Pivotally Patents (Class 414/505)
  • Patent number: 11751508
    Abstract: A farm implement includes a frame, a container mounted on the frame, an intake housing rotatably connected to a front wall of the container proximate to a discharge opening, a first auger assembly, and a second auger assembly. The first auger assembly is disposed in the container and conveys agricultural material through the discharge opening. The farm implement further includes a first mounting assembly and a second mounting assembly disposed along the front wall. The second auger assembly is mounted on one of the first and second mounting assemblies at an operating position, without being mounted to the other one of the first and second mounting assemblies. The longitudinal axis of the first auger assembly is above a part of the second auger assembly in both of the first and second mounting configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: UNVERFERTH MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Schlimgen, August Paul Nelson
  • Patent number: 11577278
    Abstract: A mobile mineral material processing station has a mobile platform having tracks or wheels or a skids for supporting or forming a body that supports in line, in a transport configuration: a feed conveyor; a screen frame and a multi-layer screen; first and second exit conveyors; and a third exit conveyor on top of the first and second exit conveyors. The first exit conveyor turns from a transport position, under the third exit conveyor, to a first operation direction, onto a first side of the station, for operating the station, and back. The second exit conveyor turns from a transport position, under the third exit conveyor, to a second operation direction onto a second side of the station, opposite to the first side, and back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Metso Outotec Finland Oy
    Inventor: Vesa-Matti Salminen
  • Patent number: 11273748
    Abstract: A reloader for transferring crops from the field to an over-the-road trailer provides a conveyor chute allowing a straight path from receipt of crop materials to a cantilevered elevated end of the chute allowing extremely high throughput.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Meyer Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Albright, Samuel N Simmons
  • Patent number: 11234372
    Abstract: An unloading system for an agricultural vehicle includes: a grain tank; at least one cross auger placed within the grain tank; a discharge tube having an inlet in communication with the grain tank and at least one discharge auger placed therein; and a drive system configured to drive the at least one cross auger and the at least one discharge auger. The drive system includes: a main driver; a discharge coupling continuously coupled to the main driver and the at least one discharge auger; and a variable speed coupling continuously coupled to the main driver and coupled to the at least one cross auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Wayne T. Flickinger, Kevin Ward
  • Patent number: 11091080
    Abstract: A cargo bed conveyor assembly for loading and unloading cargo from a truck includes a first conveyor unit that is positioned in a bed of a truck. The first conveyor unit is actuatable to rotate in a first direction to transport the cargo to a rear of the bed for removal. A second conveyor unit is slidably positioned beneath the first conveyor unit. The second conveyor unit is actuatable to rotate in a primary direction to transport the cargo from first conveyor belt to an end of a tailgate on the bed. A control is coupled to the bed of the truck and the control is in communication with each of the first conveyor unit and the second conveyor unit. The control actuates each of the first conveyor unit and the second conveyor unit to rotate in the first direction or the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Inventor: Jeffrey Saing
  • Patent number: 11019771
    Abstract: A farm implement includes a frame, a container mounted on the frame, an intake housing rotatably connected to a front wall of the container proximate to a discharge opening, a first auger assembly, and a second auger assembly. The first auger assembly is disposed in the container and conveys agricultural material through the discharge opening. The second auger assembly is rotatably connected to an outlet of the intake housing and includes an inlet that receives agricultural material from the intake housing and an outlet that discharges agricultural material. The farm implement further includes a first mounting assembly and a second mounting assembly disposed along the front wall. The second auger assembly is mounted on one of the first and second mounting assemblies at an operating position, without being mounted to the other one of the first and second mounting assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Schlimgen, Michael D. Van Mill
  • Patent number: 11013182
    Abstract: Discarded weed seeds in the chaff from the sieve of a combine harvester are destroyed by a weed seed destructor section which provides repeated high speed impacts caused by a pair of rotors each mounted in one of a pair of side by side housings which accelerate the discarded seeds onto a respective stator. A straw chopper and spreader section operate on the straw. The weed seed destructor and optionally the straw spreader is mounted so that it can be moved rearwardly away from the sieve to provide operator access between the destructor and the sieve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Inventor: Dean Mayerle
  • Patent number: 10856463
    Abstract: A method for operating a harvesting machine for harvesting a crop in a field, at least one operating value for a working part of the harvesting machine being determined in dependence on at least one plant property of the crop. The plant property is mapped in a plant growth model, the plant growth model modelling a development over time of the plant property and determining a predictive value or a predictive characteristic of the plant property for the time of the harvest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: BASF AGRO TRADEMARKS GMBH
