Abstract: An electronic powershift control system for an implement transmission having a plurality of selectively operated electrically controlled hydraulic powershift clutches. The system includes a manually positionable gear selector connected to electrical control circuitry. The electrical control circuitry receives input shift signals from the gear selector indicative of the shift desired and, in response, produces output shift signals for operating various hydraulic powershift clutches over a predetermined time to effect the desired shift. The electrical circuitry further incorporates a feed back loop which allows the circuitry to monitor shift performance effected during the desired shift and, if necessary, adjust the predetermined time of powershift clutch operation the next time the same shift is selected by the operator.

Abstract: A vibratory plow assembly for improving the mounting of the plow blade and optimally locating the gage wheels. The assembly includes a plow blade and gage wheel holder that is pivotally mounted to a vibrator frame. The holder includes hollow bearing members for mounting the gage wheels and spaced apart hanger arms for advantageously assisting in the mounting of the plow blade. The plow blade is mounted between the hanger arms such that its upper mounting location is supported between opposed slots in the hanger arms and its lower mounting location is supported between the opposed hollow bearing members.

Abstract: A vibratory plow assembly which provides improved vibratory plowing through the mounting of the plow blade and maneuverability of the assembly. The assembly includes a forward frame member, a rearward frame member, and spaced apart link members pivotally connecting the frame members to permit relative vertical movement. A plow blade and gage wheel holder is pivotally mounted to the rearward frame member which also includes a vibrator for the plow blade. The forward frame member is pivotally mounted to a vehicle for movement about a vertical axis, and the plow blade holder is pivotally mounted to the rearward frame member for movement about a vertical axis. Further, the assembly is constructed such that the plow blade moves into a tucked relationship with respect to the connecting links between the frame members, thereby permitting loading and unloading of the plow assembly without the need to remove the plow blade.

Abstract: In a combine conveyor of the type with a conveyor surface, elongated carriers across the surface, and endless chains to move the carriers along the conveyor, resiliently deformable slats are used as carriers and such slats are adjustably secured at their ends to the chains by self-adjusting attachments. The slats are preferably flat, of spring steel, angled with respect to the surface, and in a trailing position. The attachments of the slats to the chains include an attachment link on the chain, and a slot-post arrangement for pivoting/sliding engagement. The slots are preferably in the slats. In one embodiment, an angled mounting surface forms part of the attachment link. In another, angling is achieved by twists in the slat near the slat ends.

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: A cleaning system for a combine having a plurality of cleaning sieves which are operated to arrange grain in a thin veil or crop mat on the sieves. The cleaning system of the present invention includes an elongated transverse cleaning fan and an air plenum. The cleaning fan is rotatably driven about a fixed axis and includes a plurality of spaced apart blades peripherally disposed about the fan. The air plenum extends parallel to and along substantially the entire length of the fan for directing a forced flow of air from the fan rearwardly through the cleaning sieves. The air plenum includes upper and lower air directing baffles.

Abstract: A fluid conduit delivers hydraulic cooling fluid to a mechanism including a clutch assembly which releasably joins two members rotatably mounted on a shaft. A linearly positionable clutch actuator controls operation of the clutch assembly. To avoid flooding of the clutch area with cooling fluid, a mechanism is provided for metering fluid flow delivered to the clutch area as a function of clutch operation. The mechanism includes a sleeve coaxially mounted on the shaft for metering the fluid flow exhausted from the fluid conduit in response to movement of the clutch actuator.

Abstract: Improved tractor frontal three-point connection apparatus with lower links attached to the front bolster at a pivot axis behind the front panelling of the tractor housing and pivotable to positions behind such panelling, the lower links having rear extensions acted on by lower ends of substantially vertical hydraulic cylinders to pivot the lower links to a substantially vertical orientation, thereby facilitating movement of lower links to inoperative positions over the front axles. Preferred embodiments include a tubular rock shaft rotatably mounted on the front bolster and having rearwardly extending cylinder-attachment lugs, opposite ends removably receiving journals of the lower links, and pocket members at each end receiving and interacting with the rear extensions of the lower links.

Abstract: A crop delivery system for an axial flow combine having a crop harvesting apparatus and a threshing apparatus including a rotor having an impeller at its forward end. The crop delivery system is interposed between the crop harvesting apparatus and the threshing apparatus. The crop delivery system includes a crop feeder, a transition housing with one or more transport vanes, and a crop delivery vane assembly. The transition housing surrounds the impeller and has an inlet end which opens to the crop feeder and an outlet end which opens to the the threshing apparatus. The crop delivery vane assembly is arranged with the transition housing substantially normal to the rotor and in crop receiving relation with the crop feeder. The vane assembly includes a plurality of delivery vanes for positively moving crop material rearwardly and peripherally outward toward the transport vanes.

