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: Sensing structure including a microwave sensor monitors the velocity, mass flow and moisture of cotton in a harvester air duct. As the flow of cotton in the air duct nears maximum capacity, the cotton velocity will decrease and the sensor provides a signal to the controller so that harvester speed will be reduced. Cotton mass and moisture level signals are used to determine the percentage capacity and anticipate loading of the cotton cleaner or other crop processor. The signals can also be used to control cross auger and impeller speed to even out the flow of cotton within the air duct system in highly variable yield conditions in the field.

Abstract: A supply roll of durable plastic wrapping material for use with a wrapping mechanism for wrapping cylindrical cotton modules formed in a module-forming chamber of a cotton harvester is made in lengths connected in end-to-end relationship with Velcro® hook and loop connections provided at opposite ends of each length and having sufficient holding strength for the leading length to remain connected to the following length during the wrapping process, but for permitting the leading length to separate from the following length when the supply roll is subjected to a braking force. Other Velcro® hook and loop connections are provided on the lengths of material for securing them about the module with their placement being such to permit modules from 5? to 7.5? in diameter to be wrapped using no more than two wraps of material. The lengths of wrapping material may be mechanically stripped from the modules at the gin and cleaned and mechanically reattached in end-to-end relationship and formed into rolls for reuse.

Abstract: A low cost cotton harvester (10) utilizing a tractor chassis (12) operated in the reverse direction includes a row unit is located forwardly of the drive wheels (20), and a single operator station (36) is situated above the drive wheels (20). A basket (60) is mounted above the engine (22) and the steerable wheels (18). The transmission (26) on the chassis (12) includes a mechanical front wheel drive (MFWD) output (30) located between the drive wheels (20) and the steerable rear wheels (18) which is connected to the row unit drive (50) to synchronize row unit drive speed with tractor drive wheel speed. The harvester fan (62) is connected to the existing power take off (PTO) shaft (32) on the tractor chassis (12) for operation independently of the row unit drive (50). Drop wheel axle structure (90) for the wheels may be used to provide crop clearance and to facilitate use of the chassis as a sprayer when the row unit (46) is removed.

Abstract: A picker spindle bar includes spindles oriented on the bar to offset the spindle picking ends relative to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, adjacent spindle axes are rotated six degrees relative to each other about the upright spindle drive shaft axis so that the picking ends of adjacent spindles are offset and enter the doffing zone at different times to reduce peak loads on the harvester row unit. The angled spindle configurations also space picking ends fore-and-aft in the picking zone and improve harvesting efficiency, especially where green bolls are present. The staggered spindle ends reduces cotton pinching in the picking, doffing and spindle wiping areas to thereby reduce row unit plugging.

Abstract: A supply roll of durable plastic wrapping material for use with a wrapping mechanism for wrapping cylindrical cotton modules formed in a module-forming chamber of a cotton harvester is made in lengths connected in end-to-end relationship with Velcro® hook and loop connections provided at opposite ends of each length and having sufficient holding strength for the leading length to remain connected to the following length during the wrapping process, but for permitting the leading length to separate from the following length when the supply roll is subjected to a braking force. Other Velcro® hook and loop connections are provided on the lengths of material for securing them about the module with their placement being such to permit modules from 5? to 7.5? in diameter to be wrapped using no more than two wraps of material. The lengths of wrapping material may be mechanically stripped from the modules at the gin and cleaned and mechanically reattached in end-to-end relationship and formed into rolls for reuse.

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 picker spindle bar includes spindles oriented on the bar to offset the spindle picking ends relative to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, adjacent spindle axes are rotated six degrees relative to each other about the upright spindle drive shaft axis so that the picking ends of adjacent spindles are offset and enter the doffing zone at different times to reduce peak loads on the harvester row unit. The angled spindle configurations also space picking ends fore-and-aft in the picking zone and improve harvesting efficiency, especially where green bolls are present. The staggered spindle ends reduces cotton pinching in the picking, doffing and spindle wiping areas to thereby reduce row unit plugging.

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 differential pressure sensor measures the vacuum in a material conveying duct relative to atmospheric pressure or to a positive pressure farther upstream in the duct on an agricultural harvester. The output from this sensor is monitored electronically, and the resulting output is used to optimize harvester speed. In one embodiment, a processor monitor output is used in conjunction with the pressure sensor output to control ground speed. Processor speed or loading and air duct pressure are monitored to determine which area of the machine is the limiting factor and to adjust the harvester speed accordingly.

Abstract: Bracket structure for a doffer assembly for doffing cotton from the saw drum of a cotton cleaner includes a plurality of brushes supported by channels and clamps in a drum configuration. A first nut on an easily accessible radial retaining bolt tightened against a special clamp secure the brush in place, and the same bolt and a second nut hold the corresponding doffer channel. The special clamp has a first leg positioned over a corner of the channel so the brush is held securely. A second brush-protecting leg extending up in front of the brush removes foreign matter that lodges on the saw drum. The channels are protected by the clamp, and the clamp is easily replaceable if damaged.

Abstract: A doffer assembly for doffing cotton from the saw drum of a cotton cleaner includes a plurality of brushes supported by channels and clamps in a drum configuration. A first nut on an easily accessible radial retaining bolt tightened against a special clamp secure the brush in place, and the same bolt and a second nut hold the corresponding doffer channel. The special clamp has a first leg positioned over a corner of the channel so the brush is held securely. A second brush-protecting leg extending up in front of the brush removes foreign matter that lodges on the saw drum. The channels are protected by the clamp, and the clamp is easily replaceable if damaged.

