Patents by Inventor Kenneth R. Underhill

Kenneth R. Underhill has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20040139718
    Abstract: An improved rotomolded plastic harvester header side shield is disclosed. The shield is pivotable to an open position upwardly and rearwardly about a horizontal hinge located on the upper rear portion of the header. The shield is generally molded on the inside to the operational components of the header to minimize the thickness and weight of the shield and double-walled, with a totally enclosed wall cavity, to maximize its strength and durability. The shield is also open at the bottom to permit any cut crop material and chaff that may enter the shielded area to continually fall through to the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Underhill, Keith J. Comer
  • Publication number: 20040139717
    Abstract: These and other objects are attained by providing an improved harvester header side shield and latch mechanism consisting of a vertical plastic shield pivotable upwardly and rearwardly about a horizontal hinge located on the upper rear portion of the header. The shield is lockable in the operational position and automatically engages a latch mechanism in the raised position that is manually released by the operator for lowering. The shield is open at the bottom to permit cut crop material and chaff to continually fall through to the ground. Guides are provided on the inner side sheet of the header to assure that the shield moves into, and stays, in the proper location during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Underhill
  • Publication number: 20040139716
    Abstract: These and other objects are attained by providing an improved harvester header side shield and latch mechanism consisting of a shield vertically pivotable upwardly and rearwardly about a horizontal hinge located on the upper rear portion of the header. The shield is lockable in the operational position and automatically engages a latch mechanism in the raised position that is manually released by the operator for lowering. Guides are provided on the inner side sheet of the header to assure that the shield moves into, and stays, in the proper location during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Underhill
  • Patent number: 6758028
    Abstract: The apparatus is a rear extension on a conventional round baler that already produces round bales partially wrapped with plastic around only their cylindrical surface. The additional structure includes a table to receive the bale and rotate the bale so that the unwrapped surfaces face forward and back, after which pivoting arms aligned with the sides of the baler clamp the bale, lift it off the table, and rotate it end over end to continue the wrapping process around the previously uncovered ends. When the bale is completely wrapped, the baler's knife cuts the plastic sheet, and the arms continue pivoting rearward before releasing the bale onto the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Underhill
  • Patent number: 6722100
    Abstract: An agricultural baler for making cylindrical bales of crop material has a sledge assembly moveable between bale starting and full bale positions. The sledge assembly includes a plurality of rollers which cooperate with an apron to define a bale forming chamber. A mechanism is linked directly to and moves with the sledge assembly for dispensing sheet material into the bale forming chamber where it is wrapped around a cylindrical bale of crop material. A simple assembly operated by an actuator piston that moves with the sledge rollers is used to initially feed the wrap material between the sledge rollers and the crop material and then to withdraw the dispenser when the bale is wrapped while simultaneously cutting the wrap material from its feed roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Underhill
  • Patent number: 6550218
    Abstract: The device consists of a mechanism to place netwrap over the edge of a cylindrical bale that is created in a variable/fixed baling chamber of an agricultural round baler. The invention consists of a netwrap delivery system having of a pair of arms pivotally affixed to the outside of the baling chamber sidewalls. Also attached to the arms is an assembly frame. An actuator controls the pivoting motion of the delivery system inserting the netwrap between the stationary dimple roll and the pivot roll of the sledge assembly. Positioned outside the sidewall and between the outer frame member is a transition area. The netwrap is inserted between the stationary dimple roll and the pivot roll as well as into the transition area. Because the width of the delivery assembly is wider than that of the cylindrical bale, a portion of the netwrap is inserted over the edge by use of the transition area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. McClure, John H. Merritt, Kenneth R. Underhill
  • Publication number: 20020184861
    Abstract: The device consists of a mechanism to place netwrap over the edge of a cylindrical bale that is created in a variable/fixed baling chamber of an agricultural round baler. The invention consists of a netwrap delivery system having of a pair of arms pivotally affixed to the outside of the baling chamber sidewalls. Also attached to the arms is an assembly frame. An actuator controls the pivoting motion of the delivery system inserting the netwrap between the stationary dimple roll and the pivot roll of the sledge assembly. Positioned outside the sidewall and between the outer frame member is a transition area. The netwrap is inserted between the stationary dimple roll and the pivot roll as well as into the transition area. Because the width of the delivery assembly is wider than that of the cylindrical bale, a portion of the netwrap is inserted over the edge by use of the transition area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: John R. McClure, John H. Merritt, Kenneth R. Underhill
  • Patent number: 6488100
