Patents by Inventor Timothy R. Blunier
Timothy R. Blunier 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).
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Publication number: 20150230399Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that includes a first tool bar and a second tool bar each supporting respective ground engaging tools and fluid dispersal components. The second tool bar is pivotally coupled to the first tool bar. The agricultural implement further includes fluid conduits coupled to respective tool bars for conveying fluid to the respective fluid dispersal components. Additionally, each of the conduits has a flexible end adjacent to the other tool bar. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes a fluid joint coupled between the first and second flexible ends and configured to provide a sealed connection between the first and second flexible ends during relative pivotal movement of the first and second tool bars in operation but to allow for uncoupling of the first and second flexible ends for servicing of the implement.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2015Publication date: August 20, 2015Inventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Jarod Murdock
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Patent number: 9090137Abstract: An agricultural implement with a ballasted hitch having an open ended tube and removable ballast blocks sized so that they can be loaded into the hitch tube by hand. The blocks are removably retained in the hitch by a bolted plate or, alternatively, a retaining bolt or pin. The number of ballast blocks needed is determined by the weight and size of any rear implement attachment chosen by a customer.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2014Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Chad W. Coombs
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Publication number: 20150189829Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a storage tank, a pump positioned below a bottom portion of the storage tank, and a control system disposed above the bottom portion of the storage tank. The storage tank is configured to hold a flowable agricultural product. The pump is configured to direct the flowable agricultural product out of the storage tank. The one or more controls are configured to control application of the flowable agricultural product.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2015Publication date: July 9, 2015Inventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Brian McMahon, Jarod Murdock
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Publication number: 20150181802Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a frame assembly configured to support a storage tank. The frame assembly includes a pair of longitudinal beams positioned on opposite lateral sides of the storage tank, and multiple cross members extending between the pair of longitudinal beams. A substantially flat upper surface of each cross member is secured to a lower surface of each longitudinal beam, and each cross member is configured to support the storage tank via contact between the substantially flat upper surface of the cross member and a substantially flat lower surface of the storage tank such that the substantially flat lower surface of the storage tank is positioned vertically below an upper surface of each longitudinal beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2015Publication date: July 2, 2015Inventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Brian McMahon
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Publication number: 20150130163Abstract: An agricultural implement with a ballasted hitch having an open ended tube and removable ballast blocks sized so that they can be loaded into the hitch tube by hand. The blocks are removably retained in the hitch by a bolted plate or, alternatively, a retaining bolt or pin. The number of ballast blocks needed is determined by the weight and size of any rear implement attachment chosen by a customer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2014Publication date: May 14, 2015Applicant: CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLCInventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Chad W. Coombs
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Publication number: 20150129260Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement includes a frame member and at least one rolling basket assembly coupled to the frame member. The rolling basket assembly has at least one bearing hanger, at least one rolling basket and at least one bearing assembly rotationally coupling the rolling basket to the bearing hanger. The bearing assembly has a bearing with an inner ring and a spindle holding the inner ring. The spindle is coupled to the bearing hanger. The spindle being configured to accommodate dynamic misalignment of the bearing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2014Publication date: May 14, 2015Applicant: CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLCInventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Gaylen J. Kromminga, Sven N. Setterdahl
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Publication number: 20150127230Abstract: A method for lifting wing tool bars of an agricultural implement includes receiving a fluid at an input port of a fluid control system. The fluid is configured to induce raising a central tool bar of the agricultural implement using a first actuator extending between the central tool bar and a main frame of the agricultural implement, and then to induce rotating a first wing tool bar relative to the central tool bar using a second actuator extending between the first wing tool bar and the central tool bar after the central tool bar is raised. The method also includes detecting an angle between the first wing tool bar and the central tool bar using a switch. The method further includes controlling fluid flow to the second actuator based on the detected angle via a solenoid controlled valve electrically coupled to the switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2014Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Timothy Allen Olson
