Patents Assigned to Vermeer Manufacturing Company
  • Sonde housing and method of manufacture
    Publication number: 20050205299
    Abstract: A sonde (transmitter) housing having a one-piece design for improved housing rigidity. The housing includes a mechanically-adjustable mounting configuration adaptable to a variety of sonde applications. A method of making the sonde housing in a one-piece design and infinitely orienting the sonde clocking electronics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Publication date: September 22, 2005
    Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Tod Michael, Ric Smith, Mark Facile
  • Automated bore planning system for horizontal directional drilling
    Patent number: 6929075
    Abstract: Systems provide for electronic development of a bore plan for use in connection with an underground boring machine. Electronically developing a bore plan involves providing topographical information representative of topography of the bore site and providing bore path information representative of an intended bore path for the bore site. The bore path information includes at least two target points through which the intended bore path is to pass. The intended bore path can define a pilot bore path or a backream path. The target points comprise an entry point and an exit point, and each of the target points is defined by at least a distance value, lateral value, and a depth value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. Alft, Fred G. Delonti, Christopher Dean Rettig, Paul A. Cartwright
  • Baler rotor reverser
    Patent number: 6925788
    Abstract: A reverser which, in a preferred embodiment, has a hydraulic cylinder supported by a chopper baler frame. The opposite end of the hydraulic cylinder is attached to the reverser driver. When activated by hydraulics on a tractor, the hydraulics will extend the cylinder, causing the sprockets to be disengaged. Further extension of the cylinder will cause the reverser driver to engage the reverser sprocket and turn the rotor backwards slightly. After full extension, the cylinder will then be retracted. This process can be repeated a couple of times in order to remove the blockage. The reverser enables the operator to restore the baler to its working condition from the tractor seat. Being able to disengage the rotor from the rest of the machine enables the bale to be wrapped if a major blockage occurs. Also a controlled reversing motion is beneficial, so over-reversing does not occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Bradley D. Nelson, William A. Hood, Ryan G. Walker
  • Mower suspension
    Patent number: 6912832
    Abstract: A suspension system for a tractor-drawn mower used for crops for agricultural purposes is made up of parallel links, connected at a first end to a frame and to a mowing unit at a second end. A torsion spring assembly, similar to that used for torsion axles, is used to bear a portion of the weight of the mowing unit when the mowing unit is in a lower, mowing position. All torsional stress is removed from the torsion spring when the mowing unit is in a transport position. During mowing, the weight of the mowing unit is divided up between the torsion spring and the surface of the ground. The ratio of the weight supported by the ground to that supported by the torsion spring is adjustable by an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kent L. Thompson, Rustin V. Bentzinger
  • Macro assisted control system and method for a horizontal directional drilling machine
    Patent number: 6910541
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an HDD machine to move a cutting tool along an underground path in accordance with a pre-established bore plan. Cutting tool movement is detected from above-ground. During HDD machine operation, one or more control programs are accessed. Each of the control programs can cause the HDD machine to execute a sequence of pre-defined HDD machine actions. A particular control program of the one or more control programs is executed to augment movement of a drill pipe or the cutting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Hans Kelpe
  • Mill box for materials grinder
    Publication number: 20050098671
    Abstract: A grinder having a grinding structure and a sizing screen is disclosed herein. A top cover covers the grinding structure. The sizing screen can be removed from the grinder by opening the cover, and lifting the sizing screen through the opening left by the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Publication date: May 12, 2005
    Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Gary Verhoef, Frederick Lucas, Duane Harthoorn
  • Apparatus and method for horizontal drilling
    Patent number: 6886644
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for horizontally drilling provides for detecting subsurface features and avoiding such features during closed-loop control of an underground drilling machine. A horizontal drilling system includes a base machine capable of propelling a drill pipe rotationally and longitudinally underground. A cutting tool system is coupled to the drill pipe, and a control system controls the base machine. A detector is employed to detect a subsurface feature. A communication link is utilized for transferring data between the detector and the control system. The control system uses the data generated by the detector to modify control of the base machine in response to detection of the subsurface feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Gregory S Stump, Christopher T. Allen
  • Vise apparatus
    Patent number: 6880430
    Abstract: A vise apparatus for use on a drilling machine to thread together pipe to form a drill string. The vise apparatus also for use on a drilling machine to break pipe threaded together in a drill string. The vise apparatus having scissor members that open to receive various size pipe diameters and close to contact the pipe around the pipe diameter at equally distanced locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Robin W. Carlson
  • Rotary grinder apparatus and method
    Publication number: 20050035234
    Abstract: A rotary grinder having a cylindrical drum that includes a cylindrical surface. The cylindrical surface defines two holes. The drum receives opposite ends of a through-member at the two holes such that the opposite ends of the through-member comprise hammers when the cylindrical drum is rotated. A single retaining member is used to secure all of the through-members to the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Keith Roozeboom, Gary Verhoef, Duane De Boef
  • Method and apparatus for attaching/detaching drill rod
    Patent number: 6845825
    Abstract: A control system for a drilling machine is disclosed. The drilling machine includes a rod driver for driving a string of rods into the ground, and for removing the string of rods from the ground. The drilling machine also includes a magazine for storing rods near the rod driver. A rod transfer mechanism moves rods between the magazine and the rod driver. Vices are used to make and break joints between the rods of the drill string. The control system includes joysticks equipped with switches for controlling operational sequences of the vices and the rod transfer mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Brian J. Bischel, Mark Van Howelingen, Mark R. Stelter, Trail Price, Peter C. Rozendaal
  • Mill box for materials grinder
    Patent number: 6843435
    Abstract: A grinder having a grinding structure and a sizing screen is disclosed herein. A top cover covers the grinding structure. The sizing screen can be removed from the grinder by opening the cover, and lifting the sizing screen through the opening left by the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Gary Verhoef, Frederick H. Lucas, Duane A. Harthoorn
  • Rotary grinder apparatus and method
    Patent number: 6840471
    Abstract: A rotary grinder having a cylindrical drum that includes a cylindrical surface. The cylindrical surface defines two holes. The drum receives opposite ends of a through-member at the two holes such that the opposite ends of the through-member comprise hammers when the cylindrical drum is rotated. A single retaining member is used to secure all of the through-members to the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Keith Roozeboom, Gary Verhoef, Duane R. De Boef
  • Forage conditioner-tedder
    Patent number: 6840027
    Abstract: Hay and forages, these days, are often mown, conditioned, and tedded. A disc mower with strap-type protrusions or fingers extending radially outward from the shaft turning the discs and extending upward from the cutting knives several inches will provide each of these three actions at once.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Stuart Van Donselaar
  • Cylindrical cutting element supported on a chain
    Patent number: 6839991
    Abstract: In a chain excavator including an excavation chain with links routed around a drive sprocket and an end idler with a base plate mounted to a link for supporting excavation implements, a stabilizing element extends rearwardly from directly behind the excavation implement in order to contact and be supported by its trailing base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Dean Whitten, Dan Hawks, Mark Cooper
  • Pivotal knife mounting arrangement
    Patent number: 6834486
    Abstract: An improved mounting arrangement for a knife to a disc for use on a rotary disc cutter that eliminates the need for a threaded connector and the associated nut is disclosed. It also provides a positive retention method on the top side of the disc. In addition, it provides a method of removing the knife from the disc without the use of wrenches, simply requiring a tool for prying, such as a screw driver. A further feature is a low profile retainer does not need to be protected by a wear protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kent Thompson, Rustin V. Bentzinger
  • Underground drilling device employing down-hole radar
    Publication number: 20040256159
    Abstract: Devices for sensing at an underground drilling device in communication with an above-ground locator involve transmitting a radar probe signal from the underground drilling device. A radar return signal is received at the underground drilling device. The radar return signal is processed at the underground drilling device to produce sensor data. The sensor data is transmitted in a form suitable for reception by the above-ground locator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. Alft, Brian J. Bischel, Gregg A. Austin, Hans Kelpe
  • Underground utility detection system and method employing ground penetrating radar
    Patent number: 6833795
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are employed to detect underground objects for use with a horizontal directional drilling (HDD) machine. A drill pipe is configured to cooperate with the HDD machine to produce a horizontal bore. A transmit apparatus is provided with the drill pipe and transmits electromagnetic probe signals ahead and/or to the side of the drill pipe. A receive apparatus is provided with the drill pipe and receives electromagnetic return signals resulting from the probe signals. A processor, coupled to the transmit and receive apparatuses, compares at least some of the return signals, and generates an alert signal indicative of a detected object in proximity with the drill pipe. HDD machine activity is modified, such as by reducing or halting drill pipe advancement, in response to the alert signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Dennis J. Johnson, Eugene Bogatyrev, Kevin Alft
  • Automated bore planning system for horizontal directional drilling
    Publication number: 20040243309
    Abstract: Systems provide for electronic development of a bore plan for use in connection with an underground boring machine. Electronically developing a bore plan involves providing topographical information representative of topography of the bore site and providing bore path information representative of an intended bore path for the bore site. The bore path information includes at least two target points through which the intended bore path is to pass. The intended bore path can define a pilot bore path or a backream path. The target points comprise an entry point and an exit point, and each of the target points is defined by at least a distance value, lateral value, and a depth value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. Alft, Fred G. Delonti, Christopher Dean Rettig, Paul A. Cartwright
  • Vise apparatus
    Publication number: 20040226412
    Abstract: A vise apparatus for use on a drilling machine to thread together pipe to form a drill string. The vise apparatus also for use on a drilling machine to break pipe threaded together in a drill string. The vise apparatus having scissor members that open to receive various size pipe diameters and close to contact the pipe around the pipe diameter at equally distanced locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Robin W. Carlson
  • Underground utility detection system and method
    Publication number: 20040225444
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide for detection of one or more underground utilities. Radar waves and seismic waves of about the same wavelength are generated and communicated into a subsurface. Radar and seismic response signals resulting from communication of the radar and seismic waves into the subsurface are concurrently received. Data associated with the received radar and seismic response signals are stored. One or more underground utilities within the subsurface is/are detected using the stored data. The underground utilities may include metallic and non-metallic utilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Gary Neal Young, Kevin L. Alft