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: An unloader for a cotton compacting structure such as a module builder, including loose cotton retaining apparatus configured and operable for retaining loose cotton carried from, and returning the loose cotton to, the compacting structure. Apparatus of the invention can include an array or arrays of individual upstanding filaments, or flaps, located on a cotton conveying surface of a door arrangement or ramp extending from the compacting structure and over which a mass of compacted cotton or module is unloaded. The apparatus is configured to allow passage of a mass or module of compacted cotton thereover, while preventing passage of at least a substantial portion of any loose cotton following the mass or module along the surface. The apparatus is also configured for returning the loose cotton to the compacting structure upon folding or closing of the door or ramp.

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: Apparatus for collapsing an on-board crop receiver of a harvester to a transport position, utilizing a remotely releasable locking element to allow telescopic collapsing or retracting the receiver without entering the receiver, and powered apparatus for positively collapsing a duct extending between a row unit of the harvester and an inlet opening of the receiver. The duct is telescopically retractable at an inclined angle by a similarly inclined duct driver to a height about equal to that of the receiver when in the transport position, so as to be freed from the receiver and any associated hood extending outwardly therefrom associated with the inlet opening. Using crop compactor apparatus within the interior of the receiver, the compactor can be lowered and the locking mechanism unlocked, and then the compactor operated to telescopically collapse or retract the receiver. The receiver can be extended in the reverse order.

Abstract: An unloader for a cotton compacting structure such as a module builder, including loose cotton retaining apparatus configured and operable for retaining loose cotton carried from, and returning the loose cotton to, the compacting structure. Apparatus of the invention can include an array or arrays of individual upstanding filaments, or flaps, located on a cotton conveying surface of a door arrangement or ramp extending from the compacting structure and over which a mass of compacted cotton or module is unloaded. The apparatus is configured to allow passage of a mass or module of compacted cotton thereover, while preventing passage of at least a substantial portion of any loose cotton following the mass or module along the surface. The apparatus is also configured for returning the loose cotton to the compacting structure upon folding or closing of the door or ramp.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for collapsing an on-board crop receiver of a harvester to a transport position, utilizing a remotely releasable locking element to allow telescopic collapsing or retracting the receiver without entering the receiver, and powered apparatus for positively collapsing a duct extending between a row unit of the harvester and an inlet opening of the receiver. The duct is telescopically retractable at an inclined angle by a similarly inclined duct driver to a height about equal to that of the receiver when in the transport position, so as to be freed from the receiver and any associated hood extending outwardly therefrom associated with the inlet opening. Using crop compactor apparatus within the interior of the receiver, the compactor can be lowered and the locking mechanism unlocked, and then the compactor operated to telescopically collapse or retract the receiver. The receiver can be extended in the reverse order.

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: 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 method for forming a cotton module on a mobile cotton harvester, including the steps of: (a) removing cotton from cotton plants as the harvester is moved across a cotton field; (b) conveying the removed cotton into a cotton receiver structure including a plurality of surfaces of known extent defining and substantially enclosing an interior space; (c) distributing the cotton in the cotton receiver structure substantially evenly with respect to a selected one of the surfaces of the receiver structure; and (d) periodically compacting the cotton in the cotton receiver structure substantially evenly against the selected one of the surfaces by forceably moving a compacting element having an extent only marginally smaller than the extent of the selected one of the surfaces against the distributed cotton and toward the selected one of the surfaces.

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: 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.