Lubrication system for a cotton harvester

A lubrication system for a cotton harvester having a plurality of harvesting units. The lubrication system comprises a lubricant source for providing pressurized lubricant to each of the harvesting units to facilitate their operation and a control mechanism for measuring cyclic operations of harvesting units operating components during a harvesting procedure. The control mechanism controls operation of the lubricant source such that the amounts of lubricant provided to the harvesting units during a lubrication cycle is correlated to the lubricant usage of the harvesting units during the harvesting procedure. A salient feature of the present invention relates to a display for visually indicating the cyclic operations remaining for the harvesting units before another lubrication cycle is due to be commenced. The display furthermore provides a visual indication relating to the operating performance of the lubrication system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention generally relates to cotton harvesters and, more 
particularly, to an improved lubrication system for providing proper 
amounts of lubricant to mechanisms arranged on harvesting units of the 
cotton harvester. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
A typical cotton harvester includes two or more harvesting units for 
harvesting cotton from rows of cotton plants during a harvesting 
procedure. Each harvesting unit includes a rotatable harvesting mechanism 
comprised of multiple inter-related and lubricated parts. A typical 
harvesting unit includes a pair of picker rotor assemblies with doffer 
assemblies arranged in combination therewith. Each picker rotor assembly 
includes a series of picker bars which oscillate about individual upright 
axes. Each picker bar has a plurality of rotatably driven picker spindles 
arranged thereon one above the other. A driving arrangement within the 
harvesting unit transmits rotary motion from an input drive shaft to the 
picker rotor assemblies to drive the picker bars along a predetermined 
path of travel while concurrently rotating the picker spindles. 
As is conventional, lubricant between interrelated parts of the harvesting 
unit reduces friction and wear of the operating mechanisms. To inhibit 
premature wear and possible failure of the component parts of the 
operating mechanisms, therefore, lubrication of the harvesting units is 
scheduled on a regular basis. The number of areas on each harvesting unit 
requiring lubricant coupled with limited operator accessibility to such 
areas causes lubrication of the harvesting units to be a time consuming 
and laborious effort. Such effort is further intensified when up to five 
harvesting units on a single harvester require lubrication during each 
lubrication cycle. 
During a harvesting procedure, the operator has many and varied concerns 
relating to overall operation of the harvester. Lubricant is exhausted 
from the harvesting mechanism during the harvesting procedure. As will be 
appreciated, therefore, the quantity or amount of lubricant provided to 
the various mechanisms during a lubrication cycle will substantially 
determine the duration or how many consecutive operative cycles can be 
accomplished before lubrication of the component parts of the harvesting 
unit is required. 
Even the most experienced harvester operators find it difficult to 
accurately measure the remaining harvesting units operating or harvesting 
time before the next lubrication cycle is scheduled for the harvesting 
mechanisms. Misjudgments are often costly and expensive. 
Proper lubrication of the various component parts of each harvesting unit 
is further complicated in that the harvesting mechanisms on the harvesting 
units are typically intermittently operated in varying work cycles during 
a harvesting procedure. As will be appreciated, harvesters operating under 
different crop conditions require different lubricant procedures. As will 
be appreciated, under ideal or good harvesting conditions, the harvesting 
mechanisms may be continuously operated during the day. In less than ideal 
conditions, however, the harvesting mechanisms may be intermittently 
operated during the day. Of course, a harvester having harvesting 
mechanisms operated under a 100% duty cycle during harvesting operations 
will require more lubricant than a harvester wherein the harvesting units 
were operated under a 50% duty cycle during the operational cycle of the 
harvesting units. Moreover, the provision of too much lubricant in certain 
areas of the harvester can contaminate the spindles and harvested cotton. 
On the other hand, too little lubricant can reduce the life of relatively 
expensive components and increase downtime for the harvester. 
