Abstract: A control system for an agricultural harvester having a frame and a header. The header attaches to a feeder which connects the header to the harvester, and header to feeder attaching point has a position which is adjustable relative to the frame. In at least one mode, when an operator raises the feeder above a predetermined height, the control system automatically levels the header to the frame of the harvester, even though the header was being operated manually in a lowered position. The control system includes a feeder housing limit switch that indicates when the operator raises the feeder above a predetermined height. When operating in the automatic centering mode, the header tilt control module compares the centering signal and the balance signal to automatically level the header relative to the frame of the harvester.

Abstract: A folding seat is provided for the cab of an agricultural vehicle. The seat is provided with a mounting bracket secured by bolts to an inclined -horizontal surface in the cab, such as part of the wheel arch. A seat member is pivotably mounted at its rear end on the mounting bracket for pivotal movement between a horizontal operative position and an inclined storage position in which the seat member lies against the mounting bracket. A stay is mounted to pivot between an operative position in which it extends vertically from the mounting bracket to the seat member in order to support the weight of the seat member on the mounting bracket and a storage position in which it lies between the mounting bracket and the seat member.

Abstract: A baler is described which has a collection chamber or duct and a baling chamber. Crop material enters the duct until a pre-determined level has been reached at which time a stuffer transfers the pre-compressed crop to the baling chamber. A control system is provided for calculating the ratio between the amount of crop material which should be formed into bales under optimal conditions and the rate of flow of crop material entering the duct. This ratio can be displayed and used to control the speed of the towing vehicle. The present invention uses the duct as a kind of measuring cylinder to determine the rate at which crop material is entering the baler.

Abstract: A forwardly folding tillage implement carries a number of ground engaging tools on a tool gang frame disposed to the rear of a carrier frame. A rockshaft is disposed between the carrier frame and the tool gang frame and is movable between four rotated positions about two axes of rotation. A control mechanism controls the relative angular position of the rockshaft. A support mechanism is disposed rearwardly of the axes of rotation to support the rear of the tool gang frame above the ground in the field working position. An abutment member restrains the relative rotation between the rockshaft and the tool gang frame to fully support the tool gang frame on the rockshaft upon rotation of the rockshaft.

Abstract: A folding seat is provided for the cab of an agricultural vehicle. The seat is provided with a mounting bracket secured by bolts to an inclined-horizontal surface in the cab, such as part of the wheel arch. A seat member is pivotably mounted at its rear end on the mounting bracket for pivotal movement between a horizontal operative position and an inclined storage position in which the seat member lies against the mounting bracket. A stay is mounted to pivot between an operative position in which it extends vertically from the mounting bracket to the seat member in order to support the weight of the seat member on the mounting bracket and a storage position in which it lies between the mounting bracket and the seat member.

Abstract: A method of controlling the combination of a baler and a tractor includes the steps of advancing the baler combination through a swath or windrow of biological crop matter with the tractor PTO operating at a generally constant speed to power the baler and the baler operating to take up biological matter while monitoring the flow rate of the biological matter through the baler. A microprocessor compares the assessed flow rate with an optimal flow rate and varies the travel speed of the tractor to maximize the flow rate of crop material through the baler. Preferably, the speed of operation of the tractor is accomplished through changing transmission speeds so that the PTO shaft speed is maintained at a substantially uniform rotational speed. The apparatus provided for carrying out the method of controlling the combination of a tractor and a baler increases the work rate of baling operations.

Abstract: A tractor/implement combination is controlled through the use of real-time data on the true draft force generated by engagement of an implement with the ground. A method of controlling a tractor/implement combination includes obtaining and storing calibration data on the torque generated at the tractor flywheel, while the implement is disengaged from the ground, including such data the rolling resistance and frictional/parasitic losses between the flywheel and driven wheel axle of the tractor. During subsequent operation of the tractor/implement combination, the calibration data is subtracted from instantaneous data to generate a signal indicative of the implement draft force. The draft force signal may be factored to take account of the tractor power train ratio and the rolling radius of the tractor tires. The method allows generation of accurate draft force data, regardless of the nature and mounting location of the implement.

Abstract: A cab is described for an agricultural vehicle having front and rear corners and two rear wheel fenders arranged one on each side at the rear of the cab. The cab comprises a frame that includes two rear support members. The rear support members having lower portions disposed at the back of the cab between the two fenders and upper portions disposed above the fenders and offset laterally outwards from the lower portions.

Abstract: A baler is described which has a collection chamber or duct and a baling chamber. Crop material enters the duct until a pre-determined level has been reached at which time a stuffer transfers the pre-compressed crop to the baling chamber. A control system is provided for calculating the ratio between the amount of crop material which should be formed into bales under optimal conditions and the rate of flow of crop material entering the duct. This ratio can be displayed and used to control the speed of the towing vehicle. The present invention uses the duct as a kind of measuring cylinder to determine the rate at which crop material is entering the baler.

Abstract: An agricultural rake basket flotation system that employs tension springs to support a portion of the weight of the rake basket, toward the lateral ends thereof, thus allowing for a more sensitive and complete response to encounters with obstacles and irregularities in the ground level.