    Abstract: A core destroying machine utilizes a single processing rotor cooperable with an arcuate screen member to disintegrate aeration cores therebetween. The arcuate screen member is configured to discharge thatch from the single processing rotor in a generally vertical direction into engagement with a rotating fluff roll. The fluff roll is configured with a pair of opposing rigid bats affixed to a central shaft for rotation around an axis of rotation. A plurality of extruded flexible plastic cords extend from the rigid bats into the direction of rotation of the fluff roll to engage the thatch portions discharged from the processing rotor and urge the thatch portions rearwardly into a collection hopper. The flexible plastic cords yield to any earthen pieces of aeration cores that might be discharged from the processing rotor to permit the discharged earthen pieces to be recycled back toward the processing rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Underhill
  • Publication number: 20020056555
    Abstract: A core destroying machine utilizes a single processing rotor cooperable with an arcuate screen member to disintegrate aeration cores therebetween. The arcuate screen member is configured to discharge thatch from the single processing rotor in a generally vertical direction into engagement with a rotating fluff roll. The fluff roll is configured with a pair of opposing rigid bats affixed to a central shaft for rotation around an axis of rotation. A plurality of extruded flexible plastic cords extend from the rigid bats into the direction of rotation of the fluff roll to engage the thatch portions discharged from the processing rotor and urge the thatch portions rearwardly into a collection hopper. The flexible plastic cords yield to any earthen pieces of aeration cores that might be discharged from the processing rotor to permit the discharged earthen pieces to be recycled back toward the processing rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Underhill
  • Patent number: 6321849
    Abstract: A core harvesting machine that can be mounted to the rear of a conventional aeration machine to receive green cores directly from the aeration machine without having the cores discharged to the ground. The core harvesting machine has a rotating brush core capturing system that collects green aeration cores directly from an aeration machine to which the core destroying machine is attached. The collected green cores are discharged from the brush collector system and received by a core destroying apparatus including three rotary paddle assemblies co-operating with corresponding arcuate screens to separate the earthen material from the root thatch before discharging the thatch into a collector vessel. The core harvesting machine includes paddle members having overlapping arcs of rotation that have a relatively flat side and an opposing bent side to enhance the operation of the machine is either mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Underhill
  • Patent number: 6247291
    Abstract: A round baler for forming crop material into cylindrical bales, having a main frame, a plurality of conveying elements supported on main frame for defining a bale forming chamber, and a pickup for feeding crop material into said chamber. The conveying elements each have a crop engaging surface extending transversely of the main frame for forming a cylindrical package of crop material under conditions where the pickup is feeding crop material into the chamber. A dispensing assembly dispenses wrapping material from a storage container into the chamber for wrapping the outer surface of the cylindrical package of crop material to form a round bale. The storage container, mounted in an operative position on the main frame, is pivotable to an inoperative position away from the dispensing assembly for providing unobstructed access to the storage container and the dispensing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Underhill
  • Patent number: 6170246
    Abstract: A round baler for forming crop material into cylindrical bales. The baler has a main frame, a pair of side walls, a crop pickup mounted on the main frame, and a tailgate pivotally connected to the main frame. The tailgate is operative between a closed position during which a bale is being formed in an expandable chamber, and an open position during which a formed bale is being discharged from the chamber. A sledge assembly, pivotally mounted on the main frame for movement between a bale starting position and a full bale position, has crop engaging transverse rollers for urging the crop material along a spiral path in the chamber for starting and forming a bale. A apron is supported along a continuous path on the main frame and tailgate by a plurality of rotatable guide members. The path has an inner course that cooperates with the sledge rolls on the sledge assembly to define moveable walls of the chamber. A drive roll moves the apron along the continuous path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Underhill
  • Patent number: 6170245
    Abstract: A round baler for forming crop material into cylindrical bales. The baler has a main frame, a pair of side walls, a crop pickup mounted on the main frame, and a tailgate pivotally connected to the main frame. The tailgate is operative between a closed position during which a bale is being formed in an expandable chamber, and an open position during which a formed bale is being discharged from the chamber. A sledge assembly, pivotally mounted on the main frame for movement between a bale starting position and a full bale position, has crop engaging transverse rolls for urging the crop material along a spiral path in the chamber for starting and forming a bale. A apron is supported along a continuous path on the main frame and tailgate by a plurality of rotatable guide members. The path has an inner course that cooperates with the sledge rolls on the sledge assembly to define moveable walls of the chamber. A drive roll moves the apron along the continuous path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Underhill
  • Patent number: 6145292
