Abstract: Hydraulic power savings for a rear module handler cylinder of a round module cotton harvester is possible by using a regenerative hydraulic arrangement for raising an empty handler and using gravity to lower the handler. A bale handler system for a cotton picker baler includes a handler for receiving a round module that is movable between upright and lowered positions and a handler cylinder operably connected to the handler. The handler cylinder system includes a regenerative valve. The regenerative valve is engaged when the handler moves to the upright position during regenerative handler raise mode of operation, the regenerative valve is not engaged when the handler moves to the lowered position during float handler lower mode of operation. While in the float handler lower mode of operation, the handler cylinder retracts and diverts an oil flow pressure from a base end to a rod end of the handler cylinder.

Abstract: An accumulator includes an enclosure, an inlet, an outlet, at least one roller, and a cotton compress assembly. The cotton compress assembly includes a first auger coupled to the enclosure. The first auger has a first shaft and a flighting attached to the first shaft. The flighting is positioned within the enclosure. The first auger compresses the cotton when the first auger rotates around a first axis.

Abstract: A hydraulic power module for a crop harvester, and in particular a cotton harvester, having an engine. The hydraulic power module includes a main drive gear, a drive shaft extending through the main drive gear, and a clutch operatively connected to the drive shaft, wherein the clutch has an engaged position and a disengaged position. The engaged position of the clutch fixedly connects the main drive gear to the drive shaft and the disengaged position of the clutch disconnects the main drive gear drive from the drive shaft. The hydraulic power module further includes a first pump device directly coupled to the drive shaft, wherein the first pump device is driven by the drive shaft during rotation of the drive shaft. A second pump device is indirectly connected to the drive shaft through the clutch, and is driven by the drive shaft when the clutch is in the engaged position.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic system for a work machine includes a pump, a motor fluidly coupled to the pump, a subassembly driven by the motor, and a rate-control valve fluidly coupled to the pump and the motor. The rate-control valve is movable through a range of positions. A present speed of the motor is proportional to a present position of the rate-control valve. The present position of the rate-control valve is adjustable by varying a current supplied to the rate-control valve. The supply of current to the rate-control valve is adjusted based on the difference between the present speed of the motor and a target speed of the motor.

Abstract: Hydraulic power savings for a rear module handler cylinder of a round module cotton harvester is possible by using a regenerative hydraulic arrangement for raising an empty handler and using gravity to lower the handler. A bale handler system for a cotton picker baler includes a handler for receiving a round module that is movable between upright and lowered positions and a handler cylinder operably connected to the handler. The handler cylinder system includes a regenerative valve. The regenerative valve is engaged when the handler moves to the upright position during regenerative handler raise mode of operation, the regenerative valve is not engaged when the handler moves to the lowered position during float handler lower mode of operation. While in the float handler lower mode of operation, the handler cylinder retracts and diverts an oil flow pressure from a base end to a rod end of the handler cylinder.

Abstract: Hydraulic power savings for a rear module handler cylinder of a round module cotton harvester is possible by using a regenerative hydraulic arrangement for raising an empty handler and using gravity to lower the handler. A bale handler system for a cotton picker baler includes a handler for receiving a round module that is movable between upright and lowered positions and a handler cylinder operably connected to the handler. The handler cylinder system includes a regenerative valve. The regenerative valve is engaged when the handler moves to the upright position during regenerative handler raise mode of operation, the regenerative valve is not engaged when the handler moves to the lowered position during float handler lower mode of operation. While in the float handler lower mode of operation, the handler cylinder retracts and diverts an oil flow pressure from a base end to a rod end of the handler cylinder.

Abstract: A hydraulic power module for a crop harvester, and in particular a cotton harvester, having an engine. The hydraulic power module includes a main drive gear, a drive shaft extending through the main drive gear, and a clutch operatively connected to the drive shaft, wherein the clutch has an engaged position and a disengaged position. The engaged position of the clutch fixedly connects the main drive gear to the drive shaft and the disengaged position of the clutch disconnects the main drive gear drive from the drive shaft. The hydraulic power module further includes a first pump device directly coupled to the drive shaft, wherein the first pump device is driven by the drive shaft during rotation of the drive shaft. A second pump device is indirectly connected to the drive shaft through the clutch, and is driven by the drive shaft when the clutch is in the engaged position.

Abstract: Hydraulic power savings for a rear module handler cylinder of a round module cotton harvester is possible by using a regenerative hydraulic arrangement for raising an empty handler and using gravity to lower the handler. A bale handler system for a cotton picker baler includes a handler for receiving a round module that is movable between upright and lowered positions and a handler cylinder operably connected to the handler. The handler cylinder system includes a regenerative valve. The regenerative valve is engaged when the handler moves to the upright position during regenerative handler raise mode of operation, the regenerative valve is not engaged when the handler moves to the lowered position during float handler lower mode of operation. While in the float handler lower mode of operation, the handler cylinder retracts and diverts an oil flow pressure from a base end to a rod end of the handler cylinder.

Abstract: A cotton harvester with a hydraulic manifold and at least one hydraulic motor mechanically coupled to a drum and fluidly coupled to the hydraulic manifold, the hydraulic motor configured to selectively rotate the drum. Wherein, the hydraulic manifold is configured to selectively provide any one of a braking force and a torque to the drum through the at least one hydraulic motor.

Abstract: A cotton harvester with a hydraulic manifold and at least one hydraulic motor mechanically coupled to a drum and fluidly coupled to the hydraulic manifold, the hydraulic motor configured to selectively rotate the drum. Wherein, the hydraulic manifold is configured to selectively provide any one of a braking force and a torque to the drum through the at least one hydraulic motor.

