nozzle

Abstract

Nozzles for air duct apparatuses of air delivery systems are disclosed that can include a first outlet that is divided into multiple chambers. The multiple chambers formed by the outlet provide a more uniform airflow out of the outlet, which creates a greater induced airflow in the associated portion of the duct. The orientation of the second outlet relative to the inlet of the nozzle provides for reduced head loss within the nozzle, thereby providing for reduced back pressure within the nozzle, and thus reduced power consumption associated with generating the desired airflow through the nozzle.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to nozzles, particularly nozzles for use with agricultural machinery. BACKGROUND

[0002] Cotton picking machines are used to pick cotton. Some cotton picking machines include an air delivery system for transporting harvested cotton to a storage area of the cotton picking machine. SUMMARY

[0003] One aspect of the present invention relates to a nozzle for an agricultural machine. The nozzle can include a U-shaped body, an inlet formed at a first end of the U-shaped body, a first outlet formed at a second end of the U-shaped body opposite the first end, and a second outlet formed in the U-shaped body and disposed between the inlet and the first outlet. The inlet can define a first reference plane having a first orthogonal coordinate system. The first outlet can define a second reference plane, and the second outlet can define a third reference plane. The first orthogonal coordinate system can include a first orthogonal axis, a second orthogonal axis, and a third orthogonal axis. The first outlet can have a height and a width perpendicular to the height. The third reference plane can be offset from the first reference plane by:

[0004] deflected angularly about a first straight line by a first angular amount in a range of about 50° to 70°, the first straight line being parallel to the first orthogonal axis of the first orthogonal coordinate system,

[0005] deflected angularly about a second straight line by a second angular amount in a range of about 39.1° to 59.1°, the second straight line being parallel to the second orthogonal axis of the first orthogonal coordinate system, and

[0006] deflected angularly about a third straight line by a third angular amount in a range of about 23.7° to 43.7°, the third straight line being parallel to the third orthogonal axis of the first orthogonal coordinate system.

[0007] Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings are described in detail with reference to the detailed description. In the drawings:

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an exemplary seed cotton picking machine according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 andFigure 3 is a reverse side side view of a portion of an exemplary air duct apparatus of an air delivery system in accordance with some embodiments of the present application.

[0011] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary nozzle in accordance with some embodiments of the present application.

[0012] Figure 5 is a side view of an exemplary nozzle of Figure 4

[0013] Figure 6 is a top view of an exemplary nozzle of Figure 4

[0014] Figure 7 is a front view of an exemplary nozzle of Figure 4

[0015] Figure 8 is another side view of an exemplary nozzle of Figure 4

[0016] Figure 9 and Figure 10 is a detailed view of an exemplary nozzle of Figure 4

[0017] Figure 11 is another side view of an exemplary nozzle of Figure 4

[0018] Figure 12 is a bottom view of an exemplary nozzle of Figure 4

[0019] Figure 13 is a rear view of an exemplary nozzle of Figure 4 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the application, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will, nevertheless, be understood that no limitation of the scope of the application is intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the application are fully contemplated as are of a scope of an art to which the application pertains. In particular, it is fully contemplated that the features, components and / or steps described with respect to one embodiment can be combined with the features, components and / or steps described with respect to other embodiments of the application.

[0021] ​​​​​​​​The present invention relates to nozzles, particularly nozzles used in cotton harvesting machines, such as cotton pickers. The nozzles form part of an air ducting arrangement of an air delivery system for delivering harvested cotton to a storage location, such as a cotton picker's accumulator.

[0022] Nozzles within the scope of the present invention provide improved performance by producing a more uniform air distribution at the first outlet of the nozzle, and higher performance at the second outlet, for example in terms of reduced pressure head loss, as a result of the location, direction, or both, of the second outlet along the nozzle.

