A system and method for determining a location of an unloaded unit (24) of agricultural product and locating a desired unit of agricultural product or identifying a candidate unit of agricultural product as a function of sensing system (40) information indicating contact of the unit (24) with the ground or other surface onto which the unit is unloaded, global positioning system or other location system (42) information identifying the contact or related location, and heading information, which information can then be used to discern the unit from others at the location tor desired loading.
An agricultural baler (70) comprises a shaft (3), a flywheel (2) connected to the shaft (3), a plunger (13) connected to the flywheel (2) via a crank (6), a brake system (40) adapted for providing a brake force (F2) for decelerating the flywheel (2), at least one sensor (43) for providing sensor data indicative for at least one moving part of the baler, and a brake control system (47) comprising a processing system, e.g. a processor provided with an algorithm for stopping the crank (6) in a predefined launch position range, based on a mathematical model of the baler.
A baler (70) comprises a flywheel (2), a plunger (4) connected to the flywheel (2) via a crank (6), an auxiliary motor (5) for rotating the flywheel (2) in a reverse direction (R) and a start-up control system (1) comprising a sensor (11) for providing a signal indicative for the position of the crank (6) and a control unit (12) for controlling the auxiliary motor (5) for rotating the flywheel (2) in reverse direction (R) to a predetermined launch position for enabling the flywheel (2) to gain sufficient kinetic energy before the first plunger impact, at the next start-up.
An agricultural baler (70) comprises a shaft (3), and a flywheel (2) connected to the shaft (3), and a brake system (40) for holding or for stopping the flywheel (2). The brake system (40) may be of the drum-type and/or of the caliper-type. The caliper-type comprises a brake disc (41) and a brake caliper (51). The brake disc (41) may be mounted on the flywheel (2), or on the shaft (3). The brake system (40) may have an adjustable braking force. The disc brake (40) may be manually or hydraulically activated. The brake system (40) may be remotely activated from a tractor (17).
An agricultural baler comprising a baling chamber (1) and a pre-compression chamber (4), wherein the pre-compression chamber (4) is adapted to gather crop material and to periodically form a slice (6) of said crop material and push the slice (6) towards the baling chamber (1) into a first segment of the baling chamber, the baling chamber comprising a plunger (2) provided for reciprocally moving in the baling chamber (1) thereby compressing slices (6) of crop material into a bale, wherein at least one optical bale length sensor (8, 9) is provided in the baling chamber (1) for measuring the length of the bale (7).
A square baler is disclosed which comprises a baling chamber, a plunger (16) reciprocable at one end of the baling chamber, a pre- compression chamber (18) within which charges of crop are amassed and pre-compressed by a rotor (32) prior to transfer into the baling chamber, and a pickup roller (30) having radially projecting tines for picking up crop from the ground and advancing the crop to the rotor (32). In the invention, a transducer (40) is provided for producing an electrical output signal indicative of the load on the rotor (32) and a processing circuit is operative to estimate the rate of crop flow into the pre-compression chamber (18) by analysing the output signal of the transducer (40) over a complete filling and emptying cycle of the pre-compression chamber (18).
A harvesting machine (1)comprising a guide mechanism adapted to direct a flow of crop residue from a threshing mechanism along one of three paths corresponding with three respective processing modes, the guide mechanism comprising a first deflection door (96) and a second deflection door(94). An actuator (100) and a first resilient element (101) are coupled to the deflection doors, such that all three processing modes can be attained by contraction and extension of the actuator (100).
Cardan drive for connecting a power take-off (PTO) of an agricultural vehicle to an input shaft of an agricultural implement, wherein the cardan drive comprises a primary shaft and a secondary shaft which are mutually connected via a double universal joint so as to thus obtain a homokinetic connection between the primary and the secondary shaft, wherein the double universal joint has an intermediate element formed substantially by two yokes of the double universal joint, wherein at least one of the two yokes is connected via bearings to a frame provided for attachment to the agricultural implement.
The present invention is related to an agricultural baler for producing rectangular bales (7), provided with a baling chamber (1) and reciprocating plunger (4), configured to move back and forth in the baling chamber (1), thereby compressing crop material and forming rectangular bales (7). The baler is further equipped with a bale length control system (10) for producing bales of substantially equal length, and with a bale-eject system (20-24) for evacuating the last bales from the chamber (1) at the end of a harvesting run. In order to avoid errors in terms of bale length at the beginning of a next run, the baler according to the invention is provided with one or more sensors (30) configured to detect the activation of said bale-eject system (20-24), and means to automatically reset said bale-length control system (10), when said sensors (30) detect said activation.
Method for calibrating a distance sensor 2 which is placed on an agricultural vehicle 1 and provided for the purpose of measuring the distance between the sensor 2 and a set of points on a ground surface 4 in front of the agricultural vehicle 1, wherein the method comprises the following steps of: performing a reference measurement when the agricultural vehicle is standing on a paved and substantially flat ground surface; processing the results of the reference measurement to reference data for use as reference during further measurements; storing the reference data in a memory.
A method of controlling the braking of a tractor-trailer combination in which the tractor includes a drive train having an engine and at least one ground-engaging member driveably connected thereto; at least one ground-engaging member of the tractor includes at least one tractor brake (28, 29, 31, 32); and at least one ground-engaging member of the trailer includes at least one further, trailer brake the operation of which depends at least in part on the operative condition of the at least one tractor brake, comprises the steps of, on the initiation of operation of the at least one tractor brake and the at least one trailer brake to brake the tractor-trailer combination, commencing operation of a timer that times the duration of operation of the at least one tractor brake and/or the at least one trailer brake. On a parameter related to the duration of braking effort timed by the timer reaching or exceeding a threshold value, the method then includes adjusting the braking effort applied by the at least trailer brake in order to achieve or maintain a chosen braking performance of the tractor-trailer combination.
