REEL SETS FOR AN AGRICULTURAL HARVESTER

Description

/ 34 “REEL SETS FOR AN AGRICULTURAL HARVESTER” Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates, in general, to a position control system for an agricultural combine harvester reel assembly. Fundamentals of the Invention

[0002] A combine harvester can be used for harvesting agricultural crops such as barley, beans, beets, carrots, corn, cotton, flax, oats, potatoes, rye, soybeans, wheat, or other plant crops. Additionally, a combine harvester (such as a combine-combine) is a type of agricultural machine typically used for harvesting crops such as grains (e.g., barley, corn, flax, oats, rye, wheat, etc.). During the operation of a combine harvester, the harvesting process may begin by removing an agricultural crop from a field, such as by using a platform. The platform may cut the agricultural crops and transport the cut crops to a processing system on the combine harvester.

[0003] Some platforms include a set of cutterbars configured to cut a portion of each crop (e.g., a stalk / stem) and thus separate the cut crop from the soil. The cutterbar assembly may extend along a substantial portion of the platform width, and the cutterbar assembly may be flexible along the platform width. The platform may also include an auger (screw conveyor) positioned behind the cutterbar assembly relative to the combine's direction of travel. The auger is configured to transport cut crops to an inlet of the processing system. Some platforms include a reel assembly configured to direct cut crops through the cutterbar assembly. Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 12 / 60 / 34 cut towards the endless direction, and thus substantially reduce the possibility of the cut crops falling onto the surface of the field.

[0004] Certain reel assemblies include a reel with a rotating frame, several guide tubes (bats) rotatably attached to the rotating frame, and several teeth (also called fingers) attached to each guide tube. The rotating frame is driven to rotate so that the guide tubes move in a circular pattern, and a tooth rotation mechanism is set up to drive the guide tubes to rotate relative to the rotating frame. The teeth are set up to pick up the cut crops and direct them toward the auger. The reel is typically supported by several arms extending from a platform frame (chassis). Description of the Invention

[0005] In certain exemplary embodiments, a reel assembly for an agricultural combine harvester includes an arm configured to support a reel of the reel assembly, in which the arm has an internal passage. The reel assembly also includes a position control system that includes a motor with a shaft. The position control system also includes an actuator coupled non-rotatingly to the motor shaft. The actuator is positioned within the internal passage of the arm, and the motor is configured to cause the actuator to rotate. In addition, the position control system includes a carriage (or support) configured to couple to the reel. The carriage is positioned within the internal passage of the arm, and the actuator is configured to cause the carriage to move through the internal passage along a length of the arm in response to rotation of the actuator. Brief Description of the Figures

[0006] These and other characteristics, aspects and advantages of Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 13 / 60 / 34 The present invention will be better understood after reading the detailed description below, with reference to the attached figures, in which similar elements represent corresponding parts in all figures, where; Figure 1 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an agricultural combine harvester with a platform; Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a platform that can be used on the agricultural combine harvester of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an arm and an exemplary embodiment of a position control system that can be used within the platform of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the arm and a portion of the position control system of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the arm in Figure 3 and another illustrative embodiment of a position control system that can be used within the platform of Figure 2; Figure 6 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an arm and another exemplary embodiment of a position control system that can be used within the platform of Figure 2; Figure 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a car that can be used within the position control system of Figure 6; and Figure 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a part of a position control system. Description of Embodiments of the Invention

[0007] One or more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of such embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be included. Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 14 / 60 / 34, as described in the descriptive report. It should be understood that in the development of any actual implementation, as well as in any engineering or design project, several specific implementation decisions must be made to achieve the specific objectives of the developers, such as compliance with system and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Furthermore, it should be considered that such a development effort may be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine design, manufacturing, and production task for those skilled in the art, benefiting from the present invention.

[0008] When introducing elements from various embodiments of the present invention, the articles “a”, “an”, and “the”, as well as the term “referred to”, are used to indicate the presence of one or more of these elements. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “possessing / having” are intended to be inclusive and are used to indicate that there may be additional elements beyond those listed. Any examples of operating parameters and / or environmental conditions are not exclusive of other parameters / conditions of the disclosed embodiments.

[0009] Figure 1 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an agricultural harvester 100 with a platform 200 (e.g., agricultural platform). The agricultural harvester 100 includes a chassis 102 configured to support the platform 200 and an agricultural crop processing system 104. As described in more detail below, the platform 200 is configured to cut crops and transport the cut crops towards an inlet 106 of the agricultural crop processing system 104 for further processing of the cut crops. The agricultural crop processing system 104 receives cut crops from the collector 200 and separates the desired harvest material from the residues. Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 15 / 60 / 34 crop. For example, the agricultural crop processing system 104 may include a thresher 108 with a cylindrical threshing rotor that transports the crops in a helical flow path through the combine harvester 100. In addition to transporting the crops, the thresher 108 may separate certain desired crop materials (e.g., grains) from crop residue such as husks and pods, and may enable the desired crop material to flow to a cleaning system located below the thresher 108. The cleaning system may remove debris from the desired crop material and may transport the desired crop material to a storage compartment within the combine harvester 100.Crop residue can be transported from the thresher 108 to a crop residue handling system 110, which can remove the crop residue from the combine harvester 100 by means of a crop residue spreading system 112 positioned at the rear end of the combine harvester 100.

[0010] As discussed in detail below, platform 200 includes a cutter bar assembly configured to cut crops in the field. Platform 200 also includes a reel assembly configured to induce the crops cut by the cutter bar assembly to an auger (screw conveyor) that transports the cut crops towards inlet 106 of the agricultural crop processing system 104. As discussed in detail below, the reel assembly includes a reel with a rotating frame configured to be driven by rotation. The reel also includes several tubes (bats) rotatably coupled to the rotating frame. In addition, the reel includes several teeth (also called fingers) coupled to each tube. A tooth rotation mechanism (e.g., a cam and follower assembly or a parallel state assembly) is configured to drive the tubes to rotate in response to the rotation of the rotating frame. Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 16 / 60 / 34 Consequently, the teeth rotate in a first pattern (e.g., circular pattern) around an axis of rotation of the rotating structure and in second patterns (e.g., circular patterns or oscillating patterns) around the axes of rotation of the respective tubes. The teeth are configured to pick up the cut crops and direct them towards the auger (helical conveyor).

[0011] The reel is supported by arms positioned at opposite lateral ends of the 200 platform. The arms are configured to rotate up and down to adjust the vertical position of the reel, and the reel is configured to move along the length of the arms. As discussed in detail below, at least one arm has an internal passage. In addition, the 200 platform reel assembly includes a position control system configured to control the position of the reel along the length of the arm. In certain embodiments, the position control system includes a motor with a shaft. The position control system also includes an actuator (e.g., threaded shaft) non-rotatingly coupled to the motor shaft. The actuator is positioned within the arm's internal passage, and the motor is configured to cause the actuator to rotate, thus turning the reel.In addition, the position control system includes a carriage / support attached to the reel. The carriage is positioned within the inner passage of the arm, and the drive is configured to cause the carriage to move through the inner passage along the length of the arm in response to the rotation of the drive. Consequently, the position control system can control the position of the reel along the length of the arm.

