Patent Publication Number: US-2022232776-A1

Title: Mower conditioner impeller hood actuating mechanism

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure generally relates to a harvesting apparatus for an agricultural machine, and more particularly to a crop conditioning system for the harvesting apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A harvesting apparatus may be coupled to an agricultural machine, and may be used to cut and condition crop material, such as but not limited to hay and forage. The harvesting apparatus may be attached to a forward end of the agricultural machine, such as a self-propelled windrower, which pushes the harvesting apparatus. In other embodiments, the harvesting apparatus may be attached to a rearward end of the agricultural machine, such as a tractor, which pulls the harvesting apparatus. 
     The harvesting apparatus includes a crop conditioning system that conditions the cut crop material. As used herein, “crop conditioning” or “conditioned crop material” includes processing the cut crop material to bend, crimp, and/or crack open stem and stalk portions of the cut crop material, and at least partially remove a wax material from the cut crop material, for the purpose of releasing moisture from the cut crop material and reducing dry-down time of the crop material. Once the crop conditioning system has conditioned the cut crop material, a swathboard at least partially forms the crop material into a swath having a desired width and/or depth. 
     One configuration of the crop conditioning system includes a crop conditioning element, often referred to as an impeller, that cooperates with a hood. The crop material passes through a gap formed between the hood and the impeller. The amount of crop conditioning and/or the volume of crop material that may be conditioned per unit time is dependent upon the size or width of the gap. An increase in the gap decreases the amount of crop conditioning and/or increases the amount of crop material that may be conditioned during a given time period, whereas a decrease in the gap increases the amount of crop conditioning and/or decreases the amount of crop material that may be conditioned during a given time period. 
     The hood may be moveable relative to the frame to adjust the gap setting. In a standard or typical crop conditioning system, the hood may be pivotably mounted to a support near a rearward end of the hood, for rotation about a hood rotation axis. A forward end of the hood is raised or lowered to adjust the gap setting. This configuration causes the hood to rotate about the hood rotation axis. This rotational movement causes the forward end of the hood to move upward and forward relative to the impeller, thereby changing not only the gap setting, but also the orientation of the hood relative to the impeller. For example, the location of the narrowest portion of the gap, i.e., the pinch point, may change relative to the impeller, and/or the entrance angle or feed angle into the gap formed between a leading edge of the hood and a horizontal axis may change. These changes in the orientation of the hood relative to the impeller caused by adjusting the gap setting affects the performance of the crop conditioning system. 
     SUMMARY 
     A harvesting apparatus for an agricultural machine is provided. The harvesting apparatus includes a frame and a cutting mechanism coupled to the frame. The cutting mechanism is operable to cut crop material. The harvesting apparatus further includes a crop conditioning system. The crop conditioning system includes a crop conditioning element coupled to the frame, and a hood moveable relative to the crop conditioning element. The hood includes a first lift connection and a second lift connection. An actuating system moveably connects the hood to the frame. The actuating system includes a driven lever arm rotatably attached to the frame for rotation about a lever rotation axis. The driven lever arm includes a first lever connection and a second lever connection positioned opposite each other across the lever rotation axis. A first pivot assembly is rotatably attached to the frame for rotation about a first pivot axis. The first pivot assembly includes a first pivot connection coupled to the first lever connection of the driven lever arm, and a second pivot connection coupled to the first lift location of the hood. A second pivot assembly is rotatably attached to the frame for rotation about a second pivot axis. The second pivot assembly includes a third pivot connection coupled to the second lever connection of the driven lever arm, and a fourth pivot connection coupled to the second lift location of the hood. 