    Inventor: Ole Peters
  • Patent number: 10791707
    Abstract: A feeding system to feed non-human animals includes a first autonomous mobile device and a second autonomous mobile device. The first autonomous mobile device includes a feed holder to receive feed, a feed mixer to mix the received feed, and a feed dispenser configured to dispense feed to the second autonomous mobile device. The second autonomous mobile device includes a feed holder to receive feed from the first autonomous mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventor: Karel Van Den Berg
  • Patent number: 10717451
    Abstract: A system to transport and unload bulk materials includes at least one rail car and a moving wall system. The moving wall system has a first end, a second end, and a trough. The trough is configured to contain a payload of the at least one rail car. The trough includes sidewalls that contact the payload when loaded and move with the payload to move the payload towards the second end. The trough may be formed of at least one conveyor belt that forms a hopper of the at least one rail car. The trough may span a plurality of rail cars. The system may include a take-up system connecting the sidewalls. Each of the rail cars may include a frame and a plurality of pulleys connected to the frame may support the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: GEORGETOWN RAIL EQUIPMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Charles W. Aaron, Joshua A. Graham
  • Patent number: 10701860
    Abstract: A screw conveyor assembly includes a first screw conveyor with a first housing and a first conveyor screw arranged therein, a second screw conveyor with a second housing and a second conveyor screw arranged therein, a transition housing to which the first housing and the second housing are connected forming a transition angle, and a runner disposed in the transition housing and arranged to conduct material being conveyed from the first conveyor screw to the second conveyor screw. The first conveyor screw is arranged upstream of the second conveyor screw. An additional conveyor element is disposed on a helix of the first conveyor screw, such that the helix is directly adjacent to the transition housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Eric Loutz, Kai-Martin Kunkler, Karl Schewes, Bernd Bastian, Jakob Albrecht
  • Patent number: 10271479
    Abstract: A crop cart loading system for loading a crop. The crop cart loading system generally includes a hopper having a floor and a sidewall extending from the floor to an upper edge thereof. The sidewall defines a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an interior space for accommodating a crop. A conveyor is mounted to the hopper and configured to receive a crop at one of the first and second ends, and to longitudinally translate the crop above the floor toward the other of the first and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Safe-T-Pull, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob L. Kringstad
  • Patent number: 9516811
    Abstract: A combine harvester grain bulk tank and grain unloading system includes opposed bulk tank augers and an unloading auger formed in a grain bulk tank of a combine harvester. The bulk tank augers are for receiving and conveying grain through the bulk tank to the unloading auger, and the unloading auger is for receiving grain from the bulk tank augers and conveying grain to a grain unloading spout for grain unloading. A primary drive gear is coupled to the unloading auger and to an input, a secondary drive gear is drivingly coupled to the bulk tank augers, and a clutch is coupled between the primary drive gear and the secondary drive gear, which is movable between an engaged position for transferring power from the input to the unloading auger and to the bulk tank augers, and a disengaged position for isolating the bulk tank augers from the primary drive gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Inventor: Ronald J. Kile
  • Patent number: 9468145
    Abstract: An unloading conveyor arrangement for an agricultural machine includes a conveyor having a discharge end, and a spout arrangement at the discharge end of the conveyor. The spout arrangement includes a spout which is connected to the discharge end and movable relative to the conveyor. The spout and the discharge end have an interspatial gap therebetween. The spout arrangement further includes a seal which is attached to the conveyor and/or the spout and extends across the interspatial gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Jason R. Coppinger, Brian L. Scheuring, Herbert M. Farley, Cooper W. Linde
  • Patent number: 9433145
    Abstract: A harvester for potatoes, beets or similar root crops is in the form of a self-propelled or pulled bunker harvester. It has an intermediate or transfer bunker receiving harvested root crop after a cleaning phase. From the receiving space of the bunker, the root crop can be discharged by means of a conveying device that forms at least partially in the bunker a floor conveyer, has a lateral transfer module and can be oriented substantially transversely to the travel direction of the harvester. The conveying device interacts with a wall-type movable support structure at least in the area of a longitudinal side of the receiving space that is facing away from the lateral transfer module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Grimme Landmaschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Klemens Kalverkamp
  • Patent number: 9215843
    Abstract: A conversion kit for automating a foldable and unfoldable grain tank extension for an agricultural combine is provided. The conversion kit includes a first bracket assembly for attaching to a first grain tank extension, a second bracket assembly for attaching to a second grain tank extension and a control actuator. The control actuator extends between and is operatively connected to the first and second bracket assemblies for moving the first and second brackets between a folded position and an unfolded position. A torque rod assembly extends between and is operatively connected to third and fourth grain tank extensions. The torque rod assembly is rotatable to pivotally move the third and fourth grain tank extensions between a folded position and an unfolded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: William Lee Cooksey, Orlin Wayne Johnson, Tulugu Venugopala Rao
