Abstract: A cutter bar lockout mechanism for a header of an agricultural vehicle. The cutter bar lockout mechanism includes a shaft having a first end that is coupled to a frame of the header, and a second end that is positioned either on, within or adjacent a cutter bar support arm (arm) of the header. An upper stop is either mounted to the shaft or forms part of the shaft and is configured to selectively interact with an upper surface of the arm. A lower stop is either mounted to the shaft or forms part of the shaft and is configured to selectively interact with a lower surface of the arm. The shaft is movable relative to both the frame and the arm between an unlocked position and a locked position.

Abstract: A cotton conveying structure for a cotton harvester. The cotton harvester comprising a receptacle. A harvesting structure is configured for harvesting cotton. A first cross auger is in communication with the harvesting structure for receiving cotton therefrom. The first cross auger is coupleable to a forward portion of the cotton harvester. A second cross auger is in communication with the harvesting structure for receiving cotton therefrom. The second cross auger is coupleable to a forward portion of the cotton harvester adjacent the first cross auger. A first duct is in communication with the first cross auger. A first cleaner is in communication with the first duct. A second duct is in communication with the second cross auger and spaced from the first duct. A second cleaner is in communication with the second duct. The first and second cleaners are configured to transfer cotton to the receptacle.

Abstract: A crop harvesting system for continuous round baling is described that comprises a first and second bale chamber and a conveyor system in operable communication with the first and second bale chambers. The crop harvesting system can comprise at least three bale carriers, at least two serpentine systems to facilitate movement of the bale into and out of the first and second bale chambers. The crop harvesting system can be integrated into an agricultural harvester such as a baler or combine.

Abstract: A cotton harvester and baler (20) to be towed by a vehicle (24), carries at least one mechanized cotton picking unit (30), a mechanized cotton baler (32) having packing apparatus (76) for compacting the picked cotton into bales (84) which are successively discharged. Cotton conveying apparatus (34) extends between the picking unit or units (30) and the baler (32), for receiving the picked cotton and conveying it to a baling chamber (72) of the baler (32) for compaction by the packing apparatus (76). The conveying apparatus (34) can comprise all mechanical, all pneumatic, or a combination of mechanical and pneumatic apparatus. The picking unit or units (30) can be removed to allow picking up and baling material such as straw or hay.

Abstract: A cotton inbred variety, designated P02X.5065, the plants and seeds of the cotton variety P02X.5065, methods for producing a cotton plant, either varietal or hybrid, produced by crossing the cotton variety P02X.5065 with itself or with another cotton plant, and hybrid cotton seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety P02X.5065 with another cotton variety or plant and to methods for producing a cotton plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic cotton plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to cotton varieties derived from cotton variety P02X.5065, to methods for producing other cotton varieties derived from cotton variety P02X.5065 and to the varieties derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: The method of crop production provides an ecologically friendly method of planting and harvesting a crop. The method includes the steps of initially planting the seeds of a crop to be grown in at least one row and, following the planting, spraying a first herbicide on the at least one row and on regions of the ground adjacent the at least one row on either side thereof. Preferably, the first herbicide is an herbicide preparation for destroying glyphosate-resistant weeds. The crop is then allowed to sprout and grow without further chemical applications and, following sprouting of the crop, a second herbicide is sprayed on the ground. The second herbicide preferably contains glyphosate. Following the spraying of glyphosate, the crop is harvested and a cover crop is preferably planted.

Abstract: A procedure and system for unloading a compacted cotton module from an on-board module builder of a cotton harvester, which in an automatic mode utilizes a controller to automatically monitor ground speed and operate unloading apparatus at a synchronized ratio to ground speed, for maintaining integrity and shape of the module, and which is quickly and easily switchable between the automatic mode and a manual mode that allows an operator to position and operate the unloading apparatus independent of ground speed for purposes such as placing the module at a precise location such as next to an already unloaded module or the like.

