Patent Description:
A harvester may be used to harvest agricultural crops, such as barley, beans, beets, carrots, corn, cotton, flax, oats, potatoes, rye, soybeans, wheat, or other plant crops. Furthermore, a combine (e.g., combine harvester) is a type of harvester generally used to harvest certain crops that include grain (e.g., barley, corn, flax, oats, rye, wheat, etc.). During operation of a combine, the harvesting process may begin by removing a plant from a field, such as by using a header. The header may cut the agricultural crops and transport the cut crops to a processing system of the combine.

Certain headers include a cutter bar assembly configured to cut a portion of each crop (e.g., a stalk), thereby separating the cut crop from the soil. The cutter bar assembly may extend along a substantial portion of the width of the header at a forward end of the header. In addition, the cutter bar assembly may include a cutter bar, a stationary blade assembly, and a moving blade assembly. The moving blade assembly may be fixed to the cutter bar, and the cutter bar/moving blade assembly may be driven to oscillate relative to the stationary blade assembly. Each blade assembly may include multiple blades distributed along the width of the respective blade assembly. As the moving blade assembly is driven to oscillate, the blades of the moving blade assembly move relative to the blades of the stationary blade assembly. As the header is moved through the field by the harvester, a portion of a crop (e.g., the stalk) may enter a gap between adjacent blades of the stationary blade assembly and a gap between adjacent blades of the moving blade assembly. Movement of the moving blade assembly causes a blade of the moving blade assembly to move across the gap in the stationary blade assembly, thereby cutting the portion of the crop.

Certain cutter bar assemblies are flexible along the width of the header. Such a cutter bar assembly may be supported by multiple longitudinally extending arms distributed along the width of the header. Each arm may be pivotally mounted to a frame of the header, thereby enabling the cutter bar assembly to flex during operation of the harvester. The flexible cutter bar assembly may follow the contours of the field, thereby enabling the cutting height to be substantially constant along the width of the header. However, if a substantially rigid cutter bar is desired (e.g., for certain field conditions, for harvesting certain types of crops, etc.), the pivoting movement of each arm may be blocked, thereby substantially reducing the flexibility of the cutter bar assembly. For example, a pin may be inserted through an opening in an arm and through a corresponding opening in the header frame, thereby blocking pivoting movement of the arm. Unfortunately, the process of aligning the opening of each arm with the corresponding opening in the header frame to facilitate insertion of the pin may be difficult and time consuming. For example, an operator may manually move each arm to a position that aligns the arm opening with the corresponding header frame opening as is disclosed in <CIT>. However, due to the weight of each arm and the weight supported by the arm, manual movement of the arm may be difficult, especially with regard to moving the arm to the exact position that establishes opening alignment. Due to the difficulty in positioning each arm of the header, the harvesting process may be significantly delayed if a transition between a flexible cutter bar assembly and a rigid cutter bar assembly is desired, thereby reducing the efficiency of the harvesting process.

In certain embodiments, an agricultural header comprises a frame, an arm pivotally coupled to the frame, wherein the arm is configured to rotate about a pivot axis relative to the frame. The arm is configured to support a cutter bar assembly. The header further comprises a locking mechanism configured to selectively block rotation of the arm about the pivot axis and further includes a pin configured to be movably coupled to a first element of an agricultural header, such that the pin is movable between a first pin position and a second pin position relative to the first element. The first element includes one of an arm and a frame of the agricultural header. In addition, the locking mechanism includes a biasing assembly configured to selectively urge the pin toward the first pin position and toward the second pin position. The locking mechanism also includes a mount configured to couple to a second element of the agricultural header, in which the second element includes the other of the arm and the frame. Furthermore, the arm is configured to support a cutter bar assembly of the agricultural header, and the arm is configured to rotate about a pivot axis relative to the frame. In addition, the mount has an opening, the pin is disposed within the opening, and the opening has a first portion and a second potion. The first portion is configured to receive the pin while the pin is in the first pin position, the second portion is configured to receive the pin while the pin is in the second pin position, the first portion is configured to block relative movement between the pin and the mount about the pivot axis to block rotation of the arm, and the second portion is configured to enable relative movement between the pin and the mount about the pivot axis to enable rotation of the arm.

Any examples of operating parameters and/or environmental conditions are not exclusive of other parameters/conditions of the disclosed embodiments.

Turning to the drawings, <FIG> is a side view of an embodiment of an agricultural harvester <NUM> having a header <NUM>. The agricultural harvester <NUM> includes a chassis <NUM> configured to support the header <NUM> and an agricultural crop processing system <NUM>. As described in greater detail below, the header <NUM> is configured to cut crops and to transport the cut crops toward an inlet <NUM> of the agricultural crop processing system <NUM> for further processing of the cut crops. The agricultural crop processing system <NUM> receives cut crops from the header <NUM> and separates desired crop material from crop residue. For example, the agricultural crop processing system <NUM> may include a thresher <NUM> having a cylindrical threshing rotor that transports the crops in a helical flow path through the harvester <NUM>. In addition to transporting the crops, the thresher <NUM> may separate certain desired crop material (e.g., grain) from the crop residue, such as husks and pods, and enable the desired crop material to flow into a cleaning system located beneath the thresher <NUM>. The cleaning system may remove debris from the desired crop material and transport the desired crop material to a storage compartment within the harvester <NUM>. The crop residue may be transported from the thresher <NUM> to a crop residue handling system <NUM>, which may remove the crop residue from the harvester <NUM> via a crop residue spreading system <NUM> positioned at the aft end of the harvester <NUM>.

As discussed in detail below, the header <NUM> includes a cutter bar assembly configured to cut the crops within the field. The cutter bar assembly is configured to flex along a width of the header to enable the cutter bar assembly to substantially follow the contours of the field. The cutter bar assembly is supported by multiple longitudinally extending arms distributed along the width of the header. Each arm is pivotally mounted to a frame of the header, thereby enabling the cutter bar assembly to flex. If a substantially rigid cutter bar is desired (e.g., for certain field conditions, for harvesting certain types of crops, etc.), the pivoting movement of each arm may be blocked, thereby substantially reducing the flexibility of the cutter bar assembly.