  • Patent number: 9156624
    Abstract: An agricultural device for controlled unloading of grain including an unloader conveyor including an enclosed housing having an inlet end including an opening for receiving grain, and an opposite outlet end including a discharge opening through which the grain can be discharged. An unloader conveyor element extends through the housing between the ends and operable for conveying the grain through the housing from the inlet end and discharging the grain through the discharge opening. The unloader conveyor element includes a substantially vertical unloader conveyor segment connected to a substantially horizontal unloader conveyor segment. An unloader drive selectably operates a portion of the conveyor element associated with the substantially vertical unloader conveyor segment in a disengaged mode in response to a sensed cumulative loading condition of the substantially vertical unloader conveyor segment and the substantially horizontal unloader conveyor segment exceeding a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Herbert M. Farley, Kevin W. Ward
  • Patent number: 9089090
    Abstract: A combine harvester includes a grain tank with an upper opening and a foldable attachment disposed on the upper opening. The attachment has two opposing, one-piece, flat attachment parts and two opposing, multiple-component, flat attachment parts. The attachment parts are swivellably disposed on the upper edge of the upper opening of the grain tank, are swivellably connected to one another and, in lying-flat, closed positions, form a cover. The cover at least partially closes the opening. In erected filling positions, the attachment parts increase the volume of the grain tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemashinen GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Claes, Thomas Roewekamp, Egbert Scholz, Georg Paulessen
  • Patent number: 9090198
    Abstract: A hopper trailer for hauling bulk material. The trailer has a hopper, a gate mounted to the hopper, and a discharge system mounted to the gate. The gate has a frame with first and second discharge outlets. The first discharge outlet is positioned to discharge material by gravity beneath the gate. The discharge system receives material passing through the second discharge outlet, moves the material to an elevation that is above the gate, and discharges the material from that elevation. Preferably, the gate frame has first and second side walls within which the first and second discharge outlets are formed, respectively. Preferably, the gate has first and second doors each of which being moveable between a closed position that blocks one of the discharge outlets and an open position in which material can pass through one of the discharge outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Owen Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryce Engle, Larry Minter, Jon Simonsen
  • Patent number: 8696296
    Abstract: Seed tender apparatus for holding one or more seed containers and including an inclined conveyor apparatus pivotable between a stowed configuration and a discharged configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Willmar Fabrication, LLC
    Inventors: Steven W. Claussen, Jereme J. Ascheman
  • Patent number: 8696292
    Abstract: An unloading auger elbow for use on an agricultural harvester, comprising an unloading auger elbow assembly with a unitary cast body on which a pivot joint is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Renee A. Dulong
  • Patent number: 8662972
    Abstract: A method for unloading crop stored in a grain tank of a self-propelled combine harvester into a drivable collecting container equipped with a drive unit includes positioning the collecting container relative to the combine harvester and moving the collecting container parallel thereto while the crop is fed to the collecting container directly or indirectly by way of a grain tank discharge pipe equipped with an outlet chute, simultaneously with the harvesting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Willi Behnke, Norbert Diekhans, Jochen Huster, Thilo Krause, Bastian Kriebel, Frank Claussen, Markus Brune
  • Patent number: 8506232
    Abstract: One example of the invention is a vehicle including a chassis, engine and wheels, and further comprising a rotating main turret; an outflow conveyor mounted on the main turret and configured to be rotated relative to the vehicle through rotation of the main turret; a feed turret assembly configured for vertical movement between a lowered storage position and a raised operational position, the feed turret assembly configured for rotation independent of and relative to the main turret; a feed conveyor configured to be rotated relative to the vehicle through rotation of the feed turret assembly, a discharge end of the feed conveyor connected to the feed turret assembly and positioned above the outflow conveyor when the feed turret assembly is in a raised operational position; and wherein when the feed turret assembly is in a raised operational position material being carried along the feed conveyor is deposited from the discharge end of the feed conveyor downward onto the outflow conveyor and transferred along t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Loop Belt Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Gallione, Peter R. Oury, Kevin L. Blake
  • Patent number: 8359695
    Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to a mechanical sweeper. The mechanical sweeper comprises a pickup broom for lifting debris toward a first belt conveyor. The sweeper further comprises a second deployable conveyor assembly mounted on a turntable and adapted for conveying the debris from the first conveyor to an auxiliary vehicle such as a dump truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: 9089-1557 Quebec Inc. (Entretien de Stationnement M.A.)
    Inventors: Michel Arsenault, Stéphane Arsenault
  • Patent number: 8132282
    Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to a self-propelled mechanical sweeper. The mechanical sweeper comprises a pickup broom for lifting debris toward a first belt conveyor. The sweeper further comprises a second deployable conveyor assembly mounted on a turntable and adapted for conveying the debris from the first conveyor to an auxiliary vehicle such as a dump truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: 9089-1557 Quebec Inc. (Entretien de Stationnement M.A.)
    Inventors: Michel Arsenault, Stéphane Arsenault
  • Patent number: 7988403
    Abstract: The bulk materials cart has a dual unload system including at least two inclined belt conveyors bounding an enclosed cavity. A first belt conveyor is operable for conveying bulk materials from the cavity to an unloading conveyor extendable from that side of the cart. A second belt conveyor is operable for conveying bulk materials upwardly and over another side of the cart. The dual unload system is automatically operable in a first mode operating the first belt conveyor and the unloading conveyor for conveying the bulk materials away from the cart, and in a second mode operating the second belt conveyor for conveying the bulk materials over the side of the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan E. Ricketts
  • Patent number: 7849641
    Abstract: A telescopic undercarriage for raising and lowering a frame. The undercarriage includes a base section having a pair of parallel base legs extending from a first end to a second end of the base section, the base section including a first plurality of braces extending between respective upper surfaces of the base legs and a second plurality of braces extending between respective lower surfaces of the base legs, the base legs, first plurality of braces and second plurality of braces collectively providing an elongate central base section passage. The undercarriage also includes an extendable section slidably disposed within the base section passage and having opposed legs, a drive system for extending and retracting the extendable section relative to the base section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Thor Global Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventor: Thorkil J. Johannsen
  • Publication number: 20100290879
    Abstract: The unloader system has a conveyor and a raise system having an elongate support element including a flexible first end portion and an opposite second end, the first end portion being connected to a support structure at a location higher than a first end of the conveyor, and the second end being connected to the conveyor at a location therealong adjacent to a free end thereof. A cam element is disposed on the support structure in a path of movement of the flexible first end portion of the support element such that as the conveyor is pivoted from the stored position toward the operating position the flexible first end portion will conformingly engage or bend about the cam element to raise the free end of the conveyor. The conveyor can include an elbow which is straightened by this action for raising the free end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Ricketts, Joshua D. Werning
  • Publication number: 20100290878
    Abstract: The bulk materials cart has a dual unload system including at least two inclined belt conveyors bounding an enclosed cavity. A first belt conveyor is operable for conveying bulk materials from the cavity to an unloading conveyor extendable from that side of the cart. A second belt conveyor is operable for conveying bulk materials upwardly and over another side of the cart. The dual unload system is automatically operable in a first mode operating the first belt conveyor and the unloading conveyor for conveying the bulk materials away from the cart, and in a second mode operating the second belt conveyor for conveying the bulk materials over the side of the cart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Jonathan E. Ricketts
  • Publication number: 20100135758
    Abstract: One example of the invention is a vehicle including a chassis, engine and wheels, and further comprising a rotating main turret; an outflow conveyor mounted on the main turret and configured to be rotated relative to the vehicle through rotation of the main turret; a feed turret assembly configured for vertical movement between a lowered storage position and a raised operational position, the feed turret assembly configured for rotation independent of and relative to the main turret; a feed conveyor configured to be rotated relative to the vehicle through rotation of the feed turret assembly, a discharge end of the feed conveyor connected to the feed turret assembly and positioned above the outflow conveyor when the feed turret assembly is in a raised operational position; and wherein when the feed turret assembly is in a raised operational position material being carried along the feed conveyor is deposited from the discharge end of the feed conveyor downward onto the outflow conveyor and transferred along t