     In one aspect of the disclosure, the first lever connection and the first pivot connection are positioned relative to the lever rotation axis and the first pivot axis respectively such that rotation of the driven lever arm in a first rotational direction rotates the first pivot assembly in the first rotational direction, and rotation of the driven lever arm in a second rotational direction rotates the first pivot assembly in the second rotational direction. In another aspect of the disclosure, the second lever connection and the third pivot connection are positioned relative to the lever rotation axis and the second pivot axis respectively such that rotation of the driven lever arm in the first rotational direction rotates the second pivot assembly in the second rotational direction, and rotation of the driven lever arm in the second rotational direction rotates the second pivot assembly in the first rotational direction. 
     In one aspect of the disclosure, rotation of the first pivot assembly about the first pivot axis in the first rotational direction and rotation of the second pivot assembly about the second pivot axis in the second rotational direction moves the hood away from the crop conditioning element. In contrast, rotation of the first pivot assembly about the first pivot axis in the second rotational direction and rotation of the second pivot assembly about the second pivot axis in the first rotational direction moves the hood toward the crop condition element. 
     In one aspect of the disclosure, the second pivot connection is positioned relative to the first pivot axis and the first pivot connection to travel in a substantially upward vertical direction in response to rotation of the first pivot assembly in the first rotational direction, and travel in a substantially downward vertical direction in response to rotation of the first pivot assembly in a second rotational direction. In contrast, the fourth pivot connection is positioned relative to the second pivot axis and the third pivot connection to travel in a substantially upward vertical direction in response to rotation of the second pivot assembly in the second rotational direction, and travel in a substantially downward vertical direction in response to rotation of the second pivot assembly in the first rotational direction. 
     In one aspect of the disclosure, a first link interconnects the first lever connection of the driven lever arm and the first pivot connection of the first pivot assembly. A second link interconnects the second lever connection of the driven lever arm and the third pivot connection of the second pivot assembly. A third link interconnects the second pivot connection of the first pivot assembly and the first lift connection of the hood. A fourth link interconnects the fourth pivot connection of the second pivot assembly and the second lift connection of the hood. 
     In one aspect of the disclosure, the first lift connection may be positioned along a central longitudinal axis of the frame at a location that is forward of the second lift connection relative to a direction of forward travel when cutting the crop material. In another aspect of the disclosure, the first pivot assembly may be positioned along the central longitudinal axis of the frame forward of the second pivot assembly relative to the direction of forward travel. 
     In one aspect of the disclosure, a bar interconnects the hood and the frame. The bar is attached to the hood at a first bar mount, and is attached to the frame at a second bar mount. The first bar mount may be positioned along the central longitudinal axis of the frame forward of the second bar mount relative to the direction of forward travel. Additionally, the first bar mount may be positioned along the central longitudinal axis of the frame forward of the first lift connection relative to the direction of forward travel. 
     In one aspect of the disclosure, the actuating system includes an actuator that is coupled to the driven lever arm. The actuator is operable to rotate the driven lever arm in at least one of a first rotational direction, e.g., clockwise, or a second rotational direction, e.g., counterclockwise. In one implementation, a drive shaft interconnects the actuator and the driven lever arm. The drive shaft is operable to transmit torque between the actuator and the driven lever arm. 
     In one aspect of the disclosure, the lever rotation axis, the first pivot axis, and the second pivot axis are parallel with each other and extend perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the frame, across a width of the frame. 
     Accordingly, the actuating system described herein moves the hood relative to the crop conditioning element with minimal change to the orientation of the hood relative to the crop conditioning element. As such, the gap setting between the hood and the crop conditioning element may be adjusted without significantly changing the pinch point location between the hood and the crop conditioning element, or without significantly changing the entrance angle into the gap. 
     The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present teachings are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the teachings when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view of a harvesting apparatus. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic cross sectional view of the harvesting apparatus. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic perspective view of an actuating system of the harvesting apparatus from a forward viewing angle. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic perspective view of the actuating system from a rearward viewing angle. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic side cross sectional view of the harvesting apparatus showing a hood in a first position (raised) relative to a crop conditioning element. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic side cross sectional view of the harvesting apparatus showing the hood in a second (lowered) position relative to the crop conditioning element. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” “bottom,” etc., are used descriptively for the figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the disclosure, as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the teachings may be described herein in terms of functional and/or logical block components and/or various processing steps. It should be realized that such block components may be comprised of any number of hardware, software, and/or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. 