Abstract: A picker bar includes spindles which are nonaligned in the vertical direction to define two or more offset sets of spindles on the bar and increase the number of spindles per unit length of the spindle bar. A spindle assembly includes a support carrying two spindles driven from a picker bar drive shaft by a single drive gear. Driven spindle gears are spaced on opposite sides of the shaft axis to facilitate close spacing of the spindles. A doffer column includes doffer pads of differing diameters to optimize doffing of the offset sets of spindles.

Abstract: A seed cotton dryer comprises an array of electromagnetic wave energy generators in a cotton gin and a cotton picker/stripper. An appropriate amount of energy is used to evaporate a considerable amount of moisture in the seed cotton without producing enough energy to pop the cotton seeds. Seed cotton dried by wave energy is much easier to separate the cotton seeds and lint from leaves, stems and other plant parts. The seed cotton is preferably transported through the dryer in a conduit having flat sides which reflects the wave energy more efficiently than through a round conduit. Provisions are made to prevent arcing in the transport conduit when extraneous metal pieces are inadvertently mixed with the seed cotton. In some embodiments, heated air from a diesel engine is used to dry crops as they are being harvested.

Abstract: An adjustable height implement system for an agricultural vehicle. A harvesting implement has an adjustable height. A control system is operably connected in a first operating mode to the harvesting implement to adjust the height of the harvesting implement with respect to the ground. The control system is operably connected in a second operating mode to the harvesting implement to maintain at least a predetermined distance between the harvesting implement and the ground. The second operating mode is engaged in response to the agricultural vehicle satisfying at least one predetermined vehicle operating parameter.

Abstract: Systems for harvesting cotton from plants are provided. In this regard, a representative system incorporates an extracting zone and nozzles. The extracting zone is operative to receive therein stalks of plants from which cotton is to be removed. The nozzles are operative to direct vacuum pressure toward the stalks of the plants received within the extracting zone such that cotton is removed from the stalks and drawn into the nozzles. The nozzles also are operative to move relative to the extracting zone.

Abstract: A cotton picking machine comprises a chassis for moving the machine in a traveling direction, a vacuum pump provided to create a predetermined vacuum and a cotton picking unit including a cotton picking head supported by the chassis. The cotton picking head includes upper and lower vacuum compartments both in fluid communication with the vacuum pump and connecting tubes vertically extending between the upper and lower vacuum compartments and movable along a predetermined endless path so as to be in sliding contact with the upper and lower vacuum compartments at the corresponding distal ends thereof. Each of the connecting tubes includes a set of hollow picking fingers radially outwardly extending therefrom. The predetermined endless path includes an extracting zone and an inoperative zone. The connecting tubes fluidly connect the upper and lower vacuum compartments only when the connecting tubes pass the extracting zone of the predetermined endless path.

Abstract: An on-board rectangular cotton module builder and transporter and method of operation of the same, wherein the module builder includes a cotton accumulating cavity for receiving harvested cotton, apparatus for distributing and compacting cotton in a module building chamber having a door through which a cotton module is unloaded from the chamber onto the transporter, and apparatus deployable for holding cotton in the accumulating cavity for conveyance and distribution into the module building chamber away from the door when open. As a result, a cotton module is movable from the module building to the transporter on-the-go while harvesting, and while cotton is conveyed and distributed in the module building chamber. The transporter is operable for carrying the module while continuing harvesting and for unloading the module when desired, including in sequence with a second module from the module builder.

Abstract: A cotton module building apparatus, utilizing imaging apparatus operable for capturing real-time images of the module building process, including accumulated cotton in the module building chamber, cotton inflow, and the in-process cotton module, and a method for building a cotton module using the images. The imaging apparatus includes a camera or cameras disposed at advantageous locations about the module building chamber, and cotton is distributed and moved within the chamber responsive to the images, for advantageous placement and distribution for forming a module having a desired consistency and top shape. Imaging apparatus can also be provided for observing unloading of a module from the chamber, and for facilitating maneuvering and positioning the unloading apparatus.

