Rotary Cutting Reel Patents (Class 56/156)
  • Patent number: 8806844
    Abstract: A flail rotor head attachment for use with any type harvesting machine having crop residue processing elements and including an input opening for receiving crop residue. The attachment includes a frame structure for operatively coupling the attachment to the harvesting machine, a flail rotor and an auger each mounted on the frame structure and a drive mechanism for rotating the flail rotor and the auger in the same direction. The flail rotor includes a plurality of cutting elements for picking up and chopping crop residue from a field, each of the cutting elements being attached to a separate bracket member for allowing free movement of each relative to each other. The auger includes at least two flightings positioned in opposite directions for funneling crop residue towards the opening of the harvesting machine. A shield member is positioned under the auger and adjacent to the flail rotor to facilitate the funneling of the crop residue from the flail rotor to the auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: DOM, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Benton Lloyd Miller, Michael Paul Sides
  • Patent number: 8752359
    Abstract: A crop harvesting header with a cutter bar and a draper assembly has a draper driven by a drive roller at one end and an idler roller at the other end. The draper is carried on a plurality of support rollers parallel to the first and second rollers for supporting the upper run of the draper at spaced positions therealong. The draper includes a front edge of the upper run of the draper arranged at a position adjacent to but spaced from the cutter bar and there is provided an integral extruded sealing member extending along the cutter bar defining a first stiffer portion attached to the cutter bar and a second flexible blade portion which extends rearwardly from the first portion at the cutter bar to lie over and in contact with a bead along a front edge portion of the draper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel Cormier, Francois R. Talbot
  • Publication number: 20130219847
    Abstract: A flail rotor head attachment for use with any type harvesting machine having crop residue processing elements and including an input opening for receiving crop residue. The attachment includes a frame structure for operatively coupling the attachment to the harvesting machine, a flail rotor and an auger each mounted on the frame structure and a drive mechanism for rotating the flail rotor and the auger. The flail rotor includes a plurality of cutting elements for picking up and chopping crop residue from a field. The auger includes at least two flightings positioned in opposite directions for funneling crop residue towards the opening of the harvesting machine. Another embodiment includes a rake positioned between the flail rotor and the auger, the rake and the flail rotor rotating in the same direction and the auger rotating in an opposite direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: DOM, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Benton Lloyd Miller, Michael Paul Sides
  • Patent number: 7213390
    Abstract: A cylinder unit for a cylinder lawn mower has a cylinder rotatable about a longitudinal axis and provided with at least one knife, and an insertion device for engaging and inserting grass into a fixed abutment. Each knife by rotation of the cylinder is movable to a cutting position, in which the knife cooperates with the abutment to allow grass cutting. The insertion device has a plurality of pins with a radially outer end. Each pin is movably arranged between a first position wherein the pin extends beyond the periphery of the cylinder so that the outer end of the pin is located radially outwardly of each knife and a second position wherein the pin is located inwardly of the periphery of the cylinder so that the outer end of the pin is located radially inwardly of or radially on a level with each knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Mats Fischier I BĂ„stad AB
    Inventors: Mats Fischier, Sture Larsson
  • Patent number: 6523336
    Abstract: An apparatus for mowing and rolling grass comprising a lower mowing-rolling unit, a handle coupled to the mowing rolling unit and securable in two or more positions, a first of the two or more positions for performing grass mowing operations, a second of the two or more positions for performing grass rolling operations, the lower unit comprising a rear driving assembly, a front roller assembly, a grass-cutting assembly interposed between the front roller assembly and the rear driving assembly, and a drive-train gear assembly coupling the rear driving assembly to the grass-cutting assembly for rotatingly driving the grass-cutting assembly during forward movement of the apparatus, the drive-train gear assembly comprising a first drive gear, a second transducer gear, a drive shaft and a third gear secured to said first drive shaft, whereupon forward movement of the apparatus drives the first drive gear which in turn drives the second gear, the second gear in turn driving the third gear and the first drive shaft,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Sherri L. Starr
  • Publication number: 20020095923