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an exemplary self-propelled cotton harvester 10. The cotton harvester 10 includes a main frame 12 supported for movement by front drive wheels 14 and steerable rear wheels 16. Although the cotton harvester 10 is described as including wheels 14 and 16, other types of ground traction devices can be used in other embodiments. For example, in other embodiments, tracks can be used to propel the cotton harvester, guide the cotton harvester, or both.

[0024] The cotton harvester 10 also includes an operator station or cab 18 supported at a forward position of an elevated area of the frame 12 to provide the operator with a clear view of a cotton harvesting head 20 mounted to the front end of the frame 12. The cotton harvester 10 also includes an air delivery system including an air ducting arrangement 22. The air delivery system includes a cotton delivery fan 23. The cotton delivery fan 23 generates an airflow for carrying harvested cotton 22 through the air ducting arrangement 22. The cotton harvesting head 20 operates to remove cotton from plants and direct the removed cotton into the air delivery system.

[0025] The vertical cotton accumulator arrangement 30 has an upper inlet structure 32, and a metering floor 34 is supported on the frame 12 behind the cab 18 for receiving harvested cotton from the air ducting arrangement 22. A selectively operable cotton processor 36 is supported rearward of the accumulator arrangement 30. The cotton processor 36 is illustrated as a cylindrical module and operates to form bales of harvested cotton. The accumulator arrangement 30 stores cotton, and the metering floor 34 evenly distributes the cotton through a chamber inlet 40 into a module forming chamber 38.

[0026] The module forming chamber 38 is generally similar to the baling apparatus of a large circular baler disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,979,141 issued November 9, 1999, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, wherein the module forming chamber 38 includes opposite sides having a front region defined by a pair of fixed, laterally spaced side walls 42 connected to the main frame 12. The module forming chamber 38 also includes a rear region defined by a pair of laterally spaced side walls 44 forming opposite sides of an ejection gate 46. The ejection gate 46 is mounted to an upper rearward position of the fixed side walls 42 for vertical pivotal movement about a horizontal axis defined by a pivot assembly 48. The ejection gate 46 is movable between a lowered module forming position as shown and a raised module ejection position. The circumference of the module forming chamber 38 is defined by a module forming apparatus including a plurality of endless belts 50 supported in side-by-side relationship across a support roller apparatus. The support roller apparatus includes a plurality of fixed rollers and a plurality of movable rollers. Specifically, proceeding in a clockwise direction from the upper boundary of the chamber inlet 40, the fixed rollers include a bottom front roller 51, a lower front roller 52, an upper front roller 54, and a top front roller 56. Each of the rollers 51, 52, 54, and 56 extends between the fixed side walls 42 and has opposite ends rotatably mounted to the fixed side walls 42. Continuing, the fixed rollers also include a top front gate roller 58, an upper rear gate roller 60, a bottom rear gate roller 62, and a bottom front gate roller 64. Each of the fixed rollers 58, 60, 62, and 64 extends between the gate side walls 44 and has opposite ends rotatably mounted to the gate side walls 44.

[0027] The cotton harvester 10 also includes a belt tensioning arm apparatus 66. The belt tensioning arm apparatus 66 includes a pair of laterally spaced arms 68 having forward ends connected to a transverse tube extending between and pivotally mounted to the intermediate front regions of the fixed side walls 42 at a pivot apparatus 70. The plurality of movable rollers includes three rollers 72, 74, and 76 extending between the arms 68 of the belt tensioning arm apparatus 66 and having opposite ends rotatably mounted to the arms 68, respectively. The roller 72 is located at the rearward ends of the arms 68. The roller 74 is positioned in adjacent, spaced relation to the roller 72, and the roller 76 is spaced from the roller 74 toward the pivot apparatus 70.

