Patents by Inventor Richard E. Jennings

Richard E. Jennings 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: 7277519
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for frequency and phase correction in a phase-locked loop (PLL) includes a phase frequency detector, first and second charge pumps respectively generating a first current and a voltage, a voltage-to-current (V2I) converter, a current summer, and a current-controlled oscillator (CCO). The phase frequency detector detects a frequency difference and a phase difference between a clock signal and a comparison signal, communicates the frequency difference to a first charge pump generating a first current, and communicates the phase difference to a second charge pump generating a voltage. The comparison signal is derived from an output signal of the PLL. The first charge pump modifies the first current according to the frequency difference and communicates the first current to the current summer. The second charge pump modifies the voltage according to the phase difference and communicates the voltage to the V2I converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Prasun K. Raha, T. Lakshmi Viswanathan, Richard E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 6697416
    Abstract: A digital spread spectrum clock generator. The generator includes a digital waveform generator adapted to generate a sequence of digital words representing a predetermined varying waveform, and an accumulator. The accumulator includes a first two input adder and a second two input adder, the second adder having its output stored and applied to a first input of the second adder. The first two input adder is adapted to receive at a first input a control word, to receive at a second input the sequence of digital words, and to provide a sum output which is provided to a second input of the second adder. One of the bits of the output of the second adder is usable as a spread spectrum clock, or it may be provided to a phase locked loop to reduce jitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 6454294
    Abstract: A high clearance vehicle includes a walking beam frame and an independent suspension. The frame consists of a main frame, A-shaped frames, a main truss, leg braces, and an axle. Pins which are used to join each A-shaped frame and leg braces to the main truss act as pivot points, as does the pin that attaches the axle to the main frame. Each leg brace may connect to each A-shaped frame by an elastic member to provide the independent suspension. Legs are at each corner of the frame. At the bottom of each leg is a wheel hub mount with a wheel drive assembly operably connected to a wheel for propelling the vehicle. At the top of the front legs are tapered kingpins which carry segmented thrust washers having a knob and receiving portion. A boom having extension arms and spray nozzles may also be attached. The walking beam frame may include a crab steering device which shifts the rear axle off-center so that the vehicle dog legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Miller St. Nazianz
    Inventors: Roy A. Bittner, Marcus J. Ridenour, Richard E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 5448873
    Abstract: An agricultural baler for making cylindrical bales of crop material having a sledge assembly moveable between bale starting and full bale positions. The sledge assembly includes a plurality of rollers which cooperate with an array of belts to define a bale forming chamber. A dispensing mechanism is provided for dispensing web material, such as net or the like, into the bale forming chamber whereupon it is wrapped circumferentially around a cylindrical package of crop material in the bale forming chamber. Included along the path of the net prior to being fed into the chamber is a severing assembly for cutting the net after it has been wrapped around the cylindrical hay package formed in the chamber. The net severing assembly includes a unique severing element that provides improved net cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Jennings, Edwin O. Margerum
  • Patent number: 5409080
    Abstract: A shiftable control console for an agricultural tractor is disclosed wherein the console is movable independently of the operator's seat to position the operative controls at the convenience of the operator. The console is mounted on pivoted linkages that are oriented to rotate the console clockwise as it is moved rearwardly to mimic the rotation of the operator's seat to an implement operating position. Fore-and-aft movement of the console is effected by an electric actuator controlled through a switch mounted on the console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Templeton, Russell W. Strong, Richard E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 5367865
    Abstract: A round baler having a main frame, a tailgate pivotally connected to the main frame and an apron extending around a plurality of guide rolls disposed in the main frame and the tailgate. A pair of take up arms, rotatably mounted on the main frame, carry at least one additional guide roll for the apron. The apron defines a bale forming chamber which varies in size from a bale starting position to a full bale position under conditions where crop material is conveyed thereto. A pair of levers, connected to rotate with the take up arms as the girth of the bale being formed increases, are attached to a tensioning mechanism to urge the take up arms to the bale starting position of the apron. The tensioning mechanism includes a spring and a hydraulic cylinder mounted in tandem on one side of the baler and a spring on the other side of the baler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Jennings, James T. Clevenger, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5319899