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Joseph Gallione, Peter R. Oury, Kevin L. Blake
  • Publication number: 20100071333
    Abstract: A clean grain conveyor system for a harvesting machine having grain gathering, cleaning and temporary storage capabilities includes a clean grain elevator mechanism, a grain storage tank and a loading auger conveyor for moving grain from the elevator mechanism to a discharge end at the storage tank. The conveyor includes a hollow generally cylindrical tube extending obliquely upwardly from the elevator to the grain storage tank and a coaxially disposed auger journalled for rotation within the hollow tube. A grain flow deflector is fixed to the tube discharge end for minimizing grain scattering outside the tank and for selectively directing the flow of grain from the tube discharge end to compensate for different crops and crop conditions, and to generally center the pile of accumulated grain within the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Douglas G. Temple, Brian J. Tank
  • Patent number: 7658271
    Abstract: In a movable conveyor belt storage installation including a belt storage means (4), conveyor belt support structures (29) following the belt storage means (4), and a movable takeover car (7) including a deflection means (43) for the conveyor belt and a takeup chute (8) for taking over excavated material, the belt storage means (4) is comprised of at least two segments (13, 20, 22, 26) which are connected with one another so as to be pivotable about an axis extending transversely to the belt running direction and passing through the plane of the floor (31), wherein at least a portion of the support structures (29) are capable of being carried along in or on the takeover car (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction G.m.b.H.
    Inventors: Manfred Fuchs, Simon Curry
  • Publication number: 20100021277
    Abstract: A supplier for dispensing dry mix construction materials, with a size and features for convenient and efficient use at a construction site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Fritz, Brian Carney
  • Patent number: 7645109
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle such as a combine is provided with a collapsible agricultural material storage bin. The bin may be collapsed to allow for decreased overall vertical height during transport to avoid contact with obstacles, such as overhead power lines and street lights. In the field, the agricultural material storage container may be expanded to increase the agricultural material holding capacity of the vehicle. The bin may be provided with an internal extension mechanism to increase the lifting power of the container to allow for the placement of a second container or other material thereabove. Alternatively, the container may be provided with an external lifting means to allow for unobstructed evacuation of the interior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Cobco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Ty E. Stukenholtz, Jay E. Stukenholtz
  • Patent number: 7540700
    Abstract: A grain cart or similar device for receiving and moving granular agricultural product from a harvester includes bulk filling structure for directly loading an elongated intermodal container. The cart has a frame supported on wheel structure at generally a constant height relative to the surface of the ground, and a grain tank is fixed to the frame. A lift assembly connected to the cart frame adjacent the tank supports a vertically adjustable high speed filling conveyor above the cart hitch. The filling conveyor is operable at a speed sufficient to throw the material along an arcuate path through a side opening in the intermodal container towards the opposite end of the container. The intermodal container can be filled directly from the grain cart with the end of the filling conveyor located outside of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Richard Wayne Hook
  • Patent number: 7488149
    Abstract: A container for example for a seeder includes a filling conveyor mounted on one with a bottom hopper and an upper filling spout with the conveyor being movable in a direction inwardly and outwardly relative to the side of the container to different positions relative to the container for cooperation with a supply. This is achieved by mounting the conveyor on a swivel coupling at the outer end of an arm which can be raised and lowered by pivotal movement about an inner end at the container. The hopper is supported on two pairs of ground wheels, each pair being arranged on a respective side of the hopper for supporting the respective side and each pair comprising a respective one of a pair of castor wheels mounted at respective ends of a pivotal beam extending along the respective side of the hopper and pivotal about an axis transverse to the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Decker Colony Farms Ltd.
