Abstract

A row crop header for harvesting crop in a field comprises a header frame having a center section and a pair of side wing sections operatively coupled to the center section. An upper link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the top portion thereof. A lower link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the bottom portion thereof. The upper links and lower links provide independent pivotal movement of the side wing sections relative to the center section to contour to the surface of the field of crops to be harvested. An automatic float system is operatively coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections to adjust the weight of the side wing sections on the surface of the field and allow the side wing sections to float relative to the center section.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 45/02 - Harvesting of standing crops of maize

Abstract

A row crop header for harvesting crop in a field comprises a header frame having a center section and a pair of side wing sections operatively coupled to the center section. An upper link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the top portion thereof. A lower link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the bottom portion thereof. The upper links and lower links provide independent pivotal movement of the side wing sections relative to the center section to contour to the surface of the field of crops to be harvested. An automatic float system is operatively coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections to adjust the weight of the side wing sections on the surface of the field and allow the side wing sections to float relative to the center section.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 45/02 - Harvesting of standing crops of maize

Abstract

A sensor support arm for supporting a crop characteristic sensor on a harvesting header. The sensor support arm is coupled to a reel support arm of the harvesting header to position the crop characteristic sensor ahead of a crop pick-up reel, which lifts the crops for harvesting. The sensor support arm is movable between an operating position and a transport position to arrange the crop characteristic sensor from the position ahead of the crop pick-up reel to a position closer to, or behind, the front of the crop pick-up reel. In one implementation the sensor support arm may be pivotably coupled to the reel support arm.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/127 - Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines
• A01D 41/06 - Combines with headers
• A01D 57/02 - Devices for leading crops to the mowing apparatus using reels
• A01D 57/04 - Arrangements for changing the position of the reels

Abstract

A control system is provided for a combine header, which controls a position of a reel relative to a header and to a method for controlling a height of the reel relative to a crop canopy to maintain a targeted, preset reel engagement therewith. With this control system, a reel control system thereof can operate to automatically adjust the reel height relative to the crop canopy as well as the ground during cutting of field crops. The reel control system can automatically adjust the reel height during changes to the canopy height by instantaneously processing the sensor data, which can be averaged over a period of time. A target reel engagement can be preset to bias the reel height relative to higher or lower canopy ranges by a level of aggressiveness (or bias) of the reel engagement target to tune the performance of the reel control for downed crop conditions.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/127 - Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines
• A01D 34/00 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters
• A01D 34/54 - Cutting-height adjustment
• A01D 41/06 - Combines with headers
• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables

Abstract

A control system is provided for a combine header, which controls a position of a reel relative to a header to control a height of the reel relative to a crop canopy and maintain a predefined reel engagement therewith. The reel control system can automatically adjust the reel height during changes to the canopy height by instantaneously processing the sensor data, which can be averaged over a period of time. The control system determines whether stubble is being detected by any individual sensor, and if so, the sensor data for that sensor may be ignored, preferably for a defined period of time. If the crop height is measured to be less than or equal to the cut height, the sensor is measuring stubble and the sensor data is ignored.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/127 - Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines
• A01D 34/00 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters
• A01D 34/14 - Knife-bars
• A01D 41/06 - Combines with headers
• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 57/04 - Arrangements for changing the position of the reels

Abstract

A crop harvesting header including a carrier frame configured to be mounted to a tractor to cut crop. The crop harvesting header includes a header frame movably coupled to the carrier frame and defining a discharge opening on a rear side. The crop harvesting header further includes a discharge shaper assembly, which includes a height deflector. The height deflector is pivotably coupled to the header frame adjacent to the discharge opening to control a height of discharged cut crop. The discharge shaper assembly may further include a width deflector to control a width of discharged cut crop.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 34/125 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having reciprocating cutters with means for discharging mown material
• A01D 34/04 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having reciprocating cutters mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle with cutters at the front
• A01D 34/14 - Knife-bars
• A01D 34/40 - Other details

Abstract

A control system is provided for a combine header, which provides multiple operating methods for controlling the header to control cut height and the resultant height of stubble. The control system incorporates adjustable contour wheels to adjust cut height and stubble height resulting from a cutter bar assembly. The operating system maintains stubble height at a desired height in the first operating mode while maximizing harvested crop, and maximizes the stubble height based on crop height in a second operating mode, wherein the operating system may perform both modes. The operating system can be operated in the third operating mode wherein cut heights can be predefined by geographic location in combination with target stubble heights or target intake fractions representing the fraction of a crop taken into the combine during harvesting.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 34/00 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters
• A01D 34/54 - Cutting-height adjustment
• A01D 41/06 - Combines with headers
• A01D 41/12 - Details of combines
• A01D 41/127 - Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines

Abstract

A control system is provided for a combine header, which provides multiple operating methods for controlling the header to control cut height and the resultant height of stubble. The control system incorporates adjustable gauge wheels to adjust cut height and stubble height resulting from a cutter bar assembly. The operating system maintains stubble height at a desired height in the first operating mode while maximizing harvested crop, and maximizes the stubble height based on crop height in a second operating mode, wherein the operating system may perform both modes. The operating system can be operated in the third operating mode wherein cut heights can be predefined by geographic location in combination with target stubble heights or target intake fractions representing the fraction of a crop taken into the combine during harvesting.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 34/00 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters
• A01D 34/54 - Cutting-height adjustment
• A01D 41/06 - Combines with headers
• A01D 41/12 - Details of combines
• A01D 41/127 - Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines

Abstract

A method for adjusting a header mounted on an agricultural harvester. The header includes a central section and at least one side wing section. The at least one side wing section extends between an inner portion and an outer portion, where the inner portion of the at least one side wing section is pivotally coupled to the central section. A ground engaging device is mounted on the at least one side wing section adjacent the outer portion. The ground engaging device has an adjustable height. The method comprises the steps of determining a flex position of the at least one side wing section relative to the central section, determining whether the flex position of the at least one side wing section exceeds a first threshold, and if it is determined that the flex position of the at least one side wing section exceeds the first threshold, decreasing the flex position.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 45/02 - Harvesting of standing crops of maize

Abstract

A method for adjusting a header mounted on an agricultural harvester. The header includes a central section and a plurality of side wing sections. Each of the plurality of side wing sections extends between an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion of each of the plurality of side wing sections is pivotally coupled to the central section. Each of the plurality of side wing sections includes a ground engaging device mounted on the side wing section adjacent the outer portion. Each ground engaging device has an adjustable height. The method comprises the steps of determining a height of the central section of the header, determining an outer wing height based on a height of one of the plurality of outer portions, determining whether the outer wing height is within a threshold of the height of the central section, and if it is determined that the outer wing height is not within the threshold of the height of the central section, adjusting the height of the ground engaging device until the outer wing height is within the threshold the height of the central section.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 34/00 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters
• A01D 45/02 - Harvesting of standing crops of maize

Abstract

A method of navigating an agricultural implement through a field in an operative direction as it is being towed by a tractor. The method comprises providing the implement with a main mounting assembly, which is mountable to the tractor and has a stationary main beam, and a toolbar movably supported on the main beam in a lateral position so as to be shiftable laterally relative to the operative direction to align the toolbar relative to crop rows, the toolbar including row units configured to pass between crop rows; obtaining an image of the field with a camera; segmenting the image to identify one or more of the crop rows extending in the operative direction within a field of vision of the camera; and adjusting the lateral position of the toolbar to maintain the row units between the one or more crop rows while avoiding damage to the crops.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 69/00 - Steering of agricultural machines or implementsGuiding agricultural machines or implements on a desired track
• A01B 63/24 - Tools or tool-holders adjustable relatively to the frame
• A01B 63/32 - Tools or tool-holders adjustable relatively to the frame operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means
• A01B 79/00 - Methods for working soil

Abstract

A harvesting vehicle includes a header having a cutter bar, a crop transport draper and a reel mounted above the cutter bar to sweep the crop to the draper. The operation of the header is autonomously monitored and controlled to reduce operator loads or to run autonomously by detecting: reel wrapping; differential rates of flow of crop on the header at different locations; where the crop to be cut is at least partly lodged so that stems of the crop are not vertical; the presence of a crop streak of uncut or poorly cut crop behind the cutter bar and/or a band of disturbed soil behind the cutter bar. The detector is arranged to control ground speed, header height, reel height and operation.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 41/127 - Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines
• A01D 57/04 - Arrangements for changing the position of the reels
• A01D 75/18 - Safety devices for parts of the machines

