Patent Publication Number: US-2020275609-A1

Title: Cam Track Adjustment Assembly for a Harvesting Reel

Description:
The present disclosure relates generally to a harvesting reel assembly for a header of a plant cutting machine (e.g., a combine harvester) and, more specifically, to a harvesting reel having a cam track than can be adjusted to change a rotational pitch of the harvesting reel. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     An agricultural harvester, e.g., a plant cutting machine, such as, but not limited to, a combine or a windrower, generally includes a header operable for severing and collecting plant or crop material as the harvester is driven over a crop field. The header has a plant cutting mechanism for severing the plants or crops, such as an elongate sickle mechanism that reciprocates sidewardly relative to a non-reciprocating guard structure or a row unit with gathering chains and deck plates. 
     To facilitate the cutting and collection of crop material, the header also includes a harvesting reel assembly. Harvesting reel assemblies, such as a pickup reel, a draper reel and a gathering reel, are used on agricultural harvesters to guide the crop to the cutting mechanism and onto a feeding apparatus. To facilitate collection, the harvesting reel assembly includes a plurality of reel members, i.e., tine bars, extending widthwise across the harvesting reel assembly. Each tine bar includes tines extending outwardly therefrom for engaging crop material as the tines are rotated about a rotational axis. To further facilitate collection, the reel members follow a cam track that guides the position of the tine bars. 
     To more effectively collect crops, the tines must reach beyond the cutting mechanism to grasp the to-be-cut crop. A non-circular cam track can be effectively used to guide the reel members over varying distances as they are rotated about the rotational axis. Consequently, the rotational position of the non-circular cam track determines how far the tines will extend and how effective the harvesting reel will be at collecting certain crop. However, conventional non-circular cam tracks are limited in that they are fixed in position relative to the header frame. 
     Therefore, there is still a need for a reel assembly having an easily and/or automatically adjustable cam assembly, and more specifically a cam track, to maximize the efficiency of the reel assembly in response to the height condition of the crop. When the exemplary embodiments are used in combination with an agricultural harvester, the embodiments overcome one more of the disadvantages of conventional headers by providing a non-circular cam track that can be easily rotated to minimize or maximize the reach of attached tine bars as the reel assembly rotates about a rotational axis. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the subject disclosure provides a harvesting reel assembly for an agricultural harvester comprising a central rotatable shaft, a reel member and a first cam assembly. The reel member extends widthwise across the reel assembly and is connected to the central rotatable shaft for rotation therewith. The first cam assembly is connected to and rotatable about a first end of the central rotatable shaft. The first cam assembly includes a first cam plate, a first non-circular cam track and a first adjustor. The first non-circular cam track is mounted to the first cam plate for guiding rotation of the reel member. The first adjustor is operatively engaged with the first cam plate for adjusting a rotational position of the first cam assembly relative to the central rotatable shaft. 
     An aspect of the exemplary embodiment is that the first cam assembly further includes a fore-aft adjustor and a height adjustor each operatively engaged with the first cam plate for adjusting a position of the first cam assembly relative to the agricultural harvester. The harvesting reel assembly further comprises a second cam assembly connected to and rotatable about a second end of the central rotatable shaft opposite the first end of the central rotatable shaft. The second cam assembly includes a second cam plate, a second non-circular cam track mounted to the second cam plate for guiding rotation of the reel member, and a second adjustor operatively engaged with the second cam plate for adjusting a rotational position of the second cam assembly relative to the central rotatable shaft. 
     Another aspect of the exemplary embodiment is that the first adjustor is a hydraulic cylinder, an actuator, an electric motor, or a mechanical linkage. The mechanical linkage can be a gear assembly engaged with the central rotatable shaft. The harvesting reel assembly further comprises a locking mechanism for maintaining a rotational position of the first cam assembly. 
