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 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: In a cotton harvester row unit, feelers on lower ends of a pendulum-type of row finder are provided with extensions which project generally at right angles to the forward direction through apertures in the row unit throat sidewall area. The conventional stalk lifters are removed to reduce debris accumulation, and the extensions are located directly above the areas where the stalk lifters are normally positioned to function as lifters. The feeler structure also prevents trash from feeding into and collecting between the throat wall and the end of a feeler.

Abstract: A tether switch is connected to both the operator presence system and the automatic lubrication distribution system on a harvester such as a cotton picker. A lubrication control switch on the instrument panel of the harvester is connected to the tether switch and to the lubrication control and is switchable to a first condition wherein depression of the tether switch activates driven components on the harvester and the lubrication system to cause lubrication to be pumped to the moving components. The tether switch may be moved between harvester cab and harvester unit locations so that, when the control switch is in the first condition, the operator can cause the units to be lubricated while he watches the driven components from a location remote from the cab.

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 innermost end of a platform is pivotally connected to an implement adjacent upright sidewall structure which supports moving parts that normally are shielded but from time to time require inspection and service. The platform is rockable between a horizontal access position and a vertical shielding position. A door or shield is connected to the outer end of the platform, and four-bar linkage structure maintains the door in an upright position to provide a railed work station for the operator when the platform is in the horizontal position and a generally continuous upright shield structure when the platform is in the vertical position. The four-bar linkage structure includes upper and lower links which contact each other when the platform is horizontal to support the platform without need for obstructive braces or the like.