Abstract

An agricultural implement mountable to a towing vehicle comprises a main mounting assembly, a toolbar slidably attached to the main mounting assembly, a plurality of row units mounted on the toolbar, a wand guidance system, and a control unit. The main mounting assembly is configured to be mountable to the towing vehicle. The wand guidance system is mounted on a selected one of the plurality of row units. The wand guidance system is configured to sense a position of the selected row unit relative to a first of a plurality of crop rows and generate a control signal based on the position of the selected row unit relative to the first crop row. The control unit is configured to adjust a lateral position of the toolbar relative to the main mounting assembly based on the control signal.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 63/02 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements mounted on tractors
• A01B 39/18 - Other machines specially adapted for working soil on which crops are growing for special purposes for weeding
• A01B 63/10 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements mounted on tractors operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means
• A01B 69/00 - Steering of agricultural machines or implementsGuiding agricultural machines or implements on a desired track

Abstract

An agricultural implement is provided having a toolbar and a plurality of row units mounted along the toolbar for working rows of ground. Each of the row units comprises one or more working devices for working the ground and an actuator for varying a ground force applied by the row unit to the ground. The improvement comprises a control system which controls the actuators for multiple the row units so as to define a zone ground force system where first and second groups of the row units define first and second zones. The first group of row units in the first zone are operated together under a first down pressure to generate a first ground force to work a first plurality of rows in a field. The second group of row units in the second zone are operated together under a second down pressure to generate a second ground pressure greater than the first ground pressure to work a second plurality of rows of ground which are harder than the first plurality of rows.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01C 7/20 - Parts of seeders for conducting and depositing seed

Abstract

A skid shoe for use with a header for harvesting row crops, in particular corn, comprises a body having a curvilinear side profile including: a central section having a first side wall, a second side wall, and a bottom surface that is convexly curved in a transverse direction bowing outwardly between the first side wall and the second side wall; a front section having a front external surface that extends forwardly and upwardly from the central section; and a rear section having a rear external surface that extends rearwardly and upwardly from the central section.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 63/00 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements
• A01B 76/00 - Parts, details or accessories of agricultural machines or implements, not provided for in groups

Abstract

A method for controlling header cut height on a combine. The combine includes an adapter, a header pivotably mounted to the adapter, a cutter bar assembly operatively extending across a front portion of the header, and a gauge wheel pivotably coupled to the header. The method comprising the steps of receiving a request to adjust a height of the cutter bar assembly, determining whether a position of a first cylinder is greater than a value, and if it is determined that the position of the first cylinder is greater than the value, using the first cylinder to adjust the height of the cutter bar assembly.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables

Abstract

A platform header (10) for harvesting agricultural crops in a field includes a header frame (12) extending between a front portion (14) and a rear portion (16). A cutting assembly (24) is attached to the front portion for cutting the crops. A belt feeder assembly (34) includes a front drum (42), a rear drum (46) and a conveyor (48) tensioned therebetween for carrying the crop from the cutting assembly to an agricultural machine. The front drum includes a plurality of radially extending fingers (44) operatively coupled between a fixed shaft (78) and extending through slots (67) formed in the front drum such that the fingers protrude at varying distances as the front drum rotates about the fixed shaft to pull crops under the front drum to the rear portion of the header while avoiding interference with the conveyor.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 61/00 - Elevators or conveyors for binders or combines
• A01D 41/16 - Devices for coupling mowing tables to conveyors

Abstract

A reel lean bar assembly is provided for attachment to an agricultural machine for harvesting agricultural crops. The reel lean bar assembly includes a reel lean bar extending laterally between opposing first and second ends and having a front fagade defining an outwardly protruding arcuate profile and an opposite facing rear fagade defining a hollow interior. The reel lean bar arcuate profile has a top section having a top section profile and a bottom section having a bottom section profile. The reel lean bar top section profile is different from the bottom section profile.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 57/04 - Arrangements for changing the position of the reels
• A01D 45/00 - Harvesting of standing crops
• A01D 45/06 - Harvesting of standing crops of flax
• A01D 41/12 - Details of combines
• A01D 43/00 - Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing

Abstract

A header for a crop harvesting machine includes front and rear wheel arrangements that pivot about respective upright axis between a field orientation and a perpendicular transport orientation, while having respective suspensions arrangements movable between different suspended heights. A biasing spring provides lift assist to carry weight of the wheel arrangement during adjustment of the suspension elevation while being isolated from the suspension once set at any one elevation. The front wheel arrangement includes an anti-rotation latch that locks the front wheel in the field orientation automatically upon disconnection of a hitch arm. A second wheel of the rear wheel arrangement can be held in a raised position relative to a first wheel in a field orientation. Load bearing surfaces between the suspended rear wheels and the header frame abut one another when latching to the header frame to isolate the suspension from the header frame in the transport orientation.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 73/00 - Means or arrangements to facilitate transportation of agricultural machines or implements, e.g. folding frames to reduce overall width
• A01B 63/00 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements
• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 75/00 - Accessories for harvesters or mowers

Abstract

A header for an agricultural machine including a support structure, a header frame, a floating cutterbar assembly, and a spring. The support structure may be adapted to mount the header to the agricultural machine. The header frame is pivotally coupled to the support structure. The floating cutterbar assembly is operatively coupled to the header frame and pivotally coupled to the support structure. The floating cutterbar assembly is moveable between a first position and a second position. The spring is coupled between the header frame and the floating cutterbar assembly for reducing a ground contact force on the cutterbar.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables

Abstract

A method is provided for maintaining a desired pressure in an accumulator supplying hydraulic fluid to one end of a cylinder. The method comprises the steps of determining a position of the cylinder, calculating an expected pressure in the accumulator based on the position of the cylinder, measuring an actual pressure in the accumulator, determining whether the actual pressure is within a tolerance of the expected pressure, and if it is determined that the actual pressure is not within the tolerance of the expected pressure, adjusting a volume of hydraulic fluid in the accumulator.

IPC Classes  ?

• F15B 19/00 - Testing fluid-pressure actuator systems or apparatus, so far as not provided for elsewhere
• A01D 41/127 - Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines
• F15B 1/02 - Installations or systems with accumulators
• F15B 11/10 - Servomotor systems without provision for follow-up action with only one servomotor in which the servomotor position is a function of the pressure

Abstract

A system is provided for controlling a grain cart relative to a grain truck. The grain truck includes a side edge extending between a front end and a rear end. The system comprises a ranging device and a controller. The ranging device is configured to determine a position and orientation of the side edge relative to the grain cart. The controller is configured to determine a path line parallel to the side edge, wherein the path line is a predetermined distance from the side edge, identify a goal point based on the path line, where the goal point a second predetermined distance from the front or rear end of the side edge, and plan a path for the grain cart to the goal point.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 69/00 - Steering of agricultural machines or implementsGuiding agricultural machines or implements on a desired track
• A01D 90/10 - Unloading means
• G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions

Abstract

A system is provided for controlling a grain cart relative to a grain truck. The grain cart includes a grain tank and an unload auger configured to transfer crop material out of the grain tank. The grain truck includes a truck box extending from a first end to a second end. The truck box includes a top edge extending around the top of the truck box. The system comprises a ranging device and a controller. The ranging device is configured to identify a distance to the top edge of the truck box and identify a distance to an area in the truck box. The controller is configured to determine a position of the grain cart relative to the grain truck, and determine whether the grain cart is positioned near the first end of the truck box. If the controller determines that the grain cart is positioned near the first end of the truck box, the controller is configured to determine a fill level in the area based on the distance to the top edge of the truck box and the distance to the area in the truck box, determine whether the fill level exceeds a threshold, and if the controller determines that the fill level does not exceed the threshold, the controller is configured to start the unload auger.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 90/10 - Unloading means
• G05D 9/12 - Level control, e.g. controlling quantity of material stored in vessel characterised by the use of electric means

Abstract

A row crop header for harvesting crop in a field comprises a header frame having a center section and a pair of side wing sections operatively coupled to the center section. An upper link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the top portion thereof. A lower link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the bottom portion thereof. The upper links and lower links provide independent pivotal movement of the side wing sections relative to the center section to contour to the surface of the field of crops to be harvested. An automatic float system is operatively coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections to adjust the weight of the side wing sections on the surface of the field and allow the side wing sections to float relative to the center section.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 45/02 - Harvesting of standing crops of maize

Abstract

A system is provided for controlling a grain cart relative to a vehicle. The grain cart includes an edge extending between a front edge and a rear edge, and the vehicle includes a side edge extending between a front end and a rear end. The system comprises a ranging device and a controller. The ranging device is configured to determine a position and orientation of the side edge relative to the grain cart. The controller is configured to determine a front distance between the front edge of the grain cart and the side edge, determine a rear distance between the rear edge of the grain cart and the side edge, determine a maximum distance between the front distance and the rear distance, determine whether the maximum distance is greater than a maximum threshold, and if the controller determines that the maximum distance is greater than the maximum threshold, the controller is configured to steer the grain cart to reduce the maximum distance.

