Abstract:
A remote control system and apparatus enabling safely accessing the interior of a cotton compacting chamber and other regions of a cotton harvester, and also operating aspects of the compacting apparatus contained therein and thereabout, and which system is optionally operable for operating other aspects of the harvester, for inspection, maintenance and/or service, as well as other purposes. The system requires initial steps, including to safely neutralize or lock out operating systems of the harvester, then enables accessing designated interior locations of the compactor and the ability to operate systems therein, including aspects of the compacting apparatus.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates generally to a remote control system and apparatus for accessing the interior of a chamber and other regions of an agricultural harvester, such as the cotton compacting chamber of a cotton harvester, and, more particularly, to a system and apparatus which enables safely gaining access to the interior of the compacting chamber, and also operating aspects of the compacting apparatus contained therein and thereabout, and which is optionally operable for operating other aspects of the harvester, for inspection, maintenance and/or service, as well as other purposes. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Currently, known cotton harvesters equipped with either a conventional basket type cotton receiver or holding chamber, or newer on-board module builder systems, typically include an operator presence system. Such operator presence systems typically include a seat switch, which disables the functions of the cotton harvester&#39;s harvesting units under certain conditions, which typically include the transmission of the harvester being in neutral, the engine at idle, the parking brake engaged, and the operator leaving the seat for any reason. In some known systems, prior to leaving the cab, the operator can use a tether engage switch which will allow the operator to connect a connector cord of a remote tether control handle to an outlet on one of the cotton harvester&#39;s harvesting units, which connects the control handle to a drive mechanism of the harvesting units to allow the operator to slowly turn the harvesting units rotors by operating a control switch on the control handle. When the control switch is released, the harvesting unit&#39;s rotors will stop turning. This allows the operator to visually inspect each of the picking bars and spindles of the rotor or rotors on each of the harvesting units. 
     Cotton harvesters equipped with a conventional basket system typically have a cotton-holding chamber within the basket structure, into which chamber cotton is blown into during harvest. Such basket systems typically include an unloading door on the left side of the basket, which door forms the lower side of the cotton-holding chamber&#39;s left side wall when the door is closed. Also typically located within the cotton-holding chamber is a compactor structure having rotating augers, the compactor structure being capable of being pivoted downwardly to increase the holding chambers capacity by pressing down on the cotton inside the chamber and moving it rearward with the augers. When the cotton-holding chamber is full, the cotton will then be unloaded from within the holding chamber by vertically raising the basket, opening the side door to a horizontal position, and operating unloading chains on the floor and door for moving the cotton. The cotton is moved by the unloading chains horizontally from within the holding chamber onto the door, and falls off the end of the door into a receiver, which can be, for instance, a boll buggy or a stationary module builder. A stationary module builder is then operable for further processing the cotton before being transported to the cotton gin. 
     Cotton harvesters equipped with an on-board module builder system have a cotton module-forming chamber within the module builder structure into which cotton is blown into during harvest. The module builder will typically have a primary unloading door at the rear which, when in its closed position, forms the lower rear wall of the cotton module-forming chamber. Also within the module-forming chamber is a vertically moving compacting structure with rotating augers that is used to form the module of cotton within the chamber by distributing the cotton front to rear, and pressing the cotton down against the chamber floor to increase the cotton&#39;s density. Reference in this regard, Covington, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,682,417, issued Jan. 27, 2004. 
     When the cotton module-forming chamber has a completed cotton module, the module builder structure, as illustrated and explained in the above referenced Covington et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,682,417, is tilted about the rear of the cotton harvester while at the same time, the primary and secondary unloading doors are opened, so as to form at the top tilted position, a continuous surface from the cotton module-forming chamber&#39;s floor and the top surface of the primary and secondary doors to the ground at an angle of 15 to 20 degrees. The unloading chains for the cotton module-forming chamber and the primary and secondary doors are then engaged and the module is moved out of the cotton module-forming chamber over the primary and secondary doors and onto the ground as the machine is moved forward. The cotton module requires no further processing other than transport to the cotton gin. 
