Abstract: The present invention relates to a lubrication system for an agricultural implement such as a cotton harvester having a plurality of harvesting units mounted thereon. Each harvesting unit of the cotton harvester includes a harvesting mechanism whose operation is facilitated by supplying lubricant thereto. The lubrication system preferably includes an on-board grease reservoir with a constant displacement pump assembly having an input connected to the reservoir and an output for providing lubricant under pressure to the harvesting mechanisms of each harvesting unit. The pump assembly is operated under the influence of a controller which operates the pump for a preselected period of time thereby causing preselected amounts of pressurized lubricant to be provided to the harvesting mechanism of each harvesting unit.

Abstract: A bander assembly for effecting a substantially even distribution of granular or particulate matter across a relatively wide band. The bander assembly includes a housing defining a throat section and a distributor section. The throat section has a series of baffles arranged toward one end thereof for agitating the granular material as it flows therepast. A series of deflectors are arranged in the distributor section for deflecting the granular material into a wide band having a substantially even or equal distribution thereacross. The present invention also relates to a method for effecting a substantially even or equal distribution of granular material from a bander assembly.

Abstract: An improved height control system for adjusting the elevation of a harvesting unit supportd for vertical movement on a cotton harvester. The height control system includes a signal receiving apparatus movable within a range of movement and arranged in combination with a lift mechanism for adjusting the elevation of the harvesting unit. A signal transmitting mechanism carried on the harvesting unit for ground engagement is connected to the signal receiving apparatus for causing the lift mechanism to effect harvesting unit elevation correlated with vertical movement of the signal transmitting mechanism relative to the harvesting unit. A linkage assembly interconnects the signal receiving apparatus and signal transmitting mechanism.

Abstract: A system for mounting and supporting harvesting units on a forward end of a cotton harvester frame to allow them to be slidably moved relative to each other and laterally along an elongated tool bar structure. The tool bar structure is pivotally connected to the cotton harvester frame by a lift assembly. The harvesting units hang in a cantilevered fashion from and are independently connected at their rearward edges to the tool bar structure by a slide support structure which facilitates visibility of the harvesting units from a cab region of the harvester. The slide support structure maintains a non-rotatable and non-point contact relationship with laterally elongated generally flat support surfaces defined between opposite ends of the tool bar structure whereby substantial surface area contact is provided between each side support structure and the support surfaces on the tool bar structure.

Abstract: A lubrication system including a lubricant reservoir connected to a pump assembly which selectively operates in either of two modes of operation. In one mode of operation, the pump assembly provides pressurized lubricant to various lubricant receiving areas. In a second mode of operation, the same pump assembly is used to refill the lubricant reservoir from a lubricant supply source.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a cotton harvester with harvesting units mounted for vertical movement about a fixed axis and for lateral movement across a front end of the harvester. The drive assembly includes a harvesting unit drive section and a transmission section which are driven by a common power input. The harvesting unit drive section includes an upright fluidically sealed housing with an output shaft assembly and a pair of modular drive units supported and connected to the housing at opposite ends of the output shaft assembly. An elongated modular support connects at least one of the drive units to the housing to optimize the lateral location of the driving units and thereby maximizing transfer of rotary power through the harvesting unit drive section.

Abstract: A cotton harvester duct system for pneumatically transporting cotton from a harvesting unit toward a receptacle. The duct structure has a generally horizontal section leading from an opening and joined to a generally vertical section extending in a generally straight line alignment with a conveyor tube. An air nozzle extends to an interior of the duct structure for propelling cotton through the duct structure upwardly through the conveyor tube. The air nozzle is mounted upstream from the opening at a foremost lower location and adjacent a wall of the vertical duct section.

Abstract: A system for controlling the elevation of a harvesting unit of a cotton harvester relative to a ground surface. The control system includes a valve assembly whose position controls operation of a lift mechanism connected to the harvesting unit and which is operated by a ground contour sensor assembly carried by the harvesting unit. Harvesting unit elevation is correlated with the extent that the ground contour sensor assembly moves relative to the harvesting unit. The ground contour sensor assembly includes a shoe with a ground engaging surface wherein such surface is movable vertically relative to the harvesting unit and also is pivotable sideways about a fore-and-aft extending axis thereby enhancing ground contact of the sensor assembly with the ground contour.

Abstract: A cotton conveying structure which directs doffed cotton toward a cotton receptacle and readily allows both vertical and lateral movement of a harvesting unit to which it is connected. The conveying structure includes at least one discharge duct assembly defining an elongated cotton flow passage opening at one end to a harvesting mechanism of a harvesting unit and opening at an opposite end to exahust cotton into a cotton receptacle. The duct assembly is provided with an intermediate section defined by a pair of elongated tubes which telescopically move relative to each other to maintain integrity of the duct assembly upon movement of the harvesting unit.

Abstract: A system for mounting and supporting harvesting units on a forward end of a cotton harvester frame to allow them to be slidably moved relative to each other and laterally along an elongated tool bar structure. The tool bar structure is pivotally connected to the cotton harvester frame by a lift assembly. The harvesting units are independently connected at their rearward edges to the tool bar structure by a slide support structure. The slide support structure maintains a non-rotatable and nonpoint contact relationship with laterally elongated generally flat support surfaces defined between opposite ends of the tool bar structure whereby subsantial surface area contact is provided between each side support structure and the support surfaces on the tool bar structure.

