Patent Publication Number: US-2020296894-A1

Title: Stalk roll

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a Continuation Application of U.S. Ser. No. 15/400,551 filed on Jan. 6, 2017, which is a Continuation Application of U.S. Ser. No. 13/327,398 filed on Dec. 15, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,560,804 issued Feb. 2, 2017, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to provisional application Ser. No. 61/423,192 filed Dec. 15, 2010, all of which are herein incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The apparatus described herein is generally applicable to the field of agricultural equipment. The embodiments shown and described herein are more particularly for improved harvesting of corn plants. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     No federal funds were used to develop or create the disclosed invention. 
     REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Modern agriculture techniques require that during separation of a corn plant ear (or “ear”) from a stalk (or “stalk”) corn harvesting machines optimize the following considerations: (1) increase the rate of ear separation; (2) ensure that the corn plant is not severed from its root system during harvesting; (3) increase the speed at which stalks are ejected from the row unit; (4) retain minimal amounts of material other than ears (“MOTE”) in the heterogeneous material being delivered to the harvesting machine for threshing; and, (5) lacerate and/or penetrate the shell of the stalk to expose the internal portions for accelerated decomposition of the stalk. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , modern corn headers are provided with a plurality of row crop dividers for retrieving, lifting, and directing the rows of stalks toward their respective corn plant engagement chambers. The corn plant engagement chamber is defined herein as the portion of the corn head row unit that engages the stalk and separates the ear from the corn plant.  FIG. 1A  shows the top view of two stalk rolls found in the prior art. Gathering chains located in the corn plant engagement chamber draw the stalks and/or ears towards the header. Stalk rolls located beneath the gathering chains pull the stalks rapidly downward, returning the stalk to the field. These stalk rolls are typically powered by a gearbox. As the stalk rolls rotate, the flutes on the stalk rolls engage and pull the stalks downward. Two stripper plates located above the stalk rolls, with one stripper plate on either side of the corn row, are spaced wide enough to allow the stalks and leaves to pass between them but narrow enough to retain the ears. This causes the ears to be separated from the corn plant as the stalk is pulled down through the stripper plates. The stalk rolls continue to rotate and eject the unwanted portions of the corn plant below the corn plant engagement chamber, thereby returning the unwanted portions of the corn plant to the field. 
     The performance of stalk rolls found in the prior art, as shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , has been found to be less than optimal. Attempts at increasing stalk roll performance and increasing ear separation speed have been made by increasing rotational speed of the stalk rolls. These attempts have been largely unsuccessful because stalk rolls having uniform length flutes rotating at high speeds simulate a solid rotating cylinder (sometimes referred to as an “egg-beater effect”), which restricts entry of the corn plant into the corn plant engagement chamber. The diameter of the simulated rotating cylinder is approximately equal to the distance from the tip of a first flute on a given stalk roll to the tip of a second flute oriented closest to 180 degrees from the first flute (i.e., two opposed flutes on a given stalk roll). This rotating-cylinder effect prevents individual flutes from engaging the stalk and restricts corn plants from entering the corn plant engagement chamber. Thus, stalk engagement is hindered and the corn plant hesitates and does not enter the corn plant engagement chamber. 
     The prior art has attempted to increase the performance of cutting or chopping stalk rolls by simply adding more flutes to the stalk rolls. In prior art applications, this reduces the performance of the stalk rolls because during rotation of the stalk rolls, a semi-continuous wall of steel restricts entry of the stalk into the corn plant engagement chamber, as noted above. Adding flutes decreases the likelihood of a stalk entering the space between two opposing stalk rolls. That is, as more flutes are added to the stalk roll, rotation of the stalk roll causes the stalk roll to more closely simulate a rotating cylinder. When viewed along the axis of rotation of the stalk roll (the direction from which the stalk rolls would approach the stalk), adding more flutes restricts the ability of the stalks to enter the corn plant engagement chamber due to interference from the ends of the flutes. 
     When the gathering chain paddle passes above the stripper plates and engages a stalk that is restricted from entering the corn plant engagement chamber, the gathering chain paddle will likely break or sever the stalk prior to ear separation. Stalk severance prior to ear separation increases intake of MOTE to the harvesting machine, thereby increasing horsepower and fuel requirements. Difficulty in stalks entering the area between to stalk rolls may also cause ear separation to take place near the opening of the row unit and allow loose ears to fall to the ground, thereby becoming irretrievable. 
       FIG. 3  shows prior art opposing stalk roll designs utilizing six flutes that inter-mesh and overlap. When the flutes of this type engage the stalk, the flutes alternately apply opposing force. This knife-edge relationship causes at least two problems. First, the corn plants are violently tossed from side to side causing premature separation of loosely attached ears, thereby permitting the ear to fall to the ground and become irretrievable. Second, the stalk is cut or snapped at a node causing long, unwanted portions of the stalk and leaves to stay attached to the ear and remain in the row unit. This increases the amount of MOTE the harvesting machine must process. This problem is compounded as the number of row units per corn head is increased. 
       FIG. 4  shows the prior art stalk roll design with intermeshing knife edges as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,699. As shown, the stalk rolls have six outwardly extending integral flutes. Each flute has a knife edge that is provided with a leading surface and a trailing surface. The leading surface of the knife edge has a ten degree forward (with respect to the rotation of the stalk roll) slope and the trailing surface has a thirty degree reverse slope (with respect to the rotation of the stalk roll), both of which slopes are defined with respect to a line extending through the vertex of the knife edge and the central longitudinal axis of the stalk roll. Therefore, the leading surface is steeper than the trailing surface of each knife edge. The radially extending flutes are interleaved with one another in an intermeshing-type arrangement. The stalk rolls may be mounted in a cantilevered arrangement; or alternatively, in an arrangement employing nose bearings. The stalk roll comprises a cylindrical shell formed by two semi-cylindrical pieces that are clamped about a drive shaft. Bolts extend between the two semi-cylindrical pieces to pull the pieces together, thereby clamping the stalk rolls to the drive shaft. 
     This design, upon restricted engagement of the stalk roll with the stalk, allows the knife edges to cut stalks before pulling the stalks through the stripper plates to separate the ear from the stalk, effectively leaving the upper portion of the corn plant free to float in the corn row unit as shown in  FIG. 3 . This requires the harvesting machine threshing components to process a substantial portion of the stalk, which increases harvesting machine horsepower and fuel requirements. 
       FIG. 5  shows the design disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,428, which is a stalk roll having bilaterally symmetric flutes with knife edges that are adjacent and overlap in the shear zone area. This design produces a shearing and cutting of the stalk using a scissor configuration produced by the leading and trailing edges of the opposing knife-edged flutes. Again, the stalks are cut off prior to ear separation. This is sometimes referred to as a “scissor effect” and also results in the need to process increased amounts of MOTE. 
     Case IH corn heads built prior to development of U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,428 used stalk rolls having four knives that are bolted to a solid shaft. Adjacent stalk rolls are registered with one another so that as the stalk rolls are rotated, the knives of the opposing stalk rolls are also opposing rather than intermeshing. In an opposing arrangement, the knives come into contact with opposite sides of the stalk at the same general height of the stalk, thereby lacerating the stalk for accelerated decomposition. It is important that the blades are correctly registered with one another, and that the blades are correctly spaced from one another. The stalk rolls used on Case IH corn heads require nose bearings at the forward end (with respect to the direction of travel of the harvesting machine during threshing) of the stalk rolls to operate properly and may not be mounted in a cantilevered arrangement. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limited of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of a corn head that contains a cross auger, a feeder house, a frame, and multiple row units of the prior art. 
         FIG. 1A  is an exploded top view of a portion of one row unit of  FIG. 1  of the prior art showing a portion of the corn plant engagement chamber. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view along the plane of A-A of one row unit, the cross auger, the cross auger trough, the feeder house, and the gathering chain from  FIG. 1 , as disclosed in the prior art. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the corn head shown in  FIG. 1  along the plane F highlighting the stalk rolls and stripper plates of one row unit of the prior art engaged with and shearing a corn plant. 
         FIG. 4  is an end view of a pair of cutting-type stalk rolls as disclosed in the prior art. 
         FIG. 5  is an end view of a pair of shearing-type stalk rolls as disclosed in the prior art. 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of a pair of opposing stalk rolls incorporating certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a pair opposing of stalk rolls incorporating certain aspects of the present disclosure, wherein the nose cones have been removed for clarity. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of a pair of stalk rolls shown in  FIGS. 6 &amp; 7 . 
         FIG. 9A  is an end view of an opposing pair of one embodiment of the present art stalk rolls positioned to illustrate a first moment during which the stalk engagement gap is present. 
         FIG. 9B  is an end view of an opposing pair of one embodiment of the present art stalk rolls at a moment in time later than that depicted in  FIG. 9A  showing the stalk rolls rotated so that the stalk engagement gap is no longer present due to the first opposing flutes positioned in the stalk slot. 
         FIG. 9C  provides an end view an opposing pair of one embodiment of the present art stalk rolls at a moment in time later than that depicted in  FIG. 9B  showing the stalk rolls rotated so that the stalk engagement gap is not present due to the second opposing flutes positioned in the stalk slot. 
         FIG. 9D  is an end view of an opposing pair of one embodiment of the present art stalk rolls at a moment in time later than that depicted in  FIG. 9C  showing the stalk rolls rotated to a position where the stalk engagement gap is present for the second time during one revolution of the stalk rolls. 
         FIG. 9E  is an end view of an opposing pair of one embodiment of the present art stalk rolls at a moment in time later than that depicted in  FIG. 9D  showing the stalk rolls rotated so that the stalk engagement gap is no longer present due to the third opposing flutes positioned in the stalk slot. 
         FIG. 9F  is an end view of an opposing pair of one embodiment of the present art stalk rolls at a moment in time later than that depicted in  FIG. 9E  showing the stalk rolls rotated so that the stalk engagement gap is not present due to the fourth opposing flutes positioned in the stalk slot. 
         FIG. 10  is an end view of a second embodiment of an opposing pair of the present art stalk rolls having fifth and sixth flutes with a rotational position corresponding to the position of the stalk rolls in  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 11  is an end view of an opposing pair of one embodiment of the present art stalk rolls illustrating flutes with knife edges. 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of one embodiment of a pair of stripper plates that may be used with various embodiments of the present art stalk roll showing various zones along the length of the stripper plates. 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of one embodiment of a pair of stalk rolls according to the present disclosure showing various zones along the length of the stalk rolls. 
         FIG. 14A  is a cross-sectional view of the stripper plates and stalk rolls from  FIGS. 12 &amp; 13 , respectively, at line  14 A. 
         FIG. 14B  is a cross-sectional view of the stripper plates and stalk rolls from  FIGS. 12 &amp; 13 , respectively, at line  14 B. 
         FIG. 14C  is a cross-sectional view of the stripper plates and stalk rolls from  FIGS. 12 &amp; 13 , respectively, at line  14 C. 
         FIG. 14D  is a cross-sectional view of the stripper plates and stalk rolls from  FIGS. 12 &amp; 13 , respectively, at line  14 D. 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of another embodiment of stalk rolls incorporating certain aspects of the present disclosure having tapered flutes showing various zones along the length of the stalk rolls. 
         FIG. 15A  is a cross-sectional view of the stalk rolls from  FIG. 15  at line  15 A. 
         FIG. 15B  is a cross-sectional view of the stalk rolls from  FIG. 15  at line  15 B. 
         FIG. 15C  is a cross-sectional view of the stalk rolls from  FIG. 15  at line  15 C. 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of another embodiment of stalk rolls incorporating certain aspects of the present disclosure having stepped flutes showing various zones along the length of the stalk rolls. 
         FIG. 16A  is a cross-sectional view of the stalk rolls from  FIG. 16  at line  16 A. 
         FIG. 16B  is a cross-sectional view of the stalk rolls from  FIG. 16  at line  16 B. 
         FIG. 16C  is a cross-sectional view of the stalk rolls from  FIG. 16  at line  16 C. 
         FIG. 17  is a top view of another embodiment of stalk rolls incorporating certain aspects of the present disclosure having tapered flutes showing various zones along the length of the stalk rolls. 
         FIG. 17A  is a cross-sectional view of the stalk rolls from  FIG. 17  at line  17 A. 
         FIG. 17B  is a cross-sectional view of the stalk rolls from  FIG. 17  at line  17 B. 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 13  along line  14 D with a stalk engaged with the stalk rolls. 
         FIG. 18A  is a detailed view of the stalk after penetration of the stalk by the stalk roll. 
         FIG. 19A  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of stalk rolls incorporating certain aspects of the present disclosure showing the angle of the flute edges prior to engagement with a stalk. 
         FIG. 19B  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of stalk rolls incorporating certain aspects of the present disclosure showing the angle of the flute edges as they would be during engagement with a stalk. 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a corn head incorporating certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 21A  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a stalk roll having a recess. 
         FIG. 21B  is a second perspective view of the first embodiment of a stalk roll having a recess. 
         FIG. 21C  provides a detailed view of a flute in the first embodiment of a stalk roll having a recess. 
         FIG. 22A  is an end view of the first embodiment of two stalk rolls having recesses intermeshed with one another. 
         FIG. 22B  is another end view of the first embodiment of two stalk rolls having recesses intermeshed with one another wherein the nose cone has been removed for clarity. 
         FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of two stalk rolls having a recess intermeshed with one another. 
       