     On cotton harvesters equipped with either a conventional basket system, or a newer on-board module builder system, it is necessary to gain access to the interior of the cotton-holding chamber or the module-forming chamber for inspection, maintenance, or service. For example, during harvest, cotton that is blown into the interior of the cotton holding or the module-forming chamber will typically contain amounts of small leaf trash, some of which will separate from the cotton and settle into the corners, crevasses, and ledges of the interior. Some of this leaf trash does not leave the interior during the normal unloading of the cotton from the basket, or the module from the on-board module builder. Also, cotton that is blown into the interior of the cotton-holding chamber or the module-forming chamber can contain small cotton filaments commonly referred to as linters, that separate from the cotton and cling to the sides of the interior walls and roof or edges of the compactor apparatus within the chamber. Some of these linters will also remain in the chamber after the cotton is unloaded. 
     Some governments require that, as a disease protection measure, a cotton harvester be cleaned and fumigated prior to entering from another jurisdiction or area where it has harvested cotton. Seed companies have contracted with some cotton farms to grow certain varieties of cotton on test fields for research purposes or certain varieties for seed. When moving the cotton harvester from a normal variety field that has been harvested to a test or seed field, it is imperative to clean the machine, especially the interior of the cotton-holding chamber or module-forming chamber, prior to relocating so as not to introduce contaminates into the cotton from these fields. Cotton producers that practice good maintenance will clean the interior of the cotton-holding chamber or module-forming chamber on a daily basis. It is also recommended to periodically inspect or service the unloading chains, walls, floor, roof, and the compactor structure and its augers in the interior of the cotton-holding chamber or module-forming chamber. 
     For the above reasons, it is necessary from time to time to gain access to the interior of the cotton-holding chamber on a harvester equipped with a conventional basket system, and to the interior of the module-forming chamber on a cotton harvester equipped with the newer on-board cotton module builder system. 
     On some cotton harvesters equipped with a conventional basket system, there are two two-position switches located on an operator console within the operator cab, operable to put the basket in the unloading position. One of the switches, referred to as a basket raise/lower switch, is operable for raising the basket up to its unloading height, and to lower it to its harvest position. Another of the switches is a door open/close switch operable to open the door to its horizontal unloading position, and close the door to its harvest position. Each switch can be used independent of the other. 
     To gain access to the interior of the cotton-holding chamber on cotton harvesters equipped with a known conventional basket system, the operator can open the unloading door to its horizontal position by depressing the door open/close switch. Since the basket raise switch is not depressed, the basket will stay in its down position and the door will open outward to a horizontal position. Access to the interior of the cotton-holding chamber can be made from the ground using a utility ladder to climb and step onto the floor of the unloading door, or by stepping from the machine&#39;s service platform to a small platform on the front side of the unloading door and then onto the floor of the door. From the floor of the unloading door, the interior of the cotton-holding chamber can be accessed through the side opening made by the unloading door being in the open position. Inspection, maintenance, and service can then be performed from the interior of the cotton-holding chamber. 
     It should be noted here that on cotton harvesters with a conventional basket system, the compactor structure and its rotating augers can be cleaned, inspected, and serviced from its raised position. Since there is no need to pivot the compactor structure down, the operator can turn the machine off after the door is opened prior to accessing the interior of the cotton-holding chamber. There is no need to engage the operator presence system as long as the machine is turned off or engage the tether switch since the remote tether will not be used. After the work has been performed with in the interior of the cotton-holding chamber, the operator can return to the cab, start the machine, and close the unloading door. 
     On cotton harvesters equipped with the newer known on-board module builder system, such as illustrated and disclosed in the above referenced Covington et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,682,417, typically there is an unload/harvest switch on the operator console within the operator cab, that is a two-position detent switch that controls the activation or deactivation of certain functions on the module builder system depending on whether the switch is set to the unload mode or harvest mode. When this switch is set to the harvest mode, a module forming computer program that controls the module compactor structure and the distribution augers attached to it, is activated, and the module builder structure&#39;s tilt and rear unloading door opening sequence along with the unloading chains are deactivated and the switches for these functions, are disabled. When the unload/harvest switch is moved to the unload position, the module compactor structure with the augers will automatically move to its top position, the module builder structure&#39;s tilt and unloading door opening sequence is activated, and the unloading chains operated. 
