Abstract: A system and apparatus for controlling height of a header of a work machine such as an agricultural windrowing machine or a harvesting machine, which includes height control cylinders jointly or individually operable for raising or lowering the opposite ends of a header to achieve a desired overall height or angle of tilt in relation to the surface of a field or pasture to be cut, and which allow the header to be raised, and lowered to the previously selected cut height, without changing the lengths of the cylinders, so as to be usable in combination with an optional header lift and/or float system.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for controlling height of a header of a work machine such as an agricultural windrowing machine or a harvesting machine, which includes height control cylinders jointly or individually operable for raising or lowering the opposite ends of a header to achieve a desired overall height or angle of tilt in relation to the surface of a field or pasture to be cut, and which allow the header to be raised, and lowered to the previously selected cut height, without changing the lengths of the cylinders, so as to be usable in combination with an optional header lift and/or float system.

Abstract: A system and method for managing the electrical control system of a header flotation and lift system of an agricultural harvesting machine, particularly one using only once fluid cylinder in connection with each respective side of the header, which system and method, in addition to executing header raise and lower commands, provides several automatically executable operating modes for the flotation and lift system, including a wake-up mode; a normal mode, which can include float; a charge accumulator mode; a transport mode; and a header remove mode, and the ability to seamlessly and easily transition between the modes.

Abstract: A system and method for managing the electrical control system of a header flotation and lift system of an agricultural harvesting machine, particularly one using only once fluid cylinder in connection with each respective side of the header, which system and method, in addition to executing header raise and lower commands, provides several automatically executable operating modes for the flotation and lift system, including a wake-up mode; a normal mode, which can include float; a charge accumulator mode; a transport mode; and a header remove mode, and the ability to seamlessly and easily transition between the modes.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine includes a feeder housing and a cutting platform. The cutting platform includes a center platform section carried by the feeder housing. A first wing platform section extends laterally from one side of the center platform section, and a second wing platform section extends laterally from another side of the center platform section. A height control system includes a lift cylinder coupled with the feeder housing, a first tilt cylinder coupled between the center platform section and the first wing platform section, and a second tilt cylinder coupled between the center platform section and the second wing platform section. The lift cylinder, first tilt cylinder and second tilt cylinder are automatically adjusted independent from each other during harvesting operation of the cutting platform.

Abstract: An arrangement for the automatic adjustment of the cut height of a front harvesting attachment on a harvesting machine for the harvesting of stalk-like plants. A controller is connected to a sensor and to an actuator that can adjust the cut height of the front harvesting attachment based on the detection by the sensor of at least one characteristic of the harvested crop material and can be repositioned as a function of the signal of the sensor.

Abstract: A control system for a header for an agricultural harvesting machine such as a combine, providing features including an automatic reel position control operable to provide at least one selectable predetermined cutter bar and reel position combination, and which can also automatically control height and/or fore and aft positions of the reel responsive to cutter bar movements, as required, for purposes such as for maintaining and/or optimizing the reel/cutter bar relationship for a particular crop and/or condition, and for avoiding interference between the tines or fingers of the reel and the sickle of the cutter bar, and possible damage to the tines and/or sickles, and slippage of the reel and/or sickle drive, that can result.

Abstract: Machine for automatic pruning of vine grown according to the cordon leading method, the so-called “Royat cordon” method. The machine includes two modules mounted on a common chassis, placed one after the other considering the direction of travel when working. There is a first pre-pruning module having two cutting assemblies moving on both sides of the row of vine. There is a second clear-cutting module containing cutters and at least one position reconnaissance system arranged or configured to allow for the localization in space of the cordons and to control the positioning of the cutters of this second module to achieve a clear cut of the remaining prunings from the periphery of the cordon at a predetermined short distance in relation to the cordon.

Abstract: Lawn-mower comprising one or more motor-driven wheels and at least one cutting device, and further comprising means for determining a distance value of an external mass to modify the behaviour of said lawn-mower in response to said distance.

