Patents by Inventor Bryan D. Blauwet

Bryan D. Blauwet 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).

  • Patent number: 10743453
    Abstract: A basket rotates about a basket axis with respect to an implement frame when moving in a direction of travel. The basket includes first and second end plates and a plurality of blades extending therebetween. The blades engage the ground surface as the basket rotates and each include a first end and a second end positioned closer to the basket than the first end. The basket defines an internal volume between the first and second end plates and the second ends of the blades. An internal scraper is positioned within the internal volume of the basket such that a portion of the internal scraper extends rearward of a vertical plane extending through the basket axis in the direction of travel and vertically away from the ground surface above a horizontal second plane extending through the basket axis. The internal scraper extends at an acute angle with respect to horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Jacob W. Cross, Anthony Sikora, Greg T. Buse, Bryan D. Blauwet
  • Publication number: 20190335646
    Abstract: A basket rotates about a basket axis with respect to an implement frame when moving in a direction of travel. The basket includes first and second end plates and a plurality of blades extending therebetween. The blades engage the ground surface as the basket rotates and each include a first end and a second end positioned closer to the basket than the first end. The basket defines an internal volume between the first and second end plates and the second ends of the blades. An internal scraper is positioned within the internal volume of the basket such that a portion of the internal scraper extends rearward of a vertical plane extending through the basket axis in the direction of travel and vertically away from the ground surface above a horizontal second plane extending through the basket axis. The internal scraper extends at an acute angle with respect to horizontal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Jacob W. Cross, Anthony Sikora, Greg T. Buse, Bryan D. Blauwet
  • Patent number: 10327373
    Abstract: A harrow attachment for a tillage implement includes a harrow drawbar mounting at least one rank of harrowing tools. A pivot link pivotally couples the harrow rank to the drawbar so it can trip by pivoting upward toward the drawbar from a home position in which the harrow rank is farthest away from the drawbar. A downforce spring is coupled to the drawbar and in a variable length state when the harrow rank is tripped to apply a return biasing force to the harrow rank. An adjustment mechanism couples the spring to the harrow rank and/or the pivot link in one of a plurality of adjustment locations in each of which the harrow rank is in the home position and the spring is in a fixed length state in which the biasing force is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: David L. Steinlage, Jerry R. Merkle, Bryan D. Blauwet, Luc Janelle, Jeremy Nefzger, Shawn J. Becker, Humberto Moreno
  • Patent number: 10231373
    Abstract: A drawbar apparatus is provided for coupling an earth-working tool to a frame of an agricultural implement. The drawbar apparatus comprises a drawbar. The drawbar comprises a first portion coupled to the frame and a second portion. A joint comprises a first bracket comprising a protrusion. The protrusion defines a first aperture. The first bracket is coupled to one of the second portion of the drawbar and the earth-working tool. A second bracket defines a channel configured to receive the protrusion. The channel defines a second aperture on a first side of the channel and a third aperture on a second side of the channel. The second bracket is coupled to the other of the second portion of the drawbar and the earth-working tool. A fastener is positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture. The protrusion is configured to move laterally in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Robert T. Casper, Bryan D. Blauwet, Richard J. Connell, Jeremy D. Krantz, John M. Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 10194573
    Abstract: A harrow attachment for a tillage implement has a harrow drawbar, configured to mount to a frame member of the tillage implement, and at least one harrow rank having a rank bar supporting a plurality of harrowing tools oriented to extend away from the rank bar. An anti-tangle bracket assembly has a first pivot link coupled to the harrow drawbar and a second pivot link pivotally coupled to the at least one harrow rank. The first and second pivot links pivot about pivot axes with respect to one another within a pivotal range of movement of the at least one harrow rank from a first, extended position to a second, tripped position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: David L. Steinlage, Jerry R. Merkle, Bryan D. Blauwet, Luc Janelle, Jeremy Nefzger, Shawn J. Becker, Humberto Moreno
  • Patent number: 10149423
    Abstract: A drawbar for finishing attachments is arranged to attach to a fore-aft frame member of a tillage implement. The drawbar has a saddle with spaced apart side walls defining a channel configured to receive the frame member. When the frame member is received in the channel, the side walls of the saddle overlap side walls of the frame member and extend in the fore-aft direction rearward of an end of the frame member. The side walls of the saddle and the frame member have mounting openings that align along a lateral direction transverse to the fore-aft direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David L. Steinlage, Jerry R. Merkle, Bryan D. Blauwet, Luc Janelle, Jeremy Nefzger, Shawn J. Becker, Humberto Moreno
  • Patent number: 10076072
    Abstract: A tillage implement has a main frame, a hinged wing and a plurality of gangs each having tools along its length. The plurality of gangs includes a main frame gang mounted to the main frame and inner and outer wing gangs mounted to the wing. The inner and outer wing gangs have inner ends that are forward or rearward with respect to the direction of travel of outer ends, and the lengths of the inner and outer wing gangs are offset from each other in the direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: David L. Steinlage, Shawn J. Becker, Robert T. Casper, Bryan D. Blauwet
  • Patent number: 10045475
    Abstract: A finishing attachment for a tillage implement has a support arm configured to mount to the frame so that a long dimension of the support arm extends in a fore-aft direction of the implement. A cross-bar having a long dimension extending transverse to the fore-aft direction is coupled to a free end of the support arm. A roller basket is mounted to the cross-bar for rotation with respect to the cross-bar. A pivot bracket couples the free end of the support arm to the cross-bar. The pivot bracket forms a pivot axis extending substantially in the fore-aft direction of travel about which the roller basket pivots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: David L. Steinlage, Jerry R. Merkle, Bryan D. Blauwet, Luc Janelle, Jeremy Nefzger, Shawn J. Becker, Humberto Moreno
  • Patent number: 9723776
    Abstract: An agricultural implement and attachment are described for soil conditioning. The implement may include an implement frame, with the attachment configured to be towed by the implement frame. A pressurized fluid circuit may be configured to control one or more actuators, in order to provide lifting or lowering force to the attachment. The attachment may include a leading frame and a trailing frame, each configured to support a set of agricultural tools. The trailing frame may be mounted to the implement frame via the leading frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Thomas J. Rosin, Robert T. Casper, Luc Janelle, Bryan D. Blauwet, Jeremy Nefzger
  • Publication number: 20170079192
    Abstract: A finishing attachment for a tillage implement has a support arm configured to mount to the frame so that a long dimension of the support arm extends in a fore-aft direction of the implement. A cross-bar having a long dimension extending transverse to the fore-aft direction is coupled to a free end of the support arm. A roller basket is mounted to the cross-bar for rotation with respect to the cross-bar. A pivot bracket couples the free end of the support arm to the cross-bar. The pivot bracket forms a pivot axis extending substantially in the fore-aft direction of travel about which the roller basket pivots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: David L. Steinlage, Jerry R. Merkle, Bryan D. Blauwet, Luc Janelle, Jeremy Nefzger, Shawn J. Becker, Humberto Moreno
  • Publication number: 20170079189
    Abstract: A harrow attachment for a tillage implement has a harrow drawbar, configured to mount to a frame member of the tillage implement, and at least one harrow rank having a rank bar supporting a plurality of harrowing tools oriented to extend away from the rank bar. An anti-tangle bracket assembly has a first pivot link coupled to the harrow drawbar and a second pivot link pivotally coupled to the at least one harrow rank. The first and second pivot links pivot about pivot axes with respect to one another within a pivotal range of movement of the at least one harrow rank from a first, extended position to a second, tripped position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: David L. Steinlage, Jerry R. Merkle, Bryan D. Blauwet, Luc Janelle, Jeremy Nefzger, Shawn J. Becker, Humberto Moreno
  • Publication number: 20170079196
    Abstract: A tillage implement has a main frame, a hinged wing and a plurality of gangs each having tools along its length. The plurality of gangs includes a main frame gang mounted to the main frame and inner and outer wing gangs mounted to the wing. The inner and outer wing gangs have inner ends that are forward or rearward with respect to the direction of travel of outer ends, and the lengths of the inner and outer wing gangs are offset from each other in the direction of travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: David L. Steinlage, Shawn J. Becker, Robert T. Casper, Bryan D. Blauwet
  • Publication number: 20170079197
    Abstract: A drawbar for finishing attachments is arranged to attach to a fore-aft frame member of a tillage implement. The drawbar has a saddle with spaced apart side walls defining a channel configured to receive the frame member. When the frame member is received in the channel, the side walls of the saddle overlap side walls of the frame member and extend in the fore-aft direction rearward of an end of the frame member. The side walls of the saddle and the frame member have mounting openings that align along a lateral direction transverse to the fore-aft direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: David L. Steinlage, Jerry R. Merkle, Bryan D. Blauwet, Luc Janelle, Jeremy Nefzger, Shawn J. Becker, Humberto Moreno
  • Publication number: 20170079190
    Abstract: A harrow attachment for a tillage implement includes a harrow drawbar mounting at least one rank of harrowing tools. A pivot link pivotally couples the harrow rank to the drawbar so it can trip by pivoting upward toward the drawbar from a home position in which the harrow rank is farthest away from the drawbar. A downforce spring is coupled to the drawbar and in a variable length state when the harrow rank is tripped to apply a return biasing force to the harrow rank. An adjustment mechanism couples the spring to the harrow rank and/or the pivot link in one of a plurality of adjustment locations in each of which the harrow rank is in the home position and the spring is in a fixed length state in which the biasing force is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: David L. Steinlage, Jerry R. Merkle, Bryan D. Blauwet, Luc Janelle, Jeremy Nefzger, Shawn J. Becker, Humberto Moreno
  • Publication number: 20170034990
    Abstract: A drawbar apparatus is provided for coupling an earth-working tool to a frame of an agricultural implement. The drawbar apparatus comprises a drawbar. The drawbar comprises a first portion coupled to the frame and a second portion. A joint comprises a first bracket comprising a protrusion. The protrusion defines a first aperture. The first bracket is coupled to one of the second portion of the drawbar and the earth-working tool. A second bracket defines a channel configured to receive the protrusion. The channel defines a second aperture on a first side of the channel and a third aperture on a second side of the channel. The second bracket is coupled to the other of the second portion of the drawbar and the earth-working tool. A fastener is positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture. The protrusion is configured to move laterally in the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Inventors: Robert T. CASPER, Bryan D. BLAUWET, Richard J. CONNELL, Jeremy D. KRANTZ, John M. SCHWEITZER
  • Publication number: 20160044857
    Abstract: An agricultural implement and attachment are described for soil conditioning. The implement may include an implement frame, with the attachment configured to be towed by the implement frame. A pressurized fluid circuit may be configured to control one or more actuators, in order to provide lifting or lowering force to the attachment. The attachment may include a leading frame and a trailing frame, each configured to support a set of agricultural tools. The trailing frame may be mounted to the implement frame via the leading frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, THOMAS J. ROSIN, ROBERT T. CASPER, LUC JANELLE, BRYAN D. BLAUWET, JEREMY NEFZGER
  • Publication number: 20140209335
    Abstract: A drawbar apparatus for coupling an earth-working tool to a frame of an agricultural implement. The drawbar apparatus comprises a drawbar. The drawbar comprises a first portion coupled to the frame and a second portion. A joint comprises a first bracket comprising a protrusion. The protrusion defines a first aperture. The first bracket is coupled to one of the second portion of the drawbar and the earth-working tool. A second bracket defines a channel configured to receive the protrusion. The channel defines a second aperture on a first side of the channel and a third aperture on a second side of the channel. The second bracket is coupled to the other of the second portion of the drawbar and the earth-working tool. A fastener is positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture. The protrusion is configured to move laterally in the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: ROBERT T. CASPER, BRYAN D. BLAUWET, RICHARD J. CONNELL, JEREMY D. KRANTZ, JOHN M. SCHWEITZER
  • Patent number: 8336306
    Abstract: A hydraulic fluid cooling system for a pair of integrated hydrostatic transmissions includes a common reservoir holding hydraulic fluid and having hydraulic lines connecting the common reservoir to each integrated hydrostatic transmission, a hydraulic fluid reservoir inside each integrated hydrostatic transmission, and a pump for pumping fluid from each transmission's hydraulic fluid reservoir to the other transmission. Hydraulic fluid lines link each transmission's hydraulic fluid reservoir to the other transmission. The system pumps hydraulic fluid from the sump or reservoir of each integrated hydrostatic transmission to the other transmission, providing the cooling capacity of a non-loaded transmission to cool hydraulic fluid for a fully loaded transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: James E. Hardzinski, Bryan D. Blauwet, Damon C. Green, Michael L. Lentz
  • Publication number: 20100236235
    Abstract: A hydraulic fluid cooling system for a pair of integrated hydrostatic transmissions includes a common reservoir holding hydraulic fluid and having hydraulic lines connecting the common reservoir to each integrated hydrostatic transmission, a hydraulic fluid reservoir inside each integrated hydrostatic transmission, and a pump for pumping fluid from each transmission's hydraulic fluid reservoir to the other transmission. Hydraulic fluid lines link each transmission's hydraulic fluid reservoir to the other transmission. The system pumps hydraulic fluid from the sump or reservoir of each integrated hydrostatic transmission to the other transmission, providing the cooling capacity of a non-loaded transmission to cool hydraulic fluid for a fully loaded transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: James E. Hardzinski, Bryan D. Blauwet, Damon C. Green, Michael L. Lentz