         
           
             
                 
              
                 
                     
                 
                 
                   DETAILED DESCRIPTION - ELEMENT LISTING 
                 
              
             
             
                 
                 
                 
              
                 
                     
                   ELEMENT DESCRIPTION 
                   ELEMENT # 
                 
                 
                     
                     
                 
                 
                     
                   Gathering chain paddle 
                    1 (110) 
                 
                 
                     
                   Gathering chain 
                    2 (120) 
                 
                 
                     
                   Stripper plate 
                    3 (130) 
                 
                 
                     
                   Row divider 
                    4 (100) 
                 
                 
                     
                   Nose cone 
                   5 
                 
                 
                     
                   Transport vane 
                    6 (170) 
                 
                 
                     
                   Stalk slot 
                   7 
                 
                 
                     
                   Cross auger trough 
                    8 (200) 
                 
                 
                     
                   Cross auger 
                    9 (220) 
                 
                 
                     
                   Cross auger flighting 
                    10 (230) 
                 
                 
                     
                   Feeder house 
                   11 
                 
                 
                     
                   Stalk roll (Prior Art) 
                   12 
                 
                 
                     
                   Ear 
                    13 (300) 
                 
                 
                     
                   Outer shell of stalk 
                    14 (321) 
                 
                 
                     
                   First (right) stalk roll 
                   15 
                 
                 
                     
                   Second (left) stalk roll 
                   16 
                 
                 
                     
                   Cylindrical shell 
                   17 
                 
                 
                     
                   First flute 
                   18 
                 
                 
                     
                   Second flute 
                   19 
                 
                 
                     
                   Third flute 
                   20 
                 
                 
                     
                   Fourth flute 
                   21 
                 
                 
                     
                   Knife edge 
                   22 
                 
                 
                     
                   Leading surface 
                   23 
                 
                 
                     
                   Trailing surface 
                   24 
                 
                 
                     
                   Stalk engagement gap 
                   25 
                 
                 
                     
                   Fifth flute 
                   26 
                 
                 
                     
                   Semi-cylindrical shell (Upper) 
                   27 
                 
                 
                     
                   Semi-cylindrical shell (Lower) 
                   28 
                 
                 
                     
                   Stalk roll drive shaft 
                   29 
                 
                 
                     
                   Annular ridge 
                   30 
                 
                 
                     
                   Short bolt hole 
                   31 
                 
                 
                     
                   Short bolt 
                   32 
                 
                 
                     
                   Sixth flute 
                   33 
                 
                 
                     
                   Bolt receiver 
                   34 
                 
                 
                     
                   Long bolts 
                   36 
                 
                 
                     
                   Long bolt hole 
                   37 
                 
                 
                     
                   Intermediate drive shaft 
                   38 
                 
                 
                     
                   Drive shaft bolt 
                   39 
                 
                 
                     
                   Small pin 
                   40 
                 
                 
                     
                   Large pin 
                   41 
                 
                 
                     
                   Row unit cover 
                   100 
                 
                 
                     
                   Ear separation chamber 
                   140 
                 
                 
                     
                   Short flute 
                   180 
                 
                 
                     
                   Tapered flute 
                   181 
                 
                 
                     
                   Intermediate flute 
                   182 
                 
                 
                     
                   Long flute 
                   183 
                 
                 
                     
                   Stalk roll 
                   190 (192) 
                 
                 
                     
                   Underside of leaf 
                   310 
                 
                 
                     
                   Stalk 
                   320 
                 
                 
                     
                   Stalk outer shell 
                   321 
                 
                 
                     
                   First grasp point 
                   322 
                 
                 
                     
                   Second grasp 
                   323 
                 
                 
                     
                   Stalk cut point 
                   324 
                 
                 
                     
                   Stalk piece 
                   326 
                 
                 
                     
                   Stalk node 
                   330 
                 
                 
                     
                   Stalk roll 
                   400 
                 
                 
                     
                   Nose cone 
                   410 
                 
                 
                     
                   Flighting 
                   412 
                 
                 
                     
                   Recess 
                   420 
                 
                 
                     
                   Main cylinder 
                   430 
                 
                 
                     
                   Full flute 
                   440 
                 
                 
                     
                   Flute edge 
                   442 
                 
                 
                     
                   Leading surface 
                   444 
                 
                 
                     
                   Trailing surface 
                   445 
                 
                 
                     
                   Leading wall 
                   446 
                 
                 
                     
                   Trailing wall 
                   447 
                 
                 
                     
                   Beveled edge 
                   448 
                 
                 
                     
                   Flute base 
                   449 
                 
                 
                     
                   Reduced flute 
                   450 
                 
                 
                     
                     
                 
              
             
           
         