    Abstract: The invention relates to a harvesting machine 1, to especially a self-propelled pick-up chopper for picking up and chopping corn, wilted grass, green feed and similar harvested produce, with an ejection elbow 6, which is disposed downstream from pulling in and chopping devices for transferring harvested produce to the loading space of an accompanying vehicle. In particular, in order to free to the operator of the harvesting machine from the burden of the cumbersome positioning work after each change in the direction of travel, provisions are made that the ejection elbow 6 can be swiveled by means of a motor, controlled by a control device, from a first operating position into a second operating position, which corresponds to the first operating position of the ejection elbow, mirrored in the vertical median plane (FIG. 3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Bernard Krone, Josef Horstmann, Bernhard Schniederbruns
  • Patent number: 6038841
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided for leveling the blade housing of a mower. The housing is suspended from the underside of a vehicle frame by a pair of suspension arms pivotally connected to the housing and the frame. A pair of brackets are joined to opposite sides of the housing, and a third bracket is joined to an end of the housing. An operator-controlled lift handle is connected to a rod pivotally connected to the frame. Three lift arms are joined to the rod so as to be displaced when the lift handle is actuated. First and second cables extend between respective ones of the pair of brackets, and a third cable extends between the third lift arm and the third bracket. The cables are selectively locked to their respective brackets. When the lift handle is activated to lower the housing to its maximum extent, unlocking of the cable permits the entire housing to settle on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Murray, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray G. Bates, Jr., Robert M. Deweese, Jr., John A. Burns
  • Patent number: 6000203
    Abstract: A blueberry harvester comprising a platform mountable behind an agricultural tractor. The platform has a post near the harvesting side thereof with a jib-boom crane mounted on that post. There is also provided a blueberry picking head having riggings connected to the jib-boom crane and a pair of conveyors connected to the picking head for conveying the blueberries withdrawn from blueberry plants, from the picking head to a region over the platform. A hinged frame is pivotally mounted on the post, and connected to the conveyors for supporting the conveyors. The hinged frame with the conveyors supported thereon are movable from a harvesting position alongside the harvesting side of the tractor to a stowed position over the platform near the harvesting side. The jib-boom crane is movable with the picking head suspended thereto from a position along the harvesting side of the tractor, to a space over the platform between the stowed position of the conveyors and the harvested side of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventors: Lloyd H. Weatherbee, Brian Weatherbee
  • Patent number: 5964080
    Abstract: An ensilage harvester is equipped with a blower including a rotor equipped with paddles for conveying crop along a housing wall surrounding the rotor. The paddles include cutting edges that reach close to the wall so as to cut crop that may enter the rotor between a paddle and the wall as the paddle is approaching the wall with the result that the crop captured between the wall and the cutting edges is cut thereby preventing crop from becoming jammed in the intervening gap and causing friction losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Georg Leeb
  • Patent number: 5956932
    Abstract: A riding mower is provided and includes a frame, a drive shaft, an engine for selectively rotating the drive shaft, a mower deck having first and second ends, coupling for selectively coupling the drive shaft to the mower deck, a lift cylinder for selectively lifting the mower deck, and a deck attachment mechanism for attaching the mower deck to the frame and to the lift cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventor: Michael Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5937625
    Abstract: A mechanism for suspending a mower deck from a vehicle, including a suspension member having a longitudinally extending axis and a laterally extending portion which supports the deck at a plurality of spaced locations. A structural member fixed with the vehicle includes an opening within which the suspension member is positioned. A position retainer is coupled with the suspension member and abuts the structural member for blocking the suspension member from shifting along its longitudinal axis out of the opening. Engagement of the suspension member within the opening of the structural member is the sole location at which the suspension member is connected to the vehicle. A removable blocking member is positioned adjacent the opening for generally blocking the suspension member from shifting laterally with respect to its axis and out of the opening. The opening is defined in a surface oriented generally perpendicular to the axis of the suspension member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Brian David Seegert
  • Patent number: 5916112
    Abstract: A guide link mechanism is supported from the draft tongue of a pull-type harvester and connected to the gearbox mounted on the crop harvesting header to provide rotational power thereto wherein the guide link is supported from a sliding mechanism mounted on the tongue that accommodates the changes in distance in respective points associated with the pivotal movement of the draft tongue about a different pivot center than the gearbox. The sliding mechanism includes a bracket affixed to the underside of the draft tongue and low friction inserts, such as nylon, phenolic, urethane or polyethylene inserts, carried by the bracket. The guide link is connected to a slider plate that is slidably received by the phenolic inserts to permit a sliding movement thereof relative to the draft tongue. The rearward end of the guide link is pivotally connected to the gearbox to accommodate vertical movements of the crop harvesting header relative to the draft tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Stiefvater, James T. Clevenger, Jr., Steven J. Campbell, Kenneth R. Underhill
