Patent Publication Number: US-2022217906-A1

Title: System for Removing Waste from an Agricultural Harvester and Agricultural Harvester

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to systems for improved debris removable for agricultural harvesters, such as sugar cane harvesters, and, more particularly, to a flow splitting device or flow splitter for splitting the stream of processed crop material expelled from a chopper assembly as it flows into the primary extractor of an agricultural harvester. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Typically, agricultural harvesters include one or more extractors within which air is drawn through a stream of harvested crops, such as a stream of sugar cane billets, to separate and remove pieces of debris or trash from the crops. For example, a primary extractor may be positioned near an intake of an elevator that conveys crops toward a receiver collecting the crops, while a secondary extractor may be positioned near a discharge of the elevator. The primary extractor is typically located immediately downstream of the harvester&#39;s chopper assembly such that the stream of processed crop material expelled from the chopper assembly flows into a debris extraction chamber defined by the extractor housing. An extractor fan located above the stream of processed crop material within the housing is configured to draw air through the stream to suck debris or trash upwardly and out of the top of the extractor, thereby allowing the heavier crop (e.g., sugar can billets) to fall downwardly to the intake of the elevator for delivery to the associated receiver. 
     Currently, efforts are being made to increase the throughput of agricultural harvesters. However, as the throughput is increased, the effectiveness of the primary extractor to remove debris or other trash from the stream of harvested crop material flowing into the extractor housing generally decreases. Specifically, the increase in volume typically results in reduced airflow through the extractor, thereby reducing the suction force within the extractor housing and, thus, the cleaning efficiency of the extractor. 
     Accordingly, a system and method for removing debris from an agricultural harvester that allows for improved airflow through the harvester&#39;s extractor would be welcomed in the technology. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a system for removing debris from an agricultural harvester. The system includes a chopper assembly configured to receive and process crop material. The chopper assembly includes an outlet through which a stream of processed crop material is discharged from the chopper assembly. The system also includes a flow splitter supported relative to the outlet of the chopper assembly such that the flow splitter at least partially extends within the stream of processed crop material discharged from the chopper assembly. The flow splitter is configured to divide the stream of processed crop material into separate crop material flows for receipt within an extraction chamber of the agricultural harvester. 
     In another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to an agricultural harvester. The harvester includes a chopper assembly configured to receive and process crop material, with the chopper assembly including an outlet through which a stream of processed crop material is discharged from the chopper assembly. The harvester also includes an extractor positioned downstream of the chopper assembly, with the extractor including a housing defining an extraction chamber. The extraction chamber is configured to receive the stream of processed crop material discharged from the chopper assembly. In addition, the harvester includes a flow splitter at least partially extending within the stream of processed crop material flowing between the chopper assembly and the extraction chamber. The flow splitter is configured to divide the stream of processed crop material into separate crop material flows. 
     In still another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a flow splitter for use within an agricultural harvester. The flow splitter may be configured in accordance with one or more of the embodiments described herein. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a simplified, side view of one embodiment of an agricultural harvester in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of a portion of the agricultural harvester shown in  FIG. 1 , particularly illustrating various components of one embodiment of a system for removing debris from an agricultural harvester in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a flow splitter suitable for use within a system for removing debris from an agricultural harvester in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, particularly illustrating the flow splitter installed relative to a chopper assembly and opposed upper and lower plates of the harvester; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of the flow splitter and other harvester components shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the flow splitter show in  FIG. 3  taken about line  5 - 5 ; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a flow splitter suitable for use within a system for removing debris from an agricultural harvester in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, particularly illustrating the flow splitter installed relative to a chopper assembly and opposed upper and lower plates of the harvester; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of the flow splitter and other harvester components shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a flow splitter suitable for use within a system for removing debris from an agricultural harvester in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, particularly illustrating the flow splitter installed relative to a chopper assembly and opposed upper and lower plates of the harvester; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of the flow splitter and other harvester components shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a rear view of the flow splitter shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  as installed between the opposed upper and lower plates of the harvester; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of a further embodiment of a flow splitter suitable for use within a system for removing debris from an agricultural harvester in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, particularly illustrating the flow splitter installed relative to a chopper assembly and opposed upper and lower plates of the harvester; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a rear view of the flow splitter shown in  FIG. 11  as installed between the opposed upper and lower plates of the harvester; and 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the flow splitter show in  FIG. 12  taken about line  13 - 13 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     In general, the present subject matter is directed to a debris removal system for an agricultural harvester that includes a flow splitter configured to split or divide the stream of processed crop material flowing between the chopper assembly and the extractor of the harvester. Specifically, in several embodiments, the splitter is configured to be supported relative to an outlet of the chopper assembly such that the splitter divides the stream of processed crop material discharged from the outlet into two separate flows of material. In one embodiment, the splitter may be shaped or otherwise configured to divert the separate flows of material along flow paths that diverge slightly away from the center or middle of a downstream extraction chamber defined by the extractor, thereby creating a central crop-free (or substantially crop-free) void or “open flow area” within the extractor that allows for an increase in the airflow through the chamber. The increased airflow may, in turn, substantially improve the cleaning efficiency of the extractor, which may, for example, allow the harvester to accommodate increased throughput. 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of one embodiment of an agricultural harvester  10  in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. As shown, the harvester  10  is configured as a sugarcane harvester. However, in other embodiments, the harvester  10  may correspond to any other suitable agricultural harvester known in the art. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the harvester  10  includes a frame  12 , a pair of front wheels  14 , a pair of rear wheels  16 , and an operator&#39;s cab  18 . The harvester  10  may also include a primary source of power (e.g., an engine mounted on the frame  12 ) which powers one or both pairs of the wheels  14 ,  16  via a transmission (not shown). Alternatively, the harvester  10  may be a track-driven harvester and, thus, may include tracks driven by the engine as opposed to the illustrated wheels  14 ,  16 . The engine may also drive a hydraulic fluid pump (not shown) configured to generate pressurized hydraulic fluid for powering various hydraulic components of the harvester  10 . 