     Problems in gaining access to the module-forming chamber encountered with the known on-board module builder systems include that to open the rear unloading doors without tilting the module builder structure, the module builder&#39;s tilt cylinder raise function must be disabled. Then, to lower the module compactor structure for accessing it, the operator must place the unload/harvest switch in harvest mode with the machine running. The operator must then quickly turn the machine off so that the compactor will stay in the lowered position. This procedure is a time consuming and cumbersome operation. 
     Thus what is sought is a simple and easy means of opening the doors of a cotton harvester equipped with an on-board module builder system without tilting the module builder structure so as to gain access to the interior of the module-forming chamber for inspection, maintenance, or service. What is also sought is a simple and easy means of lowering the module compactor structure when the primary unloading door is in its open position for inspection, maintenance, or service of apparatus thereof, including the auger drive and auger mounting mechanism of the compactor structure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     What is disclosed is the use of the operator presence system of a harvester in conjunction with a remote tether control system, to activate from a remote location, an unloading door opening sequence without activating the module builder tilting function in order to gain access to the interior of the module-forming chamber for the purpose of inspection, maintenance, or service. Also disclosed is the use of the system to activate from a remote location the lowering or raising of the module compactor apparatus after the primary and secondary unloading door opening sequence has been performed in order to gain access to the components thereof, such as, but not limited to, the auger drive and mounting mechanism&#39;s inspection panels for the purpose of inspection, maintenance, and service. 
     According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the system includes a door actuator controllably operable for opening and closing a door to the cotton compacting chamber, and a compactor actuator controllably operable for raising and lowering a compactor within the cotton compacting chamber. Each of these apparatus can include, for instance, one or more fluid cylinders or the like. The system includes a connector in connection with the door actuator and the compactor actuator and configured for allowing connecting a remote control device in operative control thereof, respectively. And, the system includes a lockout device in connection with the connector and operable to activate or enable operation of a remote control device connected thereto to controllably operate the compactor actuator only when the door is in a predetermined position, which is preferably, a fully open position. 
     According to another preferred aspect of the invention, the system includes a switch in an operator cab of the harvester and in connection with an engine and a transmission thereof, the switch being connected in operative control of the connector and being operable to allow operation of the connector only when the engine is operating in an idle mode and the transmission is in a neutral operating mode. It is also preferred that the parking brake be set or engaged. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the lockout device can include a limit switch positioned in proximity to the door and configured so as to be in a first operating state when the door is closed and partially open, and in a second operating state when the door is fully open, which is the preferred door position for accessing the compacting chamber. 
     According to still another aspect of the invention, two of the connectors are provided, and the portable remote control device is operatively connectable to a first of the connectors and is operable using that connector to operate the door to move it to the open or access position, to place the limit switch in the second operating state. The remote control device can then be connected to the now activated second of the connectors, to operate the compactor actuator as required for inspecting, servicing and/or maintaining the compactor. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a cotton harvester equipped with an on-board module builder including module compactor apparatus in a raised position therein; 
         FIG. 2  is another side view of the cotton harvester, showing an unloading door thereof in an open position and the module compactor apparatus in a lowered position within the module builder, both as effected by operation of the invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a fragmentary rear view of the cotton harvester, showing the unloading door in the open position and the module compactor apparatus in the lowered position through the open door; 
         FIG. 3  is a simplified top view of the compactor apparatus; 
         FIG. 4  is a simplified side view of the cotton harvester, showing the module builder in a tilted unloading configuration with the unloading door thereof in an open position forming a ramp extending downwardly and rearwardly from therefrom; 
         FIG. 5  is a simplified diagram showing aspects of a control system of the module builder; 
         FIG. 5A  is another simplified diagram of the control system, showing aspects of the invention incorporated therein; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of an operator console of the harvester; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of a tether control handle of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged fragmentary right side view of the right side of the rear end of the module builder, showing apparatus of the invention; and 
         FIG. 9  is a high level flow diagram showing aspects of a method of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  2 A, show a cotton harvester  10  including a cotton module builder  12 , and a remote tether control system  14  constructed and operable according to the teachings of the present invention in cooperation with an operator presence system of the harvester, to activate from a remote location, a sequence for opening an unloading door  16  of module builder  12  without activating a module builder tilting function ( FIG. 4 ), and to operate module compactor apparatus  18  of builder  12  with door  16  open, to gain access to a module building chamber of builder  12 , and components of apparatus  18  therein, which can include an auger drive and mounting mechanism, as well as other components, for the purpose of inspection, maintenance, and service. 