    Inventor: Samuel Waldner
  • Patent number: 7472481
    Abstract: A cotton picker basket is disclosed that includes a first basket portion and a second basket portion, the first basket portion configured to move relative to the second basket portion to adjust a volume contained therein and an compactor disposed at least in part within one of the first basket portion and the second basket portion. The cotton picker basket also includes an actuator configured to adjust a position of the compactor within one of the first basket portion and the second basket portion and to move the first basket portion relative to the second basket portion to adjust the volume contained therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: John Bradley Lukac, Gary A. Zinser, Jr., Jesse H. Orsborn
  • Patent number: 7374389
    Abstract: A device for unloading a live floor bulk material hauling vehicle which includes a feeder that collects bulk material being dumped from the vehicle by action of the live floor and moves the material onto a conveyor. The conveyor accepts the material from the feeder and conveys it outwardly from the vehicle to a desired location. The conveyor is pivotably attached to the vehicle and can be pivoted to a first position whereby the vehicle can be unloaded by operation of the live floor and the conveyor, and a second position whereby the conveyor is displaced sufficiently from the vehicle that the vehicle can be unloaded by operation of the live floor without operation of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Upstate Mulch Products and Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jim Wilson
  • Patent number: 7322460
    Abstract: A pivoting unloading door for ramp assembly and common conveyor drive for door or ramp segments thereof. The door or ramp segments are pivotable about a pivotal axis between a folded or closed position in generally overlaying relation one to the other, and an unfolded or open unloading position in parallel, end-to-end relation, the door segments including conveyors thereon for conveying objects or matter thereover when in the unloading position. The door assembly includes a common drive for the conveyors which is disposed beneath the conveyors in the unloading position in coaxial relation with the pivotal axis, and which is operable for simultaneously moving the conveyors. The output of the drive can extend through a pivot joint connecting the door segments, and can connect the elements of the pivot joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Covington, Timothy A. Meeks, Gary R. Gallens
  • Patent number: 7281975
    Abstract: A cotton picker basket is disclosed that includes a first basket portion and a second basket portion, the first basket portion configured to move relative to the second basket portion to adjust a volume contained therein and an compactor disposed at least in part within one of the first basket portion and the second basket portion. The cotton picker basket also includes an actuator configured to adjust a position of the compactor within one of the first basket portion and the second basket portion and to move the first basket portion relative to the second basket portion to adjust the volume contained therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: John Bradley Lukac, Gary A. Zinser, Jr., Jesse H. Orsborn
  • Patent number: 7223059
    Abstract: A vehicle for conveying material is disclosed. The vehicle includes: an elongate vehicle frame; a hopper with a feed end and a discharge end, wherein the feed end is configured to receive the material; and an elongate material conveyor supported via the vehicle frame with a feed end downstream from the discharge end of the hopper and extending from its feed end to a discharge end. A substantial portion of the elongate material conveyor is configured to pivot about at least three axes, and the elongate material conveyor is adjustable among an inoperative position and plural extended positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Construction Equipment Company
    Inventors: Roger G. Smith, Jason D. Gerard
  • Patent number: 7198450
    Abstract: An agricultural combine including an unloading system wherein an unloading conduit assembly is, in an operational set-up, rotatable or swivelable through an arc of 360° to permit grain unloading into a grain truck located at any point around the combine, whether the combine is stationary or moving. For road travel or storage the unloading conduit assembly, or some portion of it, is pivoted into a set-up wherein the longitudinal conduit is retracted into nesting relationship against the side of the combine and below the top of the grain tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Matousek, Jonathon E. Ricketts, Joshua J. Wolters, Dennis P. Silver
  • Patent number: 7104478
    Abstract: A material spreading device for spreading material over a targeted area includes a receiving portion for receiving a plurality of bags of material, a hopper assembly and a material moving device. The material spreading device is configured for use on a vehicle. The hopper assembly has a bag holding portion and a material dispensing bin. The bag holding portion receives at least some of the bags and retains the bags at or near the material dispensing bin. The hopper assembly includes at least one opening device for opening the bags such that material within the opened bags is deposited into the material dispensing bin. The material dispensing bin is operable to dispense or broadcast the material over the targeted area. The material moving device is operable to move the bags of material along the receiving portion and toward the hopper assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Rockit Corporation
    Inventors: Cal G Niemela, Philip J Quenzi
  • Patent number: 6964551