Abstract: A seed cotton dryer comprises an array of electromagnetic wave energy generators in a cotton gin and a cotton picker/stripper. An appropriate amount of energy is used to evaporate a considerable amount of moisture in the seed cotton without producing enough energy to pop the cotton seeds. Seed cotton dried by wave energy is much easier to separate the cotton seeds and lint from leaves, stems and other plant parts. The seed cotton is preferably transported through the dryer in a conduit having flat sides which reflects the wave energy more efficiently than through a round conduit. Provisions are made to prevent arcing in the transport conduit when extraneous metal pieces are inadvertently mixed with the seed cotton. In some embodiments, heated air from a diesel engine is used to dry crops as they are being harvested.

Abstract: A picker bar includes spindles which are nonaligned in the vertical direction to define two or more offset sets of spindles on the bar and increase the number of spindles per unit length of the spindle bar. A spindle assembly includes support carrying two spindles driven from a picker bar drive shaft by single drive gear. Driven spindle gears are spaced on opposite sides of the shaft axis to facilitate close spacing of the spindles.

Abstract: Cotton harvester frame structure includes main structural members elevated to approximately cab floor level and extending horizontally rearwardly in a planar fashion over the engine compartment and the rear axle. The structural members attach to the central portion of the rear axle to provide added clearance for larger wheels and tires. The single elevated plane of the main frame structure provides simplified attachment of a power module including a transversely mounted engine. Access areas under the main structural members are of sufficient minimum width and height to allow an operator or an assembler to stand fairly erect while accessing most areas of the power module and a harvester fan.

Abstract: To reduce destructive effects of cotton picker high speed drum rotation, rearward spindle tip motion is adjusted in part by angularly positioning the spindles in the picking zone with an improved cam track arrangement. The cam rotates the picker bar about the upright axis of the bar to vary the speed of the spindle tip in the picking zone and allow a higher drum speed. In a first portion of the picking zone the spindle tips are closer together than the spindle bases at the picker bar. The spindle tip spacing in a second portion of the picking zone is approximately equal to spindle base spacing in the extremities. The resulting spindle tip movement facilitates higher cotton picker vehicle ground speed without picking efficiency loss or additional damage to the cotton plants.

Abstract: The method of crop production provides an ecologically friendly method of planting and harvesting a crop. The method includes the steps of initially planting the seeds of a crop to be grown in at least one row and, following the planting, spraying a first herbicide on the at least one row and on regions of the ground adjacent the at least one row on either side thereof. Preferably, the first herbicide is an herbicide preparation for destroying glyphosate-resistant weeds. The crop is then allowed to sprout and grow without further chemical applications and, following sprouting of the crop, a second herbicide is sprayed on the ground. The second herbicide preferably contains glyphosate. Following the spraying of glyphosate, the crop is harvested and a cover crop is preferably planted.

Abstract: Agricultural mechanized system for pulling-off and chopping stubs of cotton plants and similar agricultures, especially of a agricultural mechanized system coupled to a tractor, to plow and pull off the stubs preferably from the cotton agricultures and similar cultures firmly buried, which comprises a set of plows (10) provided with a pair of cutting wheels (14) and a pair of adjustable plowing blades (16 and 16?) between a first position above the ground and a final position of penetration in the ground which is longer than the radicular portion depth of the referred stubs, a chopper set (12) with blades (96) which chop the referred stubs into a particulate material into smaller fragments forming a layer of inert organic matter with at least a stub pulling-off set (11) arranged between the referred plowing set (10) and chopper set (12) mounted upon a support frame (2) on wheels (7 and 8).

Abstract: A procedure and system for unloading a compacted cotton module from an on-board module builder of a cotton harvester, which in an automatic mode utilizes a controller to automatically monitor ground speed and operate unloading apparatus at a synchronized ratio to ground speed, for maintaining integrity and shape of the module, and which is quickly and easily switchable between the automatic mode and a manual mode that allows an operator to position and operate the unloading apparatus independent of ground speed for purposes such as placing the module at a precise location such as next to an already unloaded module or the like.