B60T 8/17 - Using electrical or electronic regulation means to control braking
B60T 8/18 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to vehicle weight or load, e.g. load distribution
B60T 8/24 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to vehicle inclination or change of direction, e.g. negotiating bends
B60T 8/32 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration
B60T 11/10 - Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator without power assistance or drive or where such assistance or drive is irrelevant transmitting by fluid means, e.g. hydraulic
B60T 11/12 - Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator without power assistance or drive or where such assistance or drive is irrelevant transmitting by fluid means, e.g. hydraulic the transmitted force being varied therein
A brake system for controlling a brake of a unit hauled by a vehicle, the brake system (1) comprising: - a first pedal (5) for braking a right rear wheel of the vehicle through a first braking circuit; - a second pedal (8) for braking a left rear wheel of the vehicle through a second braking circuit; - an input line arrangement including a first input line (4) for receiving a fluid from the first braking circuit and a second input line (7) for receiving a fluid from the second braking circuit; - at least one output line (9) for sending a fluid to the brake of the hauled unit; - a selective connector (13) for selectively connecting the input line arrangement to the output line (9) by setting a first connection configuration (C1) when the vehicle has a speed greater than a threshold value and a second connection configuration (C2) when the vehicle has a speed lower than the threshold value, whereby in the first connection configuration (C1) pushing any of said pedals (5, 8) activates the brake of the hauled unit, and in the second connection configuration (C2) pushing only one of said pedals (5, 8) leaves the brake of the hauled unit inactive, so that the vehicle can be steered by braking.
B60T 7/20 - Brake-action initiating means for initiation not subject to will of driver or passenger specially adapted for trailers, e.g. in case of uncoupling of trailer
B60T 8/17 - Using electrical or electronic regulation means to control braking
B62D 9/00 - Steering deflectable wheels not otherwise provided for
B60T 8/18 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to vehicle weight or load, e.g. load distribution
B60T 8/24 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to vehicle inclination or change of direction, e.g. negotiating bends
B60T 8/32 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration
B60T 11/21 - Tandem, side-by-side, or other multiple master-cylinder units with two pedals operating on respective circuits, pressures therein being equalised when both pedals are operated together, e.g. for steering
B60T 13/66 - Electrical control in fluid-pressure brake systems
A control apparatus is designed for controlling a brake of a unit hauled by a vehicle. The vehicle comprises: a plurality of brakes (55, 57) for braking the wheels of the vehicle; a trailer brake (71) for braking the hauled unit; a parking brake for keeping the vehicle braked while it is stationary. The control apparatus comprises: a line (9) for sending a fluid to the trailer brake (71) through a control valve (TBV), in order to brake the hauled unit in certain working conditions; a further line (72) for sending a further fluid to the trailer brake (71) in order to activate the trailer brake (71) in other working conditions; a valve device (75) for controlling flow of the further fluid in the further line (72), the valve device (75) being responsive to a signal indicative of the status of the parking brake.
B60T 7/04 - Brake-action initiating means for personal initiation foot-actuated
B60T 7/20 - Brake-action initiating means for initiation not subject to will of driver or passenger specially adapted for trailers, e.g. in case of uncoupling of trailer
B60T 8/17 - Using electrical or electronic regulation means to control braking
B60T 8/1755 - Brake regulation specially adapted to control the stability of the vehicle, e.g. taking into account yaw rate or transverse acceleration in a curve
B60T 8/18 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to vehicle weight or load, e.g. load distribution
B60T 8/34 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration having a fluid pressure regulator responsive to a speed condition
B60T 11/10 - Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator without power assistance or drive or where such assistance or drive is irrelevant transmitting by fluid means, e.g. hydraulic
B60T 11/21 - Tandem, side-by-side, or other multiple master-cylinder units with two pedals operating on respective circuits, pressures therein being equalised when both pedals are operated together, e.g. for steering
B60T 15/18 - Triple or other relay valves which allow step-wise application or release and which are actuated by brake-pipe pressure variation to connect brake cylinders or equivalent to compressed-air or vacuum source or atmosphere
B60T 15/20 - Triple or other relay valves which allow step-wise application or release and which are actuated by brake-pipe pressure variation to connect brake cylinders or equivalent to compressed-air or vacuum source or atmosphere controlled by two fluid pressures
B60T 15/22 - Triple or other relay valves which allow step-wise application or release and which are actuated by brake-pipe pressure variation to connect brake cylinders or equivalent to compressed-air or vacuum source or atmosphere controlled by two fluid pressures with one or more auxiliary valves, for braking, releasing, filling reservoirs
B60T 15/24 - Triple or other relay valves which allow step-wise application or release and which are actuated by brake-pipe pressure variation to connect brake cylinders or equivalent to compressed-air or vacuum source or atmosphere controlled by three fluid pressures
B60W 10/18 - Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of braking systems
In one aspect, a method for controlling the operation of a work vehicle including a power shift transmission is disclosed. The method may include receiving, with a controller, a speed command signal from an input device instructing the controller to reduce a vehicle speed of the work vehicle to zero, controlling at least one clutch of the power shift transmission in order to initially reduce the vehicle speed and proportionally applying a parking brake of the work vehicle to reduce the vehicle speed to zero.
In one aspect, a method for reducing fuel consumption of a work vehicle is disclosed. The method may generally include determining, with a controller, a load power requirement for the work vehicle, determining a plurality of candidate engine speeds at which the load power requirement is achievable, analyzing stored efficiency data for a transmission and at least one additional component of the work vehicle to determine a power loss value for each candidate engine speed, determining a candidate engine power for each candidate engine speed based on the load power requirement and the power loss values and analyzing stored fuel efficiency data based on the candidate engine powers to determine a target engine speed for the work vehicle.
B60W 30/188 - Controlling power parameters of the driveline, e.g. determining the required power
B60W 10/06 - Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of propulsion units including control of combustion engines
B60W 10/103 - Infinitely variable gearings of fluid type
F16H 61/47 - Automatic regulation in accordance with output requirements for achieving a target output speed
F16H 61/462 - Automatic regulation in accordance with output requirements for achieving a target speed ratio
A telescopic boom extending along a longitudinal axis (Z) comprises: -a base section (2) intended to be connected to a frame of a machine for lifting loads, -a plurality of movable sections (4, 5, 6), -a hydraulic cylinder (7) connecting the base section (2) to a first movable section (4) of said plurality for extending the first movable section (4) relative to the base section (2), -at least one extension chain (10) interposed between the base section (2) and a secondmovable section (5) of said plurality for extending the second movable section (5) relative to the first movable section (4), -at least one further extension chain (12) interposed between the first movable section (4) and a third movable section (6) of said plurality for extending the third movable section (6) relative to the second movable section (5), the extension chain (10) and the further extension chain (12) being located at opposite sides of the longitudinal axis (Z).
