Rotating Reel, Horizontal Axis Patents (Class 56/220)
  • Patent number: 11678610
    Abstract: A reel for a harvesting header has a tine paddle mounted to a tine so as to engage the crop materials as the tine rakes through the crop materials. The tine paddle has a collar portion for at least partially wrapping around a tine tube to which the tine is mounted and an elongate plate member with a distal end spaced inwardly from the outer finger tip of the tine to which the at least one paddle is mounted. One side of the plate member has first and second detents arranged to partially wrap around and engage the finger to hold the tine paddle on the tine. Each detent has an inwardly extending catch that is received in a notch in a side portion of the finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Dreyer, Shane A. Bollinger, Dane Austin Mosel
  • Patent number: 11659786
    Abstract: A harvest head having a device to remove grains from plants to be harvested and a device to transfer harvested grains to a feeder and to a discharge tube. The harvest head having a support structure; a threshing comb; a first conveyor belt; a second conveyor belt, the threshing comb transfers the grains into the first and the second conveyor belts. The first and the second conveyor belts are convergent. A transverse conveyor belt is located between the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt. A reinforcement arranged on the back and the front cover and projecting out of the harvest head. The first and the second convergent conveyor belts carry the grain to the transverse conveyor belt, the transverse conveyor belt introduce the grains into a feeder that ends in a discharge tube. The convergent conveyor belts and the transverse conveyor belt are bands made of composite resins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Inventors: Hector Augusto Huergo, Ana Fernandez Moujan
  • Patent number: 11343968
    Abstract: A reel of a harvester including a cutter bar includes a plurality of reel bats which are pivotal so as to vary the angle of the fingers about the bat axis as the reel rotates and an end shield plate mounted on the reel at the end of the reel. The end plate has a peripheral edge located radially inward of an outer tip of the fingers with an apex at each of the bats and portions which are recessed from a straight line joining the apexes to allow rotation of the finger around the bat axis without contacting the peripheral edge. Each of the endmost fingers of the bats has a base which is axially inside the end plate and is bent longitudinally of the reel to define an outer tip which is axially spaced from the base to a position beyond the radial plane of the end plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: MacDon Industries LTD
    Inventor: Rheal Remillard
  • Patent number: 11178821
    Abstract: A reel for use in an agricultural header has an axis of rotation and comprises a bat and a finger. The bat is mounted to rotate around the axis of rotation to gather crop, and has a non-circular cross-sectional profile. The finger is mounted to the bat to rotate with the bat around the axis of rotation to gather crop. The finger comprises a tine and a clamshell mount to which the tine is coupled and that surrounds the bat to mount the finger to the bat against rotation about the bat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Michael W. Mossman
  • Patent number: 11058054
    Abstract: A paddle tine for use over a pickup tine previously fixed with a harvester reel tube of a harvesting header comprises an elongated body having a central cavity therethrough and is adapted to slide over the pickup tine of the harvester reel tube. An attachment mechanism, such as one or more resilient clips with a fastening clip, is fixed with the proximal end of the elongated body to secure the paddle tine to the harvester reel tube over the pickup tine. Two opposing paddle webs project laterally away from the elongated body proximate the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Duck Foot Parts Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Ray Kastning, Chrisa Dawn McDougall-Kastning
  • Patent number: 11044847
    Abstract: A cutter head for a harvester, with a cutterbar for cutting crop from a field, a reel with reel fingers which is disposed above the cutterbar, and a cross conveyor for transporting the cut crop to a rear discharge opening. The reel includes reel arms that can be driven about a rotating axis, reel finger carriers supported on the reel arms so they can rotate about the lengthwise axes of the arms, with reel fingers mounted thereon, and an externally powered actuator connected to an electronic control unit for adjusting the rotary angle of the reel finger carrier relative to the reel arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Christina Fries, Friedrich Lauer, Eric Loutz, Lutz Bischoff, Oliver Klein, Dirk Weichholdt
  • Patent number: 10932450
    Abstract: A livestock management system is disclosed. The system includes a gantry assembly and a controller. The gantry assembly includes a support assembly including one or more work tool rails and one or more support structures. The gantry assembly further includes one or more propulsion units disposed on one or more support rails within a livestock facility and configured to provide movement of the support assembly along the one or more support rails. The gantry assembly further includes one or more work tool assemblies actuatable along the one or more work tool rails so to provide one or more work tool attachments selective access within the livestock facility. The controller may be configured to actuate the support assembly to along the one or more support rails and further configured to actuate the one or more work tool assemblies to along the one or more work tool rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: REALMFIVE, INC.