Abstract: A cotton receiver for a cotton harvesting machine and a method of operation of the same. The receiver includes a cotton compacting chamber, a precompacting area above the chamber, and an accumulator deployable upwardly from the precompacting area to increase the cotton holding capacity thereof. Compactor apparatus is located in the compacting chamber and is configured for holding cotton thereabove separate from cotton therebelow. the compactor apparatus is movable downwardly against cotton therebelow for compacting it into a unitary body or module, including while holding cotton thereabove, and is controllably operable for conveying cotton held thereabove downwardly therethrough, subsequent to unloading a completed compacted body of cotton.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a cotton module builder having a compactor frame, the system including an electronic controller configured to move the compactor frame to a plurality of positions, to read a compactor frame position sensor or sensors in the first and second positions, and to calibrate the sensor or sensors based on the sensor readings.

Abstract: A cotton packager for mounting on a chassis of a cotton harvester interchangeably with a cotton basket, allowing for pivotal movement of the packager between an operating position and a tilted unloading position. The packager includes a pivotable fluid cylinder which attaches to the chassis in place of a fixed front lift cylinder of the basket, and a rear pivot which attaches to the chassis in place of a rear lift cylinder. As a result, a rear open end of the packager can be lowered closer to a surface onto which cotton is to be unloaded, and drivers for an unloader door of the packager can be subjected to less damaging loads.

Abstract: An electronic controller with a sensed ground speed input calculates appropriate cotton harvester row unit speed based on harvester ground speed and a preset ground speed versus a unit speed curve. The controller includes an automatic or manual ratio adjustment input. The ratio adjustment input allows the unit speed to be increased or decreased from the preset speed. The controller reads row unit speed via unit speed sensors and sends a signal to the unit speed actuator or electronic drive control (EDC) on a hydro, variable sheave, or other variable drive device to adjust unit speed to the calculated value. A detector or field vision device such as a camera responsive to cotton on the plants provides a signal to the automatic ratio adjustment input to change the ratio for increased productivity and reduced machine wear.

Abstract: One or two conventional picking units are mounted on a two-wheel, high clearance running gear or frame. A two-point hitch is coupled to the draft links of a tractor or an equal-angle hitch is coupled to the tractor drawbar. Hitch and tongue interface on the harvester facilitates sharp turn angles between the implement and the tractor through use of a pivoting member containing the driveline powering the units from the tractor. A center pivot tongue allows offset for appropriate row alignment and provides improved maneuverability and implement steering on headlands and turn rows. A hydraulic cylinder connected to the tongue or a crossed four-bar linkage structure controls tongue angle. A basket is supported at the rear of the frame and the row units are located forwardly of the frame to provide counterbalancing forces about the wheel axis.

Abstract: One or two conventional picking units are mounted on a two-wheel, high clearance running gear or frame. A two-point hitch is coupled to the draft links of a tractor or an equal-angle hitch is coupled to the tractor drawbar. Hitch and tongue interface on the harvester facilitates sharp turn angles between the implement and the tractor through use of a pivoting member containing the driveline powering the units from the tractor. A center pivot tongue allows offset for appropriate row alignment and provides improved maneuverability and implement steering on headlands and turn rows. A hydraulic cylinder connected to the tongue or a crossed four-bar linkage structure controls tongue angle. A basket is supported at the rear of the frame and the row units are located forwardly of the frame to provide counterbalancing forces about the wheel axis.

Abstract: An automatic end of row detection and compacting sequence for a cotton harvesting machine which is initiated responsive to the machine ceasing harvesting at the end of a crop row, as represented by a condition such as raising a picker drum of the machine from a harvesting position to a non-harvesting position. Steps of the sequence can include ceasing operation of augers of compactor apparatus located in the cotton receiver are turned off, and moving the compactor apparatus downwardly within a cotton receiver of the machine and against cotton accumulated in the lower region of the receiver, one or more times, for further and better compacting the cotton. Then, when the machine is aligned with a new swath or row and a condition such as the picker unit being lowered to the harvesting position, normal operation of the compactor apparatus can be resumed.