     Additionally, the harvester  10  may include various components for cutting, processing, cleaning, and discharging sugar cane as the cane is harvested from an agricultural field  20 . For instance, the harvester  10  may include a topper assembly  22  positioned at its front end to intercept sugar cane as the harvester  10  is moved in the forward direction. As shown, the topper assembly  22  may include both a gathering disk  24  and a cutting disk  26 . The gathering disk  24  may be configured to gather the sugar cane stalks so that the cutting disk  26  may be used to cut off the top of each stalk. As is generally understood, the height of the topper assembly  22  may be adjustable via a pair of arms  28  hydraulically raised and lowered, as desired, by the operator. 
     Additionally, the harvester  10  may include a crop divider  30  that extends upwardly and rearwardly from the field  20 . In general, the crop divider  30  may include two spiral feed rollers  32 . Each feed roller  32  may include a ground shoe  34  at its lower end to assist the crop divider  30  in gathering the sugar cane stalks for harvesting. Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the harvester  10  may include a knock-down roller  36  positioned near the front wheels  14  and a fin roller  38  positioned behind the knock-down roller  36 . As the knock-down roller  36  is rotated, the sugar cane stalks being harvested are knocked down while the crop divider  30  gathers the stalks from agricultural field  20 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the fin roller  38  may include a plurality of intermittently mounted fins  40  that assist in forcing the sugar cane stalks downwardly. As the fin roller  38  is rotated during the harvest, the sugar cane stalks that have been knocked down by the knock-down roller  36  are separated and further knocked down by the fin roller  38  as the harvester  10  continues to be moved in the forward direction relative to the field  20 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 1 , the harvester  10  may also include a base cutter assembly  42  positioned behind the fin roller  38 . As is generally understood, the base cutter assembly  42  may include blades (not shown) for severing the sugar cane stalks as the cane is being harvested. The blades, located on the periphery of the assembly  42 , may be rotated by a hydraulic motor (not shown) powered by the vehicle&#39;s hydraulic system. Additionally, in several embodiments, the blades may be angled downwardly to sever the base of the sugar cane as the cane is knocked down by the fin roller  38 . 
     Moreover, the harvester  10  may include a feed roller assembly  44  located downstream of the base cutter assembly  42  for moving the severed stalks of sugar cane from base cutter assembly  42  along the processing path. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the feed roller assembly  44  may include a plurality of bottom rollers  46  and a plurality of opposed, top pinch rollers  48 . The various bottom and top rollers  46 ,  48  may be used to pinch the harvested sugar cane during transport. As the sugar cane is transported through the feed roller assembly  44 , debris (e.g., rocks, dirt, and/or the like) may be allowed to fall through bottom rollers  46  onto the field  20 . 
     In addition, the harvester  10  may include a chopper assembly  50  located at the downstream end of the feed roller assembly  44  (e.g., adjacent to the rearward-most bottom and top feed rollers  46 ,  48 ). In general, the chopper assembly  50  may be used to cut or chop the severed sugar cane stalks into pieces or “billets”  51 , which may be, for example, six (6) inches long. The billets  51  may then be propelled towards an elevator assembly  52  of the harvester  10  for delivery to an external receiver or storage device (not shown). 