Abstract: A plurality of elongate mounting brackets mounted in cantilever relation on a frame of a header at sidewardly spaced locations across at least a portion of a width of the header, respectively, support a sensor rod for rotation about its axis. Each of the brackets has a free end including a bearing having a bore therethrough which receives the sensor rod, at least some of the bearings being self-aligning bearings. The self-aligning capability enables accommodating irregularities in the mounting locations for the brackets, and also bends, flexure and other deformities of the header frame and sensor rod, for achieving free rotatability of the sensor rod. This mounting arrangement also facilitates installation by one person, from the bottom side of the header, both initially and in the field. Additionally, the brackets can include features for aligning the bores of the bearings, to facilitate the installation and free rotation of the sensor rod when installed.

Abstract: An agricultural windrower includes a vehicle chassis, a lift frame movably mounted to the vehicle chassis, and a crop harvesting header coupled with the lift frame. The header includes a main frame and an integrated header float system. The header float system has at least one float cylinder coupled with the main frame. The header also includes a suspension which may be selectively mounted to one of a plurality of differently configured types of agricultural harvesters, such as a combine or windrower.

Abstract: A system, and the method of operation and use thereof, for controlling and adjusting the height of a base cutter of a sugar cane harvester, during a harvesting operation, and without the necessity for continuous user intervention and adjustment, to maintain the height of the cut at approximately a desired height, including a control system that has a processor unit which is operable under program control during a harvesting operation, following initiation of program operation by a machine operator, to simultaneously monitor both the detected base cutter height and the detected cutting resistance encountered by the harvester as it traverses a particular ground track, and, based upon such detected conditions, to automatedly control the adjustment of the height of the harvester chassis above the ground surface so that the cutting apparatus of the base cutter unit is continuously adjusted to cut at approximately the desired cutting height, within an acceptable vertical movement range or bandwidth, during the cour

Abstract: The invention concerns a harvesting implement, particularly a front harvesting attachment (14) for agricultural harvesting machines (10) for taking up and conveying cereal crops further, for example, corn plants, and that can be moved across a field during the harvesting operation in a forward operating direction, with a center part (36), a first side part (32) and a second side part (34) that are connected in joints on each side of the center part (36) so as to pivot between an operating position and a transport position about a first or a horizonta horizonta second horizontal axis (38, 40) extending in the forward operating direction, where the center part (36) and the side parts (32, 34) include mowing and conveying elements (16, 18, 20) arranged alongside each other in the operating position and the mowing and conveying elements (16, 20) of the side parts (32, 34) are located above mowing and conveying elements (18) of the center part (36) in the transport position.

Abstract: A system, and the method of operation and use thereof, for controlling and adjusting the height of a base cutter of a sugar cane harvester, during a harvesting operation, and without the necessity for continuous user intervention and adjustment, to maintain the height of the cut at approximately a desired height, including a control system that has a processor unit which is operable under program control during a harvesting operation, following initiation of program operation by a machine operator, to simultaneously monitor both the detected base cutter height and the detected cutting resistance encountered by the harvester as it traverses a particular ground track, and, based upon such detected conditions, to automatedly control the adjustment of the height of the harvester chassis above the ground surface so that the cutting apparatus of the base cutter unit is continuously adjusted to cut at approximately the desired cutting height, within an acceptable vertical movement range or bandwidth, during the cour

Abstract: A header height control system and a method for improving the responsiveness of a header height control system. A height sensor is disposed with respect to the header to generate a signal varying in magnitude with respect to changes in distance between a preestablished point on the header and the ground. The magnitude of the generated signal when the header is at a predefined set point is determined. For generated signal magnitudes indicating the header is below the set point, the signal magnitudes are operably modified by applying a gain value. For generated signal magnitudes indicating the header is above the set point, the signal magnitudes may be modified by applying a different gain value. The application of a gain value or different gain values depending on the height of the header above or below the set point improves the responsiveness of the header height control system to changes in terrain.

Abstract: A feeder house of an agricultural harvester has lift cylinders that can be locked to reduce the risk of damage due to feeder house twisting due to impacts with the ground.