[0028] From the bottom front roller 51, the endless module forming belt 50 is looped under the roller 51 and includes an outer path that is joined in series with a lower front roller 52, an upper front roller 54, a movable roller 76, a top front roller 56, a top front gate roller 58, an upper rear gate roller 60, a lower rear gate roller 62, and a lower front gate roller 64. An inner path of the belt 50 includes a loop that is joined on a top rear stationary roller 78 that extends between upper rear regions of the stationary side walls 42, the loop being positioned between movable rollers 72 and 74. As shown, the belt tensioning arm apparatus 66 is in an initial lowered position that corresponds to the module forming chamber 38 being empty, in which the module forming belt defines a generally triangular shape when viewed from the side. The belt tensioning arm apparatus 66 includes a tensioning element, such as a hydraulic cylinder, a spring (not shown), or both, that is mounted between the stationary wall 42 and the arm 68 so as to yieldably resist upward movement of the arm 68 as the module forming chamber 38 becomes filled with cotton. As shown, one or more stationary rollers are driven so that the belt 50 is driven with a driving direction that is such that incoming cotton travels in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed from the perspective of Figure 1 ) as cotton is added as a spiral layer to the growing cotton module. As the module grows within the chamber 38, the arm 68 of the belt tensioning arm apparatus 66 rotates in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed from the perspective of Figure 1 ) until a module of a predetermined diameter is formed in the chamber 38. The diameter of the growing module is sensed by a module size sensor 69.

[0029] Figure 2 and Figure 3 are opposite side views of an air duct apparatus 200 and a portion of a cotton harvesting head 202 for an air delivery system of a cotton harvesting machine. The air duct apparatus 200 is coupled to the cotton harvesting head 202. The air duct apparatus 200 and the cotton harvesting head 202 can be similar to the air duct apparatus 22 and the cotton harvesting head 20, respectively, of the cotton harvesting machine 10 described in the context of Figure 1 . As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , arrows 204 indicate the direction of airflow within the air duct apparatus 200 and the cotton harvesting head 202.

[0030] The air duct apparatus 200 includes a first air duct 206 that directs airflow from an air source, such as a cotton delivery fan (which can be similar to the cotton delivery fan 23 discussed above), toward a nozzle 208. The nozzle 208 is disposed at a distal end 210 of the first air duct 206. A second air duct 212 extends from the nozzle 208 toward the cotton harvesting head 202. A third air duct 214 directs air from the nozzle 208 toward a cotton accumulator apparatus, which can be similar to the cotton accumulator apparatus 30 previously described.

[0031] As Figure 3 shown, the airflow provided by the second conduit 212 is introduced into the cotton harvesting head 202 to transport the harvested cotton into the third conduit 214. The airflow introduced into the third air conduit 214 via the nozzle 218 (as opposed to through the cotton harvesting head 202 via the second air conduit 212) creates a reduced pressure within the third air conduit, which operates to draw the harvested cotton from the cotton harvesting head 202 into the third air conduit 214 for transport to the cotton accumulator apparatus.

[0032] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary nozzle 208. The nozzle 208 includes a body 216 having a first portion 218, a second portion 220, and a transition portion 222 extending between the first portion 218 and the second portion 220. The body 216 generally has a U-shape. The first portion 220 forms an inlet 224 at a first end 226 of the body 216. The second portion 220 forms a first outlet 228 at a second end 230 of the body 216. A second outlet 232 is formed in the body 216 and disposed between the inlet 224 and the first outlet 228.

[0033] The inlet 224 of the nozzle 208 defines a first reference plane 234. The first outlet 228 defines a second reference plane 236, and the second outlet 232 defines a third reference plane 238. In the illustrated example, the inlet 224 defines an opening having a circular shape. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the inlet 224 can be in a range of about 140.0 millimeters (5.5 inches) to 165.1 millimeters (6.5 inches). In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the inlet 224 can be 152.4 millimeters (6.0 inches). In other embodiments, the inner diameter of the inlet 224 can be greater than or less than the indicated range. The size of the inlet 224 can be selected according to the particular application of the nozzle 208. The first outlet 228 defines an opening having an elongated shape, and the second outlet 232 defines an opening having a circular shape. In some embodiments, the diameter of the second outlet 232 can be in a range of about 57.2 millimeters (2.25 inches) to 76.2 millimeters (3.0 inches). In some embodiments, the diameter of the second outlet 232 can be 63.5 millimeters (2.5 inches). In other embodiments, the diameter of the second outlet 232 can be greater than or less than the indicated range. Further, in other embodiments, the first outlet 228 and the second outlet 232 can define openings having non-circular shapes.

