The geometry of variable barbs on cotton picking spindles

Abstract

To optimize strength, wear, and picking efficiency, the cotton harvester spindle may include a first end positioned opposite to the second end. The spindle may include a plurality of barbs arranged around a surface of the body. Each of the plurality of barbs may include a plurality of barb attributes, including barb width, front angle, rear angle, and barb depth. One or more of the plurality of barb attributes may vary from the first end toward the second end. The barb spacing may also vary.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to provisional application 63 / 147,255, filed on February 9, 2021, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0002] Some agricultural vehicles have wear-prone parts. One example of such an agricultural vehicle is a cotton harvester. Cotton harvesters harvest cotton from cotton plants in a field, reducing harvesting time and maximizing efficiency. A cotton harvester may include multiple row units, each with an upright harvester drum equipped with multiple picking rods. The picking rods are configured to rotatably mount tapered picking rods with barbs for picking cotton from the plant. The cotton-wrapped picking rods pass under a rotating stripper disc that detaches the cotton and pushes it out of the end of the picking rod.

[0003] In some spindles, the cross-section from barb to barb is controlled by a cutting tool and remains constant from the first barb (at the tip) to the last barb (closest to the spindle nut). For barbs with a uniform barb profile, precision during manufacturing and measurement may not be a priority. Spindle construction typically requires considerable stripping force to remove the cotton tightly wrapped around the spindle between the barbs and move that cotton axially away from the spindle. Therefore, the barb width at the tip, towards the smallest diameter position of the tapered spindle, tends to wear first. This is due to a combination of factors: 1) the higher radial velocity further from the roller axis, resulting in increased load; and 2) the reduced cross-sectional properties due to the tapering of the spindle.

[0004] When barbs wear, the wear may be uneven because the barbs near the tip encounter greater forces when the cotton is removed from the picking spindle. There is a need in the art for a cotton picking machine spindle structure to optimize the wear of the barbs on the spindle, while simultaneously optimizing barb strength, wear, and picking efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This summary is provided to illustrate a selection of concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify key elements or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] In one embodiment, the cotton picking machine spindle may include a first end disposed opposite to the second end. The spindle may include a plurality of barbs disposed around a surface of a body. Each of the plurality of barbs may include a plurality of barb attributes, including barb width, barb spacing, front angle, rear angle, and barb depth. The barb width may decrease from the first end toward the second end. One or more of the plurality of barb attributes may vary from the first end toward the second end.

[0007] In one embodiment, the cotton picking machine spindle may include a body capable of rotating about an axis in a preselected direction of rotation. The spindle may include a first end disposed opposite to a second end. The first end may include a tapered end. The spindle may include a plurality of barbs disposed around a surface of the body. Each of the plurality of barbs may include a longitudinal axis, a top surface, a front wall, a rear wall, and a rear included angle. The top surface may include a barb width measured between the front edge and the rear edge of the barb. A rear included angle may be defined between the longitudinal axis and the rear wall. A rear wall may be defined between the rear edge and a contact width. The contact width may extend between adjacent barbs. The barb width of each of the plurality of barbs may decrease from the first end toward the second end. The rear included angle may increase from the first end toward the second end.

[0008] In another embodiment, the cotton spindle may further include a middle section between the first end and the second end, wherein the back angle increases from the barb near the first end to the barb near the middle section.

[0009] In another embodiment, the back angle may be increased by no more than about 3 degrees between adjacent barbs.

[0010] In another embodiment, the back angle may be increased by no more than about 2.5 degrees between adjacent barbs.

[0011] In another embodiment, the included angle may be between approximately 30 degrees near the first end and approximately 45 degrees near the second end.

[0012] In another embodiment, the cotton spindle may further include a middle section between the first end and the second end, wherein the width of the barbs decreases from the barb near the first end to another barb located near the middle section.

[0013] In another embodiment, the width of the barb may be reduced by no more than about 0.025 mm relative to the adjacent barb.

[0014] In another embodiment, the barb width may range from about 1.125 mm near the first end to about 0.95 mm near the middle of the decoy.

