Patent ID: 8051632
Filing Date: 2011-11-08
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
1. A system for calibrating a header flotation system of an agricultural vehicle, comprising: a self propelled agricultural vehicle including a plant cutting header mounted thereon for vertical displacement relative to the vehicle; at least one fluid cylinder connected between the header and the vehicle and controllably operable in an operator selectable flotation mode for controlling vertical acceleration of the header relative to the vehicle; a fluid circuit in connection with the cylinder including at least one signal controlled valve disposed and configured for regulating fluid pressure between the cylinder and the circuit, including in the flotation mode to regulate a vertical acceleration of the header from an elevated position in absence of external upward force acting on the header; at least one motion sensing device configured and operable for sensing, in real time, the vertical acceleration of the header relative to the vehicle and outputting a signal representative thereof; an input device operable for selecting an input value representative of the acceleration of the header in absence of external upward force acting thereon and outputting an input signal representative thereof; and a controller in communication with the input device and the motion sensing device for receiving the signals therefrom, the controller being in communication with the signal controlled valve for outputting a control signal thereto, and the controller being configured so as to be automatically operable, when in the operator selectable flotation mode, for: monitoring the input signal, responsively determining a value for the control signal for regulating the acceleration of the header corresponding to the input signal, and outputting a signal representative of the determined value of the control signal to the signal controlled valve; and subsequently monitoring the signal from the motion sensing device; and