Thus, there is a need and a desire for a lubrication system which reduces 
the time and effort required to properly and accurately lubricate the 
harvesting units of a cotton harvester while providing an indication of 
the harvesting mechanism operating time remaining before the next 
lubrication cycle is required for the harvesting units. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
In view of the above, and in accordance with the present invention, there 
is provided an improved lubrication system for a cotton harvester having a 
plurality of harvesting units. Each harvesting unit on the harvester 
includes a harvesting mechanism which is intermittently operated during a 
harvesting process or procedure. The lubrication system of the present 
invention comprises a lubricant source for providing pressurized lubricant 
to each of the harvesting mechanisms to facilitate their operation during 
a harvesting procedure and a control mechanism for measuring cyclic 
operations of the harvesting mechanisms during the harvesting procedure of 
the cotton harvester. The control mechanism controls operation of the 
lubricant source such that the amounts of lubricant provided to the 
harvesting mechanisms during the lubrication cycle is correlated to the 
lubricant usage of the harvesting mechanisms during the harvesting 
procedure. A salient feature of the present invention concerns a display 
for visually indicating the cyclic operations remaining for the harvesting 
mechanisms before another lubrication cycle is due to be commenced for the 
harvesting units. 
In the illustrated embodiment, the source of pressurized lubricant includes 
a pump having an inlet connected to a reservoir and an outlet connected to 
each of the harvesting units such that lubricant is provided to the 
harvesting mechanisms on each harvesting unit. The lubricant pump is 
driven by a hydraulically driven motor whose operation is regulated by the 
lubricant system control mechanism. As will be appreciated, the duration 
of pump operation is correlated to the accumulated intermittent operations 
of the lubricated mechanisms as computed by the lubrication system control 
mechanism. 
The control mechanism of the lubrication system includes manually settable 
means for conditioning the control mechanism into various modes of 
operation. When set to an "Automatic" mode of operation, the control 
mechanism automatically activates the lubricant source after the 
harvesting mechanisms have accumulated a predetermined number of operating 
cycles. When set to a manual mode of operation, the control mechanism is 
conditioned to provide a signal that a lubrication cycle is required after 
the harvesting mechanisms have accumulated operating time of a 
predetermined duration. A third setting for the settable means conditions 
the control mechanism to operate the source of lubricant for an 
intermediate period of time selected by the operator through manipulation 
of the settable means. The lubrication system of the present invention 
further includes means for providing an audible alarm when a lubrication 
cycle is to be performed, and the settable means are set to condition the 
control mechanisms for other than an automatic mode of operation. 
The control mechanism of the lubrication system further includes 
programmable means for setting the duration of the lubrication cycle. As 
will be appreciated, changing the duration of the lubrication cycle will 
likewise modify the duration of the accumulated operating cycles for the 
harvesting mechanisms between lubrication cycles. 
The outlet of the lubricant source is preferably connected to each 
harvesting unit through a lubricant distribution system which directs 
substantially equal amounts of lubricant to each harvesting unit. A series 
of common lines direct pressurized lubricant from the outlet of the 
lubricant source to a distribution point on each harvesting unit from 
whence pressurized lubricant is directed to various lubricant receiving 
areas on each harvesting unit. 
With the present invention, a visual display is provided to enable the 
operator to make an informed judgment of the remaining operating time for 
the harvesting units before a lubrication cycle is due to be provided for 
the harvesting units. In a preferred form of the invention, the display 
furthermore provides an indication of the operating performance of the 
lubrication system. As an example, if the pump assembly fails to operate, 
the visual indicator reflects a display indicative of a pump assembly 
problem. Similarly, if there is insufficient pressure in the lubricant 
distribution system, the visual indicator reflects a display indicative of 
a pressure problem within the lubrication system. Thus, the operator can 
quickly and easily foresee the extent of operating time remaining for the 
harvesting units and can readily tell if the system is operating properly 
throughout the harvesting procedure. 
Numerous other features and advantages of the present invention will become 
readily apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying 
drawings, and the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, 
there is shown in the drawings, and will hereinafter be described, a 
presently preferred embodiment of the invention, with the understanding 
that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of 
the invention, which is not intended to limit the invention to the 
specific embodiment illustrated. 
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate 
like parts throughout the several views, there is shown a self-propelled 
cotton harvester which is depicted only fragmentarily and is seen as 
represented in its entirety in FIG. 1 by reference numeral 10. Cotton 
harvester 10 has a fore-and-aft extending frame 12 mounted on a pair of 
ground engaging front drive wheels 14 and a pair of rear steerable wheels 
(not shown). 
