Patents Examined by Joel F Mitchell
  • Patent number: 12364175
    Abstract: A row cleaner connected to a strip till machine clears mulch and other debris in strip or low till planting. A row cleaner frame assembly includes a pair of row cleaner arms and a pair of clearing wheels having toe-in alignment. The pair of row cleaner arms share a common plane and are pivotally connected at a pair of pivot points common or close to the rotational axis of a cutting disc. The cutting disc is disposed intermediate the pair of row cleaner arms. The row cleaner arms are configured to maintain the clearing wheels in close-proximity to the cutting disc to provide stretch and cut row clearing operation. An actuator pivotally adjusts the row cleaner assembly relative to the cutting disc. A pivot limiter restricts pivotal travel of the row cleaner. A row closing section lever adjusts toe and/or camber of a closing wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2025
    Inventor: Ronald Steve Martin
  • Patent number: 12290012
    Abstract: A ground treatment device including a housing fabricated from at least one injection molded part. An axle with a ground treatment attachment mounted thereto can be rotatably secured to opposing sides of the housing. The housing can include a gear housing structure which is configured to house gears for enabling operation of the ground treatment attachment using a power tool. An upper frame can be secured to opposing sides of the housing. The ground treatment attachment can be configured to cultivate the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Assignee: Subversive Tools Inc.
    Inventors: Carson McNeal, Conor Crickmore
  • Patent number: 12284932
    Abstract: An agricultural implement configured to be propelled by a prime mover. The implement comprises a toolbar configured to support a plurality of agricultural tools. The toolbar is a front-folding toolbar configured to be shifted forward from an operational position to a transport position. The implement further comprises a draw-bar extending forward from the toolbar and configured to be coupled with the prime mover. The draw-bar is rotatably connected with the toolbar via a connection assembly that presents a generally laterally extending rotational axis, such that the draw-bar is configured to rotate vertically about the rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: AgSynergy, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan J. Hammes, David J. Lueger, Stephen A. Youngers
  • Patent number: 12279547
    Abstract: A sowing machine has row units, where each of the row units includes tillage tools and a hydraulic cylinder which applies a coulter pressure upon the tillage tools that is adjustable by a pressure valve. Further, a sensor arrangement includes at least two sensors for producing an electrical signal in connection with a total pressure acting upon the tillage tools of each row unit. In addition, an open-loop or closed-loop control device is connected to the pressure valves and the sensor arrangement and configured to adjust the coulter pressure of each row unit individually and to adapt it on the basis of the electrical signals of the sensor arrangement. In order to create a sowing machine with individual coulter pressure control that is inexpensive to manufacture, a reduced number of sensors is advantageously employed by using a functional relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: Amazonen-Werke H. Dreyer SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Daniel Mertens, Felix Warns, Karl-Peter Hoffmann, Marcus Oldenburger
  • Patent number: 12279540
    Abstract: An illustrative modular smart tool arm operable by a precision agricultural implement includes a mount for coupling the tool arm to the implement, an articulating base including a pair of linkages, a lift actuator, and linear motion bearings coupling the base to the mount. A unitary backbone member is coupled to the linkages and defines a mount for an agricultural tool and defines a mount for a machine vision module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: Stout Industrial Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Antle, Steven T. Snyder
  • Patent number: 12274188
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an in-line tandem axle assembly comprising: a tandem wheel arm; a pair of wheel connecting assemblies, each comprising a hub and a spindle; a pair of mounts coupled respectively to the pair of wheel connecting assemblies; a pair of wheels coupled respectively to the pair of wheel connecting assemblies, the pair of wheels separated by the tandem wheel arm and in a same fore-and-aft position; and plural pairs of parallel links of equal length pivotably mounted to the pair of mounts and pivotably mounted to the tandem wheel arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin Anson Fanshier, Ross Duerksen, Douglas J. Grollmes
  • Patent number: 12263386
    Abstract: A golf cup is installed in artificial turf which includes an aggregate base with a hole in the base by inserting an additional sleeve in the hole so that the sleeve is held in place against side to side movement and at a fixed height by engagement with the aggregate. The upper circular edge of the sleeve is positioned at the level top prepared surface of the aggregate. A layer of artificial turf is applied over the level top prepared surface and over the hole and the sleeve and an opening is cut matching the inside diameter of the sleeve. A cup portion is inserted into the sleeve and engages a stop shoulder in the sleeve so that an upper lip of the cup portion stands above the upper circular edge of the sleeve by a distance substantially equal to a thickness of the backing layer of the turf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Inventor: Benjamin Delmage