In certain embodiments, the header includes multiple locking mechanisms, each configured to transition between a locked state and an unlocked state. While in the locked state, each locking mechanism is configured to block rotation of a respective arm, and while in the unlocked state, each locking mechanism is configured to facilitate rotation of the respective arm relative to the frame of the agricultural header. To establish a substantially rigid cutter bar assembly, each locking mechanism may be transitioned to a locking state (e.g., by moving a respective handle relative to the arm). The agricultural header frame may then be raised or lowered relative to the soil surface. As each arm reaches a locking orientation, each respective locking mechanism may automatically transition from the locking state to the locked state, thereby blocking rotation of the respective arm relative to the header frame. In addition, to establish a flexible cutter bar assembly, each locking mechanism may be transitioned to an unlocking state (e.g., by moving a respective handle relative to the arm). The agricultural header frame may then be raised or lowered relative to the soil surface. As each arm reaches an unlocking orientation, each respective locking mechanism may automatically transition from the unlocking state to the unlocked state, thereby facilitating rotation of the respective arm relative to the header frame. Because each locking mechanism is configured to automatically transition to the locked/unlocked state in response to the arm rotating to the locking/unlocking orientation, the process of manually rotating each arm to a position that facilitates engagement/removal of a pin with/from openings in the arm and the header frame to block/enable rotation of the arm is obviated. As a result, the cutter bar assembly may be transitioned between the flexible configuration and the substantially rigid configuration more rapidly (e.g., as compared to a process involving inserting/removing a pin through/from an opening in the arm and a corresponding opening in the frame of the agricultural header to block/enable rotation of the arm). As a result, the efficiency of the harvesting process may be enhanced.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of a header <NUM> that may be employed within the agricultural harvester of <FIG>. In the illustrated embodiment, the header <NUM> includes a cutter bar assembly <NUM> configured to cut a portion of each crop (e.g., a stalk), thereby separating the crop from the soil. The cutter bar assembly <NUM> is positioned at a forward end of the header <NUM> relative to a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the header <NUM>. As illustrated, the cutter bar assembly <NUM> extends along a substantial portion of the width of the header <NUM> (e.g., the extent of the header <NUM> along a lateral axis <NUM>). As discussed in detail below, the cutter bar assembly includes a cutter bar, a stationary blade assembly, and a moving blade assembly. The moving blade assembly is fixed to the cutter bar (e.g., above the cutter bar relative to a vertical axis <NUM> of the header <NUM>), and the cutter bar/moving blade assembly is driven to oscillate relative to the stationary blade assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutter bar/moving blade assembly is driven to oscillate by a driving mechanism <NUM> positioned at the lateral center of the header <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the cutter bar/moving blade assembly may be driven by another suitable mechanism (e.g., located at any suitable position on the header). As the harvester is driven through a field, the cutter bar assembly <NUM> engages crops within the field, and the moving blade assembly cuts the crops (e.g., the stalks of the crops) in response to engagement of the cutter bar assembly <NUM> with the crops.

In the illustrated embodiment, the header <NUM> includes a first lateral belt <NUM> on a first lateral side of the header <NUM> and a second lateral belt <NUM> on a second lateral side of the header <NUM>, opposite the first lateral side. Each belt is driven to rotate by a suitable drive mechanism, such as an electric motor or a hydraulic motor. The first lateral belt <NUM> and the second lateral belt <NUM> are driven such that the top surface of each belt moves laterally inward. In addition, the header <NUM> includes a longitudinal belt <NUM> positioned between the first lateral belt <NUM> and the second lateral belt <NUM> along the lateral axis <NUM>. The longitudinal belt <NUM> is driven to rotate by a suitable drive mechanism, such as an electric motor or a hydraulic motor. The longitudinal belt <NUM> is driven such that the top surface of the longitudinal belt <NUM> moves rearwardly along the longitudinal axis <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the crops cut by the cutter bar assembly <NUM> are directed toward the belts by a reel assembly. Agricultural crops that contact the top surface of the lateral belts are driven laterally inwardly to the longitudinal belt due to the movement of the lateral belts. In addition, agricultural crops that contact the longitudinal belt <NUM> and the agricultural crops provided to the longitudinal belt by the lateral belts are driven rearwardly along the longitudinal axis <NUM> due to the movement of the longitudinal belt <NUM>. Accordingly, the belts move the cut agricultural crops through an opening <NUM> in the header <NUM> to the inlet of the agricultural crop processing system.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cutter bar assembly <NUM> is flexible along the width of the header <NUM> (e.g., the extent of the header <NUM> along the lateral axis <NUM>). As discussed in detail below, the cutter bar assembly <NUM> is supported by multiple arms extending along the longitudinal axis <NUM> and distributed along the width of the header <NUM> (e.g., along the lateral axis <NUM> of the header <NUM>). Each arm is mounted to a frame <NUM> of the header <NUM> and configured to rotate about a pivot axis relative to the frame. As a result, the cutter bar assembly <NUM> may flex during operation of the harvester. The flexible cutter bar assembly may follow the contours of the field, thereby enabling the cutting height (e.g., the height at which each crop is cut) to be substantially constant along the width of the header <NUM> (e.g., the extent of the header <NUM> along the lateral axis <NUM>). However, if a substantially rigid cutter bar assembly is desired (e.g., for certain field conditions, for harvesting certain types of crops, etc.), the pivoting movement of the arms may be blocked, thereby substantially reducing the flexibility of the cutter bar assembly.

In certain embodiments, the agricultural header includes multiple locking mechanisms, each configured to transition between a locked state and an unlocked state. While in the locked state, each locking mechanism is configured to block rotation of a respective arm, and while in the unlocked state, each locking mechanism is configured to facilitate rotation of the respective arm relative to the header frame. As discussed in detail below, each locking mechanism includes a pin configured to movably couple to a respective arm of the agricultural header, such that the pin is movable between a first pin position and a second pin position relative to the arm. As previously discussed, the arm is configured to support the cutter bar assembly of the agricultural header, and the arm is configured to rotate about the pivot axis relative to the frame of the agricultural header. The locking mechanism includes a biasing assembly configured to selectively urge the pin toward a first pin position and toward a second pin position. In addition, the locking mechanism includes a mount configured to couple to the frame of the agricultural header. The mount has an opening, and the pin is disposed within the opening. The opening has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion is configured to receive the pin while the pin is in the first pin position, and the second portion is configured to receive the pin while the pin is in the second pin position. Furthermore, the first portion is configured to block movement of the pin about the pivot axis to block rotation of the arm, and the second portion is configured to enable movement of the pin about the pivot axis to enable rotation of the arm.