     As is generally understood, pieces of debris  53  (e.g., dust, dirt, leaves, etc.) separated from the sugar cane billets  51  may be expelled from the harvester  10  through a primary extractor  54 , which is located immediately behind the chopper assembly  50  and is oriented to direct the debris  53  outwardly from the harvester  10 . Additionally, an extractor fan  56  may be mounted within the primary extractor  54  for generating a suction force or vacuum sufficient to pick up the debris  53  and force the debris  53  through the primary extractor  54 . The separated or cleaned billets  51 , heavier than the debris  53  being expelled through the extractor  54 , may then fall downward to the elevator assembly  52 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the elevator assembly  52  may generally include an elevator housing  58  and an elevator  60  extending within the elevator housing  58  between a lower, proximal end  62  and an upper, distal end  64 . In general, the elevator  60  may include a looped chain  66  and a plurality of flights or paddles  68  attached to and evenly spaced on the chain  66 . The paddles  68  may be configured to hold the sugar cane billets  51  on the elevator  60  as the billets are elevated along a top span  70  of the elevator  70  defines between its proximal and distal ends  62 ,  64 . Additionally, the elevator  60  may include lower and upper sprockets  72 ,  74  positioned at its proximal and distal ends  62 ,  64 , respectively. As shown in  FIG. 1 , an elevator motor  76  may be coupled to one of the sprockets (e.g., the upper sprocket  74 ) for driving the chain  66 , thereby allowing the chain  66  and the paddles  68  to travel in an endless loop between the proximal and distal ends  62 ,  64  of the elevator  60 . 
     Moreover, in some embodiments, pieces of debris  53  (e.g., dust, dirt, leaves, etc.) separated from the elevated sugar cane billets  51  may be expelled from the harvester  10  through a secondary extractor  78  coupled to the rear end of the elevator housing  58 . For example, the debris  53  expelled by the secondary extractor  78  may be debris remaining after the billets  51  are cleaned and debris  53  expelled by the primary extractor  54 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the secondary extractor  78  may be located adjacent to the distal end  64  of the elevator  60  and may be oriented to direct the debris  53  outwardly from the harvester  10 . Additionally, an extractor fan  80  may be mounted at the base of the secondary extractor  78  for generating a suction force or vacuum sufficient to pick up the debris  53  and force the debris  53  through the secondary extractor  78 . The separated, cleaned billets  51 , heavier than the debris  53  expelled through the extractor  78 , may then fall from the distal end  64  of the elevator  60 . Typically, the billets  51  may fall downwardly through an elevator discharge opening  82  of the elevator assembly  52  into an external storage device (not shown), such as a sugar cane billet cart. 
     During operation, the harvester  10  is traversed across the agricultural field  20  for harvesting sugar cane. After the height of the topper assembly  22  is adjusted via the arms  28 , the gathering disk  24  on the topper assembly  22  may function to gather the sugar cane stalks as the harvester  10  proceeds across the field  20 , while the cutter disk  26  severs the leafy tops of the sugar cane stalks for disposal along either side of harvester  10 . As the stalks enter the crop divider  30 , the ground shoes  34  may set the operating width to determine the quantity of sugar cane entering the throat of the harvester  10 . The spiral feed rollers  32  then gather the stalks into the throat to allow the knock-down roller  36  to bend the stalks downwardly in conjunction with the action of the fin roller  38 . Once the stalks are angled downwardly as shown in  FIG. 1 , the base cutter assembly  42  may then sever the base of the stalks from field  20 . The severed stalks are then, by movement of the harvester  10 , directed to the feed roller assembly  44 . 
     The severed sugar cane stalks are conveyed rearwardly by the bottom and top feed rollers  46 ,  48 , which compress the stalks, make them more uniform, and shake loose debris to pass through the bottom rollers  46  to the field  20 . At the downstream end of the feed roller assembly  44 , the chopper assembly  50  cuts or chops the compressed sugar cane stalks into pieces or billets  51  (e.g., 6 inch cane sections). The processed crop material discharged from the chopper assembly  50  is then directed as a stream of billets  51  and debris  53  into the primary extractor  54 . The airborne debris  53  (e.g., dust, dirt, leaves, etc.) separated from the sugar cane billets is then extracted through the primary extractor  54  using suction created by the extractor fan  56 . The separated/cleaned billets  51  then fall downwardly through an elevator hopper  86  into the elevator assembly  52  and travel upwardly via the elevator  60  from its proximal end  62  to its distal end  64 . During normal operation, once the billets  51  reach the distal end  64  of the elevator  60 , the billets  51  fall through the elevator discharge opening  82  to an external storage device. If provided, the secondary extractor  78  (with the aid of the extractor fan  80 ) blows out trash/debris  53  from harvester  10 , similar to the primary extractor  54 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a side view of a portion of the agricultural harvester  10  shown in  FIG. 1  is illustrated, particularly illustrating various components of one embodiment of a system  100  for removing debris from a harvester in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. For purposes of discussion, the system  100  will generally be described herein with reference to the embodiment of the harvester  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . However, it should be appreciated that aspects of the disclosed system  100  may be incorporated into a harvester having any other suitable configuration. 
