Abstract: In order to optimize strength, wear, and picking efficiency, a cotton picker spindle may comprise a first end oppositely disposed from a second end. The spindle may comprise a plurality of barbs disposed about a surface of the body. Each of the barbs may comprise barb attributes comprising barb width, leading angle, trailing angle and barb depth. One or more of the barb attributes may change from the first end towards the second end. Barb spacing may also be varied.

Abstract: An information map is obtained by a cotton harvesting system. The information map maps values of a first characteristic to different geographic locations in a worksite. An in-situ sensor detects a value of a second characteristic as the cotton harvester operates at the worksite. A predictive map generator generates a predictive map that predicts values of the second characteristic at the different geographic locations in the worksite based on a relationship between the values of the first characteristic in the information map and values of the second characteristic detected by the in-situ sensor. The predictive map can be output and used in automated machine control.

Abstract: A cotton harvester estimates the mass of cotton as it is harvested using sensor devices and compares the mass of each module against the estimated mass of the module as determined by the sensors so that a calibration factor may be determined and actively updated for more accurate crop yield determination. The mass flow for a specific module is accumulated and processed during harvesting using a base calibration factor and the module is weighed and compared against the expected mass using the base calibration factor to develop a candidate updated calibration factor. The base calibration factor is selectively replaced by the candidate updated calibration factor for processing a subsequent module based on machine feedback information relating to the operation of the harvester. Harvested crop data determined using the calibration factor is used to generate highly accurate yield maps.

Abstract: Roll assemblies for cotton harvesters and associated methods are disclosed. Example roll assemblies may include a unitary component that defines a plurality of slots. Bats and brushes may be removably retained within the slots. The unitary component may include a plurality of lobes with the plurality of slots defined therebetween. A central passage may be formed in a central portion of the unitary component. A shaft having an interlocking shape may be removably received within the central passage. In some implementations, one or more lobes are removably securable to the unitary component. End caps may be received onto the shaft and positioned adjacent to ends of the unitary component to assist in retaining the bats and brushes to the unitary component.

Abstract: A cotton harvester estimates the mass of cotton as it is harvested using sensor devices and compares the mass of each module against the estimated mass of the module as determined by the sensors so that a calibration factor may be determined and actively updated for more accurate crop yield determination. The mass flow for a specific module is accumulated and processed during harvesting using a base calibration factor and the module is weighed and compared against the expected mass using the base calibration factor to develop a candidate updated calibration factor. The base calibration factor is selectively replaced by the candidate updated calibration factor for processing a subsequent module based on machine feedback information relating to the operation of the harvester. Harvested crop data determined using the calibration factor is used to generate highly accurate yield maps.

Abstract: A sensor input is detected on a cotton harvester. A performance characteristic value is identified based upon the detected sensor input. A speed control system controls cotton harvester drum speed and spindle speed, automatically, and separately from the ground speed of the cotton harvester, to improve the performance characteristic value, in a closed-loop fashion.

Abstract: A row unit for an agricultural machine includes a frame, a floor, and a subassembly discrete from the frame and the floor. The subassembly is configured to be coupled to the floor and the frame and positioned within the frame during operation of the row unit. The subassembly includes a cam-plate including a top side, a bottom side, and a cam-track defined in the bottom side. The subassembly also includes a drum; a plurality of picker-bars coupled to the drum, and a linkage assembly including a first end coupled to the picker-bar and a second end coupled to a roller positioned in the cam-track. The subassembly is assembled prior to being positioned in the frame.

Abstract: A spindle assembly includes a spindle nut having a cylindrically shaped bore and a threaded portion that engages a threaded opening in a cotton picker bar. The spindle assembly further includes a first friction reducing element disposed in the cylindrically shaped bore, a cotton picking member. The cotton picking member includes a barbed end, an engaging end, and a cylindrically shaped shaft located between the barbed end and the engaging end. A drive member includes a receiving end that receives the engaging end of the cotton-picking member and a geared end that engages a gear on a driveshaft in the cotton picker bar. The cylindrically shaped shaft includes a surface rotatably supported within the first friction reducing element.