Positioned forwardly on the frame 12 are a plurality of individual cotton 
harvesting units 16. The harvesting units are preferably arranged 
side-by-side across a front end of the harvester and are laterally spaced 
apart a distance substantially corresponding to the distance between 
adjacent plant rows. The harvesting units are of generally like 
construction and, thus, only one harvesting unit will be described in 
detail, with the understanding that the other harvesting units are 
similarly constructed. 
As illustrated in FIG. 2, each harvesting unit 16 includes a housing 
assembly 18 defining a fore-and-aft crop receiving opening or passage 20 
which allows a plant row to pass therethrough. Each harvesting unit is 
further provided with a rotatable harvesting mechanism for removing cotton 
from a row of cotton plants passing through the harvesting unit. 
In a preferred embodiment, the harvesting mechanism includes front and rear 
picker rotor assemblies 22 and 24, respectively. Each picker rotor 
assembly 22, 24 is adapted to orbit along a predetermined path of travel 
within the housing assembly and alongside the plant passage 20. The picker 
rotor assemblies 22, 24 are conjointly driven in timed relation to each 
other by drive assembly 26 mounted at an upper end of the housing assembly 
18 and which preferably includes a gear box 28 which is driven by a 
harvesting unit drive shaft 30. 
The picker rotor assemblies 22 and 24 are substantially similar in 
construction to each other. Accordingly, only picker rotor assembly 22 
will be described in detail, with the understanding that the picker rotor 
assembly 24 is similarly constructed. 
As shown in FIG. 3, each picker rotor assembly comprises an upright drive 
shaft 32, a plurality of upright and hollow picker bars 34 peripherally 
arranged about the respective rotor assembly, a plurality of vertically 
spaced and rotational picker spindles 36 and other rotor components. 
As shown, the drive shaft 32 is provided with lower and upper support 
members 38 and 40, respectively, radially extending from and connected for 
rotation with the shaft 32. The lower support member 38 is rotatably 
mounted on an upstanding bearing support 42 which is suitably secured to a 
bottom wall 44 of the housing assembly 18. Above the upper support member 
40, drive shaft 32 is rotatably supported by a bearing 46 on a stationary 
cam 48 which is secured to the housing assembly 18 in the usual manner. 
Each picker bar 34 rotates about the axis of the drive shaft 32 and 
oscillates about its own vertical axis. As illustrated, opposite ends of 
each picker bar 34 are rotatably supported by the lower and upper support 
members 38 and 40, respectively. A crank arm 50 extends from the upper end 
of each picker bar 34. The free end of each crank arm rides in a cam track 
52 defined by the stationary cam 48 to move each picker bar and the picker 
spindles carried thereby along a predetermined path of travel as the rotor 
assembly is rotatably driven about the axis of drive shaft 32. A spindle 
drive mechanism 54 rotatably and individually drives the picker spindles 
36 extending from the picker bars 34. 
Each picker rotor assembly, including drive shaft 32, picker bars 34, and 
picker spindles 36 is driven by a drive mechanism 56 which derives power 
from the drive assembly 26 (FIG. 2). Mechanism 56 includes an input drive 
gear 58 arranged toward an upward end of the rotor assembly. As shown, the 
input drive unit 58 is rotatably is mounted on a monitoring sprocket 60 
which is keyed to the drive shaft 32 of the rotor assembly for rotation 
therewith. Thus, the rotation of sprocket 60 is directly correlated to 
operation of the harvesting mechanism on each harvesting unit. 
To facilitate operation of the harvesting units, a lubrication system is 
provided for supplying lubricant, such as grease, to various grease 
receiving areas on the harvesting units. The lubrication system 
hereinafter described is particularly concerned with providing proper 
amounts of lubricant to the harvesting mechanisms of the harvesting units. 