     Terms of degree, such as “generally”, “substantially” or “approximately” are understood by those of ordinary skill to refer to reasonable ranges outside of a given value or orientation, for example, general tolerances or positional relationships associated with manufacturing, assembly, and use of the described embodiments. 
     Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, a harvesting apparatus is generally shown at  20 . The exemplary embodiment of the harvesting apparatus  20  shown in the Figures is configured for mounting to a forward end of an agricultural machine, such as a self-propelled windrower. However, it should be appreciated that the teachings of this disclosure may be applied to other platforms, such as but not limited to, the harvesting apparatus  20  being configured for connection to a conventional tractor, i.e., the harvesting apparatus  20  being a mower-conditioner drawn behind the tractor. 
     The harvesting apparatus  20  is operable to mow and gather standing crop material in a field, condition the cut crop material as it moves through the harvesting apparatus  20  to improve is drying characteristics, and then return the conditioned, cut crop material to the field in a windrow or swath. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-2 , the harvesting apparatus  20  includes a frame  22 . The frame  22  may include, but is not limited to, the various members, panels, supports, braces, beams, brackets, etc., necessary to support the various components and systems of the harvesting apparatus  20  as described below. The frame  22  extends along a central longitudinal axis  24 , which generally corresponds to and is parallel with a direction of forward travel  26  of the harvesting apparatus  20  when cutting crop material. In one embodiment, the frame  22  may be attached to a forward end of the agricultural machine. In other embodiments, the frame  22  may be attached to the agricultural machine with a drawbar and drawn behind the agricultural machine. 
     The harvesting apparatus  20  further includes a cutting mechanism  28 . The cutting mechanism  28  is coupled to the frame  22 , and is operable to cut standing crop material in a field. The cutting mechanism  28  may include any mechanism that is capable of cutting the crop material. As shown in the Figures, the cutting mechanism  28  is embodied as a rotary disc cutter bar  30 . However, the cutting mechanism  28  is not limited to the exemplary embodiment of the rotary disc cutter bar  30 . As such, it should be appreciated that the cutting mechanism  28  may vary from the exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures and described herein. 
     The exemplary embodiment of the cutting mechanism  28  includes a cutter bar  30  supported by the frame  22 . The cutter bar  30  extends along an axis that is disposed generally transverse to the direction of forward travel  26  of the harvesting apparatus  20  when cutting the crop material. The cutter bar  30  includes a plurality of cutting discs  32  spaced along the cutter bar  30  for rotation about respective vertical axes. Each of the cutting discs  32  is coupled to an upright drive shaft to which power is coupled for causing them to rotate in appropriate directions, for delivering cut crop material to an auger  34  disposed rearward of the cutting mechanism  28 . 
     The auger  34  is rotatably mounted to the frame  22 , and passes in front of a crop conditioning system  36 . In particular, the auger  34  is positioned in front of and lower than the crop conditioning system  36 . The auger  34  includes a central cylindrical drum with a central portion and outer ends. The outer ends of the auger  34  include flighting, and a plurality of fins is attached to the central portion. In operation, the design of the auger  34  enables the delivery of cut crop material into the crop conditioning system  36 . 
