Abstract: A locking mechanism includes a pin configured to movably couple to a first element of an agricultural header, wherein the first element includes one of an arm and a frame. The locking mechanism also includes a mount configured to couple to a second element of the agricultural header, wherein the second element includes the other of the arm and the frame. The pin is disposed within an opening of the mount, the opening has a first portion configured to receive the pin while the pin is in a first position and to block relative movement between the pin and the mount to block rotation of the arm, and the opening has a second portion configured to receive the pin while the pin is in a second position and to enable relative movement between the pin and the mount to enable rotation of the arm.

Abstract: A system for controlling harvesting implement height of an agricultural harvester may include a computing system configured to monitor the height of a harvesting implement of the harvester relative to a field surface based on the received sensor data. Additionally, the computing system may be configured to determine an implement height error signal by comparing the monitored height of the harvesting implement to a predetermined target height. Moreover, the computing system is configured to divide the determined implement height error signal into a first and second frequency portions, with the second frequency portion having a greater frequency than the first frequency portion. Furthermore, the computing system is configured to control the operation of first and second actuators of the harvester based on the first and second frequency portions of the implement height error signal, respectively.

Abstract: A lower planting arm of a row unit. The lower planting arm includes a first linkage arm. The lower planting arm also includes a second linkage arm parallel with the first linkage arm. The lower planting arm also includes a first bracket fixedly engaging with the first linkage arm and the second linkage arm at a first position. The lower planting arm also includes a second bracket fixedly engaging with the first linkage arm and the second linkage at a second position opposite to the first position. Each of the first bracket and the second bracket of the lower planting arm is adapted to operably engage with an actuating device of the row unit.

Abstract: An adjustable stalk stomper and/or chopper curtain assembly for a header of an agricultural harvester. The adjustable assembly comprises a control arm, at least one member connected to the control arm, wherein the at least one member is configured to knock down plant stalks and/or to shield the agricultural harvester from flying debris, and wherein the control arm is configured to provide for adjustment of the orientation of the at least one member relative to the ground and the header. An agricultural harvester header may include the above adjustable assembly and a frame having a toolbar. An agricultural harvester may include such header.

Abstract: A structural set for assembling a header intended for harvesters is capable of compensation of the lateral movement of the header according to the ground conditions of the planting rows being harvested. More particularly, a structural set for assembling a header in an agricultural machine comprising a girder with a central beam interconnected to at least two structural columns, the central beam being provided with a pivoting point for engaging and fastening a bracket, and at least one return element of the bracket for returning the bracket in a substantially horizontal position when at rest.

Abstract: A verge-cutting mower device (20, 30), for example for maintaining roadside verges, has at least one frame (16) intended to be mounted on an automotive agricultural machine (10) and on which there is mounted a piece of cutting/grinding equipment (20) intended to mow or grind plants. The cutting/grinding equipment (20) is actuated using an electric motor (33).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of air vehicle technologies and provides an arm, a power assembly and an unmanned aerial vehicle. The arm includes a principal arm and an auxiliary arm. The principal arm is mounted on the vehicle body and the principal arm can rotate relative to the vehicle body. One end of the auxiliary arm is connected to the principal arm. The auxiliary arm can rotate relative to the principal arm. In the foregoing manner, an unmanned aerial vehicle having the arm is compact in structure, small in volume and easy to carry after being folded.

Abstract: A harvesting header on a vehicle such as a combine harvester includes a mounting assembly comprising left and right float elements each for applying controlled left and right lift forces and arranged to allow upward floating of each end of the header in response to ground contact. Left and right sensors detect the angle of tilt of the header and a control system operates to reduce the left lift force when the left end is raised and to reduce the right lift force when the right end is raised. On a combine harvester this can be done by rotating the face plate of the feeder house in the required direction. In other systems the force generated by the left and right float elements can be directly modified. The changes to the lift force are applied only when the propulsion vehicle is tilted beyond a predetermined angle.

Abstract: Method of calibrating a header height controller responsive to signal outputs from a plurality of height sensors mounted to a header, the signal outputs are variable in magnitude with respect to changes in height of the header relative to a surface. The methods automatically and accurately calibrate header control systems to eliminate the need for manual calibration and provides feedback to the operator to ensure the quality of the calibration and to assist the operator in identify potential problems with sensors or header setup which could affect the operation and performance.