     In several embodiments, the system  100  may include one or more of the harvester components described above with reference to  FIG. 1 , such as the chopper assembly  50  and primary extractor  54 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the chopper assembly may generally include an outer housing  90  and one or more chopper elements (e.g., a pair of chopper drums  91 ) rotatably supported within the chopper housing  90 . As is generally understood, the chopper elements  91  are configured to be rotatably driven within the housing  90  to cut or chop the harvested crop material received from the feed roller assembly  44 , thereby generating a stream of processed crop material (e.g., including both billets  51  and debris  53 ) that is discharged from the chopper assembly  50  via an outlet  92  of the housing  90 . The stream of processed crop material expelled from the outlet  92  of the chopper assembly  50  then flows into an extraction chamber  93  defined by an extractor housing  94  of the primary extractor  54 , through which an airflow is generated (e.g., via the extractor fan  56 ) to separate the debris  53  from the billets  51 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the extractor housing  94  may include both a lower housing portion  95  and an upper housing portion  96  (also referred to as an extractor hood), with the lower housing portion  95  being generally positioned relative to the chopper assembly  50  such that the stream of processed crop material discharged from the chopper assembly  50  is received within the portion of the extraction chamber  93  defined by the lower housing portion  95 . The debris  53  separated from the billets  51  within the extraction chamber  93  then flows upwardly through the extractor hood  96  and is expelled from the extractor  54  via an outlet  97  of the extractor housing  94 . 
     Additionally, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, the system  100  may also include a flow splitter  102  positioned at or adjacent to the outlet  92  of the chopper assembly  50  to separate the stream of processed crop material discharged from the chopper assembly  50  into two separate flows of material. For instance, as will be described below, the flow splitter  102  may, in one embodiment, be centrally located relative to the outlet  92  of the chopper assembly  50  to allow the stream of processed crop material to be divided into two separate flows that are directed along flow paths that divert slightly away from the center or middle of the extraction chamber  93  defined by the extractor housing  94 , thereby creating a central crop-free (or substantially crop-free) void within the extractor  54  that allows for an increase in the airflow through the chamber  93 . The increased airflow may, in turn, substantially improve the cleaning efficiency of the extractor  54 , which may, for example, allow the harvester  10  to accommodate increased throughput. 
     Moreover, in one embodiment, the harvester  10  may also include an optional secondary fan assembly  104  positioned below the stream of crop material discharged from the chopper assembly  50  (and split into two separate flows via the flow splitter  102 ) to direct a supplemental flow of air A through the processed crop material to further facilitate separation of the debris  53  from the billets  51  for removal by the extractor  54 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, the secondary fan assembly  104  may be located adjacent to the outlet  92  of the chopper assembly  50 , such as at a location below the flow splitter  102 . In such an embodiment, the fan assembly  104  may be oriented so as to blow the stream of air A through the split flows of crop material downstream of the flow splitter  102  in the direction of the extractor hood  96 . As previously described, the debris  53  extracted by the extractor  54  is then directed out of and away from harvester  10 , e.g., through the outlet  97  of the extractor hood  96 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3-5 , differing views of one embodiment of components suitable for use within the system  100  described above are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, particularly illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a flow splitter  102  for use within the system  100 . Specifically,  FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate perspective and side views, respectively, of the flow splitter  102  installed relative to the chopper assembly  50 . Additionally,  FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the flow splitter  102  shown in  FIG. 3  taken about line  5 - 5 . 
     As indicated above, the chopper assembly  50  may include a chopper housing  90 , with the outlet  92  of the chopper assembly  50  being formed by an opening defined through an aft or rearward end of the housing  90 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the outlet  92  is defined in a lateral direction (indicated by arrow  106 ) between opposed first and second sidewalls  108 ,  110  of the chopper housing  90  such that the sidewalls  108 ,  110  defined respective first and second lateral sides  112 ,  114  of the outlet  92 . In such an embodiment, the lateral sides  112 ,  114  of the outlet  92  defined by opposed sidewalls  108 ,  110  of the housing  90  may generally define lateral flow boundaries of the processed crop material discharged from the chopper assembly  50 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the outlet  92  is defined in a vertical direction (indicated by arrow  116 ) between opposed top and bottom housing portions  118 ,  120  of the chopper housing such that the opposed housing portions  118 ,  120  define respective top and bottom ends  122 ,  124  of the outlet  92 . In such an embodiment, the top and bottom ends  122 ,  124  of the outlet  92  defined by the opposed housing portions  118 ,  120  of the chopper housing  90  may generally define vertical flow boundaries of the processed crop material discharged from the outlet  92 . 