In certain embodiments, the biasing assembly includes a handle and at least one biasing member. The handle is movable between a first handle position and a second handle position. In addition, the handle is configured to drive the at least one biasing member to urge the pin toward the first pin position while the handle is in the first handle position, and the handle is configured to drive the at least one biasing member to urge the pin toward the second pin position while the handle is in the second handle position. To transition the cutter bar assembly from the flexible configuration to the substantially rigid configuration, the handle of each locking mechanism may be moved to the first handle position, thereby transitioning the locking mechanism to a locking state. With the handle in the first handle position, the at least one biasing member urges the pin toward the first pin position. In response to the arm reaching a locking orientation (e.g., which may result from the agricultural header being moved upwardly or downwardly), the pin is driven to the first pin position by the at least one biasing member, thereby placing the pin in the first portion of the opening in the mount. With the pin in the first portion of the opening, movement of the pin about the pivot axis is blocked, thereby blocking rotation of the arm. Accordingly, the locking mechanism transitions from the locking state to the locked state in response to the arm reaching the locking orientation. Because each locking mechanism is configured to automatically transition to the locked state in response to the arm rotating to the locking orientation, the process of manually rotating each arm to a position that facilitates engagement of a pin with openings in the arm and the header frame to block rotation of the arm is obviated. As a result, the cutter bar assembly may be transitioned between the flexible configuration and the substantially rigid configuration more rapidly (e.g., as compared to a process involving inserting a pin through an opening in the arm and a corresponding opening in the frame of the agricultural header to block rotation of the arm). As a result, the efficiency of the harvesting process may be enhanced.

Furthermore, to transition the cutter bar assembly from the substantially rigid configuration to the flexible configuration, the handle of each locking mechanism may be moved to the second handle position, thereby transitioning the locking mechanism to the unlocking state. With the handle in the second handle position, the at least one biasing member urges the pin toward the second pin position. In response to the arm reaching the unlocking orientation (e.g., which may result from the agricultural header being moved upwardly or downwardly), the pin is driven to the second pin position by the at least one biasing member, thereby placing the pin in the second portion of the opening in the mount. With the pin in the second portion of the opening, movement of the pin about the pivot axis is enable, thereby enabling rotation of the arm relative to the header frame. Accordingly, the locking mechanism transitions from the unlocking state to the unlocked state in response to the arm reaching the unlocking orientation. Because each locking mechanism is configured to automatically transition to the unlocked state in response to the arm rotating to the unlocking orientation, the process of manually rotating each arm to a position that facilitates removal of a pin from openings in the arm and the header frame to enable rotation of the arm is obviated. As a result, the cutter bar assembly may be transitioned between the substantially rigid configuration and the flexible configuration more rapidly (e.g., as compared to a process involving removing a pin from an opening in the arm and a corresponding opening in the frame of the agricultural header to facilitate rotation of the arm). As a result, the efficiency of the harvesting process may be enhanced.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a portion of the header <NUM> of <FIG>, including the cutter bar assembly <NUM> and arms <NUM> that support the cutter bar assembly <NUM>. As illustrated, each arm <NUM> extends substantially along the longitudinal axis <NUM>. However, in alternative embodiments, each arm may extend in any suitable direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the arms <NUM> are distributed along the width of the header <NUM> (e.g., the extent of the header along the lateral axis <NUM>). The spacing between the arms may be selected to enable the arms to support the cutter bar assembly and to enable the cutter bar assembly to flex during operation of the header (e.g., while the cutter bar assembly is in the flexible configuration). As discussed in detail below, each arm <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the frame <NUM> via a respective pivot joint, and the pivot joint is configured to enable the respective arm <NUM> to rotate relative to the frame <NUM> about a respective pivot axis. In the illustrated embodiment, lateral supports <NUM> extend between respective pairs of arms <NUM>. A first end of each lateral support <NUM> is pivotally coupled to one arm <NUM>, and a second end of each lateral support <NUM> is pivotally coupled to another arm <NUM>. The lateral supports <NUM> are configured to support the respective lateral belt, while enabling the arms to rotate about the respective pivot axes relative to the frame <NUM>. While three lateral supports are positioned between each pair of arms in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, more or fewer lateral supports may be positioned between at least one pair of arms (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.). Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the lateral supports may be omitted between at least one pair of arms.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the cutter bar assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. As illustrated, the cutter bar assembly <NUM> includes a cutter bar <NUM>, a stationary blade assembly <NUM>, and a moving blade assembly <NUM>. The moving blade assembly <NUM> is coupled to the cutter bar <NUM>, and the cutter bar <NUM>/moving blade assembly <NUM> are driven to oscillate relative to the stationary blade assembly <NUM>. The stationary blade assembly <NUM> includes multiple stationary blades <NUM> distributed along the width of the stationary blade assembly <NUM> (e.g., the extent of the stationary blade assembly <NUM> along the lateral axis <NUM>), and the moving blade assembly <NUM> includes multiple moving blades <NUM> distributed along the width of the moving blade assembly <NUM> (e.g., the extent of the moving blade assembly <NUM> along the lateral axis <NUM>). As the moving blade assembly <NUM> is driven to oscillate, the moving blades <NUM> move relative to the stationary blades <NUM>. As the header is moved through the field by the harvester, a portion of a crop (e.g., the stalk) may enter a gap <NUM> between adjacent stationary blades <NUM> and a gap <NUM> between adjacent moving blades <NUM>. Movement of the moving blade assembly <NUM> causes a moving blade <NUM> to move across the gap <NUM> in the stationary blade assembly <NUM>, thereby cutting the portion of the crop.

In the illustrated embodiment, the stationary blade assembly <NUM> is coupled to the arms of the header via laterally extending support bars. For example, in certain embodiments, the support bars are coupled to the arms via fasteners, and the stationary blades of the stationary blade assembly are coupled to respective support bars by fasteners. In addition, the cutter bar <NUM> and the movable blade assembly <NUM> are movably coupled to the stationary blade assembly <NUM> (e.g., the cutter bar and the moving blade assembly pass through openings in the stationary blades). The support bars and the cutter bar <NUM> are flexible, thereby enabling the cutter bar assembly <NUM> to flex in response to variations in the soil surface (e.g., while the cutter bar assembly <NUM> is in contact with the soil surface). While the cutter bar assembly <NUM> is coupled to arms via support bars and fasteners in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the cutter bar assembly may be coupled to the arms via another suitable connection system (e.g., the stationary blade assembly may be welded to the arms, etc.). In addition, the cutter bar/moving blade assembly may be movably coupled to the stationary blade assembly by any suitable connection system.

