Patents by Inventor Ronald J. SCHLIMGEN

Ronald J. SCHLIMGEN 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: 10485177
    Abstract: A scale controller system and method of using the system is disclosed. The scale controller is adapted for use with a grain cart or similar implement that includes a discharge opening and conveyor. The system includes a scale and a plurality of sensors that work together to automate numerous functions that are typically performed manually. For example, the present invention discloses a system that automatically records the amount of material loaded or unloaded by continuously monitoring the load on a scale and the RPMs of a power take-off shaft that drives a conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: DIGI-STAR, LLC
    Inventors: Jerome Bump, Steven L. Johansen, Ronald J. Schlimgen, Michael D. Van Mill, Shawn W. Gerdeman
  • Patent number: 10426092
    Abstract: A cart for transporting and conveying agricultural materials is provided. The cart includes a frame; a set of wheels or tracks coupled with said frame; and a hitch assembly coupled with said frame to allow the cart to be towed on the wheels or tracks behind a tow vehicle. The cart further includes a hopper defined by a plurality of walls supported by the frame and having a hopper opening to receive agricultural material and a discharge opening for discharging agricultural material. The cart further includes a conveyor assembly coupled to the hopper, the conveyor assembly including an inlet in communication with the discharge opening to receive agricultural material therefrom and an outlet to discharge agricultural material. The conveyor assembly includes a lower conveyor section and an upper conveyor section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Ronald J. Schlimgen
  • Publication number: 20180317386
    Abstract: A method of unloading mobile farm implements is presented. Unloading the mobile farm implement is accomplished by transmitting commands to unfold an auger arm and to open a container door and by monitoring weight measurements from the implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: UNVERFERTH MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. VAN MILL, Shawn W. GERDEMAN, Ronald J. SCHLIMGEN
  • Patent number: 10028441
    Abstract: A method of automating unloading for a mobile farm implement is presented. The method includes determining whether the speed of the mobile farm implement is below a first threshold. In response to a determination that the speed of the mobile farm implement is below the first threshold, a conveyor is moved to an operating position, where it is used to unload agricultural material from the mobile farm implement. Upon termination of the unloading of the agricultural material, the controller folds the conveyor to a storage or transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Shawn W. Gerdeman, Ronald J. Schlimgen
  • Patent number: 10028434
    Abstract: A method of unloading mobile farm implements is presented. Unloading the mobile farm implement is accomplished by transmitting commands to unfold an auger arm and to open a container door and by monitoring weight measurements from the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Shawn W. Gerdeman, Ronald J. Schlimgen
  • Publication number: 20180146611
    Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a toolbar system having a toolbar frame, an elevator assembly, and a first wing on one side of the toolbar frame. The first wing may be coupled to the elevator and pivotable about a first vertical axis of rotation between an extended and a folded position. Tools may be coupled to the first wing and rotatable relative to a longitudinal axis of the first wing from an operating position below the first wing to a transport/shipping position above the first wing. Further, the first wing may be adapted to be moveable to position the first wing higher than a wheel of the agricultural implement on the same side of the toolbar frame in the folded position. Subsequently, the tools may be circularly rotated and the middle wing and tools pushed down to reduce the overall width and height of the implement for transporting or shipping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Applicant: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. VAN MILL, Ryan J. FLESHNER, Ronald J. SCHLIMGEN
  • Publication number: 20180027736
    Abstract: A grain cart and foldable auger assembly having an upper auger assembly portion with a discharge portion, a lower auger assembly portion with an intake portion, and a compound angle joint that allows the upper auger assembly portion to be moved between operating and transport positions. When in an operating position, the upper auger portion and the lower auger portion are offset from each other by an operating offset angle. When in a transport position, the upper auger assembly portion is offset from the lower auger assembly portion by a transport offset angle such that the upper auger assembly portions folded across the front of the grain cart in a non-obstructive and non-protruding manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. VAN MILL, Ronald J. SCHLIMGEN, John WALVATNE, Christopher M. SELF
  • Patent number: 9873570
    Abstract: A system and method for discharging material from a chute on a farm implement into a container or bin such that the discharged material is evenly distributed in the container or bin. The system and method includes a farm implement with a bin for holding material, a conveyor for discharging material from the bin and a chute at the end of the conveyor for directing the material discharged from the conveyor. The chute may be moved into a plurality of positions based on sensor outputs to facilitate the even distribution of material in the container or bin receiving the discharged material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Van Mill, Ronald J. Schlimgen, Shawn W. Gerdeman
  • Patent number: 9848536
    Abstract: A grain cart and foldable auger assembly having an upper auger assembly portion with a discharge portion, a lower auger assembly portion with an intake portion, and a compound angle joint that allows the upper auger assembly portion to be moved between operating and transport positions. When in an operating position, the upper auger portion and the lower auger portion are offset from each other by an operating offset angle. When in a transport position, the upper auger assembly portion is offset from the lower auger assembly portion by a transport offset angle such that the upper auger assembly portions folded across the front of the grain cart in a non-obstructive and non-protruding manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Ronald J. Schlimgen, John Walvatne, Christopher M. Self
  • Publication number: 20170354091
    Abstract: A grain cart and foldable auger assembly having an upper auger assembly portion with a discharge portion, a lower auger assembly portion with an intake portion, and a joint that allows the upper auger assembly portion to be moved between operating and transport positions. When in an operating position, the upper auger portion and the lower auger portion are offset from each other by an operating offset angle. The grain cart also has a hitch for allowing the grain cart to be towed. The discharge portion is forward of the hitch when in the operating position. Embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, increased forward and side reach, additional storage capacity of the hopper, increased discharge rate from the hopper, and a more compact transport position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Applicant: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. VAN MILL, Ronald J. SCHLIMGEN