     Moreover, in several embodiments, the system  100  may also include upper and lower walls or plates extending outwardly from the chopper housing  90  at locations adjacent to the top and bottom ends  122 ,  124 , respectively, of the outlet  92 . Specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , an upper wall or plate  130  may be supported adjacent to a portion of the chopper housing  90  (e.g., the top housing portion  118 ) such that the upper plate  130  extends outwardly from chopper housing  90  adjacent to the top end  122  of the outlet  92 . For example, as particularly shown in  FIG. 3 , the upper plate  130  may include an upstream end  132  positioned directly adjacent to the top end  122  of the outlet  92  and a downstream end  134  spaced apart from the chopper assembly  50  in the direction of flow of the processed crop material (indicated by arrow  126 ). In such an embodiment, the upper plate  130  may form a continuation of the upper flow boundary defined by the top end  122  of the outlet  92  so that crop material expelled from the outlet  92  at its top end  122  flows along the upper plate  130  between the plate&#39;s upstream and downstream ends  132 ,  134 . In addition, the upper plate  130  may also function as a deflector plate configured to redirect or deflect the uppermost portions of the stream of processed crop material discharged from the outlet  92 . For example, as particularly shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the upper plate  130  may include first and second angled wall portions  136 ,  138  extending between its upstream and downstream ends  132 ,  134 , with the angled wall portions  136 ,  138  being oriented at differing angles relative to the flow of processed crop material to allow the stream to be properly diverted into the extraction chamber  93  ( FIG. 2 ) of the extractor housing  94  positioned downstream of the chopper assembly  50 . 
     Moreover, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a lower wall or plate  140  may be supported adjacent to a portion of the chopper housing  90  (e.g., the bottom housing portion  120 ) such that the lower plate  140  extends outwardly from chopper housing  90  adjacent to the bottom end  124  of the outlet  92 . For example, as particularly shown in  FIG. 3 , the lower plate  140  may include an upstream end  142  positioned directly adjacent to the bottom end  124  the outlet  92  and a downstream end  144  spaced apart from the chopper assembly  50  in the flow direction  126  of the processed crop material. In such an embodiment, the lower plate  140  may form a continuation of the lower flow boundary defined by the bottom end  124  of the outlet  92 . In addition, the lower plate  140  may also function as a support plate or member for supporting the flow splitter  102  within the stream of processed material discharged from the chopper assembly  50 . For example, as will be described below, the lower plate  102  may, in one embodiment, be configured to support the flow splitter  102  within the stream of processed material via a cantilevered arrangement. 
     As indicated above, the disclosed flow splitter  102  may be configured to be supported relative to the outlet  92  of the chopper assembly  50  such that the flow splitter  102  is positioned at least partially within the stream of processed crop material discharged from the chopper assembly  50 , thereby allowing the splitter  102  to divert the stream into separate flows of processed crop material. Specifically, in several embodiments, the flow splitter  102  may be positioned immediately downstream of the outlet  92  of the chopper assembly  50  at a centralized location relative to the stream of processed crop material, thereby allowing the flow splitter  102  to divert the processed crop material away from the center of the downstream extraction chamber  93  ( FIG. 2 ) as the divided streams of material flow into the extractor housing  94  ( FIG. 2 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the flow splitter  102  may be positioned relative to the chopper assembly  50  in the lateral direction  106  so as to be aligned with the center of the outlet  92  defined between the opposed sidewalls  108 ,  110  of the chopper housing  90 . 
     In general, the flow splitter  102  may have any suitable configuration and may correspond to any suitable member or component that allows the splitter  102  to function as a flowing splitting device when the splitter  102  is positioned within the stream of processed crop material discharged from the chopper assembly  50 . For example, in several embodiments, the flow splitter  102  may correspond to an elongated member extending longitudinally between an upper end  150  and a lower end  152  and defining opposed upstream and downstream sides  154 ,  156  ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ) relative to the flow direction  126  of the crop material across the splitter  102 . 
     In a particular embodiment of the present subject matter, the flow splitter  102  may define a V-shaped profile. For example, as particularly shown in  FIG. 5 , the flow splitter  102  may include a leading edge  160  positioned along its upstream side  154  and first and second diverging sidewalls  162 ,  164  extending from the leading edge  160  towards the downstream side  156  of the flow splitter  102 . Specifically, the sidewalls  162 ,  164  may diverge away from each other in the lateral direction  106  as the sidewalls  162 ,  164  extend from the leading edge  160  to the downstream side  156  of the flow splitter  102  such that a lateral width  166  ( FIG. 5 ) of the splitter  102  increases between its upstream and downstream sides  154 ,  156 , thereby forming the “V-shaped” profile of the splitter  102 . In such an embodiment, the stream of processed crop material discharged from the outlet  90  (e.g., as indicated by arrow  145  in  FIG. 5 ) may initially contact or encounter the leading edge  160  of the splitter  102 , which, in turn, may divide the stream of processed crop material into two separate flows of material (e.g., as indicated by arrows  146  and  147  in  FIG. 5 ). Each separate material flow  146 ,  147  may then be directed along the adjacent sidewall  162 ,  164  of the splitter  102  such that the processed crop material is diverted along diverging flow paths as the material flows past the flow splitter  102  and into the downstream extraction chamber  93  ( FIG. 2 ) of the extractor housing  94 . As a result, a crop-free or substantially crop-free zone or “open flow area” (e.g., as indicated in  FIG. 5  by the area within the dashed shape  148 ) may be created downstream of the flow splitter  102  between the separate, diverging flows of crop material  146 ,  147 . This open flow area  148  may provide for increased airflow through the extraction chamber  93 , thereby allowing for the cleaning efficiency of the extractor  54  to be improved. 
