Patents Examined by Joel F Mitchell
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Patent number: 7798242Abstract: A shift interlock mechanism for automatically shifting a sod cutter into a low gear when a cutting blade is lowered into the ground and automatically raising the cutting blade when the sod cutter is shifted into a high gear. The mechanism may include a cutting blade lever. The cutting blade lever may include a cam member which engages the shift lever creating cam action when the cutting blade handle is raised to the up position. When the cutting blade lever is moved to lower the cutting blade, the cam member moves the shift lever into a low gear. When the cutting blade handle is in the up position and the cutting blade has been lowered, the shift lever will oppose the cam member and create an opposite cam action, thereby raising the blade, when the shifter is moved into a high gear.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2006Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Husqvarna Outdoor Products, Inc.Inventor: Richard D. Bednar
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Patent number: 7793738Abstract: A modified box scraper system that is fitted with a first, second and third plurality of attachment devices located on the rearward end and both sides of the box scraper allowing for the attachment of a variety of modified work implements, the modified work implements including box scraper extensions, a road repair fabric applicator, a trench compaction wheel, a slope board, a rear forklift system, a windrow scraper, a backfill blade and a serrated cutting blade.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2006Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Inventor: Michael Frederick
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Patent number: 7766093Abstract: Rolling basket structure facilitating movement of the rolling device to and from a field-working position includes arm structure pivotally connected to the aft end of tine support members fixed to the rear of the implement frame. Hydraulic cylinders connected between the support members and the arm structure provides quick on-the-go disengagement of the rolling basket with the ground, for example, when wet or sticky ground conditions or the like are encountered. A cylinder lost motion connection facilitates movement of the baskets over ground irregularities and obstacles without operation of the cylinders.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Shawn Jeremy Becker, Ryan Anthony Hackert
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Patent number: 7743840Abstract: In accordance with the present invention an aerating device for attachment to a self-propelled lawnmower is provided. The device comprises a frame having a proximal end, a distal end, and a pair of sides extending between the proximal end and the distal end. An axle is mounted to the frame and extends between the sides of the frame. At least one tine assembly is mounted to the axle for rotation about a tine axis extending longitudinally through the axle. A platform is secured to the frame and extends outwardly from one of the proximal and distal ends of the frame for supporting an operator.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2008Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Inventor: Joseph E. Hoffman
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Patent number: 7730960Abstract: An improved turf aeration device is provided, where the device has a frame having a journalled drive shaft, and the frame is attachable to a pulling vehicle having a power take-off portion; where the device has a power transfer means, attachable between the drive shaft and the power take-off portion, for transferring power from the power take-off portion to the drive shaft; and a plurality of aerator mechanisms operatively attached to the drive shaft and the frame, each aerator mechanism having a lower link member, with a base end and a distal end, where the base end is pivotally attached to the frame; a tine holder pivotally attached to the distal end of the lower link member, where the improvement includes a roller frame rigidly attached to the frame, the roller frame having two spaced apart, and a slideable member adapted to allow limited rotation of the aeration device toward or away from the pulling device.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: The Toro CompanyInventors: Harry Knight, Kinsey Estess, Jerry Jones
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Patent number: 7721815Abstract: A cushion standard shield system to remove and deflect residue, dirt, debris, and soil from a cushion bearing hanger, or cushion standard, portion of a disk gang type agricultural implement is provided. The cushion standard shield system includes a mounting bracket supported by a common axle which carries multiple disk blades of the disk gang. A blade assembly is mounted to an upright portion of the mounting bracket, and is positioned generally behind and above the axle, behind the cushion standard. The blade assembly includes one or more plate member with arcuate lateral edges. The radii of the arcuate lateral edges correspond closely in magnitude to the radii of the concave and convex surfaces of the disk blades. The plate members are laterally adjustable with respect to each other, whereby the width dimension of blade assembly is variable to accommodate different axial spacing widths of adjacent disk blades.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Mark P. Hoffman, Aaron Beyer, Rickey Gerber, Gaylen J. Kromminga
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Patent number: 7686096Abstract: A surface brake system for a detachable agricultural implement towed by a tow vehicle is provided. The detachable agricultural implement includes a frame connected by a telescoping tongue assembly at the tow vehicle. The frame and tongue assembly are movably supported by at least one wheel assembly having a circumferential tread surface. The brake system includes a pivot linkage pivotally connected at the frame of the detachable agricultural implement, and a horizontal aligned brake arm attached at the pivot linkage. The brake system further includes an actuator cylinder interconnected between the pivot linkage and the frame. Movement of the actuator cylinder causes the brake arm to engage a brake pad assembly against the outer circumferential tread surface of the wheel assembly so as to restrain movement of the wheel assembly and frame of the agricultural implement as the tow vehicle extends and retracts the telescoping tongue assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.Inventors: Nicholas G. Ryder, Trevor L. Kowalchuk, Calvin K. Greenstein, Trent W. Reimer