    Inventors: Steve R. Tippery, Brant Burkey, Kyle Gerber
  • Patent number: 10779471
    Abstract: A telescopic reel for an agricultural machine includes at least one side module being telescopic relative to a central module for causing the reel to switch from a retracted position to an extended position. A second crosspiece of the side module is adapted to enter into a cavity of a first crosspiece of the central module when the reel is in the retracted position, and is adapted to be extended when the reel is in the extended position. The first crosspiece and the second crosspiece are provided with a crop lifting system. The lifting system includes a connection for connecting lifts to at least one intersection element of the reel so that the lifts can slide along the second crosspiece of the side module. The lifts are brought close to each other when the reel is in the retracted position and the lifts are positioned relative to each other and to the at least one intersection element, at a distance substantially matching that of connection, when the reel is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: STW S.R.L.
    Inventors: Livio Bongiovanni, Lodovico Armando
  • Patent number: 10238033
    Abstract: A split reel assembly for a header of a combine harvester is provided. The split reel has two reel assemblies driven by a central support assembly. A pivotable reel finger assembly is incorporated into a medial end of each reel assembly to deflect crop material away from the central support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Schwinn
  • Patent number: 9872435
    Abstract: A tine for use with a harvester. The tine is preferably an injection molded polymer pickup reel tine, which uses a front-to-rear mold parting line direction. The tine preferably has a snap ring or strap portion which is configured to engage a bat tube, as well as a finger portion which is configured to engage the crop during harvesting. Preferably, the front-to-rear parting line is along both portions. The front-to-rear parting line allows for the ability to provide a deep front-to-rear cross section for rigidity at the high stress area of the tine. Two front-to-rear material saving features can be utilized to minimize material usage and allow for relative consistent wall thickness, which results in a rigid cross section that maintains deflection stability in the normal direction of deflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: HCC, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Patrick Jasper
  • Patent number: 9750189
    Abstract: A harvesting header includes.at least one draper belt system including a conveying surface operable to carry cut crop material in a conveying direction generally transverse to a direction of travel of the harvesting header in operation to a header discharge. The header includes a crop reel rotatable about a crop reel axis, said axis generally parallel with the conveying direction, said crop reel operable to, when rotated in operation, draw crop material onto the conveying surface and at least one crop flow assistance device having a crop flow assistance surface that extends into a volume above the conveying surface, said volume defined by the conveying surface and projected perpendicular to said conveying surface, said crop flow assistance surface operable to roll crop material onto the conveying surface while the crop material is carried to the header discharge in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: HONEY BEE MANUFACTURING LTD.
