Patents Examined by Arpád Fábián Kovács
  • Combine harvester including a feeder house with a lower deflection roller
    Patent number: 11109535
    Abstract: A combine harvester includes a load-bearing undercarriage movable via a drivable device engaged in the ground, a threshing and separating device attached to the load-bearing undercarriage, and a feeder house attached to the load-bearing undercarriage. The feeder house includes an endless traction mechanism which circulates about a vertically movable lower deflection roller and a drivable upper deflection roller. A harvesting attachment is coupled to the feeder house for receiving or cutting off harvested crops which are lying or standing upright on a field and which are able to be supplied via the feeder house to the threshing and separating device. An actuator is actuated by an external force arranged for adjusting the vertical position of the lower deflection roller and is connected to a control device which is coupled to a sensor for determining a throughput by a transmission of a signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Christina Fries, Friedrich Lauer, Eric Loutz, Lutz Bischoff, Oliver Klein, Dirk Weichholdt
  • Shutter locking assembly for a lawnmower, lawnmower having same, and convertible lawnmower
    Patent number: 11096326
    Abstract: A shutter assembly for a lawnmower can include a cutter housing, a shutter, and a lever. The shutter can be rotatably attached to the cutter housing so as to be movable between (a) a first shutter position in which a blocking panel is positioned such that the blocking panel opens the discharge opening, and (b) a second shutter position in which the blocking panel is positioned such that the blocking panel closes the discharge opening, and the second shutter position corresponds to a mulching position. The lever can be attached to the shutter and extend through the cutter housing slot. The lever can move the shutter between the first shutter position and the second shutter position. The lever can include a handle knob assembly that includes a button that is biased, by a spring, to lock in any one of a plurality of positions on the cutter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Andrew E. Bejcek, Scott J. Kaskawitz, Surender Kumar
  • Agricultural header with damage-reducing clutch
    Patent number: 11096328
    Abstract: An agricultural header includes: a header frame; at least one cutting unit carried by the header frame and including a cutting element and a driveshaft coupled to the cutting element; and a gearbox configured to drive the cutting element. The gearbox includes a gearbox output rotatably coupled to the driveshaft; and a clutch including an intermediate shaft and at least one clutch shoe rotatably coupled to the intermediate shaft and displaceable between a non-engaging position where the at least one clutch shoe does not engage the gearbox output and an engaging position where the at least one clutch shoe engages the gearbox output. The clutch is configured such that the at least one clutch shoe displaces to the engaging position when a rotational speed of the intermediate shaft reaches a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Eric Fredricks, Bryan B. Finley
  • Non-stop round baler
    Patent number: 11096332
    Abstract: A non-stop round baler is towed by a towing vehicle and is divided into a collection chamber and a baling chamber. The collection chamber is disposed between a pick-up unit and the baling chamber. The collection chamber momentarily stores the crop material before being transferred to the baling chamber. A feed control gate is functionally disposed between the collection chamber and the baling chamber. The feed control gate is selectively switchable between a flow restricting configuration during a bale binding cycle and a bale ejection cycle, and a flow facilitating configuration during a bale forming cycle. When in the flow restricting configuration, the feed control gate blocks crop movement into the baling chamber. When in the flow facilitating configuration, the feed control gate facilitates crop movement into the baling chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Phani Anaparti, Rajasekar Siddheshwaran
  • Crop conditioner hood with integrated swathboard
    Patent number: 11096329
    Abstract: A harvesting apparatus includes a crop conditioning element and an associated hood for conditioning crop material. The hood is moveably mounted to a frame of the harvesting apparatus, at a position located above the crop conditioning element. The hood is moveably mounted to the frame for movement toward and away from the crop conditioning element to adjust a gap therebetween. A swathboard is attached to and moveable with the hood. The swathboard is moveable relative to the hood between a plurality of operating positions. The swathboard is operable to maintain its position relative to the hood during movement with the hood toward and away from the crop conditioning element to form a consistent swath while moving the hood relative to the crop conditioning element to adjust the gap therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas A. Nichols, Lance T. Frahm
  • Integrated dual-use machine for harvesting and treating fruit on trees
    Patent number: 11089730
    Abstract: An Integrated dual-use machine is for harvesting and treating fruit on trees, in order to harvest the fruit when in season and treat the fruit on the tree with phytosanitary products. The machine includes a moveable structure, intended to shelter the fruit trees. The moveable structure includes a collection unit for the fruit that has been brought down, and is supported on one or two traction vehicles. The vehicles include at least one device for projecting and orienting air currents, at least one infrared camera, at least one collection belt, at least one load container, at least one conveyor belt that connects the collection belt to a load trailer, and a traction system that actuates tractor treads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: COSECHADORAS ROLIF, S.L.
