A cracker roller disc has a first portion radially outward of the centre of substantially constant thickness, and a second portion radially outward of the first portion which second portion tapers towards the periphery of the disc. A plurality of upstanding ridges extending radially outward across the second portion on opposed faces of the disc are machined to define respective conical surfaces forming radially extending edges on opposed faces of the disc. The disc is provided with one or more circular or spiral grooves which cut across the edges in a substantially perpendicular direction to the edges. The grooves extend the effective length of each edge.

A stalk roller assembly for an agricultural system includes a stalk roller having a hollow shaft. The hollow shaft has a first end having a first shape, such that the first end engages a guide element. Furthermore, the hollow shaft has a second end having a second shape that engages a drive shaft, such that the first shape is different than the second shape. In addition, the hollow shaft is formed from a single piece of material.

A corn silk removing device includes an elongated tube having a first end and a second end. Extending the length of the elongated tube, from the first end to the second end, is an opening. A rotating member having a plurality of soft bristles radially connected to a shaft extends through the elongated tube.

A corn silk removing device includes an elongated tube having a first end and a second end. Extending the length of the elongated tube, from the first end to the second end, is an opening. A rotating member having a plurality of soft bristles radially connected to a shaft extends through the elongated tube.

A corn harvester includes a first stalk roll having a plurality of first blades circumferentially spaced apart by a first angle. A second stalk roll has a plurality of second blades circumferentially spaced apart by a second angle. The first and second stalk rolls are rotatable about parallel first and second axes that are separated by a centerline therebetween. In an operational state when a tip of one first blade is aligned with the centerline, a tip of one second blade is angularly offset from the centerline by a third angle. The third angle is less than 45% of the second angle. The one first blade forms a cross section perpendicular to the first axis having an altitude extending from the tip toward the first axis along a first blade altitude. The cross section of the one first blade is asymmetric about the first blade altitude.

A corn harvester includes a first stalk roll having a plurality of first blades circumferentially spaced apart by a first angle. A second stalk roll has a plurality of second blades circumferentially spaced apart by a second angle. The first and second stalk rolls are rotatable about parallel first and second axes that are separated by a centerline therebetween. In an operational state when a tip of one first blade is aligned with the centerline, a tip of one second blade is angularly offset from the centerline by a third angle. The third angle is less than 45% of the second angle. The one first blade forms a cross section perpendicular to the first axis having an altitude extending from the tip toward the first axis along a first blade altitude. The cross section of the one first blade is asymmetric about the first blade altitude.

A stalk roller assembly for an agricultural system includes a stalk roller having a hollow shaft. The hollow shaft has a first end having a first shape, such that the first end engages a guide element. Furthermore, the hollow shaft has a second end having a second shape that engages a drive shaft, such that the first shape is different than the second shape. In addition, the hollow shaft is formed from a single piece of material.

There is disclosed a power-assisted corn kernel remover comprising a rigid frame supporting an annular corn kernel cutter. A powered mechanism mounted above the cutter activates a piston downward to push shucked ears of fresh corn onto the cutter. The cutter is sized and has a sharp cutting edge that severs the corn kernels from the cob as the ear descends. The cob is pushed downward through a passage to a disposal bin, while the kernels are captured by a basket surrounding the cutter. The cutter is formed of spring steel and is loosely held within the frame to allow for some expansion due to different sizes of corncobs. The powered mechanism may be a pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly supplied with compressed air and having a control mechanism that permits partial activation.

There is disclosed a power-assisted corn kernel remover comprising a rigid frame supporting an annular corn kernel cutter. A powered mechanism mounted above the cutter activates a piston downward to push shucked ears of fresh corn onto the cutter. The cutter is sized and has a sharp cutting edge that severs the corn kernels from the cob as the ear descends. The cob is pushed downward through a passage to a disposal bin, while the kernels are captured by a basket surrounding the cutter. The cutter is formed of spring steel and is loosely held within the frame to allow for some expansion due to different sizes of corncobs. The powered mechanism may be a pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly supplied with compressed air and having a control mechanism that permits partial activation.

A cutlery apparatus that is configured to provide efficient removal of corn kernels from a corn cob. The cutlery apparatus includes a support member that is planar in manner having an upper surface and a perimeter edge. A first brace member and a second brace member are mounted to the upper surface of the support member and further include a void therebetween. The first brace member and second brace member are parallel to each other and angularly oriented on the support member. A cutting member is provided wherein the cutting member has a first portion disposed within the void and a second portion extending beyond the perimeter edge of the support member. The second portion of the cutting member is a metal blade. A clamp member extends across the void and is movably secured to the first brace member and second brace member.