Abstract: A doffer assembly for a cotton harvester having at least one drum and a spindle. The doffer assembly includes an outer housing and a plurality of doffers adapted to remove cotton from the spindle. The assembly further includes a drive unit coupled to the outer housing for rotatably driving the plurality of doffers independently of at least one drum and spindle. A drive shaft is rotatably driven by the drive unit, and an interface adapter is coupled between the drive shaft and the plurality of doffers. The drive unit may be an electric motor, hydraulic motor, a mechanical drive system, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A scrapping plate arrangement within a cotton picking machine includes a pivotable pressure plate and one or more pivotable scrapping plates. Each scrapping plate may be an assembly that includes a door and a plate member having one or more ribs extending toward a picking drum and configured to pass through respective openings in the pressure plate, permitting each scrapping plate to be positioned selectively into a use orientation.

Abstract: A row unit for a cotton harvester is disclosed. The cotton harvester is adapted for forward movement through a field to harvest cotton planted in rows in the field. The row unit includes a unit housing defining a row receiving area and a cotton exiting area. A moistener column door is pivotally coupled to the unit housing. A compression structure is coupled to the unit housing and configured to exert a pre-load on the moistener column door, placing the moistener column door in a closed position. The compression structure is configured to yield to a cotton plug pressure that exceeds the pre-load, which pivots the moistener column door to an open position. When the pre-load exceeds the cotton plug pressure, the compression structure is configured to return the moistener column door to the closed position.

Abstract: A row unit for a cotton harvester. The cotton harvester is adapted for forward movement through a field to harvest cotton planted in rows in the field. The row unit includes a unit housing defining a row receiving area and a cotton exiting area. A moistener column door is pivotally coupled to the unit housing. An adjustable compression structure is coupled to the unit housing and configured to exert an adjustable pre-load on the moistener column door, placing the moistener column door in a closed position. The adjustable compression structure is configured to yield to a cotton plug pressure that exceeds the adjustable pre-load, which pivots the moistener column door to an open position. When the adjustable pre-load exceeds the cotton plug pressure, the adjustable compression structure is configured to return the moistener column door to the closed position.

Abstract: A cotton harvester spindle including a body rotatable about an axis in a direction of rotation. A tapered end having a tip and a plurality of barbs projecting in the direction of rotation. A flat gullet area extending between the adjacent barbs. The barbs having an axially outermost face angled toward the tip and an axially innermost sloping wall angled radially inwardly toward the flat gullet area. Wherein, the tapered end is covered with a coating selected from the group consisting of aluminum magnesium boride (AlMgB14), aluminum magnesium boride comprising a dopant X (AlMgB14:X), and diamond-like carbon.

Abstract: A method for determining protein binding specificity using a screen of a peptide library is provided. The method can be used to determine binding specificity for human NAD+-dependent deacetylase SIRT1, and to identify the most efficiently deacetylated peptide sequences. The method can be also used to screen a combinatorial H4 histone N-terminal tail peptide library to examine the binding preferences of a ?-phos (S1) H4 antibody toward all known possible H4 histone modification states.

Abstract: A light-weight upright shaft (14) supports cotton harvester doffers (12). An internally threaded mounting end (36) receives a bolt (38) which is stretchable to a greater degree than the shaft to provide a reliable shaft preload condition that prevents the doffers from spinning relative to the shaft. The shaft may be hollow and may have a diameter greater than conventional shafts to reduce weight and increase the stiffness and thereby increase critical speed. The preload structure does not require a nut and has increased thread engagement.

Abstract: A scrapping plate includes alternating channels or pockets offset in the fore-and-aft direction relative each other to accommodate the different spindle paths associated with spindle bars having spindles which are non-aligned or offset at an angle relative to each other. The offset pockets provide optimal spacing between the different spindle paths and the plate to ensure maximum contact between the spindle picking ends and the cotton bolls to maximize overall picking efficiency. In one embodiment, the pockets are identical but offset in the spindle travel direction from each other and include leading and trailing ends which are angled or curved for conforming closely to the different spindle paths.

Abstract: A spindle assembly includes a spindle with a blind bore extending along the spindle axis from the drive gear towards the outer end to reduce spindle weight and provide a lubrication reservoir in the spindle. Cross-formed holes extend from the blind bore through to the bearing surface of the spindle. Lubricant from the spindle bars passes into the bore where it is stored and distributed to the journal areas through the small metering apertures. A very low friction seal between the outer bushing and dust collar is pressed into the spindle nut and seals against the polished chrome spindle surface. The seal allows a slight amount of lubricant passage outwardly from the bushings while limiting inward movement of dust towards the bushings.

