Patents Examined by Robert E. Pezzuto
  • Patent number: 10785912
    Abstract: An end effector for harvesting fruit. The end effector includes a collection device that has an opening with a plurality of prongs over the opening. The end effector also has an oscillating device secured to, and in an oscillating relationship with, the plurality of prongs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: HarvestMoore, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Francis Wilson Moore
  • Patent number: 10785917
    Abstract: A crop baler comprises a frame, a pressing chamber for crop, into which a stuffer can be introduced in order to compress the crop into a bale, a drive for producing a reciprocating movement of the stuffer, and a countermass coupled to the drive and configured to move in a counteracting direction to the movement of the stuffer, the countermass at least approximately compensates movement of the frame induced by the reciprocating mass of the stuffer and the drive unit thereof due to inertia. Alternatively or additionally, a flywheel mass of the drive can have a variable moment of inertia to similarly compensate movement of the frame induced by the reciprocating mass of the stuffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Valentin Gresch, Benedikt Jung, Christian Waibel
  • Patent number: 10779465
    Abstract: A carrier assembly for an operating unit of an agricultural machine includes a carrier arm, a suspension system for suspending an operating unit from the carrier arm and a mounting structure for mounting the carrier arm on a carrier vehicle. A pivot mechanism enables pivoting movement of the carrier arm relative to the mounting structure, and a first actuator drives pivoting movement of the carrier arm between a working position and a transport position. The carrier assembly includes a releasable locking mechanism for locking the carrier arm in the transport position. The locking mechanism includes a first locking element carried by the mounting structure and a second locking element carried by the carrier arm, which is engageable with the first locking element when the carrier arm is in the transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: KVERNELAND GROUP KERTEMINDE AS
    Inventor: Rasmus Elmelund Nielsen
  • Patent number: 10765054
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for shifting weight between a tractor and toolbar and between sections of the toolbar, for controlling operative height of a toolbar and sections of a toolbar and for folding a toolbar between a work position and a transport position. A ground engaging wheel and an actuator are coupled to the toolbar. In one embodiment, a fluid control system is responsive to a command signal to modify the actuator pressure such that the actuator pressure corresponds to a desired pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Gregg A. Sauder, Dale M. Koch
  • Patent number: 10765061
    Abstract: A lawnmower includes a belt cover attached to a cutter housing via one or more interlocking tabs and pockets. The lawnmower may include a cutter mounted to a shaft oriented in a vertical direction. The lawnmower may include a rear axle oriented in a horizontal direction. The lawnmower may include a cutter housing defining a lower opening below the cutter, a belt opening between the shaft and the rear axle, and at least one discharge opening. The lawnmower may include a belt cover including a ring portion at least partially surrounding the shaft above the cutter and a guard portion extending toward the belt opening. The belt cover may include at least one tab that engages a corresponding pocket on the cutter housing adjacent the belt opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Timothy Justin Johnson, Surender Kumar
  • Patent number: 10765059
    Abstract: A feedback assembly for a harvester includes a chassis, at least one rod coupled to the chassis, and at least one tine rotatably coupled to the at least one rod. The at least one tine defines an elongated body including a linear section extending from the at least one rod, and an angled section extending at an angle from the linear section. The at least one tine configured to hang substantially perpendicularly relative to a direction of travel of the harvester when in a non-actuated position and configured to rotate away from the direction of travel of the harvester when in an actuated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd
    Inventor: Martin J. Roberge
  • Patent number: 10767371
    Abstract: A snow rake for moving snow from a roof is disclosed. The snow rake includes an elongated extension pole comprising a plurality of pole sections which may be connected together in an end-to-end manner. First and second rake members are secured to the upper end of the extension pole. The first and second rake members are hingedly connected together so as to be able to be positioned in a straight position or a V-shaped position. Pivot support arms extend from the rake members to a clamp which is longitudinally adjustably secured to the extension pole. The clamp may be adjustably moved on the extension pole to change the positions of the rake members. The components of the snow rake may be placed in a box for display, shipment or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Inventor: Mark C. Ramsey
