Abstract: A sickle header has right and left cutter bar assemblies each having a knife assembly configured to move in a reciprocating motion. A first transfer plate connects the knife assembly of the right cutter bar assembly and a second transfer plate connects the knife assembly of the left cutter bar assembly. A center sickle drive assembly includes first and second epicyclic drives connected to the right cutter bar assembly translate rotational movement of a drive motor gear into linear oscillating motion of output cranks that are connected to the first transfer plate. Third and fourth epicyclic drives connected to the left cutter bar assembly translate rotational movement of the drive motor gear into linear oscillating motion of output cranks that are connected to the second transfer plate, such that the cranks of the epicyclic drives simultaneously drive the knife assembly of the respective cutter bar assembly in a reciprocating motion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a washer assembly, comprising: plural washers adjacent each other, each having a tab and a tapered body of a defined angle, wherein relative adjustment of the tabs corresponds to a composite angle range from zero to twice the defined angle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus, comprising: a housing; and plural gears disposed in the housing, wherein at least a first gear of the plural gears comprises a centrally disposed opening configured to mate with a drive tool, wherein a second gear of the plural gears comprises a centrally disposed opening configured to mate with a nut, wherein rotational movement of the first gear causes rotational movement of the second gear.

Abstract: A variable speed belt drive system having a driving pulley, a V-belt, and a driven pulley connected to the driving pulley with the V-belt. The driven pulley includes a pulley shaft rotatable about a pulley axis, an inboard pulley-half having a first contact surface that is inclined relative to the axis of the pulley shaft that defines a first belt-contacting wall of driven pulley, wherein the first contact surface is fixed relative to the pulley shaft. The driven pulley has an outboard pulley-half having a second contact surface that is opposite the first contact surface and that is inclined relative to the axis of the pulley shaft, the outboard pulley-half being movable relative the inboard pulley-half such that the second contact surface is moveable relative to the driven pulley shaft. The inboard pulley-half is connected to the outboard pulley-half with two or more tension struts.

Abstract: A ring assembly for retaining a roller bearing and shaft. A split ring fits in a groove in the shaft and is surrounded by a lock ring to secure it in the groove. The split ring has a beveled surface which the lock ring acts against to force the split ring into the groove as the lock ring is pressed onto the split ring. An inclined surface on the split ring interacts with a ramp surface bounding the groove to press the split ring against the bearing as it moves into the groove. This applies a preload thrust to the bearing.