BR102023010311A2 - SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY SETTING UP A CUTTERBAR OF AN AGRICULTURAL CUTTING DECK - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methods for automatically changing a configuration of a cutter bar of a cutting deck, in response to actuation of a cutting deck adjuster wheel, may include detecting a position of a adjuster wheel with a sensor. For example, the sensor detects at least one of the extension and retraction of the adjuster wheel and, in response, the sensor causes the cutting bar to change a setting thereof. In some cases, the sensor includes a switch, which forms one of a closed electrical circuit or an open electrical circuit in response to actuation of the regulating wheel. In response, at least one actuator is actuated to move the cutting bar to one of the flexible configuration and the rigid configuration.

Description

DESCRIPTION FIELD

[001] The present description generally refers to agricultural cutting decks and particularly to agricultural cutting decks having movable mowers between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration.

BASIS OF DESCRIPTION

[002] Agricultural harvesters use a variety of implements to harvest crops. A “conveyor belt” or “conveyor belt cutting deck” is one such type of implement. Conventional conveyor cutting decks use endless belt conveyors to transport separated harvested material from cutting edge knives (also referred to as a cutter or cutter bar) to the central regions of the cutting decks. From there, the separated harvested material is transported to the combine, just like a combine harvester. Once in the combine harvester, the separated harvested material is further processed by separating the grain from the unwanted harvested material (commonly referred to as “non-grain material” or “MOG”).

DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

[003] A first aspect of the present description is directed to a system for automatically configuring a cutting bar of an agricultural cutting platform. The system may include a regulating wheel movable between an extended position and a retracted position; a sensor that detects a position or amount of movement of the regulating wheel; and a movable cutting bar between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration. The cutting bar may be movable to the rigid configuration in response to the sensor detecting a selected position or a selected amount of movement of the gauge wheel as the gauge wheel moves to an extended position.

[004] Another aspect of the present description is directed to a method of automatically configuring a cutting bar of an agricultural cutting deck. The method may include moving a regulating wheel by one of extending and retracting the regulating wheel of an agricultural cutting deck; the regulating wheel detection movement with a sensor; and automatically moving a cutterbar of the agricultural cutting deck to one of a rigid configuration when the detected movement of the throttling wheel is extension of the throttling wheel and a flexible configuration when the detected movement of the throttling wheel is retraction of the throttling wheel .

[005] The various aspects may include one or more of the following characteristics. The sensor may include a switch, and the switch may be actuated in response to at least one of extending the adjuster wheel and retracting the adjuster wheel. Actuation of the switch in response to extension of the regulating wheel may include movement of the switch to form a closed electrical circuit and an open electrical circuit. The sensor may include a rotating rotor that includes a surface. The switch may include an arm that follows the surface. The rod may extend between the regulating wheel and the rotating sensor rotor. The rod may be movable in response to movement of the regulating wheel to cause the rotor to rotate about a geometric axis. Extending the regulating wheel may include rotating the regulating wheel about a first geometric axis in a first rotational direction. The rotor may be rotated by the rod in response to movement of the regulating wheel in one of the first rotational direction or a second rotational direction, opposite to the first direction. The surface may include a ramp. The arm can follow the ramp to actuate the switch to form one of an open electrical circuit and a closed electrical circuit. A position or amount of movement of the adjuster wheel detected by the sensor may include a position or amount of movement that corresponds to a selected amount of extension of the adjuster wheel. The selected amount of gauge wheel extension may include an extension amount within a range of 10% to 20% of a total gauge wheel extension. At least one pivotally mounted floating arm may be included. The at least one pivotally mounted floating arm may be connected to the cutting bar at a first end. The at least one pivotally mounted floating arm may be movable between a freely hinged condition and a fixed condition. The at least one pivotally mounted floating arm may be in the freely hinged condition when the cutting bar is in the flexible condition, and the at least one pivotally mounted floating arm may be moved to the fixed condition to place the cutting bar in the rigid configuration in response to the sensor detecting the position of the regulating wheel.

[006] The various aspects may include one or more of the following characteristics. Sensing movement of the regulating wheel with a sensor may include actuation of an electrical switch. Sensing movement of the regulating wheel with a sensor may include articulating a sensor rotor including a profiled surface. Linkage of the rotor may include tracking the profiled surface of the rotor with a sensor arm to form one of an open electrical circuit or a closed electrical circuit. Hinging a rotor that includes the profiled surface may include displacing a rod extending between the regulating wheel and the rotor and rotating the rotor by a selected amount about a geometric axis in response to the displacement of the rod. The regulating wheel may include a regulating wheel assembly. The regulating wheel assembly may include an arm. The regulating wheel can be pivotally attached to the regulating wheel arm. The rod may be pivotally attached to a location along the regulating wheel arm at a first end and pivotally attached to the rotor at a second end. Automatic movement of an agricultural cutting deck cutter bar to one of a rigid configuration when the detected movement of the control wheel is extension of the control wheel and a flexible configuration when the detected movement of the control wheel is retraction of the control wheel may include articulating a floating arm from one of a first position in which the floating arm is in a freely articulated condition and a second position in which the floating arm is in a fixed condition. The cutting bar can be attached to a distal end of the floating arm. Articulating the floating arm from one of the first position in which the floating arm is in the freely articulated condition and the second position in which the floating arm is in the fixed condition may include one of extending and retracting a linear actuator. The linear actuator may include a fluidic cylinder.

[007] Other characteristics and aspects will become visible upon consideration of the detailed description and attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[008] The detailed description of the drawings refers to the attached figures in which: FIG. 1 is an oblique view of an exemplary conveyor belt cutting deck in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

[009] FIG. 2 is an oblique view of a part of a structure of an exemplary cutting deck in accordance with some implementations of the present description.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary cutting deck in accordance with some implementations of the present description.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary cutting deck in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of a portion of an exemplary cutting deck having a plurality of actuators for changing a configuration of a cutting bar of the cutting deck, in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a side view of an example cutting deck having a single actuator for changing a configuration of a cutting deck cutting bar, in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of parts of an exemplary locking system in accordance with some implementations of the present description.

[0015] FIG. 8 is an oblique view of the locking system of FIG. 7.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a detailed, cross-sectional view of a portion of the locking system of FIG. 7.

[0017] FIG. 10 is another detailed, cross-sectional view of a portion of the locking system of FIG. 7.

[0018] FIG. 11 is a detailed view of a portion of an exemplary cutting deck showing a system for detecting a position of a gauge wheel and automatically controlling a configuration of a cutting bar in response to the detected position of the gauge wheel.

[0019] FIGS. 12 to 14 are detailed views of a portion of the example cutting deck of FIG. 11 showing the rotation of a rotor of an example sensor that detects a position among one or more regulating wheels of the example cutting deck.

[0020] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example system used to extend and retract actuators in response to a detected position of a governor wheel, in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 16 is a detailed view of a portion of an example cutting deck showing a system for detecting a position of a gauge wheel and automatically controlling a configuration of a cutting bar in response to the detected position of a gauge wheel.

[0022] FIG. 17 to 18 are detailed views of a portion of the example cutting deck of FIG. 16 showing the rotation of a rotor of an example sensor that detects a position among one or more regulating wheels of the example cutting deck.

[0023] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing another example system used to extend and retract actuators in response to a detected position of a governor wheel, in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 20 is a side view of another exemplary locking system in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 21 is an oblique view of the locking system of FIG. 20.

[0026] FIG. 22 is a schematic view of an exemplary control system for automatically setting a cutting bar of an agricultural cutting deck in response to the movement of a regulating wheel, in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 23 is a flowchart of an example method for automatically configuring a cutter bar in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating an example computer system used to provide computational functionalities associated with the algorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows and procedures described in the present description, in accordance with some implementations of the present description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present description, reference will now be made to the implementations illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will be understood, however, that no limitation of the scope of the description is intended. Any additional changes and modifications to the described devices, systems or methods and any further application of the principles of the present description are fully contemplated as would normally occur with one skilled in the art to which the description refers. In particular, it is fully contemplated that the features, components and/or steps described with respect to one implementation may be combined with the features, components and/or steps described with respect to other implementations of the present disclosure.

[0030] The present description is directed to agricultural cutting decks and, particularly, conveyor belt cutting decks that include locking systems that are movable between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration. In the flexible configuration, the floating arms of the cutting platform are freely articulated around the respective geometric axes and, in the rigid configuration, the floating arms are in a fixed position, thus providing a knife fixed to the floating arms in a rigid configuration. For example, in the rigid configuration, the floating arms are retracted, such as in contact with a portion of the cutting deck. In the rigid configuration, the knife is prevented from flexing, such as in response to changing field topography. In some cases, locking systems provide adjacent contact between the floating arms and another part of the cutting deck structure. Additionally, cutting decks are automated by the fact that movement of one or more cutting deck steering wheels between retracted and extended positions is detected, and detection of such movement or movement by a selected amount causes automatic movement. of the knife for the flexible configuration and the rigid configuration, as described in more detail below.

[0031] Orientation words such as “up”, “down”, “top”, “bottom”, “above”, “below”, “front”, “back”, “in front”, “ behind”, “forward”, “backwards” are used in the context of the illustrated examples as would be understood by one skilled in the art and are intended to be limiting of the description. For example, for a particular type of vehicle or implement in a conventional configuration and orientation, one skilled in the art would understand these terms as the terms apply to the particular vehicle or implement.

[0032] As used herein, with respect to a cutting deck (or components thereof), unless otherwise defined or limited, the term “front” (and the like) indicates a direction of travel of the cutting deck during normal operation (for example, a forward travel direction of an agricultural vehicle carrying a cutting deck). Similarly, the term “rear” (and the like) indicates a direction that is opposite to the forward direction. In this regard, for example, a "leading" edge of a knife assembly of a conveyor cutting deck may be disposed generally in front of the knife assembly with respect to the direction of travel of the conveyor cutting deck. conveyor during normal operation (for example, when transported by an agricultural harvester). In this way, a “rear” edge of the knife assembly may be disposed generally at the back or on a side of the knife assembly opposite the front edge, with respect to the direction of travel of the conveyor belt cutting deck during normal operation.