     It should be appreciated that, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and second sidewalls  162 ,  164  of the flow splitter  102  are configured as straight or planar walls and, thus, define a straight or planar profile as they extend both from the leading edge  160  of the flow splitter  102  towards the downstream side  156  of the splitter  102  and from the upper end  150  of the splitter  102  to the lower end  152  of the splitter  102 . However, in other the embodiments, the sidewalls  162 ,  164  may be configured as curved or arcuate walls. For instance, as will be described below, each sidewall  162 ,  164  may define a curved or arcuate profile as it extends between the upstream and downstream sides  154 ,  156  of the flow splitter  102  and/or between the upper and lower ends  150 ,  152  of the splitter  102 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 4 , each sidewall  162 ,  164  defines a constant or uniform depth  168  between the upstream and downstream sides  154 ,  156  of the splitter  102  as the splitter  102  extends longitudinally between its upper and lower ends  150 ,  152 . However, as will be described below, the sidewalls  162 ,  164  may, instead, define a depth that tapers or varies as the splitter  102  extends longitudinally between its upper and lower ends  150 ,  152 . 
     As indicated above, in one embodiment, the flow splitter  102  may be configured to be cantilevered from the lower wall or support plate  140  extending outwardly from the chopper assembly  50 . Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the lower end  152  of the flow splitter  102  may be coupled to the lower plate  140  via suitable mounting structure (e.g., via a mounting plate  170  and one or more mounting brackets  172 ), with the upper end  150  of the flow splitter  102  corresponding to a free or unsupported end of the flow splitter  102 . In such an embodiment, the flow splitter  102  may be cantilevered in an angled orientation relative to the chopper assembly  50  and/or the opposed plates  130 ,  140 . For instance, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the flow splitter  102  is mounted to the lower plate  140  so as to be angled away from the outlet  92  of the chopper assembly  50  (e.g., by orienting the leading edge  160  of the flow splitter  102  at a given angle  174  relative to the vertical direction  116 , such as an angle ranging from 15 degrees to 45 degrees from vertical). In such an embodiment, the angular orientation of the flow splitter  102  may be selected, for example, such that the upper end  150  of the flow splitter  102  is positioned downstream of or otherwise is spaced apart from the downstream end  134  of the upper plate  130 . For instance, as shown in  FIG. 4 , given the angular orientation of the flow splitter  102 , the upper end  150  of the flow splitter  102  is spaced apart from the downstream end  134  of the upper plate  130  by a given distance  176 , thereby creating a flow gap  178  between the splitter  102  and the upper plate  130  through which a portion of the processed crop material discharged from the outlet  92  may be directed. In particular, crop material that directly contacts the leading edge  160  of the flow splitter  102  may flow up along the leading edge  160  and through the flow gap  178  defined between the splitter  102  and the upper plate  130  to prevent any plugging at the location of the splitter  102 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , differing views of another embodiment of a flow splitter  202  suitable for use within the disclosed system  100  are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically,  FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate perspective and side views, respectively, of the flow splitter  202  installed relative to the various other system components described above with reference to  FIGS. 3-5 , such as the chopper assembly  50  and the upper and lower plates  130 ,  140 . 
     In general, the flow splitter  202  is configured the same as or similar to the flow splitter  102  described above with reference to  FIGS. 3-5 . Thus, the features or elements of the splitter  202  that are the same as or similar to corresponding features of elements of the splitter  102  described above with reference to  FIGS. 3-5  will be designated by the same reference character with a value of one-hundred added thereto. In addition, it should be appreciated that that the splitter  202  may generally be configured to perform the same or similar function as the splitter  102  described above, such as by dividing the flow of processed crop material discharged from the chopper assembly  50  into separate flows of material to allow for enhanced airflow through the downstream extraction chamber  93  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     As particularly shown in  FIG. 7 , the flow splitter  202  corresponds to an elongated member extending longitudinally between an upper end  250  and a lower end  252  and defining opposed upstream and downstream sides  254 ,  256  relative to the flow direction  126  of the crop material across the splitter  202 . Additionally, similar to the embodiment described above, the flow splitter may, in one embodiment, define a V-shaped profile. For example, the flow splitter  202  may include a leading edge  260  positioned along its upstream side  254  and first and second diverging sidewalls  262 ,  264  extending from the leading edge  260  towards the downstream side  256  of the flow splitter  202 . In such an embodiment, the sidewalls  262 ,  264  may diverge away from each other such that a lateral width  266  ( FIG. 6 ) of the splitter  202  increases as the sidewalls  262 ,  264  extend between the upstream and downstream sides  254 ,  256  of the splitter  202 . 