A method for estimating torque (T; H) transmitted to a structure (32) located downstream of a transmission system (1) of a vehicle, the vehicle comprising an engine (2) for generating torque (M), the transmission system (1) being configured to transmit a fraction (W) of the torque (M) generated by the engine (2) to a plurality of wheels (3) of the vehicle and a further fraction (T + H) of the torque (M) generated by the engine (2) to said structure (32), the transmission system (1) comprising: a shaft arrangement (12) interposed between the engine (2) and said structure (32); a planetary gearing (22) supported by the shaft arrangement (12); a transmission unit (5) arranged in parallel to the shaft arrangement (12); wherein the torque (T; H; W) transmitted to said structure (32) is estimated on the basis of a group of parameters comprising: torque (M) upstream of the transmission system (1); twist (ΔΘ) of the shaft arrangement (12); a parameter (a) which is indicative of the ratio between an output rotational speed at an output of the transmission unit (5) and an input rotational speed at an input of the transmission unit (5).
B60W 30/188 - Controlling power parameters of the driveline, e.g. determining the required power
B60W 10/30 - Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of auxiliary equipment, e.g. air-conditioning compressors or oil pumps
Agricultural baler comprising a flywheel (2) provided to be driven via a drive shaft (20), which flywheel (2) is connected to pressing means of the baler via a central shaft (1), wherein the flywheel (2) is mounted over the central shaft (1) via bearings (6), wherein further mounted on the central shaft (1) is a shear pin flange (3) which is connected via a shear pin (4) to the flywheel (2) for the purpose of transmitting a rotation movement of the flywheel (2) to the central shaft (1), wherein the flywheel (2) is held over the central shaft (1) via first fixing means (12, 13) and wherein the shear pin flange (3) is connected to the central shaft (1) via second fixing means (16, 17).
A01D 75/18 - Safety devices for parts of the machines
A01F 15/08 - Baling presses for straw, hay or the like - Details
A01B 61/02 - Devices for, or parts of, agricultural machines or implements for preventing overstrain of the coupling devices between tractor and machine
F16D 9/06 - Couplings with safety member for disconnecting by breaking due to shear stress
An agricultural combine including an agricultural harvester, a crop tank for harvested material, and an unloading auger assembly for unloading and discharging crop material. The auger assembly has inner and outer auger tubes pivotally connected to one another. The auger tubes pivot between a first position in which the auger tubes extend transversely and are coaxial and a second position in which the auger tubes form an angle. The auger tubes contain augers having first and second couplings at cooperating ends. The first coupling has two projections extending to cooperate with a single radial projection on the second coupling to provide improved engagement.
A chaff pan (10) for attachment to a cleaning apparatus of an agricultural combine (1000) is provided. The chaff pan (10) includes a surface (12) for receiving a flow of chaff from the cleaning apparatus. The surface (12) has a proximal end (20) proximate the combine and an opposing distal end (22). First and second side walls (14, 16) extend upwards from the surface (12) about respective lateral ends of the chaff pan. The chaff pan (10) also includes a flow control guide vane (18) positioned on the surface (12) of the chaff pan (10) that extends from the proximal end (20) to the distal end (22) of the surface. The flow control guide vane (18) is positioned on the surface at an angle relative to a midline (A) of the chaff pan (10) for directing the flow of chaff towards the midline (A) of the chaff pan.
The invention relates to a method for operating a work vehicle in an automatic speed control mode. The method receives an input associated with a desired ground speed of the work vehicle and determines with a controller to implement a gear change and a and engine speed change (erpm) in order to maintain the work vehicle at the desired ground speed. The gear change includes a gear prep phase and a ratio change phase and controlling a timing parameter of at least one of the gear change or the erpm change such that the ratio change phase and the erpm change occur substantially simultaneously. The invention also relates to a work vehicle implementing the method.
B60W 30/19 - Improvement of gear change, e.g. by synchronisation or smoothing gear shift
B60W 10/06 - Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of propulsion units including control of combustion engines
A ride control system uses speed, pressure, hand throttle, foot throttle and seat position information associated with a tractor-loader-backhoe to determine when to engage and disengage the ride control system for the tractor-loader-backhoe. Once the ride control system is engaged, the ride control system can be disengaged in response to either an operator command or a measured speed of the tractor-loader-backhoe being below a predetermined speed.
An engine control device for a vehicle, comprising: a control unit (2) configured to be connected to the engine of a vehicle and to control the switching of the engine from a first idle rotation speed to a second idle rotation speed in which the number of engine revolutions is lower compared to the number of revolutions of the first idle speed; a first sensor (3), configured to be connected to the engine and to instantaneously sense and transmit to said control unit (2) the number of revolutions completed by the engine in the unit of time; a second sensor (4) for detecting the presence of an operator at the vehicle controls, which second sensor (4) is configured to transmit to the control unit a signal indicating the presence of an operator at the vehicle controls. The control unit (2) is configured to actuate a decrease in the engine rotation speed from the first idle speed toward the second idle speed if the signal transmitted by the second sensor (4) indicates the operator's absence and the signal transmitted by the first sensor (3) indicates that the engine is running at the first idle speed.
A method for calibrating a detector (20; 120) of a damping assembly (31; 131) in a vehicle is disclosed, the damping assembly (31; 131) comprising a damper (13; 13) for connecting a transmission shaft (12; 112) of a 5 transmission system (1; 101) of the vehicle to a driving shaft (4; 104), the method comprising the step of applying different torques at the damping assembly (31; 31) by generating losses at different working conditions of the transmission system (1; 101), so that 10 said damper (13; 113) can be compared to a damper of a reference vehicle for each of said different working conditions.
F16H 61/4192 - Detecting malfunction or potential malfunction, e.g. fail safe
F16F 15/121 - Suppression of vibrations in rotating systems by making use of members moving with the system using elastic members or friction-damping members, e.g. between a rotating shaft and a gyratory mass mounted thereon using springs as elastic members, e.g. metallic springs
G01L 3/14 - Rotary-transmission dynamometers wherein the torque-transmitting element is other than a torsionally-flexible shaft
B60W 40/12 - Estimation or calculation of driving parameters for road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub-unit related to parameters of the vehicle itself
B60W 50/00 - CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT - Details of control systems for road vehicle drive control not related to the control of a particular sub-unit
A method for testing a transmission of a vehicle, the transmission including a hydrostatic unit (5) installed on the vehicle, comprises the following steps: - calculating an actual value (Q) of a parameter which is indicative of the volumetric efficiency of the hydrostatic unit (5), in a working condition; determining an expected value (QEJ; QE I) of said parameter in said working condition, said actual value ( Q ) being comparable with said expected value ( QEJ; QE I) in order to evaluate how the hydrostatic unit (5) is working.