Abstract: Ground sensing apparatus for a header of an agricultural harvesting machine, configurable for sensing the ground with a cutter bar of the header in a fixed and/or raised position. The apparatus utilizes a linkage arrangement in connection with a sensor shaft and a skid shoe deployable to a lowered position and movable when in the lowered position for effecting rotations of the sensor shaft and thus signaling to an appropriate control, information relating to contact with the ground.

Abstract: In an agricultural combine, a header float system using a floating header having a frame, a support member supporting the frame from the ground, and a suspension variably supporting the frame from the combine. The suspension comprises a sub-frame removable attaching to the combine, links movably attaching the frame and the sub-frame, and one or more float cylinders moveably supporting the frame from the sub-frame. A float circuit connects to the float cylinder, and a float valve connects the float circuit to a main hydraulic circuit. A pressure sensor connects to the float circuit, and a controller communicates with the float valve and the pressure sensor. The controller maintains pressure in the float circuit at a target value by continuously reading the pressure sensor and commanding the float valve to add or subtract hydraulic fluid in the float circuit until pressure equals the target value.

Abstract: A floating header for an agricultural combine, the header having a frame, a support member supporting the frame from the ground, and a suspension variably supporting the frame from the combine. The suspension comprises a sub-frame removable attaching to the combine, links movably attaching the frame and the sub-frame, and one or more float cylinders moveably supporting the frame from the sub-frame. A float circuit connects to the float cylinder, and a float valve connects the float circuit to a main hydraulic circuit on the combine.

Abstract: In an agricultural combine, a header terrain following system using a floating header having a frame, a support member supporting the frame from the ground, and a suspension variably supporting the frame from a feederhouse moveably attaching at the front of the combine. A lift cylinder supports and articulates the feederhouse from the combine, and a lift valve connects the lift cylinder to a main hydraulic circuit. A position sensor adapted to sense vertical position of the frame relative to the feederhouse attaches to the floating header. A controller communicates with the lift valve and the position sensor. The controller maintains vertical position of the frame relative to the feederhouse at a nominal value by continuously reading the position sensor and commanding the lift valve to add or subtract hydraulic fluid in the lift cylinder until position reads at the nominal value.

Abstract: A hydraulic lift/flotation system for the header of a crop harvesting machine wherein each side of the header is supported by a single cylinder, which performs both the flotation and lift functions. For even lifting and flotation of an unbalanced header, each cylinder has its own control valve, pump, and accumulator. The operator sets the desired flotation force by actuating rocker switches; one switch position allows hydraulic oil to enter an accumulator to reduce header contact force with the ground. The other position allows oil to exit the accumulator to increase header contact force with the ground. To evenly float an unbalanced header, separate switches adjust each side independently. Once the flotation forces are set, the control valves will return to this preset flotation condition whenever float mode is selected, regardless of subsequent header lift and lower operations.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the height above the soil of harvesting machinery such as a combine header includes an elongated, curved, flexible arm attached at one end to a rotation sensor mounted to the harvester. The sensor arm is concave in an upward direction and includes and outer sheath such as of plastic and an inner metal rod for increased strength to resist breakage such as during turns and when traversing irregular terrain. The arm is positioned forward of, or immediately adjacent to, the lowest part of the harvester which includes a cutter assembly for cutting and separating the crop. As the harvester encounters upraised portions of the soil, the arm's point of contact with the soil moves forward along the arm to provide an increasingly early warning of upraised soil to facilitate early height adjustment and the avoidance of soil contact and possible damage to the harvester.

Abstract: A control system for setting operation positions and operating modes for a combine header and automatically moving the header to those positions and modes. The system includes first and second operator inputs that can be located on a propulsion handle of the combine and can be actuated for inputting commands for causing manual and automatic movements, respectively. A third operator input is actuable for setting positions and modes to which the header is automatically movable and can be positioned at a different location. As a result, in operation, an operator can utilize the first input for manually controlling the header, and the second input for initiating automatic movements to at least two predetermined positions and modes, without removal or repositioning of his or her hand on the propulsion handle.