IPC Classes  ?

• G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
• B62D 15/02 - Steering position indicators

Abstract

A rotary dampener for an automotive seat assembly includes an inboard cover (30), a pivot pin (54) fixedly coupled to the inboard cover, an actuating bracket (106) pivotably coupled to the pivot pin (54) and including an actuating tab (112), a leaf spring (182) fixedly coupled to the inboard cover (30), and a dampener roller (122) coupled to the actuating bracket (106) and configured to f rictiona lly engage with the leaf spring (182) as the actuating bracket rotates in a forward rotational direction. The rotary dampener also includes an outboard cover (154) pivotably coupled to the pivot pin (54) and fixedly coupled to the actuating tab (106). When the outboard cover (154) is rotated relative to the inboard cover (30) in the forward rotational direction, the rotary dampener dampens a rotational velocity of the outboard cover (154) while the dampener roller (122) is frictiona lly engaged with the leaf spring (182) and the rotational velocity is undampened while the dampener roller (122) is disengaged from the leaf spring (182).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60N 2/20 - Seats specially adapted for vehiclesArrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the back-rest being tiltable, e.g. to permit easy access
• B60N 2/22 - Seats specially adapted for vehiclesArrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the back-rest being adjustable

Abstract

A stubble stomper is disclosed that attaches to a crop harvesting header on an agricultural machine. The stubble stomper includes a mounting bracket that attaches to the header frame of the crop harvesting header, a hinge assembly that is rotatably attached to the stomper mounting bracket and is rotatable between a default position and a breakaway position, and a stomper shoe that is pivotally attached to the hinge assembly. The stubble stomper has a self-resetting feature from the breakaway position that allows the stubble stomper to re-engage to its default position as the agricultural machine moves in a forward direction of travel.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 34/835 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters specially adapted for particular purposes

Abstract

A reel of a harvester including a cutter bar includes a plurality of reel bats which are pivotal so as to vary the angle of the fingers about the bat axis as the reel rotates. The reel is used with a cutter bar which can change in height at one or more positions along its length to accommodate changes in ground height and contour. In order to maintain the fingers of the reel as close as possible to the cutter bar for best crop control, there is provided a sensor at each of one or more positions along the cutter bar responsive to the cutter bar height and an actuator which changes the diameter of the reel bats at the respective position.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 57/03 - Devices for leading crops to the mowing apparatus using reels with supplementary controlled movement of the crop-engaging members, e.g. of the tines
• A01D 34/04 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having reciprocating cutters mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle with cutters at the front
• A01D 34/28 - Adjusting devices for the cutter-bar
• A01D 57/04 - Arrangements for changing the position of the reels

Abstract

A draper track assembly is provided for use on a draper header for harvesting agricultural crops, where the draper header includes a header frame. The draper track assembly comprises a draper track, a support clamp and an intermediary support. The draper track has a track portion extending longitudinally from an inboard end to an outboard end and a mounting channel extending from a bottom of the track portion. The support clamp is configured to be fixedly coupled to the mounting channel. The support clamp also is configured to be fixedly coupled to a header frame. The intermediary support has a bracket. The bracket and the mounting channel are configured to interlock with each other to prevent lateral movement between the draper track and the intermediary support while allowing longitudinal expansion of the draper track. The intermediary support is configured to be fixedly coupled to the header frame.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 57/20 - Delivering mechanisms for harvesters or mowers with conveyor belts
• A01D 41/06 - Combines with headers
• A01D 47/00 - Headers

Abstract

A draper track comprising a track portion and a lug. The track portion has a center portion and a ramp extending from an end of the center portion. The ramp is configured to guide cleats on a return run of a draper belt onto the center portion and over a header leg when the draper track is mounted on the header leg. The lug is fixedly coupled to the center portion of the track portion. The lug is configured to be coupled to the header leg.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 61/00 - Elevators or conveyors for binders or combines
• A01D 61/02 - Endless belts
• B65G 15/60 - Arrangements for supporting or guiding belts, e.g. by fluid jets

Abstract

A draper header for harvesting crops includes a header frame with a middle frame section pivotally coupled between a pair of side wing sections. A cutter bar assembly extends across a front portion of the header frame and is flexible with the side wing sections for cutting the crops to be harvested. A pair of crop pick-up reels are rotatably supported by center and outer reel support arms for engaging the crops to be harvested. A sensing system is operatively coupled to the header frame for detecting when at least one of the side wing sections pivots downwardly relative to the middle frame section. When the sensing system detects that at least one of the side wing sections pivots downwardly past a predetermined pivot angle, a down-stop cylinder is actuated to raise the crop pick-up reels, thereby preventing contact of the crop pick-up reels with the cutter bar assembly.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 57/04 - Arrangements for changing the position of the reels
• A01D 34/28 - Adjusting devices for the cutter-bar

Abstract

A row crop cultivator row unit (20) includes a frame (22), two front sweeps (24, 26) attached to the frame (22), and a rear sweep (28) that is attached to the frame (22), positioned rearwardly, and between the two front sweeps (24, 26). The two front sweeps (24, 26) are uniform in size, each having a maximum width identical to the other, and the rear sweep (28) has a maximum width that is larger than the front sweep maximum width. In an alternative embodiment, the row crop cultivator row unit includes a frame and a sweep attached to the frame. The attached sweep has a maximum width dimension in the range of 9 - 36 inches, a maximum height of 25 millimeters, and a sweep pitch angle in the range of 0° to 12°. In another alternative embodiment, the row crop cultivator row unit includes a frame and two sweeps attached to the frame. The two sweep have identical dimensions and each has a maximum width dimension in the range of 5 - 7 inches.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 35/08 - Other machines for working soil with non-rotating tools drawn by animal or tractor with rigid tools

Abstract

A draper header for harvesting agricultural crops includes a tension draper track assembly for supporting a return run of a draper belt. The draper header includes a header frame with first and second support legs, and the draper belt extends across the first and second support legs for transporting harvested agricultural crops. The tension draper track assembly is operatively coupled between the first and second support legs and includes an elongated draper track. The elongated draper track is secured to one of the first and second support legs and includes a tensioning mechanism coupled to the other of the first and second support legs for tensioning the elongated draper track across the first and second support legs for supporting the return run of the draper belt. The elongated draper track may also be coated in a low-friction material to reduce friction and wear on the return run of the draper belt.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 61/00 - Elevators or conveyors for binders or combines
• A01D 57/20 - Delivering mechanisms for harvesters or mowers with conveyor belts

Abstract

A drawbar hitch assembly for coupling to a drawbar to pull an agricultural implement includes a pair of locking wedges mounted between a first and a second hitch plate. Each locking wedge is slidably engaged with an inwardly-facing ramp of the second hitch plate for movement between a locked position adapted to cradle the drawbar therebetween and an unlocked position spaced apart and adapted to be released from the drawbar. A plurality of fasteners releasably couple the first and second hitch plates. The fasteners are tightened to move the second hitch plate in a first direction, thereby urging the locking wedges to the locked position to secure the drawbar hitch assembly to the drawbar. The fasteners may also be loosened to move the second hitch plate in an opposite second direction, thereby returning the locking wedges to the unlocked position to remove the drawbar hitch assembly from the drawbar.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60D 1/07 - Multi-hitch devices, i.e. comprising several hitches of the same or of a different typeHitch-adaptors, i.e. for converting hitches from one type to another

Abstract

An adjustable camera system comprises a camera, a mounting assembly and a controller. The mounting assembly is coupled to the camera and adapted to raise and lower the camera. The controller is configured to use an image of an object from the camera to determine whether the camera is at an optimal position from the object. If the controller determines that the camera is not at the optimal position, the controller sends a signal to the mounting assembly to raise or lower the camera.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 69/00 - Steering of agricultural machines or implementsGuiding agricultural machines or implements on a desired track
• F16M 11/04 - Means for attachment of apparatusMeans allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
• F16M 11/18 - Heads with mechanism for moving the apparatus relatively to the stand

