Abstract:
A stripper roller for use in a stripper unit subassembly is disclosed to simplify changing and replacement of parts. Brushes and batts are mounted in interlocking core segments that rotate in rigid accompaniment with a center shaft. The core segments are secured together and secured to the center shaft using retainer caps, and the retainer caps in turn are secured to the shaft to prevent lateral sliding of the stripper roller. Individual batts and brushes may be inserted into or removed from a reusable core segment, or the individual batts and brushes may be integrally affixed to replaceable core segments.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/285,998, filed Dec. 13, 2009, entitled “Agricultural Harvester Stripper Roller.” This provisional application is incorporated herein as if fully set forth. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is related to stripper rollers, and more particularly is related to stripper rollers having a segmented and/or split core. 
     BACKGROUND 
       FIG. 1  shows a stripper roller subassembly  900  of the sort used in conventional agricultural stripper units of mechanized devices for stripping, picking, and harvesting of cotton or other such agricultural crops planted in rows on farms. For example, the stripper roller subassembly  900  shown in  FIG. 1  is typical of that employed in the stripper row heads of products such as the 7460 Cotton Stripper® (registered trademark of John Deere &amp; Company of Moline, Ill., USA) manufactured by John Deere &amp; Company of Moline, Ill., USA. 
     As can be seen by  FIG. 1 , such conventional stripper roller subassemblies  900  are heavy and contain many separate parts held together by threaded fasteners or otherwise requiring tools, including specialized tools, for assembly and disassembly. For example, the stripper roller subassembly  900  shown in  FIG. 1  has a total of 122 components that are held together by a large assortment of hardware including nuts, bolts, washers, and pins, just a portion of which are indicated in the drawing by reference numeral  905 . 
     Despite the large number of parts and difficulty of assembly and disassembly, however, there is in practice frequent need to carry out disassembly and reassembly, often in the field and often without access to more than only the simplest of tools. For example, brushes and/or batts mounted on stripper rollers wear out and must be replaced even under normal operating conditions. Furthermore, when plant stalks get caught within a rotating stripper roller subassembly, this can cause accelerated wear to occur where the plant stalk presses against the brush or batt. Moreover, operators of such mechanized devices for stripping, picking, and harvesting will often want to vary the number and arrangement of brushes and/or batts that are mounted on stripper rollers in correspondence to field, crop, weather, and moisture conditions. 
     However, the number of components, complexity of design, and use of threaded fasteners or other hardware requiring specialized tools for removal and/or reassembly make the stripper roller subassembly difficult to maintain and service in the field. Furthermore, such agricultural machinery is exposed to the elements, such as operating in the presence of soil or sand in outdoor weather conditions, meaning that dirt, moisture, and other contaminants will cause nuts, bolts, and screws to rust and seize in place, making disassembly difficult. 
     There is therefore a need to carry out such changeovers and repairs quickly and conveniently in the field by personnel without specialized training and without access to anything but the most commonly available tools. 
     Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address such deficiencies and inadequacies. 
     SUMMARY 
     A first aspect of the invention is a stripper roller for use in a subassembly. The stripper roller includes a shaft having an axially extending length, an axis of rotation and a first core disposed around the shaft. The core is keyed to the shaft so that it is constrained to rotate around the shaft axis of rotation in rigid accompaniment with the shaft. The first core has a first core member and a second core member, the first core member having an axially extending shaft engagement surface, an axially extending core member mating surface configured to be disposed adjacent to the core member mating surface of the second core member, and an axially extending recess area disposed substantially opposite the shaft engagement surface of the first core member. The stripper roller further includes a recess area insert having a proximal edge and a distal edge, the recess area insert proximal edge disposed to slidably engage within the first core member recess area. The stripper roller also includes a cap having a center hole configured to slidably engage around the shaft. The cap is configured to engage the first core so that the cap holds the first core member mating surface adjacent to the second core member mating surface. The cap is further configured to cover the end of the recess area, thereby containing the recess area insert within the recess area. A stop is configured to restrain the cap from sliding along the shaft. 
     The recess insert of the first aspect of the invention may be a brush or a batt, and the recess area insert proximal edge may slidably engage the first core member recess area with a dovetail joint or a T-joint, or other such interlocking geometrical arrangement. The stop may be a cotter pin configured to engage a hole through the shaft. The aforementioned cap may include fingers that slideably engage the first core. The cap may be an end cap, or the cap may be a mid cap that slideably engages the first core and a second core. The recess area batt or brush insert length may span the length of the first core and the second core. The shaft may have a substantially hexagonally shaped cross section, or similarly keyed shaft. The first core may consist of two core members, and the cross section of each core member may be substantially hemispherical. Alternatively, the first core may consist of six core members, wherein each core member may have a first core member interlocking surface and a second core member interlocking surface, the first core member interlocking surface having a male projection, and the second core member interlocking surface having a female recess. 
     A second aspect of the invention is a stripper roller for use in a subassembly. Like the stripper roller of the first aspect, the second aspect stripper roller includes a shaft having an axially extending length and an axis of rotation and a first core disposed around the shaft. The core is keyed to the shaft so that it is constrained to rotate around the shaft axis of rotation in rigid accompaniment with the shaft. The first core has a first core member and a second core member, the first core member having an axially extending shaft engagement surface, and a first core member mating surface configured to be disposed adjacent to a second core member mating surface of the second core member. Each core member has an axially extending recess area disposed substantially opposite the shaft engagement surface. 