    Abstract: An agricultural baler for making cylindrical bales of crop material having 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 dispensing mechanism is carried on the sledge assembly for dispensing web material, such as net or the like, into the bale forming chamber whereupon it is wrapped circumferentially around a cylindrical package of crop material in the bale forming chamber. A net supply assembly is associated with the dispensing mechanism to provide net for feeding into the bale chamber via the dispensing mechanism. Included along the path of the net between the supply assembly and the dispensing mechanism is a net severing assembly for cutting the net after it has been wrapped around the cylindrical hay package formed in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Ford New Holland Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Jennings, James T. Clevenger, Jr., Douglas G. Branham
  • Patent number: 5272860
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for a windrow inverter having a crop pick-up mechanism operable to elevate a windrow of crop material from the ground onto a transversely moveable draper conveyor is disclosed wherein the draper conveyor is rotatably driven by a hydraulic motor operable to rotate the draper conveyor in opposing lateral directions. The crop pick-up mechanism is driven by a ground drive mechanism. A power transfer device including a movable power transfer gear provides the option of interconnecting the drive mechanisms for the draper conveyor and the crop pick-up mechanism upon disconnection of one of the drive mechanisms. A second movable transfer gear provides another option of mechanically driving the operation of the draper conveyor, in either lateral direction. A wing draper attachment mounted on the frame of the windrow inverter is drivingly coupled to the draper conveyor for rotatable operation therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert F. Baril, Cecil R. Sudbrack, Richard E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 5243806
    Abstract: An agricultural baler for making cylindrical bales of wrapped crop material. The baler includes a sledge assembly moveable between bale starting and full bale positions. A plurality of rollers on the sledge assembly cooperate with an apron to define a bale forming chamber. Wrapping is accomplished via a system that includes a dispensing mechanism carried on the sledge assembly for dispensing sheet material, such as net or the like, into the bale forming chamber whereupon it is wrapped circumferentially around a formed cylindrical bale of crop material as it is rotated in the chamber. The net wrapping system includes a net feed path having configuration that assures reliable net wrap start-up which in turn enhances overall operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Jennings, Douglas G. Branham
  • Patent number: 5231826
    Abstract: A windrow inverter having a crop pick-up mechanism operable to elevate a windrow of crop material from the ground onto a transversely moveable draper conveyor is disclosed wherein a wing draper attachment mounted on the frame of the windrow inverter on the opposing side of the transverse cross conveyor from the discharge chute. The wing extension is moveable between a raised transport position and a lowered operating position and is latched into the selected position by a latching mechanism. A hydraulic system is provided to operatively drive the draper for the wing extension and the cross conveyor in opposing directions to permit the windrow inverter to be utilized to discharge windrows of crop material to either selected side of the windrow inverter. The drive mechanism utilizes a selective combination of a mechanical ground drive and a hydraulic drive to power the operation of the pick-up mechanism, cross conveyor and wing attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 5215005
    Abstract: Twine wrapping apparatus for a round baler having a bale forming chamber with a generally transverse crop infeed opening. The apparatus is mounted forward of the opening and includes an extendable twine arm for dispensing twine into the chamber to wrap bales formed therein. A coupling mechanism provides controlled swinging movement of the arm through a predetermined path that originates in the middle of the opening. The twine arm is in its outermost extended condition at the initiation of the twine dispensing phase and retracts as it travels along its path to a generally transverse rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Schlotterbeck, Anthony F. Diederich, Jr., Richard E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 5215006
    Abstract: Twine wrapping apparatus for a round baler having a bale forming chamber with a generally transverse crop infeed opening. The apparatus is mounted forward of the opening and includes a twine arm for dispensing twine into the chamber to wrap bales formed therein. Coupling means provide for swinging movement of the arm through a predetermined path during at least a portion of which the arm dispenses twine in the vicinity of the opening. The twine arm includes a clamp having one member affixed to the outer end of the twine arm and a second member that is moveable relative to the first member and is urged thereagainst to provide a clamping force for holding the twine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Jennings, Fred M. Horchler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5184545
