Patents Assigned to Sukup Manufacturing Co.
  • Patent number: 11839181
    Abstract: A grain handling system having an air system is presented that is capable of automatically detecting and clearing a plug in a tube of an air system using a central controller, an air pressure sensor, a dynamic pressure relief valve and a variable frequency drive connected to and controlling a blower motor. When a plug is detected, the central controller stops the flow of grain into the tube and ramps up the output of the blower motor to full capacity. Thereafter, the central controller performs an unplugging routine by opening and closing the dynamic pressure relief valve causing surges of air to impact the plug either breaking up the plug or bumping the plug along the tube until it clears. Once the plug clears, the central controller resumes normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Sukup Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Matthew Koch, Matthew Koenen Koehler, Daniel Wayne Shrock
  • Patent number: 11835292
    Abstract: An improved grain dryer is presented having a mixed-flow heating section having a plurality of inlet ducts connected to the plenum that facilitate air flow into the grain column from the heated and pressurized heat plenum, and a plurality of exhaust ducts connected to openings in the exterior wall that facilitate air flow out of the grain column. Outer most ducts of the inlet and exhaust ducts, which are positioned closest to end walls of the grain column, are configured to reduce bridging or grain between the outer most ducts and the end walls of the grain column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Sukup Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Casey Scott Heilskov, Kerry Hartwig, Tyler Rau, Vernon Martin
  • Patent number: 11780690
    Abstract: A single drive dual hopper conveyor system is presented having a center conveyor system and a pair of side conveyor systems that are connected to one another. A single motor is connected to the center conveyor system and drives movement of a belt within the center conveyor system. The connection of the center conveyor system to the side conveyor system causes the belts of the side conveyor systems to be simultaneously driven as the belt of the center conveyor system is driven. This arrangement eliminates the need for multiple motors. A guide at the center of the belts is configured to guide the belts through the center of the housings and prevent the buildup of grain within a cut-out section of the flights of the belt that is needed to allow access to the links of the belts to facilitate driving of the belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Sukup Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Chris Heilskov, David Jay Brownmiller, Adam Zweck, Dustin Platte
  • Patent number: 11708227
    Abstract: A sweep auger system having a driveshaft with auger flighting and a backboard extending a length from an inward end to an outward end. An input of a gearbox is connected to an outward end of the drive shaft and a sweep wheel having a plurality of notches, arms and feet is connected to an output of the gearbox. A drive shield is placed around a rearward side of the sweep wheel that forms a channel that is configured to capture grain agitated by the drive wheel. A guide plate is connected to the gearbox and covers a portion of the gearbox. The guide plate angles from an upper outward edge downward and forward to a lower inward edge that is configured to urge the grain captured within the channel of the drive shield to move in front of the sweep auger system reducing grain left in the grain bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Sukup Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Ryan Thomas Olson
  • Patent number: 11608236
    Abstract: A sweep auger system having a driveshaft with auger flighting and a backboard extending a length from an inward end to an outward end. An input of a gearbox is connected to an outward end of the drive shaft and a sweep wheel having a plurality of notches, arms and feet is connected to an output of the gearbox. A drive shield is placed around a rearward side of the sweep wheel that forms a channel that is configured to capture grain agitated by the sweep wheel. A guide plate is connected to the gearbox and covers a portion of the gearbox. The guide plate angles from an upper outward edge downward and forward to a lower inward edge that is configured to urge the grain captured within the channel of the drive shield to move in front of the sweep auger system reducing grain left in the grain bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Sukup Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Ryan Thomas Olson
  • Patent number: 11447348
    Abstract: A single drive dual hopper conveyor system is presented having a center conveyor system and a pair of side conveyor systems that are connected to one another. A single motor is connected to the center conveyor system and drives movement of a belt within the center conveyor system. The connection of the center conveyor system to the side conveyor system causes the belts of the side conveyor systems to be simultaneously driven as the belt of the center conveyor system is driven. This arrangement eliminates the need for multiple motors. A guide at the center of the belts is configured to guide the belts through the center of the housings and prevent the buildup of grain within a cut-out section of the flights of the belt that is needed to allow access to the links of the belts to facilitate driving of the belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: SUKUP MANUFACTURING CO.
    Inventors: Chris Heilskov, David Jay Brownmiller, Adam Zweck, Dustin Platte
  • Patent number: 11414281
    Abstract: A sweep auger system having a driveshaft with auger flighting and a backboard extending a length from an inward end to an outward end. An input of a gearbox is connected to an outward end of the drive shaft and a sweep wheel having a plurality of notches, arms and feet is connected to an output of the gearbox. A drive shield is placed around a rearward side of the sweep wheel that forms a channel that is configured to capture grain agitated by the drive wheel. A guide plate is connected to the gearbox and covers a portion of the gearbox. The guide plate angles from an upper outward edge downward and forward to a lower inward edge that is configured to urge the grain captured within the channel of the drive shield to move in front of the sweep auger system reducing grain left in the grain bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: SUKUP MANUFACTURING CO.