Abstract: An automatic end of row detection and compacting sequence for a cotton harvesting machine which is initiated responsive to the machine ceasing harvesting at the end of a crop row, as represented by a condition such as raising a picker drum of the machine from a harvesting position to a non-harvesting position. Steps of the sequence can include ceasing operation of augers of compactor apparatus located in the cotton receiver are turned off, and moving the compactor apparatus downwardly within a cotton receiver of the machine and against cotton accumulated in the lower region of the receiver, one or more times, for further and better compacting the cotton. Then, when the machine is aligned with a new swath or row and a condition such as the picker unit being lowered to the harvesting position, normal operation of the compactor apparatus can be resumed.

Abstract: A cotton receiving basket for an on-board cotton harvesting machine including a lower basket having a plurality of upwardly extending walls having upper portions including elongate upper seal elements extending therealong, respectively; a basket lid having a plurality of downwardly extending walls having lower portions including elongate lower seal elements extending therealong, respectively, and the lower basket and the basket lid being telescopically related so as to be movable one relative to the other between a telescopically retracted position and a telescopically extended position, and wherein the upper and lower seal elements have oppositely facing tapered seal surfaces, respectively, which are cooperatively engaged along substantially the lengths thereof forming substantially sealed conditions therebetween when the lower basket and the basket lid are in the telescopically extended position.

Abstract: The cotton harvester includes a cotton picker housing having at least one plant lifter defining a plant row channel extending back into the housing to a plant compressor sheet. A picker rotor is mounted in the cotton picker housing adjacent to the plant row channel and traverse to the plant compressor sheet. A doffer in the housing near the picker rotor removes picked cotton from the picker rotor and moves the picked cotton to an outlet at the rear of the cotton picker housing. A power unit includes an internal combustion engine mounted on the housing including a rotatable output selectably connectable in rotatably driving relation to the picker rotor and the doffer for imparting rotation thereto. The power unit can also selectably drive at least one wheel of the harvester for moving it over the ground at a speed corresponding to a rotational speed of the picker rotor.

Abstract: Bellows structure for a cotton module builder or packager, for enclosing or covering slots or passages through walls of a cotton module builder, for preventing entry of cotton into the slots or passages, to allow free movement of cross members therethrough of apparatus for distributing and compacting cotton within the module builder. The bellows can include telescoping rigid members below the cross members, and more flexible bellows thereabove.

Abstract: Bellows structure for a cotton module builder or packager, for enclosing or covering slots or passages through walls of a cotton module builder, for preventing entry of cotton into the slots or passages, to allow free movement of cross members therethrough of apparatus for distributing and compacting cotton within the module builder. The bellows can include telescoping rigid members below the cross members, and more flexible bellows thereabove.

Abstract: A cotton receiver of a cotton harvesting machine including a floor and opposing side walls defining a cotton compacting chamber, each of the side walls including a plurality of spaced apart perforations therethrough for passage of air from the chamber, and a door enclosing an end of the chamber. The receiver includes compacting apparatus for compacting cotton into a compacted body which will have a sideward shape and extent at least generally defined by the opposing side walls, the door being openable to allow removal of a compacted body of cotton from the chamber through the end. The opposing walls are tapered divergingly toward the end such that when a compacted body is removed from the chamber through the end, cotton protruding into the performations will be released.

Abstract: A control and method for a cotton module building program for an on-board cotton module builder of a cotton harvester, which utilizes a signal or output from a yield monitor as a factor in determining and varying cotton module building parameters, which can include auger direction and duration of operation, compactor positions and compacting strokes for best compacting a cotton module under the yield conditions. A module complete signal which can be a visual or audio signal, can be outputted when the yield monitor detects a predetermined cotton module weight, for signaling approach of a required unloading of a cotton module.