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Patent number: 7686097Abstract: A three point hitch for a work machine includes a first and a second draft link each having a mounting end portion and a free end portion opposite the mounting end portion. Mounting end portion being mounted to a first side of a work machine to allow upward and downward pivotal movement of the free end portion beside an upwardly and downwardly extending fixed structural element of the work machine. Mounting end portion of the second draft link being mounted to a second side of the work machine opposite the first side to allow upward and downward pivotal movement of the free end portion of the second draft link. A sway restrictor mounts on the free end portion of the first draft link and restricts sideward swaying thereof toward and away from the structural element. A counterweight for use with the three point hitch is interchangeable with a fluid motor.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Robert E. Mozingo, Ralph D. Galloway, Marvin L. Linder
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Patent number: 7654335Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an implement based upon a gear shift include a shift detector circuit which detects a direction of the gear shift and an implement controller circuit which adjusts an implement in response to the direction of the gear shift.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2006Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLCInventor: Kenneth Lee Stratton
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Patent number: 7647983Abstract: A linkage positioning system for a machine is disclosed. The linkage positioning system has a lock pin, a linkage member having a plurality of holes configured to receive the lock pin, an actuator configured to selectively extend and retract the lock pin, and a control module in communication with the actuator. The control module is configured to receive a request for lock pin engagement with the linkage member, and retract the lock pin from a first of the plurality of holes in the linkage member. The control module is also configured to move the linkage member to align a second of the plurality of holes with the lock pin, and extend the lock pin into the second of the plurality of holes.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Imed Gharsalli
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Patent number: 7604067Abstract: A cover crop termination system includes a smooth drum and a crimping arm assembly operatively connected to the drum through a cam mechanism including a cam follower. The crimping arm assembly includes a plurality of crimping assemblies having crimping bars which crimp the cover crop after it has been rolled in order to prevent resprouting of the crop.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2005Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of AgricultureInventors: Ted Stanley Kornecki, Randy L. Raper
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Patent number: 7597154Abstract: A torque tube with slide out cage system for providing both structural support to the frame of the machine and a protective area for sensitive control systems for the machine. The torque tube with slide out cage system includes a torque tube attached between a first side and a second side of a frame, a side opening within the frame exposing the lumen of the torque tube, and a cage slidably positioned within the torque tube. The cage is capable of supporting various types of control systems such as a valve box, hydraulic systems and electronics.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Inventors: David L. McFarland, Clayton A. Melrose
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Patent number: 7588092Abstract: An attachment configured to be attached to a power machine is disclosed. The attachment includes a blade having opposing first and second major surfaces and first and second edges. The attachment has first and second end plates each having opposing inner and outer surfaces. The end plates are fixedly attached to the first and second edges of the blade. The inner surfaces of the first and second end plates are positioned adjacent to and extend from the first major surface of the blade. The attachment further includes a support structure coupled to the blade. The support structure includes a first support member fixedly attached to and extending from both the second major surface of the blade and the outer surface of the first end plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2006Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Clark Equipment CompanyInventor: John G. Liebl
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Patent number: 7584806Abstract: A support structure for an implement lift cylinder on an earth-working machine. The support structure includes first and second implement lift cylinder supports. The first implement lift cylinder support mounts to the work machine and the second implement lift cylinder support rotatably connects thereto about a first axis of rotation. The second implement lift cylinder support receives the implement lift cylinder and allows rotational movement thereof about a second axis of rotation. The first and second axes are located within a single plane. The dual axes provide stability and adjustability of the implement lift cylinder for different angle configurations of a work implement, such as an earth-working blade.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2005Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Weirich, Bradley W. Green, Wesley C. Reetz, Carl D. Taylor
