Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Advanced Agricultural Header: Crop Flow Optimization Tech

Publication ID: 24-11856884_0006_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Agricultural Header: Crop Flow Optimization Tech,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856884_0006_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856884_0006_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,856,884.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent for an agricultural header with a swath gate for spreading and converging crop material has limitations in handling varying crop flow rates. The present invention addresses these limitations by introducing adjustable components to optimize crop flow distribution, ensuring a more efficient and effective harvesting process.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The novelty of the present invention lies in the adjustable converger, which allows for real-time optimization of crop flow distribution based on varying crop flow rates. The inventive step is the integration of the converger with the spreader and optional crop flow sensor and/or crop flow diverter to create a highly efficient and adaptable agricultural header.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include varying the design of the converger, spreader, and crop flow sensor to accommodate different crop types and harvesting conditions. Additional variations may involve integrating the enhanced agricultural header with other agricultural equipment, such as tractors or combines, to create a more comprehensive harvesting system.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced agricultural header has significant commercial potential in the agricultural industry, particularly for farmers and agricultural companies seeking to improve harvesting efficiency and reduce waste. The invention may be marketed as a standalone product or integrated into existing agricultural equipment lines.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A01 A01D34/667
A A01 A01D41/1243
A A01 A01D43/10

Field of Art

Agricultural machinery design, specifically agricultural header systems for crop harvesting and processing, involving mechanical engineering, agricultural engineering, and precision agricultural technologies

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer with expertise in agricultural equipment design, familiar with crop harvesting technologies, understanding of mechanical interfaces, material flow dynamics, and adaptive agricultural systems

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering modifications to the source patent's agricultural header design. The disclosed adjustable converger and integrated crop flow sensor/diverter represent logical extensions of existing header technologies. These variations demonstrate standard problem-solving approaches in agricultural machinery design by addressing known challenges in crop material management.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Swath gate with spreader and converger components
PTD Variation
Adjustable converger integrated with crop flow sensor and diverter
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of adding sensing and adaptive control to mechanical agricultural systems, representing a predictable application of sensor technology to improve equipment performance
Source Patent Element
Header frame with rolls and cutter configuration
PTD Variation
Real-time optimization of crop flow distribution through adjustable converger
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable solution to optimize crop material handling by introducing dynamic adjustment mechanisms based on detected flow characteristics
Source Patent Element
Swath gate surface for mounting components
PTD Variation
Modular design allowing multiple component integrations like spreader, converger, sensor, and diverter
Obviousness Reasoning
Design choice representing standard engineering practice of creating flexible mounting interfaces for agricultural equipment components
Source Patent Element
Counter-rotating disc cutters for crop material management
PTD Variation
Enhanced crop flow control through integrated spreader and converger systems
Obviousness Reasoning
Logical extension of existing crop material flow management techniques using known mechanical principles
Source Patent Element
Agricultural header with multiple rolls defining crop flow gap
PTD Variation
Dynamic crop flow optimization through sensor-driven converger adjustments
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable application of control systems to improve mechanical agricultural equipment performance
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11856884, a person having ordinary skill in agricultural machinery design would find the variations disclosed herein obvious and anticipated, specifically the integration of adjustable converger mechanisms, crop flow sensors, and dynamic material distribution strategies. The disclosed technical variations represent standard engineering problem-solving approaches within the field of agricultural header design, rendering potential claims to similar technologies obvious and non-patentable under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,856,884
TitleAgricultural header with swath gate for spreading and converging crop material
Assignee(s)CNH Industrial America LLC