Abstract: A cotton receiver of a cotton harvesting machine including a floor and opposing side walls defining a cotton compacting chamber, each of the side walls including a plurality of spaced apart perforations therethrough for passage of air from the chamber, and a door enclosing an end of the chamber. The receiver includes compacting apparatus for compacting cotton into a compacted body which will have a sideward shape and extent at least generally defined by the opposing side walls, the door being openable to allow removal of a compacted body of cotton from the chamber through the end. The opposing walls are tapered divergingly toward the end such that when a compacted body is removed from the chamber through the end, cotton protruding into the performations will be released.

Abstract: A control and method for a cotton module building program for an on-board cotton module builder of a cotton harvester, which utilizes a signal or output from a yield monitor as a factor in determining and varying cotton module building parameters, which can include auger direction and duration of operation, compactor positions and compacting strokes for best compacting a cotton module under the yield conditions. A module complete signal which can be a visual or audio signal, can be outputted when the yield monitor detects a predetermined cotton module weight, for signaling approach of a required unloading of a cotton module.

Abstract: A cotton receiving and densification apparatus for an upper region of a cotton module builder adapted for receiving a plurality of side-by-side flows of cotton and air and converging and densifying the cotton for distribution and conveyance downwardly into the module builder, including a cotton receiving chamber which tapers into a cotton densification chamber, both chambers being located above and downwardly opening into an upper region of a cotton compacting chamber of the module builder, the apparatus being capable of remaining intact when the module builder is collapsed for transport and storage.

Abstract: A machine, such as a mobile device having telephony features, such as a voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony application, is configured with a secure environment in which a location provider within (more reliable) or external to (less reliable) the machine may determine location data for the machine and securely provide it to a telephony application program for incorporation into a call setup for calling a callee. The secure environment may be created through use of one or more of Intel's LaGrande Technology™ (LT), Vanderpool Technology (VT), or a Trusted Platform Module (TPM). The LT and VT allow defining secure independent components within the machine, such as by instantiating them as Virtual Machines, and the TPM allows components to cryptographically sign data, such as to facilitate ensuring the location data is not tampered with. A recipient of a telephone call setup including cryptographically secured location data may validate the location data and accept the call.

Abstract: An automatic end of row detection and compacting sequence for a cotton harvesting machine which is initiated responsive to the machine ceasing harvesting at the end of a crop row, as represented by a condition such as raising a picker drum of the machine from a harvesting position to a non-harvesting position. Steps of the sequence can include ceasing operation of augers of compactor apparatus located in the cotton receiver are turned off, and moving the compactor apparatus downwardly within a cotton receiver of the machine and against cotton accumulated in the lower region of the receiver, one or more times, for further and better compacting the cotton. Then, when the machine is aligned with a new swath or row and a condition such as the picker unit being lowered to the harvesting position, normal operation of the compactor apparatus can be resumed.

Abstract: An automatic end of row detection and compacting sequence for a cotton harvesting machine which is initiated responsive to the machine ceasing harvesting at the end of a crop row, as represented by a condition such as raising a picker drum of the machine from a harvesting position to a non-harvesting position. Steps of the sequence can include ceasing operation of augers of compactor apparatus located in the cotton receiver are turned off, and moving the compactor apparatus downwardly within a cotton receiver of the machine and against cotton accumulated in the lower region of the receiver, one or more times, for further and better compacting the cotton. Then, when the machine is aligned with a new swath or row and a condition such as the picker unit being lowered to the harvesting position, normal operation of the compactor apparatus can be resumed.

Abstract: Compactor apparatus for an on-board module builder, including single cylinders and guide members on opposite sides of the module builder for guiding and effecting a cotton compacting process. The compactor apparatus includes a frame disposed in a cotton module builder chamber, movable downwardly within the chamber against the cotton for compacting the cotton against the floor and walls of the chamber. The frame includes cross members which extend across the chamber and protrude outwardly therefrom through upwardly and downwardly extending slots or passages through the sides of the module builder. The ends on each side are connected together by an exterior side structure which is movable upwardly and downwardly by a suitable driver, guided by at least one vertically extending guide member.