It should be appreciated, however, that the teachings of the present 
invention are equally applicable to lubrication systems which provide 
measured amounts of lubricant to other grease receiving areas of a machine 
having lubricated components whose operational duration is commensurate 
with the amount of lubricant provided thereto. The lubrication system of 
the present invention is indicated generally by reference numeral 66 in 
FIG. 4. Lubrication system 66 preferably includes a source of pressurized 
lubricant 68, a lubricant distribution system 70, and a lubricant 
controller 72 for controlling operation of the pressurized lubricant 
source 68 and thereby controlling the flow of lubricant to the grease 
receiving areas of the harvesting units 16 (FIG. 1). 
As shown, the source of pressurized lubricant 68 includes a pump assembly 
74 connected to a lubricant reservoir 76. Pump assembly 74 is preferably 
mounted on the frame 12 (FIG. 1) of the harvester. Input port of pump 
assembly 74 is connected to the lubricant reservoir 76, also located on 
the harvester, preferably above the pump assembly 74. Output port of pump 
assembly 74 is connected to the lubricant distribution system 70. 
In the illustrated embodiment, pump assembly 74 includes a constant 
displacement gear pump 78 which is driven by a hydraulically powered motor 
80. Operation of the motor 80 and, thereby, operation of the pump assembly 
74 is regulated by an electrically energizable mechanism such as a 
solenoid valve 82 which is responsive to a relay 84. As shown, the 
solenoid valve 82 controls the supply of pressurized hydraulic fluid from 
a hydraulic system on the harvester that includes a hydraulic reservoir 86 
mounted on the harvester frame. 
The lubricant distribution system 70 distributes substantially equal 
amounts of lubricant from the pump assembly 74 to corresponding lubricant 
receiving areas on each harvesting unit 16. In the illustrated embodiment, 
the lubricant distribution system 70 preferably includes a manifold 88 
connected to the outlet of pump assembly 74. The manifold 88 has a series 
of common lines 90 extending therefrom to each of the harvesting units. As 
shown in FIG. 3, at each harvesting unit, the common line 90 leading 
thereto is connected to a T-fitting 92 carried on the housing assembly 18. 
Conduits 94 extend from the T-fitting 92 to the front and rear picker 
rotor assemblies 22 and 24, respectively, of each harvesting unit. 
In the preferred embodiment, the bearing support 42 at the lower end of 
each picker rotor assembly defines a lubricant receiving chamber 96 which 
is connected to and receives lubricant from a conduit 94. In the 
illustrated embodiment, lubricant passes from chamber 96 through a spindle 
lubrication system 98. The details of the spindle lubricant system are 
fully set forth in co-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,972,663 entitled "COTTON 
PICKER SPINDLE LUBRICATION SYSTEM." Therefore, the details of the spindle 
lubrication system will not be set forth herein. 
The lubricant controller 72 controls the pressurized lubricant source 68 
and regulates the amount or level of lubricant provided to the harvesting 
units thereby providing the harvesting units with an operational cycle 
having a predetermined duration measured as a function of the lubricant 
amounts provided to the harvesting unit component parts requiring 
lubrication. As shown in FIG. 5, the controller 72 includes a 
microprocessor 100 with suitable memory means 102 and which receives and 
computes information from several different inputs. The controller 72 is 
connected to a source of power, such as the battery on the harvester. 
Controller 72 receives inputs from a harvesting unit cyclic monitor 106. 
Moreover, the controller 72 receives inputs from a time adjustment control 
108, such as a potentiometer or the like, which is settable by the 
operator. 
In a preferred form of the invention, a switch assembly 104 is located in 
the cab region (not shown) of the harvester and is settable to condition 
the controller 72 into various modes of operation. In the illustrated 
embodiment, switch assembly 104 includes a manually settable rocker switch 
110 which can be set to an "Automatic" position and "Off" position or a 
"Manual Start" position. In its "Automatic" position, switch 110 
conditions the controller to automatically initiate a lubrication cycle 
after the harvesting mechanisms of the harvesting units have been operated 
for a predetermined duration. In its "Manual Start" position, switch 110 
acts as a momentary contact switch which activates the pressurized 
lubrication source 68 for a predetermined period of time. Albeit movable 
to a "Manual Start" position, switch 110 automatically returns to its 
"Automatic" position upon release of the switch 110 by the operator. In 
its "Off" position, switch 110 inhibits activation of the lubrication 
cycle. When switch 110 is set to an "OFF" position, the lubrication system 
of the present invention provides a signal to inform the operator that a 
lubrication cycle is required based on the cumulative cyclic operation of 
the harvesting mechanisms. 