<FIG> is a rear perspective view of a portion of the header <NUM> of <FIG>, including locking mechanisms <NUM> configured to selectively block rotation of the arms <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, each locking mechanism <NUM> is configured to selectively block rotation of a respective arm <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, at least one locking mechanism may be configured to selectively block rotation of multiple arms. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanisms <NUM> are positioned on a rear portion of the frame <NUM> and accessible by an operator positioned rearward of the frame <NUM>. However, in alternative embodiments, at least one locking mechanism may be positioned in another suitable position (e.g., on a forward portion of the frame, on a top portion of the frame, on a bottom portion of the frame, etc.) and accessible by an operator positioned at a corresponding location relative to the frame.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an arm <NUM> and a locking mechanism <NUM> of the header of <FIG>. As illustrated, the locking mechanism <NUM> includes a pin <NUM> movably coupled to the arm <NUM> (e.g., first element), such that the pin <NUM> is movable between a first pin position, as illustrated, and a second pin position relative to the arm <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the pin <NUM> is movably coupled to the arm <NUM> via slots <NUM> extending through the arm <NUM>. The slots <NUM> are formed within a first member <NUM> and a second member <NUM> of a forked portion <NUM> of the arm <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the forked portion <NUM> of the arm <NUM> is coupled to a bar <NUM> of the arm <NUM> via fasteners <NUM>, such as the illustrated bolts/nuts. However, in alternative embodiments, the forked portion of the arm may be coupled to the bar of the arm via other suitable fastener(s) (e.g., rivet(s), screw(s), etc.), via a welded connection, via an adhesive connection, via another suitable type of connection, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the bar of the arm may be integral with the forked portion of the arm. In addition, while the forked portion <NUM> of the arm <NUM> includes two members in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the forked portion of the arm may include more or fewer members (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.). In certain embodiments, the forked portion of the arm may be omitted, and the slot(s) may be formed within the bar of the arm. Furthermore, while the arm <NUM> includes two slots <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the arm may have more or fewer slots to movably couple the pin to the arm.

As previously discussed, the arm <NUM> is configured to support the cutter bar assembly of the agricultural header. For example, a longitudinal end of the bar <NUM> of the arm <NUM>, opposite the end coupled to the forked portion <NUM>, may be coupled to the cutter bar assembly, such that the arm supports the cutter bar assembly during operation of the agricultural header. As previously discussed, the arm <NUM> is configured to rotate about a pivot axis <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM> of the agricultural header. As illustrated, the arm <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the frame <NUM> by a pivot joint <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot joint <NUM> is formed at a first strut <NUM> and a second strut <NUM> of the frame <NUM> and at the forked portion <NUM> of the arm <NUM>. However, in alternative embodiments, the pivot joint <NUM> may be formed at any suitable portion of the frame and/or at any suitable portion of the arm. For example, the pivot joint may be formed at more or fewer struts of the frame. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism <NUM> is positioned on an opposite side of the pivot joint <NUM> from the cutter bar assembly, which may be coupled to the bar <NUM> of the arm <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the locking mechanism and the cutter bar assembly may be positioned on the same side of the pivot joint.

In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism <NUM> includes a biasing assembly <NUM> configured to selectively urge the pin <NUM> to the first pin position, as illustrated, (e.g., at a first end of the slots <NUM>) and toward the second pin position (e.g., at a second end of the slots <NUM>, opposite the first end). In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing assembly <NUM> includes a handle <NUM> and at least one biasing member <NUM> (e.g., at least one spring). An extension member <NUM> of the handle <NUM> extends through an opening in the pin <NUM>, and the handle <NUM> is movable relative to the pin <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is movable between a first handle position, as illustrated, and a second handle position (e.g., along the longitudinal axis <NUM>). The handle <NUM> is configured to drive the at least one biasing member <NUM> to urge the pin <NUM> toward the first pin position while the handle <NUM> is in the first handle position, and the handle <NUM> is configured to drive the at least one biasing member <NUM> to urge the pin <NUM> toward the second pin position while the handle <NUM> is in the second handle position. While the biasing assembly <NUM> includes the handle <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the biasing assembly may include another suitable device configured to drive the at least one biasing member to selectively urge the pin toward the first pin position and toward the second pin position. For example, the biasing assembly may include an actuator (e.g., solenoid, hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, etc.) configured to extend and retract to drive the at least one biasing member. By way of further example, the biasing assembly may include a screw drive (e.g., manually actuated or actuated by an actuator, such as a motor) configured to drive the at least one biasing member.

The locking mechanism <NUM> also includes mounts, such as the illustrated plates <NUM>, coupled to the frame <NUM> (e.g., second element) of the agricultural header. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a first plate <NUM> coupled to the first strut <NUM> of the frame <NUM> and a second plate <NUM> coupled to the second strut <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. However, in alternative embodiments, the locking mechanism may include more or fewer plates, each coupled to a suitable portion of the header frame. For example, in certain embodiments, the locking mechanism may include a single plate coupled to one of the struts, or the locking mechanism may include three or more plates, each coupled to a respective strut. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, at least one plate may be coupled to another suitable portion of the frame. In addition, while each mount is plate-shaped in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, at least one mount may have another suitable shape (e.g., a three-dimensional shape configured to match the contours of the frame, a rectangular prismatic shape, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, each plate <NUM> is coupled to the frame <NUM> via fasteners <NUM>, such as the illustrated bolts/nuts. However, in alternative embodiments, at least one plate may be coupled to the frame via other suitable fastener(s) (e.g., rivet(s), screw(s), etc.), via a welded connection, via an adhesive connection, via another suitable type of connection, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the plate may be coupled to the frame via an integral connection. For example, the plate and the portion of the frame surrounding the plate may be formed from a single piece of material.

As illustrated, the pin <NUM> is disposed within an opening <NUM> in each plate <NUM>. As discussed in detail below, each opening has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to receive the pin <NUM> while the pin <NUM> is in the first pin position, as illustrated, and the second portion is configured to receive the pin while the pin is in the second pin position. Furthermore, the first portion of the opening <NUM> is configured to block movement of the pin <NUM> about the pivot axis <NUM> to block rotation of the arm <NUM>, and the second portion of the opening <NUM> is configured to enable movement of the pin <NUM> about the pivot axis <NUM> to enable rotation of the arm <NUM>. Accordingly, with the handle <NUM> in the illustrated first handle position and the pin <NUM> in the first portion of the opening <NUM>, rotation of the arm <NUM> about the pivot axis <NUM> is blocked. As such, the locking mechanism <NUM> is in the locked state. To transition the cutter bar assembly to a substantially rigid configuration, each locking mechanism of the agricultural header may be transitioned to the locked state, thereby blocking rotation of each respective arm. With rotation of the arms blocked, the arms hold the cutter bar assembly in the substantially rigid configuration.