[0012] Because the actuator and the car are positioned inside the arm's internal passage, the arm can substantially block dirt, debris, and straw, which may be present in significant quantities. Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 17 / 60 / 34 during the operation of the agricultural harvester, involving the actuator and the carriage, substantially reducing cleaning and maintenance operations (e.g., compared to an actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, positioned outside the arm). In some embodiments, the motor includes an electric motor, so that the reel is driven to move along the arm using the electric motor. In such embodiments, the complexity of the position control system can be substantially reduced (e.g., compared to a position control system that uses a hydraulic cylinder to move the reel along the arm, in which conduits, valve(s) and pump(s) are used to feed and control the hydraulic cylinder), thus reducing the cost and duration of maintenance operations.Furthermore, since the reel is driven to move along the arm using the motor (e.g., electric motor), the drive, and the carriage, the reel's position along the arm can be controlled more precisely (e.g., compared to a position control system that uses a hydraulic cylinder to move the reel along the arm).

[0013] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a platform 200 that can be used within the agricultural combine harvester of Figure 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 200 includes a cutter bar assembly 202 configured to cut a portion of each crop (e.g., a stalk), thus separating the crop from the soil. As illustrated, the cutter bar assembly 202 extends along a substantial portion of the width of the platform 200 (e.g., the extension of the platform 200 along a lateral axis 12). The cutter bar assembly includes a blade support, a stationary guard assembly, and a movable blade assembly. The movable blade assembly is fixed to the blade support (e.g., above the blade support relative to a vertical axis 14 of the platform 200), and the blade support / movable blade assembly is actuated to oscillate relative to Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 18 / 60 / 34 to the stationary guard assembly. In some embodiments, the blade support / movable blade assembly is actuated to oscillate by a drive mechanism positioned in the lateral center of the platform. However, in other embodiments, the blade support / movable blade assembly may be actuated by another suitable mechanism (e.g., located in any suitable position on the platform). As the combine harvester is driven through the field, the cutter bar assembly 202 catches the crops within the field, and the movable blade assembly cuts the crops (e.g., the crop stalks) in response to the engagement of the cutter bar assembly 202 with the crops.

[0014] In the illustrated realization, platform 200 includes an endless 204 configured to rotate. The auger 204 is positioned behind the cutter bar assembly 202 relative to a longitudinal axis 10 of the platform 200. The auger 204 can be driven to rotate by any suitable drive mechanism, such as an electric motor or a hydraulic motor. The auger 204 includes cleats configured to catch the cut crops and guide the cut crops laterally inward as the auger 204 rotates.

[0015] In the illustrated embodiment, the crops cut by the cutter bar assembly 202 are directed towards the auger 204 by a reel assembly 300 (e.g., a combine harvester reel assembly), thereby substantially reducing the possibility of the cut crops falling onto the field surface. The reel assembly 300 includes a reel 301 with several teeth 302, and the reel 301 includes a rotating frame 304 that is driven to rotate (e.g., by one or more electric motors, by one or more hydraulic motors, etc.). In addition, the reel 301 includes several tubes 305 rotatably coupled to the rotating frame 304, and a corresponding set of teeth 302 is coupled to each tube 305. The assembly of Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 19 / 60 / 34 reel 300 includes a tooth rotation mechanism 306 (e.g., cam and follower assembly or parallel state assembly). The tooth rotation mechanism 306 is configured to drive the rod tubes 305 to rotate relative to the rotating frame 304 (e.g., in response to the rotation of the rotating frame 304). Consequently, the teeth 302 rotate in a first pattern (e.g., circular pattern) around the axis of rotation of the rotating frame 304 and in second patterns (e.g., circular patterns or oscillating patterns) around the axes of rotation of the respective tubes 305. The teeth are configured to pick up the cut crops and direct them towards the auger (helical conveyor).In response to the intake with the slats of the auger 204, the cut crops are driven laterally inward, thus allowing the cut crops to move through an opening 206 in the platform 200 for entry into the agricultural crop processing system.

[0016] In the illustrated embodiment, the cutter bar assembly 202 is flexible across the width of the platform 200 (e.g., the extension of the platform 200 along the lateral axis 12). The cutter bar assembly 202 is supported by several arm assemblies distributed across the width of the platform 200 (e.g., along the lateral axis 12 of the platform 200). Each arm assembly is mounted on a frame 208 of the platform 200 and includes an arm configured to rotate about the lateral axis 12 and / or move along the vertical axis 14 relative to the frame. Each rotating / moving arm is coupled to the cutter bar assembly 202, thus allowing the cutter bar assembly 202 to flex during combine harvester operation.The flexible cutter bar assembly can follow the contours of the field, thus allowing the cutting height (i.e., the height at which each crop is cut) to be substantially constant across the width of the 200 platform (i.e., the extension of the 200 platform along the lateral axis 12). Although the... Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, p. 20 / 60 / 34 cutting bar assembly 202 may be flexible in the exemplary embodiment illustrated; in other exemplary embodiments, the cutting bar assembly may be rigid.

[0017] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the reel 301 is supported by a first arm 308 rotatably coupled to the frame 208 and by a second arm 310 rotatably coupled to the frame 208. In certain exemplary embodiments, an actuator is coupled to each arm and configured to actuate the arm to rotate about the lateral axis 12, thus controlling a position of the reel 301 relative to the frame 208 with respect to the vertical axis 14 (for example, to control the engagement of the teeth in the cut crops). Although the reel 301 is supported by two arms in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, in other exemplary embodiments, the reel may be supported by more or fewer arms.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first arm 308 has a first internal passage, and the second arm 310 has a second internal passage. Furthermore, the reel assembly 300 includes a position control system configured to control the position of the reel 301 along the lengths of the arms. In certain embodiments, the position control system includes a first motor (e.g., electric motor) with a first shaft, and the position control system includes a second motor (e.g., electric motor) with a second shaft. Additionally, the position control system includes a first actuator (e.g., first threaded shaft) non-rotatingly coupled to the first shaft of the first motor. The first actuator is positioned within the first internal passage of the first arm, and the first motor is configured to drive the first actuator, causing it to rotate.The position control system also includes a second actuator (e.g., a second threaded shaft) non-rotatingly coupled to the second shaft of the second motor. The first actuator is... Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 21 / 60 / 34 positioned within the first inner passage of the first arm, and the first motor is configured to drive the first actuator, causing it to rotate. In addition, the position control system includes a first carriage coupled to reel 301. The first carriage is positioned within the first inner passage of the first arm, and the first actuator is configured to drive the first carriage to move through the first inner passage along a length of the first arm in response to the rotation of the first actuator. The position control system also includes a second carriage coupled to the reel. The second carriage is positioned within the second inner passage of the second arm, and the second actuator is configured to drive the second carriage to move through the second inner passage along a length of the second arm in response to the rotation of the second actuator.Consequently, the position control system can control the position of the 301 reel along the lengths of the arms.