The invention relates to agricultural balers of the rectangular type (20) for the formation of bales of crop material such as hay, straw or silage, in a bale chamber (2). In particular, the invention is concerned with the feeder duct (11) of such balers. The baler comprises adjusting means (27) for setting the upper end of the upper wall means (54) in a predetermined position, and the lower end of the upper wall means is designed to pivot around an axis (55) near the entry point of the feeder means (12) into the lower end of the upper wall means, such that the cross section of the feeder duct is variable. The invention further relates to a method of operation of said agricultural baler for optimizing the baling process.
A hydro-mechanical continuously variable transmission for producing high torque output is provided. One transmission includes an engine drive shaft (70) driven by an engine (32) and a planetary gear unit (36) driven by power from the engine and to provide power to drive a transmission output shaft (116). The transmission also includes a hydrostatic drive unit (78,80) driven by power from the engine and to drive a primary hydrostatic drive shaft (82). The transmission includes an engine clutch (44) to be driven by the engine and to drive an input sun gear (102) of the planetary gear unit while engaged. The transmission includes a secondary hydrostatic drive shaft (88) driven by the primary hydrostatic drive shaft and to drive a ring gear (94) of the planetary gear unit. The transmission includes a hydrostatic output clutch (50) driven by the secondary hydrostatic drive shaft and to provide power to drive an output sun gear (112) of the planetary gear unit while engaged.
F16H 47/04 - Combinations of mechanical gearing with fluid clutches or fluid gearing the fluid gearing being of the volumetric type the mechanical gearing being of the type with members having orbital motion
F16H 37/08 - Combinations of mechanical gearings, not provided for in groups comprising essentially only toothed or friction gearings with arrangements for dividing torque between two or more intermediate shafts with differential gearing
F16H 37/10 - Combinations of mechanical gearings, not provided for in groups comprising essentially only toothed or friction gearings with arrangements for dividing torque between two or more intermediate shafts with differential gearing at both ends of intermediate shafts
28.
REVERSING MECHANISM AND CONVEYING MEANS AND AGRICULTURAL BALER PROVIDED THEREWITH
Reversing mechanism (1) for conveying means (2) of an agricultural baler (3) wherein the reversing mechanism (1) comprises a driving pulley (17) mounted for rotation together with the conveying elements (9) provided to be connected to the axis (10) such that the axis (10) and the conveying elements (9) can be rotated along the working direction (11) by a driving belt (18) engaging the driving pulley (17).
The invention pertains to a pick-up assembly (10) for an agricultural machine (100). The pick- up assembly comprises a pick-up drum (12), rotatably mounted to a frame (16); a windguard (18),attached to a support linkage (19) which is pivotably mounted to the frame (16);at least one winch drum (30), rotatably attached with respect to the frame; and at least one flexible elongate element (31) having opposite first (32) and second (33) end regions. The first end region (32) is attached to the support linkage (19) and the second end region (33) is windably attached to the at least one winch drum (30).
A harvester is provided comprising a vessel (12) for securing a crop (56) therein and a crop delivery system (10). The crop delivery system (10) has a first tube (18) with a first angled orientation, a first end (22) and an opposed second end (24), the first tube (18) being configured to receive the crop (56) from the vessel (12) at the first end (22). A continuous belt (34) is provided having a receiving region (36) in close proximity to the first end (22) of the first tube (18). A portion of the belt (34) operable to carry the crop (56) from the receiving region (36) is structurally supported by and substantially covered by the first tube (18), while a portion of the belt (34) operable to return to the receiving region (36) after delivering the crop (56) passes beneath the first tube (18).
An oil level control device in a main tank of a supply circuit, the supply circuit comprising: a main tank (4); a first pump (1) which, in aspiration, is connected to the main tank (4); a main hydraulic circuit (100), which is connected in inlet to the delivery of said charge pump 1 and in outlet is connected to the main tank (4); a first auxiliary conduit (11), an auxiliary tank (5) which receives oil from the first auxiliary conduit (11) and which in discharge is placed in communication with the main tank (4); at least a control valve (8), predisposed to control sending of oil from the first auxiliary conduit (11) to the auxiliary tank (5) or from the auxiliary tank (5) to the main tank (4).
F15B 21/04 - Special measures taken in connection with the properties of the fluid
F15B 21/00 - Common features of fluid actuator systems; Fluid-pressure actuator systems or details thereof, not covered by any other group of this subclass
A front fork assembly for use with a three-wheel agricultural floater has a yoke having a first yoke portion and a second yoke portion extending downwardly from generally opposite ends of an upper yoke portion. A first plurality of wheel mounting points is formed on the first yoke portion and a second plurality of wheel mounting points is formed on the second yoke portion. The front fork assembly further includes a first wheel mounting arrangement formed from selected mounting points of the first plurality and the second plurality of mounting points. A second wheel mounting arrangement, different from the first wheel mounting arrangement, is formed from selected mounting points of the first plurality and the second plurality of mounting points. In this regard, the front fork assembly provides more than one mounting position for a front floatation tire.
A front axle assembly for a floater or other agricultural implement has a hollow shaft with pressed-in axle stubs for mounting the shaft to a pair of bearing assemblies. A pair of discs are mounted or otherwise secured to ends of the hollow shaft. The discs are angled inwardly from a position generally adjacent an inner end of the pressed-in axle stubs. The placement of the discs reduces stress applied to the hollow shaft during use.
B60B 35/04 - Dead axles, i.e. not transmitting torque straight
B60B 35/08 - Dead axles, i.e. not transmitting torque of closed hollow section
B62D 61/08 - Motor vehicles or trailers, characterised by the arrangement or number of wheels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. four wheels in diamond pattern with only three wheels with single front wheel
34.
BLADE SHARPENING SYSTEM FOR AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS
A blade sharpening system (38) is provided that includes a base (40), and a rod (42, 44) extending from the base (40). The blade sharpening system (38) also includes a sharpener (46) slidably coupled to the rod (42, 44) and configured to engage a generally circular blade (22) of an agricultural implement (10) while the generally circular blade (22) is mounted on the agricultural implement (10). The sharpener (46) is also configured to move along the rod (42, 44) to accommodate lateral variations in a profile of the generally circular blade (22).