[0033] FIG. 1 shows an example conveyor belt cutting deck 100 that includes a frame 102 that supports a first side conveyor 104, a second side conveyor 106, and a central conveyor 108. Each of the conveyors 104, 106, and 108 is configured as a belt-type conveyor that along a respective circumferential length. Conveyors 104, 106, and 108 include endless belts 110, 112, and 114 that are moved in respective loops along the cutting deck 100 by driving devices, such as motors, gears, or internal belts. Conveyors 104 and 106 are disposed on opposing fins 116 and 118, respectively, of the cutting deck 100. In some implementations, fins 116 and 118 are rotatable with respect to a central section 119. In other implementations, fins 116 and 118 are attached relative to the center section 119. In the illustrated example, the conveyor 104 includes two endless belts 110, and the conveyor 106 includes two endless belts 112. In other implementations, the conveyors 104 and 106 may include fewer or additional belts. without end. Additionally, although conveyor 108 is shown as including a single endless belt 114, in other implementations, conveyor 108 may include additional endless belts. The endless belts 110, 112, and 114 are supported on two or more rollers of respective conveyors 104, 106, and 108. Although the conveyor belt cutting deck 100 is illustrated as a rigid or non-collapsible conveyor cutting deck , the scope of this description covers folding conveyor belt cutting platforms.

[0034] In some implementations, endless belts 110, 112, and 114 may be formed from elastomer-impregnated fabric belts. Generally, the endless belts 110 and 112 can be rotated such that the upper surfaces of the endless belts 110 and 112 move inwardly along the cutting deck 100 in respective directions 120 and 122. In this way, the material, such as as the separated harvested material is moved by the endless belts 110 and 112 to the central conveyor 108, which in turn uses the endless belt 114 to remove material from the cutting deck 100. For example, the cutting deck 100 may discharge the material into an agricultural harvester to which the cutting deck 100 is attached. The cutting deck 100 also includes a cylindrical conveyor 124. The cylindrical conveyor 124 receives the separated harvested material from the central conveyor 108 and transports the harvested material rearward (i.e., in a direction 126) through an opening in the frame 102 located between the cylindrical conveyor 124 and the central conveyor 108 and, finally, to the agricultural harvester.

[0035] In the illustrated example, a plurality of hooks 130 are attached to the surface of each of the endless belts 110, 112, and 114, with the hooks 130 generally extending in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the respective endless belt 110. 112, or 114, for example, directions 120, 122, and 126. In some implementations, hook 130 may extend less than the full width of endless belts 110, 112, and 114. For example, one or more of the hooks 130 may extend only partially across the respective width of the endless belts 110, 112, and 114 and, consequently, may not extend to a leading edge or a trailing edge of the belts 110, 112, and 114.

[0036] The cutting deck 100 also includes a cutting bar 132 on a leading edge 133 of the cutting deck 100. The cutting bar 132 cuts harvested material, such as for separating harvested material from a field. The cutting bar 132 extends laterally along the cutting deck 100.

[0037] During a harvesting operation, an agricultural combine transports the cutting deck 100 across an agricultural field in a nominal forward direction 140. As the cutting deck 100 is moved across the field, the cutting bar 132 operates to separate crops in a location adjacent to the ground. The separated harvested material generally falls in a rearward direction (i.e., generally opposite direction 140), onto one or more of three conveyors 104, 106, and 108. Conveyor 104 in vane 118 transports the harvested material in direction 120, using the endless belts 110, towards the center of the cutting deck 100. The conveyor 106 transports the separated harvested material in the direction 122, using the endless belts 112, towards the central conveyor 108, and the central conveyor 108 transports the material harvested separately in direction 126 toward and under the cylindrical conveyor 124. The harvested material separated from the cylindrical conveyor 124 is conveyed in direction 126 through the opening in the frame 102 of the cutting deck 100 and to the agricultural harvester.

[0038] In the illustrated example, conveyor 104 and conveyor 106 are similarly configured, although conveyors 104 and 106 transport harvested material in opposite directions 120 and 122, respectively. In other implementations, conveyors 104 and 106 may be configured differently. Generally, however, the description here of conveyor 104 is applicable to conveyor 106, as well as other conveyors in other implementations.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a view of a portion of a frame 200 of a cutting deck 202, which may be similar to the cutting deck 100. The illustrated portion of the frame 200 corresponds to a portion of a fin 204 of the cutting deck 202. The fin 204 may be similar to the fin 118 of the cutting deck 100. As explained above, the fin 118 may be pivotally attached, or the fin 118 may be attached to the cutting deck 100. The frame 200 includes a beam 206 that extends laterally along the frame 200. A rear section 208 is coupled to the beam 206 and extends therefrom. The rear section 208 also extends laterally along the frame 200. An outer side section 207 connects to the beam 206 and the rear section 208 and defines a lateral end of the frame 200. A plurality of mounting brackets 210 are also coupled to the beam 206. With the cutting deck 202 conventionally oriented, the mounting brackets 210 generally extend in a direction corresponding to a forward direction. The structure 200 also includes a laterally extending cross-sectional tube 212 that connects to each of the mounting brackets 210. In some implementations, the cross-sectional tube 212 may have a square, rectangular, or circular cross-sectional shape and may define a passageway. central. However, the cross tube 212 may have other shapes in cross sections. The floating arms 214 are pivotally coupled to the mounting brackets 210, and a cutting bar 216 is coupled to the distal ends 218 of each of the floating arms 214. Similar to the cutting bar 132, the cutting bar 216 is a reciprocal cutting.

[0040] In some implementations, the mounting brackets 210 and corresponding floating arms 214 are laterally separated from the adjacent mounting brackets 210 and corresponding floating arms 214 by approximately 0.8 meters (m) (2.5 feet (ft)). . In other implementations, the lateral separation 215 may be greater than or less than 0.8 m (2.5 ft). In still other implementations, the lateral separation 215 may vary. Thus, in some implementations, the lateral separation 215 between some adjacent mounting brackets 210 and corresponding floating arms 214 may be uniform although the lateral separation between other adjacent mounting brackets 210 and corresponding floating arms 214 may be non-uniform. With the cutting deck 202 in an unsecured or flexible configuration, each of the floating arms 214 is capable of rotating independently of the other floating arms 214. As a result, when the floating arms 214 are in contact with the ground and driven over the soil, such as during a harvesting operation, each of the floating arms 214 is capable of following a topography or contour of the soil. In response to the floating arms 214 conforming the movement to the contour of the ground, the cutting bar 216 flexes to also conform to the contour of the ground. As a result, a portion of the crop that extends from the ground and remains in a field may be generally consistent, for example, a height by which the crop that remains in a field extends from the ground is generally uniform.

[0041] In a rigid configuration in which the floating arms 214 are maintained in a close relationship against a part of the structure 200, such as the cross tube 212, the floating arms 214 are prevented from following a ground contour, and the bar cutting bar 216 is maintained in a generally straight and rigid configuration, e.g., cutting bar 216 maintains a generally straight, unbent shape.

[0042] The cutting deck 202 also includes a locking system 220 that is operable to move the floating arms 214 and the cutting bar 216 between the flexible configuration and the rigid configuration. In some implementations, the cutting deck 202 includes a locking system 220 for each fin 204. The separate locking systems 220 are operable to move the floating arms 214 and the associated portion of the cutting bar 216 of a fin between the rigid configuration and the independently flexible configuration of the floating arms 214 and the associated cutting bar portion 216 of the other fin. Thus, in some implementations, the cutting deck 202 may include two locking systems 220. In other implementations, the cutting deck may include a single locking system 220 for all fins of the cutting deck 202. In still other implementations, the cutting deck 200 may include more than two locking systems.

[0043] Locking system 220 includes a rotating component, which, in the example of FIG. 2, is a lock tube 222. In some implementations, the lock tube 222 is in the form of a shaft. The blocking tube 222 extends laterally along the cutting deck 202 through openings 224 formed in each of the mounting brackets 210. The blocking tube 222 is rotatable with respect to the mounting brackets 210 about a center line 226 .

[0044] The cutting deck also includes regulating wheels 228, as shown in FIG. 2. In some implementations, the cutting deck 200 includes two gauge wheels 228 distributed laterally along each fin of the cutting deck 200. In other implementations, the cutting deck 200 includes fewer or additional gauge wheels 228. FIG. 2 illustrates a single regulating wheel 228, although, as explained previously, the scope of the description is not so limited.

[0045] A regulating wheel assembly 229 includes regulating wheels 228 and an arm 230 to which the regulating wheels are rotatably coupled. The arms 230 are pivotally coupled to a mounting bracket 210. The regulating wheel assemblies 229 are movable between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates another example cutting deck 300 that is similar to cutting decks 100 and 200. Cutting deck 300 includes one or more actuators 302 that extend between a floating arm 304 and frame 308 of cutting deck 300. floating arm 304 is pivotally attached to a mounting bracket 306 of the frame 308 about an axis 305. In some cases, actuators 302 are attached to the mounting bracket 306. In other cases, one or more of the actuators 302 are attached to another part of the frame 308. In some cases, the actuators 302 are pivotally coupled to the respective floating arm 304 and the frame 308. Example actuators 302 include, for example, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or an electrically operated linear actuator. In other implementations, other types of actuators may be used, such as a rotary actuator. A conveyor 309 of cutting deck 300 is also illustrated. Carrier 309 may be similar to any of the carriers 104, 106, and 108 described previously.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, a first end 310 of the actuator 302 is attached to the floating arm 304, and a second end 312 of the actuator 302 is attached to the frame 308. In this configuration, extension of the actuator 302 causes the floating arm 304 to move into the configuration rigid in which the floating arm is in a fixed condition (e.g., in contact with a part of the cutting deck such as to prevent rotary movement). In the rigid configuration, a cutting bar 314 fixed to a distal end 316 of the floating arm 304 is made rigid, such as by being held in a generally straight, unbent shape. Retracting the actuator 302 moves the floating arm 304 into the flexible configuration in which the floating arm 304 is freely pivoted about the axis 305. In the flexible configuration, the cutting bar 314 is capable of flexing and following a ground contour, as described previously. Hydraulic pressure, pneumatic pressure, or electrical power may be provided to the actuator 302 through line 318 (e.g., a conduit, tube, hose, or other component configured to transport or transmit power to the actuator 302).