[0019] Because the actuators and carriages are positioned within the internal passages of their respective arms, the arms can substantially block dirt, debris, and straw, which may be present in significant quantities during the operation of the agricultural combine harvester, surrounding the actuators and carriages, substantially reducing cleaning and maintenance operations (e.g., compared with actuators, such as hydraulic cylinders, positioned outside the arms). In some embodiments, the motors may include electric motors, so that the reel is driven to move along the arms using the electric motors. In such embodiments, the complexity of the position control system can be substantially reduced (e.g., compared with a position control system that uses hydraulic cylinders to move the reel along the arms, in which conduits, valve(s), and pump(s) Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 22 / 60 / 34 are used to power and control the hydraulic cylinders), thus reducing the cost and duration of maintenance operations. Furthermore, since the winch is driven to move along the arms using motors (e.g., electric motors), the actuators and carriages, the position of the winch along the arms can be controlled more precisely (e.g., compared to a position control system that uses hydraulic cylinders to move the winch along the arms).

[0020] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an arm (e.g., the first arm 308) and an exemplary embodiment of a position control system 400 that can be used within the platform of Figure 2. As discussed earlier, each arm is configured to support the winch of the winch assembly. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the first arm 308 is pivotally coupled to the platform structure by means of a first articulated joint 312 that allows the first arm 308 to rotate about the lateral axis 12. In certain exemplary embodiments, the second arm is articulated (pivoting) coupled to the platform structure by means of a second articulated joint that allows the second arm to rotate about the lateral axis.Furthermore, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the reel assembly includes a first actuator 314 (e.g., hydraulic cylinder) pivotally coupled to the first arm 308 and to the platform frame. In certain exemplary embodiments, the reel assembly includes a second actuator (e.g., hydraulic cylinder) pivotally coupled to the second arm and to the platform frame. Each actuator is configured to actuate the respective arm to rotate about the lateral axis 12, thus controlling a position of the reel relative to the platform frame with respect to the vertical axis 14 (e.g., to control the engagement of the tines with the cut crops). Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 23 / 60 / 34

[0021] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the first arm 308 has an internal passage configured to house components of the position control system 400. The position control system 400 includes an electric motor 402 with a shaft. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the electric motor 402 includes a housing 404, and the shaft is configured to rotate relative to the housing 404. The housing 404 can be formed from any suitable material(s) (e.g., aluminum, steel, composite material(s), etc.). In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the housing 404 is coupled to an external surface 316 of the first arm 308 by means of a suitable coupling assembly (e.g., including support(s), fastener(s), adhesive(s), etc.). However, in other exemplary embodiments, the electric motor may be positioned within the internal passage of the first arm.Furthermore, while the electric motor 402 includes the housing 404 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, in other exemplary embodiments (for example, in exemplary embodiments where the electric motor is positioned within the inner passage), the housing may be omitted. Additionally, while the position control system 400 includes the electric motor in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, in other exemplary embodiments, the position control system may include another suitable type of motor, such as a hydraulic motor or a pneumatic motor.

[0022] Furthermore, as discussed in detail below, the position control system 400 includes an actuator coupled non-rotatingly to the shaft of the electric motor 402. The actuator is positioned within the inner passage of the first arm 308, and the electric motor 402 is configured to cause the actuator to rotate. In certain embodiments, the actuator includes a threaded shaft that extends along a length of the first arm 308. In the illustrated embodiment, the position control system 400 includes a gear assembly 406 that couples to Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 24 / 60 / 34, in a non-rotational manner, the electric motor shaft 402 is coupled to the drive. In certain embodiments (for example, in embodiments where the electric motor shaft is not aligned with the drive), the gear assembly 406 is configured to redirect the rotational motion of the electric motor shaft to the drive (for example, by means of bevel gears, etc.). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the gear assembly includes reduction gears configured to cause the drive to rotate at a slower rate of rotation than the rate of rotation of the electric motor shaft. Although the electric motor shaft 402 is non-rotationally coupled to the drive by means of the gear assembly 406 in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the gear assembly may be omitted. For example, in certain embodiments, the electric motor shaft can be coupled non-rotatingly directly to the drive.Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the electric motor shaft may be non-rotatingly coupled to the drive by means of flexible shaft(s) and / or other suitable type(s) of connection(s) (for example, including gear assemblies).

[0023] Furthermore, as discussed in detail below, the position control system 400 includes a carriage configured to couple to the reel. The carriage is positioned within the inner passage of the first arm 308, and the actuator is configured to cause the carriage to move through the inner passage along the length of the first arm in response to the rotation of the actuator. Consequently, the position control system can control the position of the reel along the length of the first arm 308. As discussed earlier, in certain embodiments, the actuator may include a threaded shaft. In such embodiments, the carriage may include a ball bearing assembly coupled to the threaded shaft. Consequently, as the threaded shaft is driven by the electric motor, the rotation of the threaded shaft drives the carriage along the Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 25 / 60 / 34 length of the first arm through the interaction between the threaded shaft and the ball bearing assembly.

[0024] In the illustrated example embodiment, the first arm 308 has a groove 318 that extends through an upper side 320 of the first arm 308. Furthermore, the position control system 400 includes a support 408 coupled to the carriage and extending through the groove 318 in the first arm 308. The support 408 is configured to couple to the reel of the reel assembly. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, the support may be coupled to the rotating structure of the reel by means of a bearing / support assembly. Additionally, in certain exemplary embodiments, the support may be coupled to a sleeve disposed around the first arm, and the sleeve may be coupled to the rotating structure of the reel by means of a bearing assembly. Although groove 318 extends along the upper side of the first arm 308 in the exemplary embodiment illustrated, in other exemplary embodiments, the groove may extend through an inner side 322 of the first arm 308.In such exemplary embodiments, the support may extend through the groove on the inner side of the first arm. Although the position control system 400 includes the support 408 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, in other exemplary embodiments, the support may be omitted. In such exemplary embodiments (for example, in exemplary embodiments in which the groove extends through the inner side of the first arm), the rotating structure of the reel may be coupled to the carriage by means of a bearing assembly.