To transition the cutter bar assembly to the flexible configuration, the handle of each locking mechanism may be moved to the second handle position. As previously discussed, the handle is configured to drive the at least one biasing member to urge the pin toward the second pin position while the handle is in the second handle position. Accordingly, moving the handle of each locking mechanism to the second handle position transitions the locking mechanism to an unlocking state. Once each locking mechanism is in the unlocking state, the header frame may be raised or lowered relative to the soil surface (e.g., by controlling actuator(s) extending between the frame of the header and the chassis of the harvester). As each arm reaches an unlocking orientation (e.g., an orientation that enables the pin to move from the first portion of each opening to the second portion of the opening), each locking mechanism may transition from the unlocking state to the unlocked state, in which the pin is in the second portion of each opening. As previously discussed, with the pin in the second portion of each opening, the respective arm may rotate about the pivot axis. Rotation of the arms relative to the header frame enables the cutter bar assembly to flex.

To transition the cutter bar assembly from the flexible configuration to the substantially rigid configuration, the handle of each locking mechanism may be moved to the first handle position. As previously discussed, the handle is configured to drive the at least one biasing member to urge the pin toward the first pin position while the handle is in the first handle position. Accordingly, moving the handle of each locking mechanism to the first handle position transitions the locking mechanism to a locking state. Once each locking mechanism is in the locking state, the header frame may be raised or lowered relative to the soil surface (e.g., by controlling actuator(s) extending between the frame of the header and the chassis of the harvester). As each arm reaches a locking orientation (e.g., an orientation that enables the pin to move from the second portion of each opening to the first portion of the opening), each locking mechanism may transition from the locking state to the locked state, in which the pin is in the first portion of each opening. As previously discussed, with the pin in the first portion of each opening, rotation of the respective arm about the pivot axis may be blocked. Blocking rotation of each arm relative to the header frame places the cutter bar assembly in the substantially rigid configuration.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the locking mechanism <NUM> of <FIG>. As previously discussed, the first plate <NUM> of the locking mechanism <NUM> is coupled to the first strut <NUM> of the frame <NUM>, and the second plate <NUM> of the locking mechanism <NUM> is coupled to the second strut <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, an opening <NUM> is formed in each strut. The strut opening <NUM> is sized larger than the opening <NUM> in the respective plate <NUM>, thereby enabling the pin <NUM> to move within the plate opening <NUM>. While each strut opening <NUM> is circular in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, at least one strut opening may have another suitable shape, such as polygonal, elliptical, substantially matching the shape of the plate opening, etc..

In the illustrated embodiment, the opening <NUM> has a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>. As illustrated, the first portion <NUM> extends substantially along the longitudinal axis <NUM>, and the second portion <NUM> extends substantially along the vertical axis <NUM>. As previously discussed, the first portion <NUM> is configured to receive the pin <NUM> while the pin <NUM> is in the first pin position, as illustrated. In addition, the second portion <NUM> is configured to receive the pin <NUM> while the pin <NUM> is in the second pin position. As illustrated, the first portion <NUM> of the opening <NUM> is configured to block movement of the pin about the pivot axis <NUM>, thereby blocking rotation of the arm <NUM>. In addition, the second portion <NUM> of the opening <NUM> is configured to enable movement of the pin <NUM> about the pivot axis <NUM>, thereby enabling rotation of the arm <NUM>. The extent of the second portion <NUM> about the pivot axis <NUM> (e.g., the extent of the second portion <NUM> along the vertical axis <NUM>) may be particularly selected to control the rotational range of motion of the arm <NUM>. For example, in certain embodiments, the second portion may extend above and below the first portion about the pivot axis (e.g., along the vertical axis). Furthermore, while each portion of the plate opening establishes a substantially linear pin path in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, at least one portion of the plate opening may have another suitable shape (e.g., polygonal, curved, etc.). For example, in certain embodiments, the shape of the second portion of the plate opening may substantially correspond to the path of the pin as the arm rotates about the pivot axis.

In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism <NUM> includes a blocking member <NUM> configured to selectively hold the handle <NUM> in the first handle position, as illustrated, and in the second handle position. The blocking member <NUM> is coupled to the arm <NUM> and configured to rotate with the arm <NUM> about the pivot axis <NUM>. As illustrated, the handle <NUM> (e.g., an extension member <NUM> of the handle <NUM>) extends through an opening <NUM> in the blocking member <NUM>. The handle <NUM> includes a first rod <NUM> (e.g., first blocking feature) and a second rod <NUM> (e.g., second blocking feature). In addition, a slot <NUM> is formed in the blocking member <NUM>. The slot <NUM> is configured to facilitate passage of the first rod <NUM> through the blocking member <NUM> while the first rod <NUM> is aligned with the slot <NUM> and to facilitate passage of the second rod <NUM> through the blocking member <NUM> while the second rod <NUM> is aligned with the slot <NUM>. In addition, the first rod <NUM> is configured to engage the blocking member <NUM> (e.g., a longitudinal side of the blocking member <NUM>) to block movement of the handle <NUM> from the first handle position, as illustrated, to the second handle position while the handle <NUM> is in the first handle position. Furthermore, the second rod <NUM> is configured to engage the blocking member <NUM> (e.g., a longitudinal side of the blocking member <NUM>) to block movement of the handle <NUM> from the second handle position to the first handle position while the handle <NUM> is in the second handle position.

