Patents Examined by Joel F Mitchell
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Patent number: 11166402Abstract: A tillage control system for a plurality of row units having an implement and being connected to a frame. The system includes a hydraulic system having fluid, a supply port and a drain port. A plurality of control subsystems are fluidly coupled with the supply port and the drain port. Each control subsystem is coupled with one of the plurality of row units and include a control valve and an actuator fluidly coupled to the control valve. The system further includes a controller communicatively coupled with each of the control valves to independently operate each actuator to raise and lower each implement of the plurality of row units relative to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2018Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Inventor: Benjamin L. Bauman
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Patent number: 11147204Abstract: In one aspect, a method for adjusting the down force applied to a row unit of an implement during the performance of a planting operation within a field may include receiving, by a computing device, soil composition data associated with a soil composition of soil within the field and determining a moisture content of the soil within the field. The method may also include calculating a soil plasticity factor associated with the soil within the field based on the soil composition data and the moisture content of the soil and adjusting a down force applied to at least one row unit of the implement based on the soil plasticity factor.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2018Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Trevor Stanhope, Darian E. Landolt, Jason T. Czapka
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Patent number: 11142884Abstract: A scraper attachment for excavators for removing synthetic coatings on cylindrical surface object and the like. The scraper attachment has fixed and movable jaws with opposing scraper blades to grasp, hold and scrape an applied bonded coating from the object by oppositional fixed and movable action of the scraper blades in repetitive engagement.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2018Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Inventor: Michael D. Ramun
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Patent number: 11140805Abstract: In one embodiment, a seeding implement control system includes a controller including a memory and a processor. The controller is configured to receive a first signal indicative of a target extension length of an actuator. The actuator is configured to control a ground engaging tool of a row unit. The actuator is also configured to position a lower surface of a blade of the ground engaging tool a target distance above a soil surface while the actuator is extended to the target extension length. The controller is further configured to store the target extension length in a memory device of the controller. The controller is configured to instruct the actuator to transition to the target extension length in response to receiving a second signal indicative of transitioning the ground engaging tool to a disengaged position.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2017Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.Inventors: Gordon Anthony Engel, Russell Altman, Trevor Kowalchuk
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Patent number: 11142893Abstract: A wear member and fastener for securing the wear member to earth working equipment. The fastener can be installed and maintained from the top of the assembly. An eccentric retainer is received in a recess of the wear member and is rotated to shift the wear member rearward on the earth working equipment. A bolt passing through aligned openings of the earth working equipment and the wear member is received by the retainer to secure the wear member to the earth working equipment.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2018Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: ESCO GROUP LLCInventors: Michael C. Dare, Rodney K. Clarke, Junbo Qian, Matthew J. Dunford, Sean G. Moore, Geoffrey R. Hodges, Jared R. Ames, Joel S. Hankland
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Patent number: 11116122Abstract: A handheld lawn maintenance tool having a power head to which an adapter is attachable to allow both battery-powered and gasoline-powered working attachments to be attached thereto. The power head includes a power source, integrated first and second handles, a power generator, and a first attachment mechanism to which the adapter and/or working attachments are attachable.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: MTD PRODUCTS INCInventor: Robert Bermudez
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Patent number: 11076523Abstract: A tillage point for an agricultural implement includes a body extending in a lengthwise direction between a tip end and a retention end and in a vertical direction between an upper body surface and a lower body surface, where the body defines a retention slot between the upper and lower body surfaces. Additionally, the tillage point has a fin extending outwardly from the upper body surface in the vertical direction. The fin defines a height in the vertical direction between a base end of the fin positioned adjacent to the upper body surface of the body and a top end of the fin positioned opposite the base end. The fin further defines a lateral width between opposed lateral sides of the fin, where the lateral width of the fin tapers along at least a portion of the vertical height of the fin.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2019Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventor: Michael G. Kovach
