Patents by Inventor Merle D. Nieman

Merle D. Nieman 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).

  • Patent number: 4249365
    Abstract: A support arrangement and discharge structure for individual picking units of a four-row cotton picker. The outboard picking units are transversely cantilevered from the inboard units using telescoping cross members which are adjustable to properly position the units for various row spacings. The cross members are tied between upper rigid beam structure on adjacent inboard and outboard units, the structure including an upper plate, cam support and transverse and fore-and-aft stiffeners. Each outboard unit includes a diagonal brace connected to the rigid beam structure to absorb fore-and-aft loading and thereby eliminate need for a lower stabilizer. Two high volume picker drums on adjacent inboard and outboard units are serviced by a single discharge structure supported from the inboard unit and connected to a single cotton conveying duct. A hinged baffle plate extends rearwardly from the outboard unit to the discharge structure, and pivots to permit the units to be adjusted with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1981
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Arthur L. Hubbard, Russell D. Copley, Merle D. Nieman