Abstract: A brake assist system is disclosed for assisting the steering operations of a mobile vehicle. The brake assist system comprises a service brake assembly having a first brake device and a second brake device and an auxiliary control assembly coupled to the service brake assembly. An electronic control unit is communicatively coupled to the auxiliary control assembly and configured to receive an input signal indicative of a vehicle operating parameter comprising at least one of a steering angle generated by a vehicle guidance system or a vehicle speed error and generates a control signal to activate the main and secondary valve circuits by proportionally controlling an output of at least two control valves arranged in the main and secondary valve circuits to supply a pressurized flow of fluid is applied to at least one of the first or second brake devices to assist steering operations of the vehicle.

Abstract: A harvester having a harvesting structure, an accumulator, and a module builder having a throat. A plurality of meter rollers are positioned to receive crop and transfer crop at a feed rate in cooperation with a beater roller. A feeder belt receives crop from the meter rollers and the beater roller and transfers the crop to the throat. A feed rate control system comprises at least one crop mass flow feedback device providing a crop mass flow feedback signal indicative of crop mass flow. A controller is provided that is in communication with the at least one crop mass flow feedback device and configured to operate in a first mode by lowering the feed rate when the crop mass flow feedback signal indicates a threshold has been reached and by raising the feed rate when the crop mass flow feedback signal indicates the threshold has not been reached.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a pitch of a plurality of fan blades of a variable pitch fan driven by an engine of a harvester. The control system comprises first, second, and third feedback devices that provide first, second, and third feedback signals indicative of at least one harvester temperature, an ambient temperature, and an engine load. A controller is operable to receive the first, second, and third feedback signals, lookup an initial pitch setting, generate an initial pitch setting signal, and compare the harvester temperature to a harvester temperature limit and generate a fan reversal signal if certain conditions are met.

Abstract: A harvester having a harvesting structure, an accumulator, and a module builder having a throat. A plurality of meter rollers are positioned to receive crop and transfer crop at a feed rate in cooperation with a beater roller. A feeder belt receives crop from the meter rollers and the beater roller and transfers the crop to the throat. A feed rate control system comprises at least one crop mass flow feedback device providing a crop mass flow feedback signal indicative of crop mass flow. A controller is provided that is in communication with the at least one crop mass flow feedback device and configured to operate in a first mode by lowering the feed rate when the crop mass flow feedback signal indicates a threshold has been reached and by raising the feed rate when the crop mass flow feedback signal indicates the threshold has not been reached.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a pitch of a plurality of fan blades of a variable pitch fan driven by an engine of a harvester. The control system comprises first, second, and third feedback devices that provide first, second, and third feedback signals indicative of at least one harvester temperature, an ambient temperature, and an engine load. A controller is operable to receive the first, second, and third feedback signals, lookup an initial pitch setting, generate an initial pitch setting signal, and compare the harvester temperature to a harvester temperature limit and generate a fan reversal signal if certain conditions are met.

Abstract: A dual pump hydraulic system is provided for a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine. The system includes a first circuit with a first high pressure pump supplying hydraulic fluid to the first subsystem at a higher pressure. The system also includes a second circuit with a second lower pressure pump supplying hydraulic fluid to the second subsystem at a second pressure. A first valve controls communication between the first pump and the second circuit. A second valve is operable to communicate the second pump with the first circuit when pressure in the first circuit is less than a second threshold pressure or when commanded by a control unit. A check valve prevents fluid flow from the first circuit back into to the second valve.

Abstract: A dual pump hydraulic system is provided for a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine. The system includes a first circuit with a first high pressure pump supplying hydraulic fluid to the first subsystem at a higher pressure. The system also includes a second circuit with a second lower pressure pump supplying hydraulic fluid to the second subsystem at a second pressure. A first valve controls communication between the first pump and the second circuit. A second valve is operable to communicate the second pump with the first circuit when pressure in the first circuit is less than a second threshold pressure or when commanded by a control unit. A check valve prevents fluid flow from the first circuit back into to the second valve.

Abstract: A full function skid control valve assembly for use in an air brake system which provides for brake control utilizing a compact single assembly. The system provides for the maintenance of certain minimum operating pressures so that, when the air pressure within the vehicle brake system falls below predetermined levels, the valve assembly automatically partially or entirely exhausts the air pressure sometimes causing the spring parking brakes to engage. Once the air pressure within the brake system returns to predetermined levels, the valve assembly will allow a reservoir to be charged and the spring brakes to be deactuated. During operation, the assembly provides control of the service brakes while preventing undesired skid conditions.

Abstract: A full function skid control valve assembly for use in an air brake system which provides for brake control utilizing a compact single assembly. The system provides for the maintenance of certain minimum operating pressures so that, when the air pressure within the vehicle brake system falls below predetermined levels, the valve assembly automatically partially or entirely exhausts the air pressure sometimes causing the spring parking brakes to engage. Once the air pressure within the brake system returns to predetermined levels, the valve assembly will allow a reservoir to be charged and the spring brakes to be deactuated. During operation, the assembly provides control of the service brakes while preventing undesired skid conditions.

Abstract: A braking system is improved by addition of a spring brake pressure protection valve, to prohibit pressurization of the spring brakes prior to the build up of sufficient pressure to insure complete release of the spring brakes. This prevents the significant problems associated with known systems that permit operation of a tractor trailer with partially released spring brakes, which will cause unnecessary wear and reduced fuel economy. The spring brake pressure protection valve is located between the reservoir and the spring brakes, most preferably between the spring brake quick release valve and the spring brakes, or alternately, between the reservoir and the spring brake quick release valve.