  • Patent number: 12245533
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an agricultural tillage disk blade includes providing a substantially circular-shaped disk body with an outer peripheral edge and a central opening that defines a rotation axis, the outer body being disposed within a first plane. A plurality of waves is formed in a predetermined pattern in the outer peripheral edge of the disk body, and the outer peripheral edge is sharpened to form a plurality of teeth such that at least a portion of the sharpened outer peripheral edge is disposed within a second plane that is parallel to the first plane and substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis. The method also includes machining a plurality of relief portions in each of the plurality of waves at a location radially inward of the plurality of teeth, and heat treating the disk body after the sharpening and machining steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2025
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Jarrod R. Ruckle, Shawn J. Becker, David L. Steinlage
  • Patent number: 12241219
    Abstract: A coupler for securing an attachment to an earth working machine. The coupler comprises a coupler body that presents a receptacle having a capture region. A pin of an attachment can move into and out of the capture region. A retainer can capture the pin in the capture region but the retainer can be moved by a hydraulically driven driver to a position to allow release the pin from the capture region. A trigger that the pin will strike when the pin moves into or out of the capture region, decouples the driver from the retainer and the retainer is then allowed to be biased back to its retaining position by a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignee: WEDGELOCK EQUIPMENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Andre Richard Anderson, Garth Colin Keighley, Andrew James Phillip Rider, Michael Hugh James Rider
  • Patent number: 12207577
    Abstract: A system for identifying a failed shear pin of a ground-engaging system of an agricultural implement may include a ground-engaging system having an attachment structure coupled to a frame of an agricultural implement, a ground-engaging tool pivotably coupled to the attachment structure at a pivot joint, and a shear pin at least partially extending through the attachment structure and the ground-engaging tool to prevent pivoting of the ground-engaging tool about the pivot joint. The system may further include an operator notification member provided in association with the ground-engaging system and movable between a non-triggered position and a triggered position. Additionally, the system may include a linkage that, upon failure of the shear pin, allows the operator notification member to be moved from the non-triggered position to the triggered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Joshua David Harmon, Craig Pavlich, Brittany Schroeder
  • Patent number: 12201049
    Abstract: Work machines, control systems for work machines, and methods of operating work machines. A work machine includes a frame structure, a work implement, and a control system. The work implement is coupled to the frame structure and includes at least one ground engagement tool that is configured for movement in response to interaction with an underlying surface in use of the use work machine. The control system is coupled to the frame structure and includes a sensor mounted to the at least one ground engagement tool and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Ricky B. Theilen, Jeremy D. Krantz, Lucas B. Larsen
  • Patent number: 12195941
    Abstract: An attachment system for attaching an implement mounting assembly to a vehicle, the attachment system including a vehicle attachment component that is fastenable to a front portion of the frame of the vehicle, and a frame attachment component that is removably attachable to the vehicle attachment component on one end via a securing axis, and pivotably attachable to the implement assembly on another end about a pivoting axis. When fastened to the vehicle, the vehicle attachment component is located upward from the underside of the frame. When the frame attachment component is attached to the vehicle attachment component, the securing axis is located upward from the underside portion of the frame, and the pivoting axis is located downward therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: SOUCY INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Jeremie Aubin-Marchand, Karen Provencher, Normand Roy, Michael Bergeron, Yan Roger
  • Patent number: 12193357
    Abstract: A lifting device for lifting root crops comprises at least one lifting share mounting which supports at least one lifting share. The at least one lifting share includes a front pick-up region in a lifting direction and a rear ejection region in the lifting direction for the root crops. The lifting share mounting is coupled to a lifting device frame, and during operation is pulled thereby in the lifting direction. The lifting share mounting is movable relative to the lifting device frame and, viewed in the lifting direction, laterally from an initial position into an offset position. A guide arrangement is configured to guide the lifting share mounting such that with the movement of the lifting share mounting from the initial position into the offset position the pick-up region is laterally displaced further than the ejection region, as well as a harvesting machine, in particular for harvesting beets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: Grimme Landmaschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Klaus Pflipsen
