Abstract: A crop ramp (112) for an agricultural harvesting head (100) has a forward portion (212) that is generally planar and has a leading edge (200) that is configured to be fixed the rear of a reciprocating knife (110) and ahead of a leading edge (202) of a conveyor belt of the conveyor (104, 106); and a rear portion (214) that is generally planar and that is fixed to and extends rearward from the forward portion (212), wherein the rear portion (214) is configured to extend over the leading edge (202) of an endless belt of the conveyor (104, 106), where the rear portion (214) has a lower surface (216) that is generally planar and is parallel to an upper surface of the endless belt of the conveyor (104, 106) and has a trailing edge (204), where at least one recess (218) extends into the lower surface (216), where a first end of the recess is upstream of the second end of the recess (218) and wherein the first end of the recess is farther from the trailing edge (204) than the second end.

Abstract: A spindle assembly for a cotton harvester. The spindle assembly includes an elongated nut having a first end with a threaded portion configured for receipt by the spindle bar. The elongated nut also has a second end, opposite the first end, with a tool receiving portion configured to be received by a tool to tighten the threaded portion of the first end into the spindle bar. The elongated nut further has an aperture extending through the elongated nut from the first end to the second end. The spindle assembly also includes a cotton harvester spindle having a bearing portion rotatably supported by the aperture of the elongated nut and a picking end projecting outwardly from the second end of the elongated nut. The elongated nut is hard coat anodized to improve wear resistance.

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 picker bar includes spindles which are nonaligned in the vertical direction to define two or more offset sets of spindles on the bar and increase the number of spindles per unit length of the spindle bar. A spindle assembly includes a support carrying two spindles driven from a picker bar drive shaft by a single drive gear. Driven spindle gears are spaced on opposite sides of the shaft axis to facilitate close spacing of the spindles. A doffer column includes doffer pads of differing diameters to optimize doffing of the offset sets of spindles.

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 picker bar includes spindles which are nonaligned in the vertical direction to define two or more offset sets of spindles on the bar and increase the number of spindles per unit length of the spindle bar. A spindle assembly includes support carrying two spindles driven from a picker bar drive shaft by single drive gear. Driven spindle gears are spaced on opposite sides of the shaft axis to facilitate close spacing of the spindles.

Abstract: The cotton harvester includes a cotton picker housing having at least one plant lifter defining a plant row channel extending back into the housing to a plant compressor sheet. A picker rotor is mounted in the cotton picker housing adjacent to the plant row channel and traverse to the plant compressor sheet. A doffer in the housing near the picker rotor removes picked cotton from the picker rotor and moves the picked cotton to an outlet at the rear of the cotton picker housing. A power unit includes an internal combustion engine mounted on the housing including a rotatable output selectably connectable in rotatably driving relation to the picker rotor and the doffer for imparting rotation thereto. The power unit can also selectably drive at least one wheel of the harvester for moving it over the ground at a speed corresponding to a rotational speed of the picker rotor.

Abstract: A scrapping plate assembly for cotton harvesters includes a series of elongated trapezoidal ribs on the pressure plate defining separate paths for each picker spindle and providing an increased zone for compressively engaging the cotton bolls and extending the contact zone with the spindle barbs thereby increasing removal of bolls from the plant stalks and reducing dropage.

Abstract: A scrapping plate for improving cotton picker efficiency incorporate an angle in the bottom profile which forces cotton into the spindle before being released from the picking zone. The scrapping plate ribs which are spaced vertically from each other and located between adjacent rows of spindles are tapered so that rib surfaces are generally parallel to the spindle tapered surfaces in the picking zone. The parallel arrangement places cotton equidistant from the spindle along the length of the picking zone. In one embodiment, the ribs are tapered in the fore-and-aft direction to better hold cotton bolls in the picking zone. The forward portion of alternating ribs can also be terminated rearwardly of the leading portion of the plate to allow the cotton bolls to gather more easily.

