Abstract: An improved moistener pad for the moistener column of a cotton picker wherein the edges of the fins which face the direction of approach of the picker spindles are configured with a taper to reduce distortion of the fins, particularly when trash or wrapped cotton is present on the spindles to be wiped. The fin ends are beveled at a forty-five degree angle from the vertical to provide a smooth transition between non-contacting and spindle-contacting conditions.

Abstract: An improved seal assembly for a cotton picker for reducing or eliminating passage of lubricant out of the spindle assembly area to increase service interval and decrease lubricant usage. A first sealing ring contacts and seals the outer surface of the spindle. A second sealing ring, mounted over the first ring, seals non-moving components. The first seal includes a tab which is received within a corresponding notch in a bushing located adjacent the sealing assembly. The sealing assembly is constructed such that presently available cotton picker spindle assemblies may be retrofitted easily with the new arrangement.

Abstract: A cotton picker doffer element adjustment mechanism which continuously and automatically adjusts the elevation of the doffer elements in relationship with the picker spindles as the doffer pads wear. The doffer elements continuously gravitate downwardly to maintain contact between the doffer pads and the picker spindles. A hydraulic fluid arrangement is provided to automatically prevent upward movement of the doffer elements. A manually operable device may be provided to selectively exert additional pressure over gravity to the doffer elements or to permit gravity to be overridden. An external pressure source may be provided to supplement the downward gravitation of the doffer elements.

Abstract: An improved picker bar assembly for a cotton harvester includes a thin cylindrical sleeve which is pressed onto the upper end of the picker bar. The sleeve has an inner diameter which is smaller than the outer diameter of the upper end, a lower portion defining the journal area between the picker bar and the picker drum head, and an upper area which mounts the cam arm. The sleeve increases the shear and bending strength and fatigue life of the upper portion of the picker bar, particularly adjacent the grease hole which communicates lubricant between the hollow interior of the picker bar and the journal area.

Abstract: A doffer unit for cotton picking machines is provided comprising a central hub portion, a ring or flange portion concentric thereto and a plurality of radially extending lugs carried by the ring and wherein such lugs are advantageously constructed from millable polyurethane elastomers.

Abstract: A cotton harvester and picker unit is provided for the harvesting of narrow spaced row cotton. The cotton harvester is provided with novel picker units which overlap one another to reduce the total lateral width of the cotton harvester. The inventive harvesting units are also elongated in the direction of the travel to reduce the transverse width. The picker units also have a composite post assembly, compressor sheet and plant lifter which allows for quick disassembly without hand or power tools. Removal of the front post assembly provides easier access to the rotors for maintenance or removal of chokes.

Abstract: A cotton picker spindle having a thin ceramic coating for increased smoothness and hardness.

Abstract: An improved picker bar assembly for a cotton harvester. The assembly includes a cast arm with an extension which is press fitted over a hollow aluminum picker bar. The extension projects downwardly into the picker bar drum head to provide the wear surface for the picker bar journal and to distribute a greater proportion of picker bar loading to the arm. The spindle drive shaft bearing is located in the cam arm rather than within the picker bar to thereby permit utilization of a larger and higher capacity bearing.

Abstract: A spindle moistener assembly for a cotton picker which assembly includes a plurality moistener members mounted in cantilever fashion to an elongated support with each moistener member including a mounting arm at one end secured to the support and a moistener pad at the opposite end disposed to be engaged by the picker spindles for moistening same during the rotation of the picker drum. Each moistener member is constituted of a unitary body of resilient material integrally formed at one end with the mounting arm and at the opposite end with the moistener pad.

Abstract: A fluid comparator assembly which is clamped to the floor of a cotton harvesting unit and includes an arm for contacting the top of a spindle. The arm is operably connected to a fluidfilled cylinder communicating with a gauge. As the picker bar drum is rotated and a different spindle contacts the arm, any deviation in spindle height will be indicated by a change in fluid column height on the gauge. The cross-sectional area of the cylinder is much greater than that of the gauge column so a small deviation in spindle height results in a large, easily readable change in fluid column height. Each spindle bar is shimmed so that the maximum deviation as indicated by the change in column height is within the desired tolerance.

Abstract: A system for detecting a blockage in the cotton conveying system for a harvesting unit on a cotton harvester. An upright flexible flap assembly is connected to a post or wall adjacent an upright doffing mechanism of the harvesting unit. A normally-open switch member is slightly offset from the flap. If a blockage occurs in the duct or discharge structure, cotton will begin building up near the doffing mechanism and will be pushed against the flap. The flap in turn contacts the switch member, which closes a circuit and provides a warning to the operator so the harvester can be stopped before the blockage causes serious damage to the harvesting unit.

Abstract: A cotton doffer with integrally molded elastomeric teeth in an annulus projecting from at least one side thereof, the doffer reinforced with a perforated disk having at least an annular portion embedded in the doffer to a point generally radially inward of the mid diameter of the annulus.

Abstract: A cotton harvester and picker unit is provided for the harvesting of narrow spaced row cotton. The cotton harvester is provided with novel picker units which overlap one another to reduce the total lateral width of the cotton harvester. The inventive harvesting units are also elongated in the direction of the travel to reduce the transverse width. The picker units also have a composite post assembly, compressor sheet and plant lifter which allows for quick disassembly without hand or power tools. Removal of the front post assembly provides easier access to the rotors for maintenance or removal of chokes.