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Patent number: 7584804Abstract: A walk-behind electric working machine has a frame, an electric motor mounted on the frame, and a handle support section mounted on the frame, the handle support section having a pair of electrical terminals. A handle post has a first end portion for removable connection to the handle support section, a second end portion, and an electrical terminal disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the first end portion for electrical connection with the electrical terminals of the handle support section when the first end portion of the handle post is connected to the handle support section. A handle is removably mounted on the second end portion of the handle post and has handle portions. Grip members are mounted on the respective handle portions and are configured to be gripped by respective hands of an operator. An operation button controls power to operate the electric motor when the electrical terminal of the handle post is electrically connected to the electrical terminals of the handle support section.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2006Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasumi Fukuzumi, Norikazu Shimizu, Jun Ito, Masayuki Sasaoka
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Patent number: 7575068Abstract: A full support bearing for a grader circle including a first radial groove in a cylindrical portion of the circle includes a group of inserts forming a second support groove within the first radial groove. It also includes circle supports sized and shaped such that the gap between any two circle supports is small. The circle supports are arranged along a circumference of the circle and rigidly attached to a draw bar. The arrangement results in virtual 360 degree circle support, lower loads, and smaller material deflections at all loaded areas, and significantly increased durability due to a resultant reduction in wear rates.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2006Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Gladys Stubben, legal representative, David William Stubben
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Patent number: 7540333Abstract: A down pressure assembly for incorporation into an agricultural implement to be pulled by a tractor (10) has an attachment frame (21) for attachment between a portion of the agricultural implement and at least two wheels (22) of a row unit (18) for traveling along the ground, the row unit (18) also having a tool (23) disposed between the two wheels (22) for engaging the ground, the down pressure assembly also having at least one torsion element (41, 50) disposed on the frame (21), with the torsion element (41, 50) having one fixed mounting to the frame (21) and one adjustable mounting to the frame (21), and the assembly further having an adjustment mechanism (37, 60) for varying the torsion of the torsion element (41, 50) at the adjustable mounting; and at least one down pressure member (36, 56, 57) for receiving a force from the torsion element to apply a downward force to the top members (26, 27) of the frame (21).Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2005Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Leonard A. Bettin, Travis Lester Harnetiaux
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Patent number: 7497269Abstract: An agricultural implement apparatus comprises a center section, inner foldable wings, outer foldable wings, and foldable wing extensions oriented substantially horizontally when in the field position. When in the transport position, the center section is horizontal, the inner wings extend vertically from ends of the center section, the outer wings extend downward and inward from upper ends of the inner wings such that lower ends of the outer wings are adjacent to each other, and the wing extensions extend downward and outward from the lower ends of the outer wings toward corresponding ends of the center section. A wing locking and folding apparatus includes an over-centering locking mechanism, and maintains an implement wing extension in alignment with an implement wing when in a field position, and folds the wing extension upward to a transport position.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Bourgault Industries Ltd.Inventor: Scot Jagow
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Patent number: 7493964Abstract: A tillage implement includes a ground engaging tool assembly configured to enhance alignment relative to a forward direction of travel of a tow vehicle. The ground engaging tool assembly generally includes a ground engaging tool, a shank, and clip coupled therebetween. The ground engaging tool includes a mounting portion that defines a channel configured to receive an upper portion of the clip. The shank includes a lower portion that defines an elongated slot configured to receive a lower portion of the clip. The clip is configured to align the mounting portion of the ground engaging tool with respect to the shank and the forward direction of travel. The mounting portion and associated clip are also configured to not cause undesired disturbance of the ground beyond the side-to-side width of the shank relative to the forward direction of travel.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2004Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.Inventors: Jim W. Henry, Blake R. Neudorf
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Patent number: 7490678Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a system for positioning a drawn implement being pulled by a vehicle traveling generally along a desired path of movement, the vehicle having a mounting hitch on the rear end thereof where a system hitch is configured to adjust its angular orientation relative to the vehicle mounting hitch and a global positioning system receiver operable to detect the position of the implement relative to the desired path as the vehicle moves generally along the desired path and generate a signal that is indicative of the lateral position of the implement relative to the desired path and means for controlling the hitch means to adjust the angular orientation of the hitch means so that the implement follows the desired path of movement in response to the global positioning system signals.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: A.I.L., Inc.Inventors: Marlin W. Unruh, Eugene H. Schmidt, Lee F. Nikkel, Lawrence E. Kuhlmann, David R. Long