[0034] A first orthogonal coordinate system 240 is defined on the first reference plane 234. The first orthogonal coordinate system 240 includes an x-axis 242 that extends along the width of the inlet 224 and a y-axis 244 that is disposed along the first reference plane 234. The y-axis 244 extends along the height of the inlet 224 and is perpendicular to the x-axis 242. The first orthogonal coordinate system 240 also includes a z-axis 246 that is perpendicular to both the x-axis 242 and the y-axis 244 and extends perpendicularly from the first reference plane 234. In the illustrated example, the z-axis 246 extends along the centerline 227 of the inlet 224. The first orthogonal coordinate system includes an origin 229 at the location where the centerline 227 intersects the first reference plane 234.

[0035] Furthermore, the x-axis 242 is parallel to a straight line 248 that defines the width of the first outlet 228. The width of the first outlet 228 is aligned with the x-axis of a second orthogonal coordinate system, described in more detail later. The straight line 248 extends along the second reference plane 236. A centerline 250 of the first outlet 228 extends perpendicularly to the second reference plane 236 and the straight line 248. The second outlet 232 defines a centerline 260 that extends perpendicularly to the third reference plane 238.

[0036] The first outlet 228 is divided into separate chambers 252 by a divider 254. In the illustrated example, the divider 254 extends along the second portion 220 through a channel 256 formed in the second portion 220. The divider 254 extends along the second portion 220 to the transition portion 222. In some embodiments, the divider 254 can extend at least partially into the transition portion 222. In the illustrated example, the divider 254 divides the first outlet 228 and the channel 256 into two separate chambers 252. In other embodiments, the first outlet 228, the channel 256, or both can be divided into more than two chambers 252.

[0037] As Figure 4As shown, the divider 254 defines an opening 258 in the body 216 of the nozzle 208. In other embodiments, the divider 254 can not form an opening in the body 216 of the nozzle 208. The divider 254 operates to provide a more uniform air distribution at the first outlet 228 when air is expelled from the first outlet 228. The more uniform the air distribution expelled from the first outlet 228 and into the second duct 214, the greater the pressure drop induced in the second duct 214, thereby improving the flow of harvested cotton through the second duct 214. For example, at a constant power setting of the cotton conveying fan, the nozzle 208 can be operated to induce an increased pressure drop within the second duct 214 as compared to a nozzle without a divided first outlet. Similarly, the cotton conveying fan can be operated at a reduced power setting to induce a reduced pressure drop within the second duct as compared to an increased power setting required to induce a similar level of pressure drop from a nozzle without a divided first outlet.

[0038] Figure 5 is Figure 4 A side view of the exemplary nozzle 208 is shown. In the illustrated example, the second reference plane 236 of the first outlet 228 is angularly offset relative to the first reference plane 234 of the inlet 224 by a rotation of about 30.0° about a straight line parallel to the x-axis 242 of the first orthogonal coordinate system 240. Accordingly, the centerline 250 of the first outlet 228 is angularly offset relative to the centerline 227 of the inlet 224 by a rotation of about 30.0° about a straight line parallel to the x-axis 242 of the first orthogonal coordinate system 240. In other embodiments, the amount of angular rotation of the second reference plane 242 relative to the first reference plane 242 can be greater or less than 30.0°.