[0015] In another embodiment, each barb may further include a barb front wall and a barb front included angle. The barb front included angle may be defined between the longitudinal axis of the barb and the barb front wall. The barb front included angle may decrease from a first end toward a second end.

[0016] In another embodiment, the middle section may be located between the first end and the second end. Each of the plurality of barbs may further include a barb front wall and a barb front angle. The barb front angle may be defined between the longitudinal axis of the barb and the barb front wall. The barb front angle may decrease from the first end toward the middle section.

[0017] In another embodiment, the front angle of the barb can be reduced from the first end toward the middle section by no more than about 2.5 degrees.

[0018] In another embodiment, the included angle of the barb can range from about 105 degrees near the first end to about 92.5 degrees near the second end.

[0019] Furthermore, in another embodiment, the barb spacing can be defined from the leading edge of one barb to the leading edge of an adjacent barb. The barb spacing can decrease from the first end toward the second end.

[0020] In another embodiment, the barb spacing may range from about 3.4 mm near the first end to about 3 mm near the second end and near the middle of the decoy.

[0021] In another embodiment, each barb may include a barb depth, wherein the barb depth may be measured between the barb width surface and the contact width. The barb depth may be approximately 1 mm from the first end to near the second end.

[0022] In one embodiment, the cotton picking machine spindle may include a body capable of rotating about an axis in a preselected direction of rotation. The spindle may include a first end disposed opposite to a second end. The first end may include a tapered end with a tip. A middle section may be located between the first end and the second end. The spindle may include a plurality of barbs disposed around a surface of the body. Each of the barbs may include a longitudinal axis, a top surface, a front wall, a rear wall, and a rear angle. The top surface may include a barb width measured between the front edge and the rear edge of the barb. The rear angle may be defined between the longitudinal axis and the rear wall. The rear wall may be defined between the rear edge and a contact width. The contact width may extend between adjacent barbs. The barb width of each of the plurality of barbs may decrease from the first end toward the second end. The rear angle may increase from the first end toward the second end. The barb width may be configured to increase strength such that barbs disposed near the first end may have greater strength than barbs disposed near the middle section. The included angle of the barb can be configured to increase strength, such that the barb located near the first end can have greater strength than the barb located near the middle section.

[0023] In another embodiment, each of the plurality of barbs may further include a barb front angle and a barb depth. The barb front angle may be defined between the barb's longitudinal axis and its front wall. The barb spacing may be defined from the front edge of one barb to the front edge of the adjacent barb, and the barb depth may be measured between the barb width surface and the contact width. The barb front angle may be configured to provide greater harvesting efficiency for barbs positioned closer to the first end than for barbs positioned closer to the second end. The barb spacing may be configured to optimize harvesting efficiency.

[0024] To achieve the above and related objectives, the following description and accompanying drawings illustrate certain illustrative aspects and embodiments. These are merely indications of some of the various different ways in which one or more aspects may be employed. Other aspects, advantages, and novel features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The contents disclosed herein may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, and will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings that form part of this document, wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the cotton harvester spindle.

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of detail A.

[0028] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line AA. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The claimed subject matter will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals throughout the drawings generally refer to the same elements. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth for purposes of explanation to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, it may be apparent, however, that the claimed subject matter can be implemented without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate the description of the claimed subject matter.

[0030] In one embodiment, the cotton harvester spindle can utilize a non-constant cross-section to optimize spindle strength while minimizing the impact on harvesting efficiency. The embodiment modifies the barb cross-section to match varying loads while minimizing the profile to further reduce the impact on harvesting efficiency. This is achieved by altering one or more barb properties: 1) barb width; 2) barb front angle; 3) barb back angle; and 4) barb depth. The barb-to-barb spacing can also be varied. In one embodiment, the barbs can be manufactured to gradually thicken, and the barb angles can be manufactured to gradually flatten. Furthermore, the barb spacing can be varied to maintain performance. The barb depth can be varied to clean the axial flute cut and provide a sharp feel. The barb geometry can be customized at each location along the spindle length to allow for more even wear starting from the tip and extending along the spindle length. The barb strength is related to its position on the spindle. The barb strength is greatest at the tip of the spindle because it encounters the maximum amount of impact with the associated cotton plant.