Abstract: A cotton receiving and densification apparatus for an upper region of a cotton module builder adapted for receiving a plurality of side-by-side flows of cotton and air and converging and densifying the cotton for distribution and conveyance downwardly into the module builder, including a cotton receiving chamber which tapers into a cotton densification chamber, both chambers being located above and downwardly opening into an upper region of a cotton compacting chamber of the module builder, the apparatus being capable of remaining intact when the module builder is collapsed for transport and storage.

Abstract: An automatic end of row detection and compacting sequence for a cotton harvesting machine which is initiated responsive to the machine ceasing harvesting at the end of a crop row, as represented by a condition such as raising a picker drum of the machine from a harvesting position to a non-harvesting position. Steps of the sequence can include ceasing operation of augers of compactor apparatus located in the cotton receiver are turned off, and moving the compactor apparatus downwardly within a cotton receiver of the machine and against cotton accumulated in the lower region of the receiver, one or more times, for further and better compacting the cotton. Then, when the machine is aligned with a new swath or row and a condition such as the picker unit being lowered to the harvesting position, normal operation of the compactor apparatus can be resumed.

Abstract: An automatic end of row detection and compacting sequence for a cotton harvesting machine which is initiated responsive to the machine ceasing harvesting at the end of a crop row, as represented by a condition such as raising a picker drum of the machine from a harvesting position to a non-harvesting position. Steps of the sequence can include ceasing operation of augers of compactor apparatus located in the cotton receiver are turned off, and moving the compactor apparatus downwardly within a cotton receiver of the machine and against cotton accumulated in the lower region of the receiver, one or more times, for further and better compacting the cotton. Then, when the machine is aligned with a new swath or row and a condition such as the picker unit being lowered to the harvesting position, normal operation of the compactor apparatus can be resumed.

Abstract: A tubular telescoping drive shaft for transmitting rotation from a rotating power source to an element to be rotated thereby, including at least one inner member or shaft telescopically receivable in an outer tubular shaft and including a universal joint such as a Hooke's joint having pivotal yokes connected with a cross link, all of which are at least substantially received within the outer tubular shaft in a fully retracted position and are rotatably pivotable therein for accommodating misalignment of the rotating power source and element rotated thereby.

Abstract: Compactor apparatus for an on-board module builder, including single cylinders and guide members on opposite sides of the module builder for guiding and effecting a cotton compacting process. The compactor apparatus includes a frame disposed in a cotton module builder chamber, movable downwardly within the chamber against the cotton for compacting the cotton against the floor and walls of the chamber. The frame includes cross members which extend across the chamber and protrude outwardly therefrom through upwardly and downwardly extending slots or passages through the sides of the module builder. The ends on each side are connected together by an exterior side structure which is movable upwardly and downwardly by a suitable driver, guided by at least one vertically extending guide member.

Abstract: A cotton receiver for a cotton harvesting machine and a method of operation of the same. The receiver includes a cotton compacting chamber, a precompacting area above the chamber, and an accumulator deployable upwardly from the precompacting area to increase the cotton holding capacity thereof. Compactor apparatus is located in the compacting chamber and is configured for holding cotton thereabove separate from cotton therebelow. The compactor apparatus is movable downwardly against cotton therebelow for compacting it into a unitary body or module, including while holding cotton thereabove, and is controllably operable for conveying cotton held thereabove downwardly therethrough, subsequent to unloading a completed compacted body of cotton.

Abstract: The cotton harvester includes a cotton picker housing having at least one plant lifter defining a plant row channel extending back into the housing to a plant compressor sheet. A picker rotor is mounted in the cotton picker housing adjacent to the plant row channel and traverse to the plant compressor sheet. A doffer in the housing near the picker rotor removes picked cotton from the picker rotor and moves the picked cotton to an outlet at the rear of the cotton picker housing. A power unit includes an internal combustion engine mounted on the housing including a rotatable output selectably connectable in rotatably driving relation to the picker rotor and the doffer for imparting rotation thereto. The power unit can also selectably drive at least one wheel of the harvester for moving it over the ground at a speed corresponding to a rotational speed of the picker rotor.