       
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before the various embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that phraseology and terminology used herein with reference to device or element orientation (such as, for example, terms like “front”, “back”, “up”, “down”, “top”, “bottom”, and the like) are only used to simplify description of the present invention, and do not alone indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation. In addition, terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used herein and in the appended claims for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance. “Stalk roll”  15 ,  16 ,  190 ,  192 ,  400  is not limited to any specific embodiment or feature disclosed herein, but is meant to include any present art stalk roll that is configured with one or more inventive feature as disclosed and claimed herein. 
     1. First Embodiment of Stalk Rolls with a Stalk Engagement Gap 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, the general operation of corn heads having stalk rolls mounted thereon of the type illustrated in  FIGS. 6-9  is similar to the operation of corn heads using stalk rolls  12  of the prior art (as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 ). As used herein, “left” and “right” are defined from the perspective of a corn plant with respect to a harvesting machine. 
     The power source for this corn head row unit is provided from a stalk roll drive shaft  29  through a gearbox, as described in the prior art and is well known to those skilled in the art and not pictured herein. Each corn head row unit on a corn header is provided with a first and second stalk roll  15 ,  16  arranged parallel to one another to make an opposing pair. The first and second stalk rolls  15 ,  16  are provided with nose cones  5  having transport vanes  6 . Immediately behind the nose cones  5  are cylindrical shells  17  having a first, second, third, and fourth flute  18 ,  19 ,  20  and  21 , respectively, mounted along the length of the first and second stalk rolls  15 ,  16  (as can easily be seen in  FIG. 6 ). Each flute  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  may further be provided with a knife edge  22 , as is shown in detail in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 11 . The knife edges  22  are substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical shell  17 . As shown in the embodiment in  FIGS. 6-9 , the stalk rolls  15 ,  16  may be mounted in the cantilevered manner for rotation by their respective stalk roll drive shafts (not shown), thereby eliminating the need for support brackets or nose bearings. 
     As with corn headers employing stalk rolls  12  of the prior art, the stalk rolls  15 ,  16  of the present disclosure pull the stalk  320  in a downward motion, causing the ears  13  to contact the stripper plates  3  and separate from the stalk  320 . The flutes  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  affixed to the stalk rolls  15 ,  16  may also act to lacerate or crush the stalk  320 , and also facilitate ejection of the stalk  320  from the corn plant engagement chamber. Gathering chain paddles  1  affixed to gathering chains  2  transport the loose ears  13  to the cross auger trough  8 . The cross auger  9  moves the ears  13  from the cross auger trough  8  to the feeder house  11 , which moves the ears  13  into the remainder of the harvesting machine for further processing, all of which is well known to those skilled in the art. 
     In an embodiment not pictured herein, the stalk rolls  15 ,  16  may be manufactured as one piece adapted for engagement upon the stalk roll drive shaft  29 . In another embodiment, the first and second stalk rolls  15 ,  16  may be built as two continuous, integral, semi-cylindrical shells to be bolted to a stalk roll mounting base (not shown) into which the stalk roll drive shaft  29  is inserted, as is best illustrated in  FIG. 8 . The cylindrical shell  17  may be comprised of two semi-cylindrical shell pieces, an upper semi-cylindrical shell  27  and a lower semi-cylindrical shell  28 , that are bolted to the intermediate drive shaft  38 . The long bolt holes  37  and long bolts  36  with nuts or other securing members, along with the short bolt holes  31 , short bolts  32 , and bolt receivers  34 , form a structure for mounting the cylindrical shell  17  to the intermediate drive shaft  38 , which then may be mounted to the stalk roll drive shaft  29 . 
       FIG. 8  best illustrates the mounting structure for an embodiment employing semi-cylindrical shells  27 ,  28 . In one embodiment, each semi-cylindrical shell  27 ,  28  is fashioned with two inwardly extending annular ridges  30  having short bolt holes  31 . Short bolts  32  pass through the short bolt holes  31  and engage bolt receivers  34  located on an intermediate drive shaft  38 . Long bolts  36  pass through the long bolt holes  37  of two corresponding upper and lower semi-cylindrical shells  27 ,  28 , and with a nut or other securing member clamp the semi-cylindrical shells  27 ,  28  together around the intermediate drive shaft  38 . The intermediate drive shaft  38  is clamped to the stalk roll drive shaft  29  by drive shaft bolts  39 . In addition, a small pin  40  and a large pin  41  prevent relative rotation between the intermediate drive shaft  38  and the stalk roll drive shaft (not shown in  FIG. 8 ). 
     Each semi-cylindrical shell  27 ,  28  may be manufactured having at least two integral flutes. In one embodiment, the flutes are then machined to define the knife edge  22 . Each knife edge  22  has a leading surface  23  and a trailing surface  24  that form an acute angle between them of approximately forty degrees, as shown in the embodiment pictured in  FIG. 11 . The leading surface is a rearward (with respect to the direction of rotation of one of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16  of an opposing pair) sloping surface, sloping approximately ten degrees from a line passing though the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical shell  17  and the vertex of the knife edge  22 . The trailing surface  24  is a forward (with respect to the direction of rotation of one of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16  of an opposing pair) sloping surface, sloping approximately thirty degrees from a line passing through the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical shell  17  and the vertex of the knife edge  22 . Other slopes and angles of the leading surface  23  and the trailing surface  24  may be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the stalk roll  15 ,  16 . As is well known to those skilled in the art, tungsten carbide may be applied to the trailing surfaces  24  to make the knife edges  22  self-sharpening. Although not shown, the layer of tungsten carbide is generally between three and twenty thousandths of an inch thick and is induction hardened. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 6-9 , the flutes  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  of the opposing first and second stalk rolls  15 ,  16  are offset to one another but not interleaved. As those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, though not pictured, the stalk roll design disclosed herein may also be implemented with a rounded flute edge or edge that does not have knife-like characteristics. Accordingly, the scope of the stalk roll  15 ,  16  is not limited by type of edge fashioned on the flute or the specific cross-sectional shape of the flute. 
     The present art alleviates the impediment to flow of stalks  320  into the corn plant engagement chamber (which impediment is a result of the egg-beater effect, as described above) by creating at least one stalk engagement gap  25  in the stalk slot  7  per revolution of the stalk roll  15 ,  16 , which is explained in detail below. When the stalk engagement gap  25  is present, corn plant entry into the corn plant engagement chamber is not restricted. 
     As may be seen for the embodiment in  FIGS. 9A-9F , the width of the stalk slot  7  is defined as the distance between the inner periphery of the cylindrical shells  17  of the opposing stalk rolls  15 ,  16 , which width is denoted “W” in  FIGS. 9A-10 . Other embodiments described in detail below include an recess  420 , which may affect the width of the stalk slot  7 . The height of the stalk slot  7  is essentially infinite, though in practicality the ground surface provides a lower limit. The stalk engagement gap  25 , as shown in  FIGS. 9A, 9D, and 10 , is then defined as the moment(s) during revolution of the first and second stalk rolls  15 ,  16  in which none of the flutes  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  of the first or second stalk roll  15 ,  16  are positioned within the stalk slot  7 .  FIGS. 9B, 9C, 9E, and 9F  illustrate the stalk slot  7  after the stalk engagement gap  25  is closed. 
       FIGS. 9A-9F  provide six views of the stalk slot  7  at six different moments during one revolution of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 , with the direction of rotation of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16  indicated by the respective arrows. As will be explained in detail below, the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 9A-9F  is configured so that the stalk engagement gap  25  is present at two different moments in time during one revolution of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 ; and as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, this is but one of many embodiments the stalk rolls  15 ,  16  may take. Throughout one revolution of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 , at any point in time, the flutes  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  may be engaged in five different modes of action upon a stalk  320  at any point along the axial length of the flute  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  (depending on the location and orientation of the flutes  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  and the particular embodiment). The five modes of action upon the stalk  320  are: (1) unrestricted entry of the stalk  320  into the corn plant engagement chamber (which occurs at the moment in time shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9D , although restricted entry may occur at other moments in time); (2) flute  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  or knife engagement with the stalk  320  (which may occur at moments in time shown in  FIGS. 9B, 9C, 9E, and 9F , but may also occur at other moments in time); (3) lacerating and crushing of the stalk  320  by the flutes  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  or knives (which may occur at the moments in time shown in  FIGS. 9B, 9C, 9E, and 9F , but may also occur at other moments in time); (4) ear separation and stalk  320  ejection (which may occur at moments in time shown in  FIGS. 9B, 9C, 9E, and 9F , but may also occur at other moments in time); (5) stalk  320  release by the stalk rolls  15 ,  16  for lateral travel of the stalk  320  (which most often occurs at moments in time shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9D , but may also occur at other moments in time). 
