Patent ID: 6199355
Filing Date: 2001-03-13
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
In a crop harvester havinga wheeled frame,a tongue pivotally connected to said frame in the vicinity of a longitudinal centerline thereof, said tongue being rotatable about a first generally vertical pivot axis,means for swinging said tongue between extreme left and right positions on opposing sides of said longitudinal centerline and being adapted at a distal end for connection to a prime mover,a drive line for transmitting rotational power from said prime mover when coupled thereto,a crop harvesting header suspended from said frame and being forwardly disposed relative thereto, said crop harvesting header having operable components for engaging and processing crop material as said crop harvester is moved forwardly,a gearbox for receiving rotational power from said drive line and transmitting it to said operable components of said crop harvesting header,means for mounting said gearbox on said crop harvesting header in the vicinity of said longitudinal centerline forwardly of said first generally vertical pivot axis,said means for mounting said gearbox including journal means for supporting said gearbox for rotation thereof about a second generally vertical pivot axis, andcontrol means for effecting rotational movement of said gear box in concert with the pivotal movement of said tongue, the improvement comprisingsaid control means comprise first and second electrical means, and means interconnecting said first and second electrical means in a master and slave relationship,said first electrical means coupled to said tongue for sensing the position thereof, andsaid second electrical means coupled to said means for mounting said gearbox for providing a force to rotate said gearbox under conditions where said tongue is rotated about said first vertical pivot axis.