Abstract: An automatic end of row detection and compacting sequence for a cotton harvesting machine which is initiated responsive to the machine ceasing harvesting at the end of a crop row, as represented by a condition such as raising a picker drum of the machine from a harvesting position to a non-harvesting position. Steps of the sequence can include ceasing operation of augers of compactor apparatus located in the cotton receiver are turned off, and moving the compactor apparatus downwardly within a cotton receiver of the machine and against cotton accumulated in the lower region of the receiver, one or more times, for further and better compacting the cotton. Then, when the machine is aligned with a new swath or row and a condition such as the picker unit being lowered to the harvesting position, normal operation of the compactor apparatus can be resumed.

Abstract: A fault tolerant operating method for a cotton compactor of a cotton module builder or packager of a cotton harvesting machine, which serves as an alternative to shutting down the compacting process or erratic operation thereof, in the event of indication of a fault or failure condition involving one or more sensors associated with the compactor, or a conductive path in connection with a sensor, all generally identified as a fault or failure condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for harvesting cotton, arranged for forward motion through a cotton crop comprising cotton plants having cotton bolls.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cotton module building utilizing one or more augers on a compactor frame movable for compacting cotton in a cotton compacting chamber of the module builder. The auger or augers are rotatable for moving accumulated cotton in opposite directions therein, and are tiltable by contact with cotton accumulated unevenly in the chamber. A position or positions of the auger or augers are sensed for detecting tilting of the auger or augers. A controller responsively controllably operates the auger or augers for moving cotton in contact therewith in an appropriate direction for reducing the tilting and more evenly distributing the cotton. The cotton can then be compacted into a cotton module having desired dimensions.

Abstract: A foldable extension for an unloading door of a cotton receiving receptacle of cotton harvester which, when in a deployed position, increases the overall length of the door and directs cotton conveyed over the extension in a downward direction so as to facilitate more precise placement in a receiving receptacle. The extension does not have to be folded to its stored position each time the unloading door is closed, and when folded into its stored positions, does not increase the overall height of the harvester or interfere with telescopic operation of upper and lower portions of the basket.

Abstract: A compact three-bar linkage steering probe assembly, particularly useful with ultra-narrow row cotton harvester units, includes two vertical rocker arms pivotally connected to a harvester row unit at mid-point locations and upper ends connected by a cross link to generally constrain the arms for rocking in unison. Crop guides connected to the lower ends of the rocker arms follow the bases of the plant stalks as the row of plants enter the unit. The vertical arms are maintained within spacer tubes which prevent interference with adjacent rows of plants and which assure the arms are not disturbed by the adjacent rows. A sensor responsive to rotation of the rocker arms is located at the central pivotal connection. Arm leaf springs or a spring biased adjustable upper cross link provides probe flexibility for accommodating different plant stalk sizes.

Abstract: Cotton compacting structure for distributing and compacting cotton within a cotton compactor chamber of a cotton module builder or packager, including a frame adapted to be supported in the chamber for downward movement against cotton collected in a lower portion of the chamber for compacting the cotton therein into a cotton module or package, the frame including a plurality of elongate cotton compactor members disposed in a longitudinally extending concave array defining a downwardly facing cavity. The cotton compactor members include at least one center compactor member defining a longitudinally extending highest region of the cavity and compactor members spaced from the center compactor member defining lower regions of the cavity. At least some of the cotton compactor members include augers rotatable for moving cotton downwardly through the frame and in at least one longitudinal direction beneath the frame.

Abstract: A duct support and transition structure for the air system of a cotton harvester includes a plurality of upright telescoping duct sections connected to a vertically adjustable support tube extending transversely between the sections providing lateral support for the ducts. Hydraulically operated slide structure connected to the support tube moves the sections vertically between operating and transport positions and eliminates duct binding problems. A telescoping harvester basket supports forwardly extending hood structure. The hood structure opens downwardly towards the upper ducts and includes grates for exhausting air and debris. The ends of the ducts open upwardly rather than rearwardly into the hood structure. The basket can move to and from the dump position without interference from the ducts, and the hood structure reduces cotton loss without need for side shields.