       FIG. 9A  shows the stalk engagement gap  25 , and illustrates that when the stalk engagement gap  25  appears, no flutes  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  are located in the stalk slot  7 . When the stalk rolls  15 ,  16  are in this position a stalk  320  (not shown) may freely enter the stalk slot  7  and the corn plant engagement chamber with no restriction. The stalk engagement gap  25  also allows stalks  320  already positioned between the stalk rolls  15 ,  16  to travel in a lateral direction to compensate for the forward motion of the harvesting machine to which the corn head is attached. 
       FIG. 9B  shows the stalk slot  7  at a later moment in time after the stalk rolls  15 ,  16  have rotated from their positions shown in  FIG. 9A .  FIG. 9B  shows that at this point, the first flute  18  of each stalk roll  15 ,  16  has moved into the stalk slot  7  so that there is no stalk engagement gap  25 , and the first flutes  18  of the respective stalk rolls  15 ,  16  now engage any stalk  320  between the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 . This engagement may serve to lacerate or crush the stalk  320 , or to pull the stalk  320  downward through the corn plant engagement chamber and subsequently eject the stalk  320  depending on the specific embodiment. 
       FIG. 9C  shows the stalk slot  7  at still a later moment in time wherein the second flute  19  of each stalk roll  15 ,  16  has moved into the stalk slot  7  so that there is still no stalk engagement gap  25 . The second flutes  19  of each respective stalk roll  15 ,  16  now engage any stalk  320  between the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 . This engagement may serve to lacerate or crush the stalk  320 , or to pull the stalk  320  downward through the corn plant engagement chamber and subsequently eject the stalk  320  depending on the specific embodiment. 
       FIG. 9D  provides a snapshot of the stalk slot  7  at a moment in time later than the moment depicted in  FIG. 9C , and shows the stalk engagement gap  25  present for the second time during this revolution of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 . The stalk engagement gap  25  is present since no flutes  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  are positioned within the stalk slot  7  when the stalk rolls  15 ,  16  are positioned as in  FIG. 9D , and a stalk  320  (not shown) may again freely enter the stalk slot  7  and the corn plant engagement chamber with no restriction. Again, the stalk engagement gap  25  also allows stalks  320  already positioned between the stalk rolls  15 ,  16  to travel in a lateral direction to compensate for the forward motion of the harvesting machine to which the corn head is attached. 
       FIG. 9E  shows the stalk slot  7  at a later moment in time from the moment shown in  FIG. 9D  wherein the third flute  20  of each stalk roll  15 ,  16  has moved into the stalk slot  7  so that there is no stalk engagement gap  25 . At this point, the third flutes  20  of the respective stalk rolls  15 ,  16  now engage any stalk  320  between the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 . As with similar moments in time already explained, this engagement may serve to lacerate or crush the stalk  320 , or to pull the stalk  320  downward through the corn plant engagement chamber and subsequently eject the stalk  320  depending on the specific embodiment. 
       FIG. 9F  shows the stalk slot  7  at still a later moment in time wherein the fourth flute  21  of each stalk roll  15 ,  16  have moved into the stalk slot  7  so that there is still no stalk engagement gap  25 . Here, the fourth flutes  21  of the respective stalk rolls  15 ,  16  engage any stalk  320  between the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 . Again, this engagement may serve to lacerate or crush the stalk  320 , or to pull the stalk  320  downward through the corn plant engagement chamber and subsequently eject the stalk  320  depending on the specific embodiment. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the next snapshot in time of the stalk slot  7  according to the pattern indicated by  FIGS. 9A-9F  will be identical to  FIG. 9A , and would provide the last view of one full revolution of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 . 
       FIGS. 6-9  show an illustrative embodiment wherein the stalk rolls  15 ,  16  and their respective flutes  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  are configured so that two stalk engagement gaps  25  appear per revolution of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 . As those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the stalk rolls  15 ,  16  and their respective flutes  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  may be configured so that nearly any number of stalk engagement gaps  25  appear per revolution of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 . For example, although not shown in the figures herein, one of ordinary skill in the art could easily add a fifth flute to the stalk rolls  15 ,  16  between the fourth and first flutes  18 ,  21  on each stalk roll  15 ,  16 ; and thereby reduce the number of stalk engagement gaps  25  per revolution of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16  from two to one. 
     In the illustrative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6-9 , two structural features are necessary to create two stalk engagement gaps  25  per revolution of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 . First, the flutes  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  of each stalk roll  15 ,  16  must be positioned around the circumference of the stalk roll  15 ,  16  in a non-equidistant manner. That is, the circumferential distance between the first flute  18  and fourth flute  21  is greater than the circumferential distance between the third flute  20  and fourth flute  21  on each stalk roll  15 ,  16 . Likewise, the circumferential distance between the second flute  19  and third flute  20  is greater than the circumferential distance between the first flute  18  and second flute  19  of each stalk roll  15 ,  16 . However, this may be achieved using flutes  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  of different lengths so as to vary the circumferential distance between terminal ends of flutes  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21 . Second, the first stalk roll  15  of an opposing pair is positioned on its respective stalk roll drive shaft  29  so that it is slightly advanced (with respect to rotational positions of the flutes  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21 ) compared to the second stalk roll  16  of the pair. During operation, the stalk rolls  15 ,  16  operate at the same rotational speed so that the difference in positioning is maintained throughout operation. Because the stalk rolls  12  of the prior art and the flutes thereon are not configured to yield any stalk engagement gaps  25 , they essentially create a wall of rotating steel as previously described, which restricts the entry of the stalk  320  into stalk slot  7  and the corn plant engagement chamber. 
       FIG. 10  provides an end view of another embodiment of stalk rolls  15 ,  16 . In this embodiment, a fifth flute  26  is added between the first flute  18  and second flute  19  so that the distance between the first flute  18  and the fifth flute  26  is equal to the distance between the second flute  19  and the fifth flute  26 . A sixth flute  33  has also been added between the third flute  20  and the fourth flute  21  so that the distance between the third flute  20  and the sixth flute  33  is equal to the distance between the fourth flute  21  and the sixth flute  33 .  FIG. 10  depicts a moment when the stalk engagement gap  25  is present, thereby allowing stalks  320  to enter the corn plant engagement chamber. In this embodiment, as in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 9A-9F , the stalk engagement gap  25  appears twice per revolution of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 . 
     In an alternative embodiment not shown herein, additional flutes that have a smaller axial length as compared to the axial length of flutes  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  could be placed between all or some of flutes  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21 . (Alternatively some of the original flutes  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  could be fashioned with a smaller axial length than the axial length of adjacent flutes  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  31 .) Here, the additional flutes would not extend the entire distance of the cylindrical shell  17 . Instead, the additional flutes would only extend along the cylindrical shell  17  from a point proximal to the end of the cylindrical shell  17  closest to the cross auger  9  (which may be the same point from which the flutes  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  extend, as shown in  FIG. 6 ) to a point distal from the cross auger  9 , but not the entire length of the cylindrical shell  7  up to the interface between the cylindrical shell  17  and the nose cone  5 . That is, the additional flutes would not extend radially from the cylindrical shell  17  on a portion of the cylindrical shell  17  that is distal from the cross auger  9  (and also distal to the connection between the stalk roll drive shaft  29  and the corn header). This embodiment facilitates stalk rolls  15 ,  16  that are configured so as to provide a stock engagement gap  25  along a predetermined axial portion of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16  that first engage the stalk  320  (i.e., a portion distal from the cross auger  9 ) while still providing more flutes to engage the stalk  320  in the corn plant engagement chamber on a portion of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16  proximal to the corn header (which may assist in decomposition of the stalk  320  and harvesting speed). 