     In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the subject disclosure provides a header for an agricultural harvester comprising a frame, a support arm and a harvesting reel assembly. The support arm is connected to the frame. The harvesting reel assembly includes a central rotatable shaft, a reel member and a first cam assembly. The central rotatable shaft is connected to the support arm. The reel member extends widthwise across the harvesting reel assembly and is connected to the central rotatable shaft for rotation therewith. The first cam assembly is rotatable about a first end of the central rotatable shaft. The first cam assembly includes a first cam plate, a first non-circular cam track and a first adjustor. The first non-circular cam track guides rotation of the reel member. The first adjustor is operatively engaged with the first cam plate and pivotably connected to the support arm for adjusting a rotational position of the first cam assembly relative to the central rotatable shaft. 
     An aspect of the exemplary embodiment is that the header further comprises a control unit operatively connected to the first adjustor for remotely adjusting an orientation of the first cam assembly. The header further comprises a height sensor and a fore-aft sensor for monitoring a height position and a fore-aft position, respectively, of the harvesting reel assembly, wherein each of the height sensor and the fore-aft sensor is operatively connected to the control unit. The first adjustor adjusts the rotational position of the first cam assembly in response to a change in the fore-aft position or the height position of the harvesting reel assembly. 
     Another aspect of the exemplary embodiment is that the harvesting reel assembly is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and when moved to the extended position, the control unit adjusts the orientation of the first non-circular cam track to increase a distance of the reel member from a forward edge of the header. The first cam assembly further has a fore-aft adjustor and a height adjustor for adjusting a position of the first cam assembly relative to the agricultural harvester, wherein each of the fore-aft adjustor and the height adjustor is operatively engaged with the first cam plate, and wherein the control unit is configured to adjust an orientation of the first cam assembly in response to a change in the position of the first cam assembly. Additionally, the control unit includes computer instructions stored in a memory executable by a processor to adjust the rotational position of the first cam assembly when a translational position of the harvesting reel assembly is adjusted. 
     In another aspect of the exemplary embodiment the harvesting reel assembly further includes a second cam assembly connected to and rotatable about a second end of the central rotatable shaft opposite the first end of the central rotatable shaft. The second cam assembly includes a second cam plate, a second non-circular cam track mounted to the second cam plate for guiding rotation of the reel member, and a second adjustor operatively engaged with the second cam plate for adjusting a rotational position of the second cam assembly relative to the central rotatable shaft. The harvesting reel assembly further includes a locking mechanism for maintaining a rotational position of the first cam assembly. 
     In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment, the subject disclosure provides an agricultural harvester comprising a header and a cab for an operator of the harvester. The header includes a frame, a support arm and a harvesting reel assembly. The support arm is connected to the frame. The harvesting reel assembly includes a central rotatable shaft, a reel member and a first cam assembly. The central rotatable shaft is connected to the support arm. The reel member extends widthwise across the harvesting reel assembly and is connected to the central rotatable shaft for rotation therewith. The first cam assembly is rotatable about a first end of the central rotatable shaft. The first cam assembly includes a first cam plate, a first non-circular cam track and a first adjustor. The first non-circular cam track guides rotation of the reel member. The first adjustor is operatively engaged with the first cam plate and pivotably connected to the support arm for adjusting a rotational position of the first cam assembly relative to the central rotatable shaft. 
     An aspect of the exemplary embodiment is that the harvester further comprises a control panel operatively connected to the header for operating the first adjustor, a control unit operatively in communication with the control panel and a sensor operatively connected to the control unit for monitoring a position of the harvesting reel assembly, wherein the first adjustor is configured to automatically adjust the rotational position of the first cam assembly in response to a change in the position of the harvesting reel assembly. The control unit includes computer instructions stored in a memory executable by a processor to adjust the rotational position of the first cam assembly when a translational position of the harvesting reel assembly is adjusted. 