[0048] In other implementations, an actuator may be arranged differently. For example, FIG. 4 shows another example actuator 400 provided on a cutting deck 300. The actuator 400 extends between the floating arm 304 and the mounting bracket 306 or other part of the frame 308 of the cutting deck 300. In this example, a first end 402 of the actuator 400 is pivotally attached to the mounting bracket 306, and a second end 404 of the actuator 400 is pivotally attached to the floating arm 304. In this example, extending the actuator 400 moves the floating arm 304 to the flexible configuration in the which the 314 cutter bar is capable of flexing and following a ground contour. Retraction of the actuator 400 moves the floating arm 304 to the rigid configuration in which the cutting bar 314 is held rigidly in generally straight form. Thus, both example configurations illustrated in FIGs. 3 and 4, the actuation of respective actuators 302 and 400 is operable to move the cutting bar between a rigid configuration and a flexible configuration.

[0049] Although a single actuator 302 and 400 are illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively, a cutting deck within the scope of the present description may include one or a plurality of actuators. FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of a portion of an exemplary cutting deck 500 that includes a plurality of actuators 502. The illustrated cutting deck portion 500 includes a frame portion 502, a center section 504, a plurality of floating arms 506, and a cutting bar 508 extending along a front end 510 of the cutting deck 500. Actuators 512 are illustrated, and each actuator 512 is associated with a respective floating arm 506. As shown, an actuator 512 is associated with some floating arms 506 and not with others. For example, in some implementations, an actuator 512 is associated with any other floating arm 506. That is, in some cases, an actuator 512 is provided with alternating floating arms 506. In the illustrated example, an actuator 512 is provided with floating arms adjacent, external configurations 506. In still other implementations, the actuators 512 may be applied in any arrangement with respect to the floating arms 506. For example, in some implementations, a single actuator is used to actuate the floating arms between the flexible configuration and the flexible configuration. rigid, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0050] As mentioned, in some implementations, a single actuator is used in combination with a locking system to move the floating arms, and therefore the cutting bar, between the rigid configuration and the flexible configuration. FIG. 6 is a side view of an example cutting deck 600 that includes an actuator 602 located on a side 604 of the cutting deck 600 and a regulating wheel 605 that is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. In some cases, the actuator 602 may be provided in other locations on the cutting deck. Regulator wheel 605 is shown in the retracted position. The actuator 602 is coupled to a lever arm 606 that is fixedly attached to a shaft 608. The shaft 608 extends laterally along the cutting deck 600, for example, in a direction generally perpendicular to an indicated forward direction. by arrow 610. The shaft 608 is coupled to a plurality of the floating arms of the cutting deck 600. In some implementations, the shaft 608 is coupled to all of the floating arms. In other implementations, the shaft is coupled to fewer than all floating arms. For example, in some implementations, the shaft is coupled to alternating floating arms. The actuation of the actuator 602 rotates the axis 608 around a longitudinal geometric axis 612 thereof. Rotation of shaft 608 causes all floating arms to move, such as to position the floating arms in flexible configuration or rigid configuration. In those implementations in which shaft 608 is coupled to fewer than all floating arms, the cutter bar, which is coupled to all floating arms, functions to move floating arms not otherwise coupled to shaft 608 as described below when the actuator is operated. In some implementations, the actuator 602 is a linear actuator, such as a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric linear actuator. In other implementations, the actuator 602 may be other types of actuators, such as a rotary actuator.

[0051] In some implementations, a cutting deck, which may be similar to cutting deck 100, includes a locking system 700, shown in FIG. 7, which functions to move the floating arms 702 and associated parts of a cutting bar provided at the distal ends of the floating arms 702 of the cutting deck between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration. The locking system 700 may be included in the cutting deck 600 of FIG. 6 and used in combination with the actuator 600 to move the floating arms between the rigid configuration and the flexible configuration. The locking system 700 includes a locking assembly 701 and a locking tube 704 connected to the locking assembly 701 such that rotation of the locking tube 704 in a first direction (indicated by arrow 706) causes the locking system 700 to rotate. to lock the floating arms 702 into rigid configuration. On the other hand, rotation of the locking tube 704 in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, (indicated by arrow 708) causes the locking system 700 to move the floating arms 702 from the rigid configuration to the flexible configuration.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view and shows additional parts of the example locking system 700. The locking system 700 also includes, as part of the locking assembly 701, a tensioner 710 and a hinge 712 coupled to the locking tube 704. The tensioner 710 includes a clamp 714, a shaft 716 extending through an opening 718 in a side 720 of the clamp 722, and a preload component 724 captured on the shaft 716 between the side 720 of the clamp 714 and a flange 726 attached to the shaft 716. In some implementations, the flange 726 may be secured to the shaft between a shoulder 728 and a nut 730 threaded onto the shaft 716. In other implementations, the flange 726 may be secured to the shaft 716 in other ways, such as as by welding, a press fit, or by being formed integrally on shaft 726.

[0053] In some implementations, the preload component 724 is a spring, such as a coil spring. In some implementations, the precharge component 724 is a plurality of precharge components. For example, in some implementations, the preload component 724 is a plurality of Bellville washers 732 stacked along a length of shaft 716, as shown in FIG. 7. In some implementations, Bellville 732 washers are arranged in pairs such that one base of each Bellville 732 washer in a pair abuts one another. Pairs of Bellville washers 732 may be arranged adjacent to each other along a length of axis 716, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 7 through 10. In some implementations, 32 Bellville 732 washers may be used. However, fewer or additional Bellville 732 washers may be used, and the number of Bellville washers may vary depending, for example, on sizes and masses of different components of a cutting deck.

[0054] In still other implementations, the preload component 724 may be or include a coil spring. For example, in some cases, the preload member 724 may include a plurality of coil springs. One or more of the coil springs may be received on shaft 716. In still other implementations, the preload component 724 may be another type of spring. In some implementations, the preload component 724 is omitted.

[0055] The tensioner 710 is pivotally coupled to the floating arm 702 by a pin 734 coupled to the floating arm 702. In the illustrated example, the pin 734 extends through openings 736 formed in a shackle 738 that is attached to the floating arm 702 The shaft 716 extends through a hole 740 formed through the pin 734. A flange 742 captures the shaft 716 at the pin 734. In some implementations, the flange 742 may be a washer secured to the shaft 716 between a shoulder 744 and a nut. 746 received by thread on a threaded portion 748 of the shaft 716. In other implementations, the flange 742 may be secured to the shaft 716 in other ways, such as a press-fit or weld, or the flange 742 may be formed integrally on the shaft 716 The shaft 716 also includes an enlarged portion 748 that abuts the side 720 of the clamp 714. Engagement between the side 720 and the enlarged portion 748 allows the preload member 724 to be preloaded between the side 720 and the flange. 726. In some implementations, the preload component 724 may not be preloaded.

[0056] The preload applied to the preload component 724 may be selected to ensure that a force applied to the floating arms 702 of a locking system 700 by the preload component 724 lifts the floating arms 702 into adjacent contact between all of the floating arms 702 and a portion of a cutting deck frame, such as a cross tube similar to the cross tube 212 shown in FIG. 2. Thus, preload ensures that a force ultimately provided by the preload member 724 as the locking system 700 is moved to the rigid configuration fully actuates all floating arms 702 despite any variations in the loading platform. cut, such as manufacturing variations that may otherwise prevent all floating arms 702 from being in adjacent contact with the cross tube when the locking system 700 is in the rigid configuration. As a result, the locking systems of the present disclosure are operable to ensure full retraction of all floating arms of a cutting deck when placed in the rigid configuration without adjustment during manufacturing or some time later in the field, such as by a user. or technician. Thus, locking systems including preload component 724 and associated cutting decks of the present disclosure reduce inherent maintenance, improve operating performance of cutting decks, increase productivity of cutting decks, and reduce costs. operation of cutting platforms.

[0057] Linkage 712 includes a first link 750 coupled to locking tube 704 and a second link 752 pivotally coupled to first linkage 750 and clamp 714. In the illustrated example, the first link 750 is attached to locking tube 704 with a 754 fastener, such as a cap screw and nut. However, in other implementations, the first connection 750 may be attached to the lock tube 704 in other ways, such as by welding, interference fit, an adhesive, or by being integrally formed into the lock tube 704. Also, in the example illustrated, a nut 756 is used to secure the fastener 754 and the first link 750 to the lock tube 704.

[0058] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the clamp 714 has a general U-shape, and the second connection 752 includes a first side 758 and a second side 760. The free ends 762 of the clamp 714 are sandwiched between the first and second sides 758 and 760 in a A tab 766 formed on the first connection 750 is disposed between the first and second sides 758 and 760 of the second connection 752 at a second end 768 of the second connection 752. A pin 770 extends through the first and second sides 758 and 760 on the second end 768 of the second connection 752 and the tab 766 of the first connection 750 to pivotally couple the first connection 750 and the second connection 752. A pin 772 extends between the free ends 762 of the clamp 714 and the first and second sides 758 and 760 to the first end 764 of the second connection 752 to pivotally couple the second connection 752 and the clamp 714. In some implementations, the pins 770 and 772 may be a rod or a fastener, such as a screw with head and nut. However, the pins 770 and 772 may be other shapes to allow the first link 750 to rotate relative to the second link 752 and the clamp 714 to rotate relative to the second link 752. The floating arm 702 is rotatable about a pin 774 which pivotally couples the floating arm 702 to a mounting bracket 776. The pin 774 may be, for example, a fastener (e.g., a cap screw and nut), a shaft, or other operable component to permit movement pivot of floating arm 702 relative to mounting bracket 776. FIG. 8 also shows an impact absorbing member 778 that is attached to the cutting deck frame (such as the frame 102 of the cutting deck 100) and contacts a floating arm 702 when retracted into the rigid configuration. The impact absorbing member 778 may be secured to the cross tube with fasteners 780, which may be, for example, head screws and nuts, pins or rivets.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 7 through 10, the second connection 752 has an arcuate shape that provides a relief or recess 782 that receives the lock tube 704. The recess 782 formed by the arcuate shape receives the lock tube 704, allowing a centerline 784 of the tube block tube 704 intersects the center line 786 of shaft 716, resulting in the elimination of torque in lock tube 704, as described in more detail below. The centerline 784 is generally disposed perpendicular to the centerline 786 of the axis 716. In some cases, the centerlines 784 and 786 may be slightly offset due to slight variations in the size of the components, the movement of different components, or variations in the components, for example. These slight variations may produce a shift between center lines 784 and 786 which, in some cases, may be unavoidable. However, for the purposes of the present description, the crossing of center lines 784 and 786 is intended to encompass the slight displacements between them which may occur.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 8, rotation of the lock tube 704 in the direction of arrow 788 to a first position results in the floating arms 702 being placed in a fully retracted position, which corresponds to the rigid configuration of the floating arms 702 and cutting bar, such as cutting bar. 216. Rotating the lock tube 704 in the direction of arrow 790 to a second position results in the floating arms 702 being placed in a fully extended position, which corresponds to the flexible configuration of the floating arms 702 and cutting bar.