Abstract: A moistening pad for a cotton picker spindle has a rearward end including a hole, and is positioned by the pad holder in a predetermined position over the rearward end of the moistening location for contacting the mounting end of the spindle for applying the moistening liquid. A pad holder includes a mounting element for mounting to a support element of the harvesting unit and a pad support element for holding the pad with the rearward end in the predetermined position over the rearward end of the moistening location when the holder is mounted to the support element.

Abstract: An easily removable support for a moistener stand or column of a harvesting unit of a cotton harvester, which tilts the stand or column when rotated from an operative position to a service position, to raise a plurality of moistening pads of the stand or column relative to picker spindles of the harvesting unit. The moistener stand or column is then merely lifted to disconnect the support for removal, and when reinstalled and/or rotated back to the operative position, previous fore, aft and height adjustments of the moistening pads are retained.

Abstract: A remotely controlled motorized assembly for adjusting the vertical position of the doffer support shaft in the harvesting units a cotton harvesting machine. The assembly is retrofittable for use on existing harvesting units of cotton harvesting machines the doffers of which are designed to be adjusted using a manual adjustment screw. The invention includes a motor which is attached to the harvesting unit, intermediate gears, and a special opening or collar which fits onto the head of the manual adjustment screw of the doffer support shaft. The motorized assembly allows automatic or semi-automatic adjustment of the doffer support shaft without opening the harvesting units or shutting down the harvesting machine, saving considerable time and energy and promoting safety. Bipolar motors may be employed to allow for adjustment in either direction. A microprocessor and sensors may also be employed for automatic monitoring and adjustment of the doffer support shafts.

Abstract: A fluid distributor system for the moistener column of a cotton harvester includes a distributor connected to the top of the column and having a generally cone-shaped surface with a solid apex area and with distributor outlets uniformly spaced around the base area of the cone. A removable clear plastic cover snap-fits on the distributor and has an apex area with an easily detachable bayonet mounting for a spray nozzle that directs spindle cleaning fluid to the cone-shaped surface. A flush line inlet is located in the cover above the apex area and directs fluid around the nozzle and downwardly towards the distributor outlets in a uniform pattern for good flushing of all the lines connected to the outlets. O-rings between the cover and the distributor, and between the spray nozzle mounting and the cover, seal the unit against dirt and debris and facilitate snap fit assembly of the components.

Abstract: Cylindrical spacers having axially ribbed inner portions and an expanded circumference are located on the doffer shaft of a cotton harvester doffer column to support the doffers in vertically spaced relation and improve shaft strength and bend and vibration resistance. The spacer rib ends have doffer contacting surfaces to bite into the doffer and provide a keying function for enhanced doffer rotational retention.

Abstract: A cotton picker row unit grid bar fabricated from a light extruded material has a hollow D-shaped cross section with a plant contacting wall of thickness substantially greater than the non-contacting walls for increased wearability and strength and reduced weight. An upright grid bar support with a compact U-shaped cross section includes opposed flanges connected by a rounded portion to reduce hairpinning of debris. Specially shaped apertures in the rounded portion support the ends of the grid bars in vertically spaced relationship, and grid bar posts cooperate with threaded screw members extending through the support to sandwich the grid bar ends between the flanges with a preselected clamping force.

Abstract: A doffer grinding mechanism constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention consists of a rotary file type grinding stem which is larger in diameter than the cotton picker spindles of a machine. The grinding stem, which temporarily replaces one of the conventional spindle assemblies in a row of spindles, is screwed into the picker bar which remains in the machine. The row unit is run, and the doffer is adjusted against the grinding stems. Doffers can be quickly trued in the field without the need for a doffer grinding machine and without complete disassembly of the doffer column from the row unit.

Abstract: A pivoting moistener column for a cotton harvester having a locking feature which operates without tools which automatically releases the column for swinging toward an access position when a service door is opened and which retains the column securely in the operating position when the service door is closed. Preferably the locking feature includes a pair of mating upright flanges, one connected to the service door near a service door pivot and the other connected to the moistener column opposite a moistener column pivot. The column is located near an outer wall of the harvester row unit housing and is substantially outside of the housing when in the service position. A fluid distribution system mounted on the column is supported outside of the housing in both the operating and service positions. Panel structure on the column forms a relatively smooth, continuous barrier with the service door for good cotton/cotton plant flow past the column.