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: A scrapping plate assembly for cotton harvesters includes a series of elongated trapezoidal ribs on the pressure plate defining separate paths for each picker spindle and providing an increased zone for compressively engaging the cotton bolls and extending the contact zone with the spindle barbs thereby increasing removal of bolls from the plant stalks and reducing dropage.

Abstract: A scrapping plate for improving cotton picker efficiency incorporate an angle in the bottom profile which forces cotton into the spindle before being released from the picking zone. The scrapping plate ribs which are spaced vertically from each other and located between adjacent rows of spindles are tapered so that rib surfaces are generally parallel to the spindle tapered surfaces in the picking zone. The parallel arrangement places cotton equidistant from the spindle along the length of the picking zone. In one embodiment, the ribs are tapered in the fore-and-aft direction to better hold cotton bolls in the picking zone. The forward portion of alternating ribs can also be terminated rearwardly of the leading portion of the plate to allow the cotton bolls to gather more easily.

Abstract: A tandem spindle drum row unit arrangement includes a rotary knife offset ahead of the forward drum to sever plants. A feeder rotor with fingers projecting through grid bar structure gently directs plants laterally into a standing row prior to substantial engagement by the spindles on the forward drum. Feeder column rotational speed is synchronized with ground speed. The knife, having a common axis with the rotor, operates at a higher speed for an efficient cut. The feeder column includes curved fingers which project through vertically spaced bars on a guard assembly to positively separate the plant from the fingers. The feeder column and rotary knife are driven through separate slip clutches. A kicker wheel between the drums moves plant material rearwardly.

Abstract: A moistening pad for a cotton picker spindle has a rearward end including a hole, and is positioned by the pad holder in a predetermined position over the rearward end of the moistening location for contacting the mounting end of the spindle for applying the moistening liquid. A pad holder includes a mounting element for mounting to a support element of the harvesting unit and a pad support element for holding the pad with the rearward end in the predetermined position over the rearward end of the moistening location when the holder is mounted to the support element.

Abstract: An easily removable support for a moistener stand or column of a harvesting unit of a cotton harvester, which tilts the stand or column when rotated from an operative position to a service position, to raise a plurality of moistening pads of the stand or column relative to picker spindles of the harvesting unit. The moistener stand or column is then merely lifted to disconnect the support for removal, and when reinstalled and/or rotated back to the operative position, previous fore, aft and height adjustments of the moistening pads are retained.

Abstract: A moistener supply system for a cotton picking machine including a cleaner injection system that supplies cleaner to the system from a location remote from a water tank or other source of water. The outlet of the cleaner injection system preferably is positioned at a location that assures good mixing of the cleaner with the water before the resultant moistener is dispensed onto the moistening pads. Cleaner flow rate preferably is slaved to the water flow rate in order to maintain a generally constant cleaner concentration in the moistener in the absent external intervention. The cleaner flow rate can also be adjusted independently of the water flow rate to vary the cleaner concentration to meet the needs of the prevailing operating conditions. The cleaner concentration adjustment may be effected manually, automatically, or a combination of both.

Abstract: A remotely controlled motorized assembly for adjusting the vertical position of the doffer support shaft in the harvesting units a cotton harvesting machine. The assembly is retrofittable for use on existing harvesting units of cotton harvesting machines the doffers of which are designed to be adjusted using a manual adjustment screw. The invention includes a motor which is attached to the harvesting unit, intermediate gears, and a special opening or collar which fits onto the head of the manual adjustment screw of the doffer support shaft. The motorized assembly allows automatic or semi-automatic adjustment of the doffer support shaft without opening the harvesting units or shutting down the harvesting machine, saving considerable time and energy and promoting safety. Bipolar motors may be employed to allow for adjustment in either direction. A microprocessor and sensors may also be employed for automatic monitoring and adjustment of the doffer support shafts.

