Unloader control for a combined cotton harvester and module builder and method of operation of the same

摘要

A control for an unloader of a cotton module builder or other cotton compactor for controlling unloading and loss of uncompacted or loose cotton from the compactor. The unloader includes an unloading element which is preferably a door, gate or ramp mounted to the compactor, the unloading element having a first end located adjacent to an open end of a cotton compacting chamber of the compactor in position for receiving a mass of compacted cotton from the chamber, an opposite second end, and an intermediate portion located between the ends. A first cotton driver is positioned and operable for moving cotton over a first portion of the unloading element from the chamber to the intermediate location, and a second cotton driver is positioned and operable for moving the cotton over the unloading element from the intermediate location to the second end. The control includes apparatus for selectably operating the first cotton driver in an unloading direction for moving a cotton module or mass of compacted cotton over the first unloader portion, and apparatus operable during operation of the first cotton driver for detecting passage of a trailing end of the module or mass of compacted cotton from the first portion and automatically stopping the operation of the first cotton driver in the unloading direction so as to limit loose cotton following the module or mass of compacted cotton from passing the intermediate location, the control preventing resumption of operation of the first cotton driver until a predetermined condition is present indicative of return of a substantial amount of any loose cotton on the first unloader portion to the chamber.