    Inventors: Gregory Honey, Glenn Honey
  • Patent number: 9338943
    Abstract: A finger (118) for mounting on a of an agricultural harvesting head has a front flange (212), a rear flange (214), a web (216) connecting the front flange (212) to the rear flange (214), and struts (218) that are formed integral with the web (216) and with the rear flange (214) and that extend in a transverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian Herringshaw, Joshua Pierson, Jesse R Neely
  • Publication number: 20150096279
    Abstract: A finger (100) for a bat (116) of a reel of an agricultural harvesting head, wherein the finger (100) includes an alignment pin (122) that is configured to be received in a mating aperture (124) of the bat (116), the finger comprising an upper clamp portion (104) with an alignment pin (122), and wherein the alignment pin (122) comprises a material having greater wear resistance or greater tensile strength than the upper clamp portion (104).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: BRIAN HERRINGSHAW, JESSE R. NEELY, TERRY L. DEMAY, JOSHUA PIERSON
  • Publication number: 20150089916
    Abstract: A harvesting reel of an agricultural harvester having a plurality of support members mounted to a frame and a plurality of tines press-fitted onto the support member is disclosed. The plurality of tines includes a cam for securely attaching the tine to the support member via a press-fit application to forego the need for any additional separate fasteners and tools necessary for production of the harvesting reel and maintenance upkeep of the plurality of tines on the harvesting reel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Luke Andrew Schroeder, Gary Lyman Bich
  • Publication number: 20150000241
    Abstract: A harvesting header bat having a channel for removably receiving alternating quick-release fingers and spacers is provided. The spacers are capable of production in different lengths to support different applications of the harvesting header. The quick-release finger is provided with projections configured for mating with flanges at the channel opening, enabling the finger to be inserted into the channel in a first orientation and then rotated into a second orientation to engage the flanges and releasably lock the finger in place. The spacers are also configured to engage the flanges of the channel and may be provided in different lengths where a particular harvesting header application requires a certain distance between fingers on the bat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Gregory Honey, Nelson Cherry
  • Publication number: 20140318097
    Abstract: A finger (118) for mounting on a of an agricultural harvesting head has a front flange (212), a rear flange (214), a web (216) connecting the front flange (212) to the rear flange (214), and struts (218) that are formed integral with the web (216) and with the rear flange (214) and that extend in a transverse direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: BRIAN HERRINGSHAW, JOSHUA PIERSON, JESSE R. NEELY
  • Patent number: 8833048
    Abstract: A harvesting header bat having a channel for removably receiving alternating quick-release fingers and spacers is provided. The spacers are capable of production in different lengths to support different applications of the harvesting header. The quick-release finger is provided with projections configured for mating with flanges at the channel opening, enabling the finger to be inserted into the channel in a first orientation and then rotated into a second orientation to engage the flanges and releasably lock the finger in place. The spacers are also configured to engage the flanges of the channel and may be provided in different lengths where a particular harvesting header application requires a certain distance between fingers on the bat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Honey Bee Manufacturing, Ltd.
    Inventors: Glenn Honey, Nelson Cherry
  • Publication number: 20140223876
    Abstract: A harvesting header bat having a channel for removably receiving alternating quick-release fingers and spacers is provided. The spacers are capable of production in different lengths to support different applications of the harvesting header. The quick-release finger is provided with projections configured for mating with flanges at the channel opening, enabling the finger to be inserted into the channel in a first orientation and then rotated into a second orientation to engage the flanges and releasably lock the finger in place. The spacers are also configured to engage the flanges of the channel and may be provided in different lengths where a particular harvesting header application requires a certain distance between fingers on the bat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: HONEY BEE MANUFACTURING LTD.