Abstract: A quick attaching mechanism adapted to automatically fasten an implement to a boom assembly of a front-end loader. The quick attaching mechanism is designed to accommodate a broad range of lateral spacing between lift arms of the boom assembly and mounting structures on the implement to be attached thereto. The quick attaching mechanism includes a pair of male coupling structures carried at a forward end of the boom assembly and which are releasably fastened to female coupling structures on the implement. Each male coupling structure includes a fastening pin which is automatically operated to releasably fasten the implement to the boom assembly.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for a laterally movable harvesting unit of a cotton harvester. The latching mechanism includes a latching pin which is associated with the harvesting unit for movement therewith and which is resiliently biased in two opposite directions. The latching pin is endwise movable along a generally straight line path between a locked position whereat the pin inhibits lateral movement of the harvesting unit and a released position whereat the pin allows lateral movement of the harvesting unit. A handle, which is selectively movable between locked and released positions, is connected to and moves the latching pin between corresponding positions. The resiliency of the latching pin allows movement of the handle between positions while facilitating consequent movement of the latching pin between corresponding positions.

Abstract: An improved combine feeder assembly including a conveyor and a feeder housing which envelopes the conveyor. The conveyor is comprised of a plurality of endless driving chains and a plurality of feeder slats driven by the chains. Each feeder slat is secured at opposite ends to the chains by connectors allowing for endwise movement of the feeder slats in response to impact loading thereagainst. Moreover, each feeder slat has an outer profile providing an extended reach at the center of the slat as compared to the reach provided toward opposite ends. The feeder housing preferably includes a bottom wall configured to compliment the outer profile of the feeder slats and enhance combine operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a row unit for lateral movement relative to a chassis of an agricultural implement. The row unit mounting apparatus includes a laterally extending tool bar assembly supported on a chassis and having a support surface extending between opposite ends thereof. The row unit is supported on the main frame in a manner allowing sliding movement of the row unit along the support surface of the tool bar assembly. The tool bar assembly includes a main frame and an extension frame selectively attachable to a first end of the main frame for easily and conveniently extending the support apparatus to provide additional row unit capacity or to accommodate lateral movement of the row units in a manner facilitating inspection and servicing thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of an operating handle includes a plate which couples such operating handle to a device such as a hydraulic valve. The plate includes a detent notch, a shoulder and a control surface. An auxiliary lever is mounted for pivoting movement between a first, engaged position and a second, disengaged position and is maintained in either position by a compression spring. Such compression spring exhibits toggling movement as the lever is moved between positions. The lever includes a pin for engaging the detent notch when the lever is in the first position and the handle is thereby retained in a predetermined position. When the pin is in contact with the control surface and with the shoulder, the handle is retained in an operating position. Movement of a stop mechanism to a position which does not obstruct handle movement also permits the operating handle to move to a "float" position.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a dozer blade for vertical and angular movement relative to a frame of a wheeled implement. The mounting apparatus a mounting mechanism which allows the dozer blade to be mounted close to the wheels to either end of the implement and which permits angular movement of the blade about a generally vertical axis and vertical movement of the dozer blade about a generally horizontal axis. The mounting apparatus further includes a linearly distendable driver which extends laterally across the frame of the implement and a linkage mechanism which improves angling moments and maximizes the driving force imparted to the blade upon extension of the driver. The linearly distendable driver and linkage mechanism operate in combination and in a closely confined area adjacent to the implement frame for effecting extended angular movement of the dozer blade.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based electronic control system for a powershift transmission having at least one proportional actuator, such as a solenoid-operated proportional valve, is disclosed. The controller operates a plurality of on-off solenoid valves and the solenoid-operated proportional valve to provide operator-selected gear shifts in both forward and reverse directions having controlled clutch engagements achieved by modulations of clutch engagement pressure by the proportional valve. The key parameters associated with the gradual clutch engagement are all easily varied by the controller, most under program control during operation, to provide for optimized clutch engagements for smooth gearshifts. The key parameters include: fast-fill clutch delay, initial clutch engagement pressure, rate of increase of clutch engagement pressure, and the length of the reduced pressure clutch engagement interval.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling operation of an agricultural implement such as a cotton harvester. The control system includes operator presence circuitry, gear selector circuitry, and bypass circuitry arranged independently of each other for controlling operation of a drive assembly such as a hydrostatic drive mechanism used to drive a harvesting unit on and propel the cotton harvester.

Abstract: A roll over protection apparatus which can be angularly and pivotably moved into various positions relative to the frame of an implement. The roll over protection apparatus includes a roll bar assembly and a mechanism for adjustably mounting the roll bar assembly to the implement frame. The mounting mechanism anchors the roll bar assembly in a manner permitting adjustment of the roll bar assembly into a position best suited for the particular application of the implement while maintaining protection for the operator. Locking mechanisms are also permitted for releasably securing the roll bar in adjusted positions relative to the implement frame.