  • Patent number: 10757863
    Abstract: A cleaning system for a combine harvester having an adjustable throwing angle is provided. The cleaning system includes a shoe for holding a sieve of the cleaning system, a mounting surface disposed on the shoe, and a rocker arm either movably or removably connected to the mounting surface. The rocker arm is configured to be mounted to the mounting surface at at least two different locations on the mounting surface. Each location resulting in a different throwing angle of the shoe of the cleaning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Thomas, Curtis Frederick Hillen, Kevin Scotese, Todd Cannegieter, Karl Linde, Daniel Thomas Turner
  • Patent number: 10757859
    Abstract: A system for controlling an operative parameter of a harvesting platform of an agricultural harvesting machine comprises a sensor adapted to provide downed crop information indicative of a characteristic of downed crop in a field to be harvested and an electronic control unit adapted to control an operative parameter of at least one of a reel and a cutter bar table position of the harvesting platform based upon the downed crop information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Cristian Dima, Dohn W. Pfeiffer, Dirk Weichholdt, Martin Bueermann
  • Patent number: 10760222
    Abstract: A device for in-situ, dynamic repair of a railroad can include two connected machines. A first one of machines can be a track lifting unit that can clamp the rails of the railroad and lift the track in its entirety out of its track bed. The first machine also can plow ballast away from and/or toward the rails, and level the track bed for the rails before they are lowered. In addition, the track lifting unit can remove selected railroad ties. The second machine can include a power unit that can provide hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical power to both machines. The power unit also can provide track stabilization by settling ballast and can free debris from the railroad while it is raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Tracey Manton, Mike Schlueter, Paul Rudolph, James Cole, Trevor Johnson, Rod Nelson, Corey Rakow
  • Patent number: 10753048
    Abstract: A machine having a ballast take-up device for taking up ballast located underneath a track. The take up device has an endless clearing chain guided in a chain channel. In a connecting joint from a transverse channel to a transport channel. There is also a ballast deflector blade pivotable about a pivot axis. Arranged on the ballast deflector blade is a ballast conveyor, designed for ballast transport in the direction towards a pivot axis by means of a conveyor drive. With this, it is possible to expand the operating range of the ballast take-up device, as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: PLASSER & THEURER EXPORT VON BAHNBAUMASCHINEN GESELLSCHAFT M.B.H.
    Inventor: Manfred Brunninger
  • Patent number: 10750652
    Abstract: An implement operating apparatus has a U-shaped drive frame supported on drive wheels, each pivotally mounted about a vertical wheel pivot axis. A steering control selectively pivots each drive wheel. A power source is connected through a drive control to rotate the drive wheels in either direction. First and second implements are configured to perform implement operations and to rest on the ground and when the drive frame is maneuvered to an implement loading position with respect to each implement, the implement is connectable to the drive frame and movable to an operating position supported by the drive frame. When the implement is in the operating position, the steering and drive controls are operative to move and steer the drive frame and implement along a first travel path or a second travel path oriented generally perpendicular to the first travel path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: DOT Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Norbert Beaujot
  • Patent number: 10753056
    Abstract: A hydraulic apparatus configured to supply track-setting devices for producing a cross-country skiing trail; the apparatus comprising: a first inlet configured to receive a fluid; a first outlet and a second outlet configured to release two flows of fluid; a first hydraulic coupling motor having a second inlet, a third outlet and a first shaft; and a second hydraulic coupling motor having a third inlet, a fourth outlet and a second shaft; wherein the second inlet and the third inlet are connected to the first inlet, and the first shaft and the second shaft are integrally connected to each other, the third outlet being connected to the first outlet, and the fourth outlet being connected to the second outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: PRINOTH S.P.A.