Abstract: A cotton receiver for a cotton harvesting machine and a method of operation of the same. The receiver includes a cotton compacting chamber, a precompacting area above the chamber, and an accumulator deployable upwardly from the precompacting area to increase the cotton holding capacity thereof. Compactor apparatus is located in the compacting chamber and is configured for holding cotton thereabove separate from cotton therebelow. The compactor apparatus is movable downwardly against cotton therebelow for compacting it into a unitary body or module, including while holding cotton thereabove, and is controllably operable for conveying cotton held thereabove downwardly therethrough, subsequent to unloading a completed compacted body of cotton.

Abstract: An automatic end of row detection and compacting sequence for a cotton harvesting machine which is initiated responsive to the machine ceasing harvesting at the end of a crop row, as represented by a condition such as raising a picker drum of the machine from a harvesting position to a non-harvesting position. Steps of the sequence can include ceasing operation of augers of compactor apparatus located in the cotton receiver are turned off, and moving the compactor apparatus downwardly within a cotton receiver of the machine and against cotton accumulated in the lower region of the receiver, one or more times, for further and better compacting the cotton. Then, when the machine is aligned with a new swath or row and a condition such as the picker unit being lowered to the harvesting position, normal operation of the compactor apparatus can be resumed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cotton module building utilizing one or more augers on a compactor frame movable for compacting cotton in a cotton compacting chamber of the module builder. The auger or augers are rotatable for moving accumulated cotton in opposite directions therein, and are tiltable by contact with cotton accumulated unevenly in the chamber. A position or positions of the auger or augers are sensed for detecting tilting of the auger or augers. A controller responsively controllably operates the auger or augers for moving cotton in contact therewith in an appropriate direction for reducing the tilting and more evenly distributing the cotton. The cotton can then be compacted into a cotton module having desired dimensions.

Abstract: Cotton compacting structure for distributing and compacting cotton within a cotton compactor chamber of a cotton module builder or packager, including a frame adapted to be supported in the chamber for downward movement against cotton collected in a lower portion of the chamber for compacting the cotton therein into a cotton module or package, the frame including a plurality of elongate cotton compactor members disposed in a longitudinally extending concave array defining a downwardly facing cavity. The cotton compactor members include at least one center compactor member defining a longitudinally extending highest region of the cavity and compactor members spaced from the center compactor member defining lower regions of the cavity. At least some of the cotton compactor members include augers rotatable for moving cotton downwardly through the frame and in at least one longitudinal direction beneath the frame.

Abstract: A control for an unloader of a cotton module builder or other cotton compactor for controlling unloading and loss of uncompacted or loose cotton from the compactor. The unloader includes an unloading element having a first end, an opposite second end, and an intermediate portion located between the ends. A first cotton driver is positioned and operable for moving cotton over a first portion of the unloading element from the chamber to the intermediate location, and a second cotton driver is positioned and operable for moving the cotton over the unloading element from the intermediate location to the second end. The control includes apparatus for selectably operating the first cotton driver in an unloading direction and apparatus operable during operation of the first cotton driver for detecting passage of a trailing end of the module or mass of compacted cotton.

Abstract: A folding door or gate arrangement and method of operation thereof for a mobile cotton harvesting machine including a tiltable cotton module builder. In one embodiment, folding door or gate arrangement includes primary and secondary folding door segment pivotal between a folded or closed position in at least partially closing relation to an open end of the module builder and an unfolded or open position at least substantially parallel to a floor thereof, and a door driver arrangement connected between the primary door segment and the secondary door segment including a pivoting link element that facilitates pivotally moving the secondary door segment while the module builder is pivoted to an unloading position without exerting binding or potentially damaging loads against the door segments or the drivers to provide a straight inclined path for unloading or loading cotton onto of from a surface lower than the module builder.