[0031] Based on varying load input, the barb properties are modified to achieve the desired maximum stress level. The implementation described herein, with its barb shape, provides a more durable picker with minimal impact on picking performance and cost. Furthermore, the gradually flattening barb back angle provides a picker that facilitates easier cotton removal during operation (or removal of the cotton after it has been picked).

[0032] The implementation of the barb profile described herein involves precise manufacturing processes and measurement techniques. The barb feature on the spindle is extremely small. The barb width can be less than 1 mm, and the rear edge angle can range from approximately 30 degrees to approximately 45 degrees. It employs highly sophisticated measurement methods to ensure compliance with specifications. Dimensional tolerances are required to be extremely small, such as fractions of a millimeter, and therefore high-precision machining equipment is used to achieve minute variations from barb to barb with the barb design described herein.

[0033] Now for reference Figures 1 to 3 The pick 10 includes a cylindrical support portion (not shown) concentric with the longitudinal axis 14 and supported in a bushing within a pick rod (not shown). A gear (not shown) located at the end of the support portion can mesh with a complementary gear in the pick rod to rotate the pick about the axis 14 in the direction R. The pick 10 may include a body 11. The pick 10 may include a first end 12, a middle section 16, and a second end 17. The second end 17 may be disposed opposite to the first end 12. The middle section 16 may be located between the first end 12 and the second end 17. In one embodiment, the pick 10 may be a single piece. In another embodiment, the pick 10 may include two or more pieces. By way of non-limiting example, a two-piece pick 10 may have a second 17 that selectively meshes with a gear. By selectively meshing the pick 10 with the gear, the pick 10 can be removed from the pick rod for repair or replacement.

[0034] The picker 10 may taper toward a first end 12, which may include an arched tip portion 20 to define a conical picking end 22. The picker 10 may include one or more sets of flutes 24. In one embodiment, the picker 10 may include three sets of alternating flutes 24 and an arched shoulder 26 spaced substantially equally around the periphery of the surface of the picking end 22. The flutes 24 may be located radially inward of the arched shoulder 26. A plurality of teeth or barbs 28 protrude from the flutes 24. The barbs include an upper surface or top 32 that may be positioned along the surface of the cone as described by the continuation of the shoulder 26.

[0035] As shown in the accompanying drawings, thirteen barbs 28 are spaced substantially equidistant along the length of each groove 24. In other embodiments, the plurality of barbs 28 may be ten barbs. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of barbs may be eleven or twelve barbs. Any number of barbs 28 can be selected based on reasonable engineering judgment. The barbs 28 may be referenced as starting at the first end 12 and moving toward the second end 17.

[0036] The spindle 10 may include a plurality of barbs 28 disposed around the surface 32 of the cone-shaped body end 22. Each barb 28 may include a plurality of barb attributes, including barb width, front angle, and rear angle. Figure 1 Details A and Figure 2The cross-section of the barb shown in the enlarged view can be non-constant from the first end 12 toward the second end 17 to a predetermined distance. A non-constant cross-section can be constructed by changing one or more barb properties. The barb spacing can also be varied. Each barb 28 may include a top surface 32 containing a longitudinal inlet 38, a front wall 40, a rear wall 42, and a rear included angle.

[0037] The top surface 32 may include the barb width measured between the front edge 36 and the rear edge 46 of the barb. The barb width can be used to enhance barb strength. The barb strength can be greatest at the tip 20. A wider barb width results in greater wear. However, the barb width should be balanced to optimize harvesting efficiency. The barb width of each of the plurality of barbs 28 may decrease from the first end 12 toward the second end 17. The barb width may decrease from the barb 28 near the first end 12 to the barb 28 located near the middle section 16. In another embodiment, the barb width may decrease from the first end 12 toward the second end 17 by no more than about 0.025 mm relative to an adjacent barb. In one embodiment, the barb width may range from about 1.5 mm near the first end 12 to about 0.9 mm near the middle section 16 of the picker 10. In another embodiment, the barb width may range from about 1.125 mm near the first end 12 to about 0.95 mm near the middle section 16 of the spindle 10.