    Abstract: A round baler for forming crop material into cylindrical bales. The baler has a main frame, a pair of side walls, a crop pickup mounted on the main frame, and a tailgate pivotally connected to the main frame. The tailgate is operative between a closed position during which a bale is being formed in an expandable chamber, and an open position during which a formed bale is being discharged from the chamber. A sledge assembly, pivotally mounted on the main frame for movement between a bale starting position and a full bale position, has crop engaging transverse rollers for urging the crop material along a spiral path in the chamber for starting and forming a bale. An apron is supported along a continuous path on the main frame and tailgate by a plurality of rotatable guide members. The path has an inner course that cooperates with the sledge rolls on the sledge assembly to define moveable walls of the chamber. A drive roll moves the apron along the continuous path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Underhill
  • Patent number: 6142239
    Abstract: A core harvesting machine that can be mounted to the rear of a conventional aeration machine to receive green cores directly from the aeration machine without having the cores discharged to the ground. The core harvesting machine has a rotating brush core capturing system that collects green aeration cores directly from an aeration machine to which the core destroying machine is attached. The collected green cores are discharged from the brush collector system and received by a core destroying apparatus including three rotary paddle assemblies co-operating with corresponding arcuate screens to separate the earthen material from the root thatch before discharging the thatch into a collector vessel. The core harvesting machine includes paddle members having overlapping arcs of rotation that have a relatively flat side and an opposing bent side to enhance the operation of the machine is either mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Underhill
  • Patent number: 6142240
    Abstract: A core harvesting machine that can be mounted to the rear of a conventional aeration machine to receive green cores directly from the aeration machine without having the cores discharged to the ground. The core harvesting machine has a rotating brush core capturing system that collects green aeration cores directly from an aeration machine to which the core destroying machine is attached. The collected green cores are discharged from the brush collector system and received by a core destroying apparatus including three rotary paddle assemblies co-operating with corresponding arcuate screens to separate the earthen material from the root thatch before discharging the thatch into a collector vessel. The core harvesting machine includes paddle members having overlapping arcs of rotation that have a relatively flat side and an opposing bent side to enhance the operation of the machine is either mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Underhill
  • Patent number: 6098391
    Abstract: A round baler for forming crop material into cylindrical bales. The baler has a main frame, a pair of side walls, a crop pickup mounted on the main frame, and a tailgate pivotally connected to the main frame. The tailgate is operative between a closed position during which a bale is being formed in an expandable chamber, and an open position during which a formed bale is being discharged from the chamber. A sledge assembly, pivotally mounted on the main frame for movement between a bale starting position and a full bale position, has crop engaging transverse rollers for urging the crop material along a spiral path in the chamber for starting and forming a bale. A apron is supported along a continuous path on the main frame and tailgate by a plurality of rotatable guide members. The path has an inner course that cooperates with the sledge rolls on the sledge assembly to define moveable walls of the chamber. A drive roll moves the apron along the continuous path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Underhill
  • Patent number: 6094900
    Abstract: A round baler is disclosed for forming crop material into cylindrical bales. The baler has a main frame, a pair of side walls, a crop pickup mounted on the main frame, and a tailgate pivotally connected to the main frame. The tailgate is operative between a closed position during which a bale is being formed in an expandable chamber, and an open position during which a formed bale is being discharged from the chamber. A sledge assembly, pivotally mounted on the main frame for movement between a bale starting position and a full bale position, has crop engaging transverse rolls for urging the crop material along a spiral path in the chamber for starting and forming a bale. An apron is supported along a continuous path on the main frame and tailgate by a plurality of rotatable guide members. The path has an inner course that cooperates with the sledge rolls on the sledge assembly to define the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Underhill, Dennis L. White
  • Patent number: 6021622
    Abstract: A round baler having a tailgate, pivotally connected to a main frame, operative between a closed position during which a bale is being formed, and an open position during which a formed bale is being discharged. A sledge assembly, mounted on the main frame for movement between a bale starting position and a full bale position, has at least two transverse cylindrical rolls mounted in spaced relationship along an arcuate path. An apron, supported along a continuous path on the main frame and tailgate by a plurality of rotatable guide members, includes an inner course that cooperates with the transverse rolls on the sledge assembly to define a bale forming chamber. The apron is driven along a continuous path in the same direction as the outer surfaces of the transverse rolls. A dispensing assembly dispenses wrapping material into the bale forming chamber between the adjacent outer surfaces of the transverse rolls for wrapping the cylindrical package of crop material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Underhill
  • Patent number: D412507
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Underhill, Russell W. Strong