     The cutting mechanism  28  delivers cut crop material to the auger  34 , which in turn delivers the cut crop material rearward for further processing by the crop conditioning system  36 . The conditioned crop material is expelled rearward by the crop conditioning system  36 , and is formed into a windrow or swath by upright right and left forming panels (not shown) and a swathboard  38 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the crop conditioning system  36  includes a crop conditioning element  40  and a hood  42  associated therewith. The hood  42  is disposed above the crop conditioning element  40  to form a gap  44  therebetween. The crop conditioning element  40  is coupled to the frame  22 , and is positioned relative to the frame  22  at a location rearward of the cutting mechanism  28 , relative to the direction of forward travel  26  of the harvesting apparatus  20 , for receiving cut crop material from the cutting mechanism  28 . As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the crop conditioning element  40  is embodied as a crop conditioning impeller. However, it should be appreciated that the crop conditioning element  40  may be embodied as some other device, such as abut not limited to a crop conditioning roll. The crop conditioning element  40  is rotatably driven in a clockwise direction, as viewed on the page of  FIGS. 2 and 5-6 , about an impeller axis  46 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures and described herein, the crop conditioning element  40  (e.g., the impeller shown in the Figures) may be formed as an elongated cylindrical drum  48  having a plurality of tines  50  or arms coupled to the drum at a radial distance from the impeller axis  46 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures and described herein, each of the plurality of tines  50  is disposed substantially tangentially with respect to the cylindrical drum  48 . 
     The crop conditioning element  40  may be coupled to the harvesting apparatus  20  rearward and upward relative to the auger  34 . The crop conditioning element  40  is rotatably driven such that the cut crop material is received from the auger  34 , and directed around the crop conditioning element  40 , between the hood  42  and the crop conditioning element  40 , thereby conveying and/or conditioning the crop. As noted above, the terms “crop conditioning” or “conditioned crop material” include the processing of cut crop material to bend, crimp, and/or crack open stem and stalk portions of the cut crop material, and at least partially remove a wax material from the cut crop material, for the purpose of releasing moisture from the cut crop material and reducing dry-down time of the crop material. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-6 , the hood  42  is disposed above the crop conditioning element  40  to form the gap  44  between the hood  42  and the crop conditioning element  40 . The hood  42  is moveably mounted to the frame  22  above the crop conditioning element  40  for movement relative to the crop conditioning element  40 . The hood  42  is moveable toward and away from the crop conditioning element  40  for adjusting the gap  44  therebetween. As is understood by those skilled in the art, adjusting the gap  44  changes the amount of crop conditioning and/or the volume of cut crop material that may be processed. For example, increasing the gap  44  distance for a given volume of cut crop material decreases the friction between hood  42  and the crop conditioning element  40 , which decreases the amount of crop conditioning. In contrast, decreasing the gap  44  distance for a given volume of cut crop material increases the friction between the hood  42  and the crop conditioning element  40 , which increases the amount of crop conditioning. The gap  44  distance may further be adjusted to maintain a given amount of crop conditioning when the volume of cut material passing through the crop conditioning system  36  changes. For example, a higher volume of cut crop material may require that the gap  44  distance be increased to maintain a desired amount of crop conditioning, whereas as lower volume of cut crop material may require that the gap  44  distance be decreased to maintain a desired amount of crop conditioning. 
     The swathboard  38  is attached to and moveable with the hood  42 . The swathboard  38  may be attached to the hood  42  such that the swathboard  38  maintains an operating position relative to the hood  42  during movement with the hood  42  toward and away from the crop conditioning element  40 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures and described herein, the swathboard  38  is rotatably attached to the hood  42  for movement about a swathboard axis  52 , between a plurality of operating positions relative to the hood  42 . The swathboard  38  is adjustable between the plurality of operating positions, relative to the hood  42 , based on how the conditioned crop material is to be discharged rearwardly form the harvesting apparatus  20 . For example, the swathboard  38  may be adjusted such that the conditioned crop material is discharged laterally rearwardly in a direction opposite the direction of travel of the harvesting apparatus  20 . In another example, the swathboard  38  may be adjusted such that the conditioned crop material is discharged rearwardly and downwardly toward the ground surface. The swathboard  38  may further be adjusted to discharge the conditioned crop material based on a desired width and/or depth of the windrow or swath. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 2 , the crop conditioning system  36  includes an adjustment mechanism  54  attached to and moveable with the hood  42 . The adjustment mechanism  54  is coupled to the swathboard  38 , and is operable to rotate the swathboard  38  relative to the hood  42  and about the swathboard axis  52 , between each of the plurality of operating positions. Because the adjustment mechanism  54  is attached to and moves with the hood  42 , instead of the frame  22 , the position of the swathboard  38  relative to the hood  42  remains constant as the hood  42  moves relative to the crop conditioning element  40 . 