Abstract: A header for a combine harvester, the header including a frame mountable to a forward end of the combine harvester, at least one row unit mounted to the frame to receive and process stalks of corn, a stomping shoe mounted to the frame behind the row unit to flatten stalks of corn, and a stalk splitter mounted to frame behind the row unit to split stalks of corn. The face of the stomping shoe is provided with a plurality of structures to guide each stalk of corn along a predefined path on the face while the stalks of corn are flattened. The stalk splitter includes a disk blade biased against the ground for splitting stalks of corn after they are processed by row units of the corn header.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems may provide for a neural network that analyzes and classifies agricultural conditions based on depth data and color data recorded by one or more drones, and generates an annotated three dimensional (3D) map with the agricultural conditions. Additionally, an object recognition model may be trained for use by a drone controller to trigger drones to conduct a collection of depth data at an increased proximity to crop-related objects based on agricultural conditions.

Abstract: Method of calibrating a header height controller responsive to signal outputs from a plurality of height sensors mounted to a header, the signal outputs are variable in magnitude with respect to changes in height of the header relative to a surface. The methods automatically and accurately calibrate header control systems to eliminate the need for manual calibration and provides feedback to the operator to ensure the quality of the calibration and to assist the operator in identify potential problems with sensors or header setup which could affect the operation and performance.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure describes an apparatus that harvests crops as the apparatus moves in a direction of travel across a field. The apparatus includes a crop harvesting assembly configured as a line of implements, the line being transverse to the direction of travel. First and second devices for adjusting a vertical position of left and right sides of the apparatus, respectively, are independently operable. Adjustment of a vertical position of at least one of the left and right sides of the apparatus results in tilting the line of implements relative to a horizontal plane defined at a ground surface under left and right ground contacting elements. In other aspects, a method and system are disclosed for automatically positioning a line of implements of an apparatus to follow a ground surface proximate the line of implements.

Abstract: A self-propelled agricultural harvesting machine such as a forage harvester includes a front harvesting attachment for picking up crop from a field as well as one or more working mechanisms for processing and conveying the crop. At least one functional device assigned to the harvesting machine can be adjusted with respect to one or more parameters for the purpose of adapting to different conditions of use. The machine includes a control device that operates in a field initial-cutting mode in order to specify at least one parameter setting for at least one of the functional devices so that the parameter setting the harvesting machine can be brought into a configuration that is suitable for the initial cutting of the field.

Abstract: A power conveying system for use with a header of an agricultural harvester, the header having a first structural member and a second structural member being pivotally coupled to the first structural member about an axis. The power conveying system including a driving pulley, a driven pulley, an idler pulley, a flexible link and a cantilevered member. The driving pulley is coupled to the first structural member, and the driven pulley is coupled to the second structural member. The flexible link conveys power from the driving pulley to the driven pulley, and is in contact with the idler pulley. The cantilevered member is connected to the second structural member, and extends beyond the axis, where the cantilevered member is movably coupled to the idler pulley.

Abstract: A mower assembly is provided for cutting around a post. A support structure supports the mower assembly in cantilever fashion. The mower assembly includes a plurality of mower units with each mower unit having a rotary blade. Two or more mower units cooperate to engage and cut around a post and, during the process, the entire mower assembly rotates about an axis enabling the mower units to encircle and efficiently cut grass and other vegetation about the post.

Abstract: A mower cuts vegetation and brush growing around and near obstacles. A supporting member pivotally connects to a supporting vehicle. The supporting member includes a pivotal connect that connects to a mower arm. The mower arm provides a pivotal connect at one end for a pivotal arm to connect thereto. The pivotal arm pivoting about an axis of rotation defined by the pivotal connect. Two rotary cutters connect to both ends of the pivotal arm and rotate about an axis of rotation defined by their respective pivotal connects.