Abstract

A method of navigating a vehicle through a field as it is being towed by a tractor. The method comprises obtaining an image of the field, segmenting the image to identify one or more crop rows, and steering the vehicle to avoid the one or more crop rows.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 69/00 - Steering of agricultural machines or implementsGuiding agricultural machines or implements on a desired track
• G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
• G06N 3/08 - Learning methods
• G06T 7/10 - SegmentationEdge detection
• G06V 20/10 - Terrestrial scenes
• G06V 20/56 - Context or environment of the image exterior to a vehicle by using sensors mounted on the vehicle

Abstract

A method of navigating an agricultural implement through a field in an operative direction as it is being towed by a tractor. The method comprises providing the implement with a main mounting assembly, which is mountable to the tractor and has a stationary main beam, and a toolbar movably supported on the main beam in a lateral position so as to be shiftable laterally relative to the operative direction to align the toolbar relative to crop rows, the toolbar including row units configured to pass between crop rows; obtaining an image of the field with a camera; segmenting the image to identify a plurality of the crop rows extending in the operative direction within a field of vision of the camera; and adjusting the lateral position of the toolbar to maintain the row units between the plurality of crop rows while avoiding damage to the crops.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 69/00 - Steering of agricultural machines or implementsGuiding agricultural machines or implements on a desired track
• A01B 63/24 - Tools or tool-holders adjustable relatively to the frame
• A01B 63/32 - Tools or tool-holders adjustable relatively to the frame operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means

Abstract

A method for controlling header cut height on a combine. The combine includes an adapter, a header pivotably mounted to the adapter, a cutter bar assembly operatively extending across a front portion of the header, and a gauge wheel pivotably coupled to the header. The method comprising the steps of receiving a request to adjust a height of the cutter bar assembly, determining whether a position of a first cylinder is greater than a value, and if it is determined that the position of the first cylinder is greater than the value, using the first cylinder to adjust the height of the cutter bar assembly.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 34/54 - Cutting-height adjustment
• A01D 41/06 - Combines with headers
• A01D 41/12 - Details of combines

Abstract

A header for harvesting agricultural crops includes a cutter bar assembly coupled to a header frame, the cutter bar assembly flexible upwardly and downwardly relative to the header frame between opposite ends thereof for contouring to the field. The cutter bar assembly includes a guard bar extending across a front portion of the header frame between the opposite ends thereof, the guard bar split into at least a first lateral section and a second lateral section operatively coupled at a guard bar joint. A protruding element extending from the first lateral section is received by a receiving element on the second lateral section at the guard bar joint to horizontally align the first and second lateral sections of the guard bar between the opposite ends of the header frame while allowing relative lateral movement therebetween during upward and downward flexing of the cutter bar assembly.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 34/14 - Knife-bars
• A01D 34/17 - Holding-down devices for the knife
• A01D 41/06 - Combines with headers
• A01D 57/20 - Delivering mechanisms for harvesters or mowers with conveyor belts

Abstract

A platform header (10) for harvesting agricultural crops in a field includes a header frame (12) extending between a front portion (14) and a rear portion (16). A cutting assembly (24) is attached to the front portion for cutting the crops. A belt feeder assembly (34) includes a front drum (42), a rear drum (46) and a conveyor (48) tensioned therebetween for carrying the crop from the cutting assembly to an agricultural machine. The front drum includes a plurality of radially extending fingers (44) operatively coupled between a fixed shaft (78) and extending through slots (67) formed in the front drum such that the fingers protrude at varying distances as the front drum rotates about the fixed shaft to pull crops under the front drum to the rear portion of the header while avoiding interference with the conveyor.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 61/00 - Elevators or conveyors for binders or combines
• A01D 41/16 - Devices for coupling mowing tables to conveyors

Abstract

A row crop header for harvesting crop in a field comprises a header frame having a center section and a pair of side wing sections operatively coupled to the center section. An upper link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the top portion thereof. A lower link is pivotally coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections adjacent the bottom portion thereof. The upper links and lower links provide independent pivotal movement of the side wing sections relative to the center section to contour to the surface of the field of crops to be harvested. An automatic float system is operatively coupled between the center section and each one of the side wing sections to adjust the weight of the side wing sections on the surface of the field and allow the side wing sections to float relative to the center section.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 45/02 - Harvesting of standing crops of maize
• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 75/28 - Control mechanisms for harvesters or mowers when moving on slopesDevices preventing lateral pull
• A01B 63/111 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements mounted on tractors operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means regulating working depth of implements
• A01B 73/04 - Folding frames foldable about a horizontal axis

Abstract

A conditioner assembly in an agricultural implement for conditioning cut crop material includes a top roll and a bottom roll rotatably supported by a pair of lateral side walls. The top roll is arranged relative to the bottom roll to define a roll gap therebetween for conditioning the cut crop material as the cut crop material passes therethrough. A stabilizing link extends between each of the lateral side walls and the top roll for pivotally coupling the top roll to the conditioner frame, and an adjustment mechanism extends between each of the lateral side walls and the top roll. The adjustment mechanism is selectively and remotely actuatable to automatically pivot the top roll toward and away from the bottom roll, thereby decreasing and increasing the roll gap for optimally conditioning different types and volumes of cut crop material received by the agricultural implement.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 82/02 - Rollers for crop conditioners

Abstract

A draper header for harvesting crops includes a header frame with a middle frame section pivotally coupled between a pair of side wing sections. A cutter bar assembly extends across a front portion of the header frame and is flexible with the side wing sections for cutting the crops to be harvested. A pair of crop pick-up reels are rotatably supported by center and outer reel support arms for engaging the crops to be harvested. A sensing system is operatively coupled to the header frame for detecting when at least one of the side wing sections pivots downwardly relative to the middle frame section. When the sensing system detects that at least one of the side wing sections pivots downwardly past a predetermined pivot angle, a down-stop cylinder is actuated to raise the crop pick-up reels, thereby preventing contact of the crop pick-up reels with the cutter bar assembly.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/06 - Combines with headers
• A01D 47/00 - Headers
• A01D 89/00 - Pick-ups for loaders, chaff-cutters, balers, field-threshers, or the like

Abstract

A draper header for harvesting agricultural crops includes a tension draper track assembly for supporting a return run of a draper belt. The draper header includes a header frame with first and second support legs, and the draper belt extends across the first and second support legs for transporting harvested agricultural crops. The tension draper track assembly is operatively coupled between the first and second support legs and includes an elongated draper track. The elongated draper track is secured to one of the first and second support legs and includes a tensioning mechanism coupled to the other of the first and second support legs for tensioning the elongated draper track across the first and second support legs for supporting the return run of the draper belt. The elongated draper track may also be coated in a low-friction material to reduce friction and wear on the return run of the draper belt.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/06 - Combines with headers
• A01D 34/42 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters having cutters rotating about a horizontal axis, e.g. cutting-cylinders
• A01D 47/00 - Headers
• A01D 57/20 - Delivering mechanisms for harvesters or mowers with conveyor belts

Abstract

A draper header for harvesting agricultural crops includes at least one lean bar assembly for engaging the crops to be harvested prior to a first and a second crop pick-up reel. The first crop pick-up reel is rotatably coupled between an outboard and a center reel support arm of the draper header, and the second crop pick-up reel is rotatably coupled between the center and an outboard reel support arm of the draper header. The first and second crop pick-up reels are selectively moveable in a fore and an aft direction along the inboard, outboard, and center reel support arms for engaging the crops to be harvested. The lean bar assemblies are secured to each of the first and second crop pick-up reels at a predetermined position relative thereto and maintain the predetermined position during selective movement of the first and second crop pick-up reels in the fore and aft directions.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/00 - Combines, i.e. harvesters or mowers combined with threshing devices
• A01D 41/06 - Combines with headers
• A01D 41/12 - Details of combines
• A01D 43/00 - Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing
• A01D 57/00 - Delivering mechanisms for harvesters or mowers
• A01F 12/00 - Parts or details of threshing apparatus