[0039] Figure 6 is Figure 4 A top view of the exemplary nozzle 208 is shown. Figure 7 is Figure 4 A front view of the nozzle 208 is shown. A second orthogonal coordinate system 700 is provided on the second reference plane 236 with an origin 702 at the intersection of the centerline 250 of the first outlet 228 and the second reference plane 236. The x-axis 704 of the second orthogonal coordinate system 700 is parallel to and aligned with the straight line 248 defining the width of the first outlet 228. The y-axis 706 of the second orthogonal coordinate system 700 is on the second reference plane 236 and extends perpendicularly from the x-axis 704. The z-axis 710 extends perpendicularly to the x-axis 704 and the y-axis 706 along the centerline 250.

[0040] With respect to the second orthogonal coordinate system 700, an x-axis component 712 of the distance between the origin 702 of the second coordinate system 700 measured along the x-axis 704 and the origin 229 of the first orthogonal coordinate system 240 is shown. In some embodiments, the x-axis component 712 can be in a range of about 240.0 millimeters (9.4 inches) to 260.0 millimeters (10.2 inches). In some embodiments, the x-axis component 712 is about 249.3 millimeters (9.8 inches). In other embodiments, the x-axis component 712 can be greater than or less than the indicated range. A y-axis component 714 of the distance between the origin 702 and the origin 229 measured along the y-axis 706 can be in a range of about 21.5 millimeters (0.8 inches) to 41.5 millimeters (1.6 inches). In some embodiments, the y-axis component 714 is about 31.5 millimeters (1.2 inches). In other embodiments, the y-axis component 714 can be greater than or less than the indicated range. A z-axis component 716 (as shown) of the distance between the origin 702 and the origin 229 measured along the z-axis 710 can be in a range of about 14.7 millimeters (0.6 inches) to 34.7 millimeters (1.4 inches). In some embodiments, the z-axis component 716 is about 24.7 millimeters (1.0 inches). In other embodiments, the z-axis component 716 can be greater than or less than the indicated range. Figure 5

[0041] Returning to Figure 7 ​The width 718 of the first outlet 228 can be in a range of about 222 millimeters (8.7 inches) to 232 millimeters (9.1 inches). In some embodiments, the width 718 of the first outlet 228 can be about 227 millimeters (8.9 inches). In other embodiments, the width 718 of the first outlet 228 can be greater than or less than the indicated range. The height 720 of the first outlet 228 can be in a range of about 42 millimeters (1.7 inches) to 52 millimeters (2.0 inches). In some embodiments, the height 720 of the first outlet 228 is about 47 millimeters (1.9 inches). In other embodiments, the height 720 of the first outlet 228 can be greater than or less than the indicated range. In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the nozzle 208 defining the first outlet 228 can be 5.0 millimeters (0.2 inches), and thus, in some embodiments, the internal dimensions of the width of the first outlet 228 are in a range of 212 millimeters (8.3 inches) to 222 millimeters (8.7 inches). In some cases, the internal dimensions of the width of the first outlet are 217 millimeters (8.5 inches). In other embodiments, the wall thickness can be greater than or less than 5.0 millimeters (0.2 inches). Similarly, in some embodiments, the internal dimensions of the height of the first outlet 228 are in a range of 33 millimeters (1.3 inches) to 43 millimeters (1.7 inches). Thus, in some embodiments, the internal dimensions of the height of the first outlet 228 are 38 millimeters (1.5 inches). In the illustrated example, the height 720 and width 718 are measured along the y-axis 706 and x-axis 704, respectively. Still further, in some embodiments, the internal dimensions of the height and width of the first outlet 228 can be greater than or less than the indicated ranges. The size of the dimensions in the context of both the height and width of the first outlet 228, as well as other dimensions disclosed in the context of the illustrated example nozzle 208, can vary, for example, in order to provide a desired flow rate through the nozzle 208 or a desired pressure within the nozzle 208.

