US Patent Number
4367621
Publication Date
1-11-1983
Abstract
The present invention is directed to an easily adjustable, semi-floating, self-steering cutter head for row crops. The present invention incorporates self-steering capabilities, a cut-off mechanism and a quick-adjustment into a single integral unit. Direction sensing is accomplished by utilizing a feeler arm or a set of feeler arms which follow the plant stock row or other protrusions or indentations. Forces detected by the guidance sensors are transmitted to a ring which is a part of the housing and/or shielding of the cut-off device. The steering forces may be transmitted to a steering system through a single connection. The present invention is particularly useful in harvesting tobacco.
Assignees
University of Kentucky Research Foundation, Lexington, Ky.
Application Number
252,315
Filing Date
04/09/1981
Recommended Citation
Swetnam, Larry D.; Casada, James H.; and Walton, Linus R., "Crop Harvester Including a Quickly Adjustable Semi-Floating, Self-Steering Cutter Head" (1983). Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Patents. 19.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/bae_patents/19
