Patent Grant
7987917
The present invention relates to a system and method for mechanically terminating cover crops. Specifically, the current invention relates to a multi-stage roller assembly designed to roll over and crimp crops.
Cover crops are an important part of most no-till conservation systems, but they must to be managed correctly to fully realize their potential benefits. Among other things, these benefits include a reduction in soil erosion and the suppression of weed pressure. For example, in southern portions of the US, rye (Secale Cereale. L.) is commonly used as a winter cover crop. Rye improves soil properties and releases chemicals that suppress weeds. Rye also reduces soil compaction, facilitates water and air infiltration, and increases soil organic matter content.
At the end of a selected cover crop growing cycle, the cover crops are terminated so that a cash crop can emerge and thrive. Termination of the cover crop allows the cash crops to fully benefit from the soil conditioning properties of the terminated cover crops without competing with the cover crops for water and nutrients.
In the past, herbicides were the preferred means of terminating cover crops, primarily because the herbicide application process is relatively fast and effective. Although herbicide application effectively kills the cover crops, there may be problems associated with unintended over-spray, spray drift, and undesirable chemical run-off. The herbicides also leave the cover crop stalks in tact. The stalks and associated crop residue subsequently interfere with the cash crop planting process, particularly for cover crops (such as rye) that generate a large amount of biomass. As a result, frequent stops are required to clean accumulated cover crop residue from planting units. In addition, cover crop biomass often causes hair-pinning, a condition in which crop residue prevents adequate seed-soil contact.
Rolling and crimping devices have been developed to destroy and mulch the cover crops and thereby address these issues. However, operators of the crimping devices frequently complain of the excessive vibrations associated with the devices. The excessive vibrations commonly result in an increased heart rate, headache, stomach pain, and lower back pain. Prolonged exposure to these types of excessive vibrations may lead to spinal degeneration. Although the severity of the vibrations can be reduced by simply reducing operating speed, this is generally regarded as an economically impractical solution, particularly in view of the relatively higher operating speeds achievable using herbicide-oriented methods.
Several vibration-mitigating roller systems have been developed to address vibration problems, but these devices are primarily directed to large-scale operators with powerful and versatile tractors. Smaller farming operations (especially vegetable farms) cannot use the large-scale rollers because their tractors are generally smaller and lack the power and capability required to operate the larger and heavier rollers.
The need exists for a roller/crimper system compatible with smaller scale operations that effectively destroys and mulches crops without transmitting excessive vibrations to the operator. The current invention provides a two-stage roller that effectively destroys cover crops, reduces detrimental vibrations, and is compatible with the power constraints of tractors common in smaller, lower income farming operations.
The current invention is directed to a multi-stage crop termination system. The system includes a main frame assembly connected to first and second roller frames. A first roller is installed in the first roller frame and a second roller is installed in the second roller frame. A compression frame extends between the main frame and the second roller frame so that a downwardly compression force is applied to the second roller.
In the preferred embodiment, the first roller is a smooth drum and the second roller is a central cylindrical drum with a plurality of crimping bars extending outwardly from the drum. In operation, crops are flattened by the first roller and then crimped by the second roller. A pivot joint between the first roller frame and the second roller frame suppresses the transmission of vibrations from the second roller frame and ensures that the second roller is able to maintain contact with the ground as the system traverses uneven terrain.
The multistage crop roller CR of current invention is generally shown in
As generally shown in
As shown in
As shown in
In the preferred embodiment, the first roller 50 is essentially a smooth cylindrical drum with a 12 inch diameter and a length of between 60 and 72 inches. The first roller 50 may be of unitary construction or it may be comprised of multiple segments formed as a cylinder.
As shown in
In the preferred embodiment, the second roller 70 is between 60 and 72 inches in length and is comprised of a central drum 74 with linear evenly spaced crimping bars 76 extending normal to the drum 74. In alternative embodiments the crimping bars may not extend normal to the drum 74, and may be non-linear and/or irregularly spaced. For example, in one alternative embodiment, the crimping bars 76 may be regularly spaced but angular and slightly curved and may extend diagonally relative to the drum 74. In further embodiments, the pattern, angle, and general placement of the crimping bars 76 relative to the central drum 74 may include any configuration known in the art.
As shown in
As shown in
The upper portion of the compression frame assembly 80 includes extension arms 82 that extend rearwardly from the rectangular structural frame 24. The extension arms 82 may be affixed to the rectangular frame 24 by any means known in the art. The compression force is specifically applied by an adjustable spring mechanisms 84 positioned respectively on each side of the roller 70 and disposed generally between the extension arms 82 and the second roller frame 60. In the preferred embodiment, the adjustable spring mechanism 84 has a shock-absorber type configuration. However, in alternative embodiments, the downwardly force may be applied by any means known in the art.
As shown in
The compressive force exerted by the spring mechanisms 84 is controlled by adjusting the position of the respective compression adjustment bolts 94. The compression adjustment bolts 94 extend through the respective extension arms 82 and engage the upper spring plates 88. As the compression adjustment bolts 94 are tightened and the upper spring plates 88 are forced downwardly, the spring mechanisms 84 are compressed and a downwardly force is applied to second roller 70 via the base plates 64. In other words, adjusting the position of the compression adjustment bolts 94 downwardly increases the compressive force exerted by the spring mechanisms 84 on the second roller 70.
The compression assembly 80 also includes a pair of restrictor chains 96. As shown in
As further shown in
For the foregoing reasons, it is clear that the preferred embodiment and associated alternative embodiments of the current invention provide an innovative two stage crop crimping and roller system. The invention may be modified in multiple ways and applied in various technological applications. The current invention may be customized as required by a specific operation or application, and the individual components may be modified and defined, as required, to achieve the desired result. Although the materials of construction are not described, they may include a variety of compositions consistent with the function of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.
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