[0038] A back angle may be defined between the longitudinal axis 38 and the back wall 42. The back wall 42 may be defined between the back edge 46 and the landing width 48. The back angle may be configured to increase the strength of the barbs 28. In one embodiment, a flatter angle (e.g., those with a smaller back angle toward the first end 12) may increase the barb strength. A flatter angle may also make it easier to remove cotton from the spindle 10. The landing width 48 may extend between adjacent barbs 28. The back angle may increase from the first end 12 toward the second end 17. In another embodiment, the back angle increases from the barbs 28 near the first end 12 to the barbs near the middle section 16. In yet another embodiment, the back angle may increase by no more than about 5 degrees between adjacent barbs 28 from the first end 12 toward the second end 17. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the back angle may increase by no more than about 3 degrees between adjacent barbs 28 from the first end 12 toward the second end 17. In another embodiment, the included angle from the first end 12 toward the second end 17 may increase by no more than about 2.5 degrees between adjacent barbs 28. Furthermore, in yet another embodiment, the included angle may be between about 30 degrees near the first end 12 and about 45 degrees near the second end 17.

[0039] In another embodiment, each of the plurality of barbs 28 may further include a barb front wall 40 and a barb front angle. A barb front angle may be defined between the barb longitudinal axis 38 and the barb front wall 40. By way of example, larger barb front angles (e.g., those greater than 90 degrees) can increase the aggressiveness of how the barb interacts with the crop. Larger values ​​at the tip 20 are intended to recover some of the harvesting efficiency lost due to wider barbs 28 and flatter back angles. The barb front angle may decrease from the first end 12 toward the second end 17. In another embodiment, the barb front angle may decrease from the first end 12 toward the middle section 16. In a non-limiting embodiment, the barb front angle may decrease from the first end 12 toward the middle section 16 by no more than about 2.5 degrees. In one embodiment, the barb front angle may range from about 110 degrees near the first end 12 to about 90 degrees near the second end 17. In another embodiment, the included angle before the barb can range from about 105 degrees near the first end 12 to about 92.5 degrees near the second end 17.

[0040] The barb spacing can be defined from the leading edge 36 of one barb 28 to the leading edge 36 of the adjacent barb 28. The barb spacing can vary due to the barb width and the included angle to maintain a minimum contact width 48 at the bottom of the barb 28, which can help maintain harvesting efficiency. The barb spacing can decrease from the first end 12 toward the second end 17. In one exemplary embodiment, the barb spacing can range from about 3.4 mm near the first end 12 to about 3 mm near the second end 17 and near the middle section 16 of the pick 10. In another embodiment, the barb spacing can range from about 3.5 mm near the first end 12 to about 2.8 mm near the second end 17.

[0041] The barb depth can be measured between the barb surface 32 and the contact width 48. The barb depth is 1 mm from the first end 12 to near the second end 17. In another embodiment, the barb depth can be approximately 1.1 mm near the first end 12 to approximately 0.5 mm near the second end 17. The barb depth can be varied to clean the groove 24. In one embodiment, the barb depth can be shallower towards the second end 17 to clean up any curve bounce on the groove 24.

[0042] This invention modifies various barb parameters along all barbs to minimize barb stress levels. The barb width is kept as small as possible to enhance abrasion and maximize picking efficiency. The barb back and front angles are optimized to enhance abrasion and cotton removal capabilities. The barb depth is controlled to clean the groove surface. The barb spacing is optimized to maintain an appropriate barb-to-barb relationship.