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 narrow row harvesting unit for harvesting a crop planted in closely spaced rows. In a cotton picker, the crop removing portion of the unit includes a tandem drum arrangement. The unit includes first and second row receiving areas spaced on the order of twelve inches (30 cm) apart and separated by a narrow stalk lifter. The crop removing portion of the row unit provides transverse movement of a first row of the crop towards a second row of the crop behind the stalk lifter. In the cotton picker unit, a forward upright drum includes spindles projecting through a grid bar arrangement intercepting the first row of crop to move the plants laterally along grid bars into the main crop removing zone which is aligned with the second row. A cutter offset just ahead of the forward drum severs the plants in the first row, and a rotating column with plant engaging projections cooperates with the drum to direct the severed plants into the standing second row.

Abstract: Crop severing and gathering structure is pivotally connected to the forward end of a cotton row unit housing adjacent a row receiving area. A cutter severs the lower portion of cotton plants offset from the row receiving area of the row unit. A conveyer includes a pair of opposed belts with gripping features which embrace the lower portions of the stems of the cotton plants and move the severed plants in a generally upright position into the row of standing plants that is entering the row receiving area. The severed cotton plants intertwine with the standing row at the front of the housing as the conveyor moves the plants against one side of the row. The standing row with intertwined plants enters the row receiving area, and tandem picking drums located on the same side of the row as the severing and gathering structure remove cotton from both the standing row and the severed plants.

Abstract: A conveyor system for a cotton picking machine having a duct for the air transport of cotton from the picking heads and cotton transport apparatus for receiving air borne cotton and moving it to a common collection location for the transport to a storage bin.

Abstract: A fluid distributor system for the moistener column of a cotton harvester includes a distributor connected to the top of the column and having a generally cone-shaped surface with a solid apex area and with distributor outlets uniformly spaced around the base area of the cone. A removable clear plastic cover snap-fits on the distributor and has an apex area with an easily detachable bayonet mounting for a spray nozzle that directs spindle cleaning fluid to the cone-shaped surface. A flush line inlet is located in the cover above the apex area and directs fluid around the nozzle and downwardly towards the distributor outlets in a uniform pattern for good flushing of all the lines connected to the outlets. O-rings between the cover and the distributor, and between the spray nozzle mounting and the cover, seal the unit against dirt and debris and facilitate snap fit assembly of the components.

Abstract: Cylindrical spacers having axially ribbed inner portions and an expanded circumference are located on the doffer shaft of a cotton harvester doffer column to support the doffers in vertically spaced relation and improve shaft strength and bend and vibration resistance. The spacer rib ends have doffer contacting surfaces to bite into the doffer and provide a keying function for enhanced doffer rotational retention.

Abstract: A cotton picker row unit grid bar fabricated from a light extruded material has a hollow D-shaped cross section with a plant contacting wall of thickness substantially greater than the non-contacting walls for increased wearability and strength and reduced weight. An upright grid bar support with a compact U-shaped cross section includes opposed flanges connected by a rounded portion to reduce hairpinning of debris. Specially shaped apertures in the rounded portion support the ends of the grid bars in vertically spaced relationship, and grid bar posts cooperate with threaded screw members extending through the support to sandwich the grid bar ends between the flanges with a preselected clamping force.

Abstract: Adjustable doffer structure for a cotton harvester row unit provides single wrench doffer adjustment without requiring loosening of a locking nut. The upper end of a doffer column bearing support includes a screw member threaded through an adjusting housing and projecting above the row unit housing. A Belleville spring is sandwiched between a locking nut threaded onto the upper end of the screw member and the adjusting housing. The nut and Belleville spring provide sufficient holding torque to maintain a given doffer adjustment during normal row unit operation, but the holding torque can be overridden with a wrench used to make the doffer adjustment. A locking plate is placed over the nut to maintain locking nut torque.

Abstract: A doffer grinding mechanism constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention consists of a rotary file type grinding stem which is larger in diameter than the cotton picker spindles of a machine. The grinding stem, which temporarily replaces one of the conventional spindle assemblies in a row of spindles, is screwed into the picker bar which remains in the machine. The row unit is run, and the doffer is adjusted against the grinding stems. Doffers can be quickly trued in the field without the need for a doffer grinding machine and without complete disassembly of the doffer column from the row unit.