B24B 47/12 - Drives or gearings for grinding machines or devices; Equipment therefor for rotating or reciprocating working-spindles carrying grinding wheels or workpieces by mechanical gearing or electric power
B24B 3/46 - Sharpening cutting edges, e.g. of tools; Accessories therefor, e.g. for holding the tools of cutting blades of disc blades
A01B 15/16 - Discs; Scrapers for cleaning discs; Sharpening attachments
A01B 23/06 - Discs; Scrapers for cleaning discs; Sharpening attachments
35.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CORRECTION OF VEHICLE SPEED LAG IN A CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (CVT) AND ASSOCIATED VEHICLE
A method and associated system for compensation of vehicle speed lag resulting from changing load conditions in a continuously variable transmission (CVT) vehicle includes detecting and measuring true engine torque resulting from load changes placed on the vehicle engine. A true engine speed droop is calculated from the true engine torque. A compensated engine speed signal is generated based on the calculated true engine speed droop and is applied to the engine to produce a true engine speed that corresponds to a target engine speed at the load condition corrected for true engine speed droop.
A blade sharpening system (38) is provided that includes a base (40), and a pivoting member (42) rotatably coupled to the base (40) by a shaft (44). The blade sharpening system (38) also includes a sharpener (46) coupled to the pivoting member (42) and configured to engage a generally circular blade (22) of an agricultural implement (10) while the generally circular blade (22) is mounted on the agricultural implement (10). The pivoting member (42) is configured to enable movement of the sharpener (46) to accommodate lateral variations in a profile of the generally circular blade (22). The base (40) has a first plurality of recesses (92, 100, 104, 108, 116, 120, 124) configured to receive the shaft (44) and the pivoting member (42) having a second plurality of recesses (94, 102, 106, 110, 118, 122, 126) configured to receive the shaft (44), wherein the shaft (44) is selectively securable to each of the first plurality of recesses (92, 100, 104, 108, 116, 120, 124), and to each of the second plurality of recesses (94, 102, 106, 110, 118, 122, 126) to adjust the weight urging the sharpener (46) towards the blade and with it to adjust a contact force between the sharpener (46) and the generally circular blade (22).
A shuttle shifting method for a continuously variable transmission automatically selects a manner of shuttle shifting as a function of certain monitored conditions. As one alternative, the direction of operation of the transmission is changed prior to reducing the vehicle speed to zero, and tilt of a swash plate of the hydrostatic power unit of the transmission is held substantially constant, for achieving fast, smooth shifts at faster starting and ending vehicle speeds, without coming to a complete stop. In another alternative, for slower starting and ending speeds, or other conditions such as a temperature condition is present, the vehicle is stopped by changing swash plate angle before effecting a directional change of the transmission and the swash plate.
A parking brake is controlled in concert with operation of a hydrostatic power unit of a continuously variable transmission, particularly when engaging, disengaging and shuttle shifting the transmission, to provide advantages, particularly when on hills. When particular commands are received, such as shifting to a non-moving position, the parking brake is automatically engaged to hold the vehicle position. A swash plate of the hydrostatic unit can be automatically positioned to anticipate the next command. If that command is received, the brake is automatically gradually or proportionally released and the transmission engaged to effect the commanded movement of the vehicle. If a different command is received, the brake remains engaged as the transmission is configured for the commanded movement, such that no machine movement results. Then the brake is automatically gradually or proportionally released and the transmission engaged to effect that commanded movement.
A method of calibrating a hydraulically operated park brake of a continuously variable transmission of a vehicle. With the vehicle moving at a set, slow speed within a specified range, and the park brake off, a search technique is used, wherein the brake hydraulic pressure is reduced by application of a control signal of a selected test value to apply the brake. When the selected test value is reached, it is held constant, and a condition in a HSU of the transmission is monitored for a change indicative of engagement of the park brake. This will expectedly be in the form of a pressure change and more particularly an increase indicating initial contact between the plates of the brake, and if the HSU change is not detected, the step will time out and another control signal value will be tested.
A method for performing a shuttle shift with a continuously variable transmission of a work machine is disclosed. The method may generally include adjusting a swash plate angle of a hydrostatic power unit of the transmission in a first direction to reduce a travel speed of the work machine in an off-going direction, initiating a directional swap between an off-going directional clutch of the continuously variable transmission and an on-coming directional clutch of the continuously variable transmission while the work machine is traveling in the off-going direction and adjusting the swash plate angle of the hydrostatic unit in a second direction after the initiation of the directional swap to reduce slippage across the on-coming directional clutch, wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction.
F16H 47/04 - Combinations of mechanical gearing with fluid clutches or fluid gearing the fluid gearing being of the volumetric type the mechanical gearing being of the type with members having orbital motion
F16H 61/66 - Control functions within change-speed- or reversing-gearings for conveying rotary motion specially adapted for continuously variable gearings
B60W 30/186 - Preventing damage resulting from overload or excessive wear of the driveline excessive wear or burn out of friction elements, e.g. clutches
B60W 10/103 - Infinitely variable gearings of fluid type
41.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION DURING A SHUTTLE SHIFT
A method for controlling a continuously variable transmission of a work machine during a shuttle shift is disclosed. The method may generally include initiating a directional swap by disengaging an off-going directional clutch of the continuously variable transmission and slipping an on-coming directional clutch of the continuously variable transmission to decelerate the work machine in an off-going direction. In addition, the method may include estimating a total amount of energy to be dissipated in the on-coming directional clutch during the shuttle shift, comparing the total amount of energy to a predetermined energy threshold and, if the total amount of energy is equal to or exceeds the predetermined energy threshold, performing the reversion action to complete the shuttle shift, wherein the reversion action corresponds to an action taken to engage one of the off-going directional clutch or the on-coming directional clutch so as to permit the shuttle shift to be completed using ratio changing.
F16H 47/04 - Combinations of mechanical gearing with fluid clutches or fluid gearing the fluid gearing being of the volumetric type the mechanical gearing being of the type with members having orbital motion
F16H 61/66 - Control functions within change-speed- or reversing-gearings for conveying rotary motion specially adapted for continuously variable gearings
B60W 30/186 - Preventing damage resulting from overload or excessive wear of the driveline excessive wear or burn out of friction elements, e.g. clutches
42.
HARVESTER WITH CLEANING SYSTEM HAVING EARLY CLEAN GRAIN EVACUATION
A clean grain evacuation device for a grain harvester having a threshing system configured to separate grain harvested by the harvester from crop residue and direct a flow of the grain to a cleaning system disposed within the harvester including at least two sieves disposed and configured to sequentially clean the grain. The evacuation device is disposed for receiving a portion of the flow of the clean grain from a first of the sieves, and is configured to evacuate the received clean grain away from the cleaning system. The evacuation device can include a conveyor disposed for directing the evacuated grain directly to a desired location such as a clean grain receiving system on the harvester. The evacuation device can also be located in an air flow path to the sieves for improving operation and MOG removal.
