Patent ID: 6202397
Filing Date: 2001-03-20
Classification: A01D,B65G

Abstract:
A harvesting platform comprising:a frame having spaced elongated side members;draper belt drive and idler rollers spanning between the frame side members;a draper belt wrapped around the drive and idler rollers for conveying crop material in a belt drive direction;a drive motor associated with the drive roller for turning the drive roller;a slide mount coupling the idler roller to the frame side members enabling the idler roller to move in the direction of belt travel toward and away from the drive roller; anda tensioning mechanism acting on the idler roller to urge the idler roller away from the drive roller to tension the draper belt, the tension mechanism including a linkage having a bell crank disposed within the draper belt coupled to the idler roller to move the idler roller when the bell crank is rotated, a strut coupled to the bell crank and a spring biasing the strut to rotate the bell crank wherein the force of the spring urges the idler roller away from the drive roller to tension the draper belt.