[0043] The term “exemplary” as used herein means used as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as superior to other aspects or designs. Rather, the use of the term “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a specific manner. As used in this application, the term “or” means inclusive rather than exclusive. That is, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, “X uses A or B” means any of the naturally included permutations. That is, if X uses A; X uses B; or X uses both A and B, then “X uses A or B” is satisfied in any of the foregoing cases. Furthermore, at least one of A and B and / or similar expressions generally mean A or B, or both A and B. In addition, unless otherwise specified or clearly indicated from the context as a singular form, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims can generally be construed as meaning “one or more”.

[0044] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications can be made to the configuration without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter.

[0045] Furthermore, although this disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more embodiments, equivalent changes and modifications will be made by those skilled in the art based on a reading and understanding of this specification and the accompanying drawings. This disclosure includes all such modifications and modifications and is limited only by the scope of the appended claims. In particular, with respect to the various functions performed by the components described above (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), unless otherwise indicated, the terminology used to describe such components is intended to correspond to any component that performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., is functionally equivalent), even if the disclosed structure is not structurally equivalent to the function performed in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure shown herein.

[0046] Furthermore, while a particular feature of this disclosure may be disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, which may be desirable and advantageous for any given or particular application. Additionally, within the scope of the terms “comprising,” “having,” “possessing,” “with,” or variations thereof as used in the detailed description or claims, these terms are intended to be included in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

[0047] The embodiments have been described above. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the methods and apparatus described above may include changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of the invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and variations, provided they fall within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cotton harvester pick (10) comprising: a body (11) rotatable about an axis in a preselected direction of rotation; a first end (12) and a second end (17) disposed opposite one another, the first end (12) comprising a tapered end having a tip, and a midsection (16) interposed between the first end (12) and the second end (17); and a plurality of barbs (28) disposed about a surface of the body (11), each of the barbs having a barb longitudinal axis (14), a top surface (32) having a barb width measured between a barb leading edge (36) and a barb trailing edge (46), a front wall (40), and a rear wall (42), each of the barbs having a rear included angle defined between the barb longitudinal axis (14) and the rear wall (42), the rear wall (42) defined between the barb trailing edge (46) and a contact width (48) extending between adjacent barbs; wherein the barb width of each of the barbs decreases from the first end (12) toward the second end (17), and the rear included angle increases from the first end (12) toward the second end (17); and wherein the barb width is configured to increase strength such that barbs disposed proximate the first end (12) have greater strength than barbs disposed proximate the midsection (16); and wherein the rear included angle is configured to increase strength such that barbs disposed proximate the first end (12) have greater strength than barbs disposed proximate the midsection (16).

2. The cotton harvester pick (10) of claim 1, further comprising a barb spacing defined from the barb leading edge (36) of one barb to the barb leading edge (36) of an adjacent barb, each of the barbs having a barb leading included angle defined between the barb longitudinal axis (14) and the barb front wall (40), and a barb depth measured between the top surface (32) and the contact width (48); the barb leading included angle configured to have greater picking efficiency for barbs disposed proximate the first end (12) than for barbs disposed proximate the second end (17); wherein and wherein the barb spacing is configured to optimize picking efficiency. the barb width ranging from 1.125 mm proximate the first end (12) to 0.95 mm proximate the midsection (16); 3. The cotton picker boll harvesting mechanism (10) of claim 2 wherein, wherein the rear included angle ranges between 30 degrees proximate the first end (12) to 45 degrees proximate the second end (17); wherein the barb leading included angle ranges from 105 degrees proximate the first end (12) to 92.5 degrees proximate the second end (17); and the barb depth ranging from 0.75 mm proximate the first end (12) to 0.95 mm proximate the midsection (16). wherein the barb spacing ranges from 3.4 mm proximate the first end (12) to 3 mm proximate the second end (17) and proximate the midsection (16).

4. The cotton picker boll harvesting bit (10) of claim 1, wherein, The back rake angle increases from the barb proximate the first end (12) to the barb proximate the midsection (16).

5. The cotton picker boll harvesting bit (10) of claim 1, wherein, The back rake angle increases no more than 2.5 degrees between adjacent barbs from the first end (12) toward the second end (17).