[0042] Figure 7Dimensions associated with the distance between the origin 702 of the second orthogonal coordinate system 700 and the point 722 are also shown. In some embodiments, an x-axis component 724 measured along the x-axis 704 of the second orthogonal coordinate system 700 can be in a range from about 231.2 millimeters (9.1 inches) to 251.2 millimeters (9.9 inches). In some embodiments, the x-axis component 724 is about 241.2 millimeters (9.5 inches). In other embodiments, the x-axis component 724 can be greater than or less than the indicated range. A y-axis component 726 of the distance between the origin 702 and the point 722 measured along the y-axis 706 can be in a range from about 141.6 millimeters (5.6 inches) to 161.6 millimeters (6.4 inches). In some embodiments, the y-axis component 726 is about 151.6 millimeters (6.0 inches). In other embodiments, the y-axis component 726 can be greater than or less than the indicated range. A z-axis component 728 (as shown in FIG. 7B) of the distance between the origin 702 of the second orthogonal coordinate system and the point 722 measured along the z-axis 710 can be in a range from about 279.5 millimeters (11.0 inches) to 299.5 millimeters (11.8 inches). In some embodiments, the z-axis component 728 can be about 289.5 millimeters (11.4 inches). In other embodiments, the z-axis component 728 can be greater than or less than the indicated range. Figure 5 and 6 The dimensions associated with the point 722 relative to the first orthogonal coordinate system 240 are shown. With reference to FIG. 7A,

[0043] Figure 8 and Figure 9 The dimensions associated with the point 722 relative to the first orthogonal coordinate system 240 are shown. With reference to FIG. 7A, Figure 9 In some embodiments, an x-axis component 730 measured along the x-axis 242 of the first orthogonal coordinate system 240 from the origin 229 can be in a range from about -1.9 millimeters (-0.1 inches) to 18.1 millimeters (0.7 inches). In some embodiments, the x-axis component 730 is about 8.1 millimeters (0.3 inches). In other embodiments, the x-axis component 730 can be greater than or less than the indicated range. With reference to FIG. 7A, Figure 8The y-axis component 732 of the distance between the origin 229 and the point 722 measured along the y-axis 244 can be in the range of about 25.5 millimeters (1.0 inch) to 45.5 millimeters (1.8 inches). In some embodiments, the y-axis component 732 is about 35.5 millimeters (1.4 inches). In other embodiments, the y-axis component 732 can be greater or less than the indicated range. The z-axis component 734 of the distance between the origin 299 of the first orthogonal coordinate system 240 and the point 722 measured along the z-axis 246 can be in the range of about 291.8 millimeters (11.5 inches) to 311.8 millimeters (12.3 inches). In some embodiments, the z-axis component 734 can be about 301.8 millimeters (11.9 inches). In other embodiments, the z-axis component 734 can be greater or less than the indicated range.

[0044] Nozzles having the dimensions described above are not intended to limit the scope of the present application, but are provided as examples only. In particular, the dimensions and ranges of dimensions are provided to illustrate some non-limiting embodiments within the scope of the present application. Thus, nozzles within the scope of the present application can have a different configuration than the examples described herein. Thus, the dimensions and shapes of the inlet 224, the first outlet 228, and the second outlet 232 can vary, but still be within the scope of the present application. The distance or dimensions between the inlet 224, the first outlet 228, and the second outlet 232 can be varied in order to accommodate the dimensions or configuration of the air delivery system, particularly the air duct apparatus of the air delivery system. For example, for larger air duct apparatus that handle larger volumes of air, the physical dimensions, shapes, or configurations of the nozzles can be varied in order to accommodate the particularities of the air duct apparatus. Conversely, for air duct apparatus that handle smaller volumes of air, the physical dimensions, shapes, or configurations of the nozzles can be varied in order to accommodate the differences of the air duct apparatus. In addition, the orientation of the inlet 224, the first outlet 228, and the second outlet 232 relative to each other can also be varied in order to accommodate variations in the air duct apparatus. For example, the angle formed between the centerline of the inlet and the centerline of the first outlet, between the centerline of the inlet and the centerline of the second outlet, or between the centerline of the first outlet and the centerline of the second outlet can be varied in order to accommodate the configuration of the air duct apparatus.