    Inventors: Glenn Honey, Nelson Cherry
  • Publication number: 20130160418
    Abstract: A reel may be disclosed. The reel may comprise a bearing mount, a bearing, and a reel tube. The bearing mount may be connected to the bearing. The reel tube may comprise a midpoint. The reel tube may also be a continuous piece and may be supported proximate the midpoint by the bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher T. Sauerwein, Randy Lohrentz, Gagan Sethi
  • Publication number: 20120047867
    Abstract: A flexible reel (100) for an agricultural harvesting head (115) includes a plurality of reel sections (102, 104, 106) coupled together with flexible joints (210), wherein bats (206, 218) mounted on one reel section (102, 104, 106) overlap and interleave with the bats (206, 218) of an adjacent reel section (102, 104, 106).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Bruce Alan Coers, James K. Adamson, Mark L. Pearson, Janet R. Willett
  • Patent number: 8104255
    Abstract: A lawn mower includes a housing having a cutting chamber defined by a top wall and a circumferential sidewall. A side discharge opening is provided on the sidewall. A side discharge chute selectively opens and closes the discharge opening. The discharge chute has a side door pivoted to the sidewall about a vertical pivot axis and a top deflector pivoted to the side door about a substantially horizontal pivot axis. When the discharge chute is in an open position to open the discharge opening to the flow of grass clippings, the top deflector pivots downwardly on the side door into an inclined position to intercept the grass clippings and direct them downwardly towards the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: John O. Hurst, Chris A. Wadzinski
  • Publication number: 20110185695
    Abstract: A harvesting machine having a ground contacting propulsion system, a chassis connected to the ground propulsion system, and a header. The header has a bat reel assembly rotatingly attached to the header. The bat reel assembly includes at least one reel structural assembly, a plurality of bat rods, a tensioned member, and at least one moveable pivotal member. The at least one reel structural assembly is configured to rotate about an axis. The plurality of bat rods are pivotally connected to the at least one reel structural assembly. The plurality of bat rods include a first bat rod and a second bat rod. The tensioned member is drivingly coupled to the first bat rod and the second bat rod. The at least one pivotal member is in contact with the tensioned member. The at least one moveable pivotal member is located between the first bat rod and the second bat rod along a path of the tensioned member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Wayne A. Guyer
  • Patent number: 7856801
    Abstract: A removable bat attachment to be applied when required over the tine tubes and fingers of reel of a harvesting machine is formed by an elongate flexible plastic extruded member having a first wall lying against the leading face of the plurality of fingers, a second wall at the inner edge of the first wall wrapping around the tine tube to define a generally cylindrical channel shaped receptacle to receive the tine tube therein and a third wall at the outer edge. In one arrangement the outer edge wraps around an outer end of the fingers and is snap fit onto the outer ends of the fingers and on to the tine tube so as to be held in place thereon by the snap fit. In another arrangement the outer edge has an end wall with a series of holes one for each finger so that the fingers project outwardly from the outer edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Rheal G. Remillard
  • Publication number: 20100281840
    Abstract: A removable bat attachment to be applied when required over the tine tubes and fingers of reel of a harvesting machine is formed by an elongate flexible plastic extruded member having a first wall lying against the leading face of the plurality of fingers, a second wall at the inner edge of the first wall wrapping around the tine tube to define a generally cylindrical channel shaped receptacle to receive the tine tube therein and a third wall at the outer edge. In one arrangement the outer edge wraps around an outer end of the fingers and is snap fit onto the outer ends of the fingers and on to the tine tube so as to be held in place thereon by the snap fit. In another arrangement the outer edge has an end wall with a series of holes one for each finger so that the fingers project outwardly from the outer edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Rheal G. Remillard
  • Patent number: 7757470
    Abstract: A tine carrier arrangement for a reel of a harvester for cereals has a tine carrier (1) rotatably attached on the reel around a rotational axis D. An adjustment element (3) is connectable to an adjustment arrangement of the reel for rotating the tine carrier (1) around the rotational axis D. The connection mechanism detachably connects the tine carrier (1) and the adjustment element (3) to each other to enable different rotational positions of the tine carrier relative to the rotational axis D.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Erfindergemeinschaft, Gustav und Fred Schumacher GbR