    Abstract: Twine wrapping apparatus for a round baler having a bale forming chamber with a generally transverse crop infeed opening. The apparatus is mounted forward of the opening and includes a pair of individually extendable twine arms for dispensing twine into the chamber to wrap bales formed therein. A linkage arrangement provides for controlled swinging movement of the arms in concert through symmetrical paths that originate in the middle of the opening. The twine arms are in their outermost extended condition at the initiation of the twine dispensing phase and vary in length along their paths to a generally transverse rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Jennings, Stephen C. Schlotterbeck
  • Patent number: 5048274
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling multiple functions of an agricultural implement such as a baler or a harvester includes first, second and third hydraulic cylinders which are operated to control first, second and third functions, respectively, of the implement. A shuttle valve is mechanically coupled to the first hydraulic cylinder by a rock shaft so that when the first hydraulic cylinder is retracted and extended, the shuttle valve selectively connects either the second or the third hydraulic cylinder to an independent source of hydraulic fluid. The first hydraulic cylinder is connected to another independent source of hydraulic fluid. In a baler having a bale case, a pickup, a tongue and a bale thrower, the first hydraulic cylinder raises and lowers the pickup, the second hydraulic cylinder moves the tongue between a transport position and an operating position, and the third hydraulic cylinder adjusts the bale thrower relative to the bale case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 5044272
    Abstract: A machine for making cylindrical bales of crop material utilizes a combination of rollers and belts arranged to define a bale starting chamber. A run of the belts forms the rear wall of the bale starting chamber while the rollers form the front wall of the bale starting chamber. The belt run extends upwardly and forwardly when the chamber is empty and is expandable in length during bale formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 4979442
    Abstract: A round baler utilizes a combination of rollers and belts arranged to define a generally D-shaped bale starting chamber. An inner course of the belts forms the rear wall of the bale starting chamber while the rollers form the front wall of the bale starting chamber. The belt inner course extends upwardly and forwardly when the chamber is empty and is expandable in length during bale formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 4912918
    Abstract: A method of tensioning the apron of a round baler includes utilizing a pair of springs and a pair of hydraulic cylinders connected between apron take up arms and a tailgate of the round baler in a manner such that the springs normally urge the apron take up arms toward an inner position whereas the hydraulic cylinders resist movement of the apron take up arms from the inner position to an outer position. The hydraulic cylinders provide a primary source of apron tension and the springs provide a secondary source of apron tension so that, during bale formation, the apron tension generated by the hydraulic cylinders increases while the apron tension generated by the springs remains substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Jennings, Robert A. Wagstaff, H. Nevin Lausch
  • Patent number: 4899651
    Abstract: A system for tensioning the apron of a round baler includes a pair of springs and a pair of hydraulic cylinders connected between apron take up arms and a tailgate of the round baler. The springs normally urge the apron take up arms toward an inner position, and the hydraulic cylinders resist movement of the apron take up arms from the inner position to an outer position. The hydraulic cylinders provide a primary source of apron tension and the springs provide a secondary source of apron tension. During bale formation, the apron tension generated by the hydraulic cylinders increases while the apron tension generated by the springs remains substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Nevin Lausch, Robert A. Wagstaff, Richard E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 4896484
    Abstract: A disc mower-conditioner having the disc cutterbar driven at each end thereof, the rotational power being delivered to the outboard end of the disc cutterbar by a power transfer mechanism rotated above the disc cutterbar, is disclosed wherein the drive mechanism includes a gearbox operable to receive rotational power from a power input shaft and transfer rotational power to three output shafts to operably power equally the opposing ends of the disc cutterbar and to power the rotation of the conditioning rolls positioned rearwardly thereof. The gearbox is provided with a removable lid rotatably supporting the output shaft operably associated with the power transfer mechanism to deliver rotational power to the outboard end of the disc cutterbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 4887416
    Abstract: A disc cutterbar for use on a harvesting implement, such as a disc mower-conditioner, is driven by an endless timing belt entrained around toothed sprockets corresponding to each disc cutter within the transmission casing. The positive engagement between the toothed timing belt and the corresponding toothed sprocket provides a means for timing the rotation of adjacent disc cutters to minimize the possibility of interference between rotating knives. The toothed timing belt, however, is capable of movement relative to the toothed sprocket should the corresponding disc cutter become restricted in its rotation, such as by impact with a substantial object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack W. Crane, L. Lavern Anstee, Robert M. VanGinhoven, Richard E. Jennings