METHOD OF USING FEEDFORWARD COMPENSATION BASED ON PRESSURE FEEDBACK FOR CONTROLLING SWASH PLATE ANGLE IN A HYDROSTATIC POWER UNIT OF A CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
A swash plate angle for a hydrostatic power unit of a continuously variable hydromechanical transmission is determined using a feedforward compensation term, to reduce reliance on closed loop control. The feedforward term is based on knowledge of the hydrostatic power unit determined as a function of knowledge of certain parameters, including, but not limited to, hydrostatic power unit pressure, swash plate angle, desired hydrostatic power unit ratio, and pump speed.
A method of calibrating a hydraulically operated clutch in a continuously variable transmission of a vehicle, includes steps of filling the clutch as if for a shift, using a control signal value for achieving a test pressure, and determining a resulting change in a pressure condition in a hydrostatic power unit of the transmission. If the change indicates initial engagement, then a value representative of the signal value used is recorded. If greater than initial engagement is indicated, or the vehicle moved, then the clutch is emptied and tested using a lower test pressure. If initial engagement is not indicated, the clutch is emptied and refilled to a greater test pressure. An exemplary pressure condition is a difference in pressure in lines between a pump and motor of the power unit. During the calibration, the vehicle can be held stationary with a parking brake or the like.
An improved baler and a method of using the improved baler to produce high density bales. The baler comprises a pick-up assembly configured to pick-up crop material; a compression assembly comprising at least one pair of opposing compression rollers configured to generate a pressure on the crop material as it passes between the compression rollers; and a bale chamber, wherein the pre-compressed crop forms a bale. The compression rollers define an adjustable gap therebetween. By adjusting the gap, pressure exerted on the crop material as it passes between the compression rollers may be controlled, resulting in bales of varying density.
An improved baler and a method of using the improved baler to produce high density bales based on arrangement and control of compression rollers. The baler comprises a pick-up assembly configured to pick-up crop material; a rotary feeder; a compression assembly comprising at least one compression roller configured to generate a pressure on the crop material as it passes between the compression roller and another compression component in the baler; and a bale chamber, wherein the pre-compressed crop forms a bale. The compression roller and compression component define an adjustable gap therebetween. The one or more compression rollers and/or baler compression components may be located in various locations in the baler. By adjusting the gap, pressure exerted on the crop material as it passes between the compression rollers and baler compression components may be controlled, resulting in bales of higher density.
A floor seal (72) for a forwardly facing opening (66) through a floor (28) of a plant cutting machine (20) through which a knife arm (62A, 62B) extends for side to side reciprocating movement for driving a sickle (30) of the machine (20) as the machine (20) is moved forwardly for performing a plant cutting operation.
A center knife drive (64) for a sickle (30) of a plant cutting machine (20), having an upwardly facing cover (70) and at least one output element (78, 80) reciprocatingly movable by the drive (64) above the cover (70) for moving a knife (58) of the sickle (30) in a sideward reciprocating cutting action, including at least one cleaning flap (104, 106) in connection with the output element (78, 80) positioned and configured for reciprocating forward and rearward movement thereby, disposed above the cover (70) and configured for cleaning loose material therefrom during the movement and for pushing the loose material from the cover (70), to accommodate upward movement of the drive (64) within a space (72) below or in a floor (28) of the machine (20), clearing the material from the path of the output element (78, 80), and improved heat dissipation.
A timing apparatus (48) for sickle knives (28,30) of a plant harvester, having an endless elongate element (50) encircling and movable about spaced apart support elements (54) and connector elements (66, 68) connecting knife ends (42, 44) to first and second portions (60, 62) of the elongate element (50), respectively, such that movement of the elongate element (50) in a first direction about the support elements (54) will move the knives (28, 30) in timed relation in first opposite cutting directions, and movement of the elongate element (50) in a second direction opposite the first direction will move the knives (28, 30) in timed relation in second opposite cutting directions. The apparatus (48) can be connected between separately drive knives (28, 30) for timing their motions, or for using one of the knives (28, 30) for timingly driving another of the knives (28, 30).
A01D 34/04 - Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having reciprocating cutters mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle with cutters at the front
The drive (62A, 62B) has an input rotatable about an upstanding rotational axis (84) and carries a cam (86) followed by a pivot arm (96) pivotable about an upstanding pivotal axis (114). A power source (152) is connected in rotatably driving relation to the input. The pivot arm (96) connects to a knife assembly (58) of a sickle (30). The input, cam (86) and pivot arm (96) are generally flat, and the power source (152) is vertically coextensive therewith for incorporation in or below the floor (28) of a header (22) of a plant cutting machine (20). Rotation of the input causes offset movement of the cam (86) about the rotational axis (84), resulting in sideward pivoting of the pivot arm (96) and sickle knife (58). A second cam drive (124) can oppositely drive a second sickle knife (58), such that opposite forces generated by operation of the drives (62A, 62B) will be largely canceled.
A01D 34/04 - Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having reciprocating cutters mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle with cutters at the front
A sickle drive (62A, 62B) incorporated into a generally flat package or enclosure (64) or floor (28). The drive (62A, 62B) includes an epicyclic mechanism, including a rotatable input element (82) in an upper region of a cavity (78) of the enclosure (64), and an eccentric element (86) below the input element (82) rotatable eccentrically thereby. A drive arm (92) is connected to the eccentric element (86) for rotation about, and eccentric rotation with, the eccentric element (86), and extends to a pivot element (102) which can be the only component extending upwardly from the enclosure (64) or floor (28), such that the shaft (100) will be pivoted by the eccentric movement of the drive arm (92). A knife arm (76) connects to the pivot element (102) and a sickle knife assembly (58) which will be reciprocated by the pivoting action. A second epicyclic arrangement can be employed such that opposite forces generated by operation of the drive (62A, 62B) will be largely canceled.
The pivoting action sickle drive (62A, 62B) has a low profile allowing incorporation in or below a floor (28) of a header (22) of a plant cutting machine (20) to allow passage of cut plant material thereabout. The drive (62A, 62B) includes a substantially flat rotatable input element (82), and a drive arm (92) connected eccentric thereto for eccentric rotation along an epicyclical path (90).