     As is apparent from the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , the specific number and orientation of flutes  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21 ,  26 ,  33  employed on a stalk roll  15 ,  16  may vary. Therefore, the precise number of flutes  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21 ,  26 ,  33  employed in a particular embodiment, or the specific orientation thereof in no way limits the scope of the present stalk roll  15 ,  16 . As long as the flutes  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21 ,  26 ,  33  are oriented upon the stalk rolls  15 ,  16  and the stalk rolls  15 ,  16  are orientated with respect to each other such that at least one stalk engagement gap  25  appears during one revolution of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 , the specific orientation or number of flutes  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21 ,  26 ,  33  are not limiting to the scope of the present stalk roll  15 ,  16 . Furthermore, what is referred to herein as a cylindrical shell  17  of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16  need not be fashioned as a perfect cylinder; rather, it may be fashioned so that the cross-sectional area changes along the axial length (e.g., tapered), or be fashioned with any cross-sectional shape that performs in a relatively satisfactory manner. 
     2. Other Embodiments of Stalk Rolls with a Stalk Engagement Gap 
     Another embodiment of a pair of stalk rolls  190  implementing a stalk engagement gap  25  is shown in  FIGS. 13-14E . A pair of beveled stripper plates  130  is shown in  FIG. 12 , and lines B-B, C-C, D-D, and E-E represent various zones along the lengths of the stripper plates  130  and stalk rolls  190 . The stalk rolls  190  and stripper plates  130  from  FIGS. 12 and 13  are shown in cross section at various positions along the lengths thereof in  FIGS. 14B-14E . The embodiment of the stalk rolls  190  and stripper plates  130  shown in  FIGS. 12-14E  are configured to create four distinct (but interrelated and overlapping) zones along the lengths thereof, each of which zone performs a separate function and purpose within the row unit. The combination of zones, relationships, and sub-function are designed to improve the performance of the corn head and harvesting machine by allowing better material flow through the row unit, reducing congestion and MOTE levels through the row unit, conveying systems, and the harvesting machine; thereby improving harvesting machine speeds and efficiencies. The four (4) current interrelated overlapping zones are the Alignment, Entry, Ear Separation, and Post-Ear Separation Plant Ejection Zones. 
     A. The Alignment Zone 
     In the embodiment pictured in  FIGS. 12-14E , the Alignment Zone is generally about the line B-B toward the front of the stalk rolls  190  and adjacent the nose cones  5 , which is best shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14B . In some embodiments, the Alignment Zone extends along the stalk rolls  190  from the front of the nose cones  5  to the line B-B. The purposes of this zone are to align, direct, and gather the corn plant for conveyance to the Entry and/or Ear Separation Zone with the ear  300  intact and positioned for recovery with minimal MOTE. In the Alignment Zone of the embodiment of the stripper plate  130  shown in  FIGS. 12 and 14B-14E , the stripper plates  130  are substantially flat, as best shown in  FIGS. 12 and 14B . This reduces the tendency of ears  300  to wedge below the stripper plates  130 . The transport vanes  170  on the nose cones  4  in front of the Alignment Zone serve to guide stalks  320  into the ear separation chamber  140 , which is best shown in  FIG. 20 . The rotating transport vanes  170  may be either timed or non-meshing, so as to provide positive material flow in tough, damp, or high-speed harvesting conditions. One function of the transport vanes  170  generally is to center the stalk  320  in the ear separation chamber  140 . 
     The stalk rolls  190  shown in  FIGS. 13-14E  also incorporate a stalk slot  7  in which a stalk engagement gap  25  occurs intermittently. The stalk slot  7  and stalk engagement gap  25  as defined for this embodiment of stalk rolls  190  is the same as those defined for the embodiment of stalk rolls  15 ,  16  shown in  FIGS. 9-10 . This embodiment of stalk rolls  190  facilitates a stalk engagement gap  25  that occurs along a specific length of the stalk rolls  190 . As shown in  FIG. 14B , the stalk engagement gap  25  first occurs toward the front of the stalk rolls  190  in the Alignment Zone and extends along the entire length thereof (which length is shown in  FIG. 13 ). This facilitates simple transport of the stalk  320  from the nose cones  5  to the ear separation chamber  140  between the stalk rolls  190 . The stalk engagement gap  25  in the Alignment Zone is formed by placing two short flutes  180  separated by 180 degrees on each stalk roll  190 , such that the short flutes  180  are arranged in a knife-to-knife configuration. Another function of the transport vanes  170  is to ensure that the stalk  320  does not fall forward out of the stalk engagement gap  25 . 
     B. The Entry Zone 
     In the embodiment pictured in  FIGS. 12-14E , the Entry Zone is generally about the line C-C toward the front of the stalk rolls  190 , but behind the Alignment Zone, which is best shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14C . In some embodiments, the Entry Zone extends along the stalk rolls  190  from the line C-C to the front portion of the stalk rolls  190  at the terminus of any intermediate flutes  182 , which are described in detail below. The primary purpose of this zone is to allow entry of the stalk  320  into the ear separation chamber  140  between the stalk rolls  190 . The rate at which stalks  320  are accepted into the row unit is a major factor in determining harvesting speed. 
     As explained above, prior art teaches that to increase the rate of entry, the rotating speed of the stalk roll  12  must be increased, which merely increases the egg-beater effect. If the stalk  320  is not pinched in the Entry Zone, the stalk  320  stalls in the row unit, which stalling allows the rotating flute edges to sever the stalk  320 . This stall also causes the stalk  320  to lean away from the row unit. Consequently, ear separation often occurs near the opening of the row unit, such that loose ears  300  fall to the ground and become irretrievable. 
     A stalk engagement gap  25  is also present in the Entry Zone in this embodiment of the stalk rolls  190 , which is best shown in  FIG. 14C . The short flutes  180  in the Alignment Zone extend into the Entry Zone, and the stalk engagement gap  25  in the Entry Zone is formed by placing two additional short flutes  180  adjacent to the short flutes  180  from the Alignment Zone. As shown in  FIG. 14C , the four short flutes  180  are not equally spaced about the periphery of the stalk rolls  190 , but instead are positioned in groups of two. This facilitates the stalk engagement gap  25  in the Entry Zone since adjacent short flutes  180  in each pair are close enough to each other that a stalk engagement gap  25  is present at least once during a full revolution of the stalk rolls  190 . In this embodiment a stalk engagement gap  25  is present twice during a full revolution in both the Alignment Zone and Entry Zone, as is evident from  FIGS. 14B and 14C . 
     C. The Ear Separation Zone 
     In the embodiment pictured in  FIGS. 12-14E , the Ear Separation Zone is generally about the line D-D on the front half of the stalk rolls  190 , which is best shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14D . In some embodiments, the Ear Separation Zone extends along the stalk rolls  190  from the terminus of an intermediate flute  182  toward the front of the stalk rolls  190  to the terminus of a long flute  183 , which is described in detail below. Generally, the Ear Separation Zone extends along a greater length of the stalk rolls  190  than does any other zone. The primary purpose of this zone is to separate the ear  300  from the stalk  320  and prevent any ears  300  from falling forward out of the row unit. In this zone, the embodiment of the stalk rolls  190  shown herein pull the stalk  320  through the stripper plates  130  without prematurely severing the stalk  320 . The maximum vertical speed at which the stalk rolls  190  consume the stalk  320  is determined by the damaging occurring to the ear  300  at a given speed, and will vary from one variety of corn to the next. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14D , intermediate flutes  183  that extend radially further from the stalk roll  190  than short flutes  180  may be positioned in the Ear Separation Zone. Because the intermediate flutes  183  are radially longer than the short flutes  180 , stalk rolls  190  engage stalks  320  more securely in this zone, which is evident from  FIG. 14D . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 12-14E , like the short flutes  180 , the intermediate flutes  182  are not intermeshed but opposed with minimal clearance so that as a flute  180 ,  182  on one stalk roll  190  begins to engage the stalk  320 , the opposing flute  180 ,  182  on the other stalk roll  190  engages the stalk  320  at a point on the horizontally opposite side of the stalk  320 . This balanced engagement action reduces lateral stalk  320  whipping, which whipping can dislodge and toss the ear  300  from the stalk  320 , or cause the stalk  320  to prematurely break or sever. The balanced engagement action allows the stalk rolls  190  to evenly pull the stalk  320  down so that the stripper plates  130  may rapidly separate the ear  300  from the stalk  320  in the Ear Separation Zone. 
     Also apparent from  FIG. 14D  is the fact that the Ear Separation Zone does not include a stalk engagement gap  25 . This is because the intermediate flutes  182  are positioned in the space between the two groups of short flutes  180  present in the Entry Zone. Accordingly, in the pictured embodiment a total of six flutes  180 ,  182  are present in the Ear Separation Zone, and they are equally spaced about the periphery of the stalk roll  190 , such that each flute  180 ,  182  is separated by sixty degrees. The two short flutes  180  in each pair in the Entry Zone are also separated by sixty degrees, and each pair of short flutes  180  is separated from the other by 120 degrees. A stalk engagement gap  25  is not required in the Ear Separation Zone because at this point the stalk  320  is securely positioned between the two stalk rolls  320  and the danger of the stalk  320  falling forward out of the ear separation chamber  140  has been alleviated. That is, the egg beater effect previously described has been eliminated by providing a stalk engagement gap  25  in the Alignment and Entry Zones. 
     D. The Post-Ear Separation Plant Ejection Zone 