[0061] FIGS. 7, 9, and 10 illustrate the performance of the locking system 700 between the flexible configuration and the rigid configuration. In FIGS. 7 and 9, the locking system 700 is in the flexible configuration in which the floating arms 702 are in a fully extended position. As a result, the floating arms 702 (308) are freely pivoted about the pin 774, and each of the floating arms 702 coupled to the locking system 700 is capable of rotating independently of the other floating arms 702. Although the present example describes a locking system that may be included in a single fin of a cutting deck, in other implementations, a single locking system operable to position all floating arms of a cutting deck between the flexible configuration and a rigid configuration may be used.

[0062] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 9, the lock tube 704 is oriented angularly in the second position such that the preload member 724 is unloaded, other than a preload that can be applied to the preload member 724. With the lock tube 704 in the second position, the floating arms 702 are freely pivoted about the pin 774, allowing the floating arms 702 to follow a ground contour when the floating arms 702 are placed in contact with the ground. As the lock tube 704 is rotated in the direction of arrow 788, the shaft 716 moves relative to and rotates with the pin 734. As a result, the shaft 716 is both rotated and moved toward the lock tube 704. as shown in FIG. 6, shaft 716 is displaced to bring flange 742 into contact with pin 734. Additionally, rotation of lock tube 704 in the direction of arrow 788 results in additional displacement and rotation of shaft 716, which in turn This time causes additional compression of the preload component 724.

[0063] With flange 742 in contact with pin 734, as lock tube 704 continues to be rotated in the direction of arrow 788, floating arm 702 is rotated around pin 774 in the direction of arrow 792 (shown in FIG. 8). Furthermore, as the shaft 716 is rotated in the direction of arrow 778, the amount of torque applied to the lock tube 704 decreases as the center line 786 of the shaft 716 approaches the center line 784 (318) of the lock tube. 704 (314).

[0064] FIG. 10 shows the locking system 700 in the rigid configuration. As shown in FIG. 10, the lock tube 704 is moved to the first position. As the lock tube 704 is moved from the position shown in FIG. 9 to the position shown in FIG. 10, the floating arms 702 are retracted as a result of contact between the flange 742 and the pin 734. With the locking system 700 in the rigid configuration, the floating arms 702 are fully retracted and are in adjacent contact with the cross tube, such as cross tube 212, or other structure component; the lock tube 704 resides in the curved recess 782 formed by the second connection 752; and the center line 786 of the shaft 716 intersects the center line 784 of the lock tube 704. As a result of crossing the center line 786 and the center line 784, the torque applied to the lock tube 704 is reduced to approximately zero. Additionally, with the 702 floating arms in the rigid configuration, the cutting bar is also placed in a straight, rigid configuration.

[0065] With the torque applied to the lock tube 704 being effectively zero when the floating arms 702 are in the retracted and rigid configuration, a size of the lock tube 704 can be reduced, which results in a reduction in weight, size and cost. Additionally, compression of the preload member 724 provides a force that is sufficient to retract all floating arms 702 into adjacent contact with a frame component, such as a cross tube similar to cross tube 212, despite any dimensional variations imparted. to the structure during manufacturing, for example. Accordingly, the locking system 700 is operable to actuate all floating arms 702 in contact with a portion of the structure without preliminary adjustment during manufacturing or subsequent adjustment when the cutting deck has come into use. Thus, in some implementations, the locking system 700 prevents an adjustment made during manufacturing or sometimes thereafter, such as by a technician or user, to ensure full actuation of the floating arms 702 in the rigid configuration.

[0066] FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate another example locking system 2000 operable to move a cutting bar between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration within the scope of the present description. Example locking system 2000 is similar to locking system 700 except that, in place of clamp 714, shaft 716 and preload component 724 are replaced with a third link. Thus, in locking system 2000, a link 2002 that includes a first link 2004 (similar to first link 750), a second link 2006 (similar to second link 752), and a third link 2008 extends between an axle 2010 (similar to to shaft 704) and a floating arm 2012 (similar to floating arm 702).

[0067] The first link 2004 is fixedly attached to the shaft 2010 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the first link 750 and shaft 704. For example, in some cases, a fastener 2014, such as a head screw and nut, secures the first link 2004 to the shaft 2010, fixes a location of the first link 2004 with respect to the shaft 2010, and prevents relative rotation of the first link 2004 with respect to the shaft 2010.

[0068] The third link 2008 includes a first slot 2016 in a first end 2018 and a second slot 2020 in a second end 2022. Similar to the floating arm 702, the floating arm 2012 includes a shackle 2024 that defines the openings 2026. A pin 2028 extends through the openings 2026 and through the first slot 2016 to secure the third link 2008 to the floating arm 2012. In some cases, one or more locking rings 2030 pivotally retain the pin 2028 to the floating arm 2012. The third link 2008 also includes an adjuster 2032 used to adjust a position of the floating arm 2012 relative to a frame 2034 of a cutting deck 2036. For example, in the illustrated example, the floating arm 2012 abuts a cross tube 2037, similar to the cross tube. 212, discussed previously. In some cases, adjuster 2032 is a fastener, such as a head screw and nut. Thus, in some cases, rotation of the adjuster 2032 changes an amount by which an end 2038 penetrates the first slot 2016 and, therefore, a position at which the end 2038 of the adjuster 2032 engages the pin 2028 within the first slot 2016. As a As a result, rotation of the adjuster 2032 changes a position in which the pin 2028 resides within the first slot 2016 and a position in which the floating arm 2012 engages the frame 2036 when the locking system 2000 is in the rigid configuration. Thus, the 2032 adjuster provides adjustability that can correct manufacturing variations.

[0069] The second end 2022 is pivotally secured to the second connection 2006 with a pin 2040 that extends through the second slot 2020 and the openings 2042 in the second connection 2006 and is retained, for example, with one or more lock rings 2044. FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate the locking system 2000 and therefore the floating arm 2012 in the locked configuration. Consequently, a cutting bar attached to the 2012 floating arm is also maintained in the rigid configuration. In this configuration, the pin 2040 is in contact with a proximal end of the second slot 2020. As a result, the pin 2040 is prevented from moving within the second slot 2020 when the locking system 2000 is in the rigid configuration.

[0070] In the flexible configuration, the axis 2010 is rotated in the direction of the arrow 2046, allowing the floating arm 2012 to rotate about a geometric axis of rotation 2048 in a direction of the arrow 2050. In some implementations, an amount by which the floating arm 2012 is permitted to rotate in the direction of arrow 2050 is limited by the engagement between a slot 2052 formed in the floating arm 2012 and a pin 2054 included in the frame 2034. In the flexible configuration, the second slot 2020 allows the floating arm 2012 to rotate freely in around the geometric axis of rotation 2048 (defined by a pin, shaft or fastener, collectively referred to as “pin” 2049). An amount by which the floating arm 2012 is able to rotate freely may be limited by a size of the slot 2020. Particularly, an amount by which the floating arm 2012 is allowed to rotate in a direction of the arrow 2056 is limited when the pin 2040 engages a proximal end 2058 of second slit 2020.

[0071] FIGS. 11 through 14 illustrate an example system 1100 for automatically configuring a cutting bar of a cutting deck. System 1100 includes a sensor 1102 affixed to a cutting deck 1104. A rod or shaft or linkage (collectively referred to as a “stem” 1106) extends between a regulating wheel and the sensor 1102. Particularly, the rod 1106 is connected in a pivoted form to a regulating wheel arm 1110 to which the regulating wheel is pivotally attached, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 6. In the illustrated example, a first end 1112 of rod 1106 extends from a projection 1114 formed on the regulating wheel arm 1110. A rod 1106 is pivotally attached to the projection 1114. A second end 1116 of rod 1106 is connected pivotally to the sensor 1102 and particularly to a rotor 1128 of the sensor 1102.

[0072] As the regulating wheel 1108 extends, the regulating wheel arm 1110 rotates about a geometric axis 1118 in the direction of arrow 1120 (a counterclockwise direction in the context of FIGS. 11 through 14). The geometric axis 1118 is defined by a pin or shaft 1122 that connects the regulating wheel 1108 to the regulating wheel arm 1110. The extension of the regulating wheel is detected by the sensor 1102. For example, the sensor 1102 includes an electrical switch 1124 having an arm 1126 and the rotor 1128. The second end 1116 of the rod 1106 is pivotally attached to the rotor 1128. The rotor 1128 includes a profiled surface 1130 on which the arm 1126 accompanies. As already mentioned, as the timing wheel extends, the timing wheel arm 1110 rotates in the direction of the arrow 1120. This rotational movement of the timing wheel arm 1110 is transmitted to the rotor 1128 of the sensor 1102 via the rod 1106. In response, rotor 1128 also rotates in the direction of arrow 1120.

[0073] FIG. 12 is a detail view of the sensor 1102 with the adjusting wheel 1108 in the fully retracted position. With the regulating wheel fully retracted, the arm 1126 of the sensor 1102 is extended to form an open electrical circuit. As the rotor 1128 rotates about an axis 1129 in the direction of arrow 1120, the arm 1126 follows the profile of the surface 1130. In some implementations, the arm 1126 may include a roller 1131 (e.g., a fixed roller of hinged to the arm 1126) that follows the surface profile 1130. At a selected amount of gauge wheel extension, such as 10% of the total gauge wheel extension, the surface profile 1130 causes the arm 1126 to flex or rotate to enter in contact with another part 1133 of the sensor 1102, thus forming a closed electrical circuit. Although 10% of total extension is described, the amount of regulating wheel extension can be any desired amount. FIG. 13 shows that the surface profile 1130 includes a ramp 1132, and as the arm 1126 engages the ramp 1132, the arm rotates or flexes to cause the arm 1126 to move and contact the portion 1133 of the sensor 1102 to form the electrical circuit closed. The formation of the closed electrical circuit causes the cutter bar of the cutting deck, such as cutter bar 132, 314, 508, or other cutter bar within the scope of the present description, to move into the rigid configuration. As the regulating wheel continues to extend, the profile of the surface 1130 is such that the arm 1126 maintains contact with the sensor portion 1133 to maintain the electrical circuit closed, as shown in FIG. 14. Thus, in some implementations, sensor 1102 includes an electrical switch 1124 that is movable between an open circuit and a closed circuit to indicate a position of the regulating wheel.