Abstract: An on-board cotton harvester baling system includes first and second balers mounted side-by-side on the frame of a cotton harvester adjacent a single accumulator that extends generally the width of the balers. One of two sets of metering rollers located at the bottom of the accumulator is selectively activated to feed cotton to the first baler. A reversible auger extending the width of the accumulator moves cotton withing the accumulator towards the activated set of metering rolls to assure a continued supply of material for the operating baler. When the first bale is fully formed, the opposite set of metering rolls and the second baler are activated, and the auger is reversed. The completed bale can be easily unloaded while the second baler operates so that cotton harvester operation.

Abstract: A doffer assembly for doffing cotton from the saw drum of a cotton cleaner includes a plurality of brushes supported by channels and clamps in a drum configuration. A first nut on an easily accessible radial retaining bolt tightened against a special clamp secure the brush in place, and the same bolt and a second nut hold the corresponding doffer channel. The special clamp has a first leg positioned over a corner of the channel so the brush is held securely. A second brush-protecting leg extending up in front of the brush removes foreign matter that lodges on the saw drum. The channels are protected by the clamp, and the clamp is easily replaceable if damaged.

Abstract: A harvester drive system includes a main hexagonal cross shaft which may be either continuous or include short shaft sections joined by couplers. Row units are pivotally connected to a cross auger housing for pivoting about the axis of the cross shaft and can slide relative to the cross auger and the drive shaft to accommodate different row spacings. A slip clutch and bevel gear assembly, which slides on the cross shaft, drives each row unit and permits simple transverse adjustments of the units. A cross shaft extension is added if harvesting widths are needed which cannot be provided by the original shaft. Each row unit drive extends forwardly from the bevel gear, and a sturdy bearing mount arrangement connected to the row unit wall immediately adjacent the bevel gear maintains proper gear mesh.

Abstract: A conveying duct for a cotton harvester includes forward and rear panels having generally continuously curved S-shaped configurations and fore-and-aft extending sides. The panels are joined to the sides by Pittsburgh lock joints without spot welds or separate connecting hardware. The width gradually increases and the fore-and-aft dimension decreases approximately proportionately in the upward direction so the cross sectional area remains generally constant along the length of the duct. The curved configuration lends strength and bend resistance to the duct to eliminate fatigue caused by flexing and facilitates use of thinner stock material for fabrication. The configuration also assures excellent distribution of material within the duct and across separation grates without need for vanes or baffles.

Abstract: A vine shield for a finger-type header with feeder shafts includes a plurality of curved channel-shaped bars having upper ends releasably secured to supports extending transversely over the stripping fingers. A shaft support structure mounts two timed feeder shafts of large radius with feeder fingers projecting between the bars to define overlapping paths which eliminate most of the dead space between the shafts for improved cotton flow rearwardly over the stripping fingers. The channel-shaped bars prevent vine wrapping and open away from the axes of the shafts for improved trash shedding capabilities. The shaft support structure pivots about the rear feeder shaft axis for on-the-go vertical adjustment of the forward feeder shaft to accommodate substantial plant height variations. The feeder fingers are designed for easy attachment and removal and have a symmetrical design so they can be reversed.

Abstract: A flexible insert for a cotton stripper finger assembly adapted for stripping cotton bolls from cotton plants planted in narrow row or broadcast configuration. The insert comprises a flexible plastic strip sandwiched between a conventional metal stripping finger and a metal hold-down member. The insert has edges extending outwardly from the metal stripping finger edges to reduce the effective width of the gap between fingers to more efficiently strip cotton bolls from cotton plants having relatively thin stalks. The portions of the insert which project beyond the metal stripping finger are sufficiently flexible to permit efficient stripping of cotton plants with thicker stalks. Since the effective gap width can change with changing plant conditions, the need to change gap-adjusting inserts is eliminated. The plastic material, which preferably is polyurethane having a durometer of approximately 93, resists sap build-up and improves cotton flow over the fingers.

Abstract: A stripping finger insert is attached with a single bolt for easy adjustment of the gap between fingers on an ultra narrow row cotton stripper. The point of the insert wedges underneath a rearwardly angled edge of an upright planar fin member located at the front and center of the finger. The single bolt secures the insert near the center of the finger where cotton snagging is less likely to occur, and a clip allows the bolt to be placed through the center of the angle iron, rather than in the legs of the angle, to eliminate an obstruction for the cotton between the fingers. The clip fits precisely into the profile of the insert and has a flat surface on top for clamping the bolt with gently sloping front and rear surfaces for smooth cotton can flow. Two insert sizes provide five different gap adjustments to optimize productivity.

Abstract: A vine shield for a finger-type header with feeder shafts includes a plurality of curved channel-shaped bars having upper ends releasably secured to supports extending transversely over the stripping fingers. A shaft support structure mounts two timed feeder shafts of large radius with feeder fingers projecting between the bars to define overlapping paths which eliminate most of the dead space between the shafts for improved cotton flow rearwardly over the stripping fingers. The channel-shaped bars prevent vine wrapping and open away from the axes of the shafts for improved trash shedding capabilities. The shaft support structure pivots about the rear feeder shaft axis for on-the-go vertical adjustment of the forward feeder shaft to accommodate substantial plant height variations. The feeder fingers are designed for easy attachment and removal and have a symmetrical design so they can be reversed.