Patents Examined by Thomas B. Will
  • Patent number: 11758849
    Abstract: A crop harvesting header includes a reel for controlling movement of the crop in the area over the cutter bar to the transport draper carried on two reel mounting arms for upward and downward movement and for moving the reel forwardly and rearwardly along the respective reel mounting arm. The reel has a plurality of reel bats with reel fingers projecting generally radially outwardly from the reel axis where the reel bats are pivotal to vary the angle of the finger driven by a cam track member. An adjustment component defined by a follower in a guide track along one of the arms is responsive to movement of the reel along the arm which causes the cam track member to be angularly advanced and retarded about the reel axis to different adjustment angles in dependence upon the position of the reel along the mounting arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: MacDon Industries LTD
    Inventor: Bruce Robert Shearer
  • Patent number: 11751498
    Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a toolbar system having a toolbar frame, an elevator assembly, and a first wing on one side of the toolbar frame. The first wing may be coupled to the elevator and pivotable about a first vertical axis of rotation between an extended and a folded position. Tools may be coupled to the first wing and rotatable relative to a longitudinal axis of the first wing from an operating position below the first wing to a transport/shipping position above the first wing. Further, the first wing may be adapted to be moveable to position the first wing higher than a wheel of the agricultural implement on the same side of the toolbar frame in the folded position. Subsequently, the tools may be circularly rotated and the middle wing and tools pushed down to reduce the overall width and height of the implement for transporting or shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Ryan J. Fleshner, Ronald J. Schlimgen
  • Patent number: 11753785
    Abstract: A snow plough includes a driving source, an auger housing, a rotating shaft to be driven and rotated by the driving source within the auger housing, and an auger arranged within the auger housing and to be driven and rotated via the rotating shaft. The auger includes a snow-collecting blade located at least on one side in a width direction of the auger, the snow-collecting blade collecting snow toward a center of the auger in the width direction, and a snow-throwing blade located at the center of the auger in the width direction, the snow-throwing unit casting snow collected by the snow-collecting blade by a centrifugal force and discharging snow to an outside via a chute. The snow-throwing blade includes an outer circumferential snow-throwing plate rotating along an outer circumferential region positioned outside an inner circumferential region, the inner circumferential region being a non-snow-throwing region within the auger housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Nobuo Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 11744175
    Abstract: A small push-type lawn mower that can be converted into a stand-on riding mower. The mower includes a platform at the rear of the mower deck, and a handle assembly that can be pivoted forwardly making room for a user to step onto the platform. The handle assembly includes controls that drive electric motors that power the rear wheels allowing the user to ride the mower. The handle assembly can be pivoted rearwardly so that the user can access and grab the handle assembly and push the mower while walking behind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. White, Matthew J. Velderman, Matthew Stanton
  • Patent number: 11744182
    Abstract: A cotton harvester estimates the mass of cotton as it is harvested using sensor devices and compares the mass of each module against the estimated mass of the module as determined by the sensors so that a calibration factor may be determined and actively updated for more accurate crop yield determination. The mass flow for a specific module is accumulated and processed during harvesting using a base calibration factor and the module is weighed and compared against the expected mass using the base calibration factor to develop a candidate updated calibration factor. The base calibration factor is selectively replaced by the candidate updated calibration factor for processing a subsequent module based on machine feedback information relating to the operation of the harvester. Harvested crop data determined using the calibration factor is used to generate highly accurate yield maps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignees: Deere & Company, Iowa State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Brandon C. Carlson, Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Nicholas W. Vanlaningham, Kurt D. Gustafson, Jeffrey C. Askey
  • Patent number: 11746486
    Abstract: A vehicle escape ramp arresting system that includes a narrowed internal width and includes housing connection that limits the peak initial load that can be applied to a metal tape during a vehicle impact with a net and allows a housing associated with the system to rotate about both the vertical and horizontal axes to aid in slowing an errant vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: IMPACT TECHNOLOGIES VI
    Inventors: Michael Kempen, Michael Brackin
  • Patent number: 11744181
    Abstract: A feederhouse assembly for an agricultural harvester includes a frame, a header lock pin, a biasing member coupled to the frame and the header lock pin, and a latch coupled to the frame and the header lock pin. The biasing member is configured to urge the header lock pin outward to lock a harvesting header to the frame. A rotatable latch in a first positron protrudes from the frame and retains the header lock pin in an inward positron. The latch in a second position permits the header lock pin to travel outward. A method includes applying a force from a harvesting header on a latch protruding from a frame of a feederhouse, pushing the latch to release a header lock pin from an inward position, and urging the header lock pin outward to lock the harvesting header to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: AGCO do Brasil Soluções Agrícolas Ltda.
    Inventor: Marcelo Carpenedo
  • Patent number: 11744183
    Abstract: A sorghum cutting header and a sorghum harvester with large feed volume and multiple reeling pans includes a reeling header, a rod crushing device, and a reciprocating cutter device. The rod crushing device is located under the reeling header. The reeling header includes reeling pans, frame rods, bearing seats, reeling pan shafts, tandem shafts, and tandem shaft bearing seats. The reeling pan shafts are installed in parallel on the frame rod through bearing seats. The adjacent reeling pan shafts are in transmission connection, and at least one reeling pan shaft is in transmission connection with the power device. An inner part of any reeling pan shaft penetrates the tandem shafts. Both ends of the tandem shafts are supported on the frame rods, and one end of the tandem shafts is fixed on the tandem shaft bearing seats. The reeling pans are mounted on any reeling pan shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Jiangsu University
    Inventors: Zhong Tang, Yaquan Liang, Xin Liu, Yu Li
  • Patent number: 11737385
    Abstract: A method of controlling tilt of an agricultural implement being towed by a tow vehicle along a field includes providing a controller, a first sensor, a second sensor, and an actuator coupled to the implement. The method includes detecting a baseline level of the tow vehicle with the first sensor at a first location in the field, wherein the implement is located at a second location in the field spaced rearward of the first location. The controller determines when the implement will be at the first location in the field, and an implement level of the implement is measured with the second sensor once the implement is at the first location. The implement level is compared to the baseline level with the controller. The controller determines if the difference between the implement level and baseline level is within a tolerance range, and further controls the actuator as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Ricky B. Theilen, Lucas B. Larsen
  • Patent number: 11737391
    Abstract: A chopper system for a sugarcane harvester comprises a chopper and a timing-adjustment tool. The chopper comprises a first chopper drum mounted for rotation about a first axis of rotation and comprising blades, a second chopper drum mounted for rotation about a second axis of rotation and comprising blades that cooperate with the blades of the first chopper drum to sever sugarcane stalks into billets upon rotation of the first and second chopper drums respectively about the first and second axes of rotation, and a gearbox that coordinates rotation of the first and second chopper drums relative to one another to establish a timing of operation between the blades of the first and second chopper drums. The timing-adjustment tool removably mounts to the chopper to adjust the timing of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Guy Burch, Michael L. Halbrook, Javier J. Moscoso, Prashant M. Jundale
  • Patent number: 11737389
    Abstract: A lawn mower includes a blade housing and a height adjusting mechanism for adjusting a height of the blade housing with respect to the associated ground. The height adjusting mechanism includes rear wheel support members for supporting rear drive wheels. Each rear drive wheel includes a cover having an exterior cover part and an interior cover part. The interior cover part is directly connected to one of the support members without the use of separate associated mechanical fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Vaughn, Nathaniel A. Lenfert
  • Patent number: 11737382
    Abstract: A soil cultivation tool, in particular a plowshare, includes a base body on which cartridges are optionally arranged and at least first cutting elements that are attached to the base body or the cartridges in order to cut into the earth along a working direction. The first cutting elements are arranged in separate seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: BOEHLERIT GMBH & CO.KG.