Abstract: A position control for a crop pickup device which is mounted for vertical movement relative to an agricultural harvester. A measuring device is provided for determining the distance from the crop pickup device to the ground, wherein the position of the crop pickup device relative to the ground is adjustable by one control device as a function of the measured ground distance. The distance to the ground is determined by the measuring device at two points spaced from each other in the direction of travel. As a result, advantageously the inclination of the ground can be determined and used for optimized control of ground simulation of the crop pickup device. Additionally, the cutting angle can be adapted automatically to the slope of the ground, to avoid crop losses and impede damage to the grain header.

Abstract: A crop harvesting machine is provided having a crop feeder device that is movable through various heights via manipulation of first hydraulic cylinders. A crop gathering attachment is mounted onto a front side of the crop feeder device. A crop gathering attachment is provided having fixed height sensors that measure a distance of the attachment above the ground. A second hydraulic cylinder is provided between the crop feeder device and the crop gathering attachment to control the angle of tilt of the crop gathering attachment relative to the crop feeder device. The angle of tilt is measured by a tilt sensor. A controller is connected to the sensors and provides output to the cylinders to control the machine height and angle of tilt.

Abstract: A support for an agricultural implement carried on a receiving device of an agricultural machine includes at least one support wheel connected with the receiving device. A support wheel assembly for use with the disclosed method includes a support wheel and a wheel lifting cylinder connecting the support wheel with the receiving device. The load on the support wheel is adjustable via the wheel lifting cylinder. Adjustment is controlled in response to load sensors.

Abstract: A floating harvesting header apparatus comprises a float pan pivotally attached at a front end thereof to the header at a front attachment location in proximity to the crop intake. The float pan extends rearward under the header and a pan actuator is attached to the float pan to selectively move the float pan up and down and maintain the float pan in a selected vertical position relative to the header such that the header can slide along the ground on the float pan. The header can float up and down independently with only a portion of the header's weight carried on the float pan. The float pan curves down from the front and then curves upward towards the rear such that when the rear end of the float pan is raised the crop intake moves lower and the contact area between the float pan and the ground moves toward the crop intake.

Abstract: A control system for an agricultural harvester having a frame and a header. The header attaches to a feeder which connects the header to the harvester, and header to feeder attaching point has a position which is adjustable relative to the frame. In at least one mode, when an operator raises the feeder above a predetermined height, the control system automatically levels the header to the frame of the harvester, even though the header was being operated manually in a lowered position. The control system includes a feeder housing limit switch that indicates when the operator raises the feeder above a predetermined height. When operating in the automatic centering mode, the header tilt control module compares the centering signal and the balance signal to automatically level the header relative to the frame of the harvester.

Abstract: A system for harvester header height and tilt control includes a sensor, such as a crop edge detector, mounted on the harvester for predicting ground contour of an area a substantial distance in front of the header for generally the entire width of the header. An on-board processor calculates the desired header height and tilt for that area in advance of the harvester reaching the area. The early ground contour measurements enable faster and smoother header height adjustments requiring reduced hydraulic power. The predicted contour also facilitates early compensation for the effects of abrupt header attitude changes resulting from harvester ground wheels or tracks riding on that contour. The system can be used to maintain header height a preselected distance below the crop heads to reduce harvester throughput.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a pick-up mounted to the baler frame for being raised and lowered relative to the ground by operation of a hydraulic cylinder. The pick-up is maintained at a desired working height by a control arrangement including at least one height sensor which sends a signal corresponding to the instant height of the pick-up above the ground to a signal processing unit which compares the height signal with a stored value corresponding to a desired height, the signal processing unit the sending a control signal for controlling a solenoid-operated valve in such a way that the hydraulic cylinder is caused to move the pick-up in the required direction for maintaining the desired height.

