Patents by Inventor Dennis P. Silver

Dennis P. Silver 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: 12114602
    Abstract: A corn head includes a first wing segment; a center segment; and a corn head adjustment system. The corn head adjustment system includes a first fold actuator and corn head hydraulics fluidly coupled to receive a fluid from a source and to selectively direct the fluid to the first fold actuator. During a fold process, the corn head hydraulics is configured to actuate the first fold actuator in order to lift and fold the first wing segment frame relative to the center frame. During an unfold process, the corn head hydraulics is configured to actuate the first fold actuator in order to lift and unfold the first wing segment frame relative to the center frame. The corn head hydraulics includes a force relief arrangement configured such that, at a predetermined position during the fold process and the unfold process, fluid pressure to the first fold actuator is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Todd M. Verhoef, Andrew J. Braet, Dennis P. Silver, Krupa Manjunath, Duane M. Bomleny
  • Patent number: 11570950
    Abstract: A crop head for a harvester includes a folding frame having a first frame portion and a second frame portion configured to be folded in a transport state and unfolded in a harvesting state. The first and second frame portions are lockable with respect to each other to inhibit folding and unlockable with respect to each other to allow folding. A plurality of crop dividers is supported by the first frame portion. The plurality of crop dividers includes at least one movable crop divider that is movable with respect to the first frame portion. The crop head also includes a cylinder and a piston movable with respect to the cylinder. The piston is operable to move the movable crop divider between the first and second positions and is configured to directly engage the first and second frame portions to lock the first and second frame portions with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Eric D. Windsor, Nathan E. Krehbiel, Dennis P. Silver, Andrew J. Braet, Todd M. Verhoef
  • Publication number: 20220015293
    Abstract: A crop head for a harvester includes a folding frame having a first frame portion and a second frame portion configured to be folded in a transport state and unfolded in a harvesting state. The first and second frame portions are lockable with respect to each other to inhibit folding and unlockable with respect to each other to allow folding. A plurality of crop dividers is supported by the first frame portion. The plurality of crop dividers includes at least one movable crop divider that is movable with respect to the first frame portion. The crop head also includes a cylinder and a piston movable with respect to the cylinder. The piston is operable to move the movable crop divider between the first and second positions and is configured to directly engage the first and second frame portions to lock the first and second frame portions with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: Eric D. Windsor, Nathan E. Krehbiel, Dennis P. Silver, Andrew J. Braet, Todd M. Verhoef
  • Publication number: 20210392815
    Abstract: A corn head includes a first wing segment; a center segment; and a corn head adjustment system. The corn head adjustment system includes a first fold actuator and corn head hydraulics fluidly coupled to receive a fluid from a source and to selectively direct the fluid to the first fold actuator. During a fold process, the corn head hydraulics is configured to actuate the first fold actuator in order to lift and fold the first wing segment frame relative to the center frame. During an unfold process, the corn head hydraulics is configured to actuate the first fold actuator in order to lift and unfold the first wing segment frame relative to the center frame. The corn head hydraulics includes a force relief arrangement configured such that, at a predetermined position during the fold process and the unfold process, fluid pressure to the first fold actuator is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Todd M. Verhoef, Andrew J. Braet, Dennis P. Silver, Krupa Manjunath, Duane M. Bomleny
  • Patent number: 11129332
    Abstract: A corn harvester includes a first stalk roll having a plurality of first blades circumferentially spaced apart by a first angle. A second stalk roll has a plurality of second blades circumferentially spaced apart by a second angle. The first and second stalk rolls are rotatable about parallel first and second axes that are separated by a centerline therebetween. In an operational state when a tip of one first blade is aligned with the centerline, a tip of one second blade is angularly offset from the centerline by a third angle. The third angle is less than 45% of the second angle. The one first blade forms a cross section perpendicular to the first axis having an altitude extending from the tip toward the first axis along a first blade altitude. The cross section of the one first blade is asymmetric about the first blade altitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Steve A. Coon, Nathan E. Krehbiel, Dennis P. Silver
  • Patent number: 10897846