     The harvesting apparatus  20  further includes an actuating system  56  moveably connecting the hood  42  to the frame  22  and configured for moving the hood  42 . The actuating system  56  is controllable to move the hood  42  toward and away from the crop conditioning element  40 . The hood  42  is shown in a fully raised, first position in  FIG. 5 . The hood  42  is shown in a fully lowered, second position in  FIG. 6 . It should be appreciated that the hood  42  may be positioned in an infinite number of positions between the first position and the second position shown in the Figures. 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures and described herein, the actuating system  56  includes a multiple linkage system for moving the hood  42 . Referring to  FIGS. 5-6 , the actuating system  56  includes a driven lever arm  58 , a first pivot assembly  60 , and a second pivot assembly  62 . The driven lever arm  58  is rotatably attached to the frame  22 . As noted above, the frame  22  may include multiple different components including one or more brackets. As such, it should be appreciated that the driven lever arm  58  may be attached to a bracket, which is in turn attached to the frame  22 . The driven lever arm  58  is rotatably attached to the frame  22  for rotation about a lever rotation axis  64 . The lever rotation axis  64  extends transverse or perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis  24  of the frame  22 . The driven lever arm  58  includes a first lever connection  66  and a second lever connection  68  positioned opposite each other across the lever rotation axis  64 . In one example implementation, shown in the figures and described herein, the first lever connection  66  and the second lever connection  68  are arranged approximately one hundred eighty degrees (180°) apart from each other angularly about the lever rotation axis  64 . Additionally, in the example implementation shown in the figures and described herein, the first lever connection  66  and the second lever connection  68  are positioned equidistance from the lever rotation axis  64 . 
     The first pivot assembly  60  is rotatably attached to the frame  22  for rotation about a first pivot axis  70 . The first pivot axis  70  extends transverse or perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis  24  of the frame  22  and is parallel with the lever rotation axis  64 . As noted above, the frame  22  may include multiple different components including one or more brackets. As such, it should be appreciated that the first pivot assembly  60  may be attached to a bracket, which is in turn attached to the frame  22 . The first pivot assembly  60  includes a first pivot connection  72  and a second pivot connection  74 . The first pivot connection  72  is coupled to the first lever connection  66  of the driven lever arm  58 . More particularly, a first link  76  interconnects the first lever connection  66  of the driven lever arm  58  and the first pivot connection  72  of the first pivot assembly  60 . The first link  76  is rotatably attached to both the driven lever arm  58  and the first pivot assembly  60  at the first lever connection  66  and the first pivot connection  72  respectively. The second pivot connection  74  is coupled to a first lift location  78  of the hood  42 . More particularly, a third link  80  interconnects the second pivot connection  74  of the first pivot assembly  60  and the first lift connection of the hood  42 . The third link  80  is rotatably attached to both the first pivot assembly  60  and the hood  42  at the second pivot connection  74  and the first lift connection respectively. 
     The second pivot assembly  62  is rotatably attached to the frame  22  for rotation about a second pivot axis  82 . The second pivot axis  82  extends transverse or perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis  24  of the frame  22  and is parallel with the lever rotation axis  64  and the first pivot axis  70 . As noted above, the frame  22  may include multiple different components including one or more brackets. As such, it should be appreciated that the second pivot assembly  62  may be attached to a bracket, which is in turn attached to the frame  22 . The second pivot assembly  62  includes a third pivot connection  84  and a fourth pivot connection  86 . The third pivot connection  84  is coupled to the second lever connection  68  of the driven lever arm  58 . More particularly, a second link  88  interconnects the second lever connection  68  of the driven lever arm  58  and the third pivot connection  84  of the second pivot assembly  62 . The second link  88  is rotatably attached to both the driven lever arm  58  and the second pivot assembly  62  at the second lever connection  68  and the third pivot connection  84  respectively. The fourth pivot connection  86  is coupled to a second lift location of the hood  42 . More particularly, a fourth link  92  interconnects the fourth pivot connection  86  of the second pivot assembly  62  and the second lift connection  90  of the hood  42 . The fourth link  92  is rotatably attached to both the second pivot assembly  62  and the hood  42  at the fourth pivot connection  86  and the second lift connection  90  respectively. 