[0074] FIG. 15 is a schematic of an example system 1500 that operates to move the cutting bar between the fixed configuration and the flexible configuration by moving the floating arms of the cutting deck between the fixed configuration and the flexible configuration. System 1500 includes a hydraulic circuit 1502 and an electrical circuit 1504. In the example implementation illustrated in FIG. 15, the hydraulic circuit 1502 is operated in response to the operation of the electrical circuit 1504. Although a hydraulic circuit is described, in other implementations, a pneumatic circuit, an electrical circuit, or another type of system may also be employed with or in place of the hydraulic circuit for moving the cutter bar between the flexible configuration and the fixed configuration in response to detection of movement of a sway wheel by a sensor, such as sensor 1102. For example, in lieu of a hydraulic circuit that includes one or more hydraulic actuators (e.g., one or more hydraulic cylinders), one or more pneumatic actuators (e.g., one or more pneumatic cylinders) or one or more electrical actuators (e.g., one or more electric linear actuators) may be used. Actuators other than linear actuators, such as rotary actuators, can also be used.

[0075] Hydraulic circuit 1502 includes a plurality of hydraulic actuators 1506 that are coupled to associated cutting deck floating arms. A solenoid-operated two-way valve 1508 is used to control the flow of fluid to and from the hydraulic actuators 1506. Other types of valves may be used in other implementations, such as a solenoid-operated two-way valve. In a standard or de-energized condition (referred to hereinafter as a “first position”), valve 1508 provides fluid communication between hydraulic actuators 1506 and a fluid reservoir 1510 or other location, via a line 1512, to drain the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic actuators 1506. Thus, with the valve 1508 in the first position, the hydraulic actuators 1506 are retracted. In an energized condition (referred to hereinafter as a “second position”), valve 1508 provides fluid communication between hydraulic actuators 1506 and a source of pressurized fluid via a line 1514. With valve 1508 in the second position, The pressurized hydraulic fluid provided to the hydraulic actuators 1506 causes the hydraulic actuators 1506 to extend.

[0076] With regard to the electrical circuit 1504, as the rotor 1128 is rotated about the geometric axis 1129 in the direction of the arrow 1120 in response to the extension of the regulating wheel, as explained above, the arm 1126 of the sensor 1102 accompanies the surface 1130. When the arm 1126 meets the ramp 1132 of the surface and is rotated or flexes in response, the arm 1126 contacts the portion 1133 of the sensor 1102 to form a closed electrical circuit of the electrical switch 1124. When the electrical circuit closes, electrical power is provided to valve 1508, moving valve 1508 from the first position to the second position. In the second position, pressurized hydraulic fluid is passed from line 1514, through valve 1508, and to line 1516 where pressurized hydraulic fluid is distributed to hydraulic actuators 1506. In response, hydraulic actuators 1506 extend, which move the floating arms from the flexible configuration to the rigid configuration. Consequently, the cutter bar is moved from the flexible configuration to the rigid configuration. Thus, the sensor 1102 detects the movement of the regulating wheel to correspondingly and automatically change the configuration of the cutting bar.

[0077] Retraction of the regulating wheel 1108 similarly causes automatic movement of the cutting bar from the rigid configuration to the flexible configuration. Retraction of the regulating wheel 1108 causes the rotor 1130 to rotate in a direction opposite to that of the arrow 1120, which opens the electrical circuit. In response, valve 1508 moves from the second position to the first position, allowing the pressurized fluid to drain from the hydraulic actuators 1506, through the valve 1508 and line 1512, and into the reservoir 1510 or elsewhere. With the pressurized hydraulic fluid removed from the 1506 hydraulic actuators, the 1506 hydraulic actuators retract, moving the cutting bar from the rigid configuration to the flexible configuration. Thus, both extension and retraction of the regulating wheel 1108 automatically cause a change in the configuration of the cutting bar.

[0078] Although a plurality of hydraulic actuators 1506 are included in the example of FIG. 15, in other implementations, a single hydraulic actuator (or another type of actuator as previously described) may be used. For example, a single actuator can be used to move the cutter bar between flexible configuration and rigid configuration. For example, an implementation as described above in the context of FIG. 6 through 10 may include a single actuator that, in combination with a locking system, such as the locking system 700 or locking system 2000, described previously, moves the cutting bar between the flexible configuration and the rigid configuration.

[0079] Additionally, the scope of the present description is not limited to the example described in the context of FIG. 11 through 14. With reference to FIG. 11, locations A and B and C and D are identified. To accommodate location B, a rotor size 1128 can be changed, as indicated by the dotted lines. In the illustrated example, rod 1106 extends between point A on rotor 1128 and location C provided on flap 1114 of arm 1110. However, in other implementations, rod 1106 may extend between location A and location D, which is located on the arm 1110 on an opposite side of the axis 1118 compared to location C. As a result, extension of the governor wheel arm 1110 (and, consequently, the associated governor wheel) causes rotation of the rotor 1128 in the direction of arrow 1134. In some cases, rod 1106 extends between locations B and D. In this configuration, extension of the timing wheel arm 1110 and associated timing wheel also causes rotation of the rotor 1128 in the direction of arrow 1120. Additionally, in In some cases, rod 1106 extends between locations B and C. Location B is provided on rotor 1128 on an opposite side of axis 1129. In these cases, extension of the timing wheel arm 1110 and associated timing wheel causes rotation. of rotor 1128 in the direction of arrow 1134. Retraction of the timing wheel arm 1110 causes rotation of the rotor 1128 in the opposite rotational direction to that associated with extension of the timing wheel arm 1110.

[0080] In each of these iterations, a size and shape of the rotor 1128 may be changed, the profile of the surface 1130 may be changed, and a configuration of the arm 1126 may be changed so that the rotation of the rotor 1128 in the described rotational direction maintains actuation of the cutter bar as described herein, for example, moving the cutter bar in the rigid configuration in response to the extension of one or more governor wheels.

[0081] FIG. 11 to 15 illustrate the extension of a regulating wheel closure and electrical circuit for moving a cutting bar from a flexible configuration to a rigid configuration. In other implementations, a movement due to the cutting bar from a flexible configuration to a rigid configuration is associated with the opening of an electrical circuit in response to the extension of a regulating wheel. FIG. 16 to 19 illustrates such an example.

[0082] FIG. 16 shows an example cutting deck 1600 that includes a rotating gauge wheel 1602 attached to a gauge wheel arm 1604. The gauge wheel arm 1604 is pivotally connected to a frame 1606 of the cutting deck 1600. A sensor 1608 is provided on the cutting deck 1600 with a rod 1610 extending between the regulating wheel arm 1604 and a rotor 1612 of the sensor 1608. A first end 1614 of the rod 1610 is pivotally connected to a tab 1616 formed on the regulating wheel arm 1604. A second end 1618 of the rod 1610 is pivotally connected to the rotor 1612. The sensor 1608 also includes an electrical switch 1620 that includes an arm 1622 that runs along a surface 1624 of the rotor 1612. The arm 1622 may include a roller 1623 (e.g., a roller) to follow along the surface 1624. Here, however, with the regulating wheel 1602 (and the regulating wheel arm 1604) in the retracted position, the electrical switch 1620 forms a closed electrical circuit. The closed electrical circuit maintains the 1600 cutting deck cutter bar in the flexible configuration as described below. Extension of the regulating wheel 1602 and the regulating wheel arm 1604 causes rotation of the regulating wheel 1602 and the regulating wheel arm 1604 about the geometric axis 1626 in the direction of the arrow 1628 (counterclockwise in the context of FIG. 16). The rotational motion of the regulating wheel 1602 and the regulating wheel arm 1604 is transferred to the rotor 1612 by means of the rod 1610. In response, the rotor 1612 is also rotated in the direction of the arrow 1628 around the geometric axis 1632.

[0083] FIG. 17 shows the arm 1622 engaged with the surface 1624 of the rotor 1612. As the rotor 1612 rotates about the axis 1632 in the direction of the arrow 1628, the surface 1624 with which the arm 1622 is in contact moves away from the arm 1622 , causing the arm 1622 to move away from another portion 1630 of the switch 1620 with which the arm 1622 is in contact to form the closed electrical circuit. In some implementations, the arm 1622 is inclined in a direction away from the portion 1630 of the switch 1620. For example, the arm 1622 may be spring loaded or may move away from the portion 1630 by relaxing the arm 1622 from a flexed condition. Separation of the arm 1622 from the surface 1624 forms an open electrical circuit (shown in FIG. 18), causing actuation of the cutter bar from the flexible configuration to the rigid configuration, as described in more detail below.

[0084] Although FIGS. 16 to 18 illustrate an example configuration of the cutting deck 1600, the scope of the present description is broader. For example, as explained above in the context of FIG. 12, the locations at which the rod 1610 is coupled to the regulating wheel arm 1604 and the rotor 1612 can be changed (e.g., locations similar to locations A, B, C, and D shown in FIG. 12). By doing so, a rotational direction in which the rotor 1612 is made to move in response to the extension of the governor wheel arm 1604 can be changed. Also similarly, in each iteration, a size and shape of the rotor 1612 may be changed, the profile of the surface 1624 may be changed, and a configuration of the arm 1622 may be changed such that the rotation of the rotor 1612 in the respective rotational direction maintains actuation of the cutterbar as described herein, for example, moving the cutterbar to the rigid configuration in response to the extension of one or more adjuster wheels.

[0085] FIG. 19 is a schematic view of an example system 1900 that operates to move the cutting bar between the fixed configuration and the flexible configuration by moving the floating arms of the cutting deck between the fixed configuration and the flexible configuration. System 1900 includes a hydraulic circuit 1902 and an electrical circuit 1904. In the example implementation illustrated in FIG. 19, the hydraulic circuit 1902 is operated in response to the operation of the electrical circuit 1904. Although a hydraulic circuit is described, in other implementations, a pneumatic circuit, an electrical circuit, or another type of system may also be employed with or in place of the hydraulic circuit to move the cutterbar between the flexible configuration and the fixed configuration in response to detection of movement of a governor wheel, such as governor wheel 1602, by a sensor, such as sensor 1608. For example, in lieu of a hydraulic circuit that includes one or more hydraulic actuators (e.g., one or more hydraulic cylinders), one or more pneumatic actuators (e.g., one or more pneumatic cylinders), or one or more electrical actuators (e.g., one or more actuators electrical linear cables) can be used. Actuators other than linear actuators, such as rotary actuators, can also be used.