    Inventors: Gustav Schumacher, Friedrich-Wilhelm Schumacher
  • Patent number: 7650737
    Abstract: A reel finger for use on a harvesting header for an agricultural machine includes an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end. The elongate member has a retaining member located at the proximal end. A plate member is connected to the elongate member with the distal end of the elongate member extending beyond the plate member. The plate member has a continuous smooth front surface for engaging a crop in a direction of crop engagement that covers a portion of the elongate member not extending beyond the plate member. The plate member has a back surface opposite to the front surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Lovett, Todd N. Signer, Bruce A. Coers, Gregory S. Mccunn, Amy C. Berg
  • Publication number: 20090056295
    Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a harvester reel with a plurality of pickup tines spaced along a length thereof, and at least one in situ conversion tine. Each conversion tine includes an elongate hollow body having a cavity with an open proximal end. The hollow body is positioned over the pickup tine such that the pickup tine extends through the proximal end and is received within the cavity. At least one fastener adjacent the proximal end fastens the hollow body over the pickup tine. At least one lateral extension extends from the hollow body in a lateral direction along the length of the harvester reel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: David R. Lolley
  • Patent number: 7370463
    Abstract: A reel for a cutting system for harvesting machines has a central carrier body (1) defining a longitudinal axis (2). The reel central carrier body has an outer face (7) between a first axial end A and a second axial end B. Several support elements (20) are arranged along the longitudinal axis (2) on the carrier body (1) distanced from each other and supporting tine carriers (21) arranged on a circle around the longitudinal axis (2). Clamping sleeves (3) have inner faces (6) adapted to the outer face (7) of the carrier body (1). The clamping sleeves enclose the outer face (7) in a circumferential direction and leave an axially extending slot (8) between a first circumferential end (9) and a second circumferential end (10), which ends delimit the slot (8). The support elements (20) are mounted on the clamping sleeves. A clamping mechanism (18) is arranged on each of the clamping sleeves (3) close to the first circumferential end (9) and the second circumferential end (10) of the clamping sleeve (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventors: Gustav Schumacher, Friedrich-Wilhelm Schumacher
  • Publication number: 20080022647
    Abstract: A pickup reel for a harvester which includes stops for preventing over-rotation of bat tubes. The pickup reel includes a main shaft and a plurality of reel arms which extend from the main shaft. A bat tube is engaged with an end of each of the reel arms. More specifically, the pickup reel includes a plurality of bat tubes, all of which are parallel to each other and parallel to the main shaft of the pickup reel. Each bat tube carries a plurality of tines and is supported by a plurality of reel arms which extend from the main shaft. Associated with each bat tube are a plurality of stops for defining the range of allowable rotation of the respective bat tube. By restricting the amount the bat tubes can rotate, crop does not tend to get wrapped around the bat tubes during operation of the harvester.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: HCC, INC.
    Inventor: Dennis J. Jones
  • Patent number: 7222479
    Abstract: A crop harvesting mechanism having a reel assembly with a reel that is rotatably supported at each end by a respective reel support. A reel carrier arm is provided for each of the reel supports and the supports are movable along the reel carrier arm. A horizontal adjustment actuator moves the reel support along the reel carrier arms over an adjustment range. The reel carrier arms are constructed with an upward or downward oriented curve, inside of the adjustment range over which the reel holding devices can be shifted by the actuator. The reel operates below a cutting bar in its forward position and in a position moved further back that is above and behind the cutting bar so that collisions are avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Martin Stahl, Günter Kempf
  • Patent number: 7165385
    Abstract: This invention refers to a real for a crop harvesting device. The reel has tine carriers extending over the width of the reel carrying tines for feeding crop, and links for supporting the tine carriers. The links are mounted to the tine carriers by link holders. The link holders each include two support halves which are movably with respect to each other. The support halves enclose a tine carrier and each have a link holding part. The link holding parts of both support halves are commonly surrounded by the link such that the support halves are fixed to each other by the link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Bernhard Lanzinger, Dirk Weichholdt, Martin Büermann, Arjan Berendsen