Abstract: A pivoting moistener column for a cotton harvester having a locking feature which operates without tools which automatically releases the column for swinging toward an access position when a service door is opened and which retains the column securely in the operating position when the service door is closed. Preferably the locking feature includes a pair of mating upright flanges, one connected to the service door near a service door pivot and the other connected to the moistener column opposite a moistener column pivot. The column is located near an outer wall of the harvester row unit housing and is substantially outside of the housing when in the service position. A fluid distribution system mounted on the column is supported outside of the housing in both the operating and service positions. Panel structure on the column forms a relatively smooth, continuous barrier with the service door for good cotton/cotton plant flow past the column.

Abstract: A cotton picker moistening system is provided that includes a pump driven by an electric motor to deliver a pressurized flow of moistening fluid. The system also includes a detecting device for generating a sensed parameter signal representative of a characteristic of the fluid delivered by the pump, such as pressure or flow rate, and a signal generator for generating a desired parameter signal representative of the desired characteristic. A control circuit compares the sensed and desired parameter signals and generates a control signal derived from the sensed and desired parameter signals. The control signal is applied to the electric motor, the pump or a regulating device downstream of the pump to control the delivery of moistening fluid. A flush switch is provided to override the control circuit and cause predetermined flow of fluid to be delivered.

Abstract: A cotton harvester row unit attachment includes blade structure attached to the bearing cap at the lower end of the doffer for rotation about the doffer axis. The blade structure projects radially from the doffer axis a distance generally equal to the radius of the doffers and slices vines and other debris that find their way into the row unit housing adjacent the doffer to prevent plugging.

Abstract: A picker spindle is provided having a barb angle of about 50 degrees or less with respect to the spindle axis. A shallow land angle, substantially reduced compared with prior art spindles, and a short gullet area between barbs prevent tight winding of the cotton between barbs. A gentle slope is defined for sliding the cotton easily in the axial direction off the end of the spindle. Less force is needed to unwind the cotton and remove it from the spindle and, as a result, the cotton doffs easier and doffer life is increased. The interval between doffer adjustments is also lengthened.

Abstract: A spindle nut and bushing assembly for cotton picker row units includes a light-weight spindle nut and a single elongated bushing having a length to outer diameter ratio of greater than two. The bushing extends through substantially the entire length of the spindle nut to provide a low friction bearing surface with sufficient strength to reinforce the spindle nut against breakage even when the spindle is impacted and fractured by an obstacle. In one embodiment of the invention, the nut is formed from a thermoplastic material and the bushing is fabricated from powdered metal, preferably a sintered bronze-iron alloy, and includes elongated grooves which act as lubricant reservoirs. In another embodiment, the bushing is formed from a filament-wound fiberglass material. The weight of the plastic nut is less than 75% of that of a conventional steel nut. In an alternative embodiment, the nut is fabricated from a light-weight metal such as aluminum.

Abstract: The picker bar on a cotton harvester drum includes a lower bushing with a thrust surface added. The spindle drive shaft is drilled and tapped to receive a bolt inserted through the bottom of the picker bar. Bevel gear thrust loads are transferred through a thrust washer, secured by the bolt to the bottom of the drive shaft, to the lower bushing thereby eliminating need for a snap ring and snap ring groove at the top of the bar. The spur gear bending load at the top the bar is transferred through a large rigid gear section to the bearing at the top of the bar. The top bearing is supported closer to the gear load than in previous bars which utilize snap ring retention. The drive shaft, bevel gears, upper bearing and drive gear section are inserted as a single assembly into the upper end of the picker bar during manufacture.

Abstract: A cotton harvester row unit with an upright moistener column located at low acceleration point in the spindle path near the side of the harvesting drum diametrically opposite the row receiving area, rather than near the forward extremity of the drum, to decrease row unit length, increase spindle time in the column and better align moistener pad fins with the grooves between the barbs on the spindles. The moistener column pivots outwardly and can be accessed away from the row unit housing for servicing the moistener pads and fluid distribution system. The distributor and nozzle are supported outside the housing in both the operating and the access positions.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a speed changing device located between the drum and spindle drives of a cotton picker row unit provides a variable ratio spindle-to-drum speed so that ground and spindle speed can be optimized to match field conditions. An automatic transmission with one or more shift points provides a plurality of gear ratio combinations to optimize spindle speed while ideal harvester ground speed for the prevailing crop conditions is maintained. Shift point selection provides downshifting when the spindle speed begins to exceed the desired maximum RPM and upshifting when the speed drops below a minimum RPM. Alternatively, a compact idler gear arrangement located between the drum and spindle drives on the row unit is shiftable to change the ratio of spindle speed to drum speed without affecting drum speed to ground speed synchronization. In another embodiment of the invention, variable ratio between the drum and spindle drives is provided by introducing an independent spindle drive train.