To transition the locking mechanism <NUM> from the illustrated locked state to the unlocked state, the handle <NUM> may be rotated (e.g. about the longitudinal axis <NUM>) such that the first rod <NUM> and the second rod <NUM> are aligned with the slot <NUM>. The handle <NUM> may then be moved from the illustrated first handle position to the second handle position (e.g., via reward translation along the longitudinal axis <NUM>). With the handle <NUM> in the second handle position, the second rod <NUM> is positioned on a first side <NUM> of the blocking member <NUM>. The handle <NUM> may then be rotated (e.g., about the longitudinal axis <NUM>) such that the second rod <NUM> is not aligned with the slot <NUM>. Accordingly, movement of the handle <NUM> from the second handle position toward the first handle position is blocked by contact between the second rod <NUM> and the blocking member <NUM>. As previously discussed, with the handle <NUM> in the second handle position, the handle <NUM> drives the at least one biasing member <NUM> to urge the pin <NUM> toward the second pin position. The header frame may be raised or lowered relative to the soil surface (e.g., by controlling actuator(s) extending between the frame of the header and the chassis of the harvester). As the arm <NUM> reaches the unlocking orientation (e.g., the orientation that enables the pin <NUM> to move from the first portion <NUM> of the opening <NUM> to the second portion <NUM> of the opening <NUM>), the locking mechanism <NUM> transitions to the unlocked state, in which the pin <NUM> is in the second portion <NUM> of the opening <NUM>.

To transition the locking mechanism <NUM> from the unlocked state to the locked state, the handle <NUM> may be rotated (e.g. about the longitudinal axis <NUM>) such that the first rod <NUM> and the second rod <NUM> are aligned with the slot <NUM>. The handle <NUM> may then be moved from the second handle position to the first handle position (e.g., via forward translation along the longitudinal axis <NUM>). With the handle <NUM> in the first handle position, the first rod <NUM> is positioned on a second side <NUM> of the blocking member <NUM>. The handle <NUM> may then be rotated (e.g., about the longitudinal axis <NUM>) such that the first rod <NUM> is not aligned with the slot <NUM>. Accordingly, movement of the handle <NUM> from the first handle position toward the second handle position is blocked by contact between the first rod <NUM> and the blocking member <NUM>. As previously discussed, with the handle <NUM> in the first handle position, the handle <NUM> drives the at least one biasing member <NUM> to urge the pin <NUM> toward the first pin position. The header frame may be raised or lowered relative to the soil surface (e.g., by controlling actuator(s) extending between the frame of the header and the chassis of the harvester). As the arm <NUM> reaches the locking orientation (e.g., the orientation that enables the pin <NUM> to move from the second portion <NUM> of the opening <NUM> to the first portion <NUM> of the opening <NUM>), the locking mechanism <NUM> transitions to the locked state, in which the pin <NUM> is in the first portion <NUM> of the opening <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, a narrow slot <NUM> is formed in the blocking member <NUM>. The width of the narrow slot <NUM> is less than the diameter of the first and second rods. The first and second rods are configured to engage the narrow slot <NUM>, thereby blocking rotation of the handle <NUM> until the handle is moved away from the blocking member <NUM> (e.g., along the longitudinal axis <NUM>). As a result of the rod/narrow slot interaction, the possibility of the handle rotating during operation of the agricultural header is substantially reduced or eliminated. However, in alternative embodiments, the narrow slot may be omitted (e.g., the slot <NUM> may be the only slot formed in the blocking member <NUM>). While the rods are aligned with one another in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the rods may be offset from one another along the circumferential axis of the extension member of the handle. In such embodiments, multiple slots may be formed in the blocking member to facilitate passage of the circumferentially offset rods. Furthermore, while the illustrated handle includes rods to control translation of the handle relative to the blocking member (e.g., along the longitudinal axis), in other embodiments, the handle may include another suitable type of blocking feature, such as a rectangular extension or a protrusion. In such embodiments, the blocking member may have a suitable aperture to facilitate movement of the handle relative to the blocking member while the blocking features are aligned with the aperture.

Furthermore, while the illustrated opening <NUM> in the plate <NUM> has two portions, in other embodiments, at least one plate may include more portions (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more). For example, the plate opening may include a third portion positioned rearward of the second portion and extending along the longitudinal axis. In such a configuration, the pin may be moved to the first portion or the third portion to block rotation of the arm about the pivot axis. In addition, while a single pin is movably coupled to the handle in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, multiple pins may be movably coupled to the handle. In such embodiments, each pin may extend through opening(s) in respective plate(s). For example, the opening(s) in the plate(s) for one pin may have substantially the same shape/number of portions as the opening(s) in the plate(s) for another pin.

<FIG> is a bottom perspective view of the locking mechanism <NUM> of <FIG>. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one biasing member <NUM> includes a first spring <NUM> positioned on a first side of the pin <NUM>, and a second spring <NUM> positioned on a second side of the pin <NUM>, opposite the first side. In the illustrated embodiment, the first spring <NUM> and the second spring <NUM> are coil springs disposed about the extension member <NUM> of the handle <NUM>. In addition, the first spring <NUM> and the second spring <NUM> are compression springs (e.g., each spring is mounted such that the spring only applies a force in response to compression of the spring). The first spring <NUM> is disposed between the pin <NUM> and a washer <NUM>. The washer <NUM> is disposed about the extension member <NUM> of the handle <NUM> and configured to move along the extension member <NUM> (e.g., along the longitudinal axis <NUM>). However, movement of the washer <NUM> along the extension member <NUM> away from the pin <NUM> is blocked by the second rod <NUM>. In addition, the second spring <NUM> is disposed between the pin <NUM> and a sleeve <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> is disposed about the extension member <NUM> of the handle <NUM>. Movement of the sleeve <NUM> along the extension member <NUM> away from the pin <NUM> is blocked by a clip <NUM>. As illustrated, the sleeve <NUM> extends through a support <NUM>, which is coupled to the arm <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> is movable (e.g., along the longitudinal axis <NUM>) through the support <NUM>. Accordingly, the handle <NUM> is movably coupled to the arm <NUM> by the support <NUM> and the blocking member <NUM>. While movement of the sleeve <NUM> relative to the handle <NUM> is blocked by the clip <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, movement of the sleeve away from the pin may be blocked by another suitable system, such as a nut, a welded connection between the sleeve and the handle, etc..