  • Patent number: 7146790
    Abstract: An anti-wrapping device is described for preventing crop from being wrapped about the central shaft of a reel rotatably supported on side arms of a header of a combine. The device comprises an annular cover plate for securing to the axial end of the reel to prevent the crop from becoming entangled with projections from the reel and a tubular shroud for mounting on the header support arm to surround the central shaft of the reel, the axial end of the shroud being positioned when in use in close proximity to the annular cover plate of the reel to avoid any crop being caught therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Frank R. G. Duquesne, Thierry E. G. Devriese, Marc R. M. Jonckheere
  • Patent number: 7124564
    Abstract: Repair of a broken finger of a harvester reel pickup tine is accomplished by positioning a repair finger having a cavity over the broken finger stub so that the broken finger stub of the harvester reel pickup tine is received in the cavity of the repair finger, and the repair finger is then fastened adjacent one end to the pickup tine when the broken finger stub is in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Plastic Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven G. Glazik, Gary B. Glazik
  • Patent number: 7124565
    Abstract: A reel for a crop harvesting device includes tine carriers extending across the width of the reel carrying tines for conveying crop, and links for supporting the tine carriers. The links are mounted by link carriers to the tine carriers. The tine carriers are composed of short tube elements, each extending between the links and connected to each other by mounting elements. The mounting elements make up cylindrical support surfaces for the link carrier and secure the link carrier against axial movement along the tine carrier. The links are the only connection between adjacent tine carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Bernhard Lanzinger
  • Patent number: 6978589
    Abstract: A harvesting assembly includes a platform reel. The reel includes bat tubes extending longitudinally across the length of the reel. The bat tubes are mounted at their outer ends to opposed spider support elements each having a center rotatable hub. The bat tubes carry tines for feeding harvested crop to the harvesting platform. The interior of the reel is free of supporting elements such as a center tube extending across the length of the reel. Perimeter struts connect adjacent bat tubes and provide a supporting framework together with the bat tubes for the reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Bernhard Lanzinger
  • Patent number: 6910323
    Abstract: A combination for a harvester pickup reel, a harvester tine, and a method of assembling a pickup reel. In some aspects, the combination for a harvester pickup reel comprises a shaft, a tine supportable on the shaft for rotation with the shaft, and a fastener assembly integrally formed on one of the shaft and the tine. In other aspects, the combination for a harvester pickup reel comprises a shaft, a tine supportable on the shaft for rotation with the shaft and a fastener assembly. In such aspects, the fastener assembly comprises a first fastener member including a projection and a second fastener member defining a recess, the projection being insertable into the recess. In some aspects, the harvester tine comprises a support portion connectable with the second shaft to support the tine for rotation with the second shaft, the support portion being connectable to the second shaft without separate fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: HCC, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald W. Bickel
  • Publication number: 20040182062
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tine for fixing to a cylindrical carrier bar of a reel, in addition to a tine assembly comprising a carrier bar and a tine. The tine (8) comprises the following: a coil spring section (10) with at least one convolution wound about a coil spring axis (11) as far as a screw line; an engagement section (14), which is immediately adjacent to and leads continuously from the first end (12) of the convolution of the coil spring section (10), terminating in a free end (15); a fixing section (16), which is immediately adjacent to the second end (13) of the convolution and whose free end is bent to form an eyelet (17) with a through opening (18) that projects towards the first end (12) of the convolution; and a bearing section (19) located upstream of the eyelet (17). The coil spring axis (11) and the bending axis (2) are offset in the same direction in relation to the engagement section (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Gustav Schumacher, Friedrich-Wilhelm Schumacher
  • Patent number: 6775966