Abstract: A dual steering system for zero turning radius lawn mowers is provided which enables those without effective use of their arms to drive and steer such lawn mowers. The system hereof may include respective left and right control pedals which are shiftably mounted to respective pedal supports coupled to the mower for use by the operator's legs, and respective linkages which operatively connect the pedals to left and right control levers operatively connected to the mower's drive wheels for causing the drive wheels to move in forward or rearward drive directions. By operating the control pedals alone or in combination with the control levers, the operator may move the zero turning radius mower forward, rearward, or steer it in a desired manner.

Abstract: A weed cutter that may be pulled behind a tractor is provided. The weed cutter has plurality of cutting blades that rotate when acted upon by planetary gears rotating around a central sun gear. A planetary gearbox assembly with a cloverleaf shape rotates partially around fence posts and other objects to cut weeds growing around the objects.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester comprises an agricultural harvester vehicle and a harvesting head mounted on the vehicle, the header height control system including at least one sensor disposed to sense the height of the ground in the path of a drive wheel of the agricultural harvester vehicle, and a header height control system including an electronic circuit configured to lower the harvesting head as a wheel or wheels approach or engage a protrusion on the ground indicated by the sensor, and to raise the harvesting head as the wheels approach or engage a depression in the ground indicated by the sensor.

Abstract: A trimming system for a user-operated ground vehicle capable of performing mowing and trimming operations. The system includes a drive operatively coupled to a drive system of the vehicle having the trimming system mounted thereon, and a trimming unit operatively coupled to the drive for performing edge trimming operations. The drive may include at least one driven pulley operatively coupled to a drive pulley of the vehicle for driving the trimming unit. The drive pulley may be coupled to a mowing unit and the trimming unit to either selectively or simultaneously drive the mowing and trimming units. A guide wheel may be mounted on the vehicle adjacent the trimming unit for maintaining the trimming wires of the trimming unit at a predetermined distance from a stationary object during performance of edge trimming operations.

Abstract: A finger for a crop gathering auger for an agricultural combine, including an elastomeric tethering outrigger which arches a failure region of the finger and will retain a free end of the finger in connection with a mounting end thereof when the failure region is broken.

Abstract: A variable width mower deck has three cutting chambers mounted under a top deck surface. Two of the cutting chambers may be moved between a retracted cutting position and an extended cutting position. An endless belt engages the pulleys on each spindle to rotate the rotary cutting blades. The left and right cutting chambers move between the retracted and extended positions while maintaining engagement between the endless belt and the pulleys.

Abstract: This apparatus is a cutting assembly commonly used as a trimmer with a mower deck combination but not limited to such a combination. This trimmer head assembly utilizes a high lift mower blade in combination with a string or line trimming blade in a housing which creates a vortex of air which draws grass and weeds toward the assembly where they may be cut with the rotating line. By drawing grass and weeds towards the assembly and away from obstructions this cutting assembly results in a closer cut than may be achieved with a conventional trimmer. Because grass and weeds are drawn away from obstructions and cut, the trimming string does not make contact with obstructions and therefore causes no damage to objects such as gravestones, fences, etc. This cutting assembly may be adapted for use on a variety of lawn and grounds keeping equipment such as hand held string trimmers, walk behind trimmers, or in place of a normal mowing assemblies on riding or push lawnmowers.

Abstract: A control system for a cutting reel unit includes a height-of-cut adjusting system and a reel-to-bedknife clearance adjusting system. The height-of-cut adjusting system includes a first frame; a second frame; a cutting reel supported by the second frame; a bedknife arranged adjacent to the cutting reel and supported by the second frame; at least one support element arranged to translate along the ground and arranged to support the first frame; and at least one first actuator connected between the first frame and the second frame and arranged to adjust the relative elevation of the second frame with respect to the first frame. The reel-to-bedknife clearance adjusting system includes at least one second actuator operatively connected between the reel and the second frame and a sound detector.

Abstract: A control system for a trimmer head assembly includes a first arm including a first mowing device, a first cylinder connected to the first arm, a source of fluid in selective communication with the first cylinder via a fluid line, and an accumulator in selective communication with the first cylinder when the first cylinder is not in communication with the source of fluid. The accumulator is adapted to receive fluid from the first cylinder when an external force is applied to the first arm and to deliver fluid to the first cylinder when the external force has been removed from the first arm.