     Another aspect of the exemplary embodiment is that the first adjustor is a hydraulic cylinder, an actuator, an electric motor, or a mechanical linkage, such as, a gear assembly engaged with the central rotatable shaft. The harvesting reel assembly further includes a locking mechanism for maintaining a rotational position of the first cam assembly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For purposes of illustration, there are shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the exemplary embodiments are not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of an agricultural harvester including a header in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a top schematic view of the header of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a left elevation view of the header of  FIG. 1  having a reel assembly in a retracted position in accordance with an aspect of the exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3B  is a left elevation view of the header of  FIG. 1  having a reel assembly in an extended position via rotation of a cam track in accordance with an aspect of the exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 4A  is a left side elevation view of the header of  FIG. 1  having a reel assembly in an extended position via fore-aft translation in accordance with an aspect of the exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 4B  is a left side elevation view of the header of  FIG. 1  having a reel assembly in a raised position via a height/vertical translation in accordance with an aspect of the exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram in accordance with an aspect of the exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure of a control unit associated with the header. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or like reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like features. It should be noted that the drawings are in simplified form and are not drawn to precise scale. Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. Directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, above, below and diagonal, are used with respect to the accompanying drawings. The term “distal” shall mean away from the center of a body. The term “proximal” shall mean closer towards the center of a body and/or away from the “distal” end. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the identified element and designated parts thereof. Such directional terms used in conjunction with the following description of the drawings should not be construed to limit the scope of the subject disclosure in any manner not explicitly set forth. Additionally, the term “a,” as used in the specification, means “at least one.” The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. 
     The terms “grain,” “ear,” “stalk,” “leaf,” and “crop material” are used throughout the specification for convenience and it should be understood that these terms are not intended to be limiting. Thus, “grain” refers to that part of a crop which is harvested and separated from discardable portions of the crop material. The header of the subject disclosure is applicable to a variety of crops, including but not limited to wheat, soybeans and small grains. The terms “debris,” “material other than grain,” and the like are used interchangeably. 
     “About” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of ±20%, ±10%, ±5%, ±1%, or ±0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate. 
     Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the exemplary embodiments can be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the subject disclosure. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range. 
     Furthermore, the described features, advantages and characteristics of the exemplary embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, in light of the description herein, that the exemplary embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular exemplary embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all exemplary embodiments. 
     Additionally, for convenience purposes only, identical or substantially similar elements of the exemplary embodiments, such as a plurality of reel members  200 A,  200 B,  200 C,  200 D may be described with reference to only one of those elements, such as the reel member  200 A. It is appreciated therefore that the description of one element is equally applicable to the remainder of the same elements. As such, identical elements, or substantially identical elements where so indicated, will be identified, where appropriate, by the same reference numeral, e.g.,  200 , and distinguished by an alphabetical letter, e.g., A, B, C, D, etc. For example, the reel member  200 A is one of the reel members, the reel member  200 B is another of the reel members, the reel member  200 C is yet another of the reel members, and so forth. 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-5  illustrate exemplary embodiments of the subject disclosure. For exemplary purposes only, the agricultural harvester is illustrated as a combine harvester  100 . The harvester  100  comprises a header  102  and a cab  104  for an operator of the harvester. The header  102  includes a frame  106 , a support arm  108 A connected to the frame  106  and a harvesting reel assembly  202 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the frame  106  is the structural chassis of the header  102  and allows for the various components of the header  102  to be attached thereto. The header  102  is attached to a forward end of the harvester  100 , and is configured to cut crops, including (without limitation) small grains (e.g., wheat, soybeans, grain, etc.), and to induct the cut crops into a feederhouse  109  as the harvester  100  moves forward over a crop field. 
     The header  102  includes a floor  204  that is supported in desired proximity to a surface of a crop field and a cutter bar  110 . The cutter bar  110  of the header  102  extends transversely along a forward edge  206  of the floor  204 , i.e., in a widthwise direction of the harvester  100 , and is bound by a first side edge  112  and an opposing second side edge  114 , which are both adjacent to the floor  204 . The cutter bar  110  is configured to cut crops in preparation for induction into the feederhouse  109 . It is appreciated that the cutter bar  110  includes one or more reciprocating sickles such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,151,547, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
     The elongated and rotatable harvesting reel assembly  202  extends above and in close proximity to the cutter bar  110 . The harvesting reel assembly  202  is configured to cooperate with a plurality of draper belts, such as lateral draper belts  208 A,  208 B and an infeed draper belt  210  for conveying cut crops to the feederhouse  109 . The draper belts  208 A,  208 B,  210  are configured to convey the cut crops into the harvester  100 , and, more specifically, towards the feederhouse  109  for threshing and cleaning. The header  102  may include a rotatable auger  212 , e.g., a conveyor screw, to facilitate feeding into the feederhouse  109 . While the foregoing aspects of the harvester  100  are being described with respect to the header  102  shown, the harvesting reel assembly  202  of the subject disclosure can be applied to any other header having use for such a reel assembly. 