6. The cotton picker (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The back rake angle is between 30 degrees proximate the first end (12) to 45 degrees proximate the second end (17).

7. The cotton picker (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The barb width decreases from the barb proximate the first end (12) to another barb disposed proximate the midsection (16).

8. The cotton picker (10) according to claim 7, wherein, The barb width decreases no more than 0.025 mm relative to an adjacent barb.

9. The cotton picking machine bobbins (10) according to claim 7, wherein, The barb width ranges from 1.125 mm proximate the first end (12) to 0.95 mm proximate the midsection (16) of the cotton picker spindle (10).

10. The cotton picker (10) according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the barbs further includes a front rake angle defined between the barb front wall (40) and the barb longitudinal axis (14), wherein the barb front rake angle decreases from the first end (12) toward the second end (17).

11. The cotton picker spindle (10) of claim 1, further comprising a barb front rake angle defined between the barb longitudinal axis (14) and the barb front wall (40), the barb front rake angle decreasing from the first end (12) toward the midsection (16).

12. The cotton picker (10) according to claim 10, wherein, The barb front rake angle decreases no more than 2.5 degrees from the first end (12) toward the midsection (16).

13. The cotton picking machine bobbins (10) of claim 11, wherein, The barb front rake angle ranges from 105 degrees proximate the first end (12) to 92.5 degrees proximate the second end (17).

14. The cotton harvesting machine picker spindle (10) of claim 1, further comprising a barb spacing defined from the barb leading edge (36) of one barb to the barb leading edge (36) of an adjacent barb, wherein, The barb spacing decreases from the first end (12) toward the second end (17).

15. The cotton picking machine bobbins (10) according to claim 14, wherein, The barb spacing ranges from 3.4 mm proximate the first end (12) to 3 mm proximate the second end (17) and proximate the midsection (16) of the cotton picker spindle (10) between the first end (12) and the second end (17).

16. The cotton picking machine picker (10) of claim 2, wherein, The barb depth is measured between the top surface (32) and the contact width (48), the barb depth being 1 mm from the first end (12) to proximate the second end (17).

17. A cotton picker spindle (10), comprising: a body (11) rotatable about an axis in a preselected direction of rotation; a first end (12) disposed opposite a second end (17) and defining a body longitudinal axis (14) between the first end (12) and the second end (17), the first end (12) having a tapered end; and a plurality of barbs (20) disposed along the body longitudinal axis (14) and extending from the first end (12) toward the second end (17), each of the barbs (20) having a barb longitudinal axis (14), a barb front wall (40), a barb back wall (42), a barb top surface (32), a barb bottom surface (34), a barb width (44), a barb depth (46), a barb spacing (38), a barb front rake angle (36), and a barb back rake angle (39). a plurality of barbs (28) disposed about a surface of the body (11), the plurality of barbs having a barb pitch, each of the barbs having a top surface (32), a front wall (40), a back wall (42), a barb front edge (36), a barb back edge (46), a contact width (48), a barb longitudinal axis (14) defined by the top surface (32) extending from the barb front edge (36) to the barb back edge (46); and barb attributes including a barb width, a front included angle, a barb depth, and a back included angle, one or more of the barb attributes varying from the first end (12) toward the second end (17), the barb width defined between the barb front edge (36) and the barb back edge (46), the barb width decreasing from the first end (12) toward the second end (17), the back wall (42) defined between the barb back edge (46) and the contact width (48), the contact width (48) extending between adjacent barbs, the back included angle defined between the barb longitudinal axis (14) and the back wall (42).

18. The cotton picking machine bobbins (10) according to claim 17, wherein, the barb width of each of the barbs decreasing from the first end (12) toward the second end (17), and the back included angle increasing from the first end (12) toward the second end (17); wherein the barb width is configured to increase strength such that barbs disposed proximate the first end (12) have greater strength than barbs disposed proximate the midsection (16); and wherein the back included angle is configured to increase strength such that barbs disposed proximate the first end (12) have greater strength than barbs disposed proximate the midsection (16).