     The first mating surface of the second aspect has a male projection, and the second mating surface has a female recess. The stripper roller of the second aspect also includes a recess area insert having a proximal edge and a distal edge, the recess area insert proximal edge disposed to fixedly engage within the first core member recess area. The stripper roller also includes a cap having a center hole configured to slidably engage around the shaft. The cap is configured to engage the first core so that the cap holds the first core member mating surface adjacent to the second core member mating surface. A stop is configured to restrain the cap from sliding along the shaft. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a conventional stripper roller subassembly in accordance with the prior art. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a stripper roller subassembly for an agricultural stripper unit in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of one of the two stripper rollers present in the stripper roller subassembly of the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one of four split core members making up the stripper roller shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one of two end caps used to hold the four split core members together on the shaft of the stripper roller shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a mid cap used to hold the four split core members together on the shaft of the stripper roller shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a stripper roller subassembly for an agricultural stripper unit in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of one of the two stripper rollers present in the stripper roller subassembly of the second embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of one of two axial segments making up the stripper roller shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a partial perspective view of the segment shown in  FIG. 9  in a partially assembled state. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a brush split/segmented core member. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a batt split/segmented core member. 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged partial perspective view of one end of the brush split/segmented core member of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14  is an enlarged partial perspective view showing a location midway along the length of the brush split/segmented core member of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a partially assembled stripper roller in the stripper roller subassembly of  FIG. 7 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     To simplify changing and replacement of parts in stripper roller subassemblies, brushes and/or batts are mounted in dovetail fashion or other such interlocking arrangement about the outside peripheral surface of a split core having more or less cylindrical cross-section when assembled. When the members of the split core are joined and held together by a series of retainer caps, the inside peripheral surface of the assembled core becomes rigidly coupled to a hexagonal or similarly keyed shaft that is captured centrally therewithin so as to permit the assembled core, with interlocking brushes and/or batts mounted thereon, to rotate in accompaniment to rotation of the central shaft against resistance from the stripping action of the brushes and/or batts as cotton bolls or other agricultural commodities to be stripped from plants are carried thereto by augers or other such harvester or stripper transport mechanisms. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a stripper roller subassembly  100  in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The stripper roller subassembly  100  shown in  FIG. 2  is part of an agricultural stripper unit in an agricultural stripper, picker, or harvester (hereinafter generically referred to as “harvester” for brevity but implying any or all of the foregoing). The stripper roller subassembly  100  may, for example, be employed in the stripper row head of the 7460 Cotton Stripper® (registered trademark of John Deere &amp; Company of Moline, Ill., USA) manufactured by John Deere &amp; Company of Moline, Ill., USA. Such an agricultural stripper unit may employ any number of stripper roller subassemblies  100 , and each stripper roller subassembly  100  may employ any number of stripper rollers  150 . 
     At the stripper roller subassembly  100  shown in  FIG. 2 , rotating and stripping components are shown, housing components, drive gears, and various supporting structures having been omitted for clarity. The stripper roller subassembly  100  contains two stripper rollers  150 , disposed at inner locations within the stripper roller subassembly  100 , which operate in cooperation with two augers  110 , disposed at outer locations within the stripper roller subassembly  100 . The stripper roller subassembly  100  is typically oriented in inclined or upright fashion within the cotton stripper or other such agricultural harvester such that the shafts of the stripper rollers  150  and augers  110  have one end disposed toward the ground or plant level and the other end elevated with respect thereto. At  FIG. 2  and at all drawings except  FIG. 3 , the end disposed toward the ground when the harvester is in operation is shown to the left in the drawing, and the end that is elevated when the harvester is in operation is shown to the right in the drawing. 
     During operation, the stripper rollers  150  rotate in mutually opposed and counterrotational fashion, and furthermore, each auger  110  rotates in opposed and counterrotational fashion with respect to the stripper roller  150  closest thereto. As the harvester travels down rows of a planted crop ready for harvest, rotation of the augers  110  causes cotton bolls attached to standing cotton plant stalks or other such agricultural crop to be carried upward from ground or plant level toward the mutually opposed stripper rollers  150 . Beating action from brushes  130  and/or batts  135  mounted on the stripper rollers  150  acts to strip cotton bolls or other such crop ready for harvest from stalks and guide the stripped cotton bolls or other crop toward storage bins by way of fans and screens with optional assistance from outboard augers or other such transport mechanism. 
       FIG. 3  shows one of the two stripper rollers  150  present in the stripper roller subassembly  100  of  FIG. 2 . At  FIG. 3 , note that the orientation of the stripper roller  150  is shown reversed relative to the orientation of the stripper roller  150  as shown in other drawings, the end of the stripper roller  150  that is disposed toward the ground when the harvester is in operation being shown to the right in  FIG. 3 , and the end of the stripper roller  150  that is elevated when the harvester is in operation being shown to the left in  FIG. 3 , so as to reveal a cotter pin  115  that is inserted in a hole  125  in the shaft  120  so as to hold an end cap  160  in place when the stripper roller  150  is in its assembled configuration. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 3  and additional reference to  FIG. 4 , the core of the stripper roller  150  in the present embodiment is split angularly into semicircular halves, each of which subtends an angle of approximately 180 degrees, and is moreover segmented axially into cylindrical halves, each of which is approximately half the length of the stripper roller  150 . That is, the stripper roller  150  of  FIG. 3  is made up of four of the split/segmented core members  155  shown in  FIG. 4 . Since there are two stripper rollers  150  in the stripper roller subassembly  100  shown in  FIG. 2 , it would take eight of the split/segmented core members  155  shown in  FIG. 4  to assemble the two stripper rollers  150  in the stripper roller subassembly  100  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     What is meant here by a core is an elongated member at least partially containing a stripper roller shaft  120  and having an outside peripheral surface from which brush(es)  130  and/or batt(s)  135  may extend. What is meant here by a split core is a core made up of members whose cross-sectional profiles respectively combine to form the cross-sectional profile of the assembled core. As the core in the present embodiment is cylindrical, its cross-sectional profile is circular, and the split-core members, respectively having semicircular cross-sectional profiles in the present embodiment, combine to form the circular cross-sectional profile of the assembled core of the present embodiment. What is meant here by a segmented core is a core that is divided axially into a number of members whose lengths respectively add up to the approximate length of the assembled core. As the core in the present embodiment is made up of two segments separated by a mid cap  170 , the lengths of these two segments respectively add up to the approximate length of the assembled core. 
     Pairs of the split/segmented core members  155  shown in  FIG. 4  are arranged in mutually opposed fashion so as to sandwich a hexagonally keyed shaft  120 . Brushes  130  and batts  135  extend radially from the outside peripheral surface of the split core  155 . Furthermore, the core in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  is divided axially into two segments, so that there are a total of four split/segmented core members  155  in the stripper roller  150  of  FIG. 3 . In the present embodiment, pairs of these split/segmented core members  155  face each other in diametrically opposed fashion so as to form cylindrical segments that capture the stripper roller shaft  120  centrally in the axial region therewithin. 
     One of the four split/segmented core members  155  making up the stripper roller  150  of the present embodiment is shown in  FIG. 4 . The split/segmented core member  155  shown in  FIG. 4  might, for example, be an extruded part made of aluminum or other suitable material. Although shown as having various hollow channels in  FIG. 4 , this is merely for maximizing strength while minimizing amount of material employed, and so, except as otherwise described, there is no particular objection to employment of split/segmented core members  155  that are solid or filled. 
     At the inside peripheral surface of the split/segmented core members  155 , there are shaft engagement surfaces  154  permitting keyed engagement with the shaft  120  when assembled. Since, in the present embodiment, the shaft  120  has a hexagonal cross-section, these shaft engagement surfaces  154  here take the form of hexagonal faces having dimensions that are the same or slightly larger than the corresponding dimensions of the shaft  120 . 