Abstract: A cotton picker moistening system is provided that includes a pump driven by an electric motor to deliver a pressurized flow of moistening fluid. The system also includes a detecting device for generating a sensed parameter signal representative of a characteristic of the fluid delivered by the pump, such as pressure or flow rate, and a signal generator for generating a desired parameter signal representative of the desired characteristic. A control circuit compares the sensed and desired parameter signals and generates a control signal derived from the sensed and desired parameter signals. The control signal is applied to the electric motor, the pump or a regulating device downstream of the pump to control the delivery of moistening fluid. A flush switch is provided to override the control circuit and cause predetermined flow of fluid to be delivered.

Abstract: A picker spindle is provided having a barb angle of about 50 degrees or less with respect to the spindle axis. A shallow land angle, substantially reduced compared with prior art spindles, and a short gullet area between barbs prevent tight winding of the cotton between barbs. A gentle slope is defined for sliding the cotton easily in the axial direction off the end of the spindle. Less force is needed to unwind the cotton and remove it from the spindle and, as a result, the cotton doffs easier and doffer life is increased. The interval between doffer adjustments is also lengthened.

Abstract: A spindle nut and bushing assembly for cotton picker row units includes a light-weight spindle nut and a single elongated bushing having a length to outer diameter ratio of greater than two. The bushing extends through substantially the entire length of the spindle nut to provide a low friction bearing surface with sufficient strength to reinforce the spindle nut against breakage even when the spindle is impacted and fractured by an obstacle. In one embodiment of the invention, the nut is formed from a thermoplastic material and the bushing is fabricated from powdered metal, preferably a sintered bronze-iron alloy, and includes elongated grooves which act as lubricant reservoirs. In another embodiment, the bushing is formed from a filament-wound fiberglass material. The weight of the plastic nut is less than 75% of that of a conventional steel nut. In an alternative embodiment, the nut is fabricated from a light-weight metal such as aluminum.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a picker rotor assembly of a cotton harvesting unit. The drive mechanism includes a bidirectional torque limiting mechanism operatively arranged between a rotor drive mechanism and the rotor assembly. The bidirectional torque limiting mechanism for applying a relatively low torque in a first rotational direction to the picker rotor assembly so as to inhibit damage thereto resulting from a chokage or jamming of the picker rotor assembly. The bidirectional torque limiting mechanism further applying a relatively high torque in a second or reverse rotational direction to the picker rotory assembly to facilitate removal of that which choked or stopped the rotor assembly.

Abstract: A moistening apparatus for distributing moistening fluid to a plurality of vertically spaced axially extending spindles of a cotton harvesting machine includes a supporting standard arranged proximate the picker spindles. A series of moistening pads, communicable with a moistening fluid supply source, are attachable to the supporting standard one above the other in vertically spaced relation. Each moistening pad defines a top opening, a spindle wiping face disposed beneath the opening, opposed side edges spaced at different distances from the support standard, and a fluid distributing channel is configured. The fluid distributing channel has a series of fluid discharge ports. More discharge ports are provided toward one edge of the pad than the other. As such, more moistening fluid is applied toward the inner end of the picker spindles than is applied toward the distal end of the picker spindles.

Abstract: A moistener pad including two sets of apertures extending diagonally from corner to corner of the pad to define X-shaped pattern which provides a uniform distribution of moistening fluid to the fins. One set of apertures is located between a first set of adjacent pairs of fins, and the other set of apertures is located between a second set of adjacent pairs of fins.

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 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 picker spindle assembly for cotton pickers includes a plurality of vertically extending picker bars each mounted to a pedestal flange via a bar pivot, each bar pivot carrying a plurality of horizontally extending spindle pickers. Each of the bar pivots is threadedly mounted to a mounting plate secured to the pedestal flange to permit vertical adjustment of the spindle pickers.

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

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.