[0025] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the reel assembly includes a folding cover 324 configured to cover the groove 318 while allowing the support 408 to move along the length of the first arm 308. The folding cover 324 is coupled to the support 408, and the Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 26 / 60 / 34. Folding cover 324 includes two sections positioned on opposite sides of support 408. As support 408 moves toward a longitudinal end of groove 318, the section of the folding cover 324 positioned between support 308 and the longitudinal end collapses (folds), while the other section expands. As a result, the folding cover 324 can cover groove 318 throughout the support's full range of motion. The folding cover 324 can be formed from any suitable material, such as a flexible corrugated material, a resilient material, etc. The folding cover 324 is configured to block the entry of dirt, debris, and straw into the inner passage 326 during the operation of the agricultural combine harvester. Although the reel assembly includes the folding cover 324 in the exemplary embodiment illustrated, in other exemplary embodiments, the folding cover may be omitted.In such exemplary embodiments, the groove may be open, or the groove may be at least partially covered by a rigid cap attached to the support and configured to move with the support.

[0026] Because the drive and carriage are positioned within the inner passage of the first arm 308, the first arm 308 can substantially block dirt, debris, and straw, which may be present in significant quantities during the operation of the agricultural combine harvester, surrounding the drive and carriage, substantially reducing cleaning and maintenance operations (e.g., compared to an actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, positioned outside the arm). Furthermore, because the reel is driven to move along the first arm 308 using the electric motor 402, the complexity of the position control system can be substantially reduced (e.g., compared to a position control system that uses a hydraulic cylinder to move the reel along the arm, in which conduits, valve(s), and pump(s) are used to feed and control the hydraulic cylinder), thus reducing cost and duration. Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 27 / 60 / 34 of maintenance operations. Furthermore, as the reel is driven to move along the first arm 308 using the electric motor 402, the weight of the position control system can be substantially reduced (for example, compared to a position control system that uses a hydraulic cylinder to move the reel along the arm). As a result, less energy can be used by the first actuator 314 to lift the reel, thus increasing the efficiency of the agricultural harvesting process.

[0027] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the arm (e.g., the first arm 308) and a portion of the position control system 400 of Figure 3. As discussed earlier, the position control system 400 includes an actuator 410 coupled non-rotatingly to the electric motor shaft, and the electric motor is configured to cause the actuator 410 to rotate. As illustrated, the actuator 410 is positioned within the inner passage 326 of the first arm 308. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the actuator 410 includes a threaded shaft 412. The threads of the threaded shaft 412 may extend along at least a portion of the length of the threaded shaft 412. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, the threads may extend along a substantial portion (e.g., the entirety) of the length of the groove 318.

[0028] In the illustrated example embodiment, the first arm 308 includes an end cap 328 positioned at a longitudinal end 330 of the inner passage 326. The end cap 328 is configured to block the entry of dirt, debris, and straw into the inner passage 326 during the operation of the agricultural combine harvester. The end cap 328 can be formed from any suitable material, such as metal(s), polymeric material(s), composite material(s), etc. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the position control system 400 includes Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 28 / 60 / 34 a bearing 414 coupled to the end cap 328 and to the threaded shaft 412. The bearing 414 is configured to support the threaded shaft 412 within the inner passage 326 and to allow the threaded shaft 412 to rotate relative to the first arm 308. The bearing 414 may include any suitable type of bearing, such as ball bearing(s), roller bearing(s), etc. Although the threaded shaft 412 is supported by the bearing 414 coupled to the end cap 328 in the exemplary embodiment illustrated, in certain exemplary embodiments, the threaded shaft may be supported by other suitable support component(s) (for example, alone or in combination with the bearing coupled to the end cap), such as a bushing coupled to the end cap, bearing(s) positioned along the length of the threaded shaft, bushing(s) disposed along the length of the threaded shaft, etc.Furthermore, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the threaded shaft 412 is coupled to the gear assembly 406, and the gear assembly 406 is also configured to support the threaded shaft 412 within the internal passage 326. However, in other exemplary embodiments (for example, in exemplary embodiments in which the electric motor is positioned within the internal passage), the threaded shaft may be coupled to the electric motor shaft, and the electric motor shaft may support the threaded shaft within the internal passage.

[0029] Furthermore, as discussed earlier, the position control system 400 includes a carriage 416 coupled to the reel of the reel assembly. As illustrated, the carriage 416 is positioned within the inner passage 326 of the first arm 308, and the threaded shaft 412 of the actuator 410 is configured to cause the carriage 416 to move through the inner passage 326 along the length of the first arm 308 in response to rotation of the threaded shaft 412. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the carriage 416 includes a frame 418 and a ball assembly 420 Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 29 / 60 / 34 (for example, forming a ball screw with a threaded shaft). The ball assembly 420 includes a tube positioned around the threaded shaft 412 and coupled to the carriage 418. The ball assembly 420 also includes multiple balls arranged within channels of the tube and coupled with the threads of the threaded shaft 412. Consequently, rotation of the threaded shaft 412 drives the ball assembly 420 to move it along the threaded shaft 412, thus driving the carriage 416 and allowing its movement along the length of the first arm 308. Due to the interaction between the ball assembly and the threaded shaft, the movement of the reel along the length of the first arm can be precisely controlled (e.g., compared to a position control system that has a hydraulic cylinder configured to move the reel along the length of the arm).Although carriage 416 includes ball assembly 420 in the exemplary embodiment illustrated, in other exemplary embodiments, the carriage may include another suitable device configured to engage the threaded shaft to facilitate movement of the carriage in response to rotation of the threaded shaft, such as a nut (for example, forming a lead screw with the threaded shaft) or a roller assembly (for example, forming a roller screw with the threaded shaft).

[0030] As illustrated, support 408 is attached to the structure 418 of carriage 416. Consequently, the movement of carriage 416 along the length of the first arm 308 drives the winch, causing its displacement along the length of the first arm 308. Furthermore, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, carriage 416 includes two rollers 422 rotatably coupled to the carriage 418 frame. The rollers 422 are configured to facilitate the movement of carriage 416 through the inner passage 326, thus reducing the power used by the electric motor to move carriage 416 through the inner passage 326. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, p. Each roller 422 is coupled to a lower inner surface 332 of the first arm 308. Consequently, the rollers 422 facilitate the transfer of a portion of the reel's weight to the first arm 308. For example, a portion of the reel's weight is supported by the support 408, which is supported by the carriage 416, and the carriage 416 is supported by the first arm 308 through the rollers 422. Because the carriage 416 is positioned within the inner passage 326 of the first arm 308, the first arm 308 (e.g., including the folding cover 324 and the end cover 328) can substantially block dirt, debris, and straw, which may be present in significant quantities during the operation of the agricultural combine harvester, from accumulating on the lower inner surface 332, thus facilitating the rotation of the rollers 422.