     The split/segmented core member  155  shown in  FIG. 4  has core mating surfaces  157  that abut against corresponding core mating surfaces  157  of one or more other split/segmented core members  155  during assembly of the stripper roller  150  as described in more detail below. 
     The outside peripheral surface of the split/segmented core member  155  has a plurality of recesses  158  for receiving brushes  130  and/or batts  135 . In the present embodiment, the brushes  130  and/or batts  135  are removable, the dovetail-like profile of each recess  158  serving as an interlocking feature permitting a brush  130  or batt  135  to be slidingly inserted or removed by movement axially from an end of the split/segmented core member  155  but affording resistance to accidental removal by movement radially or rotationally as a result of tugging action or other such force exerted thereon during the course of normal harvester operation. In the present embodiment, note that there are six such recesses  158  for brushes  130  and/or batts  135 , the recesses  158  (and thus the brushes  130  and/or batts  135  when mounted therein) being arranged angularly about the axis of the assembled stripper roller  150  such that the planes of the brushes  130  and/or batts  135  are respectively perpendicular to the planes of the hexagonal shaft engagement surfaces  154 , which is to say that the planes of the brushes  130  and/or batts  135  respectively bisect the central angles (having the axis of the shaft  120  as vertices) that intersect the corners of the hexagonal shaft engagement surfaces  154 . Moreover, note that since the split/segmented core member  155  has a semicircular cross-sectional profile, interruption of the outside circumferential surface of the split/segmented core member  155  by the six recesses  158  results in formation of six arcuate regions  156  in the “valleys” between adjacent pairs of brushes  130  and/or batts  135  in the assembled stripper roller  150 . Furthermore, in the present embodiment, arrangement of the recesses  158  about the axis of the split/segmented core member  155  is such that two arcuate half-regions  152  are respectively formed adjacent to the core mating surfaces  157 . 
     As can be seen at  FIG. 3 , the split/segmented core members  155  in the present embodiment are held together by two end caps  160  and a mid cap  170 . At each end of the shaft  120 , one of the end caps  160  engages with and holds together the exterior ends of an opposed pair of split/segmented core members  155 . At a point midway (not necessarily the exact midpoint) along the length of the shaft  120 , the mid cap  170  engages with and holds together the interior ends of all four split/segmented core members  155 . 
     One of the two end caps  160  of the present embodiment is shown in  FIG. 5 . Both of the end caps  160  are identical but only one is shown and described for convenience. 
     As can be seen at  FIG. 5 , each end cap  160  in the present embodiment approximates the shape of a cylinder that is open at one end. That is, the end cap  160  is an open-ended cylinder having a closed end and an open end. Six axially directed cutouts  168  extending from the open end of the cylinder-like end cap  160  interrupt a region corresponding to the wall of the cylinder to form six spider-like fingers  166  that project from a planar end wall  165  corresponding to the closed end of the cylinder. The axial cutouts  168  provide clearance for the brushes  130  and/or batts  135  that are inserted within the recesses  158  of the split/segmented core member  155  when assembled. The inner surfaces  167  of the spider-like fingers  166  of the end cap  160  are designed to mate with the outer surfaces of the arcuate regions  156  at the outside circumferential surface of the split/segmented core member  155 . 
     The end wall  165  in the end cap  160  of the present embodiment has a hexagonal central hole  164 . Comparing  FIGS. 4 and 5 , it can be seen that keying of the central hole  164  in the end cap  160  causes the spider-like fingers  166  to be arranged angularly about the axis of the assembled stripper roller  150  so as to permit the spider-like fingers  166  of the end cap  160  to mate with the arcuate regions  156  formed in the “valleys” between adjacent pairs of brushes  130  and/or batts  135  in the assembled stripper roller  150 . Furthermore, this keying of the central hole  164  in the end cap  160  causes the spider-like fingers  166  to be arranged angularly about the axis of the assembled stripper roller  150  such that a line drawn perpendicular to the axis of the shaft  120  and through a corner of the hexagonal shaft  120  would bisect the corresponding arcuate region  156 . Moreover, this keying of the central hole  164  in the end cap  160  causes the plane of each “seam” between adjacent arcuate half-regions  152  following assembly of the split/segmented core members  155  into a stripper roller  150  to approximately bisect the arc of the corresponding spider-like finger  166 . Although the foregoing angular relationships have been described with reference to a central hole  164  that engages in keyed fashion with the shaft  120 , note that foregoing angular relationships between the spider-like fingers  166 , the arcuate regions  156 , and the brushes  130  and/or batts  135  may apply even in embodiments in which the central hole  164  is not keyed to the shaft  120 . That is, where the assembled stripper roller  150  can be made to rotate in rigid accompaniment to rotation of the shaft  120  without the need for a keyed end cap  160  (this being possible in some embodiments, for example, by virtue of the keyed shaft engagement surfaces  154  at the inside peripheral surface of the assembled stripper roller  150 ), it will in general still be possible to mutually align the spider-like fingers  166 , the arcuate regions  156 , and the brushes  130  and/or batts  135  as described above even when the end cap  160  has, for example, an oversized circular or otherwise unkeyed clearance hole in place of the hexagonal central hole  164  shown in the drawing. 
     The end wall  165  corresponding to the closed end of the cylinder contains a hexagonal central hole  164  with dimensions similar to the dimensions of the shaft engagement surfaces  154  at the inside peripheral surface of the assembled stripper roller  150  for capturing the shaft  120  therewithin. However, whereas the shaft engagement surfaces  154  at the inside peripheral surface of the assembled stripper roller  150  are preferably dimensioned to hold the shaft  120  tightly therewithin for keyed engagement, the central hole  164  of at least one of the end caps  160  is preferably dimensioned slightly larger than the shaft  120  so as to allow at least that end cap  160  to slide axially without binding along the shaft  120  to facilitate servicing (including change or replacement of brushes  130  and/or batts  135 ) by ordinary persons in the field without access to special tools. For example, in the description given below, since disassembly and reassembly during change or replacement of brushes  130  and/or batts  135  is carried out from the end of the stripper roller  150  that is elevated when the harvester is in operation (the end of the stripper roller  150  appearing at the right in  FIG. 2  and at the left in  FIG. 3 ), it would be at least this end cap  160  that preferably has a central hole  164  that is dimensioned slightly larger than the shaft  120 . Note that in some embodiments in which the central hole  164  need not be keyed to the shaft  120  to locate the spider-like fingers  166  relative to the arcuate regions  156  or to assist in causing the assembled core to rotate in rigid accompaniment to rotation of the shaft  120 , there is no particular objection to employment of a central hole  164  of any desired shape so long as it provides clearance to slide easily along the shaft  120 . 