    Abstract: An improved trailer for transporting bulk seed boxes is provided. The trailer includes a bed, a hopper extending below the bed for receiving seed from the bulk seed box, and an auger for unloading seed from the hopper. The bed includes upwardly and outwardly extending guide plates to provide self-centering of the seed box when the box is loaded onto the bed with a forklift truck. The bed includes lock bars moveable between locked and unlocked positions to secure the seed box to the bed. The hopper includes a slide gate with a control arm connected to the gate and extending to the auger side of the trailer for moving the slide gate between open and closed position. The auger includes a foldable upper section which is pivotal between a folded transport position and an extended raised operative position. The folding of the upper auger section is facilitated by a gas cylinder and a lever arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Friesen USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Garry D. Friesen
  • Patent number: 6910845
    Abstract: An improved combination of a powered combine carrying a combine grain bin for housing harvested grain and a towed grain cart carrying a grain cart bin for housing harvested grain includes improved harvested grain transfer between the combine grain bin and the grain cart bin and improved off-loading of harvested grain from the combination. A generally horizontally disposed first grain movement assembly is pivotally connected within the combine grain bin and pivotally connected within the grain cart bin and disposed for reciprocally transporting grain between the combine grain bin and the grain cart bin. A generally vertically disposed second grain movement assembly is cooperatively operable with the first grain movement assembly for transferring grain from the grain cart bin to the first grain movement assembly and thence to the combine grain bin. An off-loading grain movement assembly is disposed for off-loading grain only from the combine grain bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventor: Ben N. Dillon
  • Patent number: 6908380
    Abstract: A hinged unloading auger for an agricultural combine that reduces the portion of the unloading auger that extends beyond the rear end of the combine when the unloading auger is in its storage position. The horizontal section of the unloading auger includes a hinged joint that connects a first segment and a second segment. In the storage position, the joint is separated to provide a compact storage package. In the unloading position, the second segment is rotated around the hinge so that the axes of the first and second segments are coaxial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Dennis P. Silver
  • Patent number: 6817820
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a bed assembly for flat bed trucks has a square bale retriever at the rear of the flat bed that includes a pair of lift arms adapted to grasp a bale by its opposite ends and lift it up off the ground and onto a transverse feeder located at the front of the bed. Once deposited on the feeder, a pusher engages one end of the bale and pushes the bale along the feeder to progressively advance successive flakes of the bale into a discharging position off the remote end of the feeder. The bale can thus be progressively distributed one flake at a time, the frequency of flake discharge being controlled by the operator in the cab of the truck. Alternative embodiments for pushers for engaging and advancing the bale toward the discharge point are disclosed. The feeder may be utilized separate from the bed assembly and includes a ramp that causes the bale to move up an incline during feeding operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Triple C Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Galen R. Ackerman, Randy L. Broxterman, Cedric C. Heiniger, K. Russell Harrell, Kerry S. Broxterman
  • Patent number: 6776569
    Abstract: A self-unloading grain cart having a horizontal auger and a vertical auger for unloading grain from the cart. The cart having a plurality of gates for accessing a portion of the auger at one time so as not to overload the auger. The cart also having a clutch for engaging or disengaging the horizontal auger so that the vertical auger can be turned independently from the horizontal auger. The starting and stopping of the movement of grain when unloading the cart is thereby enhanced to prevent spillage and for quicker restarts with lower power requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Balzer, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy McMahon, Frank Bazzoli, Donald Marcy, Trent J. Hoek
  • Patent number: 6497546
    Abstract: A grain wagon includes a wheel supported frame on which is mounted a hopper or container for receiving grain, and the wagon is pulled by a tow vehicle or tractor. An inclined discharge auger conveyor has an outer section which folds between a stored position and an operating position projecting upwardly and forwardly and laterally outwardly from the container. The outer auger section has a pivotal discharge spout with a pivotal internal baffle, and the spout is actuated by a double acting hydraulic cylinder controllable through hydraulic lines from the cab of the tractor so that the tractor operator may fully load and “top off” the grain within an adjacent semi-trailer as the tractor operator pulls the wagon along the side of the semi-trailer. In one embodiment, the outer section of the auger conveyor has an outer telescopic housing extension which carries the discharge spout and extends and retracts automatically with folding of the outer auger conveyor section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: J. & M. Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Wood, Scott M. Grieshop
  • Patent number: 6481925
    Abstract: A work machine is provided and adapted for use in paving operations. The work machine has a conveying system for moving paving material from a first end portion to a predetermined distance beyond a second end portion. A receiving portion is included on the second end portion and is adapted to receive a plurality of operational attachments. The plurality of attachments transforms the work machine into three distinct machines that perform different paving operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Pavimg Products Inc
    Inventor: Dale Olson