Patents by Inventor Michael C. LaVally

Michael C. LaVally 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: 11490564
    Abstract: A header including a cutter bar configured to cut crop for harvesting and a header frame supporting the cutter bar. A transport assembly is operatively connected to the header frame. A support arm is rotatably coupled to an axle of the transport assembly and is pivotably coupled to a mounting frame coupled to the header frame. A cam linkage is disposed at the support arm to provide a mechanical advantage for an operator when moving the transport assembly from a transport position to a harvest position. The cam linkage includes a lift assist device having a first end connected to the mounting frame and a second end coupled to a cam arm. Extension of the second end from the first end of the lift assist device applies the cam arm to a cam surface of the support arm to move the transport assembly to the harvest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael C. LaVally, Michael L. Vandeven
  • Publication number: 20210400872
    Abstract: A header including a cutter bar configured to cut crop for harvesting and a header frame supporting the cutter bar. A transport assembly is operatively connected to the header frame. A support arm is rotatably coupled to an axle of the transport assembly and is pivotably coupled to a mounting frame coupled to the header frame. A cam linkage is disposed at the support arm to provide a mechanical advantage for an operator when moving the transport assembly from a transport position to a harvest position. The cam linkage includes a lift assist device having a first end connected to the mounting frame and a second end coupled to a cam arm. Extension of the second end from the first end of the lift assist device applies the cam arm to a cam surface of the support arm to move the transport assembly to the harvest position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Michael C. LaVally, Michael L. Vandeven