  • Patent number: 9839175
    Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a toolbar system having a toolbar frame, an elevator assembly, and a first wing on one side of the toolbar frame. The first wing may be coupled to the elevator and pivotable about a first vertical axis of rotation between an extended and a folded position. Tools may be coupled to the first wing and rotatable relative to a longitudinal axis of the first wing from an operating position below the first wing to a transport/shipping position above the first wing. Further, the first wing may be adapted to be moveable to position the first wing higher than a wheel of the agricultural implement on the same side of the toolbar frame in the folded position. Subsequently, the tools may be circularly rotated and the middle wing and tools pushed down to reduce the overall width and height of the implement for transporting or shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Ryan J. Fleshner, Ronald J. Schlimgen
  • Publication number: 20170318747
    Abstract: A scale controller system and method of using the system is disclosed. The scale controller is adapted for use with a grain cart or similar implement that includes a discharge opening and conveyor. The system includes a scale and a plurality of sensors that work together to automate numerous functions that are typically performed manually. For example, the present invention discloses a system that automatically records the amount of material loaded or unloaded by continuously monitoring the load on a scale and the RPMs of a power take-off shaft that drives a conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Applicant: Digi-Star, LLC
    Inventors: Jerome Bump, Steven L. Johansen, Ronald J. Schlimgen, Michael D. Van Mill, Shawn W. Gerdman
  • Patent number: 9810013
    Abstract: A door control system for a farm implement with a storage bin having a discharge opening and a door movable by a drive mechanism between open and closed positions relative to the discharge opening includes a dual position door control system. The system includes at least two controllers at spaced positions relative to the door and coupled to a drive mechanism for opening and closing the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Ronald J. Schlimgen, Daryl Rubner
  • Publication number: 20170290270
    Abstract: A cart for transporting and conveying agricultural materials is provided. The cart includes a frame; a set of wheels or tracks coupled with said frame; and a hitch assembly coupled with said frame to allow the cart to be towed on the wheels or tracks behind a tow vehicle. The cart further includes a hopper defined by a plurality of walls supported by the frame and having a hopper opening to receive agricultural material and a discharge opening for discharging agricultural material. The cart further includes a conveyor assembly coupled to the hopper, the conveyor assembly including an inlet in communication with the discharge opening to receive agricultural material therefrom and an outlet to discharge agricultural material. The conveyor assembly includes a lower conveyor section and an upper conveyor section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Applicant: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. VAN MILL, Ronald J. SCHLIMGEN
  • Patent number: 9763389
    Abstract: A scale controller system and method of using the system is disclosed. The scale controller is adapted for use with a grain cart or similar implement that includes a discharge opening and conveyor. The system includes a scale and a plurality of sensors that work together to automate numerous functions that are typically performed manually. For example, the present invention discloses a system that automatically records the amount of material loaded or unloaded by continuously monitoring the load on a scale and the RPMs of a power take-off shaft that drives a conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Digi-Star, LLC
    Inventors: Jerome Bump, Steven L. Johansen, Ronald J. Schlimgen, Michael D. Van Mill, Shawn W. Gerdman
  • Patent number: 9723789
    Abstract: A cart having an adjustable elevation auger. A junction box may located within the opening of a sump of a bin of a cart. The junction box may have an open top, closed bottom and sides, and back wall. The back wall of the junction box may be secured to a bin wall by a hinge such that the junction box may pivot about a pivot axis. An auger housing may be connected to and extend from the junction box. An auger may extend through the auger housing and have an intake end disposed within the junction box. The auger housing and auger may pivot with the junction box about a pivot axis between a lowered position and an elevated position. The auger may be a corner auger and may be a folding auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Ronald J. Schlimgen
  • Patent number: 9706713
    Abstract: According to one aspect, a cart for transporting and conveying agricultural materials is provided. The cart includes a frame and a plurality of wheels coupled with the frame. The cart further includes a bin supported on the frame and including a plurality of bin walls defining a storage space for an agricultural material. The cart further includes a conveyor assembly having an intake end configured to receive agricultural material from the bin and a discharge end configured to discharge agricultural material, the conveyor assembly including a lower conveyor section, an intermediate conveyor section, and an upper conveyor section. The lower conveyor section includes a lower conveyor housing and a lower conveyor extending within the lower conveyor housing, the intermediate conveyor section includes an intermediate conveyor housing, and the upper conveyor section includes an upper conveyor housing and an upper conveyor extending within the upper conveyor housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Ronald J. Schlimgen
  • Publication number: 20170150679
    Abstract: A method of unloading mobile farm implements is presented. Unloading the mobile farm implement is accomplished by transmitting commands to unfold an auger arm and to open a container door and by monitoring weight measurements from the implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Applicant: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. VAN MILL, Shawn W. GERDEMAN, Ronald J. Schlimgen
  • Publication number: 20170142902
    Abstract: A method of automating unloading for a mobile farm implement is presented. The method includes determining whether the speed of the mobile farm implement is below a first threshold. In response to a determination that the speed of the mobile farm implement is below the first threshold, a conveyor is moved to an operating position, where it is used to unload agricultural material from the mobile farm implement. Upon termination of the unloading of the agricultural material, the controller folds the conveyor to a storage or transport position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. VAN MILL, Shawn W. GERDEMAN, Ronald J. Schlimgen
  • Patent number: 9596809
    Abstract: A method of automating unloading for a mobile farm implement is presented. The method includes determining whether the speed of the mobile farm implement is below a first threshold. In response to a determination that the speed of the mobile farm implement is below the first threshold, a conveyor is moved to an operating position, where it is used to unload agricultural material from the mobile farm implement. Upon termination of the unloading of the agricultural material, the controller folds the conveyor to a storage or transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Shawn W. Gerdeman, Ronald J. Schlimgen