     Cotton harvester  10  generally includes a plurality of cotton harvesting units  20  extending across the front end thereof operable for harvesting cotton from cotton plants in the well known manner. The harvested cotton is conveyed by air flows through a plurality of ducts  22  into an upper region  24  of module builder  12 . Module builder  12  generally includes an interior cotton compacting chamber  26  in which the cotton (not shown) is collected and compacted by downward movement of compactor apparatus  18 , as denoted by arrow A in  FIG. 2A . In  FIG. 1 , compactor apparatus  18  is illustrated in an elevated position within module builder  12 , and in  FIGS. 2 and 2A , in a lowered position therein. Compactor apparatus  18  is actuated at times during the cotton harvesting operation to distribute the cotton within chamber  26  and compact it against a floor  28  of module builder  12 , supported by a horizontal frame  30 . Compactor apparatus  18  includes a compactor frame  32  disposed above floor  28 , including front and rear cross members  34  and  36 , each of which includes opposite end portions which protrude outwardly from chamber  26  through vertical slots  38  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) through sides  40  of module builder  12  adjacent the front and rear ends thereof. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 3 , which is a top view of compactor apparatus, cross members  34  and  36  are connected to and supported by exterior side structures  42  disposed externally of sides  40  of module builder  12 , respectively. Interior ribs  44  extend between cross members  34  and  36  so as to be disposed within chamber  26 , and a plurality of augers  46  extend between the cross members between interior ribs  44  so as to be disposed within the central region of the compacting chamber. Augers  46  are rotatably driven by an auger drive  48 , which can comprise, for instance, a mechanism of shafts and bevel gears rotatably driven by a motor such as a fluid or electric motor  50 , all located within rear cross member  36 . Several access panels  52  are located on the rearwardly facing surface of cross member  36 , and can be removed for accessing drive  48 , for such purposes as inspection, maintenance and repair. Motor  50  can be suitably powered, for instance, by a pump of harvester  10 , in the well-known manner. 
     Each exterior side structure  42  of compactor apparatus  18  is connected to and supported for vertical movement (arrow A in  FIG. 2A , and in the opposite direction) by a compactor actuator  54 , which, in turn, is supported adjacent to the respective side  40  of module builder  12 , by a support frame  56 . Each compactor actuator  54  preferably comprises a fluid cylinder, and the cylinders are simultaneously extendable for lowering side structures  42 , and simultaneously retractable for raising the structures  42 , for moving compactor apparatus  18  downwardly and upwardly, respectively, within compacting chamber  26  for distributing and compacting any cotton therein. Pressurized fluid can be provided to actuators  54  by a suitable fluid source, for instance, a pump of harvester  10 , also in the well-known manner. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 4 , as a well-known practice, when a compacted body or module of cotton within chamber  26  is complete, and at other times, as desired or required, unloading door  16  is unfolded to an open position extending rearwardly in co-planar relation to floor  28 , and the front end of module builder  12  is raised relative to harvester  10 , to tilt module builder  12  as denoted by arrow B, for unloading the module. Drag chains  58 , located on floor  28  and also on the upper surface of door  16 , are operated to convey a cotton module thereover and onto a surface therebelow. The tilting of module builder  12  and the opening of door  16  are preferably performed simultaneously as part of an unloading routine which is automatically performed. The unloading routine includes as an initial step, automatically operating the compactor actuators  54  to retract to raise compactor apparatus  18  to its uppermost position within chamber  26 . Tilting is effected by a tilt actuator  60  which preferably comprises at least one fluid cylinder. The opening of door  16  is effected by a pair of primary door actuators  62  connected between frame  30  and opposite sides of a primary door segment  16 A of door  16 , and a pair of secondary door actuators  64  connected between the opposite sides of primary door segment  16 A and corresponding sides of a secondary door segment  16 B, although it should be recognized that alternative actuator arrangements could be used. Door actuators  62  and  64  also preferably comprise fluid cylinders which receive pressurized fluid from a suitable fluid source on harvester  10 , the fluid cylinders being extended to open the door and retracted to close the door. Here, it should be noted that for cotton module builder  12  illustrated, primary door segment  16 A, when closed, encloses the open rear end of the module builder, and secondary door segment  16 B is pivotally mounted to and located generally rearwardly of primary door segment  16 A so as to be unfoldable therefrom to form an elongate ramp therewith extending from floor  28  of the module builder (when tilted) to the ground or other surface located behind and below the module builder for the unloading of cotton modules over the ramp, although it should be recognized that the present invention as described more fully below, can be used with a variety of other door arrangements. 