    Abstract: An integrated combine reel drive system for an agricultural vehicle such as a combine harvester, the drive system having the features of a single integrated hydraulic circuit for activating multiple hydraulic devices carried by the agricultural vehicle. The integrated circuit includes a header circuit, wherein the header circuit includes a steering circuit, an implement circuit, and a reel circuit. The header circuit includes two valve stacks for operating multiple hydraulic devices which enables the integrated circuit to drive the multiple hydraulic devices using manageable hydraulic pressures. Specifically, the integrated hydraulic circuit activates a hydraulic power steering mechanism, a hydraulic header adjusting apparatus and other hydraulic devices associated with the header, a hydraulic drive for the reel, and a hydraulic positioning mechanism for the reel of an agricultural vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Frego
  • Patent number: 6772578
    Abstract: A harvester, especially a combine-harvester, is proposed, comprising a pickup reel (2) held rotatably between supporting arms (1) and with a drive (3) for the pickup reel (2). In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions, the drive (3) is arranged within the pickup reel (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Franz Schrattenecker
  • Publication number: 20040139715
    Abstract: A pickup reel for a harvesting machine comprising a reel support and a first shaft rotatably supported by the reel support and extending along an axis transverse to the frame. A cam is supported by the reel support and defines a generally endless cam path extending about the first shaft. An arm extends radially from the first shaft and is rotatable with the first shaft. A second shaft is connected to the arm and supports a first tine and a second tine located on opposite axial sides of the cam. A cam follower is engageable with the cam and movable along the cam path. A crank arm assembly is connected between the cam follower and the second shaft. The rotation of the first shaft and movement of the cam follower along the cam path cooperate to cause the tips to move along the tip path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicant: HCC, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Wayne Bickel
  • Patent number: 6708475
    Abstract: A kit for modifying the bat drive assembly of a combine having a header ahead of a crop feed auger, the header having a cutter bar at its leading edge, and a bat reel assembly comprising a reel and a plurality of bats that rotate above and in front of the header and cutter bar to move crop into the cutter bar and cut crop into the auger. The existing bat drive assembly is removed and replaced with a bat drive assembly which rotates each of the bats from the essentially vertical at rest position up to 360 degrees in a clockwise rotation and up to 360 degrees in a counterclockwise rotation at any position of the bat reel to control each individual bat to clean the bats of cut crop and to give each bat clean crop entry and clean crop exit as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Wayne A. Guyer
  • Patent number: 6698175
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustment arrangement for a reel tine carrier (5) supporting reaping tines (8) for a cereal cutting device. The reaping tines (8) are mounted on rotational tine carriers (5). The adjustment is carried out around an adjustment axis (9). The reel rotates around an axis of rotation (2). To adjust the reaping tines (8), a first control curve (19) is kept stationary relative to the reel (1). Each tine carrier (5) is provided with a control lever (16). The control lever is pivotably supported on the reel (1). One end of the control lever is supported on the first control curve (19). A pulling mechanism (11) is provided for each control lever (16). The pulling mechanism (11) is attached to one end on the control lever (16) and is guided around a control disc (10) mounted on the tine carrier (5). The other end of the pulling mechanism is fixed to a spring element (14). The spring element is fixed on the holding star 4 of the reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Gebr. Schumacher Geratebaugesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Gustav Schumacher, Fredrich-Wilhelm Schumacher, Klaus-Dieter Schumacher
  • Patent number: 6688092
    Abstract: A baler is equipped with a pick-up for elevating a crop windrow from the ground and delivering it to a rotary conveyor which delivers the crop through an inlet to the baling chamber. Suspended for operation in conjunction with the pick-up so as to aid in achieving continuous, even delivery of crop to the baling chamber is a crop control arrangement including a baffle located in front of the path swept by the pick-up teeth and a plurality of hold down rods which are mounted to the baffle and extend to the rear to the rotary conveyor. The suspension of the baffle allows it to engage the top of a windrow and to flex vertically in a quick, responsive manner both to changes in thickness along the length of and crosswise to the width of the windrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Henry Dennis Anstey, Daniel Eric Derscheid, Darwin Daniel Fish
  • Publication number: 20030126848