Abstract: A control for an unloader of a cotton module builder or other cotton compactor for controlling unloading and loss of uncompacted or loose cotton from the compactor. The unloader includes an unloading element which is preferably a door, gate or ramp mounted to the compactor, the unloading element having a first end located adjacent to an open end of a cotton compacting chamber of the compactor in position for receiving a mass of compacted cotton from the chamber, an opposite second end, and an intermediate portion located between the ends. A first cotton driver is positioned and operable for moving cotton over a first portion of the unloading element from the chamber to the intermediate location, and a second cotton driver is positioned and operable for moving the cotton over the unloading element from the intermediate location to the second end.

Abstract: A folding door or gate arrangement and method of operation thereof for a mobile cotton harvesting machine including a tiltable cotton module builder. In one embodiment, folding door or gate arrangement includes primary and secondary folding door segment pivotal between a folded or closed position in at least partially closing relation to an open end of the module builder and an unfolded or open position at least substantially parallel to a floor thereof, and a door driver arrangement connected between the primary door segment and the secondary door segment including a pivoting link element that facilitates pivotally moving the secondary door segment while the module builder is pivoted to an unloading position without exerting binding or potentially damaging loads against the door segments or the drivers to provide a straight inclined path for unloading or loading cotton onto of from a surface lower than the module builder.

Abstract: A mobile, self-propelled cotton harvester having a cotton module building or packaging capability, having at least one harvesting unit; a compactor structure including a first surface or floor having a predetermined extent and other surfaces such as side walls and ends defining and substantially enclosing an interior space or module building chamber for receiving the harvested cotton; and apparatus for distributing and compacting the cotton evenly within the interior space or chamber, including a compacting element or frame located therein, the compacting element supporting at least one member for movement relative thereto for distributing the cotton substantially evenly between the compacting element and the first surface, and at least one driver supporting the compacting element spaced from the first surface operable for moving it between positions spaced different distances from the first surface and for forceably moving it toward the first surface from the positions, respectively, and against cotton distr

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: An agricultural apparatus is disclosed herein for the harvesting of a low-density crop such as cotton. The agricultural apparatus includes a frame, a crop acquiring device associated with the frame; a crop collecting bin, or basket, which is supported by the frame, adjustable in position with respect to the frame, and provided with an opening in a wall of the basket for conveying of crop into the basket; a conveying device for conveying of crop from the acquiring device to the basket and having a first end associated with the acquiring device and a second end associated with the basket opening; and a hood pivotally attached to the basket for selectively covering the basket opening and for engaging the second end of the conveying device. The hood may include one or more latching apparatus for securing the hood in an opened position and in a closed position. The latching apparatus may be of the barrel, bolt, and keeper type, and may be disposed at a first end, a second end, or first and second ends of the hood.

Abstract: Cotton harvester multi-piece duct structure for conveying cotton materials between a cotton harvesting row unit, arranged toward a lower end of the duct structure, and an inlet opening of an extendable/retractable basket assembly. Toward an upper end thereof, the duct structure has a distal end operably connected to a remaining portion of the duct structure to allow the distal end of the duct structure to period between an operational position, wherein an outlet end of the duct structure is in general registry with the inlet opening to the basket assembly, and a storage position, wherein the distal end of the duct structure is lowered from the operational position to facilitate transportation of the cotton harvester. A lock mechanism is also disclosed for releasably fastening the distal end of the duct structure in an operational position relative to the remaining portion of the duct structure.

Abstract: A cotton harvester receptacle including a lower basket portion and upper basket portion arranged for elevational movement relative to the lower basket portion the cotton receiving receptacle further includes a hood assembly mounted for generally linear movement along a generally horizontal path of travel between a retracted position and an extended position. In an extended position, the hood assembly is positioned to guide harvested materials exhausted from a discharge end of a cotton conveying duct structure into the receptacle. To facilitate elevational movements of the upper basket portion of the receptacle, a control system moves the upper basket portion of the receptacle and the hood assembly in timed sequential relation relative to each other.