impeller100,102rotational speed through the impeller controller devices162, or of any one of the guide adjustor146, the additional guide adjustor148, and/or the regulator adjustor220a,220bto a predetermined position/speed. The communication and control system18is a closed-loop system, in which the processor56continuously receives information from the input devices31,35; analyzes the information; and commands the spreader controller161to act accordingly to ultimately adjust the flow of residue from the rear of the combine72to provide for even distribution of flow residue for distribution in a pattern on a field or ground surface, represented by dotted line128as shown inFIG. 1C. The closed-loop system also means that the processor56can verify that commands sent to the spreader controller161are compensating for wind directions and wind speed.

When commanding the regulator adjustors220a,220bto position the regulators210, the processor56may analyze the wind direction and speed information to determine, for example, if a more parallel residue trajectories are advantageous for optimum spread distribution. The processor56may also command the additional guide adjustor148to open variable clearance145(seeFIG. 1E) so that material is dropped to the middle directly behind the combine72in conjunction with modifying position of the guides116or regulators210, which may project residue further to the sides to optimize distribution of residue.

The processor56may thus command the spreader controller161to adjust the various spreader components to optimize the discharge flow of residue to form an approximately even distribution of residue in a row, or in rows, on the ground surface, while compensating for weather, as for example wind.

In other embodiments, a header detector87, shown in a dotted box inFIG. 3and shown as attached to combine72inFIG. 1, may automatically recognize the type and/or size of header86(seeFIG. 1A) connected to a harvesting machine, such as combine72. The size of the header86can provide for the cut width. In operation, it is desired to place residue on the ground surface to the full extent of the cut crop, but no any further in which it could overlap a previous pass, overlap onto un-cut crop, or overlap onto non-crop ground. Thus, it is desired to spread residue evenly across the ground surface at a width similar to the width size of the header86.

The header detector87transmits the header size over a channel34to the processor56. The processor56receives header size information from the header detector87to further analyze and/or calculate for any required correction at the spreader controller161. Header detector87is operable for automatically identifying a header86connected to the machine and outputting a signal or information representative thereof to processor56across channel34, to enable processor56to select and retrieve the appropriate spreader setting information for that header87. In one example, header detector87, can include, a plug or receptacle on combine72which is connectable by a mating plug or receptacle on a header86when the header86is connected to the combine72, and operable for automatically identifying the header86. For instance, header detector87can include a connector containing series of switches, the states of which are changed in different predetermined manners by connection of different mating connectors thereto, wherein each different width and/or type of header has a different mating connector which changes the state of the switches in the predetermined manner for that header86. As another example, a header could include a memory device storing information identifying the header, and in which the information is provided to processor56upon connection of the header to the combine72. Such a memory device can include a commercially available EPROM, flash memory or other suitable device. Header detector87can also include RFID or other circuitry for air-borne communication, which can be activated by proximity or connection of the header86to a combine72, for inputting the identifying information to processor56. Additionally, header detector87can be configured so as to encompass or contain all or some of the stored spreader setting information noted above as being contained in memory.

In other embodiments, the processor56may further analyze for different crops, different crop conditions, and for environmental conditions from input sensor providing information pertaining to crop and/or environmental conditions (not shown).

As noted above, the impeller control device162, flow guide adjustors146, and additional guide adjustor148are connected and operated by processor56. In other embodiments, one or some of the impeller control device162, flow guide adjustors146, and additional guide adjustor148may be connected and operated by processor56. Manual devices, such as switches or levers, may be connected to one or more of the impeller control devices162, flow guide adjustors146, and additional guide adjustor148so that an operator of the combine72may directly alter the rotation speed of the impellers100,102, guide116position, and/or regulator210position.

In other embodiments, the spreader setting unit38may be the spreader controller161.

Now, additionally referring toFIGS. 4-8there is illustrated another variation or embodiment of the present invention. Items having reference numbers between400and599are similar to items discussed above having numbers which are400smaller and which can be referred to by the name used with the above described item.

A spreader496has a divider610illustrated from differing perspectives. Adjustors546and548, which may be actuators546and548, are positioned to move flow distributors512to thereby alter the trajectory of the residue, or from another perspective the energy imparted to the residue as it flows through and from spreader496. While, actuators546are configured to move flow distributors512in a direction that is generally perpendicular to rotational axes104and106, actuator548moves in a direction that is generally, or even substantially, parallel with rotational axes104and106. The movement of actuator548is effected to alter not only the position, but also the pivotal angle of flow distributors512. This can be seen in the series ofFIGS. 6A-6C, where it can be seen that the portion of flow distributors512that is closest to actuator548moves in the direction of rear wall508, which can also be called back sheet508, as flow distributors512pivot about the end of actuators546as actuator548moves. InFIG. 6Cone edge of flow distributors512is substantially parallel with back sheet508.

The pivoting movement of flow distributors512is caused by the interaction of angled slots612and616as they interact with guide pins614and618, as well as the movement of actuator548. As flow distributors512approach or depart from back sheet508, by the action of actuator548, flow distributors512pivot about an end of actuators546. The rod ends of actuators546each have a clevis, or similar device, that allows flow distributors512to pivot thereabout. The pivoting movement of flow distributors512is controlled by the movement of actuator548and the geometry and location of slots612and616, and pins614and618. Flow distributors512may be biased by way of springs, or other mechanisms, to assist in the movement of slots612and616with pins614and618. It is also contemplated that the movement of the two illustrated flow distributors512can also be effected independently if two separate actuators, similar to actuator548, are used.

A movement of flow distributors512by adjustors546, in a direction generally perpendicular to axes104and106, can be seen inFIGS. 7 and 8. The combination of the pivotal movement caused by actuator548, with the movement effected by adjustors546allow greater control of the energy imparted to the residue traveling through spreader496as well as the trajectory of the residue after it leaves spreader496.

Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the appended claims be construed to cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.