Abstract

A drawbar hitch assembly for coupling to a drawbar to pull an agricultural implement includes a pair of locking wedges mounted between a first and a second hitch plate. Each locking wedge is slidably engaged with an inwardly-facing ramp of the second hitch plate for movement between a locked position adapted to cradle the drawbar therebetween and an unlocked position spaced apart and adapted to be released from the drawbar. A plurality of fasteners releasably couple the first and second hitch plates. The fasteners are tightened to move the second hitch plate in a first direction, thereby urging the locking wedges to the locked position to secure the drawbar hitch assembly to the drawbar. The fasteners may also be loosened to move the second hitch plate in an opposite second direction, thereby returning the locking wedges to the unlocked position to remove the drawbar hitch assembly from the drawbar.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60D 1/02 - Bolt or shackle-type couplings
• B62D 7/20 - Links, e.g. track rods
• B23P 19/04 - Machines for simply fitting together or separating metal parts or objects, or metal and non-metal parts, whether or not involving some deformationTools or devices therefor so far as not provided for in other classes for assembling or disassembling parts
• B60D 1/36 - Traction couplingsHitchesDraw-gearTowing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for facilitating connection, e.g. hitch catchers
• B60D 1/60 - Covers, caps or guards

Abstract

A header for a crop harvesting machine includes front and rear wheel arrangements that pivot about respective upright axis between a field orientation and a perpendicular transport orientation, while having respective suspensions arrangements movable between different suspended heights. A biasing spring provides lift assist to carry weight of the wheel arrangement during adjustment of the suspension elevation while being isolated from the suspension once set at any one elevation. The front wheel arrangement includes an anti-rotation latch that locks the front wheel in the field orientation automatically upon disconnection of a hitch arm. A second wheel of the rear wheel arrangement can be held in a raised position relative to a first wheel in a field orientation. Load bearing surfaces between the suspended rear wheels and the header frame abut one another when latching to the header frame to isolate the suspension from the header frame in the transport orientation.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01B 63/00 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements
• A01B 73/00 - Means or arrangements to facilitate transportation of agricultural machines or implements, e.g. folding frames to reduce overall width
• A01D 75/00 - Accessories for harvesters or mowers

Abstract

A header for a crop harvesting machine includes front and rear wheel arrangements that pivot about respective upright axis between a field orientation and a perpendicular transport orientation, while having respective suspensions arrangements movable between different suspended heights. A biasing spring provides lift assist to carry weight of the wheel arrangement during adjustment of the suspension elevation while being isolated from the suspension once set at any one elevation. The front wheel arrangement includes an anti-rotation latch that locks the front wheel in the field orientation automatically upon disconnection of a hitch arm. A second wheel of the rear wheel arrangement can be held in a raised position relative to a first wheel in a field orientation. Load bearing surfaces between the suspended rear wheels and the header frame abut one another when latching to the header frame to isolate the suspension from the header frame in the transport orientation.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 34/04 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having reciprocating cutters mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle with cutters at the front
• A01B 73/00 - Means or arrangements to facilitate transportation of agricultural machines or implements, e.g. folding frames to reduce overall width
• B60G 5/00 - Resilient suspensions for a set of tandem wheels or axles having interrelated movements
• B60P 3/06 - Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for carrying vehicles
• A01D 43/06 - Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for collecting, gathering or loading mown material
• A01D 75/00 - Accessories for harvesters or mowers
• A01B 73/06 - Folding frames foldable about a vertical axis
• B62D 7/18 - Steering knucklesKing-pins
• A01B 69/00 - Steering of agricultural machines or implementsGuiding agricultural machines or implements on a desired track
• B62D 13/00 - Steering specially adapted for trailers
• B62D 13/04 - Steering specially adapted for trailers for individually-pivoted wheels

Abstract

A harvesting vehicle includes a header having a cutter bar, a crop transport draper and a reel mounted above the cutter bar to sweep the crop to the draper. The operation of the header is autonomously monitored and controlled to reduce operator loads or to run autonomously by detecting: reel wrapping; differential rates of flow of crop on the header at different locations; where the crop to be cut is at least partly lodged so that stems of the crop are not vertical; the presence of a crop streak of uncut or poorly cut crop behind the cutter bar and/or a band of disturbed soil behind the cutter bar. The detector is arranged to control ground speed, header height, reel height and operation.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 41/127 - Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines
• A01D 57/04 - Arrangements for changing the position of the reels
• A01D 75/18 - Safety devices for parts of the machines

Abstract

A sickle cutting system is mounted on a header for forward travel over ground having a standing crop thereon and includes a cutter bar with a plurality of knife guards and two sickle bars driven at a phase angle difference where the drive system has a phase difference control component operable to drive the first and second sickle bars at a first phase angle difference typically at or around 180 degrees difference to minimize vibration when no cutting action is occurring and at a second phase angle difference which can be at or around 90 degrees to minimize variations in loading applied to the drive system when the cutting action is taking place.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 34/00 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters
• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 34/04 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having reciprocating cutters mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle with cutters at the front
• A01D 34/14 - Knife-bars
• A01D 34/38 - Driving mechanisms for the cutters fluid
• A01D 101/00 - Lawn-mowers

Abstract

A crop harvesting header with a cutter bar and a draper assembly has a draper which includes a front edge of the upper run of the draper arranged at a position adjacent to but spaced from the cutter bar and there is provided a sealing member extending along the cutter bar. The sealing member is includes a bracket and a strip of flexible material where the bracket does not include any rearwardly extending biasing portion and the strip, when free from loading forces, contains a distortion from a flat form so that the second edge portion is distorted from a plane of the first edge portion in a direction toward the edge portion of the upper run.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 43/06 - Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for collecting, gathering or loading mown material
• A01D 34/14 - Knife-bars
• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables

Abstract

A reel of a harvester including a cutter bar includes a plurality of reel bats which are pivotal so as to vary the angle of the fingers about the bat axis as the reel rotates. The reel is used with a cutter bar which can change in height at one or more positions along its length to accommodate changes in ground height and contour. In order to maintain the fingers of the reel as close as possible to the cutter bar for best crop control, there is provided a sensor at each of one or more positions along the cutter bar responsive to the cutter bar height and an actuator which changes the diameter of the reel bats at the respective position.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 57/02 - Devices for leading crops to the mowing apparatus using reels
• A01D 41/06 - Combines with headers
• A01D 47/00 - Headers

Abstract

In a harvesting header having a main frame divided into a center portion and two wing portions connected for pivotal movement about axes and including a rear wall. A reel is mounted on first and second reel arms and a rear auger is mounted at the top of the rear wall. The reel and the auger are also divided into three sections arranged end to end along the rear wall. The joint in the auger is arranged not at the axis but at a position spaced inwardly of the axis so that a first flight of the auger extends inboard of the first reel arm and a second flight of the auger extends inboard of the second reel arm to carry the crop engaging the first flight past the first space to the center portion of the header frame.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 61/00 - Elevators or conveyors for binders or combines

Abstract

A vertical crop divider knife is mounted at each end of the cutter bar of a header and stands upwardly from the end to cut crop tending to collect over the end divider. Each divider knife includes a drive linkage in the housing for communicating drive to the knife sickle bar. Each divider housing has a mounting assembly for coupling to a cooperating mounting assembly on the housing of the crop divider knife structure by which the crop divider knife structure is readily attachable to the crop divider housing using a hook coupling at the bottom and a latch at the top for operation and releasable from the crop divider housing when not required. The divider housing carries a hydraulic motor and a forwardly facing output coupling mounted on the divider housing which automatically meshes with an input coupling on the knife housing when the knife drive housing is installed.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 34/23 - Cutting apparatus with additional vertical cutter-bar
• A01D 34/06 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having reciprocating cutters mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle with cutters at the side
• A01D 41/06 - Combines with headers
• A01D 63/04 - Non-rotating dividers
• A01D 61/00 - Elevators or conveyors for binders or combines
• A01D 69/00 - Driving mechanisms or parts thereof for harvesters or mowers

Abstract

Crop is carried into a feed opening of a harvester by two side drapers, two rear back sheets defining an opening between inner edges, a central feed draper and a roller with end flight portions and a central finger portion located above the feed draper. In this geometry, a bottom tangent to the flight portions has a position which is at a height below the rear edge of the side drapers. The roller axis of the feed roller is behind the rear edge of the side drapers and behind a common plane containing the back sheets. The inner guide roller of each of the first and second side drapers is located inwardly of the inner edge of the first back sheet and inwardly of an outer end of the end flight portion. A forward most tangent to the flight portions projects forward of or proud of the common back sheet plane.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 61/00 - Elevators or conveyors for binders or combines
• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables

Abstract

A crop harvesting header having a frame mounted on a propulsion vehicle has a cutter bar carrying a sickle knife and a draper transport. The draper is guided at its front edge by a longitudinally extending rail mounted on the frame for movement therewith. The cutter bar is mounted on the frame at spaced positions by spring blades attached to a fixed beam at the rear which allow up and down flexing movement of the cutter bar relative to the draper engagement member. At the center discharge the cutter bar is carried on shorter blades which are carried on a beam in front of the front draper roller. The small amount of flexing of the cutter bar combines with a balanced three piece header frame to provide effective ground following.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 34/28 - Adjusting devices for the cutter-bar
• A01D 34/40 - Other details
• A01D 34/14 - Knife-bars
• A01D 34/04 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having reciprocating cutters mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle with cutters at the front
• A01D 61/02 - Endless belts
• A01D 57/26 - Plates arranged behind the cutter-bar for guiding the cut grass or straw
• A01D 47/00 - Headers
• A01D 57/03 - Devices for leading crops to the mowing apparatus using reels with supplementary controlled movement of the crop-engaging members, e.g. of the tines

Abstract

A header for a crop harvester includes side drapers having a front edge adjacent the cutter bar and carrying crop to a discharge end roller at a center feed draper. A support arrangement carries the rear end of the discharge end roller to define an operating position in which an axis of the discharge end roller is at an angle to an axis of the outer end roller of the side draper with the rear end of the discharge end roller at a height below a height of the rear end of the outer end roller. This provides a main portion of the belt that lies in a common plane defined by an intermediate guide member and the outer end roller and a smaller portion of the draper belt between the guide member and the rear end of the discharge end roller which is twisted downwardly from the common plane.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 61/02 - Endless belts
• A01D 61/00 - Elevators or conveyors for binders or combines
• A01D 34/14 - Knife-bars

Abstract

A header is supported by a pair of hydraulic float cylinders, where a float pressure to the cylinders is directly controlled by an electronic control supplying a variable control signal to a PPRR valve arrangement to maintain the float pressure at a predetermined value. At the set pressure a predetermined lifting force is provided to the header. A position sensor is used to generate an indication of movement and/or acceleration and/or velocity. The electronic control is arranged, in response to changes in the sensor signal, to temporarily change the control signal to vary the lifting force and thus change the dynamic response of the hydraulic float cylinder. A lift force greater than that required to lift the header can be provided by a lift cylinder and can be opposed in a controlled manner to apply a controlled downforce by the back of the same cylinder or by a separate component.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 41/127 - Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines
• A01B 63/00 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements
• A01B 63/108 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements mounted on tractors operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means characterised by the location of the mounting on the tractor, e.g. on the rear part on the front part
• A01D 41/12 - Details of combines
• F15B 11/08 - Servomotor systems without provision for follow-up action with only one servomotor
• F15B 13/044 - Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors for use with a single servomotor operated by electrically-controlled means, e.g. solenoids, torque-motors
• F15B 21/14 - Energy-recuperation means
• F15B 1/02 - Installations or systems with accumulators
• F15B 11/10 - Servomotor systems without provision for follow-up action with only one servomotor in which the servomotor position is a function of the pressure

Abstract

A crop harvesting header includes a reel for controlling movement of the crop in the area over the cutter bar to the transport draper carried on two reel mounting arms for upward and downward movement and for moving the reel forwardly and rearwardly along the respective reel mounting arm. The reel has a plurality of reel bats with reel fingers projecting generally radially outwardly from the reel axis where the reel bats are pivotal to vary the angle of the finger driven by a cam track member. An adjustment component defined by a follower in a guide track along one of the arms is responsive to movement of the reel along the arm which causes the cam track member to be angularly advanced and retarded about the reel axis to different adjustment angles in dependence upon the position of the reel along the mounting arms.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 57/04 - Arrangements for changing the position of the reels

Abstract

The cutter bar of a header including two sickle bars is driven by a center drive system including a rotary input drive member driven by a motor, first and second rotary members each driven by the drive member about a generally upstanding first rotational axis. Each of the rotary members has an eccentric drive system for driving a respective sickle bar. A flywheel is driven by the rotary input drive member for common rotation therewith and the first and second rotary members are driven by a common drive sprocket to rotate in the same direction about the first and second rotary axes.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 34/30 - Driving mechanisms for the cutters
• A01D 34/14 - Knife-bars
• A01D 34/38 - Driving mechanisms for the cutters fluid

Abstract

A reel of a harvester including a cutter bar includes a plurality of reel bats which are pivotal so as to vary the angle of the fingers about the bat axis as the reel rotates and an end shield plate mounted on the reel at the end of the reel. The end plate has a peripheral edge located radially inward of an outer tip of the fingers with an apex at each of the bats and portions which are recessed from a straight line joining the apexes to allow rotation of the finger around the bat axis without contacting the peripheral edge. Each of the endmost fingers of the bats has a base which is axially inside the end plate and is bent longitudinally of the reel to define an outer tip which is axially spaced from the base to a position beyond the radial plane of the end plate.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 57/12 - Rotating rakes
• A01D 57/03 - Devices for leading crops to the mowing apparatus using reels with supplementary controlled movement of the crop-engaging members, e.g. of the tines
• A01D 43/06 - Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for collecting, gathering or loading mown material
• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 34/04 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having reciprocating cutters mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle with cutters at the front

Abstract

A reel includes a plurality of bats and an end shield plate mounted on the end of the reel at the crop divider which has a peripheral edge radially inward of an outer tip of the fingers with an apex at each of the bats and portions which are recessed from a straight line joining the apexes. Each of the endmost fingers of the bats has a base which is axially inside the end plate and is bent longitudinally of the reel to define an outer tip which is axially spaced from the base to a position beyond the radial plane of the end plate. A plurality of molded paddle blades are mounted to project outwardly from the end surface to clear crop away from the space between the outer face of the end plate and the divider.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 43/06 - Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for collecting, gathering or loading mown material
• A01D 57/02 - Devices for leading crops to the mowing apparatus using reels
• A01D 34/01 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus
• A01D 57/03 - Devices for leading crops to the mowing apparatus using reels with supplementary controlled movement of the crop-engaging members, e.g. of the tines
• A01D 57/12 - Rotating rakes
• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 34/04 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having reciprocating cutters mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle with cutters at the front

Goods & Services

Agricultural equipment, namely, windrowers, pull-type mower conditioners, hay and forage headers, grass seed headers, pick-up headers, and draper headers

Abstract

In a crop harvesting machine there is provided a pair of hydraulic float cylinders or springs for a header such as a rotary mower relative to a self-propelled vehicle, where a float spring force is controlled to provide a predetermined lifting force is provided to the header. The spring force is varied in response to detection of ground speed to decrease the lifting force at higher ground speeds. A position sensor is used to generate an indication of movement and/or acceleration. The electronic control is arranged, in response to changes in the sensor signal, to temporarily change the control signal to vary the lifting force and thus change the dynamic response of the hydraulic float cylinder. In order to reduce static friction so that the system can react quickly, an arrangement is provided for causing relative reciprocating movement in an alternating wave pattern between the piston and cylinder.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01B 63/00 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements
• A01D 41/127 - Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines
• A01B 63/108 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements mounted on tractors operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means characterised by the location of the mounting on the tractor, e.g. on the rear part on the front part

Abstract

A crop harvesting machine with a cutter bar on a header frame has a height control system which uses depending sensor fingers arranged in contact with the ground so as to measure a height of the cutter bar above the ground. The sensor fingers are controllably retractable under actuation from an operator in the cab or automatically in response to prescribed conditions being met. The actuator used in retracting the sensor fingers can also be used to adjustably control ground pressure of the sensor fingers in the deployed position of the sensor fingers engaging the ground. The header height is adjusted using laterally spaced apart hydraulic linkages which can be operated at different elevations relative to one another responsive to different height signals relating height of opposing ends of the header frame relative to the ground to also control tilt of the header relative to the harvester frame.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 34/04 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having reciprocating cutters mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle with cutters at the front

Abstract

A crop harvesting header with a cutter bar and a draper assembly has a draper which includes a front edge of the upper run of the draper arranged at a position adjacent to but spaced from the cutter bar and there is provided a sealing member extending along the cutter bar. The sealing member is includes a bracket and a strip of flexible material where the bracket does not include any rearwardly extending biasing portion and the strip, when free from loading forces, contains a distortion from a flat form so that the second edge portion is distorted from a plane of the first edge portion in a direction toward the edge portion of the upper run.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 43/06 - Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for collecting, gathering or loading mown material
• A01D 34/14 - Knife-bars
• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables

Abstract

In a rotary mower having ten generally horizontal cutter disks forming a total cutting length along the cutter bar of 16 feet, the discharge opening containing the parallel conditioner rolls and a parallel transfer roll has a width of at least 125 inches. This allows a first outermost one of the ten disks and approximately one half of the next adjacent disk to be mounted on the cutter bar outwardly of the discharge opening. A convergence system then includes only first and second impellers with the first impeller mounted on the first disk for rotation therewith and the second impeller mounted on an upper support above the impeller so that the second impeller hangs downwardly toward the second disk for contacting the cut crop and mounted immediately adjacent with the second impeller having a peripheral edge located at or immediately adjacent the vertical plane of the side of the discharge opening.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 34/66 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters having cutters rotating about a vertical axis mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle with two or more cutters
• A01D 43/10 - Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for crushing or bruising the mown crop
• A01D 34/73 - Cutting apparatus
• A01D 34/76 - Driving mechanisms for the cutters
• A01D 34/71 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters having cutters rotating about a vertical axis with means for discharging mown material

Abstract

A sickle cutting apparatus having a plurality of knife guards and a sickle bar having a plurality of sickle knife blades driven for reciprocating movement relative to the knife guards. The length of the cutting edge of each knife blade from a transverse rearmost cutting line at which a cutting action occurs is increased to a length greater than 2.2 inches; the width at the rear of the ledger surface of each guard is increased to greater than 1.2 inches; and the front edge of the blade is formed with an apex to shed crop material to one or other side of the apex.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 34/13 - Cutting apparatus
• A01D 34/18 - Guard fingersLedger-plates
• A01D 34/14 - Knife-bars
• B26D 1/45 - Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting memberApparatus or machines thereforCutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member the movement of which is not covered by any preceding group

Abstract

In a crop harvesting header with a center section and two wings where each wing is pivotal relative to the center section about a pivot axis extending in a generally forward direction which includes a balance system to maintain a balanced ground force distribution across the width of the header there is provided an automatic adjustment system for maintaining proper balance. The system includes a sensor which repeatedly, over a time period during which the header is operating, detects data relating to the positions, distance from the ground or weight applied to the ground of each wing frame portion, a processor arranged in response to the sensed data to calculate a value representative of the positions and an adjustment mechanism for effecting an adjustment of the balance system in response to the value.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01B 63/00 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements

Abstract

A sickle cutting system is mounted on a header for forward travel over ground having a standing crop thereon and includes a cutter bar with a plurality of knife guards and two sickle bars driven at a phase angle difference where the drive system has a phase difference control component operable to drive the first and second sickle bars at a first phase angle difference typically at or around 180 degrees difference to minimize vibration when no cutting action is occurring and at a second phase angle difference which can be at or around 90 degrees to minimize variations in loading applied to the drive system when the cutting action is taking place.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 34/30 - Driving mechanisms for the cutters
• A01D 34/13 - Cutting apparatus
• A01D 34/14 - Knife-bars

Abstract

A controller on a harvester vehicle is arranged to automatically identify a header in electrical communication with the vehicle upon key activation of the harvester vehicle. Programming instructions on the controller can generate notifications to the user based upon a state of activation of the float mechanism and the state of header identity detection. The controller also prompts the user to confirm the identity of the header if the detected identity of the header has changed. The controller also uses header identity to log usage hours of the header on the computer controller in association with the identity of the header such that maintenance schedules for a plurality of different headers interchangeably used on a common harvester vehicle can be tracked.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 34/00 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters
• A01D 41/16 - Devices for coupling mowing tables to conveyors
• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 75/18 - Safety devices for parts of the machines

Abstract

In a harvesting machine having an agricultural header which is adjustable in height, a computer controller includes programming instructions to allow an operator to associate a plurality of different harvester functions with a single programmable input button providing single-touch actuation. The input button is programmable to return the header height to a preset height value in addition to controlling position of one or more additional accessories such as a double windrow attachment, a deck shifting set of drapers of the header, and/or a crop compressor attachment, etc. Programming of the input button uses navigational inputs to select which functions of the machine are associated with the button, followed by a press-and-hold actuation to set the preset value of all associated functions based on the current operating condition.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/127 - Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines
• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 34/00 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters
• A01D 34/54 - Cutting-height adjustment
• A01D 47/00 - Headers
• A01D 41/06 - Combines with headers

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.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 34/00 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters
• A01D 34/04 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having reciprocating cutters mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle with cutters at the front
• A01D 61/00 - Elevators or conveyors for binders or combines
• A01D 57/12 - Rotating rakes
• A01D 34/14 - Knife-bars

Abstract

A crop header having a frame mounted on a vehicle has a sickle cutter bar and a draper. The draper is guided at its front edge by a longitudinally extending rail mounted on the frame. The cutter bar is mounted at spaced positions by spring blades attached to a fixed beam at the rear which allow up and down flexing movement of the cutter bar relative to the draper rail. At the center discharge the cutter bar is carried on shorter blades which are carried on a beam in front of the front draper roller. A locking device is provided for commonly and automatically moving the beam in a direction to lift the cutter bar into a raised position in which the cutter bar is locked against flexing movement with the locking device being operable in response to the cutter bar being raised off the ground.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 57/20 - Delivering mechanisms for harvesters or mowers with conveyor belts

Abstract

A draper having an additional strip of a resilient material attached on to the outer surface of the base layer at the front edge is connected at ends to form a continuous loop by a coupling comprising a first and second end edge which are turned so as to stand upwardly from the band and a clamping assembly clamping the upwardly standing edges together. The additional band at each end of the canvas is recessed from the outer surface and a strip portion formed of a flexible continuous strip material extending longitudinally of the additional band connects the two ends. The strip is bolted at each end to the recessed portion and has a thickness so that its outer surface is slightly less than that of the additional band thus forming in effect a continuation of the band bridging the ends of the canvas.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 61/02 - Endless belts
• B65G 15/56 - Belts or like endless load-carriers with edge-protecting or reinforcing means
• A01D 61/00 - Elevators or conveyors for binders or combines
• A01D 34/04 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having reciprocating cutters mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle with cutters at the front

Abstract

A harvesting vehicle includes a header having a cutter bar, a crop transport draper and a reel mounted above the cutter bar to sweep the crop to the draper. The operation of the header is autonomously monitored and controlled to reduce operator loads or to run autonomously by detecting: reel wrapping; differential rates of flow of crop on the header at different locations; where the crop to be cut is at least partly lodged so that stems of the crop are not vertical; the presence of a crop streak of uncut or poorly cut crop behind the cutter bar and/or a band of disturbed soil behind the cutter bar. The detector is arranged to control ground speed, header height, reel height and operation.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/127 - Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines
• A01D 41/06 - Combines with headers
• A01D 45/00 - Harvesting of standing crops
• A01D 47/00 - Headers

Abstract

A draper header is attached to a harvesting machine by an adapter including a bottom feed draper and an upper feed roller driven by a coupling from an output of the machine rotatable about an axis parallel to the forward direction and a right angle gearbox. The feed roller is mounted at each end allowing independent up and down floating movement of the ends and there is provided a mechanical linkage using two chains and an idler shaft between the output shaft of the gear box an input shaft of the roller with a universal coupling therebetween. The gear box is located at least partly underneath the discharge opening and underneath the feed roller, rearwardly of the rear guide roller of the feed draper, rearwardly of the axis of rotation of the feed roller and underneath a feed pan which is inclined upwardly and rearwardly over the gear box.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 61/02 - Endless belts
• A01D 69/03 - Driving mechanisms or parts thereof for harvesters or mowers fluid
• A01D 61/00 - Elevators or conveyors for binders or combines
• A01D 41/02 - Self-propelled combines
• A01D 41/06 - Combines with headers
• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 34/04 - MowersMowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having reciprocating cutters mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle with cutters at the front
• A01D 69/06 - Gearings

Abstract

A header is supported by a pair of hydraulic float cylinders, wherein a float pressure to the cylinders is directly controlled by an electronic control supplying a variable control signal to a PPRR valve arrangement to maintain the float pressure at a predetermined value. At the set pressure a predetermined lifting force is provided to the header. A position sensor is used to generate an indication of movement and/or acceleration and/or velocity. The electronic control is arranged, in response to changes in the sensor signal, to temporarily change the control signal to vary the lifting force such that the lifting force is reduced both when the crop component floats upwardly and when the crop component floats downwardly from an intermediate float position.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/06 - Combines with headers
• A01B 63/10 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements mounted on tractors operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means
• A01D 47/00 - Headers