[0045] With reference to Figure 4The second outlet 232 is formed on a tubular protrusion 233 of the body 216. The tubular protrusion 233 extends from the body 216 proximate the interface between the first portion 218 and the transition portion 222. The amount by which the tubular protrusion 233 extends from the body 216 can vary in order to adapt the nozzle 208 to a particular application. For example, the amount by which the second outlet 232 is offset from another portion of the body 216 (e.g., the first portion 218 or the transition portion 222) can vary, e.g., the second outlet 232 can be offset greater than or less than the amount shown in FIG. 8B in order to adapt the nozzle 208 to variations in the system (e.g., air ducting of an air delivery system) into which the nozzle 208 is to be incorporated. Figure 4

[0046] Figures 8-10 is a detailed view of an exemplary nozzle 208 showing the angular deflection along a straight line parallel to each axis of a first coordinate system 240 between a first reference plane 234 associated with the inlet 224 and a third reference plane 238 associated with the second outlet 232. Figure 8 shows the rotation of the third reference plane 238 relative to the first reference plane 234 about a straight line parallel to the x-axis 242 of the first orthogonal coordinate system 240. Figure 9 shows the rotation of the third reference plane 238 relative to the first reference plane 234 about a straight line parallel to the y-axis 244 of the first orthogonal coordinate system 240. Figure 10 shows the rotation of the third reference plane 238 relative to the first reference plane 234 about a straight line parallel to the z-axis 246 of the first orthogonal coordinate system 240.

[0047] Figure 8 is a view aligned with the yz-plane of the first orthogonal coordinate system 240 through the origin 229. Line 800 represents the projection of the centerline 260 of the second outlet 232 onto the yz-plane, line 800 defining a first angle 802 of about 27.1° with the z-axis 246 of the first orthogonal coordinate system 240. In some embodiments, the first angle 802 can be in the range of about 17.1° to 37.1°. The first angle 802 represents the amount by which the first reference plane 234 must be rotated about a straight line parallel to the x-axis 242 (described in greater detail later) in addition to the rotations about straight lines parallel to the y-axis 244 and the z-axis 246 in order to place the first reference plane 234 in the same orientation as the third reference plane 238.

[0048] Figure 9 is shown in FIG. 8D. Figure 9 ​is a view aligned with the xz plane of the first orthogonal coordinate system 240 through the origin 229. The straight line 806 represents the projection of the centerline 260 of the second outlet 232, which, together with the z-axis 246 of the first orthogonal coordinate system 240, defines a second angle 804 of about 3.1°. In some embodiments, the second angle 804 can be in the range of about -6.9° to 13.1°. The second angle 804 represents the amount by which the first reference plane 234 must be rotated about a straight line parallel to the y-axis 244 (as described herein) in addition to being rotated about a straight line parallel to the x-axis 242 and the z-axis 246 in order to place the first reference plane 234 in the same orientation as the third reference plane 238.

[0049] In Figure 10 the third angle 808 is shown. Figure 10 is a view aligned with the xy plane of the first orthogonal coordinate system 240 through the origin 229. The straight line 810 represents the projection of the centerline 260 of the second outlet 232 on the xy plane, which, together with the y-axis 244 of the first orthogonal coordinate system 240, defines a third angle 808 of about 5.9°. In some embodiments, the third angle 808 can be in the range of about -4.1° to 15.9°. The third angle 808 represents the amount by which the first reference plane 234 must be rotated about a straight line parallel to the y-axis 244 (as described above) in addition to being rotated about a straight line parallel to the x-axis 242 and the z-axis 246 in order to align the first reference plane 234 to the same orientation as the third reference plane 238. Thus, the first angle 802, the second angle 804, and the third angle 808 define the orientation of the centerline 260 of the second outlet 232 relative to the centerline 227 of the inlet 230 in the context of the first orthogonal coordinate system 240.