  • Patent number: 5896732
    Abstract: A side sickle for a lawn tractor including a sickle having a first end pivotally coupled with respect to the lawn tractor. The sickle adapted to transfer between a stored orientation and a horizontal orientation wherein the sickle is extended perpendicular with respect to a side of the tractor. The sickle has a plurality of reciprocating blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Curtis R. Dean
  • Patent number: 5878558
    Abstract: Mounting structure attaching a cotton harvester to a tractor includes a pair of rear subframe support members that attach one to a side directly to the tractor and are designed for the specific tractor to which the harvester will be mounted. A second group of parts of standard design includes frame members with two rear support posts that align with the rear frame support members. A self-aligning pocket on the lower end of each of the posts and a pair of tapered bushings rigidly fixed to each post above the pocket releasibly secure the rear support posts to the rear frame support members. The rear support posts carry rear mounted harvesting units. Another group of parts provides front harvester support with a post design which is easily and quickly attachable to and removable from the tractor frame. Screw-type jack stands lift the harvester from attaching points on the tractor and allow the tractor to be driven out from under the harvester basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Robert Fox, Timothy Arthur Deutsch
  • Patent number: 5832705
    Abstract: An agricultural machine has a main machine, an additional device coupled with the main machine, a hydraulic unit performing control or working functions and including hydraulic valves and hydraulic supply and return conduits, a control current unit for controlling the hydraulic valves and provided with electrical conductors, plug means conductively connecting the hydraulic conduits and the electrical conductors in a region of a separating point between the additional device and the main machine, the plug means including a plug and a plug socket, and a two-part coupling unit formed so that in a region of separating point the plug and the plug socket, the hydraulic supply and return conduits and the electrical control conductors are installed in the coupling unit in positions corresponding to one another, the coupling unit including one coupling half associated with the main machine and another coupling half associated with the additional device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Claas KGaA
    Inventors: Gunter Eis, Ferdinand Weitenberg, Raulf Bussmann, Dominik Burmann
  • Patent number: 5799483
    Abstract: The combine harvester (10) has a bar (94) with male ends (96) and (98) attached to the elevator housing (20). The male end (96) has an arcuate surface (100) and the male end (98) has an arcuate surface (102). A left female arcuate section (158) and a right female arcuate section (160) are secured to the header frame (64). An arcuate plate (168) of the arcuate section (160) engages the arcuate surface (100) and an arcuate plate 182 of the arcuate section 160 engages the arcuate surface 102. A hook assembly (110) in the lateral center of the elevator inlet (47) and below the floor (24) of the elevator housing engages the round bar (154) and clamps the header (62) to the elevator housing (20). A hydraulic cylinder (196) is connected to the elevator housing (20) and the header (62) and pivots the header relative to the elevator housing about a generally horizontal fore and aft axis adjacent to the hook assembly (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventors: Douglas A. Voss, David G. Link
  • Patent number: 5778647
    Abstract: A disc mower conditioner utilizing a modular disc cutterbar to sever standing crop material by impact action supports the cutterbar from the header of the mower conditioner by a pair of transversely spaced support arms mounted by spherical bushings to the header to allow flexing of the support arms as induced by the cutterbar. The mounting of the spherical bushings utilize conical washers engagable with conical sockets in spacers to limit vertical movement of the spacer relative to the header when the corresponding support arm flexes. The mower conditioner header further includes an optional viney crop guide that has a curved leading edge that directs viney crop downwardly into engagement with the adjacent disc cutter. The viney crop guide is also bent inwardly to contain and control the flow of crop material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. McLean, Steven J. Campbell
  • Patent number: 5549145
    Abstract: A balancing skid for a tree harvesting machine, which balancing skid is designed to mount adjacent to the cutting assembly beneath the cutting frame of the tree harvesting machine and spaced from the existing blade skid to balance the cutting assembly horizontally and facilitate more accurate and cleaner horizontal cuts of the trees being harvested, with minimum blade warp and tooth damage. The balancing skid includes a steel skid plate characterized by a substantially horizontal plate base and a plate skid extending upwardly from one end of the base plate in angular relationship and terminating in a skid nose. The plate base and plate skid are welded to a base connector and a skid connector, respectively, and the base connector and skid connectors are, in turn, welded to the cutting frame or undercarriage of the tree harvesting machine to securely mount the skid plate on the tree harvesting machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventor: Herman G. Bearden
  • Patent number: 5535578
    Abstract: A levelling mechanism for use a in lift system of a windrowing machine of the type including a tractor unit and a swather header to permit the use of a grain header which is held suspended above the ground rather than a hay type swather header which normally engages the ground during cutting. The type of lift systems used in some known hay windrowers include a pair of lift assemblies each of which has a single action lift cylinder. The two cylinders are supplied from a common supply line, and because the moving lift components of the two assemblies are individually activated by their respective cylinders the suspended grain header does not remain levelled under certain conditions, such as if there is a build up of greater crop weight at one end relative to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Honey Bee Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventor: Gregory J. Honey
  • Patent number: 5528889
    Abstract: A coupling mechanism for connecting a working unit to a tractor body is disclosed which includes an engaging device and receiver brackets for coupling the working unit which is suspended from a lawn tractor body to links extending from the tractor body. The engaging device includes a first rod extending transversely from the links, a second cross rod spaced and parallel to the first cross rod, and a connecting device interconnecting the cross rods. Each receiver bracket includes a receiving groove for simultaneously receiving part of the first and second cross rods therein. The receiving groove includes a first groove portion having a length corresponding to a distance between the two cross rods, a second groove portion extending from the first groove portion in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto, and an opening to the exterior of the bracket. With this construction, the engaging device is not readily separable from the receiver brackets when the lawn tractor moves forward or backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Masaji Kure, Kazuo Samejima
  • Patent number: 5528886
    Abstract: A hitching arrangement for attaching a mower deck to a propelling vehicle has a lift shaft rotatably supported by the mower deck and extending transversely across the deck. At least one hitch arm is fixedly secured on one end to the lift shaft. The hitch arm has a hook located on its other end with a downwardly facing opening adopted for engagement with a generally horizontally disposed attaching member on the propelling vehicle. A cutting height adjustment mechanism is operably coupled to the lift shaft and adjusts the cutting height of the mower. The adjustment mechanism has a first position corresponding to an elevated cutting height of the mower deck and a second position corresponding to a lowered cutting height of the deck. A deck stand is provided which is releasably attached to the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Moridge Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Merlin L. Esau
  • Patent number: 5483789
    Abstract: A transversely-mounted grass cutter mower combination with a vehicle is provided which is adapted to be activated to move laterally to the right or to the left with respect to its mounting to the vehicle and/or to move vertically up or down with respect to its mounting to the vehicle. The mounting is a suspending mounting system including transversely-mounted tracks which are pivotally-secured by a parallelogram linkage to the longitudinal chassis of the vehicle. The tracks include a first powered operator for moving the transversely-mounted tracks through an infinite number of vertical locations between an upper limit and a lower limit. Rollers are provided on the suspended mounting system which are rollingly operatively associated with the transversely-mounted track which is mounted on the mower housing. A second powered operator is provided for moving the mower housing an infinite number of lateral locations between a left lateral limit and a right lateral limit, by means of appropriate linkages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: Elwyn W. Gummerson
  • Patent number: 5437145
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a self-aligning coupling structure for releasably connecting a rear end of a feeder assembly to a frame of an agricultural harvester such as a combine and the like. The self-aligning coupling structure includes a pair of releasable couplings laterally spaced from each other on opposite sides of the feeder assembly and combine frame. Each releasable coupling includes first and second apertured coupling elements. One of the apertured coupling elements is provided on and extends from the combine frame while the other apertured coupling element is provided on and extends from a housing of the feeder assembly. The coupling elements each have complementary guide surfaces provided thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Herb M. Farley, Richard A. Hardesty
  • Patent number: 5309702
    Abstract: Impact cutter teeth that cut and lift the crop to improve both cutting and transport of the crop are novel features of this invention. The novel construction of this tooth results in actions which reduce undesired recut characteristics present in impact cutters with prior art teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Lundahl Research, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Cordell Lundahl, Laurel H. Jensen
  • Patent number: 5305586
    Abstract: An auger cutter, windrower and conditioner for standing and downed crops such as hay, or forage harvester crops such as corn, sorghum and cereals including a cutter auger with cutting teeth attached to an auger flight and a conveyor auger to move the cut crop to a central area or to either side of the cutter to be discharged as a windrow or as a mass of material, or to be fed to a second crop processing device such as a forage harvester. An improved relationship of the cutting augers and the conveyor augers and height control mechanism to improve the cutting and transport of the crop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Lundahl Research, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Cordell Lundahl, Laurel H. Jensen
  • Patent number: 5272859
    Abstract: A swing-tongue harvester has a hydraulically controlled pulling tongue that can be operated from the tractor seat to change the lateral position of the machine relative to the towing tractor, notwithstanding the presence of a mechanical drive line which extends along the tongue and branches down to a gearbox carried by the header for driving the operating components of the header. Telescoping steering linkage between the swing tongue and the gearbox causes the box to swing responsively with the tongue when the tongue is swung to any of its angular positions, thus keeping the input shaft of the gearbox oriented properly toward the driveline along the tongue. The connection points for the steering linkage between the tongue and the gearbox are such that a telescoping section of the driveline bridging the tongue and the input shaft of the gearbox has equal angles maintained at its universal joints at opposite ends of the telescoping section to reduce unequal loading at those locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Hay & Forage Industries
    Inventors: Martin E. Pruitt, Cecil L. Case, H. Keith Garrison
  • Patent number: 5245817
    Abstract: An anti-wrap structure is provided for the bearing support of a blower fan blade carried at the edge of a multi-spindle mower deck. The blower fan shaft is supported at one end with the fan carried at its other end to facilitate improved material flow to and through the blower. On bearing support for the shaft is carried within the blower fan chamber to narrow its width and minimize the difficulty in cutting close to obstacles. Surrounding the bearing within the housing is the anti-wrap structure to protect the bearing against trash accumulation and blower clogs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Gary D. Hohnl
  • Patent number: 5239812
    Abstract: A front mower having a grass cutting unit connectable to a front portion and a grass catcher connectable to a rear portion thereof, comprises a main frame structure extending longitudinally of a mower body. The main frame structure includes a pair of right and left front frames and a pair of right and left rear frames. The rear frames have front ends thereof connected to rear ends of the front frames, respectively, such that the rear frames are lower in level than the front frames. A lower auxiliary frame structure is suspended from the main frame structure. Front wheels and rear wheels are supported by the main frame structure. Axles of the rear wheels are swivelable about a vertical axis in a caster-like way to steer the mower. An engine is disposed in a region of the front frames between the front wheels and rear wheels and supported by the lower auxiliary frame structure. The engine and oil pan are disposed above the lower auxiliary frame structure. A driver's seat is disposed above the front frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Samejima, Yoshihiro Kawahara, Shigeru Morita, Terutaka Takei, Yoshikazu Togoshi
  • Patent number: 5226283
    Abstract: A first lawn mowing vehicle formed of self-propelled configuration mounts a second lawn mowing vehicle utilizing a frame assembly. The frame assembly is pivotally mounted to the first lawn mowing vehicle and to the second lawn mowing vehicle, with the second lawn mowing vehicle projecting through a housing receiving opening in the frame assembly, with the frame assembly rear distal end pivotally mounted to a first vehicle frame plate fixedly mounted to the first vehicle between forward and rear wheels of the first vehicle. A throttle cable is directed from the second vehicle to the first vehicle and mounted to a pivot handle secured to a support post adjacent the first vehicle frame plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Inventor: James C. Hughes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5209049
    Abstract: A lawn mower deck assembly having a pair of similarly shaped decks. Each of the decks has rotary cutting blades for cutting grass therebeneath. Furthermore, a pivotal shaft is used to couple the decks together at their adjacent edges. The mower has wheels located adjacent to the first end of each deck and a mounting bracket located at the second end of each deck. Finally, H-links having upper and lower ends pivotally coupled to a mounting bracket and the deck allow the deck to raise and lower adjacent to the pivot axis for cutting grass on an uneven terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Inventor: Jimmy Heard
  • Patent number: 5203149
    Abstract: A slope mower which can tilt a tractor body upslope about pivot points on the front and rear axles during operations on sloping terrain. The slope mower has a novel all geared powered belly mower and also has a novel mower lifting system. The slope mower also has a novel three point hitch attached to the tractor axle which allows for attaching utility devices but does not interfere with the tilting mechanism. The slope mower also has the ability to transfer engine power to the rear of the slope mower. Upon removal of the belly mower, a power take off is extended through both the front axle pivot point and the rear axle pivot point. This allows engine power to be transferred to a rear utility device without affecting the tilting ability of the slope mower. Reinforced caster wheels are attached to the belly mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: N-R Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman R. Youngberg, Cyril A. Malinski
  • Patent number: 5193331
    Abstract: A mechanical harvester is specifically designed for mechanically picking "gourmet-type" leguminous crops with hand-picked quality. The picking tools are a plurality of elongate resilient fingers which are disposed on an endless moving belt for gently combing the crop from the plants. The harvester is adapted to be placed behind a towing vechicle such as a tractor, with the crop pick-up point in vertical alignment with the main tractor axis for assuring proper positioning of the pick-up point relative to the surface and for assuring good operator visibility. A universal crop transfer system is adapted to receive a removable collection chamber and a removable and readily replaceable harvesting implement, whereby the harvester may be quickly modified for harvesting any one of a predetermined variety of leguminous crops. The harvester implement, collection chamber and transfer conveyor mechanism are all adapted to be mounted on a standard three-point hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Twin Technology Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert J. Quandt
  • Patent number: 5154043
    Abstract: A hitch system for connecting utility attachments, such as mower decks, to lawn and garden tractors. A pair of J-shaped hooks are attached to the front axle assembly to the tractor. An elongate hitch bracket, having a handle at its forward end, it pivotally connected to the forward end of the mower deck. A hanger rod extends across the hitch bracket and engages the hooks so that the hitch bracket and mower deck ar trailed behind the front axle of the tractor. A user-releasable latch helps retain the hanger rod within the hooks and can be released while the user grasps the handle. The handle provides a convenient means for manipulating the mower deck as it is connected and disconnected from the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Inventors: Michael P. Schemelin, Gary A. Hays, Claude H. Leclair, John F. Jacque
  • Patent number: 5146736
    Abstract: The present invention regards a mechanical device which is an attachment able to support a three point hitch type rake and which is applied to the rear of a tractor. Its structure has been devised in order to allow for a greater versatility in its uses according to the working necessities of the rake. In fact, with a simple action on the pivot (15) and on the side regulating assembly, it is possible to orientate the same on the right-hand side and on the left-hand side, effecting a 180 degree rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Tonutti S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carletto Tonutti
  • Patent number: 5118123
    Abstract: A trailer is provided for hitching to a self-propelled lawn mower. A pair of wheels are rotatably supported at the outer sides of the trailer. An elongate central ridge member supports a pair of foot plates, one on each side of the ridge. A side member extends upward from the lateral edge of each foot plate to securely position the feet of a standing operator. The top surface of the central ridge member supports a pair of veritcal studs that can removably hold in place a seat on a seat standard. A pair of threaded knobs fit into the studs to cover the studs when the seat is not used and to fasten the seat in place when converting from a standing trailer to a sitting trailer. A tubular element within the central ridge member receives an elongate towbar. The towbar is readily adjusted and locked within the tubular element to adjust the spacing between mower handles and seated or standing operator as required. Different towbars are provided for connection to different mowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventor: Irving Betrock
  • Patent number: 5050372
    Abstract: This invention is a mowing machine which is to be hitched to the back of an agricultural tractor. The primary purpose of the invention is to cut and clean vegetation and debris from along agricultural fence rows. The cutting assembly of the mowing machine includes flails which are rapidly rotated and are made from fabric reinforced rubber. The flails are flexible and are about two feet long, about three-fourths of an inch thick, about three inches wide, and weigh about five pounds. The invention may be used to cut and remove vegetation and debris from under fence rows since the flails are flexible and easily mow around fence posts without damaging either the posts or the flails. The cutting assembly can be positioned so that a plane in which the cutting flails rotate is either inclined or declined to match the inclined slopes of embankments and declined slopes of drainage ditches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Inventor: Merle L. Heiskell