The cyclic monitor 106 includes a sensor 112 arranged on at least one of 
the harvesting units adjacent the periphery of the monitoring sprocket 60 
(FIG. 3). Sensor 112 monitors operation of the harvesting mechanism and 
produces an output used to count the number of rotations of the harvesting 
mechanism during cyclic operation thereof. 
The time adjustable control 108 serves a dual purpose. First, the control 
108 is used to set the length of time of operation of the pressurized 
lubrication source 68. Second, the control 108 selects the cumulative 
number of cycles to be performed by the harvesting mechanisms within an 
operational cycle of the harvesting units and between lubrication cycles. 
As used herein, the terminology "operational cycle for the harvesting 
units" equals a predetermined number of continuous or accumulated 
intermittent operations of the harvesting mechanisms. 
Turning again to FIG. 5, controller 72 includes suitable circuitry 114 
which conditions the microprocessor 100 when the switch assembly 104 is 
set in a "Manual Start" position. Controller 72 also includes suitable 
circuitry 116 for conditioning the microprocessor 100 when the switch 
assembly 104 is set in an "Off" position. Signal conditioning circuitry 
118 is also provided in conjunction with controller 72 for detecting fault 
signals from the switch assembly 104 and for conditioning the 
microprocessor 100 for "Automatic" mode of operation when the switch 
assembly 104 is set in neither its "Manual" or "Off" positions. 
Controller 72 further includes circuitry 120 connected between cyclic 
monitor 106 and the microprocessor 100. Circuitry 120 allows the signals 
received from monitor 112 to be converted into a count indicative of the 
operation of the harvesting units and more particularly revolutions of the 
harvesting mechanism of the harvesting units. 
The control mechanism 108 is connected to the microprocessor 100 through 
suitable programmable circuitry 122. The programmability of circuitry 122 
sets the duration of the lubricant cycle and furthermore sets the 
operational cycle of the harvesting units between lubrication cycles. With 
the present invention, both the duration of the lubrication cycle and the 
duration of the operating cycle for the harvesting units between the 
lubrication cycles can be modified depending upon particular harvesting 
conditions. 
As will be appreciated from the above, initiation of a lubrication cycle 
will commence upon energization of relay 84 associated with the 
pressurized lubricant source 68. Relay 84 is responsive to signals 
received from the microprocessor 100 of the controller 72 through suitable 
output circuitry 124. Signal conditioning circuitry 126 is provided in 
combination with circuitry 124 for detecting faults in the system. 
A salient feature of the present invention relates to a display for 
providing the harvester operator a quick and readily available visual 
indication representative of the cyclic operations of the harvesting 
mechanisms remaining in the operational cycle of the harvesting units 
before another lubrication cycle is due to be commenced. In the 
illustrated embodiment, an indicator assembly 130 responsive to the 
controller 72 is arranged in the cab region of the harvester for providing 
a visual display indicative of the continuous and/or accumulated 
intermittent operations of the harvesting mechanisms of the harvesting 
units relative to the operating cycle of the harvesting units. 
In the illustrated embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 6, indicator assembly 
130 includes a display 132 for graphically illustrating the continuous 
and/or cyclic operations of the harvesting mechanism since the last 
lubrication cycle, and the cyclic operations of the harvesting mechanisms 
remaining until the next lubrication cycle is to be commenced. The display 
132 can take many forms for indicating the full extent of an operational 
cycle of the harvesting units beginning with a first location or point 
whereat the harvesting mechanisms are fully lubricated and have not yet 
commenced operation and a second location or point whereat the lubricant 
has been exhausted from the lubricated mechanisms and a lubrication cycle 
is due to be commenced. 
Preferably, the display 132 is in the form of a bar graph which increases 
proportionately as the operation cycles of the harvesting mechanisms 
accumulate during a harvesting operation. As will be discussed 
hereinafter, the graphical display 132 will likewise decrease 
proportionately in response to the operation of the lubrication source 68 
thereby yielding a visual estimate of the harvesting mechanism's 
operational duration based on the lubricant provided thereto. 