    Inventors: Walter Bärnthaler, Hannes Burböck
  • Patent number: 11732445
    Abstract: A tool bit includes a shank portion defining a longitudinal axis, a free end, and a perimeter, at least one anti-rotation feature on the perimeter extending to the free end, and a cross-hole defining a cross-hole axis along which the cross-hole extends through the shank portion. The tool bit also including a working portion extending downwardly axially from the shank portion. The working portion includes a rear region, a front working region defining a width with a midpoint, a first side region and a second side region. The first side region and the second side region define an angle of extension measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The cross-hole axis pass through the width of the front working region when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David Bruno Parzynski, Jr., Thomas Marshall Congdon
  • Patent number: 11730075
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for monitoring soil flow around a ground-engaging tool of an agricultural implement. The system may include a ground-engaging tool configured to be moved through the soil as the agricultural implement travels across a field. Furthermore, the system may include a radar sensor configured to capture data indicative of a flow of the soil around the ground-engaging tool within a detection zone of the radar sensor. Additionally, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the radar sensor. The controller may, in turn, be configured to generate a representation of the flow of the soil around the ground-engaging tool within the detection zone based on data received from the radar sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Luca Ferrari, Trevor Stanhope
  • Patent number: 11730077
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for shifting weight between a tractor and toolbar and between sections of the toolbar, for controlling operative height of a toolbar and sections of a toolbar and for folding a toolbar between a work position and a transport position. A ground engaging wheel and an actuator are coupled to the toolbar. In one embodiment, a fluid control system is responsive to a command signal to modify the actuator pressure such that the actuator pressure corresponds to a desired pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Gregg A. Sauder, Dale M. Koch
  • Patent number: 11723299
    Abstract: A closing wheel assembly for a seed row planter unit resides behind the gauge wheel assembly and furrow disks of the planter unit. The closing wheel assembly includes a coupler with a pair of closing wheels mounted thereon. A single pin removably extends through the coupler and through the gauge wheel assembly to detachably mount the closing wheel assembly to the gauge wheel assembly. Different closing wheel assemblies can be quickly mounted on the row unit, depending upon the type of seed being planted. The closing wheels are laterally adjustable via a rotatable threaded bushing so as to be centered behind the furrow disks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Harvest International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Alan Sivinski
  • Patent number: 11716919
    Abstract: A method for adjusting an orientation angle of an agricultural implement includes arranging a hitch such that an upper link and at least one lower link is articulated to a support structure of the utility vehicle, and adjusting the orientation angle based on a target length of the upper link. The target length of the upper link is determined as a function of the orientation angle and as a function of a lower link angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Manuel Billich
  • Patent number: 11716920
    Abstract: An agricultural tillage system including a carriage frame assembly, a plurality of tillage elements coupled to the carriage frame assembly, an actuator and a residue reactive system. The actuator is moveably coupled to the tillage elements, and is directly in control of a soil contact depth of the tillage elements. The residue reactive system is in controlling communication with the at least one actuator. The residue reactive system reduces the soil contact depth of the tillage elements when the residue mass on the soil is reduced and/or the slope of the soil is above a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Zemenchik
  • Patent number: 11711990
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the installation status of shank attachment members of an agricultural implement includes a shank and a shank attachment member coupled to a distal end of the shank. The system also includes a sensor at least partially embedded within the shank at or adjacent to its distal end, with the sensor providing data indicative of an installation status of the shank attachment member relative to the shank. In addition, the system includes a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor, with the controller being configured to determine the installation status of the shank attachment member based on the data received from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Joshua David Harmon
  • Patent number: 11712003
    Abstract: A harvesting system includes at least one modular unit coupled to a harvester includes a drying unit to dry a harvested material introduced into the harvester including at least one rotating drum, a number of appendages extending from the at least one rotating drum, at least one sensor to determine at least one environmental state within the drying unit, and at least one environmental state adjustment device to adjust at least one environmental attribute within the drying unit. The modular unit also includes a collection unit to collect the harvested material into a unit, a first conveyor mechanism to convey the harvested material from the drying unit to the collection unit, and a control system to control at least the harvester, the drying unit, the collection unit, the first conveyor mechanism, the sensor, and the environmental state adjustment device based on a signal received from the at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Square Head Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Paul Groth