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Publication number: 20150125102Abstract: An agricultural implement including a pair of support members and a pivot assembly coupled between the support members. The pivot assembly includes at least one resilient bushing and a side-play restraint system. The resilient bushing being in contact with a portion of the restraint system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2014Publication date: May 7, 2015Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Joshua Bell
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Patent number: 9021967Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that includes a first tool bar and a second tool bar each supporting respective ground engaging tools and fluid dispersal components. The second tool bar is pivotally coupled to the first tool bar. The agricultural implement further includes fluid conduits coupled to respective tool bars for conveying fluid to the respective fluid dispersal components. Additionally, each of the conduits has a flexible end adjacent to the other tool bar. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes a fluid joint coupled between the first and second flexible ends and configured to provide a sealed connection between the first and second flexible ends during relative pivotal movement of the first and second tool bars in operation but to allow for uncoupling of the first and second flexible ends for servicing of the implement.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Jarod Murdock
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Patent number: 9021968Abstract: A tool bar mounting assembly for an agricultural implement. One agricultural implement includes a first tool bar assembly having a tool bar and a plurality of row units coupled to the tool bar and configured to deliver flowable agricultural product to a field. The agricultural implement also includes a frame assembly coupled to the first tool bar assembly. The frame assembly includes a mounting assembly having a mechanical linkage. The mechanical linkage is configured to removably couple the first tool bar assembly to the frame assembly via a plurality of fasteners. The frame assembly is configured to provide structural support to the first tool bar assembly. The mechanical linkage of mounting assembly is configured to removably couple a second tool bar assembly having a different configuration than the first tool bar assembly to the frame assembly via the plurality of fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Brian McMahon
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Patent number: 9003984Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a frame assembly configured to support a storage tank. The frame assembly includes a pair of longitudinal beams positioned on opposite lateral sides of the storage tank, and multiple cross members extending between the pair of longitudinal beams. A substantially flat upper surface of each cross member is secured to a lower surface of each longitudinal beam, and each cross member is configured to support the storage tank via contact between the substantially flat upper surface of the cross member and a substantially flat lower surface of the storage tank such that the substantially flat lower surface of the storage tank is positioned vertically below an upper surface of each longitudinal beam.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Brian McMahon
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Patent number: 8997667Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a storage tank, a pump positioned below a bottom portion of the storage tank, and a control system disposed above the bottom portion of the storage tank. The storage tank is configured to hold a flowable agricultural product. The pump is configured to direct the flowable agricultural product out of the storage tank. The one or more controls are configured to control application of the flowable agricultural product.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Brian McMahon, Jarod Murdock
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Publication number: 20150053433Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement includes a main frame including a hitch extending in a travel direction, at least one secondary frame, a plurality of rolling basket assemblies and a pressure control system. The secondary frame is coupled with the frame. The plurality of rolling basket assemblies include first and second rolling basket assemblies. Both first and second rolling basket assemblies are coupled to the at least one secondary frame. The first rolling basket assembly has an effective length, and the second rolling basket assembly has a different effective length. The pressure control system is configured to supply different selected pressures to the first and second rolling basket assembly to substantially equalize a down pressure per unit of effective length of the rolling basket assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Michael G. Kovach, Sven N. Setterdahl, Dean A. Knobloch, Timothy R. Blunier
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Patent number: 8869909Abstract: A wing folding arrangement for an agricultural implement includes a tool bar assembly having a central tool bar, a first wing tool bar rotatably coupled to a first end of the central tool bar, a second wing tool bar rotatably coupled to the first wing tool bar, a third wing tool bar rotatably coupled to a second end of the central tool bar, and a fourth wing tool bar rotatably coupled to the third wing tool bar. The agricultural implement also includes row units coupled to the tool bar assembly and configured to deliver flowable agricultural product to a field. The second wing tool bar is configured to fold over the first wing tool bar, the fourth wing tool bar is configured to fold over the third wing tool bar, and the first and third wing tool bars are configured to fold crosswise over the central tool bar.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Matthew R. Sudbrink, Jessica Haynes