19. The cotton picker spindle (10) of claim 18, further comprising a barb pitch defined from the barb front edge (36) of one barb to the barb front edge (36) of an adjacent barb, each of the barbs having a barb front included angle and a barb depth, the barb front included angle defined between the barb longitudinal axis (14) and the barb front wall (40), and the barb depth measured between the top surface (32) and the contact width (48); wherein the barb front included angle configured to have greater picking efficiency for barbs disposed proximate the first end (12) than barbs disposed proximate the second end (17); and wherein the barb pitch is configured to optimize picking efficiency.

20. A cotton picker spindle (10), comprising: a body (11) rotatable about an axis in a preselected direction of rotation; a first end (12), a midsection (16), and a second end (17), the first end (12) and the second end (17) disposed opposite one another, the first end (12) comprising a tapered end having a tip, the midsection (16) interposed between the first end (12) and the second end (17); and a plurality of barbs (28) disposed about a surface of the body (11), the plurality of barbs having a barb pitch, each of the barbs having a top surface (32), a front wall (40), a back wall (42), a barb front edge (36), a barb back edge (46), a contact width (48), a barb longitudinal axis (14) defined by the top surface (32) extending from the barb front edge (36) to the barb back edge (46); and barb attributes including a barb width, a front included angle, a barb depth, and a back included angle, one or more of the barb attributes varying from the first end (12) toward the second end (17), the barb width defined between the barb front edge (36) and the barb back edge (46), the barb width decreasing from the first end (12) toward the second end (17), the back wall (42) defined between the barb back edge (46) and the contact width (48), the contact width (48) extending between adjacent barbs, the back included angle defined between the barb longitudinal axis (14) and the back wall (42). the barb width of each of the barbs decreasing from the first end (12) toward the second end (17), and the back included angle increasing from the first end (12) toward the second end (17); wherein the barb width is configured to increase strength such that barbs disposed proximate the first end (12) have greater strength than barbs disposed proximate the midsection (16); and wherein the back included angle is configured to increase strength such that barbs disposed proximate the first end (12) have greater strength than barbs disposed proximate the midsection (16).

19. The cotton picker spindle (10) of claim 18, further comprising a barb pitch defined from the barb front edge (36) of one barb to the barb front edge (36) of an adjacent barb, each of the barbs having a barb front included angle and a barb depth, the barb front included angle defined between the barb longitudinal axis (14) and the barb front wall (40), and the barb depth measured between the top surface (32) and the contact width (48); the barb front included angle configured to have greater picking efficiency for barbs disposed proximate the first end (12) than barbs disposed proximate the second end (17); and wherein the barb pitch is configured to optimize picking efficiency.

20. A cotton picker spindle (10), comprising: a body (11) rotatable about an axis in a preselected direction of rotation; a first end (12), a midsection (16), and a second end (17), the first end (12) and the second end (17) disposed opposite one another, the first end (12) comprising a tapered end having a tip, the midsection (16) interposed between the first end (12) and the second end (17); and a plurality of barbs (28) disposed about a surface of the body (11), each of the barbs having a barb longitudinal axis (14), a top surface (32), a front wall (40), and a back wall (42), the top surface (32) comprising a barb width measured between a barb front edge (36) and a barb back edge (46); and a back included angle defined between the barb longitudinal axis (14) and the back wall (42), the back wall (42) defined between the barb back edge (46) and a contact width (48), the contact width (48) extending between adjacent barbs; wherein the barb width of each of the barbs decreases from the first end (12) toward the second end (17), and the back included angle increases from the first end (12) toward the second end (17); the barb width ranges from 1.125 mm proximate the first end (12) to 0.95 mm proximate the midsection (16), and the back included angle increases from 30 degrees proximate the first end (12) to 45 degrees proximate the midsection (16); wherein the barb width is configured to increase strength such that barbs disposed proximate the first end (12) have greater strength than barbs disposed proximate the midsection (16); and wherein the back included angle is configured to increase strength such that barbs disposed proximate the first end (12) have greater strength than barbs disposed proximate the midsection (16).

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