[0086] Hydraulic circuit 1902 includes a plurality of hydraulic actuators 1906 that are coupled to associated cutting deck floating arms. A 1908 solenoid-operated two-way valve is used to control fluid flow to and from the 1906 hydraulic actuators. Other types of valves may be used in other implementations, such as a solenoid-operated two-way valve. In a standard or energized condition (referred to hereinafter as a “first position”), valve 1908 provides fluid communication between hydraulic actuators 1906 and a fluid reservoir 1910 or other location, via a line 1912, to drain the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic actuators 1906. Thus, with the valve 1908 in the first position, the hydraulic actuators 1906 are retracted. In a de-energized condition (referred to hereinafter as a “second position”), valve 1908 provides fluid communication between hydraulic actuators 1906 and a source of pressurized fluid via a line 1914. With valve 1908 in the second position, The pressurized hydraulic fluid provided to the 1906 hydraulic actuators causes the 1906 hydraulic actuators to extend.

[0087] Although a plurality of hydraulic actuators 1906 are included in the example of FIG. 19, in other implementations, a single hydraulic actuator (or another type of actuator as previously described) may be used. For example, a single actuator can be used to move the cutter bar between flexible configuration and rigid configuration. For example, an implementation as described above in the context of FIGs. 6 to 10 may include a single actuator that, in combination with a locking system, such as the locking system 700 or locking system 2000, described previously, moves the cutting bar between the flexible configuration and the rigid configuration.

[0088] With regard to the electrical circuit 1904, when the regulating wheel 1602 and the regulating wheel arm 1604 are in the retracted position, the arm 1622 of the switch 1620 maintains a closed electrical circuit due to the engagement between the arm 1622 and the surface 1624 of the rotor 1612. With the regulating wheel 1602 and the regulating wheel arm 1604 in the retracted position, the rotor 1612 is positioned such that the arm 1622 of the switch 1620 is deflected so as to contact the part 1630 to form the circuit closed electric. As the timing wheel 1602 and the timing wheel arm 1604 are extended, the rod 1610 transfers rotational motion from the timing wheel arm 1604 to cause rotation of the rotor 1612. In this example, the rotor 1612 rotates in the direction of the arrow 1628 around the geometric axis 1632, as shown in FIG. 16.

[0089] As the rotor 1612 is rotated about the axis 1630 in the direction of the arrow 1628 in response to the extension of the regulating wheel 1602, as explained above, the rotor 1612 moves away from the arm 1622. In some implementations, for a portion of the rotation of the rotor 1612, the arm 1622 maintains contact with portion 1630 as the distortion of the arm 1622 relaxes (in which case the arm 1622 flexes). At some point during rotation of the rotor 1612 in the direction of arrow 1628 (e.g., when the regulating wheel 1602 has extended approximately 10% of the total extension of the regulating wheel 1602), the engagement between the rotor 1612 and the arm 1622 ceases, and the arm 1622 moves out of contact with the portion 1630 of the switch 1620. In other implementations, the amount of extension of the regulating wheel can be any desired amount of extension. As a result, switch 1620 forms an open electrical circuit.

[0090] Valve 1908 operates in response to switch 1620. In response to the open electrical circuit, valve 1908 moves from the first position to the second position where pressurized hydraulic fluid is passed from line 1914 through the valve 1908, and into line 1916 where the pressurized hydraulic fluid is distributed to the hydraulic actuators 1906. In response, the hydraulic actuators 1906 extend, which move the floating arms from the flexible configuration to the rigid configuration. Consequently, the cutter bar is moved from the flexible configuration to the rigid configuration. Thus, the sensor 1620 detects the movement of the regulating wheel to correspondingly and automatically change the configuration of the cutting bar.

[0091] Retraction of the regulating wheel 1602 similarly causes automatic movement of the cutting bar from the rigid configuration to the flexible configuration. Retraction of the regulating wheel 1602 causes the rotor 1612 to rotate in a direction opposite to that of the arrow 1628, which closes the electrical circuit. In response, the valve 1908 moves from the second position to the first position, allowing the pressurized fluid to drain from the hydraulic actuators 1906, through the valve 1908 and line 1912, and into the reservoir 1910 or elsewhere. With the pressurized hydraulic fluid removed from the 1906 hydraulic actuators, the 1906 hydraulic actuators retract, moving the cutting bar from the rigid configuration to the flexible configuration. Thus, both extension and retraction of the regulating wheel 1602 automatically cause a change in the configuration of the cutting bar.

[0092] FIG. 22 is a schematic view of another example control system 2200 for automatically actuating a cutting bar between a rigid configuration and a flexible configuration in response to detected movement of a governor wheel. Example system 2200 incorporates a fluidic circuit 2202 that may be similar to fluidic circuit 1502 or fluidic circuit 1902. Other types of circuits may also be used and are within the scope of the present description. Additionally, in some implementations, the fluidic circuit 2202 is replaced with another type of circuit to actuate the cutoff bar between the flexible configuration and the rigid configuration. For example, in some implementations, the fluidic circuit is replaced with an electrical circuit that, for example, actuates one or more electrical actuators, such as electrical linear actuators or electrical rotary actuators. Thus, the scope of the present description is not limited to systems that include a fluidic circuit but, instead, encompasses other types of power systems for actuating the cutting bar.

[0093] The control system 2200 also includes a sensor 2204 that detects a position or movement of a governor wheel 2206 or governor wheel arm 2208 of an agricultural cutting deck 2210. Example sensors 2204 include rotary position sensors, sensors magnetic position sensors, proximity sensors and laser sensors. Other types of sensors that detect a change in movement or position could also be used. The sensor 2204 is in communication, either via a wired connection or a wireless connection, with an electronic controller 2212. The controller 2212 includes a processor 2214 communicatively coupled to a memory 2216. The control system 2200 also includes a input device 2218, a display 2220, and a database 2222. The illustrated control system 2200 is provided merely as an example. One or more components or features of example control system 2200 may be omitted or one or more components or features may be added and still remain within the scope of the present description. For example, in some cases, display 2220 or database 2222 may be omitted.

[0094] In some implementations, controller 2212 is a computer system, such as computer system 2400 described in more detail below. Additional details of controller 2212, such as processor 2214 and memory 2216, are described below in the context of computer system 2400. Memory 2216 communicates with processor 2214 and is used to store programs and other software, information and data. Processor 2214 is operable to execute programs and software and receive information from and send information to memory 2216. Although a single memory 2216 and a single processor 2214 are illustrated, in other implementations, a plurality of memories, processors , or both can be used. Although the processor 2214 and the memory 2216 are shown to be the local components of the controller 2212, in other implementations, one or both of the processor 2214 and the memory 2216 may be located remotely. Software 2224, such as in the form of an application or program, is executed by processor 2214 to control the operation of control system 2200, as described in more detail below.

[0095] The input device 2218 is communicatively coupled via a wired or wireless connection. Example input devices 2218 include a keyboard, keyboard keypad, one or more buttons, a slider, a dial, a grip, a mouse, or a joystick. The display 2220 is communicatively coupled to the controller 2212 via a wired or wireless connection. Display 2220 displays information, such as information related to the operation of control system 2200. For example, information displayed by display 2220 may include a current position of the timing wheel 2206 or timing wheel arm 2208 over a range of movement of the adjuster wheel 2206 or adjuster wheel arm 2208, a condition of a cutterbar of the cutting deck 2210 (e.g., whether the cutterbar is in the flexible configuration or the rigid configuration), or a position of one or more fluidic circuit actuators 2202. In some cases, information displayed by display 2220 is displayed via a graphical user interface (GUI) 2224. Example displays include cathode ray tubes (CRT), liquid crystal displays (LCDs ) or plasma displays. Other types of displays are also within the scope of the present description. In some implementations, display 2220 is a touch screen that is operable to receive input from a user via a user touch. In some implementations in which the display 2220 is a touch screen, the input device 2218 is omitted.

[0096] The fluidic circuit 2202 of the control system 2200 includes a plurality of fluidic actuators 2230. In some implementations, the plurality of fluidic actuators 2230 is coupled to a plurality of floating arms to move the floating arms between the rigid configuration and the flexible and therefore moves the cutting bar of the 2210 agricultural cutting deck between the rigid configuration and the flexible configuration. For example, in some implementations, each of the actuators 2230 is operatively connected to a respective floating arm of the agricultural cutting deck 2210. In other implementations, the fluidic circuit 2202 includes a single fluidic actuator 2230 and is coupled to a locking system, such as the 700 or 2000 locking system. The actuation of the single fluidic actuator 2230 operates to actuate the cutter bar between the flexible configuration and the rigid configuration as described here. In other implementations, more than one fluidic actuator 2230 may be used in combination with a locking system as described herein, such as the locking system 700 or the locking systems 2000.

[0097] Fluidic circuit 2202 also includes a movable valve 2232. In some implementations, valve 2232 may be a solenoid-operated valve similar to valves 1508 or 1908. In other implementations, other types of valves may be used. The valve 2232 is movable between a first position in which pressurized fluid is introduced into the fluidic actuators 2230 from a line 2234, causing extension of the fluidic actuators 2230, and a second position in which pressurized fluid is released from the fluidic actuators. 2230 through line 2236, causing the fluidic actuators 2230 to retract.

[0098] FIG. 23 is a flowchart of an example method 2300 of automatically moving a cutting bar of an agricultural cutting deck, such as agricultural cutting deck 600, 1104, 1600, 2036 or 2210. For the purposes of the description of FIG. 23, the agricultural example cutting deck 2210 is referenced. However, the scope of the description is not so limited.

[0099] In operation, the 2302, a user, such as an operator of an agricultural vehicle to which the cutting deck 2210 is attached, initiates one of the extension or retraction of the adjuster wheel 2206. For example, during the extension of the steering wheel 2206, the user can interact with the input device 2218 or the GUI 2226. In response to input from the user, the controller 2212 causes actuation of an actuator 2228 of the cutting deck 2210. For example, the controller 2212 may generate a control signal that initiates extension or retraction of the governor wheel 2206. In some implementations, actuation of the actuator 2228 may include directing the pressurized fluid toward or draining the pressurized fluid away from the actuator 2228 to cause the actuators 2228 extend or retract the regulating wheel 2206. In other implementations, actuation of the actuator 2228 may include applying electrical power to the actuator 2228 to cause the actuator 2228 to extend or retract. Other types of actuators (e.g., pneumatically powered actuators) and other types of power sources (e.g., pneumatic pressure) may be used to operate the actuator 2228. Example actuators 2228 include linear actuators, rotary actuators, and other types of actuators.