Abstract: A fence mower attached to an agricultural tractor having a 3 point hitch in which the fence mower is used for cutting and mowing vegetation under the lowest or closest horizontal rail of a fence line and to both sides of the fence line where a fence line is a series of vertical post secured in the ground and connected to one another by horizontal rails.

Abstract: A fence mower comprising a base frame connected to an agricultural tractor, a swing away cutting and dirt removal arm mounted by a pivot pin to the base frame to produce a mower assembly which is free floating by being connected to the agricultural tractor using a 3-point hitching system. Power to the invention is supplied by the tractor's power take off by way of a power take off shaft connected to a right angle gear box mounted on the swing away cutting arm. Through a pulley system, power is delivered to a spindle with a cutting and dirt removal blade attached on the bottom side. The swing away cutting and dirt removal arm is designed to extend beyond the side of the tractor, thus allowing the arm to be positioned under the last, or bottom fence rail closest to the ground of a fence. As the operator of the tractor engages the power take off, power generated is distributed to the cutting blade previously positioned under the fence line.

Abstract: One or more elongate barriers are provided that are movably (in one configuration pivotably) mounted proximate the outside of a grass cutting deck. When one of the barriers encounters a foreign object in a certain manner, the barrier moves towards its “tripped” position, thus causing a corresponding change to the operating characteristic of the lawn mover, be it a termination of the cutting process, the mower drive process, or both. The barriers can be used with electric or mechanical control elements.

Abstract: A control system for a cutting reel unit includes a height-of-cut adjusting system and a reel-to-bedknife clearance adjusting system. The height-of-cut adjusting system includes a first frame; a second frame; a cutting reel supported by the second frame; a bedknife arranged adjacent to the cutting reel and supported by the second frame; at least one support element arranged to translate along the ground and arranged to support the first frame; and at least one first actuator connected between the first frame and the second frame and arranged to adjust the relative elevation of the second frame with respect to the first frame. The reel-to-bedknife clearance adjusting system includes at least one second actuator operatively connected between the reel and the second frame and a sound detector.

Abstract: A trimmer assembly for a lawn mower is detachably mountable on a deck of the lawn mower by a housing or shroud that can be secured to the front edge of the deck A mounting frame is pivotally attached to the housing. The mounting frame carries a trimmer head with a plurality of cutting elements secured thereto. The mounting frame and the trimmer head pivotally move between an operational and a non-operational position by a swivel arm secured to the mounting frame. A proximate end of the swivel arm engages a handle, which is secured to the housing. The handle has a limited rotation for pivotally moving the mounting frame. A stop plate mounted below the handle limits the pivotal movement of the handle in relation to the housing. The trimmer head may by powered by a belt connected to a drive pulley of the lawn mower, by an electric motor, a hydraulic motor or other suitable power source.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for a tool driven by a motor at high speeds is provided, more particularly, an apparatus including a housing moveable over the ground surface for mounting the tool, and a ground engaging member disposed to follow the ground surface as the housing moves over same, the ground engaging member being moveable relative to the housing. The apparatus further includes a sensor for measuring the relative distance between the housing and ground engaging member, and apparatus for selectively stopping the motor upon the distance between the ground engaging member and the housing exceeding a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A pull-behind mower for cutting ground vegetation. The mower generally includes a rolling frame and a mowing deck. The deck is independently articulatable relative to the frame on two distinct pivot axes.

Abstract: A delineator pole (10) and a mower attachment (100) for turning the delineator pole is described. The delineator pole includes a top portion (10A), a center portion (10C) and a bottom portion (10B) and is intended to be rotatably mounted in the ground (50) adjacent a road. The mower attachment is mounted on the mowing vehicle (150). The mowing attachment includes a bracket (102) and a bumper (110) connected to the bracket by first, second and third connector rods (104, 106 and 108). The connector rods are flexible and resilient such that when the bumper contacts the delineator pole to rotate the delineator pole, the connector rods flex to enable the bumper to turn the delineator pole.