The bar graph 132 is preferably comprised of a series of a illuminable 
elements 134 arranged in side-by-side order relative to each other. The 
controller 72 further includes suitable driver circuitry 136 interposed 
between indicator assembly 130 and the microprocessor 100 for operating 
the display 132 in a manner yielding a visual indication of continuous or 
cumulative intermittent operational cycles of the harvesting mechanisms 
relative to the operational cycle of the harvesting units. As will be 
appreciated, controller 72 progressively illuminates adjacent elements 134 
in proportion to the extent of cyclic operations of the harvesting 
mechanisms during the operational cycle of the harvesting units. 
As shown in FIG. 6, indicator assembly 130 may further include a display 
140 for visually indicating operational performance of the lubrication 
system during a harvesting procedure. Display 140 preferably includes an 
LCD digital display of the type capable of portraying different forms of 
indicia thereon. The indicia visible on the display 140 represents a 
particular condition of the lubrication system. The display 140 is 
likewise connected to the microprocessor 100 of controller 72 through the 
driver circuitry 136. 
Returning to FIG. 4, the lubrication system 66 of the present invention 
also includes a pressure sensor 142 which monitors pressure levels in the 
distribution system 70 leading from pump assembly 74 to the harvesting 
units. As shown in FIG. 5, sensor 142 is connected to the microprocessor 
100 of controller 72 through suitable circuitry 144 which conditions the 
outputs of sensor 142. 
The lubrication system according to the present invention further includes 
an alarm 150 operated from the microprocessor 100 through suitable alarm 
circuitry 152. Signal conditioning circuitry 154 detects faults in the 
signals provided to operate alarm 150. In the illustrated embodiment, 
alarm 150 emits an audible signal to alert the harvester/operator to 
particular conditions of the lubrication system of the harvester. 
During operation of the harvester, the cyclic monitor 106 detects rotation 
of the harvesting mechanisms 22, 24 of the harvesting units. The output of 
the sensor 112 of monitor 106 is received by circuitry 120 and computed 
into a count by the microprocessor 100 of controller 72. As will be 
appreciated, the harvesting units of the harvester are often times 
intermittently operated for different duty cycles during an operational 
cycle of the harvester. An advantage of the present invention being that 
the cumulated cyclic operations of the harvesting mechanisms are computed 
and stored in the memory 102 of the microprocessor 100. 
When switch assembly 104 of the lubrication system conditions the 
microprocessor for an "Automatic" mode of operation, the pressurized 
lubricant source 68 of the lubrication system automatically initiates a 
lubrication cycle after the harvesting units have been operated for the 
duration of the operational cycle. The predetermined number of cycles set 
for an operational cycle of the harvesting unit is programmable through 
circuitry 122. The amount of lubricant provided by the pressurized source 
of lubricant 68 is correlated to the operational cycle of the harvesting 
units by operating the lubricant source 68 for a predetermined period of 
time. As will be appreciated, the operation of the lubricant source 68 is 
likewise programmable through the circuitry 122. Thus, the amount of 
lubricant provided to the harvesting mechanisms is correlated to the 
operational cycle of the harvesting units thereby assuring appropriate 
amounts of lubricant are provided to the grease receiving areas by the 
lubrication system of the present invention during a lubrication cycle. 
A unique feature of the present invention is the ability to readily modify 
the length of the operation cycle of the harvesting units and the 
lubrication cycle to suit operator preference, machine requirements, or 
other variables. With the present invention, display 132 of indicator 
assembly 130 provides a visual indication of the cumulative or summed 
cyclic operations of the harvesting mechanisms as related to the 
operational cycle of the harvesting units thus allowing the operator to 
gauge remaining harvesting operation time before lubrication of the 
harvesting mechanisms would normally be required. With the present 
invention, the display 132 graphically increases proportionately as cycles 
of the harvesting mechanisms are accumulated during machine operation. 
This gives the operator the assurance that the lubrication system is 
working and allows the operator to estimate when the lubrication cycle 
should be or will be initiated. 