     The mid cap  170  is shown in  FIG. 6 . The mid cap  170  in the present embodiment resembles two end caps  160  arranged with their closed ends abutting and respectively facing inward, toward the interior, in mutually opposed fashion, and with their open ends facing outward, toward the exterior, in mutually opposite directions. That is, the mid cap  170  approximates a shape that is formed when two cylinders, respectively open at one end, are joined together such that their closed ends mutually abut. The mid cap  170  is an open-ended cylinder having two open ends and an interior wall  175  formed as if by juxtaposition of the mutually opposed end walls  165  of two end caps  160 , so that the interior wall  175  serves as a plane of symmetry for the two end-cap-like portions to either side thereof that are mirror images of each other formed as if by reflection across the interior wall  175 . The interior wall  175  in the mid cap  170  of the present embodiment has a hexagonal central hole  174 . 
     Note, however, that although the mid cap  170  is described for convenience as being formed as if by juxtaposition of two end caps  160 , and in some embodiments it may even be possible to substitute two end caps  160  arranged back-to-back for the mid cap  170  (the “back” of each end cap  160  here corresponding to the closed end of that cylinder-like end cap  160 ), the mid cap  170  in the present embodiment differs in several respects from mere juxtaposed end caps  160 . For example, whereas two end caps  160  arranged back-to-back would be independent and separable from each other, it is preferred in the present embodiment that there be a common interior wall  175  between the two symmetrically outwardly directed portions of the mid cap  170 . Alternatively, if two end caps  160  are arranged back-to-back to form the mid cap  170 , it is preferred that the backs of the end caps  160  be bonded to each other so as to join the two rigidly together. Furthermore, whereas the wall thickness of the interior wall  175  that would be formed if two end caps  160  were arranged back-to-back would be twice the wall thickness of the end wall  165  of each end cap  160 , while there is no particular objection to employment of any suitable wall thickness at the interior wall  175  of the mid cap  170 , including a wall thickness that is twice the wall thickness of the end wall  165  of the end cap  160 , there is no particular need for the wall thickness of the interior wall  175  of the mid cap  170  to be twice the wall thickness of the end wall  165  of the end cap  160 . 
     At the mid cap  170  shown in  FIG. 6 , six axially directed cutouts  178 , extending continuously from one open end of the cylinder-like mid cap  170  to the other, interrupt a region corresponding to the wall of the cylinder to form six pairs of spider-like fingers  176  that project to either side of the planar interior wall  175  located at the approximate midpoint along the axis of the cylinder. The spider-like fingers  176  of the mid cap  170  have inner surfaces  177  similar to the inner surfaces  167  of the spider-like fingers  166  of the end cap  160 , described above. The axial cutouts  178  provide clearance for the brushes  130  and/or batts  135  that are inserted within the recesses  158  of the split/segmented core member  155  when assembled. In addition to the axial cutouts  178  extending axially in the region corresponding to the cylinder wall, the mid cap  170  has radial cutouts  179  extending radially in the plane of the interior wall  175 . The radial cutouts  179  respectively follow the planes of the brushes  130  and/or batts  135  in the assembled stripper roller  150  and allow the brushes  130  and/or batts  135  to extend continuously across the mid cap  170 . Where a gap between brushes and/or batts is not objectionable or continuously extending brushes and/or batts may be implemented in some other way, the radial cutouts  179  may be omitted in some embodiments. Conversely, while absence of radial cutouts in the end caps  160  helps to hold the brushes  130  and/or batts  135  in place and keep them from sliding endwise off the stripper roller  150 , where this can be accomplished by other means there is no particular objection to employment of end caps  160  that have radial cutouts. 
     As function of the central hole  174  and the spider-like fingers  176  of the mid cap  170  is similar to function of the central hole  164  and the spider-like fingers  166  of the end caps  160  described above, like parts are given like-numbered reference numerals and description thereof is omitted for brevity. Note that the central hole  174  of the mid cap  170  is preferably dimensioned slightly larger than the shaft  120  so as to allow that mid cap  170  to slide axially without binding along the shaft  120  to facilitate servicing (including change or replacement of brushes  130  and/or batts  135 ) by ordinary persons in the field without access to special tools. Note, in particular, that the description given above with respect to alignment of the spider-like fingers  166  of the end caps  160  also applies to alignment of the spider-like fingers  176  of the mid cap  170 , including the angular relationships that preferably exist between the spider-like fingers  166 ,  176 , the arcuate regions  156 , and the brushes  130  and/or batts  135 , with or without keyed engagement of the central hole  164 ,  174  with the shaft  120 , in the assembled stripper roller  150 . 
     When the stripper roller  150  is in its assembled configuration, the end cap  160  at one end (shown at left in  FIG. 2  but shown at right in  FIG. 3 ) of the shaft  120  abuts and is kept from sliding off therefrom by a fixed (permanent) stop  195 . Although described as a permanent or nonremovable stop  195 , there is no particular objection to employment of a removable stop or retainer at this end of the shaft  120 . For example, a c-ring, e-ring, or other such circlip, retaining ring, or snap ring may be used in place of the nonremovable stop  195 . 
     Furthermore, at the other end (shown at right in  FIG. 2  but shown at left in  FIG. 3 ) of the shaft  120  there is a hole  125  into which a cotter pin  115  is inserted when the stripper roller  150  is in its assembled configuration. Although a hole  125  and cotter pin  115  are shown in the drawing, any other suitable removable stop may be employed. 
     Thus, the end cap  160  at least one end of the shaft  120  in the assembled stripper roller  150  is easily removable using only a commonly available tool, such as a simple pair of pliers in the example of the cotter pin  115  given above, so as to permit easy disassembly for change or replacement of brushes  130  and/or batts  135  in the field. Where the end cap  160  at one end of the shaft  120  is easily removable due to presence of a cotter pin  115  or other such easily removable fixture and the end cap  160  at the other end of the shaft  120  is nonremovable due to presence of a nonremovable stop  195  or other such permanent or hard-to-remove fixture, it is preferred that the removable end cap  160  be at the end of the shaft  120  that is elevated when the harvester is in operation, as shown in the drawings. The reason for this is to allow gravity to assist operations when manually sliding parts down the shaft  120  during changeover or replacement of brushes  130  and/or batts  135  in the field. 