The knife arm assembly (68) for connecting a sickle drive (62A, 62B) to the knife of a sickle (30), has a knife arm (66) including a cavity (124) and an opening (130) at one end that holds a bearing (122) for receiving a knife pin (84) of the sickle (30), and a shoulder (90) extending at least partially about and defining a second opening (140) at an opposite end of the cavity (124) smaller than the first opening (130), and a plug (126) disposed in the second end of the cavity (124) adjacent the end of the bearing (122) and enclosing the second opening (140), the plug (126) being configured to be forceably movable through the cavity (124) toward the first opening (130) and against the bearing (122) for forcing the bearing (122) from the knife arm (66), providing easy serviceability, protection from dirt, dust, and other contaminants.
A system and method of operation of a draper header of an agricultural work machine during a deslugging or clean out operation and after resumption of normal crop processing. During the deslugging or clean out operation, a feed draper is reversed or paused and the at least one side draper is paused. The method includes automatically resuming operation of the feed draper and at least one side draper in a graduated progression for more efficient clearing of the slug or blockage of crop material.
The knife arm assembly (66) for connecting an epicyclic sickle drive mechanism (62A, 62B) to the knife (58) of a sickle (30), has a pivoting knife arm (68) having a mounting end (70) connected to a shuttle element (98) of the epicyclical drive mechanism (62A, 62B) driven in a reciprocating linear motion by a pinion (102) of the mechanism (62A, 62B), a distal end (72) opposite the mounting end (70), and a pivot (74) at a location between the mounting end (70) and the distal end (72), the mounting end (70) being connected to the shuttle element (98) with an eccentric bearing arrangement (80) for translating reciprocating the linear movements of the shuttle element (98) into limited reciprocating pivoting movements of the knife arm (68).
A slot driven low profile sickle drive (62A, 62B) has an input rotatable about an upstanding rotational axis (84) and carries an eccentric (86) captured in a slot (98) in one end of a pivot arm (92) pivotable about an upstanding pivotal axis (102). A power source (142) is connected in rotatably driving relation to the input. The opposite end of the pivot arm (92) connects to a knife assembly (58) of a sickle (30). The input, eccentric (86) and pivot arm (92) are generally flat, and the power source (142) is vertically coextensive therewith for incorporation in or below the floor (28 ) of a header (22) of a plant cutting machine (20).
The knife head (64) mounts to the sickle (30) to hold a plurality of knife sections (60) thereon while allowing removal of the knife sections (60) individually without major disassembly for ease of in field repair and replacement. A knife pin (84) of the knife head (64) connects to a knife arm (66) driven by the sickle drive mechanism (62A, 62B) and is removable from above also without major disassembly. The knife pin (84) connection provides a vertical self adjustment capability to accommodate sickle (30) wear and vertical misalignment between the sickle (30) and drive (62A, 62B). And the knife arm (66) is streamlined for cut plant material flow thereabout and is also adapted for ease of removal and field repair.
A system and method of operation of a draper header of an agricultural work machine at or after resumption of a normal crop processing mode following a slug clean out mode for elimination of a slug or blockage of crop material in which a feed draper is reversed or paused and the at least one side draper is paused. The method includes automatically resuming operation of a feed draper and at least one side draper in a graduated progression for more efficient clearing of the slug or blockage of crop material.
A control system and method is provided to control the trajectory of a transport vehicle (20) to follow the trajectory of a harvester (10). The harvester can send control information such as the harvester's current position and future position waypoints to the transport vehicle. The control system can then use the information from the harvester to determine the trajectory for the transport vehicle.
A01D 43/073 - Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for collecting, gathering or loading mown material in or into a trailer with controllable discharge spout
A01D 43/08 - Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for cutting up the mown crop
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
B62D 1/28 - Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle not vehicle-mounted non-mechanical
60.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC LATERAL GUIDANCE CONTROL OF A FARMING VEHICLE
A system and method is provided for adaptive control of at least one parameter of an auto guidance control algorithm for a vehicle. The parameters may be varied according to a previously established look up table, or automatically adapted through the use of control logic, such as a "fuzzy logic" algorithm. The control parameters that can be adaptively controlled include steered wheel turn rate, proportional valve current gain, line acquisition rate and/or auto guidance control valve current limits. The control algorithm responds to the vehicle's operating parameters such as vehicle speed, tracking error, predicted heading, and hydraulic oil temperature to make adjustments to the auto guidance control parameters.
A control system and method is provided to control a longitudinal position of a transport vehicle (20) relative to a harvester (10) during an unload on the go operation and to control both the lateral position and the longitudinal position of a transport vehicle relative to a harvester (10) during an unload on the go operation to evenly fill a receiving area of the transport vehicle (20) with crop material from the harvester (10). The longitudinal position of the transport vehicle (20) is maintained within an acceptable range by adjusting the velocity of the transport vehicle (20). The receiving area of the transport vehicle (20) can be more evenly filled with crop material by adjusting the lateral position and the longitudinal position of the transport vehicle (20) within predetermined trim distances associated with the receiving area of the transport vehicle (20).
A control system and method is provided for controlling the operational configuration of a spout (18) of a harvester (10) being used to perform unload on the go operations with an associated transport vehicle (20). The velocities of the harvester (10) and transport vehicle (20) and the lateral and longitudinal distances (LAD.LOD) between the harvester (10) and transport vehicle (20) are used to predict future lateral and longitudinal distances between the harvester (10) and transport vehicle (20). A control signal is issued to a harvester spout control system if either of the predicted lateral distance or longitudinal distance is outside of an associated acceptable range. The harvester spout control system then either shuts off the spout (18) or changes the orientation of the spout (18) in response to the control signal.
A01D 41/127 - Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines
A01D 43/073 - Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for collecting, gathering or loading mown material in or into a trailer with controllable discharge spout
A control system and method is provided for synchronized control of a harvester (10) and transport vehicle (20) during unload on the go operation. The control system can maintain a desired lateral distance (LAD) between the harvester (10) and transport vehicle (20) using swath information that is used to steer the harvester (10). In addition, the control system can also bring a transport vehicle (20) into appropriate alignment with the harvester (10) using the same swath information.
An HVAC system (30) for a work vehicle having an operator cab (20) including a system positioned substantially within the cab behind and below an operator's chair (74). A portion of the system has at least one inlet (78), and a plurality of outlets (50) positioned in front of the operator's chair. The system includes a filter (66) configured to be easily maintained in its substantially horizontal position during removal so that debris retained on the upper surface (96) of the filter does not fall into a portion of the HVAC system or the cab when the filter is removed therefrom.