     In the embodiment pictured in  FIGS. 12-14E , the Post-Ear Separation Plant Ejection Zone is generally about the line E-E toward the back of the stalk rolls  190 , which is best shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14E . In some embodiments, this zone extends along the stalk rolls  190  from the start of a long flute  183  to the terminus of a long flute  183  toward the back of the stalk roll  190 , which is described in detail below. The primary purpose of this zone is to rapidly eject the stalk  320  from the row unit to minimize interference between MOTE and ears  300 . No specific speed ratio controls the operating speed of this zone. After ear separation, increasing stalk  320  ejection speed effectively reduces MOTE entering the threshing (kernel separation) area of the harvesting machine, thereby increasing threshing efficiency and capacity. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14E , this zone may include a plurality of long flutes  183 , three of which are shown on each stalk roll  190 . The long flutes  183  extend radially further from the stalk roll  190  than any other flutes  180 ,  182 . Within this zone, the long flutes  183  may be both meshing and non-meshing so as to create a high-speed clean out zone. The stalk rolls  190  may also be aerodynamically designed to create a suction effect so that unattached MOTE from the ear separation chamber  140  is pulled downward and returned to the field. The Post-Ear Separation Plant Ejection Zone may also be configured to sever, crush, chop, or otherwise manipulate the stalk  320  to speed decomposition thereof. The various functions of this zone may be achieved through different orientations and/or configurations of flutes  180 ,  182 ,  183  in the zone, as well as the number of flutes  180 ,  182 ,  183  therein. Accordingly, the scope of the stalk rolls  190  is not limited by the number of flutes  180 ,  182 ,  183  in any zone, nor it is limited by the configuration and/or orientation of flutes  180 ,  182 ,  183  in any zone. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 14E , this zone may be configured as a clean-out zone by adding short lengths of long flutes  183  between the short and/or intermediate flutes  180 ,  182 . Using inter-meshing long flutes  183  allows faster ejection of small diameter stalks  320 , normally found at the upper-most portion of the corn plant. The intermeshing long flutes  183  of stalk rolls  190  or  192  are aerodynamically designed and assembled to create a down draft through the ear separation chamber  140 , which further enhances removal of any MOTE. 
     The short flutes  180 , intermediate flutes  182 , and/or long flutes  183  may be integrally formed with one another such that a short flute  180  and/or intermediate flute  182  is formed by removing a portion of a long flute  183 . As a corollary, a short flute  180  may be formed by removing a portion of an intermediate flute  182 . Conversely, the various flutes  180 ,  182 ,  183  may be separately formed. Additionally, short and/or intermediate flutes  180 ,  182  present in either the Alignment or Entry Zones may extend to the Ear Separation and Post-Ear Separation Plant Ejection Zones, as shown in the embodiment in  FIGS. 13-14E . 
     The height and width of the stalk engagement gap  25  have been defined previously herein with respect to  FIGS. 9-10 . The length of the stalk engagement gap  25  may vary from one embodiment of stalk rolls  190  to the next. For example, in the embodiment of stalk rolls  190  pictured in  FIGS. 13-14E , the stalk engagement gap  25  extends from the Alignment Zone to the front of the Ear Separation Zone, which is less than half the overall length of the stalk rolls  190 . However, in other embodiments of the stalk rolls  190 , the length of the stalk engagement gap  25  may be different. Accordingly, the scope of the stalk rolls  190  as disclosed and claimed herein is in no way limited by the length of the stalk engagement gap  25 . 
     As described and specifically claimed in other patents and patent applications owned by Applicant, the stripper plates  130  used with any of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 ,  190 ,  400  or any other stalk rolls  130  may be beveled along their lengths, as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 14B-14E . The stripper plates  130  as shown herein have a rounded or contoured surface to emulate the arched under side of the corn leaf  310  with two positive effects. First, this allows the corn leaf to stay attached to the stalk  320 , reducing the level of MOTE retained in the ear separation chamber  140 . Secondly, this shape also improves separation of the husk from the ear  300 , further reducing the level of MOTE in the ear separation chamber  140 . As shown in  FIGS. 14B and 14C , the stripper plates  130  are substantially flat in the Alignment and Entry Zones, which reduces ear  300  wedging below stripper plates  130 , and above the transport vanes  170  of the stalk rolls  190  when ears  300  are being gathered from near ground level. As shown in  FIGS. 14D and 14E , in the Ear Separation and Post-Ear Separation Plant Ejection Zones the stripper plates  130  are normally directly above the fluted portion of stalk rolls  190  and are slightly curved down. This curve may specifically emulate the arched portion or underside of leaf  310 . This improved curved shape allows smooth flow of unwanted portions of the corn plants to pass between stripper plates  130  and exit the ear separation chamber  140  while retaining the ear  300 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 18 , the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 12-14E  allows the flutes  180 ,  182 ,  183  and stripper plates  130  to positioned closely to one another, which reduces the amount of MOTE retained in the ear separation chamber  140  in the event that stalk  320  separation (which is defined as a cutting of the stalk  320 , or other action that causes a portion of the stalk  320  to be separated from another portion thereof) takes place before ear  300  separation. 
       FIGS. 16-16C  show another embodiment of stalk rolls  190  featuring certain aspects of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the short flutes  180  (adjacent the area bisected by line A-A and best shown in  FIG. 16A ) of the stalk rolls  190  are opposed with one another so that they meet during operation. They do not, however, ever touch during normal operation. The distance between the stalk rolls  190  decreases along their length from line A-A to line B-B as shown by  FIGS. 16A-16C . Additionally, long flutes  183  are positioned on the stalk rolls  190  adjacent the back thereof about line C-C. This configuration provides optimum balanced pressure against the stalk  320  in certain conditions to first engage the stalk  320  and then pull it down while penetrating the stalk outer shell  321 , thus avoiding stalk whip during engagement of the stalk  320 . 
     In this embodiment of stalk rolls  190 , the short and intermediate flutes  180 ,  183  may be integrally formed with one another and distinguished from one another via a stair-step configuration. The distance between opposing flutes  180 ,  182 ,  183  may be reduced in discrete increments along the length of the stalk rolls  190 , as best shown in  FIG. 16 . These stalk rolls  190  could also be configured to have a stalk engagement gap  25  as previously described. 
     Furthermore, any of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 ,  190 ,  400  described or pictured herein may have any number of flutes  180 ,  181 ,  182 ,  183  extending radially any suitable distance from the stalk roll  15 ,  16 ,  190 ,  400 , and may have a combination of tapered flutes  181  and other flutes  180 ,  182 ,  183 . For example, in one embodiment of a stalk roll  190  not pictured herein, the Ear Separation Zone may include flutes  180 ,  182 ,  183  having four different radial dimensions, with tapered flutes  181  interspersed there about. Accordingly, the scope of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 ,  190 ,  400  as disclosed and claimed herein is not limited by the number of different radial dimensions by which flutes  180 ,  181 ,  182 ,  183  extend from the stalk rolls  190 .In another embodiment of the stalk rolls  190 , the distance between the flutes  180 ,  182 ,  183  may be reduced discretely but there may also be a taper between those discrete points. 
     3. Tapered Stalk Rolls 
     A further improvement described herein compromises tapering the stalk rolls to modify the configuration of the Entry Zone to further improve performance of the Entry Zone. The tapered stalk rolls  192  shown in  FIGS. 15-15C  exploit a natural attribute present in standing corn—the diameter of the stalk  320  at its base (i.e., ground level) is larger than its diameter toward the tip or tassel. The largest gap between the tapered stalk rolls  192  is at the entry to the stalk rolls  192  near the front; the smallest gap is at the point of exit of the stalk rolls  192  near the rear. This taper in the stalk rolls  192  balances the outward forces created by the stalk  320  against the tapered flutes  181  and the inward force of the tapered flute  181  against the stalk  320 . An imbalance of the forces can create a pulsation in the stalk rolls  192  during operation. This pulsation creates a moment about the gearbox that can produce premature failure in the gearbox or its supporting mechanisms. Tapering the stalk rolls  192  reduces the potential for pulsation while promoting entry of the stalks  320  between the stalk rolls  192  and allowing aggressive engagement between the stalk rolls  192  and the stalk  320 . The tapering may be achieved by changing the diameter of the stalk rolls  192  along their length or the radial distance that the tapered flutes  181  extend from the stalk roll  192 . 
     The embodiment of stalk rolls  192  having tapered flutes  181  shown in  FIGS. 15-15C  are configured for the tapered flutes  181  in the Alignment/Entry Zone (the area about line A-A) and Ear Separation Zones (the area about line B-B) to be opposed, as clearly shown in  FIGS. 15B and 15A . Conversely, the tapered flutes  181  in the Post-Ear Separation Plant Ejection Zone (the area about line C-C) are intermeshing, as best shown in  FIG. 15C . During operation, as a stalk  320  is engaged by the stalk rolls  192 , the distance between the tapered flutes  181  and the opposing stalk roll  192  is reduced, thereby increasing penetration of the stalk  320  by the tapered flutes  181  and exerting continuous pressure against the stalk  320  during engagement. 
     Another embodiment of stalk rolls  192  having tapered flutes  181  is shown in  FIGS. 17-17B . In this embodiment, all the tapered flutes  181  are intermeshing with one another, as is clearly shown in  FIGS. 17A and 17B . In this embodiment of stalk rolls  192 , the various zones previously described are comingled such that clear boundaries between the zones do not exist. Instead, the transition from one zone to the next is smooth and seamless. However, any embodiment of tapered stalk rolls  192  may be configured with a stalk engagement gap  25  by simply removing a portion of certain tapered flutes  181 . 