     However, unlike the cantilevered embodiment described above, the illustrated flow splitter  202  is mounted or otherwise supported directly between the upper and lower plates  130 ,  140 . Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the flow splitter  202  is mounted on or otherwise supported relative to the upper and lower plates  130 ,  140  such that the upper end  250  of the splitter  202  is positioned directly adjacent to a portion of the upper plate  130  and the lower end  252  of the splitter  202  is positioned directly adjacent to a portion of the lower plate  140 . For example, in one embodiment, the opposed upper and lower ends  250 ,  252  of the flow splitter  202  may be directly coupled to the upper and lower plates  130 ,  140 , respectively, such as by welding each end  250 ,  252  to the adjacent plate  130 ,  140  or by using suitable mechanical fasteners to couple each end  250 ,  252  to the adjacent plate  130 ,  140 . 
     Additionally, unlike the embodiment described above in which the sidewalls define a constant or uniform depth along the length of the splitter  102 , the sidewalls  262 ,  264  of the flow splitter  202  shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  define a varying or tapered depth  268  ( FIG. 7 ) along the length of the flow splitter  202 . Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the depth  268  of each sidewall  262 ,  264  tapers as it extends lengthwise from the lower end  252  of the splitter  202  to the upper end  250  of the splitter  202  such that the sidewall depth  268  at the lower end  252  of the splitter  202  is greater than the sidewall depth  268  at the upper end  250  of the splitter  202 . Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 7 , unlike the embodiment described above, the leading edge  260  of the flow splitter  202  is angled towards the outlet  92  of the chopper assembly  50  (as opposed to being angled away from the chopper outlet  92  as in the embodiment of  FIGS. 3-5 ). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-10 , differing views of yet another embodiment of a flow splitter  302  suitable for use within the disclosed system  100  are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically,  FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate perspective and side views, respectively, of the flow splitter  302  installed relative to the various other system components described above with reference to  FIGS. 3-7 , such as the chopper assembly  50  and the upper and lower plates  130 ,  140 . Additionally,  FIG. 10  illustrates a rear view of the flow splitter shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  as installed between the upper and lower plates  130 ,  140 . 
     In general, the flow splitter  302  is configured the same as or similar to the flow splitter  202  described above with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Thus, the features or elements of the splitter  302  that are the same as or similar to corresponding features of elements of the splitter  202  described above with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7  will be designated by the same reference character with a value of one-hundred added thereto. In addition, it should be appreciated that that the splitter  302  may generally be configured to perform the same or similar function as the various other splitter embodiments described herein, such as by dividing the flow of processed crop material discharged from the chopper assembly  50  into separate flows of material to allow for enhanced airflow through the downstream extraction chamber  93  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     As particularly shown in  FIG. 9 , the flow splitter  302  corresponds to an elongated member extending longitudinally between an upper end  350  and a lower end  352  and defining opposed upstream and downstream sides  354 ,  356  relative to the flow direction  126  of the crop material across the splitter  302 . Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the flow splitter  302  is configured to be mounted or otherwise supported directly between the upper and lower plates  130 ,  140 . For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, the flow splitter  302  is mounted on or otherwise supported relative to the upper and lower plates  130 ,  140  such that the upper end  350  of the splitter  302  is positioned directly adjacent to a portion of the upper plate  130  and the lower end  352  of the splitter  302  is positioned directly adjacent to a portion of the lower plate  140 . 
     Additionally, similar to the embodiment described above, the flow splitter may, in one embodiment, define a V-shaped profile. For example, the flow splitter  302  may include a leading edge  360  positioned along its upstream side  354  and first and second diverging sidewalls  362 ,  364  extending from the leading edge  360  towards the downstream side  356  of the flow splitter  302 . In such an embodiment, the sidewalls  362 ,  364  may diverge away from each other such that a lateral width  366  ( FIG. 10 ) of the splitter  302  increases as the sidewalls  362 ,  364  extend between the upstream and downstream sides  354 ,  356  of the splitter  302 . However, unlike the embodiment described above with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the sidewalls  362 ,  364  diverge away from each other at differing rates along the vertical length of the splitter  302  such that the lateral width  366  of the splitter  302  along its downstream side  356  differs between the upper and lower ends  350 ,  352  of the splitter  302 . Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the downstream lateral width  366  of the splitter  392  is greatest at the upper end  350  of the splitter  302  and tapers down as the splitter  302  extends lengthwise from its upper end  350  to its lower end  352 . Such additional outward flaring of the sidewalls  362 ,  364  as the flow splitter  302  extends vertically between the upper and lower plates  130 ,  140  may facilitate enhanced spreading or divergence of the separate material flows created by the flow splitter  302  as the processed crop flow as is directed across the splitter  302  and subsequently flows downstream into the extraction chamber  93  ( FIG. 2 ) of the extractor housing  94 . 