Abstract: An indexing mechanism comprising a member adapted to be advanced a predetermined amount and along a predetermined path, a pair of spaced drivers, and a control valve for operating the drivers in an alternative manner. The member adapted to be advanced defines a profile surface including a plurality of spaced radial segments. Each radial segment includes a crown section which is joined to an adjacent crown section by two oppositely directed ramps defining a fillet radius therebetween. The spacing between the drivers being such that when one driver is urged against a crown section the other driver acts against a fillet radius. The drivers are operated by the control valve 180.degree. out of phase relative to each other. A driver, after moving off a crown section, coacts with ramp to impart a driving force to the member. The driving force being sufficient to move the member in an indexed fashion the predetermined amount of its movement.

Abstract: A device for closing an ignition-enablement switch only if a drive control is in neutral position includes a stop member, a switch mount and a closing member each biased toward its position of engagement with the stop member and movable to positions displaced therefrom, the switch mount having the switch on it such that it is closed by the closing member only when the closing member and switch mount are both in their stop-engaging positions, and an actuator mechanism movable with the drive control between positions displacing the closing member and positions displacing the switch mount, through a position displacing neither. The device may be integrated with the drive control, with major parts pivotable about the control axis. Or the device may be attached to the drive control by a link arm, with major parts pivotable about a separate axis.

Abstract: A dozer blade mounting assembly for angling and tilting the blade, while preventing or adjustably limiting pitching, without inducing stresses in the assembly. The blade is supported on a conventional C-frame by a universal connection in the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The mounting assembly includes a mast assembly connected to the frame midportion and extending upwardly from the frame, a pair of hydraulic angling cylinders connected between the side portions of the blade and the mast assembly adjacent the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, a tilt cylinder connected between the frame and the mast assembly and a bracket assembly supporting the upper portion of the blade and preventing or adjustably limiting pitching of the blade.

Abstract: A three point implement hitch arrangement for a tractor including a frame assembly, a pair of draft arms pivotally supported on the frame assembly intermediate their ends and lift cylinders having a cylinder portion pivotally supported on the frame assembly above the draft arms and having a rod portion pivotally connected to the draft arms, forwardly of the draft arm pivotal connections. The lift cylinders are connected in series, wherein the area of the rod end of one cylinder is equal to the area of the head end of the second cylinder, whereby the cylinders may be operated independently to tilt the implement or operated in unison to lift the implement, eliminating the requirement for a complex structural support and control.

Abstract: A shift control system for automatically shifting a multi-speed hydromechanical transmission one gear ratio at a time. The shift control system includes a cam element and an electronically controlled shifter assembly. The cam element is shiftable between distinct angular positions corresponding to different and distinct gear ratios for the transmission. The shifter assembly includes an actuator for imparting movement to the control element and a pair of stop assemblies. The stop assemblies limit angular movement of the cam element in incremental steps and, thereby, sequence transmission operation to one gear ratio at a time.

Abstract: A composite engine enclosure for a tractor or like power-driven implement is disclosed. The enclosure includes a pivotal upper hood which is movable between raised and lowered positions, and at least one associated lower hood panel which cooperates with the other hood for substantially enclosing the engine of the implement. Each of the lower hood panels is provided with a hinging and latching arrangement to permit either pivotal opening movement of each panel, or complete removal of the panel from the implement, as may be required.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission including a speed transmission assembly, a range transmission assembly, and a hydraulically actuated master clutch for selectively coupling the transmission assemblies. The speed transmission assembly includes a plurality of hydraulically actuated clutch assemblies for effecting different forward output speeds and at least one reverse output speed. The range transmission assembly also includes a plurality of hydraulically actuated clutch assemblies. The control system includes a valve body connected to a hydraulic source of fluid pressure. A plurality of control valves are positioned in the valve body by an operator controlled shift lever. The control valves direct fluid pressure to various clutch assemblies in the speed and range transmission assemblies to condition the transmission into a forward, reverse, or neutral mode of operation as a function of shift lever position.

Abstract: A vibratory plow including a cutter assembly which slices the ground covering and breaks the sod ahead of the cable-laying plow blade. The plow assembly includes a blade holder that is pivotally mounted to a vibrator frame. A mounting member attaches the cutting blade of the cutter assembly to the blade holder. The cutting blade is polygonal in shape and includes a plurality of mounting holes located in polygonal patterns. The mounting member includes a complementary set of mounting holes also arranged in a polygonal pattern. The present construction permits the cutting blade to be moved to a plurality of cutting positions rather than replacing the cutter after a cutting edge is worn.

Abstract: An axial flow combine harvester incorporating a novel air flow system for separating grain from material other than grain. The system includes a cross-flow fan located at the exit end of the threshing cage which acts in conjunction with a cross-flow fan located adjacent the inlet end of the threshing cage to positively direct air past the cage to provide amore efficient separation of the grain from the chaff or straw.

Abstract: An implement floating frame hinge assembly is provided for accommodating the folding of pivotally connected first and second frame sections wherein a first lever is pivotally connected to the first frame section, a second lever is connected between the second frame section and the first lever, an an extendable and retractable actuator is pivotally connected between the first frame section and the second lever. The assembly includes a connection of the second lever to the second frame section about a pivot axis fixed relative to the second frame section. A pin is moveable with the second lever at a fixed distance from the pivot axis of the connection between the second frame section and the second lever.