     Disassembly and reassembly for changing or replacement of brushes  130  and/or batts  135  will now be described with reference to  FIG. 3 . In the description that follows, a configuration such as that shown in  FIG. 3 , in which four split/segmented core members  155  are held together by two end caps  160  and one mid cap  170 , will be assumed to exist. This being the case, the core segment having the pair of opposed split/segmented core members  155  closest to the cotter pin  115  in the assembled stripper roller  150  (appearing at left in  FIG. 3 ) will be referred to as the near segment, and the core segment having the pair of opposed split/segmented core members  155  farthest from the cotter pin  115  in the assembled stripper roller  150  (appearing at right in  FIG. 3 ) will be referred to as the far segment. Similarly, the near end of the shaft  120  will be taken to be the end of the shaft  120  that is closest to the cotter pin  115  (or hole  125 ), and the far end of the shaft  120  will be taken to be the end of the shaft  120  that is farthest from the cotter pin  115  (or hole  125 ). Moreover, the terms “near” and “far” as applied to other parts are defined similarly. 
     To disassemble the stripper roller  150 , the cotter pin  115  is removed from the hole  125  in the shaft  120 . Once the cotter pin  115  has been removed from the hole  125 , clearance on the side of the hole  125  away from the near end cap  160  and near split/segmented core members  155  permits the near end cap  160  to be pulled away and separated from the near ends of the near pair of opposed split/segmented core members  155 , causing the inner surfaces  167  of the spider-like fingers  166  of the near end cap  160  to disengage from the arcuate regions  156  on the near ends of the near pair of opposed split/segmented core members  155 , and moreover, permits the mid cap  170  to be pulled away and separated from the far ends of the near split/segmented core members  155 , causing the inner surfaces  177  of the spider-like fingers  176  projecting from the near side of the mid cap  170  to disengage from the arcuate regions  156  on the far ends of the near split/segmented core members  155 . With the near end cap  160  and the near side of the mid cap  170  disengaged from the near pair of opposed split/segmented core members  155 , the near pair of opposed split/segmented core members  155  can be mutually separated and removed from the shaft  120  captured therewithin, permitting change and/or replacement of brushes  130  and/or batts  135 . Furthermore, with the additional clearance created as a result of removal of the near pair of opposed split/segmented core members  155 , the far pair of opposed split/segmented core members  155  can be easily removed in similar fashion by disengaging the far side of the mid cap  170  and the far end cap  160  therefrom, mutually separating the far pair of opposed split/segmented core members  155 , and removing the far pair of opposed split/segmented core members  155  from the shaft  120  captured therewithin. 
     Alternatively, the far pair of opposed split/segmented core members  155  might have been mutually separated and removed from the shaft  120  captured therewithin without first having mutually separated and removed the near pair of opposed split/segmented core members  155  if, after removing the cotter pin  115  from the hole  125 , the near segment, which is to say the near end cap  160 , near pair of opposed split/segmented core members  155 , and near side of the mid cap  170 , had been slid along the shaft  120  as a unit so as to disengage the far side of the mid cap  170  and the far end cap  160  from the far pair of opposed split/segmented core members  155 . 
     With the cotter pin  115 , the end caps  160 , the mid cap  170 , and the split/segmented core members  155  removed from the shaft  120 , the stripper roller  150  may be assembled by sliding an end cap (which will become the far end cap)  160  onto the shaft  120  from the near end of the shaft  120 , with the far end cap  160  oriented such that the end wall  165  (closed) side of the end cap  160  goes onto the shaft  120  first and the spider-like finger  166  (open) side of the end cap  160  follows. The far end cap  160  is then slid along the shaft  120  until it comes to rest against the nonremovable stop  195 . A pair of split/segmented core members (which will become the far pair of opposed split/segmented core members)  155  are arranged in mutually opposed fashion so as to capture the shaft  120  therewithin, and the far ends of the far pair of opposed split/segmented core members  155  are inserted within the far end cap  160  so as to cause the arcuate regions  156  on the far ends of the far pair of opposed split/segmented core members  155  to be captured within and held together by the inner surfaces  167  of the spider-like fingers  166  of the far end cap  160 . The mid cap  170  is then slid along the shaft  120 , and the near ends of the far pair of opposed split/segmented core members  155  are inserted within the far side of the mid cap  170  so as to cause the arcuate regions  156  on the near ends of the far pair of opposed split/segmented core members  155  to be captured within and held together by the inner surfaces  177  of the spider-like fingers  176  of the far side of the mid cap  170 . A pair of split/segmented core members (which will become the near pair of opposed split/segmented core members)  155  are arranged in mutually opposed fashion so as to capture the shaft  120  therewithin, and the far ends of the near pair of opposed split/segmented core members  155  are inserted within the near side of the mid cap  170  so as to cause the arcuate regions  156  on the far ends of the near pair of opposed split/segmented core members  155  to be captured within and held together by the inner surfaces  177  of the spider-like fingers  176  of the near side of the mid cap  170 . 
     Another end cap (which will become the near end cap)  160  is slid onto the shaft  120  from the near end of the shaft  120 , with the near end cap  160  oriented such that the spider-like finger  166  (open) side of the end cap  160  goes onto the shaft  120  first and the end wall  165  (closed) side of the end cap  160  follows, and the near ends of the near pair of opposed split/segmented core members  155  are inserted within the near end cap  160  so as to cause the arcuate regions  156  on the near ends of the near pair of opposed split/segmented core members  155  to be captured within and held together by the inner surfaces  167  of the spider-like fingers  166  of the near end cap  160 . The cotter pin  115  is then inserted into the hole  125  and its ends splayed out so as to keep the assembled stripper roller  150  in place on the shaft  120 . Note that instead of inserting the cotter pin  115  into the hole  125 , it is possible to use a stop pin similar to the nonremovable stop  195 , a rapid twist-lock clamping arrangement, or any other suitable fixture to hold the assembled parts together on the shaft  120 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , this shows a stripper roller subassembly  200  in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. Like the stripper roller subassembly  100  in accordance with the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the stripper roller subassembly  200  shown in  FIG. 7  is part of an agricultural stripper unit in an agricultural harvester such as 7460 Cotton Stripper® (registered trademark of John Deere &amp; Company of Moline, Ill., USA) manufactured by John Deere &amp; Company of Moline, Ill., USA. The stripper roller subassembly  200  of the second embodiment being in many respects similar to the stripper roller subassembly  100  of the first embodiment, like parts are given like-numbered reference numerals and description below focuses on those aspects that are different. 