     The driven lever arm  58  is positioned between the first pivot assembly  60  and the second pivot assembly  62  along the central longitudinal axis  24  of the frame  22 . The first pivot assembly  60  is positioned forward of the driven lever arm  58  along the central longitudinal axis  24  of the frame  22 . The driven lever arm  58  is positioned forward of the second pivot assembly  62  along the central longitudinal axis  24  of the frame  22 . In the example implementation shown in the figures and described herein, the lever rotation axis  64  is equidistant from the first pivot axis  70  and the second pivot axis  82  along the central longitudinal axis  24  of the frame  22 . 
     As described above, the hood  42  includes the first lift connection and the second lift connection  90 . The first lift connection is positioned forward of the second lift connection  90  along the central longitudinal axis  24  of the frame  22  relative to the direction of forward travel  26 . The first pivot assembly  60  is positioned forward of the second pivot assembly  62  along the central longitudinal axis  24  of the frame  22  relative to the direction of forward travel  26 . The third link  80 , which connects the first pivot assembly  60  and the first lift location  78 , extends in a generally vertical orientation that is angled slightly forward. The fourth link  92 , which connects the second pivot assembly  62  and the second lift connection  90 , extends in a generally vertical orientation that is angled slightly rearward. As such, the third link  80  and the fourth link  92  do not cross and are not directly connected or attached to each other. 
     A bar  94  extends between and interconnects the hood  42  and the frame  22 . The bar  94  is attached to the hood  42  at a first bar mount  96  and is attached to the frame  22  at a second bar mount  98 . The bar  94  is pivotably attached to the hood  42  and the frame  22  at the first bar mount  96  and the second bar mount  98  respectively. The bar  94  is a rigid structure that is positioned relative to the other components of the actuating system  56  to limit forward and/or rearward movement of the hood  42  relative to the frame  22 . In the example implementation shown in the Figures and described herein, the first bar mount  96  is positioned forward of the second bar mount  98  along the central longitudinal axis  24  of the frame  22 . Additionally, the first bar mount  96  is positioned forward of the first lift connection along the central longitudinal axis  24  of the frame  22  relative to the direction of forward travel  26 . The second bar mount  98  may be positioned between the first lift connection and the second lift connection  90  along the central longitudinal axis  24  of the frame  22 . In the example implementation shown in the Figures, the second bar mount  98  is positioned vertically beneath the second pivot axis  82 . 
     An actuator  100  is coupled to the driven lever arm  58 . The actuator  100  is operable to rotate the driven lever arm  58  in at least one of a first rotational direction  102  or a second rotational direction  104 . The second rotational direction  104  is opposite to the first rotational direction  102 . As used herein, the first rotational direction  102  may be considered a clockwise direction as viewed on the page of the Figures, whereas the second rotational direction  104  may be considered a counterclockwise direction as viewed on the page of the Figures. However, it should be appreciated that the first rotational direction  102  and the second rotational direction  104  may be defined differently than the example implementation described herein. 
