Row follower encoder support and method of mounting same onto an agricultural vehicle
First Claim
1. An encoder support to be mounted upona) an agricultural vehicle having a direction of travel, the support carryingb) an encoder, andc) a row follower,d) the encoder beingi) detecting means for detecting relative movement between a row follower and vehicle, andii) translating means for translating the relative movement into transmittable signals, wherein the improved support comprises:
- e) an elongated tubular encoder body having a longitudinal axis,f) a mounting bracket on the body forming a portion of means for mounting the body on a vehicle with the longitudinal axis aligned with the direction of travel,g) a stub encoder shaft aligned with the longitudinal axis extending from within the tubular body to outside the body,h) a bearing connecting the stub shaft to the body,j) an encoder arm connected to the shaft outside the body adapted to be connected to a row follower, andk) said encoder connected to the stub encoder shaft inside the body.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An encoder is mounted upon a vehicle within a sealed, tubular housing. The encoder is mounted within the housing by a shock absorbing mount. Stub shafts extend from each end of the tubular housing which are co-axial and which are aligned with a direction of movement of the vehicle. The stub shafts are sturdy and carry a row follower upon them. The row follower contacts a path to be followed along the ground. At least one of the sturdy stub shafts are connected to the encoder by a shock absorbing, flexible coupling. The encoder translates signals by which the vehicle is guided along the path contacted by the row follower.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. An encoder support to be mounted upon
a) an agricultural vehicle having a direction of travel, the support carrying b) an encoder, and c) a row follower, d) the encoder being i) detecting means for detecting relative movement between a row follower and vehicle, and ii) translating means for translating the relative movement into transmittable signals, wherein the improved support comprises: -
e) an elongated tubular encoder body having a longitudinal axis, f) a mounting bracket on the body forming a portion of means for mounting the body on a vehicle with the longitudinal axis aligned with the direction of travel, g) a stub encoder shaft aligned with the longitudinal axis extending from within the tubular body to outside the body, h) a bearing connecting the stub shaft to the body, j) an encoder arm connected to the shaft outside the body adapted to be connected to a row follower, and k) said encoder connected to the stub encoder shaft inside the body. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. The method of mounting an encoder onto an agricultural vehicle which has a direction of travel, comprising:
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a) sealing and encapsulating an encoder inside of a tubular body, b) connecting said encoder to a stub shaft which extends from one end of an enclosed body, c) rigidly attaching the enclosed body onto the vehicle, d) aligning the stub shaft with the direction of travel, e) extending row follower arms from the stub shaft. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9)
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Specification