     Both the tapered stalk rolls  192  and the stalk rolls  190  shown in  FIGS. 13, 14, and 16  are configured to achieve variable circumferential speeds along the length of the stalk rolls  190 ,  192 . There are at least three critical circumferential speed ratios related to ground speed for optimum high efficiency harvesting. The three critical speed ratios are: (1) Harvesting machine ground speed to row unit horizontal gathering chain speed  120  (the gathering chain  120  speed must be the same as or faster than the ground speed); (2) Harvesting machine ground speed to the speed at which the transport vanes  170  horizontally guide stalks  320  into the ear separation chamber  140 ; and, (3) harvesting machine ground speed to row unit vertical ear separation speed. The vertical ear separation speed (sometimes referred to as vertical stalk speed) must be the same as or faster than the ground speed. However, the maximum vertical stalk speed before ear  300  separation is the highest speed at which the ears  300  are not damaged upon impact within the row unit. Each of these critical speed ratios constrains the operating speed of each zone described herein. Operating outside the critical speed ratio constraints within each zone produces sub-optimal performance. 
     Optimizing all the critical speed ratios, as required by high-speed, high-yield, and/or harvesting in leaning, lodged, or broken stalk  320  conditions, may require the effective circumferential speed and interaction of the multi-length, multi-angled, multi-fluted, multi-vaned stalk rolls  15 ,  16 ,  190 ,  192 ,  400  described in each in zone to vary while accomplishing the functions described in each zone. Applicant understands that the various speed ratios are interrelated and effective row unit designs must recognize and incorporate these varied speed ratios to ensure corn plant(s) remain vertical or lean slightly toward the corn head upon engagement. Harvesting corn plants in this manner promotes ear separation in the targeted Ear Separation Zone and away from the front of the row unit. Targeting ear separation in this zone, and manner, reduces losses from ears  300  falling forward out of the corn head row unit and onto the ground; thereby becoming irretrievable. 
     4. Recessed Stalk Rolls 
     Another embodiment of a stalk roll  400  having a stalk engagement gap  25  is shown in  FIGS. 21-22 .  FIGS. 21A and 21B  provide corresponding perspective views of the stalk roll  400 , which is designed to be one of a pair of opposed, counter-rotating stalk rolls  400  mounted to a corn head row unit in a manner previously described. The stalk rolls  400  are shown with nose cones  410  having flighting  412  attached thereto. Typically, the nose cone  410  is shaped substantially as a cone, as shown in the embodiments of stalk rolls  400  pictured herein. The fighting  412  is configured to guide stalks  320  into the ear separation chamber  140  as previously described.  FIGS. 21-22  illustrate a first embodiment of a stalk roll  400  having a recess  420 , as described in detail below. 
     Each stalk roll  400  may be formed with a main cylinder  430  having a recess  420  formed therein between the front end of the main cylinder  430  and the nose cone  410  as shown in  FIGS. 21A and 21B . The recess  420  may extend along the entire circumference of the stalk roll  400  (i.e., an annular recess  420 ). The recess  420  may be formed in the nose cone  410 , or it may be formed as a separate cylinder that is later affixed to both the main cylinder  430  and the nose cone  410 . The diameter of the recess  420  is less than the diameter of either the main cylinder  430  or the rearward end of the nose cone  410 , which is apparent from  FIGS. 21A and 21B . The length of the recess  420  may vary from one embodiment of the stalk roll  400  to the next, but it is contemplated that for most embodiments the length of the recess  420  will be from 1.5 to 6 inches in length. Additionally, for certain embodiments it is contemplated that the diameter of the recess  420  will vary along its length. Accordingly, the specific dimensions of the recess  420  are in no way limiting. 
     The embodiment of the stalk rolls  400  shown in  FIGS. 21-22  include a total of ten flutes  440 ,  450 , wherein six of those are full flutes  440  and four of those are reduced flutes  450 . However, other embodiments of the stalk rolls  400  may have other numbers of full flutes  440  and/or reduced flutes  450  to achieve a different number of total flutes  440 ,  450  and/or ratio of full flutes  440  to reduced flutes  450 . Additionally, the reduced flutes  450  need not be the same length. The flutes  440 ,  450  extend in a radial direction from the main cylinder  430  and/or recess  420 . The flutes  440 ,  450  in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 21-22  are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stalk roll  400  and substantially perpendicular to a line tangent to the main cylinder  430  at the flute base  449 . 
     In a second embodiment of the stalk roll the flutes  440 ,  450  are oriented differently with respect to lines that are tangent to the main cylinder  430  at the flute base  449 . For example,  FIG. 23  provides an end view of two stalk rolls  400  intermeshed with one another wherein the flutes  440 ,  450  are angled forward with respect to the direction of rotation of the stalk rolls  400 . Accordingly, the angle of the flutes  440 ,  450  with respect to lines that are tangent to the main cylinder  430  at the flute base  449  in no way limits the scope of the stalk rolls  400  as disclosed and claimed herein. 
     In the first embodiment of the stalk roll  400 , the full flutes  440  extend from the rearward end of the main cylinder  430  through the recess  420  and to the rearward end of the nose cone  410 , as shown in  FIGS. 21A and 21B . The reduced flutes  450  may extend from the rearward end of the main cylinder  430  to the rearward end of the recess  420 . In the first embodiment of the stalk roll  400 , the reduced flutes  450  are oriented in two pairs on opposite sides of the stalk roll  400  and the full flutes  440  are arranged in groups of three on opposite sides of the stalk roll  400 . The circumferential distance between the flutes  440 ,  450  may be equal, and in the first embodiment the flutes  440 ,  450  are positioned at thirty-six degrees from each adjacent flute  440 ,  450 . 
     A detailed view of the flutes  440 ,  450  is shown in  FIG. 21C . As shown, each flute  440 ,  450  includes a flute edge  442  at the vertex of a leading surface  444  and a trailing surface  445 . The leading and trailing surfaces  444 ,  445  may be connected to the main cylinder  430  and/or recess  420  (depending on whether it is a full flute  440  or reduced flute  450 ) with a flute base  449 . The flute base  449  may have a leading wall  446  adjacent the leading surface  444  and a trailing wall  447  adjacent the trailing surface  445 . In the first embodiment of the stalk roll  400 , a pair of stalk rolls  400  is mounted such that stalk roll  400  rotates toward the leading surface  444  and leading wall  446 , as shown by the arrows in  FIG. 22 . 
     Each flute  440 ,  450  may be formed with a beveled edge  448  on the front axial surface thereof. In certain conditions, a beveled edge  448  provides easier entry for a stalk  320  into the corn plant engagement chamber. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 21-22 , the beveled edge  448  is angled at 30 degrees with respect to the vertical. However, in other embodiments the beveled edge  448  may be differently configured without limitation. 
     In the first embodiment of the stalk roll  400  the trailing wall  447  and trailing surface  445  are integral and linear, but may have other configurations in other embodiments of the stalk roll  400 . 
     In the first embodiment the leading surface  444  is angled at thirty degrees with respect to the leading wall  446 , which also creates an angle of thirty degrees between the leading surface  444  and trailing surface  445  (and trailing wall  447  in the first embodiment). Through testing, Applicant has found that this orientation allows the flutes  440 ,  452  to effectively secure the stalk  320  during ear  321  removal and subsequently process the stalk  320  for accelerated decomposition. Additionally, this orientation allows the stalk rolls  400  to properly release the stalk  320  after the ear  321  has been removed so that the stalk  320  does not wrap around the stalk roll  400 . Other orientations and/or configurations of leading surfaces  444 , trailing surfaces  445 , leading walls  446 , trailing walls  447 , and/or flute bases  449  may be used in other embodiments of the stalk roll  400  without limitation. 
     The embodiment shown in  FIG. 23  includes leading and trailing surfaces  444 ,  445  that are substantially parallel to one another and create a flute edge  442  that is substantially flat, which may be optimal in conditions in which it is desired that the stalk  320  be pulverized rather than cut/lacerated. The angle between the leading and trailing surfaces  444 ,  445  and the flute edge  442  in the embodiment in  FIG. 23  may be different than shown herein without limitation. The optimal configuration will vary at least based on the threshing conditions and plant variety. In the pictured embodiment, the flute edge  442  is perpendicular with respect to both the leading and trailing edges  444 ,  445  so that the stalk rolls  400  properly release the stalk  320  after processing. However, other configurations will be preferred for other operating conditions. 
       FIG. 22  shows an end view of two cooperating stalk rolls  400  configured according to the first embodiment. The stalk rolls  400  in this figure are shown substantially as they would appear when mounted on a corn head row unit. As shown, the stalk rolls  400  are mounted such that one pair of reduced flutes  450  on opposing stalk rolls  400  are adjacent one another twice during a full revolution of the stalk rolls  400 . This creates two stalk engagement gaps  25  per revolution that extend the length of the recess  420 . That is, the length of the stalk engagement gap  25  in the first embodiment of the stalk rolls  400  is equal to the difference in the length between the full flutes  440  and reduced flutes  450 , which is also equal to the length of the recess  420 . In the first embodiment of the stalk roll  400  having a recess  420 , the width of the stalk slot  7  is defined by the distance between the inner peripheries of the main cylinders  430  of the opposing stalk rolls  400 . The recess  420  increases the effective width of the stalk engagement gap  25  by two times the difference in diameter between the main cylinder  430  and the recess  420 . Furthermore, the recess  420  facilitates the positioning of a stalk  320  between the flute edge  442  of a full flute  440  and the recess  420  when the stalk engagement gap  25  is not present in the stalk slot  7 . This ensures that stalks  320  will move rearward along the length of the stalk rolls  400  during harvesting rather than stalling at the front of the stalk rolls  400  or being pushed forward to the nose cone  410 . In embodiments of the stalk roll  400  in which the depth of the recess  420  is not constant along its length, the width of the stalk slot  7  is also not constant. 