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Patent number: 11072912Abstract: A protection element for an earth-working implement includes a flat plate having a wearing portion on a side of the flat plate facing a distal end of the earth-working implement. A lower portion of the flat plate forms an attachment portion provided with notches, projecting portions, or a combination thereof configured to engage with the earth-working implement. When the attachment portion is engaged with the earth-working implement, the protection element is configured to project above a plane coinciding with a top surface of at least a portion of the earth-working implement proximal to the protection element such that the portion of the earth-working implement proximal to the protection element is shielded from a flow of loose mass during use of the earth-working implement. The wearing portion is arranged at an upper portion of the flat plate. The attachment portion is arranged at a lower portion of the flat plate.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2019Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: KVERNELAND GROUP OPERATIONS NORWAY ASInventor: Magne Skjæveland
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Patent number: 11064651Abstract: A disc opener unit for an agricultural implement has a down pressure adjustment device that automatically adjusts the amount of down pressure applied on a furrowing disc based on strain measurements taken by a strain gauge or load cell. The strain gauge, which may be mounted to an arm that is used to set the position of a depth setting gauge wheel, provides feedback to a processor that in turn controls the amount of hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic cylinder to adjust the down force applied on the disc. The amount of down pressure is therefore adjusted in substantially real-time in response to changes in field conditions, which improves furrow depth consistency and reduces wear on the gauge wheel and its components.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2020Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.Inventors: Trevor Kowalchuk, Robin B. Schilling, Jack Turner
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Patent number: 11066809Abstract: A draft frame positioning system of a motor grader having a main frame includes an adjustable draft frame configured to be moved to one of a plurality of positions and a moldboard coupled to the draft frame. The moldboard is movable based on the position of the draft frame. A saddle assembly is coupled between the draft frame and the main frame, and the saddle assembly includes a first saddle arm, a second saddle arm, and a saddle top member coupled between the first and second saddle arms. A saddle positioning cylinder moves between an extended position and a retracted position, and the cylinder is coupled at one end to the main frame or the saddle top member and at an opposite end to the saddle assembly. A movement of the saddle positioning cylinder induces movement of the draft frame to any of its plurality of positions.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2018Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Adam Zell, Joseph B. Fochs
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Patent number: 11064642Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a chassis and a shank carried by the chassis. The shank includes: a shank body configured to penetrate a soil top surface; a sensor attached to an outer surface of the shank body and defining a probing area; and a sensor shield carried by the shank body in front of the sensor, the sensor shield being configured to deflect oncoming soil flow away from the sensor without substantially disrupting soil flow into the probing area.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2017Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.Inventors: Robert A. Zemenchik, James W. Henry
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Patent number: 11051442Abstract: A vertical tilling implement to be pulled behind and agricultural vehicle having a number of gangs of fluted-concave disc blades, rolling baskets, and wheels connected to a main frame. As the vertical tilling implement is pulled, the fluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction lateral to the side of the blades as well as up. Meanwhile, the rolling bars aid in leveling the seedbed and crushing the remaining large pieces of soil. The vertical tilling implement reduces the amount of subsoil compaction and cuts through heavy residue making it ideal for use in the fall or in the spring.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2020Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Michael George Kovach, Tracey Duane Meiners, Dean Alan Knobloch, Gaylen James Kromminga, Gregory S. Smart
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Patent number: 11041286Abstract: A retention assembly, to slidably retain a blade to a support bracket of a grader machine, includes a yoke, a bearing arrangement, and one or more pins. The yoke is adapted to be coupled to the support bracket, and includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a cavity defined therebetween. The first sidewall defines a first thickness and one or more first bores. The second sidewall defines a second thickness and one or more second bores. The second bores are correspondingly co-axial to the first bores. The bearing arrangement is received within the cavity and is adapted to support the blade for a sliding movement of the blade relative to the bearing arrangement. Further, the pins extend correspondingly through at least one of the first bores or the second bores, and into the cavity to engage and retain the bearing arrangement within the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2017Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel Keith Harshman, James David Costner, III, David L Cox, Benjamin J Kovalick, Tanner Cade Koehne