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 5 and 5A , a basic diagram of aspects of a control system  66  of module builder  12  of harvester  10 , and a diagram including modifications to incorporate aspects of remote tether control system  14  of the invention, respectively, are shown. The aspects of system  66 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , are automatically operable for controlling the operation of compactor actuators  54  during the compacting routine, and the operation of tilt actuator  60  and door actuators  62  and  64  during the unloading routine, is shown. Control system  66  includes a processor based controller  68  connected in operative control of a compactor raise solenoid  70  energizable for controlling a compactor control valve  138  for directing pressurized fluid flow from a pressurized fluid source  140  and along a fluid path  142 , to the lower end of compactor actuators  54  for effecting retraction thereof and thus raising of compactor frame  32 ; a compactor lower solenoid  72  energizable for controlling valve  138  for directing pressurized fluid flow to the upper ends of compactor actuators  54  for effecting extension thereof and thus the lowering of compactor frame  32 ; a door open solenoid  74  energizable for controlling a door control valve  144  for effecting pressurized fluid flow along a fluid path  142  to door actuators  62  and  64  for effecting extension thereof and thus opening of door  16 ; and a door close solenoid  76  energizable for controlling valve  144  for directing pressurized fluid flow along a fluid path  142  to door actuators  62  and  64  for effecting retraction thereof and thus the closing of door  16 . Controller  68  is connected to solenoids  70 ,  72 ,  74  and  76 , by suitable conductive paths  78 , such as the wires of a wiring harness of harvester  10 , in the well-known manner. Additionally, controller  68  is connected in operative control of a tilt solenoid  146  energizable for controlling a tilt control valve  148  for directing pressurized fluid along a fluid path  142  to a lower end of tilt actuator  60 , for tilting module builder  12 , at an appropriate time during the unloading routine. 
     Referring more particularly to  FIG. 5A , control system  66  also interfaces over suitable conductive paths  78  with various other systems of harvester  10 , including an engine control  80 , a transmission control  82 , and a park brake  84 . Still further, control system  66  interfaces with an operator presence system or OPS, which includes an operator presence system service switch  86  and other components such as a seat switch (not shown), and which also interfaces with engine control  78 , transmission control  80  and park brake  82 . Referring more particularly to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and additionally to  FIG. 6 , operator presence system service switch  86  is preferably located on an operator console  88 , located within an operator cab  90  of harvester  10 . Console  88  additionally includes an unload/harvest switch  92 , which enables an operator to select an operating mode for module builder  12 . 
     Addressing unload/harvest switch  92  first, when an operator switches switch  92  to the harvest mode, controller  68  is automatically operable to alternatingly energize compactor raise and lower solenoids  70  and  72 , for moving compactor apparatus  18  as required for performing cotton compacting routines. This can be done periodically, or responsive to cotton levels in chamber  26 . Controller  68  is also connected in operative control of auger solenoids (not shown) operable for controlling operation of auger drive  48  in the well-known manner, for rotating augers  46  for distributing the cotton as part of the compacting routines. When switch  92  is switched to the unload mode, controller  68  is automatically operable to move compactor apparatus to a raised position, then to operate door open solenoid  74  to open door  16 , and actuate tilt actuator  60 , for tilting module builder  12  to an unload position, as shown in  FIG. 4 . Drag chains  58  will then be operated for unloading a cotton module from the module builder. 