     It is appreciated that, for convenience purposes only, the harvesting reel assembly  202  may be described in reference to only one side, e.g., a left side as shown in  FIGS. 3A-4B . It is understood that, unless otherwise specified, the right side of the harvesting reel assembly  202  is substantially structurally similar to the left side. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-4B , the harvesting reel assembly  202  is configured substantially as shown. The harvesting reel assembly includes a central rotatable shaft  214  connected to the support arm  108 A, a reel member  200 A extending widthwise across the harvesting reel assembly  202  and connected to the central rotatable shaft  214  for rotation therewith, and a first cam assembly  300 A rotatable about a first end  216  of the central rotatable shaft  214 . The first cam assembly  300 A includes a first cam plate  302 A, a first non-circular cam track  304 A for guiding rotation of the reel member  200 A, and a first adjustor  306 A operatively engaged with the first cam plate  302 A and pivotably connected to the support arm  108 A for adjusting a rotational position of the first cam assembly  300 A relative to the central rotatable shaft  214 . 
     The support arm  108 A is configured substantially as shown. The support arm  108 A is an elongated member, or series of interconnected members, having a first end  308 A and a mounting portion  310 A for supporting the harvesting reel assembly  202 . The first end  308 A is configured to be securable to the frame  106  either rigidly or pivotally e.g., via screws, welding, pins, being integrally formed and so forth. In an exemplary embodiment, the support arm  108 A can pivot in a direction substantially normal to the floor  204  of the header  102 . Such pivoting motion can be effectuated at the first end  308 A or at a joint interconnecting two or more members forming the support arm  108 A. It is appreciated that the support arm  302 A can be substantially linear or may be curved as necessary for efficient operation. Additionally, the support arm  108 A includes a movable section  301 A that extends from the support arm  108 A. The movable section  301 A can be formed from telescoping members or members having complementary shapes and cavities or slots. 
     The mounting portion  310 A is located along a length of the support arm  108 A, and more specifically on the movable section  301 A of the support arm  108 A. The mounting portion  310 A is configured to be engaged by the central rotatable shaft  214  via, e.g., a combination of bushings and bearings, such that the central rotatable shaft  214  can rotate within the mounting portion  310 A. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting portion  310 A includes an aperture  312 A for receiving the central rotatable shaft  214 . 
     The support arm  108 A further includes a drive mechanism  314  adjacent to the mounting portion  310 A and connectable to the central rotatable shaft  214  for providing rotational motion thereto. The drive mechanism  314  can be a hydraulic motor, a gear train or other such equivalents. Such drive mechanisms  314  are known in the art and do not necessitate extensive discussion for the purposes of the present exemplary embodiments. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-3B , the central rotatable shaft  214  is configured substantially as shown. In an exemplary embodiment, the central rotatable shaft  214  is a substantially cylindrical elongated rotatable member. It is appreciated that the central rotatable shaft  214  can take any other longitudinal cross sectional shapes such as squares, ovals, and so forth. The central rotatable shaft  214  includes the first end  216  which is configured to engage the drive mechanism  314  and the mounting portion  310 A of the support arm  108 A, and a second end  218  opposite the first end  216  configured to be rotatably connectable to a mounting portion  310 B of another support arm  108 B. The central rotatable shaft  214  may further include an outer portion  220  circumscribing a portion of the central rotatable shaft  214  configured to support and transmit rotational motion to, e.g., a reel arm  316 A extending therefrom. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A-4B , the reel arm  316 A is configured substantially as shown. The reel arm  316 A is an elongated member extending from the outer portion  220  of the rotatable shaft  214  and connectable to the first non-circular cam track  304 A for rotation therewith. In an exemplary embodiment, the reel arm  316 A is connectable to the first non-circular cam track  304 A via a slidable link  318 A. The slidable link  318 A includes an end pivotably connected to the reel arm  316 A and an opposite end slidably connectable to the first non-circular cam track  304 A. Such reel arms  316 A are disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0255773 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,170,244, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. It is appreciated however that the reel arm  316 A can be configured to adjustably attach to the first non-circular cam track  304 A in other ways known in the art. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-4B , the reel member  200 A, e.g., a tine bar or bat, is configured substantially as shown. The reel member  200 A is an elongated member having a length extending widthwise across the harvesting reel assembly  202 . At an end of the reel member  200 A, the reel member is connectable to the reel arm  316 A for rotation therewith. Such connection can be achieved by way of, e.g., screws, welding, apertures, nuts, pins and so forth. In other words, the reel member  200 A is configured to rotate about the central rotatable shaft  214  by way of its connection to the reel arm  316 A. In an exemplary embodiment, the reel member  200 A is pivotably connected to the extendable reel arm  316 A for pivoting therein and adjusting the pitch of the plurality of tines  222 A. 