     Like the stripper roller subassembly  100  of the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the stripper roller subassembly  200  of the second embodiment is typically oriented in inclined or upright fashion within the cotton stripper or other such agricultural harvester such that the shafts of the stripper rollers  250  and augers  210  have one end disposed toward the ground or plant level and the other end elevated with respect thereto. At  FIGS. 7 through 15 , the end disposed toward the ground when the harvester is in operation is shown at left in the drawing, and the end that is elevated when the harvester is in operation is shown at right in the drawing. 
       FIG. 8  shows one of the two stripper rollers  250  present in the stripper roller subassembly  200  of  FIG. 7 . Whereas the stripper roller  150  in accordance with the first embodiment was shown in  FIG. 3  such that the end disposed toward the ground when the harvester is in operation was shown at right and the end that is elevated when the harvester is in operation was shown at left, because the stripper roller  250  in accordance with the second embodiment is shown in  FIG. 8  such that the end disposed toward the ground when the harvester is in operation is shown at left and the end that is elevated when the harvester is in operation is shown at right, a cotter pin  215  and a hole  225  in the shaft  220  into which the cotter pin  215  is inserted so as to hold an end cap  260  in place when the stripper roller  250  is in its assembled configuration is hidden from view between that end cap  260  and a flap  226 . Note that a cotter pin  216  that holds the flap  226  in place is visible in  FIG. 8 , but this cotter pin  216  is different from the cotter pin  215  that holds the end cap  260  (and parts on the far side therefrom) in place on the shaft  220 . 
     Note that the shaft  220  and other parts are omitted for clarity at  FIGS. 9 and 10 . Furthermore, note that the segment shown in  FIG. 10  is shown in a partially assembled state. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 8  and additional reference to  FIGS. 9 through 12 , the core of the stripper roller  250  in the present embodiment is split angularly into wedge-like strips, each of which subtends an angle of approximately 60 degrees, and is moreover segmented axially into cylindrical halves, each of which is approximately half the length of the stripper roller  250 . That is, the stripper roller  250  is made up of twelve split/segmented core members  255 , some of which are brush split/segmented core members  255  as shown in  FIG. 11 , and some of which are batt split/segmented core members  255  as shown in  FIG. 12 . The body of the split/segmented core member  255  might, for example, be an extruded part made of thermoplastic or thermosetting resin or other suitable material. Although shown as having ribbing in various arrangements in  FIGS. 10 and 15 , this is merely for maximizing strength while minimizing amount of material employed, and so, except as otherwise described, there is no particular objection to employment of split/segmented core members  255  that are solid or filled or which employ ribbing or other such reinforcement in a different arrangement. In particular, while it is preferred that periodically (in the case of a ribbed split/segmented core member  255 ) or continuously (in the case of a solid or filled split/segmented core member  255 ) along the length of the split/segmented core member  255  hexagonal shaft engagement surfaces similar to the shaft engagement surfaces  254  at the ends of the split/segmented core member  255  be formed at the inside peripheral surface of the assembled split/segmented core member  255 , there is no particular objection to an embodiment in which such surfaces are formed only at the ends of the split/segmented core member  255 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , and as best seen in the enlarged view at  FIG. 13 , at either end of each split/segmented core member  255 , there is a male projection  259  on a side in one angular direction (here the counterclockwise direction as seen in  FIG. 10 ) and a female recess  251  on a side in the opposite angular direction (here the clockwise direction as seen in  FIG. 10 ). The male projection  259  of each split/segmented core member  255  is designed in the present embodiment to be inserted in dovetail-like fashion into the female recess  251  of an adjacent split/segmented core member  255 , with this dovetail-like interlocking arrangement continuing as one proceeds angularly about the shaft  220  until the shaft  220  is captured within the hexagonal or otherwise keyed space formed by the assembled split/segmented core members  255 . That is, at the inside peripheral surface of the assembled split/segmented core members  255 , there are shaft engagement surfaces  254  permitting keyed engagement with the shaft  220 . Since, in the present embodiment, the shaft  220  has a hexagonal cross-section, these shaft engagement surfaces  254  here combine during assembly to form hexagonal faces having dimensions that are the same or slightly larger than the corresponding dimensions of the shaft  220 . Furthermore, the split/segmented core member  255  has core mating surfaces  257  that abut against corresponding core mating surfaces  257  of one or more other split/segmented core members  255  during assembly of the stripper roller  250 . In the present embodiment, these split/segmented core members  255  are arranged angularly about the shaft  220  in interlocking fashion to form cylindrical segments that capture the stripper roller shaft  220  centrally in the axial region therewithin. For example, the core in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8  comprises two of the segments shown in  FIG. 9 . Since there are two stripper rollers  250  in the stripper roller subassembly  200  shown in  FIG. 7 , it would take twenty-four of the split/segmented core members  255  shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12  to assemble the two stripper rollers  250  in the stripper roller subassembly  200  shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     In the present embodiment, each split/segmented core member  255  has a brush  230  or batt  235  extending radially from the outside peripheral surface thereof, a brush split/segmented core member  255  being shown in  FIG. 11  and a batt split/segmented core member  255  being shown in  FIG. 12 . In the present embodiment, each brush or batt split/segmented core member  255  contains a brush or batt  230 ,  235  having a strip backing  236  made of metal or other suitable material that is inserted within an insert-receiving groove  237  formed from the material of the split/segmented core member  255 , which may, for example, be thermoplastic or thermosetting resin. 
     Describing the way this strip backing  236  is mounted within the insert-receiving groove  237  of the split/segmented core member  255  in one embodiment, this is best seen at the enlarged views of  FIGS. 13 and 14 . That is, the outside peripheral surface of each split/segmented core member  255  has a recess  258  for receiving a brush  230  or a batt  235 . The dovetail-like profile of each recess  258  serves as an interlocking feature permitting the strip backing  236 , in its straight configuration prior to formation of V-shaped regions that will engage with V-shaped regions in the insert-receiving groove  237  at locations  239  by staking as described below, of a brush  230  or batt  235  to be slidingly inserted therein by movement axially from an end of the split/segmented core member  255  but affording resistance to accidental removal by movement radially as a result of tugging action or other such force exerted thereon during the course of normal harvester operation. Note that although the present embodiment employs a dovetail profile for engagement of the brushes  230  and/or batts  235  by the recesses  258 , it is also possible to employ a “T” shape or other suitably shaped profile. 