  • Patent number: 12152367
    Abstract: A grading machine includes a machine body, a grading blade, and a control system. The control system is configured to automatically set at least one machine parameter of the grading blade based on a determined location of the grading machine and automatically set a mode of operation of the grading machine based on a determined location of the grading machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Gentle, Ethan M. Tevis
  • Patent number: 12150396
    Abstract: A hitch for coupling a ground working tool with a work machine comprises a first elongate member configured to couple with a work machine at a rearward location of the work machine, a second elongate member configured to couple with the ground working tool, and a play-added clevis joint coupling the first elongate member and the second elongate member. The play-added clevis joint comprises a clevis including a first clevis member having a first eye and a second clevis member having a second eye, a tang member including an oblong-shaped third eye, and a pin passing through the first eye, the second eye, and the third eye. The clevis and the tang member are rotatable relative to one another about a Z-axis of the pin. The clevis is tiltable relative to the tang member in a Y-Z plane extending along a centerline of the oblong-shaped third eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: ABI Attachments, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin V. Keigley
  • Patent number: 12150397
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the operational status of shear pins for ground-engaging assemblies of agricultural implements includes a ground-engaging assembly including an attachment structure pivotably coupling the ground-engaging assembly to a frame of an agricultural implement, a ground-engaging tool pivotably coupled to the attachment structure at a pivot joint, and a shear pin at least partially extending through the attachment structure and the ground-engaging tool to prevent pivoting of the ground-engaging tool about the pivot joint. The system also includes an orientation sensor configured to generate data indicative of an orientation of the attachment structure, and a computing system communicatively coupled to the orientation sensor. The computing system is configured to monitor the orientation of the attachment structure and determine a change in an operational status of the shear pin based on detected changes in the monitored orientation of the attachment structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Brittany Schroeder
  • Patent number: 12150398
    Abstract: A self propelled soil working machine includes a tool carrier which is actively adjustable to provide variable downward force on a soil working tool via a suspension element which is further passively responsive to accommodate motion of the tool in response to external force. The tool carrier is configured to adjust the working depth and pitch of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: ABI ATTACHMENTS, INC.
    Inventor: Kevin V. Keigley
  • Patent number: 12139866
    Abstract: An adapter assembly includes upper and lower crossbars that are horizontally oriented and spaced vertically apart from each other, with each of the upper and lower crossbars having oppositely-disposed outboard ends. A pair of L-shaped brackets and a spacer bracket are mounted adjacent each outboard end of each of the upper and lower crossbars and horizontally orient and space the upper and lower crossbars vertically apart from each other. The pair of L-shaped brackets having lower legs configured to couple with the mount attached to the frame of the vehicle. The adapter assembly is adapted to couple with existing mounts installed on passenger vehicles, such as mounts adapted for the attachment of snow plows, to permit the attachment of a wide variety of implements and accessories to the front ends of such vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: Johnston Landscape Maintenance Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Hartley Johnston, David Andrew Sinn
  • Patent number: 12133481
    Abstract: A main depth control input is detected, that indicates a depth of a soil engaging implement. A corresponding position of a stabilizer depth control actuator is identified, and a control signal is generated to control a main depth control actuator based on the main depth setting detected, and to control a stabilizer depth control actuator based upon the corresponding position identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Lucas B. Larsen
  • Patent number: 12127492
    Abstract: A row unit of a seeder includes a frame configured to be coupled to a toolbar of the seeder. The row unit also includes a single opener pivotally or rotatably coupled to the frame. The row unit further includes a row cleaner assembly that has a row cleaner arm pivotally coupled to the frame or to the single opener and a row cleaner blade rotatably coupled to the row cleaner arm. The row cleaner arm positions a respective rotational axis of the row cleaner blade forward of the single opener relative to a direction of travel of the row unit. A row cleaner actuator is coupled to the row cleaner arm, and the row cleaner actuator is configured to control a first downforce applied by the row cleaner blade to soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Dennis George Thompson, Trevor Lawrence Kowalchuk