The lubrication system 66 of the present invention is configured to provide 
the operator with a choice of allowing the lubrication cycle to be 
automatically initiated by setting switch assembly 104 to the "Automatic" 
position or to allow the operator to personally gauge when the lubrication 
cycle is to be commenced by setting the switch assembly 104 to a "Manual 
Start" position. As explained above, the "Manual" position of switch 
assembly 104 acts as a momentary contact which initiates the lubrication 
cycle and then automatically shifts the microprocessor into the 
"Automatic" mode of operation for the lubrication cycle. Thus, upon 
energization of the lubrication cycle, as through movement of switch 
assembly to a "Manual Start" position, the source of pressurized lubricant 
68 is operated for a predetermined period of time as set by the circuitry 
122. 
Once the lubrication cycle has begun, the display 132 on indicator assembly 
130 decreases proportionately back to its initial position as the 
lubricant is flowing to the harvesting mechanisms. The proportional 
decrease in the display 132 provides the operator with an assurance that 
the system is operating and the ability to tell when the lubrication cycle 
is approaching completion. The decrease in the display 132 furthermore 
provides an estimate of how much lubricant has been dispersed during the 
lubrication cycle. 
Alternatively, the switch assembly 104 may be set to an "Off" position. 
When set to an "Off" position, the lubricant controller 72 is conditioned 
to inhibit initiation of the lubrication cycle of the pressurized 
lubrication source 68. Although the switch assembly 104 is set to an "Off" 
position, display 132 of indicator assembly 130 provides a visual 
indication of the cumulative operating time for the harvesting mechanisms. 
By setting the switch assembly 104 to an "Off" position, the operator is 
assured that the lubrication cycle will not commence at an undesirable 
time during the harvesting procedure. When the switch 104 is set to an 
"Off" position and the harvesting mechanisms have operated for the 
durational limit of the operational cycle of the harvesting unit, the 
alarm 150 will sound to alert the operator that a lubrication cycle is 
required. 
Display 140 on the indicator assembly 130 provides a visual indication of 
the operational performance of the lubrication system. The pressure sensor 
142 in the lubricant distribution system 70 determines if lubricant is 
flowing properly to the harvesting units or if a blockage occurs in the 
distribution system 70 thus preventing a flow of lubricant to the 
harvesting units. Proper fluid flow is determined by sensing the normal 
range of pressure within the distribution system and indicating a fault on 
the display 140 if the pressure is either too high or too low. This fault 
indication can be in the form of a digital display and an audible alarm. 
The display 140 will likewise visually indicate or portray a fault if the 
lubricant pressure source 68 is inoperative or if there is an electrical 
problem with the switch assembly 104. Likewise, the display 140 will 
portray indicia indicative of defect or fault with the audible alarm 150. 
As will be appreciated, the LCD digital display 140 allows different 
indicia to be visually portrayed for different faults within the system. 
Thus, the display 140 has the unique advantage of monitoring performance 
of the lubrication system as well as informing the operator through the 
indicia on the digital display 140 where a particular fault or defect 
within the lubrication system has occurred. 
The lubrication system of the present invention provides a simple and 
effective mechanism for providing appropriate quantities of lubricant to 
each of the harvesting units based on the operational requirements of the 
particular lubricated mechanisms during an operating procedure of the 
mechanism. Moreover, the lubrication system of the present invention 
eliminates the need for manual lubrication of multiple grease receiving 
areas and thus reduces the time involved in lubricating the harvesting 
units. Furthermore, the indicator assembly 130, forming part of the 
lubrication system 66, provides the operator with the ability to adjust 
the length of the operation cycle of the harvesting units to suit 
performance of the machine, machine requirements, and other variables that 
may occur during a harvesting procedure. Furthermore, the lubrication 
system of the present invention provides a display 140 for indicating 
operating performance of the lubrication system throughout operation of 
the harvester, thus reducing downtime and possible wear of the parts due 
to faults in the lubrication system. 
While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, 
there is shown in the drawings a presently preferred embodiment 
hereinafter described, with the understanding that the present disclosure 
is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention and is not 
intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated.