Patents by Inventor Andrew V. Lauwers
Andrew V. Lauwers has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9717181Abstract: A pivotably adjustable attachment apparatus for an agricultural vehicle includes an attachment connected to a mounting structure. The mounting structure is operatively connected to an adapter assembly in communication with a feed device for moving a crop from the attachment to a feed device for further processing of the crop. A frame supports the feed device over an uneven surface. An apparatus is positioned between the mounting structure and the adapter assembly. The apparatus provides a substantially non-sliding contact between the mounting structure and the adapter assembly in response to the mounting structure being directed to a pivotable movement with respect to the mounting structure, thereby providing a pivotable movement of the attachment in response to encountering the uneven surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2012Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: R. Stewart Boyd, III, Andrew V. Lauwers
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Patent number: 9668413Abstract: A row unit for a header of an agricultural harvester is provided that includes a first longitudinally extending stripping plate and a second longitudinally extending stripping plate each mounted on a frame and each having opposed stripping edges which define a gap between the first stripping plate and the second stripping plate. The row unit includes a gap adjustment mechanism for adjusting a size of the gap that includes first and second linkage assemblies. Each of the two linkage assemblies have an elongated linkage extending substantially parallel to the respective longitudinally extending stripping plate, and a connection mechanism connecting the elongated linkage to the longitudinally extending stripping plate. The row unit further includes a control arm connected to the first and second linkage assemblies for moving the first and second linkage assemblies between first and second positions.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2014Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Eric L. Walker, Kyle O. Lauff, Brian P. Crow, Trevor D. Book, Michael L. Berggren, Barry E. Lehman, James M. Gessel, Andrew V. Lauwers
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Patent number: 9642307Abstract: A header end hood mount for a harvester configured to allow an end hood on a corn header to pivot about a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly is connected to the frame for mounting the hood thereon and includes a mounting bracket affixed to the frame to allow the hood to pivot between a first position covering the row unit and a second position spaced outwardly and upwardly from the first position to provide improved access to a row unit covered by an end hood during normal operation. The header end hood mount is designed to provide a pivoting motion of the hood.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Zachary Long, Bradley Wenger, Andrew V. Lauwers, Blaine Noll
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Patent number: 9532505Abstract: A row divider of an agricultural harvester is disclosed. The row divider includes a hood, a divider and an adjustment apparatus for adjusting the position of the divider and hood relative to each other. The adjustment apparatus includes a divider support extending from the hood for supporting the divider and an adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly is connected to the divider support and extends through the hood to an outer region of the hood such that an operator can access and adjust the position of the divider from a region outside the hood and/or divider without the need for lifting the divider to an up position.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2014Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Zachary Long, Andrew V. Lauwers
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Publication number: 20160324072Abstract: A header end hood mount for a harvester configured to allow an end hood on a corn header to pivot about a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly connected to the frame for mounting the hood thereon includes a mounting bracket affixed to the frame to allow the hood to pivot between a first position covering the row unit and a second position spaced outwardly and upwardly from the first position to provide improved access to a row unit covered by an end hood during normal operation. The header end hood mount according to the subject application is designed to provide an improved pivoting motion of the hood with increased access to a row unit covered by the end hood and requiring minimal movement of the end hood by the operator to improve safety.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2015Publication date: November 10, 2016Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Zachary Long, Bradley Wenger, Andrew V. Lauwers, Blaine Noll
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Publication number: 20160324071Abstract: A header of an agricultural harvester is disclosed for the transport of a flow of crop from a header to a combine feeder house. The header includes a frame having a floor, a conveyor assembly, and a feeder assembly. The conveyor assembly is mounted to the frame and the conveyor assembly includes a conveyor and a conveyor drive mechanism for driving the conveyor. The feeder assembly is mounted to the frame and has a rotary device and an independent rotary drive mechanism operatively connected to the rotary device to drive the rotation of the rotary device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2015Publication date: November 10, 2016Applicant: CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLCInventors: Bradley Wenger, Andrew V. Lauwers
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Patent number: 9386748Abstract: A folding wheel transport assembly is attachable to a header frame of an agricultural harvester and includes a wheel, a wheel axle support member carrying the wheel, a linkage connected to the wheel axle support member, and an actuator for moving the linkage and the wheel from a transportation position to a harvesting position. The wheel axle support member is pivotably connected to the linkage whereby the wheel pivots inwardly toward the header frame as the wheel moves between the transportation and harvesting positions.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2014Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Joel Timothy Cook, Andrew V. Lauwers, Blaine Noll
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Publication number: 20160183466Abstract: A row divider of an agricultural harvester is disclosed. The row divider includes a hood, a divider and an adjustment apparatus for adjusting the position of the divider and hood relative to each other. The adjustment apparatus includes a divider support extending from the hood for supporting the divider and an adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly is connected to the divider support and extends through the hood to an outer region of the hood such that an operator can access and adjust the position of the divider from a region outside the hood and/or divider without the need for lifting the divider to an up position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2014Publication date: June 30, 2016Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Zachary Long, Andrew V. Lauwers
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Publication number: 20160174461Abstract: A row unit for a header of an agricultural harvester is provided that includes a first longitudinally extending stripping plate and a second longitudinally extending stripping plate each mounted on a frame and each having opposed stripping edges which define a gap between the first stripping plate and the second stripping plate. The row unit includes a gap adjustment mechanism for adjusting a size of the gap that includes first and second linkage assemblies. Each of the two linkage assemblies have an elongated linkage extending substantially parallel to the respective longitudinally extending stripping plate, and a connection mechanism connecting the elongated linkage to the longitudinally extending stripping plate. The row unit further includes a control arm connected to the first and second linkage assemblies for moving the first and second linkage assemblies between first and second positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2014Publication date: June 23, 2016Applicant: CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLCInventors: Eric L. Walker, Kyle O. Lauff, Brian P. Crow, Trevor D. Book, Michael L. Berggren, Barry E. Lehman, James M. Gessel, Andrew V. Lauwers
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Publication number: 20160135366Abstract: A cutter guard assembly for a knife drive of an agricultural farm implement is provided. The cutter guard assembly includes a cutter bar assembly, a floor assembly and a knife assembly. The cutter bar assembly has a cutter bar. The floor assembly includes a floor extending from the cutter bar and a cover extending from the floor. The knife assembly is covered by and situated below the floor assembly. In operation the cover drapes over a rigid frame of a header shielding the knife assembly from debris.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2014Publication date: May 19, 2016Inventors: Joel T. Cook, Andrew V. Lauwers, Craig D. Roberts
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Patent number: 9301450Abstract: A combine feeding system includes a lower conveyor roller configured to rotate around a lower conveyor roller axis, an upper conveyor roller configured to rotate around an upper conveyor roller axis and a drive shaft configured to rotate around a drive shaft axis. The lower conveyor roller axis, upper conveyor roller axis and drive shaft axis are substantially perpendicular to first and second housing walls. The feeding system also includes at least one chain configured to move over the drive shaft, the lower conveyor roller and the upper conveyor roller. The feeding system further includes at least one lower support arm coupled to the drive shaft and the lower conveyor roller and configured to pivot about the drive shaft axis. At least one force mechanism is configured to apply a force to the at least one chain in at least one of a first direction and a second direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2012Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Robert Stewart Boyd, Andrew V. Lauwers, Herb M. Farley
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Publication number: 20160073585Abstract: A corn header for an agricultural harvester is disclosed. The header includes a chassis having first and second lateral ends and a plurality of row units defining crop receiving gaps. The header further includes a power takeoff member having a first end operatively connected to the agricultural harvester. A plurality of chopping units is carried by the chassis adjacent the row units, each chopping unit including a rotating blade configured to span a crop receiving gap of the row unit. A drive assembly including a gearbox, driveshaft and secondary gearbox is operably connected to the second end of the power takeoff member. The drive shaft extends from the gearbox to the secondary gearbox disposed between the first and second lateral ends of the chassis. The drive shaft is operably connected to a rotating line shaft of the row units or the chopping units via the secondary gearbox.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2014Publication date: March 17, 2016Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Joel Timothy Cook, Andrew V. Lauwers
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Publication number: 20160066503Abstract: A cutter guard assembly for a knife drive of an agricultural farm implement is provided. The cutter guard assembly includes a cutter bar assembly, a window frame, and a floor sheet. The cutter bar assembly has a cutter bar and a reciprocating knife assembly operatively connected to a knife drive. The window frame is rigidly attached to the cutter bar. The window frame includes an opening through which a knife arm of the reciprocating knife assembly extends through. The floor sheet extends rearwardly from the cutter bar and pivots relative to the window frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2014Publication date: March 10, 2016Inventors: Joel T. Cook, Curtis F. Hillen, Andrew V. Lauwers, Craig D. Roberts, Kyle R. Schropp, Joshua S. Joyce
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Publication number: 20150313084Abstract: A folding wheel transport assembly for a header of an agricultural harvester is disclosed as is a method for moving a wheel of such assembly from a transportation position to a harvesting position. The assembly is attachable to a header frame and includes a wheel, a wheel axle support member carrying the wheel, a linkage connected to the wheel axle support member, and an actuator for moving the linkage and the wheel from a transportation position to a harvesting position. The wheel axle support member is pivotably connected to the linkage whereby the wheel pivots inwardly toward the header frame as the wheel moves between the transportation and harvesting positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2014Publication date: November 5, 2015Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Joel Timothy Cook, Andrew V. Lauwers, Blaine Noll
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Patent number: 9137949Abstract: A chopper assembly for harvesting equipment including a knife bank movable between a first position where knife elements of the knife bank are fully inserted into a passageway for crop residue and a second position where knife elements of the knife bank are fully retracted from the passageway. A body has a slot or profile, the body secured to the knife bank and at least one knife element, the body and the knife element configured to move relative to the knife bank. A resilient device operably connects the slot or profile and the knife bank, the resilient device preventing movement of the knife element away from the first position and toward the second position until the knife element is subjected to a predetermined force. Upon removal of the predetermined force, the resilient device urges the knife element to move toward the first position.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2012Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Nathan E. Isaac, Andrew V. Lauwers, Mark D. Dilts
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Publication number: 20150156968Abstract: A combine unload control system having a grain tank for storing grain and at least one auger for unloading grain from the grain tank. The control system also includes a first auger cover proximate to the at least one auger, having one or more first auger cutouts disposed on a portion of the first auger cover and a second auger cover proximate to the at least one auger and having one or more second auger cutouts disposed on a portion of the second auger cover. The control system further includes a controller configured to control amounts of grain to pass through the one or more first auger cutouts and the one or more second auger cutouts and flow to the at least one auger by causing the first auger cover and the second auger cover to move relative to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2013Publication date: June 11, 2015Applicant: CNH America LLCInventors: Andrew V. Lauwers, Kevin W. Ward
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Patent number: 8876583Abstract: An agricultural combine having an adjustable spreader assembly is provided that includes a spreader with one or a pair of regulators. The spreader includes a discharge opening about its lateral side. The regulator is pivotably connected to the lateral side of the spreader such that the regulator is in fluid communication with the discharge opening. The regulator can be configured to move from a retracted position to an extended position or to vary the direction of discharge of crop residue. The spreader can be a vertical spreader, a horizontal spreader, or a spread board.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2009Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Martin Jean Roberge, Jason M. Benes, Andrew V. Lauwers, Nathan E. Isaac
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Publication number: 20140179383Abstract: A chopper assembly for harvesting equipment including a knife bank movable between a first position where knife elements of the knife bank are fully inserted into a passageway for crop residue and a second position where knife elements of the knife bank are fully retracted from the passageway. A body has a slot or profile, the body secured to the knife bank and at least one knife element, the body and the knife element configured to move relative to the knife bank. A resilient device operably connects the slot or profile and the knife bank, the resilient device preventing movement of the knife element away from the first position and toward the second position until the knife element is subjected to a predetermined force. Upon removal of the predetermined force, the resilient device urges the knife element to move toward the first position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLCInventors: Nathan E. ISAAC, Andrew V. LAUWERS, Mark D. DILTS
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Patent number: 8701870Abstract: A slat for use in an agricultural harvester including a web securable to a material moving system. A first and second leg extending outwardly from one side of the web, the first leg providing primary impetus for movement of crop material in a first direction by the material moving system. A third leg extending outwardly from an opposed side of the web and providing secondary impetus for movement of crop material by driven movement of the material moving system. In response to the slat encountering a foreign object that becomes wedged between the first leg, the third leg and structure of the material moving system and preventing driven movement of the material movement system in the first direction, upon application of force urging movement of the material movement system in an opposed second direction, the third leg facilitating a rotational movement of the slat for dislodging the foreign object.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Herbert M. Farley, Andrew V. Lauwers, Robert Stewart Boyd, III
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Publication number: 20140102863Abstract: A slat for use in an agricultural harvester including a web securable to a material moving system. A first and second leg extending outwardly from one side of the web, the first leg providing primary impetus for movement of crop material in a first direction by the material moving system. A third leg extending outwardly from an opposed side of the web and providing secondary impetus for movement of crop material by driven movement of the material moving system. In response to the slat encountering a foreign object that becomes wedged between the first leg, the third leg and structure of the material moving system and preventing driven movement of the material movement system in the first direction, upon application of force urging movement of the material movement system in an opposed second direction, the third leg facilitating a rotational movement of the slat for dislodging the foreign object.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2012Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLCInventors: Herbert M. FARLEY, Andrew V. LAUWERS, Robert Stewart BOYD, III