Windrow loader

• US 3,972,406 A
• Filed: 01/28/1975
• Issued: 08/03/1976
• Est. Priority Date: 01/28/1975
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Rivinius Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Rivinius Incorporated
• Inventors: MacDonald, Raymore D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Love, John J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nase, Jeffrey V.
• Application Number:
  US05/544,755
• Time in Patent Office: 553 Days
• Field of Search: 198/9, 198/36, 56/364, 37/43 D, 37/43 E, 37/43 F, 37/43 G, 37/5, 37/189, 214/507
• US Class Current: 198/518
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 65/20 Paddle wheels

Abstract

A self-propelled, belt-conveyor type windrow loader is provided with a pair of box members spaced from and parallel to one another, pivotally mounted on the conveyor frame, a fixed torque tube is carried by and extends between the box members at an end thereof near the vehicle, a shaft is rotatably journaled within the fixed torque tube and extends between and into the confines of the box members the axis of rotation of the shaft being displaced from the pivot axis of the box members, upper power train sprockets are mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith, an outer shaft is rotatably journaled in each of the box members, outer power train sprockets are connected to be driven by the upper power train sprockets and mounted within the box members to drive the outer shaft, a rotating cross torque tube is connected to the outer shaft to be driven therewith, the box members totally enclosing the power train elements.

Claims

1. In a windrow loader wherein a rotary feeder is carried by a frame and projects forwardly thereof, the improvement comprising a pair of elongated box members spaced from and parallel to one another, pivotally mounted on said frame on a pivot axis perpendicular to the long direction of said box members, said box members projecting forwardly from said frame, a fixed torque tube carried by and extending between said box members at an end thereof near said frame but displaced from said pivot axis, a shaft revolvably journaled within said fixed torque tube and extending between and into the confines of said box members, the axis of rotation of said shaft being wholly displaced from the pivot axis of said box members;

first power train means mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith;

outer shaft means rotatably journaled in each of said box members;

second power train means operatively connected to be driven by said first power train means and mounted within said box members on and to drive said outer shaft means;

a rotating cross torque tube connected to said outer shaft means to be driven therewith, said cross torque tube extending between said box members, and feed means mounted on said cross torque tube, said box members enclosing said first and second power train means.

2. In a self-propelled belt type windrow loader wherein a rotary spade type feeder with a plurality of spade arms is carried by a frame of a conveyor mounted on a vehicle the improvement comprising a pair of box members spaced from and parallel to one another, pivotally mounted on said conveyor frame and projecting forwardly therefrom, a fixed torque tube carried by and extending between said box members at an end thereof near said vehicle, a shaft journaled within said fixed torque tube and extending between and into the confines of said box members;

a first power train means mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith;

outer shaft means rotatably journaled in each of said box members;

second power train means operatively connected to be driven by said first power train means and mounted within said box members on and to drive said outer shaft means;

a rotating cross torque tube connected to said outer shaft means to be driven therewith, said cross torque tube extending between said box members, spade feeder arms mounted on said cross torque tube and two oppositely laterally outwardly extending torque tube extensions, each mounted at one end on said outer shaft means concentrically with said rotating cross torque tube and laterally outboard thereof, and auger blades mounted on said torque tube extensions, said box members enclosing said first and second train members.

3. In a windrow loader wherein a rotary feeder is carried by a frame and projects forwardly thereof, the improvement comprising a pair of box members spaced from and parallel to one another, pivotally mounted on said frame and projecting therefrom, a fixed torque tube carried by and extending between said box members at an end thereof near said frame, a shaft journaled within said fixed torque tube and extending between and into the confines of said box members;

a speed reducing mechanism housed within a gearbox and connected to the shaft journaled in said fixed torque tube, said gearbox being mounted to move with said box members, and a motor mounted on said gearbox and operatively connected to said speed reducing mechanism;

first power train means mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith;

outer shaft means rotatably journaled in each of said box members;

second power train means operatively connected to be driven by said first power train means and mounted within said box members on and to drive said outer shaft means;

a rotating cross torque tube connected to said outer shaft means to be driven therewith, said cross torque tube extending between said box members, and feed means mounted on said cross torque tube, said box members enclosing said first and second power train means.

4. The improvement of claim 3 wherein the said box members are fluid tight and contain lubricant through which said second power train means run.

5. The improvement of claim 4 wherein the first and second power train means comprise sprockets, and a chain extends between said sprockets.