Abstract: A potentiometer is driven by one of the serpentine arm assemblies used to maintain apron tension during formation of a round bale so that the output of the potentiometer continuously provides an indication of the size of a bale being formed in the baler. A microprocessor based control circuit senses the output of the potentiometer, converts it to a digital value, and compares the digital value with a value representing a desired bale size. When the two values are equal, the microprocessor computes the number of revolutions of a net feed roll that is required to wrap the bale a preselected number of times, energizes the net feed roll mechanism to feed net into the bale forming chamber, and counts the revolutions of the net feed roll. When the required amount of net has been dispensed, the microprocessor stops the net feed roll and activates a mechanism to cut the net. The size of a "full bale" is selected by actuating keys on a control panel.

Abstract: A potentiometer is driven by one of the serpentine arm assemblies used to maintain apron tension during formation of a round bale so that the output of the potentiometer continuously provides an indication of the size of a bale being formed in the baler. A microprocessor based control circuit senses the output of the potentiometer, converts it to a digital value, and compares the digital value with a value representing a desired bale size. When the two values are equal, the microprocessor computes the number of revolutions of a net feed roll that is required to wrap the bale a preselected number of times, energizes the net feed roll mechanism to feed net into the bale forming chamber, and counts the revolutions of the net feed roll. When the required amount of net has been dispensed, the microprocessor stops the net feed roll and activates a mechanism to cut the net. The size of a "full bale" is selected by actuating keys on a control panel.

Abstract: A header height/lateral float control mechanism for a crop harvesting header mounted on a combine base unit for movement in a generally vertical direction and for rotational movement in a generally vertical plane to permit the header to follow changes in the ground contour is disclosed wherein a height sensor bar is rotatably supported along substantially the entire transverse width of the header and first and second tilt sensors are mounted adjacent the transversely spaced header sidewalls. The control mechanism is operatively associated with the tilt sensors and the height sensor such that the header lift mechanism is operated whenever the height sensor is actuated and the mechanism for rotatably tilting the header can be actuated only when the tilt sensors indicate different relative ground changes.

Abstract: A mechanism for controlling the attitude of a crop harvesting header mounted on a combine base unit for movement in a generally vertical direction and for rotational movement in a generally vertical plane to permit the header to follow changes in the ground contour is disclosed wherein a sensor bar is mounted on each respective side of the center line of the header to sense the location of the ground with respect to the corresponding end of the header. The header is provided with hydraulic lift cylinders and tilt cylinders to operably move the header vertically or rotationally. The control mechanism operably interconnects the sensor bars and the lift and tilt cylinders to effect movement of the header in response to a predetermined pattern of movement of the sensor bars.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a hydraulic cylinder with an improved cushion device thereon to enhance the operational characteristics thereof. A cushion pin is affixed to the cylinder piston by a cap screw in such a manner that the cushion pin can float about the screw relative to the piston. Optional orifices in the cushion pin provide an additional fluid flow passage whereby the metering action between the pin and a fluid flow port to the cylinder is different for retraction and extension of the piston.

Abstract: A bale row forming table of a three table type bale wagon has an actuating lever which cooperates in detecting the length of a bale row and in repositioning the last bale of the row when a short row is detected. The actuating lever manipulates an electrical sensor in response to the presence or absence of a bale in contact therewith and is oriented so as to be displaced in only one direction regardless of whether it is contacted by a bale from above or from the side.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to automatic bale wagons of the type adapted to pick up crop material bales in the field and automatically form stacks of these bales utilizing a variety of selected tier configurations for forming a stable, interlocked stack of bales.