     Furthermore, in the present embodiment, following axial sliding insertion of the straight and unstaked strip backing  236  of the brush  230  or batt  235  within the insert-receiving groove  237  of the split/segmented core member  255 , staking operations are carried out periodically at locations  239  along the length of the split/segmented core member  255 . During these staking operations, staking tools might be used to upset and reform the metal strip backing  236  of a brush or batt  230 ,  235  into the shape of a V, with these V-shaped regions of the strip backing  236  being pressed into suitable notches formed in the insert-receiving groove  237  so as to permanently insert and secure the strip backing  236  within the insert-receiving groove  237 . When staking is carried out in this fashion, this prevents the strip backing  236  from being removed axially from the insert-receiving groove  237 . That is, unlike the brushes  130  and/or batts  135  of the stripper roller  150  in accordance with the first embodiment, the brushes  230  and/or batts  235  of the stripper roller  250  in accordance with the second embodiment are not intended to be separately changeable or replaceable in the field, but rather each brush and/or batt split/segmented core member  255 , with integral brush  230  or batt  235  permanently mounted thereon, is intended to be changed or replaced as a unit. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , in the present embodiment, note that brushes  230  and/or batts  235  are arranged angularly about the axis of the assembled stripper roller  250  such that the planes of the brushes  230  and/or batts  235  are respectively perpendicular to the planes of the hexagonal shaft engagement surfaces  254 , which is to say that the planes of the brushes  230  and/or batts  235  respectively bisect the central angles (having the axis of the shaft  220  as vertices) that intersect the corners of the hexagonal shaft engagement surfaces  254 . Moreover, note that since the split/segmented core members  255  combine to form a cylindrical outside peripheral surface, interruption of the outside circumferential surface of the combined split/segmented core members  255  by the brushes  230  and/or batts  235  results in formation of arcuate regions  256  in the “valleys” between adjacent pairs of brushes  230  and/or batts  235  in the assembled stripper roller  250 . Note that with the stripper roller  250  partially assembled in the configuration shown in  FIG. 10 , two arcuate half-regions  252  can be seen adjacent to the exposed core mating surfaces  257 . 
     As can be seen at  FIGS. 8 and 15 , the split/segmented core members  255  in the present embodiment are held together by two end caps  260  and a mid cap  270 . At each end of the shaft  220 , one of the end caps  260  engages with and holds together the exterior ends of six interlocking split/segmented core members  255 . At a point midway (not necessarily the exact midpoint) along the length of the shaft  220 , the mid cap  270  engages with and holds together the interior ends of all twelve split/segmented core members  255 . 
     The end caps  260  and the mid cap  270  of the second embodiment being essentially identical to the end caps  160  and the mid cap  170  of the first embodiment described above, detailed description of the end caps  260  and the mid cap  270  of the second embodiment is omitted for brevity. 
     When the stripper roller  250  is in its assembled configuration, the end cap  260  at one end (shown at left in  FIGS. 7 ,  8 , and  15 ) of the shaft  220  abuts and is kept from sliding off therefrom by a fixed (permanent) stop  295 . This nonremovable stop  295  is visible at  FIG. 15  but is not visible at  FIG. 7  or  FIG. 8 , being hidden behind a hub  296  in those drawings. Although described as a permanent or nonremovable stop  295 , there is no particular objection to employment of a removable stop or retainer at this end of the shaft  220 . For example, a c-ring, e-ring, or other such circlip, retaining ring, or snap ring may be used in place of the nonremovable stop  295 . 
     Furthermore, at the other end (shown at right in  FIGS. 7 ,  8 , and  15 ) of the shaft  220  there is a hole  225  into which a cotter pin  215  is inserted when the stripper roller  250  is in its assembled configuration. Note that a cotter pin  216  that holds the flap  226  in place is visible in  FIGS. 8 and 15 , but this cotter pin  216  is different from the cotter pin  215  that holds the end cap  260  (and parts on the far side therefrom) in place on the shaft  220 . Furthermore, note that the cotter pin  215  and the hole  225  in the shaft  220  into which the cotter pin  215  is inserted so as to hold the end cap  260  (and parts on the far side therefrom) in place when the stripper roller  250  is in its assembled configuration is hidden from view between that end cap  260  and the flap  226 . Although a hole  225  and a cotter pin  215  have been mentioned, any other suitable removable stop may be employed. 
     Thus, the end cap  260  at least one end of the shaft  220  in the assembled stripper roller  250  is easily removable using only a commonly available tool such as a simple pair of pliers in the example of the cotter pin  215  given above so as to permit easy disassembly for change or replacement of brush and/or batt split/segmented core members  255  in the field. Where the end cap  260  at one end of the shaft  220  is easily removable due to presence of a cotter pin  215  or other such easily removable fixture and the end cap  260  at the other end of the shaft  220  is nonremovable due to presence of a nonremovable stop  295  or other such permanent or hard-to-remove fixture, it is preferred that the removable end cap  260  be at the end of the shaft  220  that is elevated when the harvester is in operation, as shown in the drawings. The reason for this is to allow gravity to assist operations when manually sliding parts down the shaft  220  during changeover or replacement of brush and/or batt split/segmented core members  255  in the field. 
     Disassembly and reassembly for changing or replacement of brushes  230  and/or batts  235  are essentially as described above for the first embodiment, except that in the second embodiment there are six rather than two split/segmented core members  255  making up each segment of the stripper roller  250 , and the split/segmented core members  255  must be slid axially so as to engage or disengage the interlocking female recesses  251  and male projections  259  as the segment is assembled or disassembled. That is, during assembly, after sliding an end cap (which will become the far end cap)  260  onto the shaft  220  from the near end of the shaft  220  in similar fashion as was described above for the first embodiment, the shaft engagement surface  254  of a first split/segmented core member  255  might be held against a face of the hexagonal shaft  220  such that the split/segmented core member  255  is parallel with respect to the long direction of that shaft  220 . A second split/segmented core member  255  might then be positioned against an adjacent face of the hexagonal shaft  220  and slid axially, for example a distance of approximately 0.2 inch, until the male projection  259  of one split/segmented core member  255  interlocks with the female recesses  251  of the adjacent split/segmented core member  255 . A third split/segmented core member  255  might then be interlocked with the previous two split/segmented core members  255 , with the progression continuing until the sixth split/segmented core member  255  interlocks with the first and fifth split/segmented core members  255  and the shaft  220  is captured therewithin. 