Abstract: A row unit for an agricultural machine includes a frame, a floor, and a subassembly discrete from the frame and the floor. The subassembly is configured to be coupled to the floor and the frame and positioned within the frame during operation of the row unit. The subassembly includes a cam-plate including a top side, a bottom side, and a cam-track defined in the bottom side. The subassembly also includes a drum; a plurality of picker-bars coupled to the drum, and a linkage assembly including a first end coupled to the picker-bar and a second end coupled to a roller positioned in the cam-track. The subassembly is assembled prior to being positioned in the frame.

Abstract: A sensor input is detected on a cotton harvester. A performance characteristic value is identified based upon the detected sensor input. A speed control system controls cotton harvester drum speed and spindle speed, automatically, and separately from the ground speed of the cotton harvester, to improve the performance characteristic value, in a closed-loop fashion.

Abstract: Embodiments include a tactile guidance system and various mechanisms for orienting and mounting the tactile guidance system on motorized vehicles such as agricultural spray vehicles. For example, a rod-shaped tactile guidance detector is positioned protruding out sideways from the inner side of each of the front wheels of a self-propelled sprayer vehicle or a tractor. The guidance system is used to detect the location of objects including crops and plants and determine a path of travel.

Abstract: Embodiments of a boom system for a work vehicle has a first boom member with a plurality of first boom segments aligned lengthwise to extend along a first boom dimension and a second boom member with a plurality of second boom segments aligned lengthwise to extend in the first boom dimension and spaced from the first boom member in a second boom dimension. The boom system also has a union spanning the second boom dimension to couple the first boom member to the second boom member and having a first coupling segment joining consecutive first boom sections together and a second coupling segment joining consecutive second boom sections together.

Abstract: Embodiments include a tactile guidance system and various mechanisms for orienting and mounting the tactile guidance system on motorized vehicles such as agricultural spray vehicles. For example, a rod-shaped tactile guidance detector is positioned protruding out sideways from the inner side of each of the front wheels of a self-propelled sprayer vehicle or a tractor. The guidance system is used to detect the location of objects including crops and plants and determine a path of travel.

Abstract: An example embodiment includes an agricultural sprayer having a boom that supports the fluid distribution pipes and spray nozzles. The boom is sectioned and folds in such a way to comply with transport dimension requirements or to facilitate storage. The spray nozzles are alternatively mounted underneath the boom or behind the boom in a way to avoid damage if the boom encounters obstacles; the mounting configurations do not hamper the boom folding for transport.

Abstract: Embodiments of a boom system for a work vehicle has a first boom member with a plurality of first boom segments aligned lengthwise to extend along a first boom dimension and a second boom member with a plurality of second boom segments aligned lengthwise to extend in the first boom dimension and spaced from the first boom member in a second boom dimension. The boom system also has a union spanning the second boom dimension to couple the first boom member to the second boom member and having a first coupling segment joining consecutive first boom sections together and a second coupling segment joining consecutive second boom sections together.

Abstract: An under-frame shield, particularly useful with crop sprayers and other implements which traverse fields of plants, includes one or more flexible sheet material shields connected to axle structure and to a central rigid shield by resilient connectors to facilitate suspension system movement in all directions without sacrificing ground clearance. The connection structure and sheet material shields maintain a smooth, seamless protective surface on the under side of the machine to reduce vehicle and crop damage.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with an axle suspended from a main frame of the vehicle by right- and left-hand pairs of connecting rods. As viewed from the top, one of each of the right- and left-hand pairs of connecting rods crosses the other of the pair of rods, and, as viewed from the side, the right- and left-hand pairs of rods are disposed parallel to each other. This arrangement of the connecting rods results in the axle moving substantially vertically up and down during operation of vehicle over uneven terrain.

Abstract: An under-frame shield, particularly useful with crop sprayers and other implements which traverse fields of plants, includes one or more flexible sheet material shields connected to axle structure and to a central rigid shield by resilient connectors to facilitate suspension system movement in all directions without sacrificing ground clearance. The connection structure and sheet material shields maintain a smooth, seamless protective surface on the under side of the machine to reduce vehicle and crop damage.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with an axle suspended from a main frame of the vehicle by right- and left-hand pairs of connecting rods. As viewed from the top, one of each of the right- and left-hand pairs of connecting rods crosses the other of the pair of rods, and, as viewed from the side, the right- and left-hand pairs of rods are disposed parallel to each other. This arrangement of the connecting rods results in the axle moving substantially vertically up and down during operation of vehicle over uneven terrain.