     The actuator  100  may include, but is not limited to, an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, one or more hydraulic cylinders, or some other device or system capable of rotating the driven lever arm  58  about the lever rotation axis  64 . In the example implementation shown in the Figures and described herein, the actuator  100  includes a manually operated hand crank that is connected to a drive shaft  106 . Rotation of the hand crank rotates the drive shaft  106  about the lever rotation axis  64 . The drive shaft  106  interconnects the actuator  100 , e.g., the hand crank, and the driven lever arm  58  and is operable to transmit torque between the actuator  100  and the driven lever arm  58 . While the example implementation includes the hand crank coupled to the drive shaft  106 , it should be appreciated that other implementations may include different implementations of the actuator  100  coupled to the hand crank, such as but not limited to, an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, one or more hydraulic cylinders, etc. 
     The first lever connection  66  and the first pivot connection  72  are positioned relative to the lever rotation axis  64  and the first pivot axis  70  respectively such that rotation of the driven lever arm  58  in the first rotational direction  102  rotates the first pivot assembly  60  in the first rotational direction  102 , and rotation of the driven lever arm  58  in the second rotational direction  104  rotates the first pivot assembly  60  in the second rotational direction  104 . In contrast, the second lever connection  68  and the third pivot connection  84  are positioned relative to the lever rotation axis  64  and the second pivot axis  82  respectively such that rotation of the driven lever arm  58  in the first rotational direction  102  rotates the second pivot assembly  62  in the second rotational direction  104 , and rotation of the driven lever arm  58  in the second rotational direction  104  rotates the second pivot assembly  62  in the first rotational direction  102 . 
     The second pivot connection  74  is positioned relative to the first pivot axis  70  and the first pivot connection  72  to travel in a substantially upward vertical direction in response to rotation of the first pivot assembly  60  in the first rotational direction  102 , and travel in a substantially downward vertical direction in response to rotation of the first pivot assembly  60  in the second rotational direction  104 . In contrast, the fourth pivot connection  86  is positioned relative to the second pivot axis  82  and the third pivot connection  84  to travel in the substantially upward vertical direction in response to rotation of the second pivot assembly  62  in the second rotational direction  104 , and travel in the substantially downward vertical direction in response to rotation of the second pivot assembly  62  in the first rotational direction  102 . 
     Rotation of the first pivot assembly  60  about the first pivot axis  70  in the first rotational direction  102  and rotation of the second pivot assembly  62  about the second pivot axis  82  in the second rotational direction  104  moves the hood  42  away from the crop conditioning element  40 . Rotation of the first pivot assembly  60  about the first pivot axis  70  in the second rotational direction  104  and rotation of the second pivot assembly  62  about the second pivot axis  82  in the first rotational direction  102  moves the hood  42  toward the crop condition element. The positioning of the components of the actuating system  56  enable the hood  42  to move relative to the crop conditioning element  40  while substantially maintaining the same orientation of the hood  42  relative to the crop conditioning element  40 . In other words, the hood  42  may move generally vertically up or down without significantly swinging or rotating. This enables the hood  42  to maintain its positional orientation relative to the crop conditioning element  40 . By maintaining the positional orientation of the hood  42  relative to the crop condition element, the location of the pinch point  108  between the hood  42  and the crop conditioning element  40 , as well as the entrance angle  110  into the gap  44  remain substantially constant, thereby providing consistent conditioning of the crop material as the gap  44  is adjusted. 
     As used herein, “e.g.” is utilized to non-exhaustively list examples, and carries the same meaning as alternative illustrative phrases such as “including,” “including, but not limited to,” and “including without limitation.” As used herein, unless otherwise limited or modified, lists with elements that are separated by conjunctive terms (e.g., “and”) and that are also preceded by the phrase “one or more of,” “at least one of,” “at least,” or a like phrase, indicate configurations or arrangements that potentially include individual elements of the list, or any combination thereof. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” and “one or more of A, B, and C” each indicate the possibility of only A, only B, only C, or any combination of two or more of A, B, and C (A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B, and C). As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further, “comprises,” “includes,” and like phrases are intended to specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     The detailed description and the drawings or figures are supportive and descriptive of the disclosure, but the scope of the disclosure is defined solely by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the claimed teachings have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the disclosure defined in the appended claims.