    Inventors: Jordi Canela Sacanell, Antonio-Maria Canela Sacanell
  • Crop releasing feeder chain slat
    Patent number: 11089729
    Abstract: A combine feeder assembly having conveyors and slats pivotally connected to the conveyors to rotate about respective slat pivot axes. Each slat has a paddle that is movable between a first position in which the paddle extends outside the travel path of the conveyor by a first distance, and a second position in which the paddle does not extend outside the travel path or extends outside the travel path by a second distance that is less than the first distance. A cam surface moves the slats to the first slat position along a delivery path of the conveyors. A first housing wall extends over the delivery path and is spaced from the travel path by at least the first distance. A second housing wall extends over a return path. The second housing wall is spaced from the travel path by less than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Eric Lee Walker
  • Combine chaffer with chaffer dam
    Patent number: 11064656
    Abstract: A cleaning system for an agricultural combine includes a cleaning shoe including a chaffer having an upstream extremity and a downstream extremity, a cleaning fan for establishing a flow of air upwardly through the chaffer, and a transverse chaffer dam mounted proximate to the downstream extremity transversely obstructing a crop layer flow path extending over the chaffer from the upstream extremity to the downstream extremity while permitting air and threshed crop material to flow thereover and thereunder through a transverse opening between the chaffer dam and the downstream extremity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Inventor: Ronald J. Kile
  • Drive transfer member for operably coupling a draper header to a harvesting machine
    Patent number: 11058060
    Abstract: A draper header is attached to a harvesting machine by an adapter including a bottom feed draper and an upper feed roller driven by a coupling from an output of the machine rotatable about an axis parallel to the forward direction and a right angle gearbox. The feed roller is mounted at each end allowing independent up and down floating movement of the ends and there is provided a mechanical linkage using two chains and an idler shaft between the output shaft of the gear box an input shaft of the roller with a universal coupling therebetween. The gear box is located at least partly underneath the discharge opening and underneath the feed roller, rearwardly of the rear guide roller of the feed draper, rearwardly of the axis of rotation of the feed roller and underneath a feed pan which is inclined upwardly and rearwardly over the gear box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Neil Barnett, Scott Dietsche
  • Narrow row head unit
    Patent number: 11058058
    Abstract: A method for creating a narrow row head unit which may include a back plate secured to a left gearbox and a right gearbox, and which gearboxes may be positioned adjacent one another. Each gearbox may provide rotational power to a pair of stalk rolls and a drive sprocket for a gathering chain. A right mounting tab may be secured to the back plate and the right gearbox, and a left mounting tab may be secured to the back plate and left gearbox. A right plate and leg may extend outward from the back plate adjacent the right mounting tab and a left plate and leg may extend outward from the back plate adjacent the left mounting tab. A narrow row head unit positioned left-of-center on a header may have the gathering chain positioned substantially over the right plate, and right-of-center substantially over the left plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Inventor: Marion Calmer
  • Deck plate extension with a kernel channel for a row unit of an agricultural harvester
    Patent number: 11058059
    Abstract: A deck plate extension for a row unit of an agricultural harvester. The deck plate extension configured to attach to the return side of the row unit side thereby preventing a kernel crop from dropping to the ground during harvesting. The deck plate extension is further provided with a kernel channel configured to direct the kernel crop along the return side of the row unit side to the harvest side of the row unit side. The deck plate extension may be provided as part of a deck plate of a row unit side or may be provided as a second plate added to the row unit side. The deck plate extension is configured to be added as original equipment and as a retrofit to existing row units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Brian P. Crow, Jonathan E. Ricketts, Dan L. Garland
  • Walk reel mower with a telescopic handle assembly
    Patent number: 11051450
    Abstract: A walk reel mower has a traction frame that carries a rotatable cutting reel that pushes grass against a bedknife for cutting the grass. A handle assembly extends rearwardly and upwardly from the traction frame. The handle assembly carries a handle that is gripped by a user to operate the mower as the user walks on the ground behind the traction frame. The handle assembly has upper and lower portions that have a telescopic connection to one another to adjust the height of the handle above the ground to accommodate users of different heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Gerald E. Goman, Nicholas J. Sirek
  • Auto-cycling deck plates for an agricultural vehicle
    Patent number: 11051452
    Abstract: A method for operating an agricultural vehicle. The method includes an initial step of providing the agricultural vehicle which includes a feeder housing and a header. The header includes at least one row unit, which has a pair of deck plates, and a deck plate adjustment system. The deck plate adjustment system includes at least one actuator connected to the deck plates, an electronic control unit operably connected to the at least one actuator, and at least one sensor. The method includes the further steps of pivoting the feeder housing to raise the header, sending, by the at least one sensor, a signal to the electronic control unit, and cycling the deck plates, by the electronic control unit actuating the at least one actuator to move the deck plates, for removing a buildup of material on the deck plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Brett Gutknecht, Dan L. Garland, Jonathan E. Ricketts
  • Reel drive assembly for an agricultural header
    Patent number: 11051453
    Abstract: A header for an agricultural vehicle including a frame, a reel rotatably mounted to the frame, and a reel drive assembly operably connected to the reel. The reel drive assembly rotates the reel in a first drive configuration and a second drive configuration. The reel drive assembly includes a first drive operably connected to the reel, and a second drive selectively connected to the reel such that the second drive is disconnected from the reel in the first drive configuration and the second drive is operably connected to the reel in parallel with the first drive in the second drive configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Trowbridge
  • Adjustable stuffer chute
    Patent number: 11044851
    Abstract: A baler (10) has a stuffer chute assembly (22) with upper and lower curved walls (44, 46) forming a stuffer chamber (24). A rear portion (54) of the upper wall (44) extends downwardly and forwardly from a baling chamber (12) and a forward portion (50) extends above an inlet opening to the stuffer chamber (24). The upper wall (44) has a plurality of laterally spaced-apart wrappers (52, 56), with adjacent wrappers forming slots (70, 72) extending generally from said crop receiving inlet opening to an outlet opening (48) for cooperation with tines (40) of a feeding mechanism (36). The wrappers (52, 56) are movable relative to the lower wall (46) at a forward end (60) and at a rearward end (66) of the upper wall (44) so as to change a cross-sectional dimension of the stuffer chamber (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin J. Hamilton
  • System to reduce material accumulation on top of a power residue spreader on an agricultural combine
    Patent number: 11039574
    Abstract: A spreader of a combine for conveying crop residue rearwardly from a rotor assembly includes a frame coupled to the combine and has a top portion adapted to receive a portion of crop residue during a harvesting operation. An impellor includes one or more blades for rotatably conveying crop residue rearwardly, and an actuator is controllably moved between an extended position and a retracted position. The actuator is pivotally coupled to the combine. A linkage assembly is pivotally coupled to the actuator at one end and to the frame at another end. The spreader is disposable in a first position when the actuator is in the extended position, and the spreader is disposable in a second position when the actuator is in the retracted position. A movement from the extended position to the retracted position induces pivotal movement of the spreader from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Martin Rittershofer, Gregor Diessner, Marco Broschart, Oliver Klein
  • Automatic uniform distribution apparatus and automatic adjusting method for threshed material from harvester
    Patent number: 11039573
    Abstract: An automatic uniform distribution apparatus for the threshed material from the combine harvester comprises a tangential flow threshing and separating device, a shaking plate threshed material detecting device, a shaking plate, a shaking plate flow guiding mechanism, an axial flow threshing and separating device, a chaff screw conveyor, a return plate, a return plate flow guiding mechanism, a return plate threshed material detecting device, a vibrating sieve, and an on-line detection controller. Force sensors are provided at lateral positions below discharge ports of the shaking plate and the return plate to measure flow rates of the threshed material in lateral regions of the shaking plate and the return plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Jiangsu University
    Inventors: Lizhang Xu, Ying Zhou, Yaoming Li, Zhong Tang, Zheng Ma
  • Triplex greensmower open foot platform cover
    Patent number: 11032972
    Abstract: A triplex greensmower open foot platform provides an opening in front of an operator seat providing visibility from the operator seat to a center reel cutting unit. The opening has sufficient dimensions for removal or installation of the center reel cutting unit or a grass catcher therethrough. A pair of platform sections provides a perimeter at least partially around the opening. Each of the platform sections including a footrest and a rearwardly extending coupling that is manually removable from the triplex greensmower. A flexible cover may be removably attached to the platform and extend over the opening and at least part of the center reel cutting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Gilbert Shoaf, Taylor Waitt, Justin Rothrock
  • Varying a hydraulic cylinder mechanical advantage to obtain smoother float pressure
    Patent number: 11032970
    Abstract: A float cylinder and accumulator are coupled between a header main frame and an attachment frame. The float cylinder is orientated so that its mechanical advantage in applying a float force to the header varies with the position of the main frame relative to the attachment frame. Similarly, the pressure exerted by the cylinder varies inversely with its mechanical advantage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Alex Brimeyer, Michael L. Vandeven, Joshua R. Pierson
  • Propulsion control lockout and ground working vehicle incorporating same
    Patent number: 11013173
    Abstract: A control system for a ground working vehicle. The control system may include a handle assembly including a handle member extending upwardly and rearwardly from a chassis of the vehicle. The control system may also include a speed control apparatus including a control grip operably connected to, and translatable along, the handle member. Translation of the control grip may activate a transmission to move the chassis in the forward direction when the control grip is translated downwardly along the handle member towards the chassis. Further, the control system may include a lockout apparatus movably attached to a handle member. The lockout apparatus may be adapted to selectively and physically restrict movement of the control grip relative to the handle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: THE TORO COMPANY
    Inventors: Aaron Y. Curtis, Khari S. Clarke