Abstract: A row unit movable in a forward direction for simultaneously picking cotton from at least two parallel rows of cotton plants, the rows of cotton plants being spaced a predetermined distance apart in a transverse direction relative to the forward direction.

Abstract: A cotton harvester which includes at least one cotton picker unit for harvesting cotton from plants planted in narrow, parallel rows. The cotton picker unit comprises a cotton picker housing that supports a lateral plant lifter which extends forward of the housing and defines a plant row channel for receiving cotton plants planted in a row. The plant channel extends back into the housing to a plant compressor sheet which facilitates the picking of the cotton from the cotton plant by a picker rotor which is supported in the housing adjacent to the plant row channel and traverse to the compressor sheet. A doffer column also supported in the housing is near the picker rotor and removes the picked cotton from the picker rotor and moves the cotton towards an outlet and through an exhaust chute for receiving the cotton. The cotton is then collected in an appropriate cotton basket.

Abstract: A lubrication system for a cotton harvester having a plurality of harvesting units. The lubrication system comprises a lubricant source for providing pressurized lubricant to each of the harvesting units to facilitate their operation and a control mechanism for measuring cyclic operations of harvesting units operating components during a harvesting procedure. The control mechanism controls operation of the lubricant source such that the amounts of lubricant provided to the harvesting units during a lubrication cycle is correlated to the lubricant usage of the harvesting units during the harvesting procedure. A salient feature of the present invention relates to a display for visually indicating the cyclic operations remaining for the harvesting units before another lubrication cycle is due to be commenced. The display furthermore provides a visual indication relating to the operating performance of the lubrication system.

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 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 drive mechanism for a picker rotor assembly of a cotton harvesting unit. The drive mechanism includes a bidirectional torque limiting mechanism operatively arranged between a rotor drive mechanism and the rotor assembly. The bidirectional torque limiting mechanism for applying a relatively low torque in a first rotational direction to the picker rotor assembly so as to inhibit damage thereto resulting from a chokage or jamming of the picker rotor assembly. The bidirectional torque limiting mechanism further applying a relatively high torque in a second or reverse rotational direction to the picker rotory assembly to facilitate removal of that which choked or stopped the rotor assembly.

Abstract: A cotton conveying structure for a laterally movable cotton harvesting unit of a cotton harvester. The cotton conveying structure comprises a cotton receiving assembly and a duct structure. The cotton receiving assembly vertically moves with and is inhibited against lateral movement to a tool bar assembly on which the harvesting unit is supported for lateral movement. The cotton receiving assembly includes first and second conveying sections which remain integrally connected to each other while allowing relative lateral movement of the harvesting unit from a harvesting position to permit servicing thereof. By inhibiting its lateral movement, the cotton receiving assembly is aligned in a cotton conveying relationship with and when the harvesting unit is returned to its harvesting position.

Abstract: A system for mounting and supporting cotton harvesting units for vertical displacement on a forward end of a cotton harvester frame. The mounting and supporting system includes a parallelogram-type linkage assembly for connecting the harvesting units to the frame such that the harvesting units maintain a generally level attitude in either lowered or raised positions. The linkage assembly includes vertically spaced and generally parallel lift arms and tension arms. Each lift arm and tension arm is pivotally attached at its rear end to the frame and at its forward end to the harvesting units. A tilting mechanism connects the rear end of the tension arms to the frame and is operable to move the harvesting units about their pivot attachment to the lift arm to a tilted position and thereby facilitate an increase in ground clearance for the cotton harvester.

Abstract: A system for lubricating picker spindles on a cotton harvester. The lubrication system includes a source of pressurized lubricant located on the cotton harvester and which is connected to a lubricant manifold assembly provided at an upper end of each picker rotor of the cotton harvester. The lubricant manifold assembly defines a cavity which receives lubricant through a lower end of the picker rotor. The manifold assembly further defines a series of lubricant passages which direct lubricant from the cavity toward an upper end of each picker bar and, ultimately, to an inner end of each of the picker spindles and the drive mechanisms therefor.