Abstract: A crop harvesting machine includes a crop harvesting header mounted on a transport vehicle for carrying the header across the ground with at least one upper connecting link extending from the vehicle frame to an upper frame member and two support arms each extending from a front end at the header to a rear end pivotally mounted on the vehicle frame and arranged at a height below the upper link. Each support arm has a respective float spring connected thereto at a pivot thereon forwardly of the rear end and extending therefrom to the vehicle frame for applying a lifting force on the support arm. Each support arm has a pivot connection at the rear end defined by a pivotal link connected at a forward end to the frame by a resilient bushing and at a rear end by a similar bushing to the rear end of the support arm.

Abstract: The apparatus is a rotating trimmer head, commonly used with a mower deck combination, but not limited to such a combination, wherein the trimmer head is resiliently positioned with respect to the mower deck for horizontal movement with respect to the mower deck. A resilient member holds the trimmer in an extended position away from the mower deck and allows the trimmer to move to a retracted position adjacent the mower deck when the trimmer meets a fixed obstacle. The rotating head facilitates a smooth engagement between the trimmer head and the obstacle as the trimmer head moves around the obstacle. As a result, an operator may mow in a straight line and do the trimming without interfering with the mower or the main deck.

Abstract: A mower suitable for attachment to a utility vehicle and adapted to follow terrain and retract in response to an immovable obstacle, the mower generally including an attachment frame configured to be pivotally attached to the utility vehicle, a secondary frame pivotally connected to the attachment frame, and a housing positioned adjacent to the secondary frame and being laterally movable with respect to the secondary frame, wherein the housing retracts in a direction toward the secondary frame when contact occurs between the housing and the immovable obstacle and automatically returns to an approximate pre-contact position when contact between the housing and the immovable obstacle is eliminated.

Abstract: A mower suitable for attachment to a utility vehicle and adapted to follow terrain and retract in response to an immovable obstacle, the mower generally including an attachment frame configured to be pivotally attached to the utility vehicle, a secondary frame pivotally connected to the attachment frame, and a housing positioned adjacent to the secondary frame and being laterally movable with respect to the secondary frame, wherein the housing retracts in a direction toward the secondary frame when contact occurs between the housing and the immovable obstacle and automatically returns to an approximate pre-contact position when contact between the housing and the immovable obstacle is eliminated.

Abstract: A pull-behind mower for cutting ground vegetation. The mower generally includes a rolling frame and a mowing deck. The deck is independently articulatable relative to the frame on two distinct pivot axes.

Abstract: A mower assembly including a platform for being mounted on one side of a mobile machine and a housing concentrically mounted on the platform for rotation relative thereto. A drive assembly is positioned in the housing and is driven by a power supply. A blade is also included for being rotated by the drive assembly. A latch assembly is mounted on the housing for movement between a latched position for maintaining the housing in a stationary position relative to the platform in the absence of a laterally-directed force on the latch assembly, and an unlatched position for permitting the housing to rotate around the platform in the presence of a laterally-directed force on the latch assembly. This permits the blade to cut vegetation growing around the stationary object as the mobile machine continues in a straight line path.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for a tool driven by a motor at high speeds is provided, more particularly, an apparatus including a housing moveable over the ground surface for mounting the tool, and a ground engaging member disposed to follow the ground surface as the housing moves over same, the ground engaging member being moveable relative to the housing. The apparatus further includes a sensor for measuring the relative distance between the housing and ground engaging member, and means for selectively stopping the motor upon the distance between the ground engaging member and the housing exceeding a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A mower, such as a riding mower, has two side cutting units and a front cutting unit operatively connected to a traction frame. Each side cutting unit can pivot about a substantially vertical axis relative to the traction frame when impact shocks occur on the outer sides of the cutting units. A shock absorber cushions and absorbs such impact shocks, and resists the pivoting motion of the side cutting units, in a bi-directional fashion to be effective during forward or reverse motion of the traction frame.

Abstract: The mowing apparatus includes a frame supported by a plurality of wheels enabling ready movement of the frame over a support surface and a cutting assembly secured to the frame. The cutting assembly includes a laterally extending housing rotatably supporting a cutting implement and a motor coupled to the cutting implement for rapidly rotating the cutting implement. The cutting assembly is pivotally secured to the frame for movement about a first axis and a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis.