Rake Teeth And Fastenings Patents (Class 56/400)
  • Patent number: 11172616
    Abstract: A swath lifter includes a rotor over which the crop is carried for aeration with the rotor driven in a direction so that an underside of the rotor adjacent the ground is driven opposite to the direction of movement. The rotor carries rows of tines at angularly spaced positions around the rotor each associated with a flexible strip of a resilient material located in front of the tines and covering an inner part of the tines with the outer part exposed so that, as the rotor rotates forwardly relative to the ground, the strip is presented to the swath on the ground in advance of the tines to avoid contact of the inner portion of the tines with the crop material at the top of the swath while the exposed outer ends of the tines operate on the wetter part of the swath at the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Inventor: Ryan Ray Sommerfeld
  • Patent number: 10624268
    Abstract: A mounting clip includes an elongated channel having a first end, a central portion, and an elongated second section. Along the elongated section are at least two laterally widened sections that provide greater surface area for receiving an elastomeric block of a tooth. At least one of the ends of the channel extend beyond one of the laterally widened sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: ROWSE HYDRAULIC RAKES CO., INC.
    Inventors: Dannie Dean Rowse, Rodney Dean Rowse
  • Patent number: 10470372
    Abstract: A suspension mechanism for a rotary rake implement incorporates elastomeric shock absorbing members in the corners of a tubular member situated in between the corners of a square rod formed as part of the wheel assembly and received within the tubular member such that the corners of the square rod assert a pre-load spring force on the tubular member when the implement is in an extended operating configuration. The movement of the implement into a folded transport configuration with the weight of the implement supported on the transport wheel assemblies causes a deflection of the square rod that compresses the elastomeric shock absorbing members within the corners of the tubular member to provide maximum suspension for the implement when in transport, while providing minimum suspension when the implement is in operation. An end cap on the square rod engages a stop formed on the tubular member to control rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Pequea Machine, Inc.
    Inventors: James Westlake, Isaac Glick, Bryan Miller
  • Patent number: 10440890
    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 a pair of resilient clips, is fixed with the proximal end of the elongated body to secure the paddle tine to the harvester reel tube over the pickup tine. Attachment straps may also be included to further secure the paddle tine to the harvester reel tube. Two opposing paddle webs project laterally away from the elongated body proximate the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Inventors: Steven Ray Kastning, Chrisa Dawn Mc-Dougall-Kastning
  • Patent number: 10412892
    Abstract: A hay rake tooth assembly having a base plate. One or more tines that extend through and are captured by one or more holes in the base plate. A molding connected to the base plate and molded about the tine extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Rowse Hydraulic Rakes Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney D. Rowse, Randy L. Worden
  • Patent number: 10194590
    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: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: HONEY BEE MANUFACTURING LTD.
    Inventors: Glenn Honey, Nelson Cherry
  • Patent number: 9288943
    Abstract: A rake wheel has a hub with tines extending outwardly from the hub. The tines extend through evenly spaced openings in a support band. At least the inner periphery of the openings through the support band are made of a material softer than the material of the tines to minimize the wear of the tines where the tines touch the inner periphery of the openings as the tines move with respect to the inner periphery of the openings during the use of the rake wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Forage Innovations B.V.
    Inventor: Rustin V. Bentzinger
  • Patent number: 9192101
    Abstract: A tine mounting bracket for connecting tines to tine bars on an agricultural pick-up reel. The tines include a coiled spring section at the base of the tine and adjacent to the tine bar connection. The improved mounting bracket includes a flange that extends in adjacent contact with a portion of the coiled spring section and inhibits lateral deflection of the tine spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: John R. McClure, Singh Chandrashekhar
  • Patent number: 9089093
    Abstract: A spring tine for use on the pickup assemblies of crop baling machines and the like comprises a single, continuous strand of resilient material formed into a base of multiple, side-by-side, helical coils and an elongated leg projecting outwardly from the base. The leg is formed to present a relief notch in an inner section of the leg adjacent the base for avoiding interference with a support member for the tine when the tine springs back and forth during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Shane Dalton Denson, Allen Joseph Kuhn
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8915054
    Abstract: A rotor comprising a rotary housing and at least one oscillating arm, the oscillating arm comprising at least an internal part connected to the housing and an external part carrying tools, one of the parts comprising an engaging portion able to engage partially in an engaged portion of the other part, the portions each comprising at least one hole and being able to be assembled by a connecting device comprising at least one threaded element with a shoulder, the threaded element passing through each hole of the portions. The connecting device comprises an insert with at least one tapping able to be inserted inside the engaging portion, the threaded element is screwed in the tapping and the shoulder rests on the engaged portion to tighten the engaged portion against the engaging portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Kuhn S.A.
    Inventor: Cedric Speich
  • Publication number: 20140311117
    Abstract: A mounting clip includes an elongated channel having a first end, a central portion, and an elongated second section. Along the elongated section are at least two laterally widened sections that provide greater surface area for receiving an elastomeric block of a tooth. At least one of the ends of the channel extend beyond one of the laterally widened sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: ROWSE HYDRAULIC RAKES CO., INC.
    Inventors: Dannie Dean Rowse, Rodney Dean Rowse
  • Publication number: 20140260171
    Abstract: A plastic tine for mounting on a support tube of a harvester reel has a generally C-shaped mounting base that snaps onto the backside of the tube and an elongated finger that projects outwardly and normally downwardly from the mounting base. A generally C-shaped clip, oriented reversely to the mounting base, partially surrounds the front side of the support tube and is connected to one leg of the mounting base in such a manner that a free end of the clip can be swung toward and away from a corresponding opposite leg of the mounting base. Interlocking structure on the free end of the clip and corresponding distal end of the mounting base retains the clip in place against the front side of the support tube when the clip is fully installed. A special guard protectively overlies the free end of the mounting clip when it is locked to the mounting base so as to prevent accidental dislodgment by crop materials and residue during field operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Greg S. McGehee, Dustin Jost, Shane Bollinger
  • Publication number: 20140260170
    Abstract: A spring tine for use on the pickup assemblies of crop baling machines and the like comprises a single, continuous strand of resilient material formed into a base of multiple, side-by-side, helical coils and an elongated leg projecting outwardly from the base. The leg is formed to present a relief notch in an inner section of the leg adjacent the base for avoiding interference with a support member for the tine when the tine springs back and forth during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: AGCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shane Dalton Denson, Allen Joseph Kuhn
  • Publication number: 20130219848
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotor comprising a rotary housing and at least one oscillating arm, said oscillating arm comprising at least an internal part connected to the housing and an external part carrying tools, one of the parts comprising an engaging portion able to engage partially in an engaged portion of the other part, the said portions each comprising at least one hole and being able to be assembled by means of a connecting device comprising at least one threaded element with a shoulder, said threaded element passing through each hole of the said portions. According to the invention, the connecting device comprises an insert with at least one tapping able to be inserted inside the engaging portion, the threaded element is screwed in the tapping and the shoulder rests on the engaged portion to tighten the engaged portion against the engaging portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: KUHN S.A.
    Inventor: KUHN S.A.
  • Publication number: 20130104514
    Abstract: A rake wheel has a hub with tines extending outwardly from the hub. The tines extend through evenly spaced openings in a support band. At least the inner periphery of the openings through the support band are made of a material softer than the material of the tines to minimize the wear of the tines where the tines touch the inner periphery of the openings as the tines move with respect to the inner periphery of the openings during the use of the rake wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: FORAGE INNOVATIONS B.V.
    Inventor: FORAGE INNOVATIONS B.V.
  • Patent number: 8291562
    Abstract: A tool for replacing rake tines, having inner and outer ends, of a rake wheel which includes a central disc-shaped support plate means and a peripheral rim spaced outwardly of the support plate means with the peripheral rim having a plurality of spaced-apart openings formed therein which receive the rake tines extending therethrough so that the outer ends of the rake tines are positioned outwardly of the peripheral rim, and means removably securing the inner ends of the rake tines to the support plate means. The tool comprises a plurality of spaced-apart body members adapted to be secured to tines not needing replacement and to replacement tines to maintain the replacement tines to be secured to the rake wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: John Webb
  • Patent number: 8051636
    Abstract: A tine connection device for removably connecting a tine to an elongate tine bar in an agricultural harvesting machine wherein the device comprises a mounting base that is contoured to simultaneously engage the tine bar and a mounting portion of the tine and in combination with a contoured clamp fastener, restrain the mounting portion of the tine in a predetermined position relative to the tine bar. The mounting base and clamp fastener further enable a plurality of tines to be easily and uniformly connected to a tine bar while the specific contours of the mounting base and clamp fastener in adjacent contact with the tine serve to reduce stress concentrations thereby promoting extended tine service life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: John R. McClure, Lee S. Curley
  • Patent number: 7934365
    Abstract: Tines (1) attached to a supporting body (2) have a gripping element (3) and a fastening element (4). The gripping element (3) has a bar-shape design and is made from plastic. The fastening element (4), made from spring steel, has a connecting section (11) connected to the gripping device (3). Also, the fastening element (4) has a fastening section (12) that fastens to the supporting body (2). An elastically resilient spring section (13) is arranged between the fastening section (12) and connecting section (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventors: Gustav Schumacher, Friedrich-Wilhelm Schumacher
  • Publication number: 20110088365
    Abstract: An improved pickup comprising offset pickup tines for improved feeding of balers or harverters. The offset mounting of the rotor tines and auger tines of the pickup reduces and/or substantially eliminates the “dead area” between the pickup and the rotor during the handing off of crop from one feed mechanism to another feeding mechanism resulting in improved control of the crop as the crop travels through the machine. The rotor tines and the auger tines may comprise the same structure providing improved efficiencies in manufacturing, inventory and maintenance of the pickup equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLC
    Inventor: Kevin M. SMITH
  • Patent number: 7644569
    Abstract: A rake, pitchfork, or similar forked hand tool or tool head for mechanized machinery has welded tines. The tines each have a lower section located on the backbone of the tool head and a working section extending outwardly from the backbone. Each tine also has two lateral surfaces, two vertical surfaces and a transversely extending back edge surface therebetween. In one embodiment, welds extend the full length of one of the lateral surfaces, the full length of a vertical surface, the transverse length of the back edge surface and down the second vertical surface to the junction between the bottom of the vertical surface and the second lateral surface. Welds can also extend partially along the length of the second lateral surface for a distance not to exceed three quarters of its length. These tines have elongated fracture lines. The resulting tool is far less prone to breakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Peter W. Lesche
  • 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: 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: 7073317
    Abstract: A de-thatcher including a tine shield having a mounting portion with a plurality of tine mounting assemblies formed therein. Each tine mounting assembly includes a pair of separately formed tabs and an aperture. Each tab includes a projecting portion and a covering portion to define a pocket. A tine is operatively coupled to each of the tine mounting assemblies and includes a pair of arms extending from opposite sides of a backbone so that each arm engages one of the pockets and is secured therein when the covering portion of tabs is moved from a first operative position to a second operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Agri-Fab Inc.
    Inventors: John William Bright, Ronald J. Hickenbottom
  • Patent number: 6996965
    Abstract: A conditioning element for a treatment device to accelerate drying of forage. The conditioning element includes an active part to work the forage and a first connecting part to connect, in a pivoting manner about a connecting axis, the conditioning element to a support. The conditioning element additionally includes a third part arranged such that: a center of gravity of the active part and a center of gravity of the third part lie on each side of a plane passing through the connecting axis and roughly perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the conditioning element, and a center of gravity of the third part is distant from a plane passing through the connecting axis and containing the center of gravity of the active part. The conditioning element may find application particularly in the field of agricultural mowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Kuhn S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Baptiste Ligouy
  • Patent number: 6978592
    Abstract: A rake wheel includes a hub and a plurality of tines connected to the hub and extending outwardly therefrom to an annular rim concentric with the hub. Each tine is journaled through a first plurality of apertures formed in the rim and projects outwardly from the rim. A second plurality of apertures is formed in the rim, having a size and shape substantially the same as the first plurality of apertures, and will receive the tines when the first set of apertures becomes worn or otherwise ineffective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Freddie Miller
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6907720
    Abstract: A tine for fixing to a cylindrical carrier tube of a reel, in addition to a tine assembly comprising a carrier tube 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). The longitudinal axis (2) constitutes the bending axis and runs parallel to the coil spring axis (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventors: Gustav Schumacher, Friedrich-Wilhelm Schumacher
  • Patent number: 6715275
    Abstract: A twin rake tooth includes a shank and working arc within each tooth which cooperate with ordinary rake wheels having rims. The shank within each tooth may have a slight camber which serves to stiffen the tooth against normal operational forces, but which allows the tooth to flex significantly when overloaded, through a lost-motion activation that occurs in cooperation with the rake wheel rim. In addition, the tooth has a generally smooth transition from one region of the tooth to the next, with no sharp bends, thereby substantially reducing any concentration of stress within the tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Gregory C. Kuehn
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6543212
    Abstract: A rake wheel construction for an agricultural hay rake includes a central hub and a series of rake fingers that extend outwardly from the central hub. A peripheral rim is located outwardly of the central hub, and each rake finger is engaged with the rim at a location between an inner end and an outer end defined by the rake finger. An open area is located between the central hub and the peripheral rim, and a disc member is located in the open area between the central hub and the peripheral rim. A series of bracket members are secured to the disc member, and are located inwardly of the peripheral rim, and a brace member extends between the central hub and each bracket member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Tonutti S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carletto Tonutti
  • Publication number: 20020157371
    Abstract: A tine element which is installed on a rake wheel of an agricultural implement which displaces harvested products such as hay and cut grass, the tine element comprising a first and second tine with the outboard end of each tine being disposed so that it points normal to the direction of travel of the tine element around the axis of the rake wheel. Each of the tines has on its inboard end a coiled part and such coiled parts are joined by a common central part. In operation, one of the tines is disposed above the other tine with the lower tine being longer than the upper tine. The coiled parts comprise coil torsion springs and each part has different elasticity characteristics so that the resilient deflection of the lower tine is greater than the relative deflection of the upper tine and the flexibility of the each tine is optimized to obtain better adaptation to the ground and to provide a longer life span for the tine element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: MAASLAND N.V. A DUTCHLIMITED LIABILITY CO.
    Inventor: Alfonsus Jacobus Van Den Engel
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20010009093
    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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Inventor: David S. Majkrzak
  • Patent number: 6199358
    Abstract: Reel tine assemblies including molded tines that have saddle-like hubs which attach to 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: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Crary Company
    Inventor: David S. Majkrzak
  • Patent number: 6151877
    Abstract: A hub guard includes a vertical wall portion preferably semi-circular in shape covering the upper half of the interconnected hub plate and teeth mounting plate and associated bolts. In an alternative embodiment, the guard vertical wall extends down on opposite sides of the hub housing terminating in end edges spaced apart to define an access opening to the teeth mounting bolts with the width of the access opening being at least as great as the width of the hub housing to allow for mounting of the guard on the housing and removal without removal of the rake wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventors: Dan D. Rowse, Ron A. Rowse
  • Patent number: 5595053
    Abstract: A reel for a harvesting machine includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending support arms, a plurality of axially extending bat tubes rotatably supported on the outer end portions of the support arms, a plurality of axially spaced tines, preferably made from a synthetic thermoplastic or thermosetting material, mounted on each bat tube and a spring having one end connected to each bat tube and a support carried by the reel. The spring holds the bat tube in an operating position where the tines are at a predetermined angular orientation relative to the rotational axis of the reel during normal operation. If one or more tines on one bat tube engages a plug of wet hay or other obstruction, the spring permits the bat tube to rotate in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the reel to a deflected position where the tine(s) can ride over the obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: HCC Inc.
    Inventors: Edward P. Jasper, James M. Frederick, Joshua U. Echelbarger
  • Patent number: 5551221
    Abstract: A replaceable pick-up tooth assembly for a crop pick-up comprises a plurality of pick-up teeth integrally molded to and with a substantially C-shaped flexible mounting unit. The pick-up teeth have a greater height dimension in the direction of rotation of the raking pick-up, and taper in height dimension from a base end at the mounting unit and a tip opposite the base end. The thickness of the teeth in the lateral direction perpendicular to the direction of rotation is much smaller than the height dimension at the base end. This provides added strength in the direction of rotation yet permits flexibility in the lateral direction along the axis of rotation. The pick-up teeth rotate in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation and parallel to the direction of rotation, and are concave in the direction of rotation with a large radius of curvature to provide added efficiency and accuracy in pushing up crops. The C-shaped mounting unit snaps onto a mounting bar of a crop pick-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventor: Lloyd P. Sund
  • Patent number: 5546739
    Abstract: A turf care implement includes a frame mounted on a pair of opposed wheels. The frame supports a pair of lift arms which are mounted at an angle to the direction of travel of the implement. The lift arms support a plurality of rakes on mounting arms. The radial-type wheel rakes which have tines extending radially outward from a central hub. A series of cables and pulleys connects from the lift arms to a lift handle by a forward portion of the frame for raising and lowering the arms and positioning the arms at various heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: Allen J. Hettich
  • Patent number: 5488819
    Abstract: The weeder with rotary spikes in which the weeding operation is adequately and smoothly carried out in accordance with the type of weeds or the like to be weeded; power is effectively distributed without harmful effect to an engine and the like; maintenance work of the weeder is easily performed; and the overall weeding machine is simple in construction and is manufactured with low cost. The weeder with rotary spikes comprises: an operation rod; a gear case attached a tip portion of the operation rod; a rotary drum with a horizontally extending axis mounted to the tip portion of the operation rod through the gear case; and a spike mounting member with a number of spikes thereon detachably mounted to the rotary drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Kioritz Corporation
    Inventor: Fumihiko Aiyama
  • Patent number: 5271213
    Abstract: A tine for agricultural harvesters such as supported on a rotating component for conveying stalks with the tine being a one piece structure having a leg or tine portion and a supporting base or eyelet portion, the tine receives a lateral load from one side and the eyelet is slotted at the opposite side with an enlargement at the slot accommodating the passage of a bolt extending radially to attach to a support, a semi-cylindrical boss extending axially on the projection at the side of the leg and extending into a semi-circular recess and held therein by the bolt for providing support for the tine unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Kloeckner-Humboldt-Deutz AG
    Inventor: Wilhelm von Allwoerdan
  • Patent number: 5042243
    Abstract: A tine mounting tray includes a substantially planar portion from which a plurality of smaller substantially planar portions are punched out. Each of the punched out portions is spaced from the remainder of the substantially planar portion of the mounting tray to form an opening to receive a substantially V-shaped connecting portion between two tines of a tine assembly to be mounted on the mounting tray. Each of the punched out portions has a tab at one end, which is bent upwardly after the connecting portion of the tine assembly has been inserted within the opening so that the connecting portion of the tine assembly abuts the two connecting sides of the punched out portion. This bending of the tab connects the tine assembly to the mounting tray through preventing withdrawal of the tine assembly from the mounting tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Brinly-Hardy Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Charles W. Doering
  • Patent number: 4947626
    Abstract: The conditioner for agricultural harvesting machines, in particular for rotary mowers, comprises a substantially cylindrical hollow shaft, which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the machine and which - when seen in the direction of movement of the machine - is arranged behind the mowing discs, said hollow shaft having secured thereto a plurality of V-shaped pairs of fingers extending radially outwards. The surface of the hollow shaft is provided with a plurality of spaced, peripheral, outwardly projecting hollow ribs, which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow shaft and substantially throughout the whole length of said hollow shaft, whereas each V-shaped pair of fingers is fixedly connected to a supporting base, the longitudinal axis of which extends in the connection direction of the two fingers and the underside of which has a shape adapted to the hollow rib and to the surface of the hollow shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Greenland GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Martin Maier
  • Patent number: 4901511
    Abstract: The distinguishing feature of the invention resides in the fact that each tine of the rake bar is configured in the cross-section as an isosceles triangle with a working edge defined by a vertex of an angle between the lateral sides in the direction of rotation of the reel, and in the zone of the vertex, the working edge of the tine is defined by the base of the isosceles triangle. A portion of each tine between its vertex a fastener member for attaching the tine to the bat blade is curvilinear and has a longitudinal slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Inventors: Jury N. Yarmashev, Alexandr I. Nikolaenko, Alexandr F. Kotenko, Evgeny A. Chernenko, Vsevolod V. Abramov, Alexandr V. Veselov, Nikolai I. Rysin, Vera N. Salnikova
  • Patent number: 4882899
    Abstract: An improved harvester pickup reel tine and bat structure results in light weight, ease of assembly and non-snagging operation. A one-piece tine and attachment is formed by molding a plastic tine integral with a split ring to clamp it onto the support tube. A single split in the ring and the integral construction permits an assembly with no protrusions on the rear surface of the reel which otherwise catches on accumulated material in the harvester. An alternate embodiment includes extension wings which interlock with adjacent structures to form a continuous bat thus affording the reel assembly which is convertible between a structure with or without bats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: HCC, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward P. Jasper, Thomas G. Truckenbrod
  • Patent number: 4848073
    Abstract: A lawn rake includes a tine receiving rake head molded of a plastic material as an integral unit structure and includes a handle receiving portion and at least one tine mounting portion. The handle receiving portion includes a generally centrally located elongated socket portion for receiving therein one end of a handle. The socket portion includes a circumferential groove formed in the wall defining the socket. The groove has a solid wall portion and a slotted wall portion. A spring-like member has a first end connected to the rake head adjacent the tine mounting portion and a second end terminating in partially annular portion. The partially annular portion is adapted to pass through the slotted portion of the groove to be seated within the solid wall portion thereof. A handle is inserted into the socket portion of the rake head for securing the partially annular portion of the spring in the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Emhart Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Germain, William E. Portz
  • Patent number: 4841718
    Abstract: An apparatus for conveying harvested grains to the platform of a combine from a crop pickup which has removed the grains from a field. The assembly includes two rapidly spinning rollers, the front one of which includes several flexible fins which pick grain off the pickup, and which also acts like a fan, creating an air current which tends to keep grain elevated and helps convey it rearwardly, and the rear one of which further helps convey the grain to the auger of the combine and also helps prevent the grain from being deposited on the ground. When used with a belt-style pickup, the fins of the front, finned roller extend between the flexible fingers of the pickup belt, thereby enabling the crop material to be thoroughly removed from the pickup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Inventor: Lloyd P. Sund
  • Patent number: 4782654
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing material from a work area during substantially continuous movement therealong, the apparatus having a frame; a wheel assembly mounted on the frame for rotation about a substantially upright axis of rotation; a plurality of material removing members mounted on the wheel assembly in outward extension therefrom; and an assembly for mounting the frame on a vehicle for movement along the work area with a portion of the wheel assembly in ground engagement whereby the wheel assembly is rotated to remove material from the work area with the removing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Inventor: Paul A. Bezzerides
  • Patent number: 4768331
    Abstract: Aquatic plants and their entangled roots can be removed from a lake or other body of water by pulling a lake rake out onto the lake, then pulling the lake rake, with a load of plants and their roots, back in to a central collection site on shore. Multi-purpose teeth of this rake are shaped and positioned to glide across the surface of a lake on the outbound trip, to dig below rooted plants on the inbound trip, and to pass over small crevices or uneven joints on a ramp, truck or trailer at the collection site. Embodiments of the invention may be constructed in a variety of sizes from standard size materials that are commercially available, such as aluminum, steel or plastics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Inventor: Donald J. Jones
  • Patent number: 4751811
    Abstract: This invention relates to a flexible endless conveyor for a harvester pickup apron made up of a number of side-by-side rubber belts. Each belt has an integrally molded series of main cleat attachments for rigid tines. Each tine is set astride a central cleat while the leading and trailing edges of the tines are held by undercuts in a pair of subcleats which are perpendicular to each main cleat. The subcleats prevent any debris from lodging under the body of the tine during crop harvesting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1988
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: Irvan A. Groothuis