Patents Assigned to Probe Adventures, Inc.
  • Patent number: 5338257
    Abstract: A sieve for a grain combine has a plurality of longitudinal sections. Each section is pivotally mounted in a sieve frame. A sensing means senses if the combine is leaning to one side. The sensing means controls a drive and linkage mechanism for pivoting each of the sections relative to the sieve frame to maintain each section generally horizontal. Elastomeric seals extend between each of the sections. A distributor at the forward end of the sieve has a pair of sprockets and a chain extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sieve. Fingers protrude longitudinally from the chain. The chain is driven when the combine leans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Probe Adventures, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Underwood
  • Patent number: 5282771
    Abstract: A sieve for a grain combine has a plurality of longitudinal sections. Each section is pivotally mounted in a sieve frame. A sensing means senses if the combine is leaning to one side. The sensing means controls a drive and linkage mechanism for pivoting each of the sections relative to the sieve frame to maintain each section generally horizontal. Elastomeric seals extend between each of the sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Probe Adventures, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Underwood
  • Patent number: 5045025
    Abstract: A combine for cutting and threshing grain has an axial flow threshing drum. A feeder head mounts to the forward end of the threshing drum. Impellers on the feeder head push grain into the threshing drum housing and also provide threshing. Rasp bars on the feeder head thresh the crop prior to reaching the threshing drum while pushing the crop through perforations in the feeder housing. The feeder housing and threshing drum housing rotate, but at a slower speed than the threshing drum. A brake will prevent the threshing drum housing from rotating at an excessive speed. Clearances between the threshing drum and threshing drum housing, and clearances between the feeder head rasp bars and feeder housing, ca be adjusted for different crop conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Probe Adventures, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Underwood
  • Patent number: 4910946
    Abstract: A header for a combine moves between retracted and extended positions. The header has a platform with at least two platform sections. The platforms will extend in longitudinal directions relative to each other. A rotatably driven auger is mounted to the platform and has at least two auger sections. The auger sections telescope. The helical flight on one of the sections collapses when the auger sections retract. A sickle has at least two sickle sections. A sickle extender moves the sickle sections in longitudinal directions relative to each other. A drive mechanism reciprocates the sickle sections relative to the platform for cutting vegetation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Probe Adventures, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Underwood
  • Patent number: 4535787
    Abstract: A combine for harvesting and threshing grain has features to prevent grain and time wastage even if the combine is tilted sideways, and other features to simplify the threshing equipment. The combine has a sieve housing that is mounted on rollers to the frame. These rollers allow the sieve housing to swing like a pendulum if the combine tilts sideways. The combine has inner and outer cylindrical bodies that rotate together opposite to the rotation of a threshing drum. The threshing drum and grate are conical with the rearward end being smaller than the forward end. A beater for beating grain rotates with the threshing drum, causing grain to fall through slots located in the inner body. The space between the inner and outer body contains a helical flight for transporting this rescued grain back to the forward end and to the sieves. Elevating rings mounted to the outer body rotate with the outer body to lift material from the sieve to the bin, if clean grain, and back to the threshing grate, if tailings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1985
    Assignee: Probe Adventures, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Underwood
  • Patent number: 4489733
    Abstract: A combine for harvesting and threshing grain has features to prevent grain and time wastage even if the combine is tilted sideways, and other features to simplify the threshing equipment. The combine has a sieve housing that is mounted on rollers to the frame. These rollers allow the sieve housing to swing like a pendulum if the combine tilts sideways. The combine has inner and outer cylindrical bodies that rotate together opposite to the rotation of a threshing drum. The threshing drum and grate are conical with the rearward end being smaller than the forward end. A beater for beating grain rotates with the threshing drum, causing grain to fall through slots located in the inner body. The space between the inner and outer body contains a helical flight for transporting this rescued grain back to the forward end and to the sieves. Elevating rings mounted to the outer body rotate with the outer body to lift material from the sieve to the bin, if clean grain, and back to the threshing grate, if tailings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Assignee: Probe Adventures, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Underwood