[0031] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the carriage 416 includes a bushing 423 configured to engage an upper inner surface 333 of the first arm 308 (e.g., on opposite lateral sides of the groove 318). The bushing 423 is configured to facilitate the movement of the carriage 416 through the inner passage 326 and to stabilize the carriage 416 within the inner passage 326. For example, as the rollers 422 engage with the lower inner surface 332 and the bushing 423 engages with the upper inner surface 333, vibrations and movement of the reel in a generally vertical direction perpendicular to the length of the first arm 308 can be substantially reduced, thus avoiding the use of a sleeve positioned around the first arm.As a result, the energy used to actuate the winch along the length of the first arm can be substantially reduced (for example, compared to a position control system that has a sleeve in frictional contact with one or more external surfaces of the first arm).

[0032] Although carriage 416 includes two rollers 422 and a bushing 423 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, in other exemplary embodiments, Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, p. 31 / 60 / 34 the carriage may include more or fewer rollers (for example, 0, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or more) and more or fewer bushings (for example, 0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more). For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, the roller(s) may be omitted and / or the bushing(s) may be omitted. Furthermore, although roller(s) 422 is / are coupled with the lower inner surface 332 of the first arm 308 in the exemplary embodiment illustrated, in certain exemplary embodiments, at least one roller may couple to another suitable inner surface of the first arm (for example, alone or in combination with the roller(s) coupled with the lower inner surface).Furthermore, although the bushing(s) 423 are coupled with the upper inner surface 333 in the exemplary embodiment illustrated, in certain exemplary embodiments, at least one bushing may couple with another suitable inner surface of the first arm (for example, alone or in combination with the bushing(s) coupled with the upper inner surface).

[0033] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the arm (e.g., the first arm 308) of Figure 3 and another exemplary embodiment of a position control system 400' that can be used within the platform of Figure 2. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the position control system 400' includes a sleeve 424 disposed around the first arm 308 and coupled to the support. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the support extends through the groove 324 on the upper side 320 of the first arm 308. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the support may extend through a groove on the inner side 322 of the first arm 308, through a groove on an outer side of the first arm, or through a groove on a lower side of the first arm. Furthermore, in certain exemplary embodiments, multiple supports may extend through multiple grooves on various sides of the arm (e.g., the side Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, p. 32 / 60 / 34 upper and lower side, inner side and outer side, etc.), and each support can be attached to the glove.

[0034] The sleeve 424 is coupled / fixed to the reel. For example, in certain embodiments, the sleeve 424 may be coupled to the rotating structure of the reel by means of a bearing assembly. In certain embodiments, the sleeve 424 may contact the upper side 320, the inner side 322, the lower side, the outer side, or a combination thereof, of the first arm 308. Contact between the sleeve and the side(s) of the first arm may reduce the vertical and / or lateral movement of the reel relative to the first arm. In certain embodiments, the sleeve may include at least one bushing configured to contact the respective side(s) of the first arm, thus facilitating the movement of the sleeve along the length of the first arm.Although the 400' position control system disclosed above with reference to Figure 5 includes the 424 sleeve, the other aspects of the 400' position control system correspond to the 400' position control system disclosed above with reference to Figures 3-4, including the components, functions, and variations disclosed above with reference to Figures 3-4.

[0035] Figure 6 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an arm (e.g., the first arm 308') and a further exemplary embodiment of a position control system 400'' that can be used within the platform of Figure 2. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the first arm 308' has a groove 318' extending through the inner side 322 of the first arm 308'. Furthermore, the groove 318 extending through the upper side 320 of the first arm and the folding cover 324 configured to cover the groove 318, as disclosed above with respect to the exemplary embodiments of Figures 3-5, are omitted. The other aspects of the first arm 308' correspond to the first arm 308 disclosed above with reference to Figures 3-5, including the Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 33 / 60 / 34 components, functions and variations presented above with reference to Figures 3-5. Although the first arm 308' does not include a cover in the exemplary embodiment illustrated, in certain exemplary embodiments, the first arm 308' may include a cover, such as a folding cover, as disclosed above with reference to Figures 3-5, configured to cover slot 318'.

[0036] As discussed previously, the position control system 400'' includes the actuator 410, which is non-rotatingly coupled to the shaft of the electric motor 402, and the electric motor 402 is configured to cause the actuator 410 to rotate. As illustrated, the actuator 410 is positioned within the inner passage 326 of the first arm 308'. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the actuator 410 includes the threaded shaft 412. The threads of the threaded shaft 412 extend along at least a portion of the length of the threaded shaft 412. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, the threads may extend along a substantial portion (e.g., an entirety) of the length of the groove 318'.

[0037] In addition, as discussed earlier, the 400'' position control system includes a 416'' carriage that is coupled to the reel of the reel assembly. As illustrated, the 416'' carriage is positioned within the inner passage 326 of the first arm 308', and the threaded shaft 412 of the actuator 410 is configured to cause the 416'' carriage to move through the inner passage 326 along the length of the first arm 308' in response to the rotation of the threaded shaft 412. The 400'' position control system also includes the 408'' support coupled to the 418'' frame of the 416'' carriage and configured to couple to the reel of the reel assembly. In certain embodiments, the support may be coupled to the rotating frame of the reel by means of a bearing / support assembly. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 34 / 60 / 34. The support can be coupled to a sleeve disposed around the first arm, and the sleeve can be coupled to the rotating structure of the reel by means of a bearing assembly, as disclosed above with reference to Figure 5. Although the groove 318' extends along the inner side 322 of the first arm 308' in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the groove may extend through any other suitable side of the first arm, such as the upper side of the first arm, as disclosed above with reference to Figures 3-5. Although the position control system 400'' includes the support 408'' in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, in other exemplary embodiments, the support may be omitted. In such embodiments, the rotating structure of the reel can be coupled to the carriage by means of a bearing assembly.

[0038] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the carriage 416'' includes three rollers 422'' (e.g., primary rollers) rotatably coupled to the frame 418'' of the carriage 416''. The rollers 422'' are configured to facilitate the movement of the carriage 416'' through the inner passage 326, thereby reducing the power used by the electric motor 402 to move the carriage 416'' through the inner passage 326. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, two rollers 422'' are coupled with the lower inner surface of the first arm 308', and one roller is coupled with the upper inner surface of the first arm 308'. The two lower rollers 422'' facilitate the transfer of a portion of the reel's weight to the first arm 308', and the upper roller stabilizes the carriage 416'' within the inner passage 326.For example, because the 422'' rollers engage the inner surfaces (upper and lower) of the first arm 308', vibrations and reel movement in a generally vertical direction perpendicular to the length of the first arm 308' can be substantially reduced, thus avoiding the use of a sleeve positioned around the first arm. As a result, the energy used to drive the... Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 35 / 60 / 34 reel along the length of the first arm can be substantially reduced (for example, compared to a position control system that has a sleeve in frictional contact with one or more external surfaces of the first arm). Furthermore, as the carriage 416'' is positioned within the inner passage 326 of the first arm 308', the first arm 308' (for example, including the folding cover, if present, and the end cover 328) can substantially block dirt, debris, and straw, which may be present in significant quantities during the operation of the agricultural combine harvester, from accumulating on the upper and lower inner surfaces, thus facilitating the rotation of the rollers 422''.