     Extending from the reel member  200 A at a plurality of positions along a length of the reel member  200 A are the plurality of tines (e.g.,  222 A-F) configured substantially as shown in  FIGS. 1-4B . The tines are curved elongated members having an arched or a curvilinear configuration for grasping crop material. In an exemplary embodiment, the tines are pivotably connected to the reel member  200 A for pivoting thereabout. Alternatively, the tines can be configured to rigidly connect to the reel members  200 A via, e.g., welding, screws, complementary shaped slots, rivets, force fit, being integrally formed and so forth. 
     It is appreciated that any number of reel arms, reel members and tines may be used. Thus, the subject disclosure is not limited to the number depicted in the drawings. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A-4B , the first cam plate  302 A is configured substantially as shown. The first cam plate  302 A is a substantially planar plate covering a lateral side of the harvesting reel assembly  202  which serves as a structural framework for the first non-circular cam track  304 A to attach thereto. The first cam plate  302 A is configured to receive the central rotatable shaft  214 . The first cam plate  302 A may also include appropriate apertures and/or bearings for facilitating the passage and operation of the central rotatable shaft  214  with the mounting portion  310 A of the support arm  108 A. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-4B , the first non-circular cam track  304 A is configured substantially as shown. The first non-circular cam track  304 A forms a guide, i.e., a path, for the reel arm  318 A, and more specifically the slidable link  318 A, to follow as the central rotatable shaft  214  is rotated. By extension, the first non-circular cam track  304 A additionally defines a sweep path for the reel member  200 A, which is connectable to the reel arm  316 A, and the plurality of tines, which are connectable to the reel member  200 A. In an exemplary embodiment, the first non-circular cam track  304 A is a non-circular, e.g., oval, member or series of members defining a non-circular ring, i.e., circumference, configured to be engaged by the slidable link  318 A. It is appreciated that the first non-circular cam track  304 A can take any shape as desired such as a bean shape or otherwise be generally arcuate in shape. In an exemplary embodiment, however, the first non-circular cam track  304 A is irregularly shaped such that, if rotated about the central rotatable shaft  214 , the first non-circular cam track&#39;s  304 A radius relative to the floor  204  of the header  102  varies about its circumference. In other words, the first non-circular cam track  304 A, when rotated, can extend far beyond the forward edge  206  of the header  102  on which the attached reel member  200 A travels as it moves along its sweep path, as shown by comparison in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
     As such, both the first cam plate  302 A and the first non-circular cam track  304 A are configured to be rotatable about the central rotatable shaft  214 , i.e., between a first position and a second position. Such a rotatable connection can be accomplished via bushings and bearings between the first cam plate  302 A and the central rotatable shaft  214  which extends therethough. Additionally, to limit and/or hold the first cam plate  302 A and first non-circular cam track  304 A in a specific rotatable position, the first cam plate  302 A and/or first non-circular cam track  304 A may also including a locking mechanism  320 A for maintaining a rotational position of the first cam assembly  300 A, and more specifically of the first non-circular cam track  304 A. The locking mechanism  320 A may be a member extending from the cam plate  302 A that is configured to lockably secure to, e.g., the first adjuster  306 A, or any other mechanism as is known in the art, such as a rack and pinion lock. 
     It is appreciated that the first cam plate  302 A and the first non-circular cam track  304 A can be integrally formed. Alternatively, it is also appreciated that the first non-circular cam track  304 A can be constructed such that it does not require a first cam plate  302 A. For example, the first non-circular cam track  304 A can be supported solely by the reel arm  316 A by being connected to the central rotatable shaft  214  via, e.g., spider arms or other elongated members connected thereto. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A-5 , to facilitate adjusting a translational and rotational position of the first non-circular cam track  304 A, the cam assembly  300 A includes the first adjustor  306 A for adjusting the rotational orientation of the first non-circular cam track  304 A, and a height adjustor  322 A and a fore-aft adjustor  324 A for adjusting a translation position of the harvesting reel assembly  202  in a lifting direction and a fore-aft direction, respectively. 
     The adjustors  306 A,  322 A,  324 A are configured substantially as shown in  FIGS. 3A-4B . In an exemplary embodiment, the first adjustor  306 A has a first end  326 A pivotably connectable to the support arm  108 A via, e.g., pins, and a second end  328 A connectable to the first cam plate  302 A or the first non-circular cam track  304 A such that, when actuated, the first non-circular cam track  304 A is rotated about the central rotatable shaft  214 . Specifically, the second end  328 A is positioned off center on the first cam plate  302 A and is extendable in a direction that facilitates rotation about the central rotatable shaft  214 . In an exemplary embodiment, the first adjustor  306 A is configured to rotate the first non-circular cam track  304 A up to about 15°, however it is appreciated it can be as little as about 1° to as much as about 90°, including 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 70°, 75°, 80°, 85°, and 90°. 
     The height adjustor  322 A has a first end  330 A connectable to the frame  106  and a second end  332 A connectable to the support arm  108 A such that, when actuated, the support arm  108 A pivots either at the first end  308 A of the support arm  108 A or at a joint member forming the support arm  108 A for lifting or lowering the harvesting reel assembly  202  away or towards the floor  204  of the header  102 , respectively. The fore-aft adjustor  324 A has a first end  334 A connectable to the support arm  108 A and a second end  336 A extending in a direction substantially parallel to the support arm  108 A and connectable to the movable section  301 A of the support arm  108 A such that, when actuated, the movable section  301 A can be moved to elongate the support arm  108 A. 
     It is appreciated that the first adjustor  306 A can be connected to the fore-aft adjustor  324 A or otherwise configured to operate in concert with the fore-aft adjustor  324 A. It is also appreciated that the adjustors  306 A,  322 A,  324 A can be configured to serve as the locking mechanisms for maintaining the harvesting reel assembly  202  in a specific rotational position without the need for, or in addition to, the locking mechanism  320 A. 
     In other words, the first cam assembly further includes a fore-aft adjustor and a height adjustor each operatively engaged with the first cam plate for adjusting a position, e.g., translational position, of the first cam assembly relative to the agricultural harvester. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustors  306 A,  322 A,  324 A are hydraulic cylinders. However, it is appreciated that the adjustors  306 A,  322 A,  324 A can be actuators, electric motors, mechanical linkages, and so forth as is known in the art. The mechanical linkage can include interlocking gears rotatably attached to the central rotatable shaft  214  and the first non-circular cam track  304 A. For example, the first adjustor  306 A is a hydraulic cylinder, an actuator, an electric motor, or a mechanical linkage such as a gear assembly engaged with the central rotatable shaft. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 3A-5 , the agricultural harvester  100  can also include a series of sensors, such as a height sensor  500  and a fore-aft sensor  502 , a control unit  504 , and a control panel  506 . The sensors  500 ,  502  are configured to monitor and communicate the translational position of the harvesting reel assembly  202  to the control unit  504 . As such, in an exemplary embodiment, the sensors  500 ,  502  are located adjacent to or otherwise in communication with the height adjustor  322 A and fore-aft adjustor  324 A, respectively. 
     Furthermore, the control unit  504  is configured to control the operation of the adjustors  306 A,  322 A,  324 A in order to change the rotational and translational position of the harvesting reel assembly  202 . The control unit  504  can be configured to be manually controlled to operate the adjustors  306 A,  322 A,  324 A via the control panel  506 . Alternatively, or in addition, the control unit  504  may be configured to automatically operate the adjustors  306 A,  322 A,  324 A based on pre-configured settings via a series of executable computer instructions stored in a computer memory by a processor in communication with the control unit. For example, the control unit  504  may be programmed to actuate the first actuator  306 A a certain degree to orient the first non-circular cam track  304 A into an “optimum orientation” based on the translational position of the harvesting reel assembly  202 . In other words, the control unit includes computer instructions stored in a computer memory executable by a processor to adjust the rotational position of the first cam assembly when a translational position of the harvesting reel assembly is adjusted. 
     Additionally, the header  102  can further include a crop sensor  508 . The crop sensor  508  is configured to monitor the height of the crops in the crop field as the header  102  moves across the crop field. The crop sensor  508  is operatively in communication with the control unit  504  and communicates the height of the crops in order to cause the control unit  504  to automatically adjust the adjustors  306 A,  322 A,  324 A into an optimized orientation of the harvesting reel assembly  202 . It is appreciated that the sensors  500 ,  502 ,  508  can be located on various parts of the header  102 . 
     In other words, the header further comprises a control unit operatively connected to the first adjustor for remotely adjusting an orientation of the first cam assembly. The header further comprises a height sensor and a fore-aft sensor for monitoring a height position and a fore-aft position of the harvesting reel assembly, wherein each of the height and the fore-aft sensor is operatively connected to and in communication with the control unit. The first adjustor adjusts the rotational position of the first cam assembly in response to a change in the fore-aft position or the height position of the harvesting reel assembly. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-5 , the header  102  is operatively connected to the harvester  100 . The harvesting reel assembly  202  extends widthwise across the header  102  above the forward edge  206  and is supported by the support arms  108 A,  108 B. The support arms  108 A,  108 B extend forwardly from the frame  106  at their first end  308 A,  308 B and are adjacent to the first and second side edges  112 ,  114  respectively. The central rotatable shaft  214  extends widthwise across the header  102  and is rotatably connected to the mounting portions  310 A,  310 B on the movable sections  301 A,  301 B of the support arms  108 A,  108 B. The central rotatable shaft  214  is also connected to the drive mechanism  314  for rotation therewith. 
     The reel arms  316 A-F extend outwardly from the outer portion  220  of the central rotational shaft  214 . The reel arms  316 A-F are connected to the first non-circular cam track  304 A via the slidable link  318 A such that the slidable link tracks the first non-circular cam track  304 A as the central rotatable shaft  214  is rotated. The reel members  200 A-F are connected to the respective reel arms  316 A-F for rotation therewith. It is appreciated that a similar arrangement of reel arms and slidable links are connected to the central rotatable shaft  214  and the cam track  304 B on the opposite side of the harvesting reel assembly  202 . 
     The control panel  506  can be operatively secured in the cab  104  of the harvester  100  and is in operative communication with the control unit  504  for operating the adjustors  306 A,  322 A,  324 A. The control unit  504  is also in communication with the height sensor  500  and the fore-aft sensor  502  for monitoring the translational position of the harvesting reel assembly  202 . The control unit  504  is further in communication with the crop sensor  508  for monitoring the height of the to-be-cut crop. The first adjustor  306 A is rigidly secured to the first cam plate  302 A and pivotably connected to the support arm  108 A. The height adjustor  322 A is operatively connected to the support arm  108 A and the floor  204  of the header  102 . The fore-aft adjustor  324 A is operatively connected to the movable section  301 A of the support arm  108 A and to the remainder of the support arm  108 A for adjusting the length of the support arm  108 A. It is appreciated that, in an exemplary embodiment, a similar arrangement of adjustors and sensors on the opposite side of the harvesting reel assembly  202  are operatively connected to the control unit  504 . 
     An exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure operates by having the first non-circular cam track  304 A be rotatable about the central rotatable shaft  214  via the first adjustor  306 A, either manually or automatically, through the control unit  504  and the control panel  506 . Specifically, as the harvester  100  moves over the crop field, the operator of the harvester can rotate the first non-circular cam track  304 A about the central rotatable shaft  214  to maximize or minimize the reach of the tines using the control panel  506 . For example, if the crop is low to the ground, the operator can rotate the first non-circular cam track  304 A with the first adjustor  306 A, lower the height of the harvesting reel assembly  202  with the height adjustor  322 A, and/or forwardly extend the harvesting reel assembly  202  with the fore-aft adjustor  324 A in order to maximize the reach of the tines. 