    Inventor: Ryan Thomas Olson
  • Patent number: 11337374
    Abstract: A full floor sweep system having a skeletonized head section to facilitate removal of grain from a grain bin. The sweep system having an elongated body extending a length between an inward end and an outward end and having a leading side and a trailing side. The elongated body is connected to a pivot point at the center of the grain bin and is configured to rotate around the pivot point. An agitator is connected to the outward end of the elongated body and is configured to agitate grain as the elongated body rotates around the pivot point. The agitator includes an impeller that is connected to a shaft that extends through the elongated body. A scraper is positioned at the outward end of the elongated body and is configured to move grain into the path of the elongated body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: SUKUP MANUFACTURING CO.
    Inventors: Ryan Olson, David Jay Brownmiller, Randal Marcks
  • Patent number: 11193711
    Abstract: An improved grain dryer is presented having a mixed-flow heating section having a plurality of inlet ducts connected to the plenum that facilitate air flow into the grain column from the heated and pressurized heat plenum, and a plurality of exhaust ducts connected to openings in the exterior wall that facilitate air flow out of the grain column. Outer most ducts of the inlet and exhaust ducts, which are positioned closest to end walls of the grain column, are configured to reduce bridging or grain between the outer most ducts and the end walls of the grain column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: SUKUP MANUFACTURING CO.
    Inventors: Casey Scott Heilskov, Kerry Hartwig, Tyler Rau, Vernon Martin
  • Patent number: 11111074
    Abstract: A safety door latch system is presented for a grain bin having a door frame. An inner door is connected to the door frame that is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. An outer door is connected to the door frame and is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. A safety mechanism is connected to the door frame and is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. When the inner door frame is moved to a closed position, a portion of the inner door engages the safety mechanism thereby causing the safety mechanism to move to the closed position. When the safety mechanism is in the closed position, the outer door may be latched to the safety mechanism. When the safety mechanism is in the open position, the outer door cannot latch to the safety mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: SUKUP MANUFACTURING CO.
    Inventors: Connor Lee West, Andrew Joseph Sauerbrei, Bradley Allan Poppen, David Jay Brownmiller, John Arthur Hanig
  • Patent number: 11067337
    Abstract: A grain dryer unload system is presented that facilitates operation of a discharge system independent of a metering system. A motor connects to an axle that connects to the discharge system, which may be a drag chain, a belt or an auger. The axle also connects to a metering system. A clutch mechanism is connected to an end of the axle and is positioned between the discharge system and the metering system. When the clutch mechanism is in an engaged position, the motor simultaneously operates the metering system and the discharge system. However, when the clutch mechanism is in a disengaged position, the motor operates the discharge system while the metering system does not operate. This arrangement facilitates easier cleaning of the grain dryer without introducing the fines into the grain or a connected grain storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: SUKUP MANUFACTURING CO.
    Inventors: Casey Scott Heilskov, Kerry Hartwig
  • Patent number: 11028585
    Abstract: A floor support system for a grain bin having an elevated floor formed of a plurality of planks and supported by a plurality of floor supports is presented. The system includes a plurality of support members and a plurality of holding members. The support members are formed of an elongated member that provides structural strength and rigidity. The holding members fit over the support members and engage the upper end of the floor supports. The support members and holding members are quickly and easily installed by placing the support members on the floor supports and placing the holding members over the support members. Once the support members and holding members are in place on the floor supports, the elevated floor is assembled over the holding members and support members that provide support to the elevated floor when spanning increased distances between adjacent floor supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: SUKUP MANUFACTURING CO.
    Inventors: Randy Marcks, Ryan Olson
  • Patent number: 10975584
    Abstract: A catwalk system having a pair of side trusses formed of a top chord and bottom chord connected by a plurality of vertical posts and diagonal posts. The bottom chords have a plurality of joints formed of a bottom plate, opposing side plates and wing plates that form a pocket. These pockets receive an end of floorbeams which are bolted to the side plates. The bottom plate also includes a wind brace section that receives an end of a diagonal wind brace therein. The fabricated side trusses are shipped to the job site where the catwalk is quickly and easily assembled by aligning a pair of side trusses in parallel space alignment and installing floorbeams in the pockets of opposing joints. To provide additional rigidity diagonal wind braces are installed in a zig-zag formation between diagonally opposite joints. This arrangement provides a quickly assembled catwalk that requires minimal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: SUKUP MANUFACTURING CO.