     Thereafter, the far ends of the six interlocked split/segmented core members  255  (which will collectively become the far segment) are inserted within the far end cap  260  so as to cause the arcuate regions  256  on the far ends of the far segment to be captured within and held together by the inner surfaces  267  of the spider-like fingers  266  of the far end cap  260 . The mid cap  270  is then slid along the shaft  220 , and the near ends of the far segment are inserted within the far side of the mid cap  270  so as to cause the arcuate regions  256  on the near ends of the far segment to be captured within and held together by the inner surfaces  277  of the spider-like fingers  276  of the far side of the mid cap  270 . Another set of six split/segmented core members  255  (which will become the near segment) are mutually interlocked so as to capture the shaft  220  therewithin in similar fashion as was described above for the far segment again, and the far ends of the near segment are inserted within the near side of the mid cap  270  so as to cause the arcuate regions  256  on the far ends of the near segment to be captured within and held together by the inner surfaces  277  of the spider-like fingers  276  of the near side of the mid cap  270 . Another end cap (which will become the near end cap)  260  is slid onto the shaft  220  in similar fashion as was described above for the first embodiment, and the near ends of the near segment are inserted within the near end cap  260  so as to cause the arcuate regions  256  on the near ends of the near segment to be captured within and held together by the inner surfaces  267  of the spider-like fingers  266  of the near end cap  260 . The cotter pin  215  is then inserted into the hole  225  and its ends splayed out so as to keep the assembled stripper roller  250  in place on the shaft  220 . Note that instead of inserting the cotter pin  215  into the hole  225 , it is possible to use a stop pin similar to the nonremovable stop  295 , a rapid twist-lock clamping arrangement, or any other suitable fixture to hold the assembled parts together on the shaft  220 . 
     Disassembly of the stripper roller  250  is carried out in similar fashion as was described above for the first embodiment. 
     As described above, stripper rollers and stripper roller subassemblies in accordance with the present invention overcome one or more inadequacies of the conventional art and/or have other benefits and advantages. For example:
         Weight (mass) reduction
 
Fewer parts. For example, with the first embodiment there is a reduction in the number of components from 61 to 22 per stripper roller, and with the second embodiment there is a reduction in the number of components from 61 to 18 per stripper roller, as compared with the conventional stripper roller subassembly in the 7460 Cotton Stripper® (registered trademark of John Deere &amp; Company of Moline, Ill., USA) manufactured by John Deere &amp; Company of Moline, Ill., USA.
   Ease of assembly/changeover   Integral split/segmented core member replaces threaded/loose hardware of conventional stripper roller and combines multiple parts into one   Interlocking features of brushes and/or batts (or integral split/segmented core members having brushes and/or batts mounted thereon) allow for quick and custom interchangeability for varying field conditions and operator preference   No specialized tools required for field service       

     That is, the stripper rollers in accordance with the first and second embodiments require no specialized hardware or tools to assemble/disassemble, an ordinary cotter pin being the only component that needs to be removed to gain access for change or replacement of brushes and/or batts (or integral split/segmented core members having brushes and/or batts mounted thereon). End caps may be secured through use of cotter pins or other such fasteners. Removal of the cotter pin and end cap at one end of the core permits brushes and/or batts to be easily removed and replaced by simply sliding the brushes and/or batts along the dovetail or other such interlocking feature groove in the core. Removal of the cotter pins and ends caps at both ends of the core permits the core to be disassembled into its component split core members. Such assembly and disassembly operations, and in particular changing of brushes and/or batts as desired to suit varying harvesting conditions, can easily be performed in the field without specialized tools other than perhaps a pair of pliers for removal of the cotter pins. 
     Furthermore, the stripper rollers employ split/segmented core members that mutually mate to capture a rotatable keyed shaft therewithin, these split/segmented core members being secured in place by end caps and a mid cap. In some embodiments, it is possible for the end caps and the mid cap to remain on the shaft, while nonetheless being capable of being moved axially to permit assembly and disassembly of the stripper roller. In one embodiment, interlocking tabs (male projections and female recesses) assist the operator during assembly of split/segmented core members around a hexagonal or similarly keyed shaft. In such an embodiment, the tabs connect each split/segmented core member to the adjacent split/segmented core member, thereby allowing a single operator to carry out assembly and disassembly. 
     Moreover, brushes and/or batts (or integral split/segmented core members having brushes and/or batts mounted thereon) may be installed in any combination to match varying field conditions as determined by the operator of the harvester. 
     The split/segmented core members may be manufactured by extrusion or molding from aluminum or other metal, or from a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin. The retainer caps for holding the split core members together may be molded from thermoplastic or thermosetting resin. 
     Although the present invention has been described in terms of examples in which end caps, mid cap, and split/segmented core members are capable of mating with a hexagonally keyed shaft, there is no particular objection to keying by other than a shaft having a hexagonal cross-sectional profile. Furthermore, although it is preferred for strength and reliability that the end caps, mid cap, and split/segmented core members all keyably engage with the shaft, in some embodiments it is sufficient for any one or more of the end caps, mid cap, and/or split/segmented core members to keyably engage with the shaft. 
     Although the second embodiment has been described in terms of an example in which there is a hexagonal shaft and each wedge-shaped split/segmented core member mates with a single shaft face, such that the number of wedge-shaped split/segmented core member in each segment is six (this being the number of faces of the hexagonal shaft), with the angle subtended by each split/segmented core member being the same as the angle subtended by each face of the hexagonal shaft, this need not be the case. That is, in some embodiments, there is no need for split core elements to be wedge-shaped, no need for there to be the same number of split/segmented core members as the shaft has faces, no need for one split/segmented core member to line up with one shaft face, and no need for the shaft to be hexagonal, for the shaft to be polygonal, or for the shaft to have faces. That is, in some embodiments, it is sufficient so long as the assembled core is keyed to the shaft (which is to say that the assembled core rotates in rigid accompaniment to rotation of the shaft), regardless of the manner in which that keying between shaft and assembled core takes place. 
     Similarly, although embodiments have been shown in which one brush or batt is present at each face of the hexagonal shaft such that there are a total of six brushes/bats per roller or roller segment, this need not be the case. That is, there is no particular objection to employment of batts/brushes in a number differing from the faces of the shaft. In fact, as indicated above, in some embodiments, there is no particular need to employ a shaft having a polygonal cross-section. Furthermore, the keying between the assembled core and the shaft can in general be implemented in any of a variety of ways, so it goes without saying that in some embodiments the number and arrangement of brushes and/or batts need not be constrained by the cross-sectional shape of the shaft. 
     Although interlocking features such as male projections and female recesses have been presented as an example of a way in which adjacent split/segmented core members are held together before being more permanently secured in place through use of end caps and a mid cap, in some embodiments there is no particular need to employ such male projections and female recesses. For example, in one embodiment, a single operator might still hold six split/segmented core members together without presence of male projections and female recesses as in the second embodiment by instead using a strap that is temporarily wrapped around the outside peripheral surface of the assembled split/segmented core members until they can be more permanently secured in place through use of the end caps and the mid cap. 
     It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention.