Patent Description:
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. <CIT> discloses a harvesting apparatus including a crop conditioning element and an associated hood for conditioning crop material. The hood is moveably mounted to a frame of the harvesting apparatus. <CIT> discloses a conditioner for a rotary mower. <CIT> discloses a device for processing fodder comprising a rotor, a first guide element partially surrounding the rotor so as to define a passage channel for the fodder, and a second guide element disposed so as to guide the flow of fodder leaving the passage channel.

A harvesting apparatus for an agricultural machine in accordance with claim <NUM> 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. The harvesting apparatus comprising 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. A third link interconnects the second pivot connection of the first pivot assembly and the first lift connection 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 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 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.

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, a harvesting apparatus is generally shown at <NUM>. The exemplary embodiment of the harvesting apparatus <NUM> 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 <NUM> being configured for connection to a conventional tractor, i.e., the harvesting apparatus <NUM> being a mower-conditioner drawn behind the tractor.

The harvesting apparatus <NUM> is operable to mow and gather standing crop material in a field, condition the cut crop material as it moves through the harvesting apparatus <NUM> to improve is drying characteristics, and then return the conditioned, cut crop material to the field in a windrow or swath.

Referring to <FIG>, the harvesting apparatus <NUM> includes a frame <NUM>. The frame <NUM> 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 <NUM> as described below. The frame <NUM> extends along a central longitudinal axis <NUM>, which generally corresponds to and is parallel with a direction of forward travel <NUM> of the harvesting apparatus <NUM> when cutting crop material. In one embodiment, the frame <NUM> may be attached to a forward end of the agricultural machine. In other embodiments, the frame <NUM> may be attached to the agricultural machine with a drawbar and drawn behind the agricultural machine.

The harvesting apparatus <NUM> further includes a cutting mechanism <NUM>. The cutting mechanism <NUM> is coupled to the frame <NUM>, and is operable to cut standing crop material in a field. The cutting mechanism <NUM> may include any mechanism that is capable of cutting the crop material. As shown in the Figures, the cutting mechanism <NUM> is embodied as a rotary disc cutter bar <NUM>. However, the cutting mechanism <NUM> is not limited to the exemplary embodiment of the rotary disc cutter bar <NUM>. As such, it should be appreciated that the cutting mechanism <NUM> may vary from the exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures and described herein.

The exemplary embodiment of the cutting mechanism <NUM> includes a cutter bar <NUM> supported by the frame <NUM>. The cutter bar <NUM> extends along an axis that is disposed generally transverse to the direction of forward travel <NUM> of the harvesting apparatus <NUM> when cutting the crop material. The cutter bar <NUM> includes a plurality of cutting discs <NUM> spaced along the cutter bar <NUM> for rotation about respective vertical axes. Each of the cutting discs <NUM> 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 <NUM> disposed rearward of the cutting mechanism <NUM>.

The auger <NUM> is rotatably mounted to the frame <NUM>, and passes in front of a crop conditioning system <NUM>. In particular, the auger <NUM> is positioned in front of and lower than the crop conditioning system <NUM>. The auger <NUM> includes a central cylindrical drum with a central portion and outer ends. The outer ends of the auger <NUM> include flighting, and a plurality of fins is attached to the central portion. In operation, the design of the auger <NUM> enables the delivery of cut crop material into the crop conditioning system <NUM>.

The cutting mechanism <NUM> delivers cut crop material to the auger <NUM>, which in turn delivers the cut crop material rearward for further processing by the crop conditioning system <NUM>. The conditioned crop material is expelled rearward by the crop conditioning system <NUM>, and is formed into a windrow or swath by upright right and left forming panels (not shown) and a swathboard <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the crop conditioning system <NUM> includes a crop conditioning element <NUM> and a hood <NUM> associated therewith. The hood <NUM> is disposed above the crop conditioning element <NUM> to form a gap <NUM> therebetween. The crop conditioning element <NUM> is coupled to the frame <NUM>, and is positioned relative to the frame <NUM> at a location rearward of the cutting mechanism <NUM>, relative to the direction of forward travel <NUM> of the harvesting apparatus <NUM>, for receiving cut crop material from the cutting mechanism <NUM>. As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the crop conditioning element <NUM> is embodied as a crop conditioning impeller. However, it should be appreciated that the crop conditioning element <NUM> may be embodied as some other device, such as abut not limited to a crop conditioning roll. The crop conditioning element <NUM> is rotatably driven in a clockwise direction, as viewed on the page of <FIG> and <FIG>, about an impeller axis <NUM>. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures and described herein, the crop conditioning element <NUM> (e.g., the impeller shown in the Figures) may be formed as an elongated cylindrical drum <NUM> having a plurality of tines <NUM> or arms coupled to the drum at a radial distance from the impeller axis <NUM>. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures and described herein, each of the plurality of tines <NUM> is disposed substantially tangentially with respect to the cylindrical drum <NUM>.

The crop conditioning element <NUM> may be coupled to the harvesting apparatus <NUM> rearward and upward relative to the auger <NUM>. The crop conditioning element <NUM> is rotatably driven such that the cut crop material is received from the auger <NUM>, and directed around the crop conditioning element <NUM>, between the hood <NUM> and the crop conditioning element <NUM>, 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 <FIG>, the hood <NUM> is disposed above the crop conditioning element <NUM> to form the gap <NUM> between the hood <NUM> and the crop conditioning element <NUM>. The hood <NUM> is moveably mounted to the frame <NUM> above the crop conditioning element <NUM> for movement relative to the crop conditioning element <NUM>. The hood <NUM> is moveable toward and away from the crop conditioning element <NUM> for adjusting the gap <NUM> therebetween. As is understood by those skilled in the art, adjusting the gap <NUM> changes the amount of crop conditioning and/or the volume of cut crop material that may be processed. For example, increasing the gap <NUM> distance for a given volume of cut crop material decreases the friction between hood <NUM> and the crop conditioning element <NUM>, which decreases the amount of crop conditioning. In contrast, decreasing the gap <NUM> distance for a given volume of cut crop material increases the friction between the hood <NUM> and the crop conditioning element <NUM>, which increases the amount of crop conditioning. The gap <NUM> 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 <NUM> changes. For example, a higher volume of cut crop material may require that the gap <NUM> distance be increased to maintain a desired amount of crop conditioning, whereas as lower volume of cut crop material may require that the gap <NUM> distance be decreased to maintain a desired amount of crop conditioning.

The swathboard <NUM> is attached to and moveable with the hood <NUM>. The swathboard <NUM> may be attached to the hood <NUM> such that the swathboard <NUM> maintains an operating position relative to the hood <NUM> during movement with the hood <NUM> toward and away from the crop conditioning element <NUM>. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures and described herein, the swathboard <NUM> is rotatably attached to the hood <NUM> for movement about a swathboard axis <NUM>, between a plurality of operating positions relative to the hood <NUM>. The swathboard <NUM> is adjustable between the plurality of operating positions, relative to the hood <NUM>, based on how the conditioned crop material is to be discharged rearwardly form the harvesting apparatus <NUM>. For example, the swathboard <NUM> 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 <NUM>. In another example, the swathboard <NUM> may be adjusted such that the conditioned crop material is discharged rearwardly and downwardly toward the ground surface. The swathboard <NUM> 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>, the crop conditioning system <NUM> includes an adjustment mechanism <NUM> attached to and moveable with the hood <NUM>. The adjustment mechanism <NUM> is coupled to the swathboard <NUM>, and is operable to rotate the swathboard <NUM> relative to the hood <NUM> and about the swathboard axis <NUM>, between each of the plurality of operating positions. Because the adjustment mechanism <NUM> is attached to and moves with the hood <NUM>, instead of the frame <NUM>, the position of the swathboard <NUM> relative to the hood <NUM> remains constant as the hood <NUM> moves relative to the crop conditioning element <NUM>.

The harvesting apparatus <NUM> further includes an actuating system <NUM> moveably connecting the hood <NUM> to the frame <NUM> and configured for moving the hood <NUM>. The actuating system <NUM> is controllable to move the hood <NUM> toward and away from the crop conditioning element <NUM>. The hood <NUM> is shown in a fully raised, first position in <FIG>. The hood <NUM> is shown in a fully lowered, second position in <FIG>. It should be appreciated that the hood <NUM> 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 <NUM> includes a multiple linkage system for moving the hood <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the actuating system <NUM> includes a driven lever arm <NUM>, a first pivot assembly <NUM>, and a second pivot assembly <NUM>. The driven lever arm <NUM> is rotatably attached to the frame <NUM>. As noted above, the frame <NUM> may include multiple different components including one or more brackets. As such, it should be appreciated that the driven lever arm <NUM> may be attached to a bracket, which is in turn attached to the frame <NUM>. The driven lever arm <NUM> is rotatably attached to the frame <NUM> for rotation about a lever rotation axis <NUM>. The lever rotation axis <NUM> extends transverse or perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. The driven lever arm <NUM> includes a first lever connection <NUM> and a second lever connection <NUM> positioned opposite each other across the lever rotation axis <NUM>. In one example implementation, shown in the figures and described herein, the first lever connection <NUM> and the second lever connection <NUM> are arranged approximately one hundred eighty degrees (<NUM>°) apart from each other angularly about the lever rotation axis <NUM>. Additionally, in the example implementation shown in the figures and described herein, the first lever connection <NUM> and the second lever connection <NUM> are positioned equidistance from the lever rotation axis <NUM>.

The first pivot assembly <NUM> is rotatably attached to the frame <NUM> for rotation about a first pivot axis <NUM>. The first pivot axis <NUM> extends transverse or perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the frame <NUM> and is parallel with the lever rotation axis <NUM>. As noted above, the frame <NUM> may include multiple different components including one or more brackets. As such, it should be appreciated that the first pivot assembly <NUM> may be attached to a bracket, which is in turn attached to the frame <NUM>. The first pivot assembly <NUM> includes a first pivot connection <NUM> and a second pivot connection <NUM>. The first pivot connection <NUM> is coupled to the first lever connection <NUM> of the driven lever arm <NUM>. More particularly, a first link <NUM> interconnects the first lever connection <NUM> of the driven lever arm <NUM> and the first pivot connection <NUM> of the first pivot assembly <NUM>. The first link <NUM> is rotatably attached to both the driven lever arm <NUM> and the first pivot assembly <NUM> at the first lever connection <NUM> and the first pivot connection <NUM> respectively. The second pivot connection <NUM> is coupled to a first lift location <NUM> of the hood <NUM>. More particularly, a third link <NUM> interconnects the second pivot connection <NUM> of the first pivot assembly <NUM> and the first lift connection of the hood <NUM>. The third link <NUM> is rotatably attached to both the first pivot assembly <NUM> and the hood <NUM> at the second pivot connection <NUM> and the first lift connection respectively.

The second pivot assembly <NUM> is rotatably attached to the frame <NUM> for rotation about a second pivot axis <NUM>. The second pivot axis <NUM> extends transverse or perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the frame <NUM> and is parallel with the lever rotation axis <NUM> and the first pivot axis <NUM>. As noted above, the frame <NUM> may include multiple different components including one or more brackets. As such, it should be appreciated that the second pivot assembly <NUM> may be attached to a bracket, which is in turn attached to the frame <NUM>. The second pivot assembly <NUM> includes a third pivot connection <NUM> and a fourth pivot connection <NUM>. The third pivot connection <NUM> is coupled to the second lever connection <NUM> of the driven lever arm <NUM>. More particularly, a second link <NUM> interconnects the second lever connection <NUM> of the driven lever arm <NUM> and the third pivot connection <NUM> of the second pivot assembly <NUM>. The second link <NUM> is rotatably attached to both the driven lever arm <NUM> and the second pivot assembly <NUM> at the second lever connection <NUM> and the third pivot connection <NUM> respectively. The fourth pivot connection <NUM> is coupled to a second lift location of the hood <NUM>. More particularly, a fourth link <NUM> interconnects the fourth pivot connection <NUM> of the second pivot assembly <NUM> and the second lift connection <NUM> of the hood <NUM>. The fourth link <NUM> is rotatably attached to both the second pivot assembly <NUM> and the hood <NUM> at the fourth pivot connection <NUM> and the second lift connection <NUM> respectively.

The driven lever arm <NUM> is positioned between the first pivot assembly <NUM> and the second pivot assembly <NUM> along the central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. The first pivot assembly <NUM> is positioned forward of the driven lever arm <NUM> along the central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. The driven lever arm <NUM> is positioned forward of the second pivot assembly <NUM> along the central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. In the example implementation shown in the figures and described herein, the lever rotation axis <NUM> is equidistant from the first pivot axis <NUM> and the second pivot axis <NUM> along the central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the frame <NUM>.

As described above, the hood <NUM> includes the first lift connection and the second lift connection <NUM>. The first lift connection is positioned forward of the second lift connection <NUM> along the central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the frame <NUM> relative to the direction of forward travel <NUM>. The first pivot assembly <NUM> is positioned forward of the second pivot assembly <NUM> along the central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the frame <NUM> relative to the direction of forward travel <NUM>. The third link <NUM>, which connects the first pivot assembly <NUM> and the first lift location <NUM>, extends in a generally vertical orientation that is angled slightly forward. The fourth link <NUM>, which connects the second pivot assembly <NUM> and the second lift connection <NUM>, extends in a generally vertical orientation that is angled slightly rearward. As such, the third link <NUM> and the fourth link <NUM> do not cross and are not directly connected or attached to each other.

A bar <NUM> extends between and interconnects the hood <NUM> and the frame <NUM>. The bar <NUM> is attached to the hood <NUM> at a first bar mount <NUM> and is attached to the frame <NUM> at a second bar mount <NUM>. The bar <NUM> is pivotably attached to the hood <NUM> and the frame <NUM> at the first bar mount <NUM> and the second bar mount <NUM> respectively. The bar <NUM> is a rigid structure that is positioned relative to the other components of the actuating system <NUM> to limit forward and/or rearward movement of the hood <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM>. In the example implementation shown in the Figures and described herein, the first bar mount <NUM> is positioned forward of the second bar mount <NUM> along the central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. Additionally, the first bar mount <NUM> is positioned forward of the first lift connection along the central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the frame <NUM> relative to the direction of forward travel <NUM>. The second bar mount <NUM> may be positioned between the first lift connection and the second lift connection <NUM> along the central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. In the example implementation shown in the Figures, the second bar mount <NUM> is positioned vertically beneath the second pivot axis <NUM>.

An actuator <NUM> is coupled to the driven lever arm <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> is operable to rotate the driven lever arm <NUM> in at least one of a first rotational direction <NUM> or a second rotational direction <NUM>. The second rotational direction <NUM> is opposite to the first rotational direction <NUM>. As used herein, the first rotational direction <NUM> may be considered a clockwise direction as viewed on the page of the Figures, whereas the second rotational direction <NUM> may be considered a counterclockwise direction as viewed on the page of the Figures. However, it should be appreciated that the first rotational direction <NUM> and the second rotational direction <NUM> may be defined differently than the example implementation described herein.

The actuator <NUM> 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 <NUM> about the lever rotation axis <NUM>. In the example implementation shown in the Figures and described herein, the actuator <NUM> includes a manually operated hand crank that is connected to a drive shaft <NUM>. Rotation of the hand crank rotates the drive shaft <NUM> about the lever rotation axis <NUM>. The drive shaft <NUM> interconnects the actuator <NUM>, e.g., the hand crank, and the driven lever arm <NUM> and is operable to transmit torque between the actuator <NUM> and the driven lever arm <NUM>. While the example implementation includes the hand crank coupled to the drive shaft <NUM>, it should be appreciated that other implementations may include different implementations of the actuator <NUM> 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 <NUM> and the first pivot connection <NUM> are positioned relative to the lever rotation axis <NUM> and the first pivot axis <NUM> respectively such that rotation of the driven lever arm <NUM> in the first rotational direction <NUM> rotates the first pivot assembly <NUM> in the first rotational direction <NUM>, and rotation of the driven lever arm <NUM> in the second rotational direction <NUM> rotates the first pivot assembly <NUM> in the second rotational direction <NUM>. In contrast, the second lever connection <NUM> and the third pivot connection <NUM> are positioned relative to the lever rotation axis <NUM> and the second pivot axis <NUM> respectively such that rotation of the driven lever arm <NUM> in the first rotational direction <NUM> rotates the second pivot assembly <NUM> in the second rotational direction <NUM>, and rotation of the driven lever arm <NUM> in the second rotational direction <NUM> rotates the second pivot assembly <NUM> in the first rotational direction <NUM>.

The second pivot connection <NUM> is positioned relative to the first pivot axis <NUM> and the first pivot connection <NUM> to travel in a substantially upward vertical direction in response to rotation of the first pivot assembly <NUM> in the first rotational direction <NUM>, and travel in a substantially downward vertical direction in response to rotation of the first pivot assembly <NUM> in the second rotational direction <NUM>. In contrast, the fourth pivot connection <NUM> is positioned relative to the second pivot axis <NUM> and the third pivot connection <NUM> to travel in the substantially upward vertical direction in response to rotation of the second pivot assembly <NUM> in the second rotational direction <NUM>, and travel in the substantially downward vertical direction in response to rotation of the second pivot assembly <NUM> in the first rotational direction <NUM>.

Rotation of the first pivot assembly <NUM> about the first pivot axis <NUM> in the first rotational direction <NUM> and rotation of the second pivot assembly <NUM> about the second pivot axis <NUM> in the second rotational direction <NUM> moves the hood <NUM> away from the crop conditioning element <NUM>. Rotation of the first pivot assembly <NUM> about the first pivot axis <NUM> in the second rotational direction <NUM> and rotation of the second pivot assembly <NUM> about the second pivot axis <NUM> in the first rotational direction <NUM> moves the hood <NUM> toward the crop condition element. The positioning of the components of the actuating system <NUM> enable the hood <NUM> to move relative to the crop conditioning element <NUM> while substantially maintaining the same orientation of the hood <NUM> relative to the crop conditioning element <NUM>. In other words, the hood <NUM> may move generally vertically up or down without significantly swinging or rotating. This enables the hood <NUM> to maintain its positional orientation relative to the crop conditioning element <NUM>. By maintaining the positional orientation of the hood <NUM> relative to the crop condition element, the location of the pinch point <NUM> between the hood <NUM> and the crop conditioning element <NUM>, as well as the entrance angle <NUM> into the gap <NUM> remain substantially constant, thereby providing consistent conditioning of the crop material as the gap <NUM> is adjusted.

Claim 1:
A harvesting apparatus for an agricultural machine, the harvesting apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a frame (<NUM>);
a cutting mechanism (<NUM>) coupled to the frame (<NUM>) and operable to cut crop material;
a crop conditioning element (<NUM>) coupled to the frame (<NUM>);
a hood (<NUM>) moveable relative to the crop conditioning element (<NUM>), the hood (<NUM>) including a first lift connection (<NUM>) and a second lift connection (<NUM>);
an actuating system (<NUM>) moveably connecting the hood (<NUM>) to the frame (<NUM>), the actuating system (<NUM>) including:
a driven lever arm (<NUM>) rotatably attached to the frame (<NUM>) for rotation about a lever rotation axis (<NUM>), the driven lever arm (<NUM>) including a first lever connection (<NUM>) and a second lever connection (<NUM>) positioned opposite each other across the lever rotation axis (<NUM>);
a first pivot assembly (<NUM>) rotatably attached to the frame (<NUM>) for rotation about a first pivot axis (<NUM>), the first pivot assembly (<NUM>) including a first pivot connection (<NUM>) coupled to the first lever connection (<NUM>) of the driven lever arm (<NUM>) and a second pivot connection (<NUM>) coupled to the first lift connection (<NUM>) of the hood (<NUM>); and
a second pivot assembly (<NUM>) rotatably attached to the frame (<NUM>) for rotation about a second pivot axis (<NUM>), the second pivot assembly (<NUM>) including a third pivot connection (<NUM>) coupled to the second lever connection (<NUM>) of the driven lever arm (<NUM>) and a fourth pivot connection (<NUM>) coupled to the second lift location of the hood (<NUM>), and the harvesting apparatus further comprising an actuator (<NUM>) coupled to the driven lever arm (<NUM>) and operable to rotate the driven lever arm (<NUM>) in at least one of a first rotational direction (<NUM>) or a second rotational direction (<NUM>), characterized in that the harvesting apparatus further comprises a third link (<NUM>) interconnecting the second pivot connection (<NUM>) of the first pivot assembly (<NUM>) and the first lift connection (<NUM>) of the hood (<NUM>).