[0050] Directional words such as "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "over," "under," "front," "back," "forward," "rearward," and "rear" are used in the context of the illustrated examples as would be understood by one skilled in the art, and are not intended to limit the invention. For example, one skilled in the art would understand these terms to apply to the particular context of a particular type of vehicle having a conventional construction and orientation.

[0051] Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims appearing below, a technical effect of one or more exemplary embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a nozzle, such as for use in an air delivery system of an agricultural vehicle, that produces a more uniform airflow out of the outlet of the nozzle. Another technical effect of one or more exemplary embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a nozzle, such as for use in an air delivery system of an agricultural vehicle, that reduces back pressure associated with another outlet of the nozzle. Accordingly, the nozzles within the scope of the present invention provide improved performance, thereby reducing power consumption associated therewith. Thus, the nozzles within the scope of the present invention provide the same level of air delivery at a reduced level of power consumption. In the context of cotton harvesting, an air delivery system having a nozzle within the scope of the present invention is operable to deliver harvested cotton at a particular rate at a reduced level of power consumption as compared to existing cotton harvesters.

[0052] While the foregoing describes exemplary embodiments of the present invention, such description should not be taken as limiting in scope or spirit. Other variations and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined in the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A nozzle for an agricultural machine, comprising: a U-shaped body; an inlet formed at a first end of the U-shaped body, the inlet defining a first reference plane, the first reference plane having a first orthogonal coordinate system comprising a first orthogonal axis, a second orthogonal axis, and a third orthogonal axis; a first outlet formed at a second end of the U-shaped body, the second end opposite the first end, the first outlet having a height and a width perpendicular to the height, the first outlet defining a second reference plane; and a second outlet formed in the U-shaped body and disposed between the inlet and the first outlet, the second outlet defining a third reference plane that is angularly offset relative to the first reference plane: by a first angular amount about a first straight line parallel to the first orthogonal axis of the first orthogonal coordinate system, the first angular amount being in a range of 17.1° to 37.1°, by a second angular amount about a second straight line parallel to the second orthogonal axis of the first orthogonal coordinate system, the second angular amount being in a range of -6.9° to 13.1°, and by a third angular amount about a third straight line parallel to the third orthogonal axis of the first orthogonal coordinate system, the third angular amount being in a range of -4.1° to 15.9°. the first outlet is divided into a plurality of chambers.

2. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein, the first outlet is divided into two chambers by a divider.

3. The nozzle of claim 2, wherein, the U-shaped body comprises:

4. The nozzle of claim 3, wherein, a first portion comprising the inlet; a second portion comprising the first outlet; and a transition portion extending between the first portion and the second portion. the divider extends along the second portion to the transition portion.

5. The nozzle of claim 4, wherein, the divider extends at least partially into the transition portion.

6. The nozzle of claim 4, wherein, the divider defines an opening extending through the U-shaped body.

7. The nozzle of claim 3, wherein, the first outlet comprises an opening having an oblong shape.

8. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein, the inlet comprises an opening having a circular shape.

9. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein, the second reference plane is angularly offset relative to the first reference plane about a straight line parallel to the first orthogonal axis of the first orthogonal coordinate system by about 30°.

10. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein, the transition portion transitions from an oblong cross-sectional shape to a circular cross-sectional shape.

11. The nozzle of claim 4, wherein, the first angular amount is about 27.9°.

12. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein, the second angular amount is about 9.1°.

13. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein, the third angular amount is about 15.8°.

14. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein, the first reference plane is not parallel to the second reference plane.

15. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein, the first orthogonal axis is parallel to a straight line defining a width of the first outlet in the second reference plane.

16. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein, ​

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