Patents by Inventor Dean A. Cortopassi

Dean A. Cortopassi 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: 4147017
    Abstract: A tomato harvester supported on a draft propelled chassis and having a pair of header conveyors to simultaneously harvest two adjacent crop rows. The chassis is supported on wheels so spaced relative to one another that they may travel between the crop rows and an adjustable draft tongue enables a draft vehicle for the harvester to be positioned in aligned spanning relationship to a crop row ahead of the harvester. During harvesting, the crop, including the vines therefor, is lifted by the harvester and conveyed longitudinally over its length. A shaker conveyor having means to continuously vary the ratio of conveyor speed to oscillation rate subjects harvested vines to shaking to break attached tomatoes away from the vines. A separator is provided to separate loose tomatoes and dirt clods from the vines in advance of the shaker conveyor. Collecting conveyors collect loose tomatoes and dirt clods and preliminarily separate dirt clods from the tomatoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1979
    Inventors: Dean A. Cortopassi, Alvin G. Cortopassi
  • Patent number: 4099669
    Abstract: A mobile sprinkler irrigation system comprising an elongate sprinkler supply pipe supported at one end by a self-propelled pace carriage and along the length thereof by a plurality of spaced self-propelled follower carriages. A tower on the pace carriage supports a laser projection system that projects a laser plane parallel to and along the length of the sprinkler supply pipe. The follower carriages carry laser sensor units deposed to intercept the laser plane whenever a follower carriage falls out of alignment with the pace carriage. Control circuitry operates in response to the sensors to control the propulsion wheels for the follower carriages so that the carriages follow the laser plane. Thus, the follower carriages follow the path of the laser plane, as defined by the pace carriage, whether the path be curvilinear, or rectilinear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1978
    Inventor: Dean A. Cortopassi