[0039] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the 416'' carriage that can be used within the position control system of Figure 6. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the 416'' carriage includes the 420'' ball assembly (e.g., forming a ball screw with the threaded shaft). The 420'' ball assembly includes a tube positioned around the threaded shaft and coupled to the 418'' frame of the 416'' carriage. The 420'' ball assembly also includes multiple balls arranged within channels of the tube and coupled with the threads of the threaded shaft. Consequently, rotation of the threaded shaft drives the 420'' ball assembly to move it along the threaded shaft, thus driving the 416'' carriage and allowing its movement along the length of the first arm.Due to the interaction between the ball assembly and the threaded shaft, the movement of the reel along the length of the first arm can be precisely controlled (for example, compared to a position control system that has a hydraulic cylinder configured to move the reel along the length of the arm). Although the 416'' carriage includes the 420'' ball assembly in the exemplary embodiment illustrated, in others... Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 36 / 60 / 34 exemplary embodiments, the carriage may include another suitable device configured to engage the threaded shaft to facilitate movement of the carriage in response to rotation of the threaded shaft, such as a nut (for example, forming a lead screw with the threaded shaft) or a set of rollers (for example, forming a roller screw with the threaded shaft).

[0040] As discussed previously, the 416'' carriage includes three primary rollers 422'' rotatably coupled to the 418'' frame of the 416'' carriage. The primary rollers 422'' are configured to facilitate the movement of the 416'' carriage through the inner passage of the first arm, thereby reducing the power used by the electric motor to move the 416'' carriage through the inner passage. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, two primary rollers 422'' are configured to couple to the lower inner surface of the first arm, and one primary roller 422'' is configured to couple to the upper inner surface of the first arm. Although the two primary rollers 422'' are configured to engage with the lower inner surface of the first arm in the exemplary embodiment illustrated, in other exemplary embodiments, more or fewer primary rollers may be configured to engage with the lower inner surface (e.g., 0, 1, 3 or more).Furthermore, although a primary roller 422'' is configured to engage the upper inner surface of the first arm in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, in other exemplary embodiments, more or fewer primary rollers may be configured to engage the upper inner surface (e.g., 0, 2, 3, or more). Additionally, although the 416'' carriage included three primary rollers 422'' in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, in other exemplary embodiments, the carriage may include more or fewer primary rollers (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more). For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, primary rollers may be omitted. Furthermore... Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 37 / 60 / 34 In addition, in certain exemplary embodiments (for example, in exemplary embodiments in which the primary rollers are omitted), the carriage may include one or more bushings configured to engage with one or more inner surfaces of the arm.

[0041] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the carriage 416'' includes a tensioning system 426 configured to push the primary rollers 422'' against the respective inner surfaces of the first arm. For example, the tensioning system 426 may include one or more springs that push the primary rollers 422'' outward relative to the frame 418''. The tensioning system 426 may further reduce vibrations and reel movement in the generally vertical direction perpendicular to the length of the first arm (e.g., compared to the primary rollers alone), thereby increasing reel positioning accuracy (e.g., relative to the cutter bar assembly). Although the carriage 416'' includes the tensioning system 426 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, in other exemplary embodiments, the tensioning system may be omitted.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the carriage 416'' includes secondary rollers 428 rotatably coupled to the carriage 418'' and positioned on each lateral side of the carriage 416''. The secondary rollers 428 are configured to engage with the inner lateral surfaces of the first arm, thus increasing the stability of the carriage 416'' within the inner passage of the first arm. For example, the secondary rollers 428 can reduce the lateral movement of the carriage 416'' within the inner passage. In the illustrated embodiment, the carriage 416'' includes two secondary rollers 428 on each lateral side of the carriage 416''. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the carriage may include more or fewer secondary rollers on each lateral side (e.g., 0, 1, 3, 4 or more). For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, the rollers Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 38 / 60 / 34. Secondary details may be omitted. Although the 400'' position control system disclosed above with reference to Figures 6-7 includes a different car than the car disclosed above with reference to Figures 3-4, the other aspects of the 400'' position control system correspond to the 400'' position control system disclosed above with reference to Figures 3-4, including the components, functions, and variations disclosed above with reference to Figures 3-4.

[0043] Although the position control system includes an actuator with a threaded shaft in the embodiments disclosed above with respect to Figures 3-7, in certain embodiments, the actuator may have another suitable configuration. For example, in certain embodiments, the actuator may include a gear and a chain. In such embodiments, the electric motor shaft may be non-rotatingly coupled to the gear, allowing the motor to drive the gear to rotate, which in turn drives the chain to move. The carriage may be coupled to the chain. Consequently, the rotation of the chain drives the carriage allowing it to move through the inner passage along the length of the arm. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the actuator may include a wheel and a belt. In such embodiments, the electric motor shaft may be non-rotatingly coupled to the wheel, allowing the motor to drive the wheel to rotate, which in turn causes the belt to rotate.The car can be belt-driven. Consequently, the belt's rotation drives the car, allowing it to move through the inner passage along the length of the arm. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the drive may include a pinion. In such embodiments, the electric motor shaft may be non-rotatingly coupled to the pinion, and the electric motor may drive the pinion to rotate. The car may also include a rack coupled to the pinion. Consequently, due to the rack's coupling with the pinion, the pinion's rotation drives the car, allowing it to... Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, pp. 39 / 60 / 34, it moves through the inner passage along the length of the arm. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the position control system may include a fluid cylinder (e.g., pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder) positioned within the inner passage of the arm and coupled to the carriage. In such embodiments, the fluid cylinder may extend and retract to actuate the carriage, causing it to move through the inner passage along the length of the arm.

[0044] Although the components of the position control system are disclosed above (e.g., in the embodiments of Figures 3-7) with respect to the first arm of the reel assembly, the position control system may also include components associated with the second arm of the reel assembly. For example, in certain embodiments, the position control system may include a second motor (e.g., second electric motor) with a second shaft. The position control system may also include a second actuator (e.g., including a second threaded shaft) non-rotatingly coupled to the second shaft of the second motor. The second actuator may be positioned within a second internal passage of the second arm, and the second motor may be configured to drive the second actuator, causing it to rotate.Furthermore, the position control system may include a second carriage (e.g., including a second set of balls coupled with the second threaded shaft) configured to engage with the reel. The second carriage may be positioned within the second inner passage of the second arm, and the second actuator may be configured to drive the second carriage to move through the second inner passage along a length of the second arm in response to rotation of the second actuator. The functions and variations disclosed above with respect to the components of the position control system associated with the first arm may apply to... Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 40 / 60 / 34 components of the position control system associated with the second arm. For example, in certain embodiments, the second arm may have a second groove, the position control system may include a second support coupled to the second carriage and extending through the second groove, and the second support may be configured to couple to the reel of the reel assembly.