Abstract

A crop machine having a first frame section pivotally connected to a second frame section, wherein each frame section is supported by hydraulic float cylinders directly controlled by an electronic control supplying a variable control signal to a PPRR valve arrangement to maintain a float pressure in each hydraulic cylinder at a predetennined value. The electronic control is arranged, in response to variation in a position sensor signal that provides an indication of movement and/or acceleration and/or velocity, to adjust the control signal to vary the lifting force of each hydraulic cylinder. A common accumulator is included, such that downward flexing of the second frame section forces additional fluid into a first hydraulic cylinder to apply additional lift pressure to the first frame section and upward flexing of the second frame section removes fluid from the first hydraulic cylinder to apply reduced lift pressure to the first frame section.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/127 - Control or measuring arrangements specially adapted for combines
• A01D 41/04 - Tractor-driven combines
• A01D 41/06 - Combines with headers
• A01D 47/00 - Headers

Abstract

A crop harvesting header includes a reel for controlling movement of the crop in the area over the cutter bar to the transport draper carried on two reel mounting arms for upward and downward movement and for moving the reel forwardly and rearwardly along the respective reel mounting arm. The reel has a plurality of reel bats with reel fingers projecting generally radially outwardly from the reel axis where the reel bats are pivotal to vary the angle of the finger driven by a cam track member. An adjustment component defined by a follower in a guide track along one of the arms is responsive to movement of the reel along the arm which causes the cam track member to be angularly advanced and retarded about the reel axis to different adjustment angles in dependence upon the position of the reel along the mounting arms.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 57/02 - Devices for leading crops to the mowing apparatus using reels

Abstract

In a sickle cutting system, it has been found that a significant reduction in average stubble length, which is calculated based on the distance crop is pushed forwardly without cutting occurring, can be obtained by a combination of features where the length of the cutting edge of each knife blade is increased to a length greater than 2.2 inches; the width at the rear of the ledger surface of each guard is increased to greater than 1.2 inches; and the front edge of the blade is formed with an apex to shed crop material to one or other side of the apex. Each blade has at least one cut out opening through the blade extending from a rear edge of the opening adjacent to but spaced from a rear edge of the blade toward the tip.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 34/14 - Knife-bars
• A01D 34/18 - Guard fingersLedger-plates

Abstract

In a sickle cutting system including a plurality of guard fingers at spaced positions across a cutter bar across which a reciprocating sickle knife passes, each guard finger has a forwardly projecting tip portion in front of a ledger surface and a rearwardly projecting tang portion connected to a rear end of the tip portion and extending therefrom over the ledger surface to a rear edge of the tang portion located over the blade. The lower surface of the tang portion includes a first portion adjacent the tip portion which is generally parallel to the ledger surface and a second portion adjacent the rear edge which is inclined at an angle away from the ledger surface. The width of the tang portion across the rear of the tang portion is equal to or greater than 1.5 inches.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 34/18 - Guard fingersLedger-plates
• A01D 34/135 - Cutting apparatus having oppositely movable cooperating knife-bars
• A01D 34/16 - Guides for the knife-bar in the ledger-plate
• A01D 34/14 - Knife-bars

Abstract

In a sickle cutting system, it has been found that a significant reduction in average stubble length, which is calculated based on the distance crop is pushed forwardly without cutting occurring, can be obtained by a combination of features where the length of the cutting edge of each knife blade is increased to a length greater than 2.2 inches; the width at the rear of the ledger surface of each guard is increased to greater than 1.2 inches; and the front edge of the blade is formed with an apex to shed crop material to one or other side of the apex. Each blade has at least one cut out opening through the blade extending from a rear edge of the opening adjacent to but spaced from a rear edge of the blade toward the tip.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 34/13 - Cutting apparatus
• A01D 34/135 - Cutting apparatus having oppositely movable cooperating knife-bars
• A01D 34/18 - Guard fingersLedger-plates
• A01D 34/14 - Knife-bars
• A01D 34/17 - Holding-down devices for the knife

Abstract

In a sickle cutting system, including a plurality of guard fingers in a row across a cutter bar with each guard finger having an upwardly facing ledger surface and a plurality of hold-down members with each hold-down member comprising at least one hold-down finger, the guard fingers and hold down fingers thus forming cooperating overlying pairs between which the blades pass in the cutting action the guard fingers having no portion elevated above the ledger surface thereof in front of the tip of the blade and the guard fingers and blades having lengths from the cutter bar arranged such that a forwardmost tip of the guard finger is forward of the tip of the blade.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 34/13 - Cutting apparatus
• A01D 34/18 - Guard fingersLedger-plates
• A01D 34/14 - Knife-bars
• A01D 34/17 - Holding-down devices for the knife
• A01D 34/20 - Ledger-plate bars

Abstract

A harvesting header is operable in a first mode of operation by engagement of a skid at the cutter bar for cutting along the ground. A gauging system operable in a second mode includes four ground engaging members supporting the header such that the cutter bar skid plate is at a controlled distance from the ground. The ground engaging members include a long skid and removable gauge wheels are carried on an elongate beam pivoted adjacent the cutter bar and extending to the rear of the frame and adjustable by an upstanding telescopic mast up to a position to allow the cutter bar to run on the ground. A resilient suspension can be provided at the rear of the beam at the junction to the post. The location under the table allows a very high adjustment of the cutter bar in the second mode.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables

Abstract

A harvesting header is operable in a first mode of operation by engagement of a skid at the cutter bar for cutting along the ground. A gauging system operable in a second mode includes four ground engaging members supporting the header such that the cutter bar skid plate is at a controlled distance from the ground. The ground engaging members include a long skid and removable gauge wheels are carried on an elongate beam pivoted adjacent the cutter bar and extending to the rear of the frame and adjustable by an upstanding telescopic mast up to a position to allow the cutter bar to run on the ground. A resilient suspension can be provided at the rear of the beam at the junction to the post. The location under the table allows a very high adjustment of the cutter bar in the second mode.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/06 - Combines with headers
• A01B 63/00 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements
• A01D 41/12 - Details of combines
• A01D 47/00 - Headers

Abstract

A header for a crop harvester includes side drapers having a front edge adjacent the cutter bar and carrying crop to a discharge end roller at a center feed draper. A support arrangement carries the rear end of the discharge end roller to define an operating position in which an axis of the discharge end roller is at an angle to an axis of the outer end roller of the side draper with the rear end of the discharge end roller at a height below a height of the rear end of the outer end roller. This provides a main portion of the belt that lies in a common plane defined by an intermediate guide member and the outer end roller and a smaller portion of the draper belt between the guide member and the rear end of the discharge end roller which is twisted downwardly from the common plane.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/06 - Combines with headers
• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables
• A01D 47/00 - Headers
• A01D 57/20 - Delivering mechanisms for harvesters or mowers with conveyor belts
• A01D 61/02 - Endless belts

Abstract

A harvesting header is operable in a first mode of operation by engagement of a skid at the cutter bar for cutting along the ground. A gauging system operable in a second mode includes four ground engaging members supporting the header such that the cutter bar skid plate is at a controlled distance from the ground. The ground engaging members include a long skid and removable gauge wheels are carried on an elongate beam pivoted adjacent the cutter bar and extending to the rear of the frame and adjustable by an upstanding telescopic mast up to a position to allow the cutter bar to run on the ground. A resilient suspension can be provided at the rear of the beam at the junction to the post. The location under the table allows a very high adjustment of the cutter bar in the second mode.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 41/14 - Mowing tables

Abstract

The cutter bar of a header including two sickle bars is driven by a center drive system including a rotary input drive member driven by a motor, first and second rotary members each driven by the drive member about a generally upstanding first rotational axis. Each of the rotary members has an eccentric drive system for driving a respective sickle bar. A flywheel is driven by the rotary input drive member for common rotation therewith and the first and second rotary members are driven by a common drive sprocket to rotate in the same direction about the first and second rotary axes.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 34/30 - Driving mechanisms for the cutters
• A01D 34/14 - Knife-bars

Abstract

A clip for a draper of a crop header is arranged to cover a portion of a cleat of a draper where the lower run of the draper comes into contact with a lower support track which confines the lower run to a location clear of the cutter bar and a forwardly extending beam of the crop header frame. The clip forms a channel which features teeth presented at an inside of the channel for biting into the cleat so as to retain the clip thereon with the teeth forming ramped surfaces which can slide along the cleat upon installation of the clip, for example by press fitting the clip downwardly onto the cleat.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01D 75/00 - Accessories for harvesters or mowers
• A01D 61/02 - Endless belts
• A01D 34/14 - Knife-bars
• B65G 15/42 - Belts or like endless load-carriers made of rubber or plastics having ribs, ridges, or other surface projections