  • Patent number: 5029436
    Abstract: An agricultural carrier vehicle comprises a vehicle, an agricultural aggregate connectable with the vehicle, a saddle unit arranged on the vehicle, a driver's cabin, at least two clamping devices arranged for bracing the driver's cabin in two different positions, an upwardly guiding transporting device arranged so that the agricultural aggregate and the saddle unit are connectable with the transporting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Claas Ohg
    Inventors: Nils Fredriksen, Heinrich Kleinemenke, Franz Heidjann
  • Patent number: 5025617
    Abstract: A mechanism for suspending an implement from a vehicle, such as a lawn and garden tractor. The mechanism includes front and rear supports between the vehicle and implement, the supports being adapted for quick and easy connection. The rear supports include spring-loaded J-pins connectable with the tractor lift linkage. The front support includes a U-shaped member, the base of which is receivable in upwardly opening jaws carried on the implement. The sides of the U-shaped member serve as draft links and are adjustably coupled with a cross member that is receivable in similar jaws carried by the tractor. A latch handle is connected to a bell crank which is provided on the cross member for tensioning the draft links and securing them in their tensioned configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: John B. Kuhn, Kenneth E. Hunt, Christopher S. Thorman
  • Patent number: 5005342
    Abstract: An auger cutter, windrower and conditioner for standing crops such as hay, a cutter and a feed mechanism for feeding forage harvesters crops such as corn and sorghum, including a cutter auger with cutting teeth attached to the auger flight and a conveyor auger to move the cut crop to a central area to be discharged as a window or as a mass of material to be fed to a second crop processing device such as a forage harvester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Ezra C. Lundahl, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Cordell Lundahl, Laurel H. Jensen
  • Patent number: 4987730
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for picking pulse crops, said device being provided with a frame, with a picking drum having teeth, which is supported by the frame and which is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation, and with a guide plate extending around the drum and co-operating therewith, as well as with transport and cleaning means for the picked pulse crop. Furthermore the frame is provided with coupling means for coupling the frame to the three-point hitch of a tractor or the like. The construction is such that during operation the drum will be located beside the tractor, seen in the intended direction of movement, while the transport and cleaning means will be located at least largely behind the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Mali-Ploeger B.V.
    Inventor: Anton M. van de Brand
  • Patent number: 4962637
    Abstract: A wholestalk sugar cane loader apparatus for picking up and accumulating windrowed cane wholestalks from a cane field ground surface having heap rows and furrows includes a wheeled movable carriage adapted to travel along a path defined by the carriage longitudinal center axis, generally parallel to the longitudinally extending elongated heap rows. The carriage has wheels tracking in parallel furrows and an elevated platform surface positioned adjacent the carriage for movement therewith during gathering of windrowed wholestalk cane, for accumulating wholestalk cut cane from a resting position on the cane field ground surface into a heap. An elongated boom pivotally mounted at a rotary connection to the carriage extends away from the rotary connection along a radial line defining a boom longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: Cameco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob Giardina, Kenneth Rodrigue
  • Patent number: 4948162
    Abstract: A mechanism for connecting a trailing wheel to an implement, incorporates a spring arm which will absorb shock. The tension on the spring is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: M & W Gear Company
    Inventor: James E. McCanse
  • Patent number: 4926623
    Abstract: A mowing apparatus for mowing stalk-like crops independently of rows and conveying the mowed crop to a draw-in-box of a chopper, including two rotating mowing rollers with rigid entrainment fingers, the mowing rollers being arranged laterally in front of the draw-in-box of the chopper, and two rotating wipe-off-rollers provided with wipe-off-fingers and cooperating with the mowing rollers by overlapping of the tip paths of the entrainment fingers and of the wipe-off-fingers, wherein the entrainment fingers are hook-shaped and inclined forward with respect to the radial direction and the wipe-off-fingers having a greater circumference velocity than the entrainment fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Karl Mengele & Sohne Maschinenfabrik und Eisengiesserei GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Josef Fiener
  • Patent number: 4916889