[0045] Figure 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a part of a 400''' position control system. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the 400''' position control system includes a second 430 electric motor with a second shaft. The position control system 400''' also includes a second actuator 432 non-rotatingly coupled to the second shaft of the second electric motor 430. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the second actuator 432 includes a second threaded shaft 434, and the position control system 400''' includes a second gear set 436 that non-rotatingly couples the second shaft of the second electric motor 430 to the second threaded shaft 434 of the second actuator 432. The second actuator 432 can be positioned within a second internal passage of the second arm, and the second electric motor 430 can be configured to drive the second actuator 432 to rotate.Furthermore, the position control system 400 includes a second carriage 438 (e.g., including a second ball bearing set coupled with the second threaded shaft 434) configured to engage with the reel. The second carriage 438 can be positioned within the second inner passage of the second arm, and the second actuator 432 can be configured to drive the second carriage 438, causing it to move through the second inner passage along a length of the second arm in response to rotation of the second actuator.

[0046] In the illustrated example, the system of Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 41 / 60 / 34 position control 400''' includes a controller 440 communicatively coupled to the electric motor 402 (e.g., first electric motor) and to the second electric motor 430. In exemplary embodiments in which the position control system includes at least one pneumatic or hydraulic motor configured to drive the respective actuator to rotate it, the controller may be communicatively coupled to the motor(s) by means of one or more sets of valves (e.g., the controller may control set(s) of valves to control the fluid flow to the motor(s), thus controlling the motor(s)). In certain exemplary embodiments, the controller 440 is an electronic controller with electrical circuits configured to control the first and second electric motors. In the illustrated embodiment, the 440 controller includes a 442 processor, such as a microprocessor, and a 444 memory device.The 440 controller may also include one or more storage devices and / or other suitable components. The 442 processor may be used to run software, such as software to control the first and second electric motors, and so on. Furthermore, the 440 processor may include various microprocessors, one or more general-purpose microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or some combination thereof. For example, the 440 processor may include one or more reduced instruction set processors (RISCs).

[0047] The 444 memory device may include volatile memory, such as Random Access Memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as Read-Only Memory (ROM). The 44 memory device may store a variety of information and may be used for various purposes. For example, the 444 memory device may store Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 42 / 60 / 34 executable instructions by the processor (e.g., firmware or software) for the 442 processor to execute, such as instructions to control the first and second electric motors, and so on. Storage devices (e.g., non-volatile storage) may include ROM, flash memory, a hard disk, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof. The storage device(s) may store data, instructions (e.g., software or firmware to control the first and second electric motors, etc.), and any other suitable data. The controller may be positioned in any suitable location(s) on the agricultural combine harvester (e.g., as one element in one location or as multiple elements in multiple locations).

[0048] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the position control system 400 includes a user interface 446 communicatively coupled to the controller 440. The user interface 446 is configured to receive input from an operator and provide information to the operator. The user interface 446 may include any suitable input device(s) to receive input, such as a keyboard, a mouse, button(s), switch(es), rotary button(s), other suitable input device(s), or a combination thereof. In addition, the user interface 446 may include any suitable output devices to present information to the operator, such as loudspeakers, indicator lights, other suitable output devices, or a combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 446 includes a monitor or screen 448 configured to present visual information to the operator.In certain embodiments, the 448 screen may be a touch screen configured to receive operator input.

[0049] In certain embodiments, the 440 controller is configured Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, pp. 43 / 60 / 34, to control the first electric motor 402 and the second electric motor 430 based on input from user interface 446. For example, the operator can provide input to user interface 446 indicating instructions to move the winch along the arm lengths, and user interface 446 can output a signal indicating the instructions to controller 440. Controller 440, in turn, can control the first and second electric motors based on the instructions. In certain embodiments, controller 440 is configured to synchronize the operation of the first and second electric motors, thus maintaining the winch's orientation while the electric motors drive the winch to move it along the arm lengths.For example, prior to harvesting operations, the operator can instruct the electric motors to drive the carts into a fully extended or fully retracted position (e.g., by providing input to the user interface). In response, the controller can control the electric motors to drive the carts into the fully extended or fully retracted position. With the carts in the fully extended or fully retracted position, the subsequent synchronized operation of the electric motors can drive the carts equal distances along the lengths of the booms, thus maintaining reel orientation as the reel moves along the boom lengths.Although the 400''' position control system includes two electric motors, two gear sets, two actuators, and two carriages in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, in other exemplary embodiments, the position control system may include more or fewer electric motors, gear sets, actuators, and carriages (e.g., 1, 3, 4, or more). In such exemplary embodiments, the controller may control each electric motor.

[0050] Although only certain features have been illustrated and described in this document, many modifications and Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 44 / 60 / 34 changes will occur for those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are designed to cover all such modifications and alterations that are within the true spirit of the invention.

[0051] The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve the current technical field and, as such, are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claims appended to the end of this descriptive report contain one or more elements designated as “means for [performing] [a function]…” or “step for [performing] [a function]…”, it is intended that such elements be interpreted under Title 35 of USC 112(f). However, for any claims containing elements designated in any way, it is intended that such elements not be interpreted under Title 35 of USC 112(f). Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, pages 45 / 60

Claims

1 / 6 Claims 1. REEL ASSEMBLY FOR AN AGRICULTURAL HARVESTER, characterized by comprising: an arm (308, 308', 310) configured to support a reel (301) of the reel assembly (300), wherein the arm (308, 308', 310) has an internal passage (326); and a position control system (400, 400', 400'', 400'''), comprising: a motor (402, 430) comprising a shaft; an actuator (410, 432) coupled in a non-rotating manner to the motor shaft, wherein the actuator (410, 432) is positioned within the inner passage (326) of the arm (308, 308', 310), and the motor (402, 430) is configured to cause the actuator (410, 432) to rotate;and a carriage (416, 416'', 438) configured to couple to the reel (301), wherein the carriage (416, 416'', 438) is positioned within the inner passage (326) of the arm (308, 308', 310), and the actuator (416, 416'', 438, 432) is configured to cause the carriage (416, 416'', 438) to move through the inner passage (326) along a length of the arm (308, 308', 310), in response to the rotation of the actuator (410, 432).

2. REEL ASSEMBLY, according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (410, 432) comprises a threaded shaft (412, 434).

3. REEL ASSEMBLY, according to claim 2, characterized in that the carriage (416, 416'', 438) comprises a set of balls (420, 420'') coupled to the threaded shaft (412, 434).