[00100] In 2304, movement or a position of the adjuster wheel 2206 is detected by a sensor, such as a sensor 2204. In some implementations, the movement or a position of the adjuster wheel 2206 is detected over a traversed range of motion. by the regulating wheel 2206, such as the displacement interval between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position is detected. The detected movement or position of the 2206 steering wheel is sent to the 2212 controller. At 2306, a determination is made as to whether the 2206 steering wheel has reached a selected position or amount of movement over the travel range. For example, during extension of the timing wheel 2206, the controller 2212 determines whether the timing wheel 2206 has reached the selected position or whether a selected amount of movement of the timing wheel 2206 has occurred. At 2308, when a selected amount of movement or a selected position of the regulating wheel 2206 has been reached, a change in the configuration of the cutter bar of the cutting deck 2210 is made. For example, when the regulating wheel 2206 achieves a selected amount of movement or reaches a selected position, the controller 2212 generates and sends a signal to cause the hydraulic circuit 2202 to actuate the one or more actuators 2230. For example, the selected position of the regulating wheel 2206 may be a position within a range of 10% to 20% of the total extension of the regulating wheels. However, the selected position can be any desired position. In another example, the selected position of the adjuster wheel 2206 may be a position within 80% to 90% of the total retraction of the adjuster wheel. Again, however, the selected position can be any desired position. Additionally, for example, during extension of the throttling wheel 2206, when the throttling wheel 2206 reaches a selected position or achieves a selected amount of movement, the controller 2212 signals the valve 2232 to cause the valve 2232 to introduce pressurized fluid into the one or plus 2230 actuators. As a result, the cutting bar is automatically moved from the flexible configuration to the rigid configuration. For example, the cutting bar is moved from the flexible configuration in which the floating arms of the agricultural cutting deck 2210 are freely articulated to the rigid configuration in which the floating arms are in a fixed condition. During retraction of the throttling wheel 2206, when the throttling wheel 2206 reaches a selected position or reaches a selected amount of movement, the controller signals the valve to cause the valve 2232 to release pressurized fluid from the actuators 2230. As a result , the cutter bar is automatically moved from the rigid configuration to the flexible configuration. For example, the cutting bar is moved from the rigid configuration in which the floating arms of the agricultural cutting deck 2210 are in the fixed condition to the rigid configuration in which the floating arms are freely articulated.

[00101] FIG. 24 is a block diagram of an example computer system 2400 used to provide computational functionalities associated with the algorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows and procedures described in the present description, in accordance with some implementations of the present description. The illustrated computer 2402 is intended to encompass any computing device such as a server, a desktop computer, a laptop/notebook computer, a wireless data port, a smartphone, a personal data assistant (PDA), a computing device tablet or one or more processors within these devices, including physical cases, virtual cases, or both. The computer 2402 may include input devices such as keypad keyboards, keyboards, and touch screens that can accept user input. Also, computer 2402 may include output devices that can transmit information associated with the operation of computer 2402. The information may include digital data, visual data, audio information, or a combination of information. Information can be presented in a graphical user interface (UI) (or GUI).

[00102] Computer 2402 may serve in a role as a client, a network component, a server, a database, a persistence, or the components of a computer system to accomplish the subject matter described in the present description. The illustrated computer 2402 is communicatively coupled with the network 2430. In some implementations, one or more components of the computer 2402 may be configured to operate within different environments, including cloud computing-based environments, local environments, global environments, and combinations. of environments.

[00103] At a high level, computer 2402 is an electronic computing device operable to receive, transmit, process, store and manage data and information associated with the described matter. According to some implementations, computer 2402 may also include, or be communicatively coupled with, an application server, an email server, a web server, a cache server, a streaming data server, or a combination. of servers.

[00104] Computer 2402 may receive requests over network 2430 from a client application (e.g., running another computer 2402). The computer 2402 may respond to incoming requests by processing the incoming requests using software applications. Requests may also be sent to computer 2402 from internal users (e.g., from a command console), external parties (or third parties), automated applications, entities, individuals, systems, and computers.

[00105] Each of the components of the computer 2402 may communicate using a system bus 2403. In some implementations, any or all of the components of the computer 2402, including hardware or software components, may interface with each other or the interface 2404 (or a combination of both), over the system bus 2403. The interfaces may use an application programming interface (API) 2412, a services layer 2413, or a combination of the API 2412 and the services layer 2413. API 2412 may include descriptive reports for routines, data structures, and object classes. The API 2412 can be either computer-language independent or dependent. API 2412 may refer to a complete interface, a single function, or a set of APIs.

[00106] The services layer 2413 may provide software services for the computer 2402 and other components (whether illustrated or not) that are communicatively coupled to the computer 2402. The functionality of the computer 2402 may be accessible to all consumers of services using this services layer. Software services, such as those provided by services layer 2413, can provide reusable functionality defined through a defined interface. For example, the interface may be software written in JAVA, C++, or a language that provides data in extensible markup language (XML) format. Although illustrated as an integrated component of computer 2402, in alternative implementations, API 2412 or services layer 2413 may be components stand-alone with respect to other components of computer 2402 and other components communicatively coupled to computer 2402. Furthermore, any or all parts of API 2412 or services layer 2413 may be implemented as a subordinate module or submodule of another software module, enterprise application or hardware module without departing from the scope of the present description.

[00107] Computer 2402 includes an interface 2404. Although illustrated as a single interface 2404 in FIG. 24, two or more interfaces 2404 may be used according to the particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer 2402 and the functionality described. Interface 2404 may be used by computer 2402 to communicate with other systems that are connected to network 2430 (whether illustrated or not) in a distributed environment. Generally, interface 2404 may include or be implemented using logic encoded in software or hardware (or a combination of software and hardware) operable to communicate with network 2430. More specifically, interface 2404 may include software support of one or plus communication protocols associated with communications. As such, the network 2430 or interface hardware may be operable to communicate physical signals into and out of the illustrated computer 2402 .

[00108] Computer 2402 includes a processor 2405. Although illustrated as a single processor 2405 in FIG. 24, two or more processors 2405 may be used according to the particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer 2402 and the functionality described. Generally, processor 2405 can execute instructions and can manipulate data to carry out operations of computer 2402, including operations using algorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows and procedures as described in the present description.

[00109] Computer 2402 also includes a database 2406 that can hold data for computer 2402 and other components connected to network 2430 (whether illustrated or not). For example, database 2406 may be an in-memory, conventional database or a database that stores data consistent with the present description. In some implementations, the database 2406 may be a combination of two or more different database types (e.g., hybrid in-memory and conventional database) according to the particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer 2402 and the functionality described. Although illustrated as a single database 2406 in FIG. 24, two or more databases (of the same, different, or combination of types) may be used according to the particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer 2402 and the functionality described. Although database 2406 is illustrated as an internal component of computer 2402, in alternative implementations, database 2406 may be external to computer 2402.

[00110] Computer 2402 also includes a memory 2407 that can hold data for computer 2402 or a combination of components connected to network 2430 (whether illustrated or not). Memory 2407 can store any data consistent with the present description. In some implementations, memory 2407 may be a combination of two or more different types of memory (e.g., a combination of semiconductor and magnetic storage) in accordance with the particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer 2402 and the functionality described. Although illustrated as a single memory 2407 in FIG. 24, two or more memories 2407 (of the same, different, or combination of types) may be used according to the particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer 2402 and the functionality described. Although memory 2407 is illustrated as an internal component of computer 2402, in alternative implementations, memory 2407 may be external to computer 2402.

[00111] Application 2408 may be an algorithmic software engine that provides functionality according to the particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer 2402 and the described functionality. For example, application 2408 may serve as one or more components, modules, or applications. Additionally, although illustrated as a single application 2408, application 2408 may be implemented as single applications 2408 on computer 2402. Additionally, although illustrated as internal to computer 2402, in alternative implementations, application 2408 may be external to computer 2402.

[00112] The computer 2402 may also include a power supply 2414. The power supply 2414 may include a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery that may be configured to be user replaceable or non-user replaceable. In some implementations, power supply 2414 may include power conversion and management circuitry, including recharging, standby, and power management functionalities. In some implementations, the power source 2414 may include a power outlet to allow the computer 2402 to be connected to an outlet or a power source to, for example, power the computer 2402 or recharge a rechargeable battery.

[00113] There may be any number of computers 2402 associated with, or external to, a computer system containing computer 2402, with each computer 2402 communicating over network 2430. Additionally, the terms "client", "user" and other terminology appropriate may be used interchangeably, where appropriate, without departing from the scope of the present description. Furthermore, the present description contemplates that many users may use one computer 2402 and one user may use multiple computers 2402.

[00114] The subject matter implementations and functional operations described in this specification may be implemented in digital electronic circuits, in tangibly embedded computer software or firmware, in computer hardware, including the structures described in this specification and their structural equivalents or in combinations of one or more of them. Software implementations of the subject matter described may be implemented as one or more computer programs. Each computer program may include one or more computer program instruction modules encoded on a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, program instructions may be encoded in/on an artificially generated propagated signal. For example, the signal may be a machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal that is generated to encode information for transmission to the receiving apparatus suitable for execution by a data processing apparatus. The computer storage medium may be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a serial or random access memory device, or a combination of computer storage media.

[00115] The terms “data processing apparatus”, “computer” and “electronic computer device” (or equivalent as understood by one of skill in the art) refer to data processing hardware. For example, a data processing apparatus may encompass all types of apparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example, a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers. The apparatus may also include special purpose logic circuits including, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In some implementations, the data processing apparatus or special purpose logic circuits (or a combination of the data processing apparatus or special purpose logic circuits) may be hardware-based or software-based (or a combination of both hardware-based and software). The apparatus may optionally include code that creates an execution environment for computer programs, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of execution environments. The present description contemplates the use of data processing devices with or without conventional operating systems, for example, LINUX, UNIX, WINDOWS, MAC OS, ANDROID, or IOS.