     In other words, the agricultural harvester comprises a control panel operatively connected to the header for operating the first adjustor. The header further includes a control unit operatively in communication with the control panel and sensor operatively connected to the control unit for monitoring a position of the harvesting reel assembly, wherein the first adjustor is configured to automatically adjust the rotational position of the first cam assembly in response to a change in the position of the harvesting reel assembly. 
     Additionally, the control unit  504  can be programmed to include “optimum positional settings” that the operator can access using the control panel  506 . These can be programmed positions that the height adjustor  322 A, the fore-aft adjustor  324 A and the first adjustor  306 A can be actuated to create a specific cam and/or sweep path. The height sensor  500  and the fore-aft sensor  502  can monitor the translational position of the harvesting reel assembly  202  to maintain the harvesting reel assembly in an “optimum” crop gather orientation. For example, if the fore-aft adjustor  324 A is engaged to translate the harvesting reel assembly in the fore-direction, then the cam track  306 A can be automatically rotated to shorten/lessen the distance the tines can reach with respect to the harvesting reel assembly. 
     Furthermore, the crop sensor  508  is utilized to monitor the height of the crop as the harvester travels over a crop field. For example, if the crop is sensed to be low, the control unit  504  can automatically activate the adjustors  306 A,  322 A,  324 A to maximize the reach of the tines. 
     In other words, the harvesting reel assembly is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and, when moved to the extended position, the control unit is configured to adjust the orientation of the first non-circular cam track to increase a distance of the reel member from a forward edge of the header. The first cam assembly further has a fore-aft adjustor and a height adjustor for adjusting a position of the first cam assembly relative to the agricultural harvester, wherein each of the fore-aft adjustor and the height adjustor is operatively engaged with the first cam plate, and wherein the control unit is configured to adjust an orientation of the first cam assembly in response to a change in the position, e.g., translational position, of the first cam assembly. 
     It is appreciated that although the above disclosure may have been addressed to only one side of the harvesting reel assembly  202 , e.g., the left side as shown in  FIGS. 3A-4B , the teachings above are equally applicable to the opposite, e.g., right, side of the harvesting reel assembly  202 . It is, however, also appreciated that the right side does not need to be identical. For example, the right side cam assembly, i.e., a second cam assembly  300 B, may be configured to mimic the first cam assembly  300 A rather than be independently controllable by the control panel  506 . In other words, the first cam assembly  300 A could be a “master cam” and the second cam assembly  300 B could be a “slave cam” that follows the same rotational and translational position as the “master cam.” 
     In other words, the harvesting reel assembly further comprises a second cam assembly connected to and rotatable about a second end of the central rotatable shaft opposite the first end of the central rotatable shaft, the second cam assembly including a second cam plate, a second non-circular cam track mounted to the second cam plate for guiding rotation of the reel member, and a second adjustor operatively engaged with the second cam plate for adjusting a rotational position of the second cam assembly relative to the central rotatable shaft. 
     The advantages of a header having a cam assembly that has an automatically and/or actively rotatable cam track are apparent. Specifically, crop field harvesting efficiency can be significantly increased if the operator of the harvester does not need to shut down the harvester in order to manually alter the cam track orientation to match the type of crop that is currently being collected. The exemplary embodiments allow the operator to quickly and efficiently adjust the reach of the tines without needing to stop the operation of the harvester. Therefore, significant time and effort can be saved. 
     While the subject disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. For example, features described in one embodiment may be incorporated into a different embodiment, such as the use of different types of sensors. 
     In addition, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the subject disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. For example, the header can include a split reel rather than a single reel, the header may use different support arms for supporting the harvesting reel assembly, the harvesting reel assembly may have a different number of support members and/or reel arms, and so forth. It is to be understood, therefore, that the subject disclosure not be limited to the particular aspects disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the subject disclosure as defined by the appended claims and discussed above.