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Patent number: 8833481Abstract: System for controlling wing tool bars of an agricultural implement are provided. One implement includes a tool bar assembly having a central tool bar and a first wing tool bar rotatably coupled to an end of the central tool bar. The implement also includes a first actuator coupled to the first wing tool bar and to the central tool bar, and configured to raise and lower the first wing tool bar. The implement includes a solenoid controlled valve fluidly coupled to the first actuator. The implement also includes a switch electrically coupled to the valve. The switch measures an angle of the first wing tool bar relative to the central tool bar and is configured to transition the valve between a first and a second position based on an angle of the first wing tool bar relative to the central tool bar.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Timothy A. Olson
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Patent number: 8820427Abstract: A storage tank frame assembly for an agricultural implement. One agricultural implement includes a tool bar assembly having a tool bar and row units coupled to the tool bar and configured to deliver flowable agricultural product to a field. The agricultural implement also includes a storage tank configured to hold the flowable agricultural product and to provide the flowable agricultural product to the row units. The agricultural implement includes a frame assembly having a first and a second mounting assembly. The frame assembly is coupled to the tool bar assembly. The agricultural implement also includes an axle removably coupled to the frame assembly and configured to be coupled to wheels for transportation of the agricultural implement. The frame assembly is configured to be coupled to multiple sizes of storage tanks via the first mounting assembly and to multiple sizes of axles via the second mounting assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Jessica Haynes, Brian McMahon
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Patent number: 8794344Abstract: An agricultural implement system, including a center toolbar including at least one ground engaging tool, a first inner-wing toolbar rotatably coupled to the center toolbar, the first inner-wing toolbar including at least one ground engaging tool, a first outer-wing toolbar rotatably coupled to the first inner-wing toolbar, the first outer-wing toolbar including at least one ground engaging tool, a first actuating cylinder coupled to the center toolbar, a second actuating cylinder extending between the center toolbar and the first inner-wing toolbar, a third actuating cylinder extending between the first inner-wing toolbar and the first outer-wing toolbar, and a control system configured to drive the first actuating cylinder, the second actuating cylinder, and the third actuating cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Jessica Haynes
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Patent number: 8794346Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that includes a first tool bar supporting first ground engaging tools. The agricultural implement further includes a second tool bar supporting second ground engaging tools and coupled to the first tool bar by a pivot joint. Additionally, the agricultural implement includes a working plate secured to the first tool bar and having a joint structure partially defining the pivot joint. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes a stress feathering plate secured between the working plate and the first tool bar and secured to both the working plate and the first tool bar, the stress feathering plate extending beyond the working plate and having a contour that provides a reduced stress gradient when the first tool bar, the working plate and the stress feathering plate are loaded by engagement of the first and second ground engaging tools with the ground.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Matthew R. Sudbrink, Scott Robert Faust
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Publication number: 20140060402Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a frame assembly configured to support a storage tank. The frame assembly includes a pair of longitudinal beams positioned on opposite lateral sides of the storage tank, and multiple cross members extending between the pair of longitudinal beams. A substantially flat upper surface of each cross member is secured to a lower surface of each longitudinal beam, and each cross member is configured to support the storage tank via contact between the substantially flat upper surface of the cross member and a substantially flat lower surface of the storage tank such that the substantially flat lower surface of the storage tank is positioned vertically below an upper surface of each longitudinal beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: CNH America LLCInventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Brian McMahon
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Publication number: 20140060405Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a storage tank, a pump positioned below a bottom portion of the storage tank, and a control system disposed above the bottom portion of the storage tank. The storage tank is configured to hold a flowable agricultural product. The pump is configured to direct the flowable agricultural product out of the storage tank. The one or more controls are configured to control application of the flowable agricultural product.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLCInventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Brian McMahon, Jarod Murdock