     Turning to the OPS, a common function of the OPS when activated, is to disable the functions of the harvesting units  20  for service, maintenance and/or inspection, under certain prescribed conditions, here, when the transmission of the harvester is in neutral, the engine is at idle, the parking brake is engaged, and the operator leaves the seat for any reason. With the OPS activated, the operator can operate OPS service switch  86  to power a service connector  94  that is located in a service box on one of the harvesting units. Referring also to  FIG. 7 , the operator can then connect a connector  96  of a tether control handle  98 , to service connector  94 , and using a switch  100  on handle  98 , manually operate the harvesting unit&#39;s drive functions while standing on the ground next to the unit. A cord connecting tether control handle  98  to connector  96  is of sufficient length to enable the operator walk to each of harvesting units  20 , to allow the operator to inspect, perform maintenance, or service each or any of the harvesting units. 
     As noted above, according to the invention, remote tether control system  14  is operable in cooperation with the OPS, to activate from a remote location, a sequence for opening at least primary door segment  16 A of unloading door  16  of module builder  12  without tilting the module builder, to allow an operator to gain access to cotton compacting chamber  26 , and components of apparatus  18  therein, including auger drive  48 , as well as other components, for inspection, maintenance, and service. System  14  is also operable to enable the operator to operate compactor apparatus  18  to move it to a desired height within the chamber, for inspection, maintenance, and service. To provide these capabilities, system  14  preferably utilizes tether control handle  98 , in cooperation with the OPS, to actuate from a remote location, at least door actuators  62 , as required, to open primary door segment  16 A to its fully open position, but without actuating tilt actuator  60 , such that module builder  12  remains in its harvest position on frame  30 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Preferred elements of system  14  include a service center station  104 , preferably located on the rear right side of frame  30 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . Service center station  104  contains two connectors, each of which is adapted and configured for connection to connector  96  of tether control handle  98  thereto. The lower connector  106  is connected by conductive paths  78  to door open and close solenoids  74  and  76  and thus is configured as a door open/close connector, and the upper connector  108  is connected to compactor raise and lower solenoids and thus is configured as a module compactor raise/lower connector. The connectors also preferably have a removable dust cap or caps for protection from the environment. System  14  is configured so that to service the rear of the harvester as mentioned, the operator will first set the OPS by placing the harvester&#39;s transmission in neutral, placing the engine throttle at idle position, and engaging the parking brake. This immobilizes the harvester. The operator activates connector  106  of remote tether system  14  by placing OPS service switch  86  in its on position, and unload/harvest switch  92  in its unload position. All this can be performed while the operator is seated in the cab. 
     The operator can then exit the cab and proceed to service center station  104 , or another person can perform the next step, which is to connect connector  96  to lower connector  106 , which will enable controlling door  16  using tether control handle  98 . Door  16  can now be opened to the position shown in  FIG. 2 , using handle  98 . As noted above, as part of the remote control tether system configuration, tilt actuator  60  is not connected to either lower connector  106  or upper connector  108 , so as to effectively be locked out, such that, unlike in the normal unload routine wherein module builder  12  is tilted, in this routine, this does not occur. Instead, switch  110  and another switch  112  on handle  98 , are enabled by receiving power from a power source  114  of harvester  10 , via OPS service switch  86  and suitable conductive paths  78 , so as to be operable to open and close primary door segment  16 A. Door segment  16 A will be opened to extend in the rearward direction from module builder  12  in at least generally coplanar relation to floor  28 . Since a cotton module is not to be unloaded, a continuous, flat ramp is not required, and secondary door segment  16 B can be suitably positioned in relation to door segment  16 A so as to extend downwardly to whatever surface is located therebelow, such as illustrated. For instance, solenoids  74  and  76  can be configured to operate both door actuators  62  and  64 , but to cease operation thereof when primary door segment  16 A is unfolded to its fully open position. This full opening of primary door segment  16 A is sufficient to allow an operator to gain access to the rear, open end of cotton compacting chamber  26 , by climbing up angled secondary door segment  16 B, or to climb directly onto open door segment  16 A using a stepladder or the like. 