Abstract: Row unit lift structure includes electrohydraulic proportional valves connected to an electronic controller which receives inputs from a manual raise/lower switch, a rate response potentiometer, and height control potentiometers in the cab. Signals are also received from row unit height sensing transducers, a tachometer and shaft rotation sensors. When the units are lowered and operational, the controller compares the signals from the height sensing transducers with the signals from the height control potentiometers and sends an electrical control signal to the proportional valves to maintain a selected row unit height. The magnitude of the control signal and thus the rate of correction of height are determined by the rate response potentiometer and the amount of variation between the actual and desired row unit height.

Abstract: A user interface for a harvesting machine, such as a combine harvester, having a position adjustable header implement. Specifically, the user interface is operationally connected to a microcomputer that controls a position adjusting apparatus for positioning the position adjustable header implement. The user interface includes two rocker key switches for selecting between, and subsequently adjusting, two operational modes for the position adjusting apparatus, being a stubble height mode and a pressure compensation mode of operation.

Abstract: A ground contact height sensor for a harvesting header comprises a transverse rotatable shaft, a first rigid arm, a second rigid arm and a connecting member. The rotatable shaft is rotatively mounted to the frame of the header. The first rigid arm is rigidly mounted to the rotatable shaft. The first arm extends downwardly and rearwardly from the rotatable shaft in a curved manner. The second rigid arm is pivotally coupled to the first rigid arm by a hinge joint. The second rigid arm extends upwardly and rearwardly from the second end of the first rigid arm. The first and second rigid arms defining a relatively large radius. The connecting member secures the rearmost end of the second rigid arm to the frame of the header. To maintain the radius of the two pivotally connected rigid arms the hinge joint joining the two rigid arms is provided with a torsion spring.

Abstract: In a control system for an agricultural combine having an adjustable platform, a sensor arm is coupled to a rotatable sensor shaft and adapted to engage and ride along the ground to monitor the operating height of the platform. The sensor arm has a continuously curved operation portion and provides a faster response time as ground contour changes are encountered. Moreover, the response increases for lower operating heights to reduce the possibility that the platform will contact the ground and to reduce the time to adjust the operating height to the desired setting. Thus, operating speed and productivity may be increased.

Abstract: A harvesting machine with a front-mounted harvesting attachment that is pivotable about a shaft running transversely to the direction of travel comprising and capable of lifting when an obstacle is detected that includes a sensing device with at least one double-acting hydraulic piston and cylinder unit, having a first cylinder chamber and a second cylinder chamber, arranged on the harvesting attachment, a control valve associated with the sensing device in such a way that when the sensing device is not operated, the first cylinder chamber is in fluid communication with the second cylinder chamber by a control valve and when the sensing device is operated, fluid communication between the first cylinder chamber and the second cylinder chamber is interrupted by the control valve.

Abstract: A height sensing shoe assembly for an implement such as a cotton harvester includes an arm pivotally connected at an upper end to the lower portion of a harvester row unit for rocking about an arm axis transverse to the forward direction. A shoe or ski elongated in the fore-and-aft direction is pivotally connected at a central location to the lower end of the arm for rocking about an axis parallel to the arm axis. The elongated pivoting shoe tends to bridge peaks and valleys in the soil surface irregularities proving a mechanical averaging effect to reduce the range of pivoting of the arm as the unit passes the irregularities. An actuator connected to the arm and responsive to arm pivoting controls the lift system to maintain the height of the unit above the ground within a preselected range.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling the height above or depth below an irregular surface of a body moving over or below the surface includes a rotation sensor coupled to a controller responsive to an angular deflection signal output by the rotation sensor. The rotation sensor and controller are mounted to a vehicle moving over the surface such as an agricultural vehicle traversing a field. A semi-rigid, flexible arm has a first end coupled to the rotation sensor with a ground engaging member attached to a second opposed end of the arm. In one embodiment, the flexible arm includes an elongated coil spring attached to a rigid shaft and the ground engaging member is a spherical ball attached to the shaft's distal end. The coil spring is pre-loaded to a selected bending or flexure force and permits the ground engaging member to impact obstructions in the field without damage to the rotation sensor. The coil spring also prevents damage to the rotation sensor when the vehicle is reversed in direction.