    Inventors: David Jay Brownmiller, Dustin Donahue Davis, Andrew Gene Sorensen
  • Patent number: 10941558
    Abstract: A dwelling assembly that has a continuous sidewall and an opening for a door and a window. A roof assembly is provided with first and second roofs that are spaced apart such that the outer roof acts as a heat shield for the inner roof to ensure the interior of the dwelling is a minimum temperature. In addition, ballast boxes are utilized in order to provide additional weight to the dwelling and a planting area in association with the dwelling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: SUKUP MANUFACTURING CO.
    Inventors: Brett A. Nelson, Eugene G. Sukup, Steven E. Sukup, Bradley A. Poppen, Charles E. Sukup
  • Patent number: 10907373
    Abstract: A system of connecting a stiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin using a stud bolt having a first threaded end, a second threaded end and a feature positioned between the first end and a second end. A sealing member is positioned over the first end of the stud bolt, which in one case is a metallic washer with an affixed compressible sealing member. The first end of the stud bolt is inserted into a hole in the sidewall and an inner nut is placed over the first end inside the sidewall. As the inner nut is tightened, the feature is pulled toward the exterior surface of the grain bin thereby causing the sealing member to form a seal with the exterior surface of the grain bin. The second end of the stud bolt is inserted into a hole in the stiffener which is tightened onto the stud bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Sukup Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Bradley Allan Poppen, John Arthur Hanig
  • Patent number: 10836582
    Abstract: A grain sweep assembly having an A-shaped frame, a first and a second panel connected to the frame, and a drive assembly that has a plurality of paddles connected to a continuous chain that extend through a return chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Sukup Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Ryan T. Olson, Charles E. Sukup, Randal L. Marcks, David J. Brownmiller
  • Patent number: 10767926
    Abstract: An improved grain dryer is presented having a mixed-flow heating section having a plurality of inlet ducts connected to the plenum that facilitate air flow into the grain column from the heated and pressurized heat plenum, and a plurality of exhaust ducts connected to openings in the exterior wall that facilitate air flow out of the grain column. A tempering section is positioned below the heating section and includes solid walls that reduce air flow through the grain column. A cooling section is positioned below the tempering section and includes perforated walls that facilitate air flow through the grain column and into the plenum. In use, heated air is forced outward through the mixed-flow heating section heating and drying the grain and air is pulled through the cross-flow cooling section cooling the grain. Air pulled through the cross-flow cooling section is recycled into the mixed-flow heating section thereby recycling heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: SUKUP MANUFACTURING CO.
    Inventors: Casey Scott Heilskov, Kerry Hartwig, Tyler Rau
  • Patent number: 10731371
    Abstract: A system of connecting a stiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin using a stud bolt having a first threaded end, a second threaded end and a feature positioned between the first end and a second end. A sealing member is positioned over the first end of the stud bolt, which in one case is a metallic washer with an affixed compressible sealing member. The first end of the stud bolt is inserted into a hole in the sidewall and an inner nut is placed over the first end inside the sidewall. As the inner nut is tightened, the feature is pulled toward the exterior surface of the grain bin thereby causing the sealing member to form a seal with the exterior surface of the grain bin. The second end of the stud bolt is inserted into a hole in the stiffener which is tightened onto the stud bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: SUKUP MANUFACTURING CO.
    Inventors: Bradley Allan Poppen, John Arthur Hanig
  • Patent number: 10654668
    Abstract: A sweep auger system having a driveshaft with auger flighting and a backboard extending a length from an inward end to an outward end. An input of a gearbox is connected to an outward end of the drive shaft and a sweep wheel having a plurality of notches, arms and feet is connected to an output of the gearbox. A drive shield is placed around a rearward side of the sweep wheel that forms a channel that is configured to capture grain agitated by the drive wheel. A guide plate is connected to the gearbox and covers a portion of the gearbox. The guide plate angles from an upper outward edge downward and forward to a lower inward edge that is configured to urge the grain captured within the channel of the drive shield to move in front of the sweep auger system reducing grain left in the grain bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: SUKUP MANUFACTURING CO.
    Inventor: Ryan Thomas Olson
  • Patent number: 10634342
    Abstract: A modular octagon burner has a plurality of fuel manifold modules. Each of the fuel manifold modules have a mounting flange on each end that angles inwardly to permit the fuel manifold modules to form an octagon when connected together. Inner and outer mixing plates are connected to the fuel manifold modules and to one another to form a combustion region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: SUKUP MANUFACTURING CO.
    Inventor: Casey Scott Heilskov