    Abstract: A combination for a harvester pickup reel, a harvester tine, a harvester pickup reel, and a method of assembling a pickup reel. In some aspects, the combination for a harvester pickup reel comprises a shaft, a tine supportable on the shaft for rotation with the shaft, and a fastener assembly integrally formed on one of the shaft and the tine. In other aspects, the combination for a harvester pickup reel comprises a shaft, a tine supportable on the shaft for rotation with the shaft and a fastener assembly. In such aspects, the fastener assembly comprises a first fastener member including a projection and a second fastener member defining a recess, the projection being insertable into the recess. In some aspects, the harvester tine comprises a support portion connectable with the second shaft to support the tine for rotation with the second shaft, the support portion being connectable to the second shaft without separate fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: HCC, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald W. Bickel
  • Publication number: 20030089096
    Abstract: A harvester, especially a combine-harvester, is proposed, comprising a pickup reel (2) held rotatably between supporting arms (1) and with a drive (3) for the pickup reel (2). In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions, the drive (3) is arranged within the pickup reel (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Franz Schrattenecker
  • Patent number: 6530202
    Abstract: A drive system for the bat assembly of a combine by which the reel fingers of the bat are rotated from their generally vertical position into a collapsed position and then back into their generally vertical position as the bat fingers traverse from just prior to the header to just prior to the feed auger whereby the reel fingers of the bat can be adjusted to be spaced from the header in all of its positions to accomplish continuous and even feed of cut crop into the auger and yet avoid breakage of reel fingers by the floating header impinging upon the reel fingers during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Wayne A. Guyer
  • Patent number: 6453655
    Abstract: A reel for harvesters of the type including a leading platform with crop cutters and cut-plant collectors and conveyors, the reel comprising a plurality of parallel cross bars rotating around a driving shaft, the bars being driven by end transmission bands at respective ends of the reel, the bands running over wheels arranged in a desired manner to define a desired close path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Omar Ruben Ferraris
  • Patent number: 6442918
    Abstract: A crop harvesting header includes a reel mounted on a pair of forwardly and downwardly extending arms carried on a header frame above a table and cutting knife. The reel is rotatable about a longitudinal axis and includes angularly bats. The arms can be raised and lowered by hydraulic cylinders to raise and lower the reel. A linkage including a cable and bell crank is provided which is responsive to the forward and downward sliding movement of the main elongate beam along the support arms for simultaneously and automatically causing a raising movement of the reel support arms. The cable is slack over a rearward part of the movement so that no lifting occurs. The linkage is arranged relative to a forward and downward slope of the arms such that, over the forward part of the movement, the beam moves substantially horizontally to cause the reel to move forwardly of the knife without moving downwardly into engagement with the ground, for operating with the knife at ground level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas Russell Fox
  • Patent number: 6397573
    Abstract: A reel bat assembly has a plurality of reel bat tubes formed into sections so that the assembly of reel bat tubes can be disassembled for shipping and can be reassembled to provide for a long reel bat needed for modern harvesters. The reel bat assembly includes molded tines that have saddle-like hubs which attach to the reel bat tubes using a single screw that extends through the reel bat tubes and threads into a receptacle formed in a post of those tines. The post protrudes into the interior of the reel bat tube and expands as the screw is tightened to provide a secure, stable tine that is held securely with two parts, the tine and the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Crary Company
    Inventor: David S. Majkrzak
  • Patent number: 6324823
    Abstract: A crop harvesting header includes a reel mounted on a pair of forwardly extending arms carried on a header frame above a table and cutting knife. The reel is rotatable about a longitudinal axis and includes bats with fingers which pivot each about a respective bat axis so the angle of the fingers varies as the reel rotates. The bat includes a longitudinal tube which supports the fingers at spaced positions along its length. At each finger location the tube is punched to define two diametrically opposed indentations each forming a hole through the tube wall. Each finger has a finger portion of I shape in cross-section and a mounting collar. The collar only partly surrounds the tube so as to have a portion which can flex open to allow the collar to be wrapped around the tube. Two projections are provided on the inside surface of the collar to project into a respective one of the indentations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Rheal G. Remillard