    Inventors: Luca Saggiorato, Markus Unterholzner, Stefan Baier
  • Patent number: 10745882
    Abstract: A soil collection attachment for movable equipment is described. The soil collection attachment includes a bucket including a bottom panel having an aperture, wherein the aperture is adapted to receive an excavation device such as an auger. A gate which is operated by a hydraulic cylinder is attached to the bottom panel. In a closed position, the gate covers the aperture to prevent excavation materials from falling through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Dakota Fence Company
    Inventor: Rodney Clouse
  • Patent number: 10743454
    Abstract: A hitch module adapted to be coupled to a frame of a work machine or towed assembly. The hitch module includes a carrier assembly having a first plate and a second plate coupled to one another. The first and second plates are spaced from one another by a first distance, where both plates define a pivot axis. A guide assembly defines a longitudinal axis and is pivotally coupled to the carrier assembly about the pivot axis. The guide assembly has a first guide plate and a second guide plate coupled to and spaced by a second distance from one another. A hitch assembly is disposed at least partially between the first and second plate of the carrier assembly and the first and the second guide plate. The hitch link assembly is pivotal about the pivot axis and movable along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: David A. Payne, Mark D. Beeck, Jarrod Ruckle
  • Patent number: 10743465
    Abstract: A header for an agricultural harvester comprising a frame and first and second anteriorly facing, epicyclical cutter bar knife drives connected to the frame. A roller shaft extends between and operatively connects the first and second epicyclical drives. The roller shaft operates to deliver to crop material to a header infeed conveyor. In addition, the anteriorly facing epicyclical knife drives effectively rid themselves of harmful dirt and debris thereby prolonging the service life of the epicyclical knife drives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: David M. DeChristopher
  • Patent number: 10743466
    Abstract: A harvesting header for a combine harvester comprises a central header section and two lateral header sections hinged to and arranged to rotate relative to the central section for assuming a working configuration, in which the three header sections are mutually horizontally aligned, and a transport configuration, in which the lateral header sections overlap the central section. The header sections are provided with a support frame and a cutting bar associated with the support frame by a hydraulic suspension and comprising a blade having substantially trapezoid-shaped knives capable of to-and-fro movement by a motor-driven control member. The header sections also include a pick-up reel supported on the support frame by means of swivel arms, a transport belt conveyor arranged downstream of the cutting bar and configured to feed the material cut by the cutting bar downstream of the harvesting header toward a rear part of the harvesting header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: CAPELLO S.R.L.
    Inventor: Andrea Capello
  • Patent number: 10743467
    Abstract: A self-propelled forage harvester corn head adapter allows a self-propelled forage harvester to utilize a corn head of the type used to harvest corn with a combine. The adapter includes a frame configured for coupling to a self-propelled forage harvester. A central panel is coupled to the frame and has an opening extending through the central panel. A lower roller assembly has a lower roller positioned to extend along a lower edge of the opening. An upper roller assembly extends across the opening having an upper roller being parallel to the lower roller assembly. The upper roller assembly is movably coupled relative to the central panel such that spacing between the upper roller and the lower roller is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: KOOIMA AG, INC.
    Inventor: Ivan Dorhout
  • Patent number: 10745891
    Abstract: The tooth adapter partly inserted into a cavity formed in a tooth to hold the tooth with respect to a bucket body includes a connection portion including a proximal end, which is an end of the tooth adapter connected to the bucket body, and an insertion portion including a distal end, which is an end of the tooth adapter inserted into the cavity. The insertion portion includes a base, and a high-hardness portion formed in a region including a surface of the insertion portion, the high-hardness portion being higher in hardness than the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignees: KOMATSU LTD., HENSLEY INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Shohei Ikurumi, Dan Yumoto, Stanley Ignacio, Takanori Nagata
  • Patent number: 10745885
    Abstract: A system for operating a circle drive gear of a machine includes a pump configured to output pressurized fluid, an implement control valve fluidly coupled to the pump, a bi-directional hydraulic motor located downstream of the implement control valve and fluidly coupled to the implement control valve via a first delivery line and a second delivery line. The hydraulic motor has an output shaft that is configured to be rotatively driven by pressurized fluid output by the pump. A brake is disposed on the output shaft of the hydraulic motor and engages with the output shaft with the help of a spring force for reducing a rotational speed of the output shaft in a brake engage state. The brake operatively disengages from the output shaft in a brake release state with the help of fluid pressure in at least one of the first delivery line and the second delivery line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest Everett Stoops, William Norbert O'Neill, Bruce Raymond Vahling