     Remote tether system  14  additionally includes a lockout device  110 , the state of which must be changed to enable operation of compactor raise and lower solenoids  70  and  72 . Preferably lockout device  110  only allows operation of solenoids  70  and  72  when primary door segment  16 A is in its fully open position ( FIG. 2 ). This is preferably achieved using a limit switch  116 , disposed on a door stop  118  of frame  30  and positioned to be abutted by a triangular brace  120  on door segment  16 A when that door segment is fully open. Limit switch  116  is preferably configured so as to be in an open state when door segment  16 A is in any position other than the fully open position, and to be in a closed state when door segment  16 A is fully closed. Limit switch  116  is connected by a suitable conductive path  78  to power source  114 , and to a relay  120  of lockout device  110 , so as to direct power from power source  114  to the relay when switch  116  is in the closed state. Relay  120  is energized by the power directed thereto through switch  116 , and is also connected to power source  114  through OPS service switch  86 , such that, when energized, relay  120  will direct the power received through switch  86  to upper connector  108  via a suitable conductive path  78  connected therebetween. Tether control handle  98  can then be disconnected from lower connector  106  such that door  16  will remain in the position shown in  FIG. 2 , and handle  98  can now be connected to upper connector  108 , to disable operation of door solenoids  74  and  76 , and enable operation of compactor raise and lower solenoids  70  and  72  using switches  100  and  112 . For convenience, this can be done while the operator or other person is standing on the ground next to service center station  104 , and tether control handle  98  can be placed on primary door segment  16 A so as to be within reach when the operator climbs onto that surface. Now, the operator, while standing on door segment  16 A, or at another location, can operate switches  100  and  112  on handle  98 , to move compactor apparatus  18  to a desired position, such as that shown in  FIG. 2A . 
     With compactor apparatus  18  positioned as desired, the operator can gain access to auger drive  48  by removing access panels  52  as required, for inspection, maintenance, and service. The operator can also further lower, or raise compactor apparatus  18  as desired. For instance, the operator may wish to raise the compactor apparatus in order to enter chamber  26  to inspect and/or service augers  46  and other components located in the chamber, and/or clean the interior, such as by removing accumulated linters and the like. 
     After the above inspection and/or service has been completed, the operator can depress switch  112  to raise compactor apparatus  18 , or leave it in a lowered position. This is because when unload/harvest switch  92  is later switched from the unloading position to the harvest position, the compactor will automatically move where it needs to be for that particular mode. 
     At this point, if the operator has completed the needed work in the interior of module builder  12 , and can climb down from open primary door segment  16 A. Tether control handle  98  can then be disconnected from connector  108  and reconnected with connector  106 , and be operated to close door  16 , to render harvester  10  ready to resume harvesting operation. 
     Also referring to  FIG. 9 , a high level flow diagram  122  including steps of a representative embodiment of a method of the invention for initiating operation of the remote control tether system, is shown. As illustrated in decision blocks  124 ,  126 , and  128 , certain conditions must be met, here, the transmission of harvester  10  must be in neutral, the engine must be at idle, and the park brake must be on. And, as denoted by block  130 , and as explained above, OPS service switch  86  must be turned on, and unload/harvest switch  92  must be in the unload position, to activate the remote control tether system. At this time, remote control of operation of door  16  is enabled, as denoted at block  132 . As denoted in decision block  134  and block  136 , remote control of compactor operation is only enabled when the door is fully open. Actual operation of the compactor is only effected when handle  98  is connected to the appropriate connector, as explained above. 
     It will be understood that changes in the details, materials, steps, and arrangements of parts which have been described and illustrated to explain the nature of the invention will occur to and may be made by those skilled in the art upon a reading of this disclosure within the principles and scope of the invention. The foregoing description illustrates the preferred embodiment of the invention; however, concepts, as based upon the description, may be employed in other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are intended to protect the invention broadly as well as in the specific form shown.