Abstract: A doffer for use with a spindle type cotton harvester is provided which has non-radial lugs to provide a better distribution of stripping and unwrapping force components for enhanced doffing action. The leading edges of the lugs are curved and are angled with respect to the radial direction to provide a scissors action relative to the spindles as the doffer rotates for improved doffing and wear distribution. The lugs provide an immediate unwrapping component upon initial contact with the cotton-wrapped spindles, with less stripping action to reduce the amount of cotton forced between the spindles and the doffer. In another embodiment of the invention, lugs with different pitches are supported in alternating fashion so that the action of the lugs with the greatest pitch provide a large unwrapping force and the smaller pitched lugs provide a large stripping force. The rear portions of the lugs are curved for increased cotton throwing clearance.

Abstract: A row unit is provided which utilizes a relatively large front drum, such as a 16-bar drum and a smaller rear drum, such as a 12-bar drum. The front drum is first to contact the cotton plant and as a result picks more cotton than the rear drum. The large 16-bar drum operates with relatively low cam roller and bar loads and therefore is capable of higher speeds. A new rear drum cam orients the picker bars in such a manner as to reduce cam roller and bar loads without noticeably sacrificing picking efficiency and permits the rear drum to also operate at higher speeds. Faster ground speeds are achieved without significant increases in critical component loads. In another aspect of the invention, the axis of one of the drum cams is angled from the normal straight ahead configuration to facilitate drum placement and minimize additional row unit width. The drums are operated in an inline configuration to pick cotton from one side only of the row so that narrow row harvesting is facilitated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for non-invasive blood analysis for the presence of glucose are disclosed in which blood is illuminated at a plurality of discrete wavelengths selected from the near infrared spectrum. Measurements of the intensity of transmitted or reflected light at such wavelengths are taken, and an analysis of transmittance or reflectance ratios for various wavelengths is performed. Changes in the ratios can be correlated with specific near infrared (IR) absorption peak for glucose at about 1600 nm +/-15 nm which varies with concentration of the analyte (the data wavelength) and the a second (reference) wavelength being sufficiently removed from the first so that measurements of light absorption at this second wavelength are relatively insensitive to the concentration of the analyte and yet the second wavelength is sufficiently close to the first wavelength to minimize interference from scattering effects and the like.

Abstract: An improved lubrication system for the spindle bar assembly of a cotton harvester apparatus is disclosed. The system comprises a hydraulic pump connected to the hydraulic system of a harvester which pumps lubricant from a disposable cube of lubricant located on board the harvester into a manifold system having conduits in fluid communication with the existing lubrication system of the harvester, and a fluid restriction device disposed in line with the conduits to control the flow of lubricant to each spindle bar so that equal amounts of lubricant are provided thereto, notwithstanding differences in the lengths of the conduits.

Abstract: A cotton harvesting unit with a cotton doffer assembly rotatable about a vertical axis and including an adjustable drive unit with a vertical drive shaft for imparting rotary motion to and for vertically positioning doffer pads of a doffer unit relative to picker spindles of an adjacent picker rotor. The drive unit vertically positions the doffer pads through an operative mechanism rotatable about a second axis adjacent to the doffer assembly. A motion converting mechanism converts rotary motion of the operative mechanism into linear motion of the drive unit drive shaft. The drive shaft of the drive unit and doffer unit are releasably interconnected to each other to facilitate repair/replacement of the doffer unit. To inhibit contaminants for encumbering adjustment of the drive unit, the motion converting mechanism is wholly arranged within the housing assembly and protected from the ambient environment in which a harvester is operated.

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.

Abstract: An air system for a cotton harvester having a harvester mechanism including a doffer assembly which forcibly directs doffed cotton toward a discharge compartment arranged on the cotton harvester. The air system of the present invention provides an elongated member which directs a stream of air rearwardly from the doffer assembly in a manner inhibiting doffed cotton from repeating around the doffer assembly. The air system of the present invention further contemplates directing a column of air downwardly behind the doffer assembly to positively evacuate an upper end of the discharge compartment and inhibit rebounding cotton from repeating around the doffer assembly. The air system of the present invention is especially useful for handling of harvested cotton in damp or high yield cotton conditions.

Abstract: A moistening apparatus for distributing moistening fluid to a plurality of vertically spaced axially extending spindles of a cotton harvesting machine includes a supporting standard arranged proximate the picker spindles. A series of moistening pads, communicable with a moistening fluid supply source, are attachable to the supporting standard one above the other in vertically spaced relation. Each moistening pad defines a top opening, a spindle wiping face disposed beneath the opening, opposed side edges spaced at different distances from the support standard, and a fluid distributing channel is configured. The fluid distributing channel has a series of fluid discharge ports. More discharge ports are provided toward one edge of the pad than the other. As such, more moistening fluid is applied toward the inner end of the picker spindles than is applied toward the distal end of the picker spindles.

Abstract: Row unit and conveying structure for a cotton harvester having transversely rollable row units adapted for opening up the area between units to provide access to the harvesting mechanisms for servicing. The inner row units on the harvester include suction door structure which is supported from the row unit support frame and remains stationary as the row unit is rolled transversely. The row unit includes compartment structure fabricated from individually removable panels to define a cotton path extending in the fore-and-aft direction alongside the spindle drums and which opens at the lower rear end of the row unit into the suction door. The opening automatically aligns with the suction door as the row unit is rolled back to the row-harvesting position. The outer row units include duct support structure mounted on the unit support frame, and the suction door is connected directly to the row unit for transverse movement therewith.

Abstract: The harvesting structure on a plurality of individual row units of a cotton picker are driven by a common drive train while individual torque-limiting is provided to each row unit by a slip clutch located within the unit housing. A gearbox located at the top of each row unit housing includes a shaft projecting into the housing with the slip clutch located at the lower end of the shaft and driving an output gear meshing with the main input gear of row unit transmission.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable and rotatable moistener column for a cotton picker row unit. The moistener column includes rotating base structure permitting the column to be rotated between a normal operating position and a service position wherein access to the pad supports and moistener pads is facilitated. The rotating base includes indexing structure for firmly securing the moistener column in either the operating or the service position and for facilitating rotation of the column between positions after moving the column vertically.

Abstract: An automatic lubrication distribution system includes a conduit system for supplying equal volumes of grease to each of a plurality of row units, the row units each supporting a manifold which is connected to the conduit system and proportions the grease received therefrom to simultaneously supply first and second grease receiving areas having substantially different grease volume requirements. The distribution system, from the supply pump to the grease receiving areas, is completely passive and reqiures no control valves, flow dividers or metering pumps.

Abstract: A moistener pad including two sets of apertures extending diagonally from corner to corner of the pad to define X-shaped pattern which provides a uniform distribution of moistening fluid to the fins. One set of apertures is located between a first set of adjacent pairs of fins, and the other set of apertures is located between a second set of adjacent pairs of fins.

Abstract: A cotton picker row unit includes tandem drum structure for harvesting cotton from one side of a row of cotton. A front drum trash slot directs trash and cotton discharged from the front drum into the row and permits the rear drum to pick the discharged cotton. Fore-and-aft spaced discharge doors are located on the side of the unit and are connected so that cotton from the rear door is combined with that from the front door. The combined cotton is conveyed through a single duct to the basket. The tandem drum and side door structure provide a narrow row unit configuration, and a plurality of identical units are spaced on a harvesting frame forwardly of the drive wheels for picking narrow row cotton.

Abstract: Self-adjusting supporting structure for positioning an upright column of doffer pads automatically with respect to corresponding rows of spindles in a cotton harvester row unit. A tapered roller bearing assembly supporting the doffer column includes an externally threaded housing threaded into an internally threaded adjuster housing support mounted on the row unit. The drag of the roller bearings is adjustable, and under normal operation of the row unit the drag force tends to thread the bearing assembly upwardly. However, this force is opposed by an opposite force caused by the weight of the doffer assembly which tends to thread the assembly downwardly to move the doffer pads closer to the spindles.

Abstract: Cotton suction doors for a cotton picker are rotationally molded from cross-linked polyethylene. Support and guide structure automatically direct the door structure to the operating position alongside the discharge openings in the row unit. The door structure includes two individual compartment structures which are movable in sequence and interlock with each other and with nozzle structure and duct structure to provide a compact and lightweight arrangement which is easy to attach to and remove from the row unit.