To transition the locking mechanism <NUM> from the illustrated locked state to the unlocked state, the handle <NUM> may be rotated (e.g. about the longitudinal axis <NUM>) such that the first rod <NUM> and the second rod <NUM> are aligned with the slot in the blocking member <NUM>. The handle <NUM> may then be moved from the illustrated first handle position to the second handle position (e.g. via reward translation along the longitudinal axis <NUM>). With the handle <NUM> in the second handle position, the second rod <NUM> is positioned on the first side <NUM> of the blocking member <NUM>. The handle <NUM> may then be rotated (e.g., about the longitudinal axis <NUM>) such that the second rod <NUM> is not aligned with the slot in the blocking member <NUM>. Accordingly, movement of the handle <NUM> from the second handle position toward the first handle position is blocked by contact between the second rod <NUM> and the blocking member <NUM>. With the handle <NUM> in the second handle position and the pin <NUM> in the first pin position, the second spring <NUM> is compressed between the sleeve <NUM> and the pin <NUM> (e.g., while the first spring <NUM> is not compressed due to movement of the washer <NUM> away from the pin <NUM>), thereby urging the pin <NUM> toward the second pin position. The header frame may be raised or lowered relative to the soil surface (e.g., by controlling actuator(s) extending between the frame of the header and the chassis of the harvester). As the arm <NUM> reaches the unlocking orientation (e.g., the orientation that enables the pin <NUM> to move from the first portion of the opening in the plate <NUM> to the second portion of the opening in the plate <NUM>), the locking mechanism <NUM> transitions to the unlocked state, in which the pin <NUM> is in the second portion of the opening in the plate <NUM>. In addition, while the locking mechanism <NUM> is in the unlocked state, the first spring <NUM> and the second spring <NUM> apply substantially equal forces to the pin <NUM>, such that the pin <NUM> is not substantially urged toward either pin position.

To transition the locking mechanism <NUM> from the unlocked state to the locked state, the handle <NUM> may be rotated (e.g. about the longitudinal axis <NUM>) such that the first rod <NUM> and the second rod <NUM> are aligned with the slot in the blocking member <NUM>. The handle <NUM> may then be moved from the second handle position to the first handle position (e.g. via forward translation along the longitudinal axis <NUM>). With the handle <NUM> in the first handle position, the first rod <NUM> is positioned on the second side <NUM> of the blocking member <NUM>. The handle <NUM> may then be rotated (e.g., about the longitudinal axis <NUM>) such that the first rod <NUM> is not aligned with the slot in the blocking member <NUM>. Accordingly, movement of the handle <NUM> from the first handle position toward the second handle position is blocked by contact between the first rod <NUM> and the blocking member <NUM>. With the handle <NUM> in the first handle position and the pin <NUM> in the second pin position, the first spring <NUM> is compressed between the washer <NUM> and the pin <NUM> (e.g., while the second spring <NUM> is not compressed due to movement of the sleeve <NUM> away from the pin <NUM>), thereby urging the pin <NUM> toward the first pin position. The header frame may be raised or lowered relative to the soil surface (e.g., by controlling actuator(s) extending between the frame of the header and the chassis of the harvester). As the arm <NUM> reaches the locking orientation (e.g., the orientation that enables the pin <NUM> to move from the second portion of the opening in the plate <NUM> to the first portion of the opening in the plate <NUM>), the locking mechanism <NUM> transitions to the locked state, in which the pin <NUM> is in the first portion of the opening in the plate <NUM>. In addition, while the locking mechanism <NUM> is in the locked state, the first spring <NUM> and the second spring <NUM> apply substantially equal forces to the pin <NUM>, such that the pin <NUM> is not substantially urged toward either pin position.

While the springs are compression springs in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, at least one spring may be a compression/tension spring (e.g., mounted such that the spring applies a force in response to both compression and tension). Furthermore, while the illustrated springs are coil springs, in other embodiments, at least one spring may be another suitable type of spring, such as a leaf spring. In addition, while the locking mechanism includes two springs in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the locking mechanism may include more or fewer springs (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more). Furthermore, while the at least one biasing member includes spring(s) in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the at least one biasing member may include one or more other suitable type(s) of biasing element(s), such as resilient member(s), hydraulic cylinder(s), or pneumatic cylinder(s) (e.g., either alone or in combination with one or more springs).

<FIG> is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a locking mechanism <NUM> that may be used within the header of <FIG>. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism <NUM> includes a pin <NUM> movably coupled to the arm <NUM> of the agricultural header (e.g., via a slot in the arm). The pin <NUM> is movable between a first pin position and a second pin position relative to the arm <NUM>. As previously discussed, the arm <NUM> is configured to rotate about the pivot axis <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM> of the agricultural header. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism <NUM> includes an actuator assembly <NUM> having an actuator <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> is configured to selectively urge the pin <NUM> toward the first pin position and toward the second pin position. Similar to the embodiment described above with reference to <FIG>, the locking mechanism <NUM> includes mounts, such as the illustrated plates <NUM>, each coupled to the frame <NUM> of the agricultural header. Each plate <NUM> has an opening and the pin <NUM> is disposed within the opening. The opening has a first portion configured to receive the pin while the pin is in the first pin position, and the opening has a second portion configured to receive the pin while the pin is in the second pin position. The first portion is configured to block movement of the pin <NUM> about the pivot axis <NUM> to block rotation of the arm <NUM>, and the second portion is configured to enable movement of the pin <NUM> about the pivot axis <NUM> to enable rotation of the arm <NUM>. While the illustrated locking mechanism <NUM> includes two plates <NUM>, in other embodiments, the locking mechanism may include more or fewer plates. In addition, while each mount is plate-shaped in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, at least one mount may have another suitable shape (e.g., a three-dimensional shape configured to match the contours of the frame, a rectangular prismatic shape, etc.).

In the illustrated embodiment, a rod <NUM> of the actuator <NUM> is coupled to the pin <NUM>. In addition, the actuator <NUM> is configured to transition between a first state and a second state. The actuator <NUM> is configured to urge the pin <NUM> toward the first pin position while the actuator <NUM> is in the first state, and the actuator <NUM> is configured to urge the pin <NUM> toward the second pin position while the actuator <NUM> is in the second state. In certain embodiments, the actuator <NUM> is a pneumatic actuator, and the state of the actuator may be controlled by controlling air flow to the actuator. In other embodiments, the actuator may be a hydraulic actuator or any other suitable type of actuator configured to selectively urge the pin toward the first pin position and toward the second pin position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator assembly <NUM> includes a controller <NUM> configured to selectively instruct the actuator <NUM> to urge the pin <NUM> toward the first pin position and toward the second pin position. In certain embodiments, the controller <NUM> is an electronic controller having electrical circuitry configured to output instructions to the actuator <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller <NUM> includes a processor, such as the illustrated microprocessor <NUM>, and a memory device <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may also include one or more storage devices and/or other suitable components. The processor <NUM> may be used to execute software, such as software for controlling the actuator <NUM>, and so forth. Moreover, the processor <NUM> may include multiple microprocessors, one or more "general-purpose" microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, and/or one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICS), or some combination thereof. For example, the processor <NUM> may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors.