    Abstract: A towed mower having a rectangular frame and a pair of diagonally related blade spindles is described. The mower of the present invention includes both a wide side and a narrow side and an associated shroud assembly. A pair of blade spindles each carry a rotary mower blade covered by the shroud assembly. The mower may be used in either a wide mode or a narrow mode and the preferred embodiment provides an arrangement of parts for easy retorientation between the wide and narrow modes. Separate outlet doors are provided for both the wide side and the narrow side on the shroud assembly and hitch-engaging posts are disposed at each corner of the mower frame to engage a pair of wheel suspension arms and a pair of hitch-engaging brackets. The hitch-engaging brackets and the wheel suspension arms are secured to the posts in a manner which allows ready removal and/or pivoting of the suspension arm or the hitch-engaging bracket so that the mower may be re-oriented from the wide mode to the narrow mode and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: K-W Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Roger D. Molstad
  • Patent number: 4817728
    Abstract: Implements designed for attachment to a lawn and garden tractor include elongate attaching frames having the implement tool connected to first ends of the frames and transport wheels located so that the weight of the implement is distributed approximately half on opposite sides of the wheel axes so that the implement may be easily pushed about on the wheels during mounting and dismounting the implement to and from the tractor frame. Attachment brackets and lift links of the implements are engageable with attachment pins and lift crank arms of the tractor without necessitating any lifting of the implement. Also with driven implements, the drive belts are arranged on or stored with the implements so that the tractor drive may be easily and correctly connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Steven L. Schmid, Larry D. Hining, Frank K. O'Toole
  • Patent number: 4768334
    Abstract: A swather including at least a front swather head and one side swather head having mountings for mounting the front head on a tractor for support by the front of the tractor and for mounting the side head in a manner to permit the rear of the tractor to support at least the inner end of the side swather head. The mountings are such that they permit the heads to be adjusted to a number of different travel modes. In one mode of travel, the side head can be moved to a position trailing the tractor and the front head is carried in a raised position at the front of the tractor. The movement of the side head can be accomplished from within a cab of the tractor. Another mode of transport is possible by providing a mechanism for demounting and carrying the front head. For this mode the side head is moved to the trailing position as just described, and the front head is pulled lengthwise behind the side head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Honey Bee Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Honey, Glenn R. Honey
  • Patent number: 4742671
    Abstract: A crop harvesting machine has a crop gathering attachment lift mechanism which includes a pair of lift assemblies and a pair of actuators. Each lift assembly includes a lift arm and a boost arm. The lift arm is pivotally mounted to the base unit and pivotally connectable to the attachment. Pivoting of the lift arm causes raising of the attachment from its lowered position to a partially raised position being located at a height between its fully raised position and its lowered position. The boost arm is pivotally connected to the lift arm and has a roller rotatably mounted thereon for making rolling contact engagement with an arcuate cam structure on the attachment. The boost arm also is pivotally connected to the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: New Holland Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Bich
  • Patent number: 4722173
    Abstract: The present invention is for a mounting system for supporting harvesting units from the frame of a cotton harvester. The present invention allows greater access to the rear of the harvesting unit while also allowing independent mounting of each harvesting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Covington, Jesse H. Orsborn, Robert M. Fachini
  • Patent number: 4677814
    Abstract: Quick attachment of crop handling headers to harvesters employs one or more wedge locks, utilizing the mechanical forces thereof to, in turn, tightly and firmly wedge an elongated tongue portion of the header into mating relationship with a header-supporting channel member on the harvester. For fast and easy attachment and release, reciprocable wedge-like latches are jammed into corresponding keepers with progressively increased tightness through use of reciprocable latch shifters readily accessible to the operator at ground level exteriorly of the ends of the header support. An exceptionally strong joint is effected as the latches and their keepers jam the tongue into the channel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: Hesston Corporation
    Inventors: J. Dale Anderson, Kenneth R. McMillen, Arnold E. Goertz
  • Patent number: 4663922
    Abstract: Quick attachment of crop handling headers to harvesters employs one or more wedge locks, utilizing the mechanical forces thereof to, in turn, tightly and firmly wedge an elongated tongue portion of the header into mating relationship with a header-supporting channel member on the harvester. For fast and easy attachment and release, reciprocable wedge-like latches are jammed into corresponding keepers with progressively increased tightness through use of reciprocable latch shifters readily accessible to the operator at ground level exteriorly of the ends of the header support. An exceptionally strong joint is effected as the latches and their keepers jam the tongue into the channel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Hesston Corporation
    Inventors: J. Dale Anderson, Kenneth R. McMillen, Arnold E. Goertz