     The embodiment of stalk rolls  400  shown in  FIGS. 21-22  effectively remove ears  300  from a stalk  320  and also cut the stalk  320  upon ejection from the stalk rolls  400 . This is achieved through the simultaneous grasp and control of the stalk  320  by a first pair of flutes  440 ,  450  while a second flute  440 ,  450  below the first pair cuts the stalk  320 . This situation is shown schematically in  FIG. 22B . The first pair of flutes  440 ,  450  secure the stalk  320  by engaging at it first and second grasp points  322 ,  323 . This grasp and control of the stalk  320  allows another flute  440 ,  450  positioned below but adjacent the second grasp point  323  to produce a stalk cut point  324 . This functionality requires a plurality of flutes  440 ,  450  spaced less than sixty degrees from adjacent flutes  440 ,  450 . That is, at least seven flutes  440 ,  450  are required, and the embodiment pictured herein employs ten flutes  440 ,  450 . 
     Applicant expected stalk rolls  400  as shown in  FIGS. 21-22  to increase the amount of MOTE produced during harvesting compared to otherwise-identical six-flute stalk rolls. However, field testing showed that the ten-flute stalk rolls  400  actually produced less MOTE while simultaneously more effectively mutilating the stalk  320  than did the six-flute stalk rolls. Moreover, the ten-flute stalk rolls  400  operated consistently in multiple conditions, including high moisture (e.g., early morning or late evening harvesting), low moisture, and various varieties of corn plants. 
     The cutting function at the stalk cut point  324  is enhanced by the secure engagement of the stalk  320  at the first and second grasp points  322 ,  323  and the forward slope of the leading surface  444 . Instead of slipping past the flute edge  442  at the stalk cut point  324 , the stalk  320  is secured by the first and second grasp points  322 ,  323  so that the flute edge  442  at the stalk cut point  324  can fully penetrate the stalk  320 . This allows the stalk rolls  400  to eject a plurality of stalk pieces  326  that resemble confetti. 
     Other embodiments of stalk rolls  400  incorporating a recess  420  may have additional or fewer flutes  440 ,  450  extending other distances along the length of the stalk roll  400 . Additionally, any considerations, designs, and/or orientations previously discussed for other stalk rolls  15 ,  16 ,  190 ,  192  may be incorporated with stalk rolls  400  having a recess  420 . For example, intermediate flutes  182 , tapered flutes  181 , and/or long flutes  183  may be positioned on the stalk roll  400  at various positions thereof. Additionally, the considerations of the various zones described in detail above may be incorporated into the design of the stalk rolls  400 . 
     5. Other Row Unit Considerations 
     As shown in the embodiment of a corn head row unit in  FIG. 20  the stalks  320  are lifted and guided toward the row unit by dividers  100 . Gathering chain  120  may be formed with enlarged gathering chain paddles  110 , which help to direct the stalks  320  and/or ears  300  toward the ear separation chamber  140 . The stalks  320  may be further centered into the ear separation chamber  140  by improved stripper plates  130  described in detail above. Enlarged gathering chain paddles  110  have an increased angle relative to the gathering chain  120 , which allow the gathering chain paddles  110  to engagement a larger number of stalks  320  and/or corn plants, especially when harvesting leaning and/or lodged corn. 
     Stalks  320  are gathered and further propelled rearwardly by means of the force imparted by transport vanes  170  on the nose cones  5 , which are oppositely wound and strategically timed to be horizontally opposite. The transport vanes  170  positively direct and lock the stalk  320  into the Alignment and Entry Zones, both of which may be configured with a stalk engagement gap  25 . Alternatively, the stalk engagement gap  25  may be replaced and/or supplemented with stalk rolls  190  having tapered flutes  181  as shown in  FIGS. 15-15C and 17-17B . The strategic lateral speed imparted to the stalk  320  by rotating transport vanes  170  is determined by the angle of the transport vanes  170 . This lateral speed may be equal to or faster than the lateral speed imparted to the stalk  320  by gathering chain paddles  110 . 
     In the embodiment of a row unit shown in  FIG. 20 , the reduced number of enlarged gathering chain paddles  110  increases the conveying capacity of the row unit in the ear separation chamber  140  to carry separated ears  300  rearward. This improved capacity increases the conveying efficiency of the gathering chain paddles  110  to the cross auger trough  200 , which contains auger  220  and fighting  230  for conveying ears  300  to the feeder house area. 
       FIGS. 18 and 18A  show how the tapered flute-to-flute design stalk rolls  192  may work in certain conditions. As the stalk rolls  192  rotate, the sharpened edges of the flutes  181  penetrate the stalk outer shell  321 . The penetration of the tapered flutes  181  combined with the rotation of the stalk rolls  192  may simultaneously pull and lacerate the stalk  320 . Because the entire row unit is moving forward during operation, the tapered flutes  181  penetrate deeper and deeper into the stalk  320  as it is pulled down into the row unit. The difference in height between the tapered flutes  181  and the stalk roll  192  results in a continuous compressing/decompressing action against the stalk  320 , which may crimp the stalk  320 . 
       FIGS. 19A  and B illustrate the non-meshing stalk rolls  190  as they rotate during operation. In  FIG. 18A , flutes  180  are marked at the top of the rotation prior to contact with the stalk  320 . As the stalk roll  190  rotates, the edge of the flutes  180  will engage and begin to pinch the stalk  320 . In  FIG. 19B , flutes  180  have been rotated ninety degrees. The opposing flutes  180  are directly opposite each other. The pressure exerted by flutes  180  on the stalk  320  has lead to penetration of the stalk  320 . The rotation of the stalk roll  190  has pulled the stalk  320  down into the corn row unit. Penetration by the flutes  180  is at maximum depth in  FIG. 18B . Opposing flutes  180  do not touch each other during the cycle to avoid cutting through the stalk  320  in this embodiment. The angle of the knife edges of the flutes  180  have a predetermined slope, as described. The angle of the slopes are forward with respect to the direction of rotation of the stalk rolls  190 . 
     Any of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 ,  190 ,  192 ,  400  may be mounted either in a cantilevered or non-cantilevered manner, with or without nose bearings. Additionally, any of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 ,  190 ,  192 ,  400  may be oriented in opposing, knife-to-knife configurations or intermeshed and/or interleaved configurations. As previously mentioned, non-meshing and horizontally opposite configured flutes  180 ,  181 ,  182 ,  183  cause the flute edges to pinch the stalk  320  simultaneously as they rotate, thus providing that the resultant equal forces are applied to both sides of the engaged stalk  320  so as to eliminate corn plant whip. This keeps the stalk  320  perpendicular and reduces any whipping action that prematurely dislodges ears  300  from the stalk  320  or snaps the stalk  320  at the stalk node  330 . The remaining flutes  180 ,  181 ,  182 ,  183  of stalk roll  190  may then further pinch the stalk  320  pulling it down and rearward so that the ears  300  are removed from the stalks  320  as they come into contact with the desired Ear Separation Zone of stripper plates  130 . 
     In any of the embodiments of stalk rolls  15 ,  16 ,  190 ,  192 ,  400  the various flutes  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21 ,  26 ,  33 ,  180 ,  181 ,  182 ,  183 ,  440 ,  450  may be self sharpening, or may have a work hardened knife/flute edge  22 ,  442 . Furthermore, any of the knife/flute edges  22 ,  442  disclosed herein may be coated with various materials, such as chrome, tungsten carbide, or any other materials that is suitable for the specific application. 
     The stalk rolls  15 ,  16 ,  190 ,  192 ,  400  and various elements thereof may be constructed of any suitable material known to those skilled in the art or suitable for a specific application. In the embodiment as pictured herein, it is contemplated that most elements will be constructed of metal or metallic alloys, polymers, or combinations thereof. However, other suitable materials may be used. 
     It should be noted that the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 ,  190 ,  192 ,  400 ; flutes  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21 ,  26 ,  33 ,  180 ,  181 ,  182 ,  183 ,  440 ,  450 ; stripper plates  3 ,  130 ; gathering chain paddles  1 ,  110 ; nose cones  5 ,  410 ; row dividers  4 ,  100  and any other element and/or feature described herein are not limited to the specific embodiments pictured and described herein, but is intended to apply to all similar apparatuses and methods for providing the various benefits of those elements, which benefits include but are not limited to increasing the harvesting quality and/or speed of a harvesting machine. Modifications and alterations from the described embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art without departure from the spirit and scope of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 ,  190 ,  192 ,  400 . 
     Furthermore, variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 ,  190 ,  192 ,  400 . It is understood that the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 ,  190 ,  192 ,  400  as disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of one or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 ,  190 ,  192 ,  400 . The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 ,  190 ,  192 ,  400  and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the same. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art. 
     Having described the preferred embodiment, other features, advantages, and/or efficiencies of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 ,  190 ,  192 ,  400  will undoubtedly occur to those versed in the art, as will numerous modifications and alterations of the disclosed embodiments and methods, all of which may be achieved without departing from the spirit and scope of the stalk rolls  15 ,  16 ,  190 ,  192 ,  400 .