[00116] A computer program, which may also be referred to or described as a program, software, a software application, a module, a software module, a script, or code, may be written in any form of computer language. schedule. Programming languages may include, for example, compiled languages, interpreted languages, declarative languages, or procedural languages. Programs may be employed in any form, including as programs, modules, components, subroutines, or stand-alone units for use in a computing environment. A computer program can, but does not have to, match a file on a file system. A program may be stored in a part of a file that holds other programs or data, for example, one or more scripts stored in a marked language document, in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files storing a or more modules, subprograms or pieces of code. A computer program may be employed to run on one computer or on multiple computers that are located, for example, at one location or distributed across multiple locations that are interconnected by a communication network. Although the parts of the programs illustrated in the various figures may be shown as individual modules that implement various features and functionalities through various objects, methods, or processes, the programs may instead include various submodules, third-party services, components, and libraries. On the other hand, the characteristics and functionalities of several components can be combined into single components when appropriate. The thresholds used to make computational determinations can be determined statically, dynamically, or both statistically and dynamically determined.

[00117] The methods, processes, or logic flows described in this specification can be carried out by one or more programmable computers that execute one or more computer programs to perform the functions of operating on input data and generating output. The logic methods, processes or flows may also be realized by, and apparatus may also be implemented, special purpose logic circuits, for example, the CPU, an FPGA or an ASIC.

[00118] Computers suitable for executing a computer program may be based on one or more of the general and special purpose microprocessors and other types of CPUs. The elements of a computer are a CPU for carrying out or executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a CPU can receive instructions and data from (and data written to) a memory. A computer may also include, or be operatively coupled to, one or more mass storage devices for storing data. In some implementations, a computer may receive data from, and transfer data to, mass storage devices including, for example, magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. Additionally, a computer may be embedded in another device, for example, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio and video player, a game console, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver or a portable storage device such as a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive.

[00119] Computer-readable media (transient or non-transitory, where appropriate) suitable for storing computer program instructions and data may include all forms of permanent/non-permanent and volatile/non-volatile memory, storage media and devices. memory. Computer-readable media may include, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), phase change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM). ), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and flash memory devices. Computer-readable media may also include, for example, magnetic devices such as tape, cartridges, cassettes, and internal/removable disks. Computer-readable media may also include optical magnetic discs and optical memory devices and technologies including, for example, digital video disc (DVD), CD-ROM, DVD+/-R, DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, HD -DVD, and BLURAY. Memory can store various objects or data, including caches, classes, frameworks, applications, modules, backup data, jobs, web pages, web page templates, data structures, database tables, repositories, and dynamic information . The types of objects and data stored in memory can include parameters, variables, algorithms, instructions, rules, constraints, and references. Additionally, memory may include logs, policies, security or access data, report files. The processor and memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated into, special purpose logic circuits.

[00120] Implementations of the subject matter described in the present description may be implemented on a computer having a display device for providing interaction with a user, including displaying information to (and receiving input from) the user. Types of display devices may include, for example, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED), and a plasma display. Display devices may include a keyboard and pointing devices including, for example, a mouse, a rolling ball, or a trackpad. User input may also be provided to the computer through the use of a touch-sensitive screen, such as a pressure-sensitive tablet computer surface or a multi-touch screen using capacitive or electrical sensing. Other types of devices may be used to provide interaction with a user, including to receive feedback from the user including, for example, sensory feedback including visual feedback, auditory feedback or haptic feedback. Input from the user may be received in the form of acoustic, speech, or tactile input. Additionally, a computer may interact with a user by sending documents to, and receiving documents from, a device that is used by the user. For example, the computer may send web pages to a web browser on a user's client device in response to requests received from the web browser.

[00121] The term “graphical user interface,” or “GUI,” may be used in the singular or plural to describe one or more graphical user interfaces and each of the displays of a particular graphical user interface. Therefore, a GUI can represent any graphical user interface, including, but not limited to, a web browser, a touch screen, or a command line interface (CLI) that processes information and efficiently presents the results of tasks. information to the user. In general, a GUI may include a plurality of user interface (UI) elements, some or all associated with a web browser, such as interactive fields, drop-down lists, and buttons. These and other user interface elements may be related to or represent the functions of the web browser.

[00122] Implementations of the subject matter described in this specification may be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component, for example, such as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, for example, a server of application. Additionally, the computing system may include a front-end component, for example, a client computer having one or both of a graphical user interface or a web browser through which a user can interact with the computer. System components may be interconnected by any form or means of wired or wireless digital data communication (or a combination of data communication) in a communication network. Examples of communication networks include the local area network (LAN), a radio access network (RAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), Worldwide Interoperability for Micro Access -wave (WIMAX), a wireless local area network (WLAN) (for example, using 802.11 a/b/g/n or 802.20 or a combination of protocols), all or a portion of the Internet, or any other communication system or systems at one or more locations (or a combination of communication networks). The network may communicate with, for example, Internet Protocol (IP) packets, frame relay structures, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) cells, voice, video, data, or a combination of communication types between the network addresses.

[00123] Wireless connections within the scope of the present description include wireless protocols, such as, 802.15 protocols (e.g., a BLUETOOTH®), 802.11 protocols, 802.20 protocols (e.g., WI-FI ®), or a combination of different wireless protocols.

[00124] The computing system may include clients and servers. A client and server can generally be remote in relation to each other and can normally interact through a communication network. The client and server relationship arises due to computer programs running on the respective computers and a client-server relationship.

[00125] Clustered file systems can serve any type of file system accessible from multiple servers for reading and updating. Consistency locking or tracking may not be necessary as swap file system locking can be done at the application layer. Additionally, Unicode data files can be different from non-Unicode data files.

[00126] Although this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of what can be claimed, but rather as descriptions of the features that may be specific to particular implementations. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations may also be implemented, in combination, in a single implementation. On the other hand, several features that are described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented in multiple implementations, separately, or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, although previously described features may be described as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[00127] The particular implementations of the matter have been described. Other implementations, changes and permutations of the described implementations are within the scope of the following claims as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Although the operations are described in the drawings or claims in a particular order, this should not be construed as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed (some operations may be considered optional ), to achieve desirable results in certain circumstances, multitasking or parallel processing (or a combination of multitasking and parallel processing) may be advantageous and performed when considered appropriate.

[00128] Furthermore, the separation or integration of various modules and system components in the previously described implementations should not be understood as requiring such separation or integration in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems may be generally integrated together into a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[00129] Consequently, the example implementations described above do not define or restrict the present description. Other changes, substitutions and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present description.

[00130] Additionally, any claimed implementation is considered applicable to at least one computer-implemented method; a non-transitory, computer-readable medium that stores computer-readable instructions for carrying out the computer-implemented method; and a computer system comprising a computer memory interoperably coupled with a hardware processor configured to carry out the computer-implemented method or instructions stored on the non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[00131] Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation or application of the claims appearing below, a technical effect of one or more of the example implementations described herein is automatically changing a configuration of a cutting bar of a cutting deck in response at least one of the extension and retraction of a cutting deck adjusting wheel.

[00132] Although the above describes example implementations of the present description, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Instead, other variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (15)

1. System for automatically setting a cutting bar of an agricultural cutting deck, the system characterized in that it comprises: a regulating wheel movable between an extended position and a retracted position; a sensor that detects a position or amount of movement of the regulating wheel; and a movable cutter bar between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration, the movable cutter bar in the rigid configuration in response to detection, by the sensor, of a selected position or a selected amount of movement of the gauge wheel as the gauge wheel moves to an extended position. 2. System according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the sensor comprises a switch, and wherein the switch is actuated in response to at least one of extending the regulating wheel and retracting the regulating wheel. 3. System according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the sensor comprises a rotating rotor that includes a surface, wherein the switch comprises an arm that follows a surface. 4. System according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that it further comprises a rod extending between the regulating wheel and the rotating rotor of the sensor, the rod movable in response to the movement of the regulating wheel to cause the rotor to rotate around a geometric axis. 5. System according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that extending the regulating wheel comprises rotating the regulating wheel about a first geometric axis in a first rotational direction, wherein the rotor is rotated by the rod in response to the movement of the regulating wheel in one of the first rotational direction or a second rotational direction, opposite to the first direction. 6. System according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the surface comprises a ramp, wherein the arm follows the ramp to actuate the switch to form one of an open electrical circuit and a closed electrical circuit. 7. System according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that a position or a quantity of movement of the regulating wheel detected by the sensor comprises a position or a quantity of movement that corresponds to a selected amount of extension of the regulating wheel. 8. System according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the selected amount of extension of the regulating wheel comprises an amount of extension within a range of 10% to 20% of a total extension of the regulating wheel. 9. System according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it further comprises at least one pivotally mounted floating arm, wherein the at least one pivotally mounted floating arm is connected to the cutting bar at a first end, wherein the at least one pivotally mounted floating arm is movable between a freely hinged condition and a fixed condition, wherein the at least one pivotally mounted floating arm is in the freely hinged condition when the cutting bar is in the flexible condition , and wherein the at least one pivotally mounted floating arm is moved to the fixed condition to place the cutting bar in the rigid configuration in response to sensing the position of the regulating wheel by the sensor. 10. Method for automatically configuring a cutting bar of an agricultural cutting deck, the method characterized by the fact that it comprises: moving a regulating wheel by one of extending and retracting the regulating wheel of an agricultural cutting deck; detect the movement of the regulating wheel with a sensor; and automatically moving a cutter bar of the agricultural cutting deck to one of a rigid configuration when the detected movement of the gauge wheel is extension of the gauge wheel and a flexible configuration when the detected movement of the gauge wheel is retraction of the gauge wheel. 11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that detecting the movement of the regulating wheel with a sensor comprises articulating a sensor rotor that includes a profiled surface. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein articulating the rotor comprises following the profiled surface of the rotor with a sensor arm to form one of an open electrical circuit or a closed electrical circuit. 13. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that articulating a rotor that includes the profiled surface comprises: moving a rod that extends between the regulating wheel and the rotor; and rotating the rotor by a selected amount about a geometric axis in response to the displacement of the rod. 14. The method of claim 10, wherein automatically moving a cutting bar of the agricultural cutting deck to one of a rigid configuration when the detected movement of the gauge wheel is the extension of the gauge wheel and a flexible configuration when the detected movement of the regulating wheel is retraction of the regulating wheel comprises articulating a floating arm from one of a first position in which the floating arm is in a freely articulated condition and a second position in which the floating arm is in a fixed condition . 15. Method according to claim 14, characterized by the fact that articulating the floating arm from one of the first position in which the floating arm is in the freely articulated condition and the second position in which the floating arm is in the fixed condition comprises one of the extension and retraction of a linear actuator.