Patent ID: 6651412
Filing Date: 2003-11-25
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
A crop-harvestina header arranged to be supported by the forward end of a tractor and comprising in combination:a main frame of substantial width and having a front end and opposing rear end, an upper portion and an opposing lower portion, and opposing lateral sides; a mechanism attachable to a tractor and connected to said main frame to support said main frame for vertical movement relative to the ground; a cutterhead assembly supported by he lower portion of said frame and extending between said lateral sides thereof to cut a swath substantially as wide as said main frame; a floating consolidating auger extending horizontally between said lateral sides of said main frame, said auger having oppositely spiraled helical flights extending inwardly from opposite ends thereof and a central axial shaft about which said auger rotates; an arcuate shield adjacent the lower and rearward portions of said auger to guide cut and consolidated crop material rearwardly; a drive mechanism connected to one end of said axial shaft of said auger and adapted to selectively rotate said auger in either forward or reverse directions, said drive mechanism including a slip clutch to allow the temporary interruption of Power transfer between said drive mechanism and said axial shaft when a preset counterforce is encountered by aid auger, and a positive drive to bypass said slip clutch when said auger is driven in said reverse direction; and said positive drive inducing: a hub affixed to said axial shaft; and a ratchet mechanism in driving relationship to said hub, said ratchet mechanism including a ring mounted on said axial shaft with peripheral ratchet teeth on said ring arranged to rotate said hub in said forward direction, but not in said reverse direction.