     Additionally, the sidewalls  362 ,  364  of the flow splitter  302  shown in  FIGS. 8-10  define a varying or tapered depth  368  ( FIG. 9 ) along the vertical length of the splitter  302 . However, unlike the embodiment described above with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the depth  368  of each sidewall  362 ,  364  tapers as it extends lengthwise from the upper end  350  of the splitter  302  to the lower end  352  of the splitter  302 . As a result, the depth  368  of each sidewall  362 ,  364  is greater at the upper end  350  of the splitter  302  than at the lower end  352  of the splitter  302 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11-13 , differing views of a further embodiment of a flow splitter  402  suitable for use within the disclosed system  100  are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically,  FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of the flow splitter  402  installed relative to the various other system components described above with reference to  FIGS. 3-10 , such as the chopper assembly  50  and the upper and lower plates  130 ,  140 . Additionally,  FIG. 12  illustrates a rear view of the flow splitter  402  shown in  FIG. 11  as installed between the upper and lower plates  130 ,  140 , while  FIG. 13  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the flow splitter shown in  FIG. 12  taken about line  13 - 13 . 
     In general, the flow splitter  402  is configured the same as or similar to the flow splitter  302  described above with reference to  FIGS. 8-10 . Thus, the features or elements of the splitter  402  that are the same as or similar to corresponding features of elements of the splitter  302  described above with reference to  FIGS. 8-10  will be designated by the same reference character with a value of one-hundred added thereto. In addition, it should be appreciated that that the splitter  402  may generally be configured to perform the same or similar function as the various other splitter embodiments described herein, such as by dividing the flow of processed crop material discharged from the chopper assembly  50  into separate flows of material to allow for enhanced airflow through the downstream extraction chamber  93  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the flow splitter  402  corresponds to an elongated member extending longitudinally between an upper end  450  ( FIG. 12 ) and a lower end  452  ( FIG. 12 ) and defining opposed upstream and downstream sides  454 ,  456  ( FIG. 13 ) relative to the flow direction  126  of the crop material across the splitter  402 . Moreover, the flow splitter  402  is configured to be mounted or otherwise supported directly between the upper and lower plates  130 ,  140 . For instance, as particularly shown in  FIG. 12 , the flow splitter  402  is mounted on or otherwise supported relative to the upper and lower plates  130 ,  140  such that the upper end  450  of the splitter  402  is positioned directly adjacent to a portion of the upper plate  130  and the lower end  452  of the splitter  402  is positioned directly adjacent to a portion of the lower plate  140 . 
     However, unlike the V-shaped embodiment of the flow splitter  302  described above, the flow splitter  402  defines a diverging U-shaped profile. For example, as particularly shown in  FIG. 13 , the flow splitter includes a forward wall  460  positioned along its upstream side  454  and first and second diverging sidewalls  462 ,  464  extending from the forward wall  460  towards the downstream side  456  of the flow splitter  402 . In such an embodiment, the sidewalls  462 ,  464  may diverge away from each other such that a lateral width  466  ( FIGS. 12 and 13 ) of the splitter  402  increases as the sidewalls  462 ,  464  extend between the upstream and downstream sides  454 ,  456  of the splitter  402 . Moreover, in one embodiment, the sidewalls  462 ,  464  may diverge away from each other at differing rates along the vertical length of the splitter  402  such that the lateral width  466  of the splitter  402  along its downstream side  456  differs between the upper and lower ends  450 ,  452  of the splitter  402 . However, as shown in  FIG. 12 , unlike the embodiment described above, the downstream lateral width  466  of the splitter  402  is greatest at the bottom end  452  of the splitter  402  and tapers or reduces as the splitter  402  extends lengthwise from its lower end  452  to its upper end  454 . 
     Additionally, the sidewalls  462 ,  464  of the flow splitter  402  shown in  FIGS. 11-13  define a varying or tapered depth  468  ( FIG. 11 ) along the vertical length of the flow splitter  402 . However, unlike the embodiment described above with reference to  FIGS. 8-10 , the depth  468  of each sidewall  462 ,  464  tapers as it extends lengthwise from the lower end  452  of the splitter  402  to the upper end  450  of the splitter  402 . As a result, the depth  468  of each sidewall  462 ,  464  is greater at the lower end  452  of the splitter  402  than at the upper end  450  of the splitter  402 . 
     Furthermore, unlike the various embodiments described above, the sidewalls  462 ,  464  of the splitter  402  correspond to arcuate or curved walls. Specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , each sidewall  462 ,  464  defines a curved or arced profile as it extends between both the upstream and downstream sides  454 ,  456  of the splitter  402  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 13 ) and the upper and lower ends  450 ,  452  of the splitter  402  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 12 ). In one embodiment, such arcuate or curved sidewalls  462 ,  464  may assist in flipping or inverting the processed crop material flowing along each sidewall  462 ,  464 . For instance, the curved sidewalls  462 ,  464  may be adapted to introduce a spinning or rotational component to the flow of crop material along each sidewall  462 ,  464 . Such flipping or inversion of the processed crop material can facilitate enhanced separation of the debris from the billets as the crop material flows past the flow splitter  402  and into the downstream extraction chamber  93  ( FIG. 2 ) of the extractor  54 . 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.