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Patent number: 11013169Abstract: An apparatus for processing agricultural product having a main frame, a support for the main frame configured so that the main frame can be advanced in an operating direction over an area in which agricultural product is grown, and an operating system on the main frame configured to advance unearthed agricultural product intermixed with debris in a conveying direction in a conveying path between an input location and a first point of use. A first processing assembly a) advances unearthed agricultural product intermixed with debris in the conveying direction towards the first point of use; and b) allows intermixed debris to separate from the agricultural product as it is advanced in the conveying direction. A plurality of processing assemblies downstream of the first processing assembly separate intermixed debris in the form of vines from the agricultural product in different manners as the agricultural product is advanced in the conveying direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2015Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Crary Industries, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Nilson, Luke A. Baker
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Patent number: 11008729Abstract: A work implement of a motor grader in which a blade can readily be replaced includes a shift cylinder assembly and a blade. The shift cylinder assembly includes a blade shift cylinder and a rail which carries out reciprocating motion with extending and retracting of the blade shift cylinder. The blade is removably attached to the shift cylinder assembly. The blade includes a hook and the shift cylinder assembly includes a hook reception portion. The hook is hooked on the hook reception portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2017Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.Inventors: Yutaka Ono, Akihiko Sakamoto
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Patent number: 10993362Abstract: A consumable shin for a tillage shank includes an integral U-shaped shin having a first side, a second side, and a bottom; the first side and the second side being spaced apart to form a volume therebetween; the first side having a first side surface having first side length and a first side width; the second side having a second side surface having a second side length and a second side width; the first side length being from a rear edge of a guard of a shoe engaging the tillage shank to a forward edge of a first side shield engaging the tillage shank; the second side length being from the rear edge of the guard of the shoe engaging the tillage shank to a forward edge of a second side shield engaging the tillage shank.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2018Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Inventor: Jeffery M. Reynolds
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Patent number: 10993387Abstract: A sod harvester with an increased sod harvesting rate obtainable through a reduction in the time for completion of a sod handling cycle with the reduction in time obtained through changes in the interactions of transfer mechanisms within the sod harvester.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2017Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: TREBRO HOLDING, INCInventor: Gregg Tvetene
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Patent number: 10986764Abstract: A device for hitching and lifting an agricultural tool, including a frame fastened to the agricultural machine, a first arm articulated on the frame with a first tool hitch at one end, at least one first jack connected at one end to the frame and at the other to the arm, an extent of the travel of the jack allowing the end of the arm for bearing the hitch to successively pass through a first minimum low position, a second maximum high position, and a third retracted position, where a detection unit that detects a position of the end of the arm can deactivate the supply of the jack when the end reaches the second position, and a bypass controller can bypass the controller of the detection unit to reactivate the supply of the jack.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2016Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Inventor: Hubert Defrancq
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Patent number: 10966365Abstract: A hydraulically-foldable agricultural machine frame includes a hydraulic cylinder assembly that connects and pivots two lateral parts of the hydraulically-foldable agricultural machine frame relative to one another, wherein unrestricted pivoting or folding of the lateral parts is prevented by movement of the hydraulic cylinder assembly only being guided or delimited laterally.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2016Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: LEMKEN GMBH & CO KGInventors: Martin Gebbeken, Dennis Bergerfurth, Mark Berendsen, Marcel Geraats, Christian Gotzen, Thomas Lukas, Christian Paessens, Dieter Werries, Andreas Van Kann, Clemens Diepers
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Patent number: 10945362Abstract: A modular harrow apparatus for smoothing horse pens includes a vehicle carabiner that attaches to an ATV, a UTV, or a small tractor. Each of a pair of chains has a vehicle end coupled to the vehicle carabiner and a harrow end. A lead harrow bar has a pair of first front eyelets coupled to the pair of chains and a pair of first rear eyelets. A second harrow bar has a pair of second front eyelets. A pair of linkage systems is coupled between the pair of first rear eyelets of the lead harrow bar and the pair of second front eyelets of the second harrow bar. A plurality of tines is coupled to a first bottom face of the lead harrow bar and a second bottom face of the second harrow bar.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2018Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Inventor: Bobbi Giudicelli