The memory device <NUM> may include a volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or a nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory device <NUM> may store a variety of information and may be used for various purposes. For example, the memory device <NUM> may store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for the processor <NUM> to execute, such as instructions for controlling the actuator <NUM>, and so forth. The storage device(s) (e.g., nonvolatile storage) may include ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof. The storage device(s) may store data, instructions (e.g., software or firmware for controlling the actuator <NUM>, etc.), and any other suitable data.

In the illustrated embodiment, the controller <NUM> is communicatively coupled to a valve assembly <NUM> (e.g., a pneumatic valve assembly). In addition, the valve assembly <NUM> is fluidly coupled to the actuator <NUM> and configured to control fluid flow to/from the actuator <NUM>. For example, to block movement of the arm <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may instruct the valve assembly <NUM> to control fluid flow to/from the actuator <NUM> such that the actuator <NUM> urges the pin <NUM> toward the first pin position. Furthermore, to enable movement of the arm, the controller <NUM> may instruct the valve assembly <NUM> to control fluid flow to/from the actuator <NUM> such that the actuator <NUM> urges the pin <NUM> toward the second pin position.

By way of example, to transition the cutter bar assembly to the substantially rigid configuration, the controller <NUM> (e.g., in response to operator input) may output a signal to the valve assembly <NUM> indicative of instructions to cause the actuator <NUM> to urge the pin <NUM> toward the first pin position. The header frame may then be raised or lowered relative to the soil surface. For example, the controller <NUM> may control actuator(s) extending between the frame of the header and the chassis of the harvester. As the arm <NUM> reaches the locking orientation (e.g., the orientation that enables the pin <NUM> to move from the second portion of the opening in each plate <NUM> to the first portion of the opening in each plate <NUM>), the locking mechanism <NUM> transitions to the locked state, in which the pin <NUM> is in the first portion of the opening in each plate <NUM>, thereby blocking rotation of the arm <NUM>. The process described above may be repeated for each arm coupled to the cutter bar assembly (e.g., concurrently or in sequence), thereby transitioning the cutter bar assembly to the substantially rigid configuration.

To transition the cutter bar assembly to the flexible configuration, the controller <NUM> (e.g., in response to operator input) may output a signal to the valve assembly <NUM> indicative of instructions to cause the actuator <NUM> to urge the pin <NUM> toward the second pin position. The header frame may then be raised or lowered relative to the soil surface. For example, the controller <NUM> may control actuator(s) extending between the frame of the header and the chassis of the harvester. As the arm <NUM> reaches the unlocking orientation (e.g., the orientation that enables the pin <NUM> to move from the first portion of the opening in each plate <NUM> to the second portion of the opening in each plate <NUM>), the locking mechanism <NUM> transitions to the unlocked state, in which the pin <NUM> is in the second portion of the opening in each plate <NUM>, thereby enabling rotation of the arm <NUM>. The process described above may be repeated for each arm coupled to the cutter bar assembly (e.g., concurrently or in sequence), thereby transitioning the cutter bar assembly to the flexible configuration.

In certain embodiments, the actuator may be coupled to multiple pins (e.g., via a linkage assembly), in which each pin is movably coupled to a respective arm. Accordingly, movement of multiple arms may be controlled by a single actuator. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, multiple actuators may be coupled to multiple respective pins, in which each pin is movably coupled to a respective arm. In such embodiments, the valve assembly may be fluidly coupled to each actuator, thereby enabling the controller to control the actuators. In other embodiments, the locking mechanism may include a separate valve assembly for each actuator. In such embodiments, the controller may be communicatively coupled to each valve assembly to facilitate control of the actuators. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, at least one actuator may be an electrically controlled actuator, such as a solenoid or an electric motor. In such embodiments, the at least one actuator may be communicatively coupled to the control (e.g., the valve assembly may be omitted).

In certain embodiments, the agricultural header may include a combination of the locking mechanism <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG> and the locking mechanism <NUM> described above with referenced to <FIG>. For example, certain arm(s) may be controlled by the locking mechanism <NUM>, and other arm(s) may be controlled by the locking mechanism <NUM>. Furthermore, while the locking mechanisms are configured to control movement of arms of the header in the illustrated embodiments, the locking mechanisms described above may also be used (e.g., individually or in combination) to control movement of end portion(s) of the header and/or an infeed deck of the header.

Claim 1:
An agricultural header (<NUM>), the agricultural header comprises:
a frame (<NUM>);
an arm (<NUM>) pivotally coupled to the frame (<NUM>), wherein the arm (<NUM>) is configured to rotate about a pivot axis (<NUM>) relative to the frame (<NUM>), and the arm (<NUM>) is configured to support a cutter bar assembly (<NUM>); and
a locking mechanism (<NUM>) configured to selectively block rotation of the arm (<NUM>) about the pivot axis (<NUM>), wherein the locking mechanism (<NUM>) comprises:
a pin (<NUM>) movably coupled to a first element of the agricultural header (<NUM>), wherein the pin (<NUM>) is configured to move between a first pin position and a second pin position relative to the first element, wherein the first element comprises one of the arm (<NUM>) and the frame (<NUM>);
characterized in that the locking mechanism (<NUM>) further comprises:
a biasing assembly (<NUM>) configured to selectively urge the pin (<NUM>) toward the first pin position and toward the second pin position; and
a mount coupled to a second element of the agricultural header (<NUM>), wherein the second element comprises the other of the arm (<NUM>) and the frame (<NUM>);
wherein the mount has an opening (<NUM>), the pin (<NUM>) is disposed within the opening (<NUM>), the opening (<NUM>) has a first portion (<NUM>) and a second portion (<NUM>), the first portion (<NUM>) is configured to receive the pin (<NUM>) while the pin (<NUM>) is in the first pin position, the second portion (<NUM>) is configured to receive the pin (<NUM>) while the pin (<NUM>) is in the second pin position, the first portion (<NUM>) is configured to block relative movement between the pin (<NUM>) and the mount about the pivot axis (<NUM>) to block rotation of the arm (<NUM>), and the second portion (<NUM>) is configured to enable relative movement between the pin (<NUM>) and the mount about the pivot axis (<NUM>) to enable rotation of the arm (<NUM>).