Abstract: In the variable speed V-belt drive of a combine harvester threshing cylinder, the driven sheave is torque-responsive, responding automatically to adjust drive belt tension according to the torque being transmitted. A linear hydraulic actuator, integral with the drive sheave, is used to adjust an axially movable sheave half with respect to a fixed sheave half so as to vary sheave effective diameter and hence driven speed. At any given speed setting, oil is trapped in the hydraulic actuator and oil pressure varies according to separating force between the halves of the drive sheave which in turn depends upon belt tension. A pressure switch, connected so as to sense the oil pressure, has a set point such that at a predetermined maximum (overload) belt tension, the switch is actuated so as to declutch or disconnect the drive sheave from its power source, thus protecting the threshing cylinder and drive components from damage.

Abstract: A device for sensing the loading on an input drive of a cotton harvesting unit and providing a warning when an overload of the drive occurs. Normal tension in the belt drive to the unit input shaft is balanced by an adjustable spring load. Overload of the input shaft overcomes the spring load to activate an electrical switch that alerts the operator by lighting a warning lamp. The input drive includes a slip clutch, and the spring load is adjusted so that a warning is provided before the drive load reaches the loading which would cause the clutch to begin to slip.

Abstract: Quick or instantaneous stopping of rapidly rotating members places severe stress loads on components. These loads are substantially reduced by providing a quick-stopping apparatus including a damped member having an attached element which is movable into engagement with a rotating member. In response to such engagement, the energy of the rotating member is rapidly decelerated through the damped member thus reducing peak stress loads associated with almost instantaneous deceleration.

Abstract: A monitor for detecting an overload condition of the vertical picker drum on a cotton harvester picker unit. A leaf spring contact is supported above a slip clutch having a driven portion meshing with a driving pinion. An overload condition forces the driven portion upwardly against the contact, shorting the contact to the unit frame which causes an overload indicator lamp on the operator's panel to light.

Abstract: A flexible drive transmits torque from a power source to a driven member, such as a power grinder or grass cutter. A safety clutch is interposed between the driven end of the flexible drive and the driven member to automatically disengage the flexible drive therefrom upon overload thereof by virtue of the flexible drive tending to coil up on itself when the driven member is overloaded, to thereby shorten the overall length of the flexible drive to effect a disconnection therebetween until the overload is removed.

Abstract: A vine fluffer is provided with a middle conveyor section and a pair of outer flanking conveyor sections with the outer sections each pivotable about a respective pivot axis so as to be movable from an operative horizontal position in which all three conveyor sections are aligned to an inoperative vertically disposed position for storage and transportation. Each pivot axis passes through a pivot pin coupling the frame of a respective outer conveyor section to the frame of the middle conveyor section and a universal joint which couples conveyor motive power transmitted through the middle conveyor section to the two outer conveyor sections.

Abstract: A governor for controlling the speed of a drive shaft comprising a flywheel mounted to a revolving drive shaft by a pair of diametrically opposed pins extending through the flywheel, along a diametrical line of the flywheel, and being respectively received by two oppositely disposed spiral slots along the cylindrical wall of the drive shaft. The flywheel and pins are slidably mounted to the drive shaft such that an increase or decrease in the speed of revolution of the drive shaft will cause the pins to move along the shaft in the slots and the flywheel to traverse along the axis of rotation of the drive shaft. Mechanical linkage is connected to the flywheel so that the movement of the flywheel will engage or disengage a friction clutch drive assembly operatively associated to the drive shaft, or alternatively, will control the rate of flow of fuel to an engine operatively connected to the drive shaft.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coupling device and especially a coupling device operable by a dead-man's handle on a lawnmower. When used in a lawnmower the coupling device couples the motor shaft to the cutting blade. A spool has a hole in it that surrounds the shaft. A rotary connecting device normally couples the spool to the shaft so that the spool and shaft rotate together. A disconnect element and brake are operated when the dead-man's handle is released to disconnect the spool from the shaft and subsequently stop the spool. The cutting blade has a central hole through which the spool passes. The blade is in frictional contact with the flanges of the spool and is rotated thereby.

Abstract: A lawnmower has an improved clutch-brake mechanism interposed between the engine drive shaft and the rotating blade to stop the blade except when an operator tensions a control cable. The clutch-brake includes cylindrical input and output members selectively drivingly coupled by a clutch spring wound around both members. A control sleeve positioned around the clutch spring connects with the input end of the clutch spring. When the control sleeve is braked, the clutch spring releases its grip on the input member and the output is no longer driven. A coiled brake band extends around the control sleeve to selectively effect this braking action. An improved floating mount is provided for the brake band. An improved lost-motion connection is provided between the control sleeve and the output member to limit the twisting of the clutch spring. An optional slip clutch is provided for connecting the output member to the blade.

Abstract: A harvester has an apron on whose leading edge is provided a sickle bar. Immediately behind and parallel to this sickle bar there is provided a flexible tube having at its front edge a lip connected to the apron and at its rear edge a lip connected to a horizontally extending throw-off member. Inside the tube there is provided a pair of parallel metal strips which on, compression of the tube, close a circuit that generates a signal. This signal may be employed to warn the operator that a rock rests on the apron or may serve to stop the mower and/or reverse the crop feeder. In addition an automatic flipper is provided to pivot the throw-off member secured to the rear lip of the tube so as to automatically to flip the picked-up foreign body off the apron.

Abstract: Torque limiting device especially applicable to the drive train to cane chopping apparatus in a sugar cane harvester. Abutments associated with the friction members of a band type clutch abut when slip occurs and trip an over-centre device to release the drive. About 360.degree. of slip can occur before the device trips. The drive is re-engaged by reversing the drive thereto.