Patent classifications
A01B59/00
Implement offset arm
An offset arm for a tractor is provided. The offset arm includes a front hitch, a rear hitch, and a rigid connecting structure coupling the front hitch to the rear hitch. The offset arm also includes a front pivot point pivotally connecting the connecting structure to the front hitch about a vertical pivot axis and a rear pivot point pivotally connecting the connecting structure to the rear hitch about a vertical pivot axis. The offset arm also includes a rear pivot lock that selectively locks the rear pivot point to lock the orientation of the rear hitch relative to the connecting structure. The rear pivot lock can selectively lock the rear hitch in any of multiple orientations.
ATTACHMENT FOR A TOWBAR OF A TOWABLE APPARATUS
An attachment (1) for attaching to a towbar (3) of a towable apparatus (5), for example, a mower for hitching the towable apparatus (5) to either an agricultural tractor or a road vehicle comprises a mounting shaft (10) for securing to the towbar (3), and carrying a first gearbox (12). A second gearbox (14) is pivotally coupled to the first gearbox (12) about a vertical pivot axis (15) through which drive is transmitted from the second gearbox (14) to the first gearbox (12). A carrier housing (24) is rigidly secured to the second gearbox (14) and carries a first hitch (30) for hitching to a complementary hitch mechanism of a road vehicle, and a second hitch (38) for coupling a tractor (7). The second gearbox (14) is pivotal relative to the first gearbox (14) about the main pivot axis (15) between a first state with the first hitch (30) ready for hitching to the road vehicle, and a second state with the second hitch (38) ready for hitching to the tractor (7).
Hitch for a Material Handling Vehicle
A hitch configured to selectively latch to a tow bar is provided. The hitch includes a housing, a frame defining a receiving cavity, a moveable arm, an actuator configured to move the arm between an unlatched position and a latched position, and a contact sensor mounted within the housing on a slotted mounting plate. The arm is configured to engage the tow bar when in the latched position. The slotted mounting plate is configured to enable a position of the contact sensor to be adjusted based on a geometry of the tow bar. The actuator is activated by the contact sensor sensing the presence of the tow bar within the receiving cavity.
LOCKING MECHANISM FOR AN AGRICULTURAL HEADER
A locking mechanism for an agricultural header includes a rod configured to extend laterally along the agricultural header and a cam coupled to the rod and configured to engage a respective arm of the agricultural header. The arm is configured to support a cutter bar assembly of the agricultural header, and the arm is configured to rotate relative to a frame of the agricultural header. The rod is configured to rotate in a first direction to a first orientation to engage the cam with the arm to block rotation of the arm relative to the frame, and the rod is configured to rotate in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to a second orientation to disengage the cam from the arm to enable rotation of the arm relative to the frame.
AN AGRICULTURAL TRACTOR HAVING AN IMPLEMENT LINKAGE
An agricultural tractor having an implement hitch or linkage arranged to receive linkage balls of different types. The tractor is provided with at least one linkage ball holder which can be used to store unused linkage balls on the tractor. The linkage ball holder is at least partly formed from a resiliently deformable material, such that a linkage ball can easily be retained within the holder without the need for additional mechanical locking parts.
Off-board power and implement coupler for a work vehicle
An implement coupler including an electrical generator configured to generate electric power in response to a mechanical force provided by a power takeoff of a work vehicle. The implement coupler includes a support frame and an adjustment mechanism operatively connected to the support frame, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the position of the support frame with respect to the work vehicle. The generator is located on the support frame and is operatively connected to the power takeoff. The implement coupler further includes a drive shaft connected to the power takeoff and to the generator, an electrical coupler electrically coupled to the generator to provide access to the generated electrical power wherein the electrical coupler includes an output configured to provide the generated electrical power, and a line coupler including a connector configured to couple to source of material and to deliver the material.
Low cost implement positioning
A method for estimation of relative coordinates between two parts of a linked vehicle system. The system includes a towing vehicle and a towed implement or trailer. A first sensor is configured to measure the movement rate of the towing vehicle while a second sensor is configured to measure the movement rate of the towed implement. Both sensors interact with each other to measure the absolute distance between sensors. Using the known linkage geometry, relative distance between the sensors and relative rotation rates, the relative coordinates between the towing vehicle and towed implement can be estimated.
Self-propelled vehicles with extendable devices
Self-propelled vehicles for supporting and operating a device are disclosed. Example devices include agricultural devices. The vehicle includes mounting arms that allow the device to be extended forward or rearward of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the device is releasably coupleable to the vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle includes rear drive wheels and front caster wheels.
SETTINGS PROPAGATION AND SYNCHRONIZATION ACROSS MOBILE WORK MACHINES
A data propagation system stores operator/machine/implement combinations, and corresponding settings data indicative of settings on the machine or implement for the corresponding combination. When a machine is connected to an implement, an identity of an operator is detected, along with an identity of the machine and an identity of the implement. The data propagation system determines whether settings data is available for that operator/machine/implement combination. If so, the settings data is obtained and the machine and implement are automatically controlled based upon the retrieved settings data.
Connector system for mobile machinery
An apparatus for connecting an implement to mobile machinery comprises a first frame work, a slidable second frame work, and at least one support member. The support member provides support for the second framework as it slides back and forth along the first frame work.