An HVAC system (48) for a work vehicle (10) having an operator cab (20) includes a first chamber (50) having an inlet (54) for receiving airflow (56) exterior of the cab. The inlet is adjacent to a first source for moving air (40) for use independent of the HVAC system, the inlet arranged to cause a first change of direction (60) of airflow inside the first chamber. The first chamber resulting in both a first air pressure reduction (64) and a first reduction of airflow velocity (66) while inside the first chamber sufficient to reduce an amount of particles (68) entrained in the airflow while the particles are within the first chamber. A second chamber (78) in fluid communication with the first chamber and configured to cause both a second change of direction (80) and a third change of direction (82) of airflow while inside of the second chamber prior to reaching a third chamber (88) for mixing air flow with re-circulated air from the cab.
The apparatus forms a unitary bale of agricultural or forestry biomass of uniform density and having a level top. The apparatus includes packer apparatus configured and supported in the chamber for reciprocating movement through a compacting chamber and progressive movement upwardly to form the bale. A crop deflector is supported in the chamber above the packer apparatus for deflecting a stream of the biomass downwardly, and is configured and operable so as to move continuously with the packer apparatus between the ends of the chamber and to substantially constantly reconfigure as a function of a position of the packer apparatus and a direction of the movement thereof so as to deflect the stream of the biomass directly in a path of the packer apparatus in the current direction of the movement thereof so as to be immediately compacted thereby onto the floor or the bale.
A wrapping system for plant material utilizes a first wrapping material dispenser disposed along a first upper periphery of a compacting chamber, and a second wrapping material dispenser opposite the first dispenser, for automatically dispensing sheets of wrapping material in overlapping relation over the chamber and plant material therein. The system includes apparatus for joining the overlapping sheets together. The system is automatically operable to dispense sheets of the material in overlapping relation over the chamber and join them for receiving a flow of the plant material thereon. Before or while the plant material is received, the sheets are further dispensed to move downwardly in the chamber to receive and wrap about the plant material. The system then dispenses opposite ends of the sheets in overlapping relation over the material and joins the ends to complete the wrapper.
A system and method for wrapping bales of agricultural material including, but not limited to, cotton bales and biomass bales, provides a supply of tubular wrapping material at an outlet end of bale forming apparatus, for receiving successive large bales, and gathers, clamps, and cuts the wrapping material at a point between a just wrapped bale and the discharge opening, for closing the end of the wrapper of the just finished bale, and forming the wrapper for the next bale.
A floor module (100) suitable for inclusion in the modular floor assembly (20) of a header (10) of an agricultural cutting machine comprises a support (160) and an overlaying floor sheet (120). The support (160) includes a support leading edge portion (122), a support trailing edge portion (166), and a floor support portion (170) disposed therebetween. The support leading edge (164) portion attaches to the cutter bar (50) of the header (10). The support trailing edge portion (166) includes a first resilient projection (188), and the floor support portion (170) includes a second resilient projection (200). The floor sheet (120) includes a floor sheet leading edge portion (122), a floor sheet trailing edge portion (126), and a substantially planar floor portion (130) disposed therebetween. The first resilient projection (188) and the floor sheet trailing edge portion (126) define a trailing slot (194) configured to receive a header frame projection (196). The second resilient projection (200) and the substantially planar floor portion (130) define a side slot (232) configured to receive a side edge portion (236) of an adjacent floor module (100).
A tractor mounted cotton harvester carries at least one mechanized cotton picking unit removably supported beside at least one side of the tractor in a forward facing orientation, outwardly of the tractor wheels. A cotton receptacle is removably mounted to a hitch of the tractor and is lowerable for unloading. The cotton receptacle can include cotton compacting apparatus. At least one duct connects the at least one picking unit with the cotton receptacle, and a fan provides an air flow through the duct or ducts. The fan can be hydraulic, electric or mechanical powered.
A cotton harvester and baler (20) to be towed by a vehicle (24), carries at least one mechanized cotton picking unit (30), a mechanized cotton baler (32) having packing apparatus (76) for compacting the picked cotton into bales (84) which are successively discharged. Cotton conveying apparatus (34) extends between the picking unit or units (30) and the baler (32), for receiving the picked cotton and conveying it to a baling chamber (72) of the baler (32) for compaction by the packing apparatus (76). The conveying apparatus (34) can comprise all mechanical, all pneumatic, or a combination of mechanical and pneumatic apparatus. The picking unit or units (30) can be removed to allow picking up and baling material such as straw or hay.
A biomass conveying and distributing system for separating and distributing lighter biomass residue from heavier or denser biomass, utilizing available air flow from the cleaning system of the harvester. The harvester will discharge a flow of heavier or denser biomass with an airborne flow of lighter biomass residue. The system includes a conveyor for receiving and conveying the heavier or denser biomass, and residue distributing apparatus disposed above the conveyor in a path of at least a portion of the airborne flow of lighter residue, including at least one deflector configured and operable for redirecting the airborne flow sidewardly away from the conveyor, above a passage through which the conveyor passes carrying the heavier biomass away from the harvester.
A cob conveying and cleaning system for use with a corn harvester, incorporating air induction in cooperation with an air flow from the harvester, for cleaning and separating lighter crop residue to be returned to the field from a mixed flow of the residue and cobs, such that the cleaned cobs can be collected, and the lighter residue optionally spread on the field. The air flow and induction are combined to cooperatively lift or draw the lighter residue from the mixed flow, and to optionally spread the removed lighter residue over a field, if desired. The induction apparatus can be located on the harvester, and used as a residue spreader when cobs are not collected.
A biomass feed system includes a device to propel an airborne flow of the biomass along a trajectory within a collection device. At least one air flow port is disposed and operable in cooperation with at least one fan for discharging a flow of air for creating a blanket of pressurized air within the interior cavity beneath the trajectory for supporting and extending a distance of travel of the biomass within the collection device. The collection device can include an air flow outlet adjacent to a terminal end of the trajectory, to and through which the pressurized air will flow, in a manner for lifting and carrying at least some of the airborne biomass farther into the interior cavity. And, vanes or other elements can be provided to used to achieve better sideward distribution.
A feed system for a biomass collection device uses a conveyor for dropping a flow comprising a mixture of denser or heavier biomass to be collected such as cobs, and less dense or lighter biomass residue such as leaf trash, through a space, and rotary feed apparatus below for receiving the flow, operable for propelling the received flow into a collection device, in combination with a fan configured and operable for directing a flow of air along a second path intersecting the first path in a manner to divert at least a substantial portion of the less dense or lighter biomass residue away from the feed apparatus, while allowing substantially all of the denser or heavier biomass to continue along the first path to the feed apparatus for feeding into the collection device. Distribution apparatus along the second path can then be used to spread the diverted biomass.
patents