Abstract: A utility vehicle is provided with a middle axle that is mounted at the end of a bogey beam for flotational movement relative to the frame of the vehicle. The middle axle is restrained longitudinally by support links that are pivotally connected at a location forward of the rear drive axle. The middle axle is formed by a pair of stub axles interconnected by a support beam that is pivotally connected to the rearward end of the bogey beam. Vertical movement of the middle axle support wheels results in a corresponding vertical movement of the rearward end of the bogey beam and a rotation of the support beam about its pivotal connection on the bogey beam. The configuration of the support links provides sufficient slack in the drive mechanism to the middle axle during flotational movement thereof so as to allow a slight twisting of the drive mechanism during oscillation of the middle axle.

Abstract: A moistening pad for a cotton picker spindle has a rearward end including a hole, and is positioned by the pad holder in a predetermined position over the rearward end of the moistening location for contacting the mounting end of the spindle for applying the moistening liquid. A pad holder includes a mounting element for mounting to a support element of the harvesting unit and a pad support element for holding the pad with the rearward end in the predetermined position over the rearward end of the moistening location when the holder is mounted to the support element.

Abstract: A mobile, self-propelled cotton harvester having a cotton module building or packaging capability, having at least one harvesting unit; a compactor structure including a first surface or floor having a predetermined extent and other surfaces such as side walls and ends defining and substantially enclosing an interior space or module building chamber for receiving the harvested cotton; and apparatus for distributing and compacting the cotton evenly within the interior space or chamber, including a compacting element or frame located therein, the compacting element supporting at least one member for movement relative thereto for distributing the cotton substantially evenly between the compacting element and the first surface, and at least one driver supporting the compacting element spaced from the first surface operable for moving it between positions spaced different distances from the first surface and for forceably moving it toward the first surface from the positions, respectively, and against cotton distr

Abstract: A rotary combine includes a rotor having a longitudinal axis of rotation and a concave removably mounted adjacent the rotor. The concave assembly includes a longitudinally extending frame having first and second sides spaced circumferentially around the rotor. Each of the first and second sides is transversely moveable relative to the axis of rotation of the rotor. A method for adjusting the position of the concave assembly is provided and includes moving at least one of the first and second sides of the frame in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: An easily removable support for a moistener stand or column of a harvesting unit of a cotton harvester, which tilts the stand or column when rotated from an operative position to a service position, to raise a plurality of moistening pads of the stand or column relative to picker spindles of the harvesting unit. The moistener stand or column is then merely lifted to disconnect the support for removal, and when reinstalled and/or rotated back to the operative position, previous fore, aft and height adjustments of the moistening pads are retained.

Abstract: A vehicle control device, in particular a clutch mechanism for a tractor, includes a control lever and guide mechanism in which the lever is selectively movable from a first rest position to a second engaged position. The control lever is subjected to the action of an elastic apparatus operable to move the lever into the first rest position if the lever is released before reaching a given point along the guide mechanism. The elastic apparatus also being operable to move the control lever into the second engaged position if the control lever is released past the given point.

Abstract: A method for forming a cotton module on a mobile cotton harvester, including the steps of: (a) removing cotton from cotton plants as the harvester is moved across a cotton field; (b) conveying the removed cotton into a cotton receiver structure including a plurality of surfaces of known extent defining and substantially enclosing an interior space; (c) distributing the cotton in the cotton receiver structure substantially evenly with respect to a selected one of the surfaces of the receiver structure; and (d) periodically compacting the cotton in the cotton receiver structure substantially evenly against the selected one of the surfaces by forceably moving a compacting element having an extent only marginally smaller than the extent of the selected one of the surfaces against the distributed cotton and toward the selected one of the surfaces.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve having a main body in which is formed a pressurized-fluid inlet opening; a first conduit communicating hydraulically with a user device; a second conduit communicating hydraulically with the user device, and at least one spool for regulating pressurized fluid flow to and from the user device; the spool having a longitudinal axis, and the position of the spool being regulated by an actuating device; the hydraulic valve being characterized in that the actuating device has a guide member for preventing the spool from rotating about the axis; the actuating device also having a cable, e.g. a Bowden-type cable, for moving the spool in two opposite directions defined by the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A combine harvester comprises a threshing and separating arrangement mounted to a main frame and including a threshing or separating rotor co-operating with a curved threshing or separating concave. The harvester is provided with a grain sensor having a grain detection surface which is directed to a section of the concave for directly receiving part of the crop flow from the concave and to provide a signal indicative of the quantity of grain kernels in the crop flow. The plane of the detection surface and the plane tangent to the concave section intersect at an acute angle (&bgr;). This orientation deviates the crop material sideways, such that it does not tend to stick between the concave and the detection surface itself.

Abstract: A system for coupling, uncoupling and controlling the operating parameters of the header assembly on an agricultural combine. A fixed coupler block on the feeder assembly of the combine is coupled with a movable coupler block on the header assembly to join hydraulic and electrical conduits by rotating a coupler handle to lock the blocks together. As the handle rotates, it also causes push-pull cables to actuate latch pins which mechanically couple the header assembly to the feeder assembly. The system senses whether a header assembly is present or not and, if present, what type of header assembly is present. In the latter case, the system then controls the operating parameters of the header assembly.