4. REEL ASSEMBLY, according to claim 1, characterized in that the motor comprises an electric motor (402, 430). Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 46 / 60 2 / 6 5. REEL ASSEMBLY, according to claim 1, characterized in that the arm (308, 308', 310) has a groove (318, 318'), in that the position control system (400, 400', 400'', 400''') comprises a support (408, 408'') coupled to the carriage (416, 416'', 438), which extends through the groove (318, 318') in the arm (308, 308', 310), and in that the support (408, 408'') is configured to couple to the reel (301) of the reel assembly (300).

6. REEL ASSEMBLY, according to claim 5, characterized by the groove (318, 318') extending through an upper side (320) of the arm (308, 308', 310), or by the groove (318, 318') extending through an inner side (322) of the arm (308, 308', 310).

7. REEL ASSEMBLY, according to claim 5, characterized by comprising a folding cover (324) configured to cover the groove (318, 318').

8. REEL ASSEMBLY, according to claim 5, characterized in that the position control system (400, 400', 400'', 400''') comprises a sleeve (424) disposed around the arm (308, 308', 310) and coupled to the support (408, 408''), wherein the sleeve (424) is configured to couple to the reel (301) of the reel assembly (300).

9. REEL ASSEMBLY FOR AN AGRICULTURAL HARVESTER, characterized by comprising: an arm (308, 308', 310) configured to support a reel (301) of the reel assembly (300), wherein the arm (308, 308', 310) has an internal passage (326), and the arm (308, 308', 310) comprises an end cap (328) positioned at a longitudinal end of the internal passage (326); and a position control system (400, 400', 400'', 400'''), comprising: Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 47 / 60 3 / 6 - a motor (402, 430) comprising a shaft; - a threaded shaft (412, 434) coupled in a non-rotational manner to the motor shaft, wherein the threaded shaft (412, 434) is positioned within the inner passage (326) of the arm (308, 308', 310), and the threaded shaft (412, 434) extends along a length of the arm (308, 308', 310), and the motor (402, 430) is configured to drive the threaded shaft (412, 434) to rotate it;- a bearing (414) coupled to the end cap and to the threaded shaft (412, 434), wherein the bearing (414) is configured to support the threaded shaft (412, 434) and to allow the threaded shaft (412, 434) to rotate; and - a carriage (416, 416'', 438) configured to engage with the reel (301), wherein the carriage (416, 416'', 438) is positioned within the inner passage (326) of the arm (308, 308', 310), and the threaded shaft (412, 434) is configured to cause the carriage (416, 416'', 438) to move through the inner passage (326) along the length of the arm (308, 308', 310) in response to rotation of the threaded shaft (412, 434).

10. REEL ASSEMBLY, according to claim 9, characterized in that the carriage (416, 416'', 438) comprises a set of balls (420, 420'') coupled to the threaded shaft (412, 434).

11. REEL ASSEMBLY, according to claim 9, characterized in that the carriage (416, 416'', 438) comprises a roller (422, 422'') coupled to an inner surface of the arm (308, 308', 310).

12. REEL ASSEMBLY, according to claim 11, characterized in that the carriage (416, 416'', 438) comprises a tensioning system (426) configured to drive the roller (422, 422'') against the inner surface of the arm (308, 308', 310).

13. REEL ASSEMBLY, according to Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 48 / 60 4 / 6 claim 1, characterized by the arm (308, 308', 310) comprising a groove (318, 318'), by the position control system (400, 400', 400'', 400''') comprising a support (408, 408'') coupled to the carriage (416, 416'', 438), which extends through the groove (318, 318') in the arm (308, 308', 310), and by the support being configured to couple to the reel (301) of the reel assembly (300).

14. REEL ASSEMBLY, according to claim 13, characterized by comprising a folding cover (324) configured to cover the groove (318, 318').

15. REEL ASSEMBLY FOR AN AGRICULTURAL HARVESTER, characterized by comprising: a first arm (308) configured to support a reel (301) of the reel assembly (300), wherein the first arm (308) has a first internal passage (326); a second arm (310) configured to support the reel (301) of the reel assembly (300), wherein the second arm (310) has a second internal passage (326); and a position control system (400, 400', 400'', 400'''), comprising: - a first motor (402) comprising a first shaft; - a second motor (430) comprising a second shaft; - a first actuator (410) coupled in a non-rotating manner to the first shaft of the first motor (402), in which the first actuator (410) is positioned within the first internal passage (326) of the first arm (308), and the first motor (402) is configured to drive the first actuator (410), causing it to rotate;Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 49 / 60 5 / 6 - a second actuator (432) coupled in a non-rotating manner to the second shaft of the second motor (430), in which the second actuator (432) is positioned within the second internal passage (326) of the second arm (310), and the second motor (430) is configured to drive the second actuator (432), causing it to rotate; - a first carriage (416, 416'') configured to engage with the reel (301), wherein the first carriage is positioned within the first inner passage (326) of the first arm (308), and the first actuator (410) is configured to actuate the first carriage (416, 416''), causing it to move through the first inner passage (326) along a length of the first arm (308), in response to the rotation of the first actuator (410);and - a second carriage (438) configured to engage with the reel (301), wherein the second carriage is positioned within the first inner passage (326) of the second arm (310), and the second actuator (432) is configured to actuate the second carriage (438), causing it to move through the first inner passage (326) along a length of the second arm (310), in response to the rotation of the second actuator (432).

16. REEL ASSEMBLY, according to claim 15, characterized in that the first actuator (410) comprises a first threaded shaft (412), and the second actuator (432) comprises a second threaded shaft (434).

17. REEL ASSEMBLY, according to claim 16, characterized in that the first carriage (416, 416'') comprises a first set of balls (420, 420'') coupled with the first threaded shaft (412), and in that the second carriage (438) comprises a second set of balls (420, 420'') coupled with the second threaded shaft (434).

18. REEL ASSEMBLY, according to Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, page 50 / 60 6 / 6 claim 15, characterized by the position control system (400, 400', 400'', 400''') comprising a controller (440) communicatively coupled to the first motor (402) and the second motor (430), and by the controller (440) comprising a processor (442) and a memory (444), the controller (440) being configured to control the first motor (402) and the second motor (430).

19. REEL ASSEMBLY, according to claim 18, characterized in that the controller (440) is configured to synchronize the operation of the first and second motors (402, 430).

20. REEL ASSEMBLY, according to claim 15, characterized in that the first arm (308) has a first groove (318, 318'), and the position control system (400, 400', 400'', 400''') comprises a first support (408, 408'') coupled to the first carriage (416, 416''), which extends through the first groove (318, 318') in the first arm (308), and the first support (408, 408'') is configured to couple to the reel (301) of the reel assembly (300); and the second arm (310) has a second groove (318, 318'), and the position control system (400, 400', 400'', 400''') comprises a second support (408, 408'') coupled to the second carriage (438), which extends through the second groove (318, 318') in the second arm (310), and the second support (408, 408'') is configured to couple to the reel (301) of the reel assembly (300). Petition 870250014357, dated 21 / 02 / 2025, pp. 51 / 60

Images