Patent classifications
A01B59/004
Method for orienting an implement attached to a three-point hitch
A method for adjusting an orientation angle of an agricultural implement includes arranging a hitch such that an upper link and at least one lower link is articulated to a support structure of the utility vehicle, and adjusting the orientation angle based on a target length of the upper link. The target length of the upper link is determined as a function of the orientation angle and as a function of a lower link angle.
ARTICULATING TONGUE ARRANGEMENTS FOR TOWED AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS
An articulating tongue arrangement includes a vehicle attachment section enabling attachment of the articulating tongue arrangement to a tow vehicle, an implement attachment section enabling attachment of the articulating tongue arrangement to an agricultural implement, and an articulating beam assembly located between the vehicle attachment section and the implement attachment section. The articulating beam assembly includes, in turn, a leading end portion movably coupled to the vehicle attachment section at a leading pivoting joint, a trailing end portion movably coupled to the implement attachment section at a trailing pivoting joint, and a beam assembly actuator coupled between the leading end portion and the trailing end portion of the articulating beam assembly. The beam assembly actuator is controllable to adjust an effective tow length of the articulating beam assembly, as measured along a straight line extending from the leading pivoting joint to the trailing pivoting joint.
METHODS FOR CONTROLLING ARTICULATING TONGUE ARRANGEMENTS UTILIZED IN TOWING AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS
A method is carried-out by a controller architecture coupled to a beam assembly actuator, which is included in an articulating tongue arrangement connecting an agricultural implement to a tow vehicle. In an embodiment, the method includes: (i) monitoring, via the controller architecture, an effective tow length of an articulating beam assembly further included in the articulating tongue arrangement, the effective tow length measured along a straight line extending from a leading pivot joint of the articulating tongue arrangement to a trailing pivot joint of the articulating tongue arrangement; (ii) determining, at the controller architecture, an effective tow length target of the articulating tongue arrangement based upon operator input, sensor input, or a combination thereof; and (iii) transmitting commands from the controller architecture to the beam assembly actuator to maintain the effective tow length of the articulating beam assembly in conformance with the effective tow length target.
Folding hitch
A hitch assembly having a carrier for attachment to a working vehicle. A pair of lift arms, link member and actuator are pivotally interconnected such that the hitch assembly is lockable in working and folded configurations. In the working configuration, the lift arms are secured to the carrier and the actuator is operable to raise and lower the lift arms. In the folded configuration, the lift arms are pivotable relative to the carrier. Extension of the actuator folds the lift arms relative to the carrier to move the hitch assembly between the working and folded configuration.
Working machine coupler device and working machine coupling method
A working machine coupler device includes a top linkage, a lower linkage, a detachable frame including a second upper coupler to be coupled to a first upper coupler, and a second lower coupler to be coupled to a first lower coupler, and a top linkage controller. The second upper coupler is coupled to the first upper coupler when the lower linkage is pivoted upward, and the first lower coupler moves toward and be coupled to the second lower coupler when a front portion of the working machine is moved upward, and the top linkage controller regulates the stretching and shortening of the top linkage to hold the detachable frame inclining backward, and allows the top linkage to be shortened until the working machine takes a working posture after the lower linkage is pivoted downward from a state where the front portion of the working machine is lifted.
Method for determining a physical parameter of an upper link
A method for determining a physical parameter of an adjustable upper link of a three-point hitch during a working operation thereof includes providing a lower link of the three-point hitch and an implement attachable to the upper and lower links of the three-point hitch. The method includes generating calibration data prior to the working operation of the three-point hitch, where the calibration data defines a relationship of a length of the upper link to an upper link angle defined between the upper link and a reference line. Moreover, the calibration data is used to determine a physical parameter of the adjustable upper link during the working operation.
MECHANISM COMBINING ARTICULATION AND SIDE-SHIFT
A coupling mechanism controls the location of the central primary draft load transmitting fixed-length link independently of the coupler. The coupling mechanism allows for translation in at least three orthogonal directions and for rotation of two distinct planes between coupled components, thereby providing a means for lateral shifting and articulation. The coupling mechanism mitigates unexpected rotation by restricting rotation along a longitudinal axis of the fixed-length link. Rotation of the coupling mechanism is furthermore controlled by means of a indexing turntable. The orientation and the position of the coupling mechanism is therefore determinant and predictable.
WORKING MACHINE COUPLER DEVICE AND WORKING MACHINE COUPLING METHOD
A working machine coupler device includes a top linkage, a lower linkage, a detachable frame including a second upper coupler to be coupled to a first upper coupler, and a second lower coupler to be coupled to a first lower coupler, and a top linkage controller. The second upper coupler is coupled to the first upper coupler when the lower linkage is pivoted upward, and the first lower coupler moves toward and be coupled to the second lower coupler when a front portion of the working machine is moved upward, and the top linkage controller regulates the stretching and shortening of the top linkage to hold the detachable frame inclining backward, and allows the top linkage to be shortened until the working machine takes a working posture after the lower linkage is pivoted downward from a state where the front portion of the working machine is lifted.
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.
THREE-POINT HITCH FOR AN AGRICULTURAL TRACTOR
A three-point hitch for an agricultural tractor includes a hydraulically actuatable lifting arm, a vertically pivotable lower link, and a lifting strut arranged between the lifting arm and the lower link. The lifting strut transmits to the lower link a pivoting movement on the lifting arm. The lifting strut includes a first fastening portion articulated to the lifting arm and a second fastening portion articulated to the lower link. The second fastening portion includes first and second fastening segments which encompass the lower link in a fork-shaped manner. A bearing pin disposed between the two fastening segments extends through a slot formed in the lower link. By pivoting the lower link, the bearing pin is displaced inside the slot between a first working position and a second working position. In each position, the bearing pin is secured inside the slot by a blocking arrangement.