    Abstract: A harvester includes a main frame, first side frame, and a second side frame. The first and second side frames are rotatable about the main frame between a deployed position and a stowed position. A first crop divider is rotatable with respect to the first side frame to change an angle between the first crop divider and the ground. A first biasing member biases the first crop divider into the raised position. A second crop divider is rotatable with respect to the second side frame to change an angle between the second crop divider and the ground. A second biasing member biases the second crop divider into the raised position. During movement of the first and second side frames into the stowed position, the first and second crop dividers are moved into the lowered position against the biasing force of the respective biasing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Troy M. Heims, Nathan E. Krehbiel, Steve A. Coon, Dennis P. Silver, Eric D. Windsor, Eric H. Stone
  • Patent number: 10813289
    Abstract: A header for a harvester includes a hinge assembly, a center portion having a single center top beam that spans laterally relative to a longitudinal centerline of the header, and a wing portion having a single lateral top beam that is arranged forward of and lower than the single center top beam. The wing portion is attached to the center portion by the hinge assembly wherein the wing portion is pivotable between an unfolded position wherein the wing portion extends laterally away from the longitudinal centerline and a folded position wherein the lateral top beam nests forward of and below the center top beam. A cradle member may be attached to the center portion, the cradle portion receives the lateral top beam when the wing portion is in the folded position. The hinge assembly positions the lateral top beam forward of and below the center top beam in folded and unfolded positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew J. Braet, Dennis P. Silver, Nathan E. Krehbiel, Shantanu Acharya
  • Publication number: 20200128747
    Abstract: A harvester includes a main frame, first side frame, and a second side frame. The first and second side frames are rotatable about the main frame between a deployed position and a stowed position. A first crop divider is rotatable with respect to the first side frame to change an angle between the first crop divider and the ground. A first biasing member biases the first crop divider into the raised position. A second crop divider is rotatable with respect to the second side frame to change an angle between the second crop divider and the ground. A second biasing member biases the second crop divider into the raised position. During movement of the first and second side frames into the stowed position, the first and second crop dividers are moved into the lowered position against the biasing force of the respective biasing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Troy M. Heims, Nathan E. Krehbiel, Steve A. Coon, Dennis P. Silver, Eric D. Windsor, Eric H. Stone
  • Publication number: 20200000036
    Abstract: A corn harvester includes a first stalk roll having a plurality of first blades circumferentially spaced apart by a first angle. A second stalk roll has a plurality of second blades circumferentially spaced apart by a second angle. The first and second stalk rolls are rotatable about parallel first and second axes that are separated by a centerline therebetween. In an operational state when a tip of one first blade is aligned with the centerline, a tip of one second blade is angularly offset from the centerline by a third angle. The third angle is less than 45% of the second angle. The one first blade forms a cross section perpendicular to the first axis having an altitude extending from the tip toward the first axis along a first blade altitude. The cross section of the one first blade is asymmetric about the first blade altitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Steve A. Coon, Nathan E. Krehbiel, Dennis P. Silver
  • Publication number: 20190364735
    Abstract: A header for a harvester includes a hinge assembly, a center portion having a single center top beam that spans laterally relative to a longitudinal centerline of the header, and a wing portion having a single lateral top beam that is arranged forward of and lower than the single center top beam. The wing portion is attached to the center portion by the hinge assembly wherein the wing portion is pivotable between an unfolded position wherein the wing portion extends laterally away from the longitudinal centerline and a folded position wherein the lateral top beam nests forward of and below the center top beam. A cradle member may be attached to the center portion, the cradle portion receives the lateral top beam when the wing portion is in the folded position. The hinge assembly positions the lateral top beam forward of and below the center top beam in folded and unfolded positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventors: Andrew J. Braet, Dennis P. Silver, Nathan E. Krehbiel, Shantanu Acharya
  • Patent number: 10278330
    Abstract: A combine has a feeder house extending forward from the front of the combine, with the front of the feeder house defining a rectangular frame for supporting a harvesting head. A gauge wheel arrangement is supported on the rectangular frame and in turn supports the harvesting head. The gauge wheel arrangement includes a center frame that abuts the rectangular frame and pivots with respect to it. A left side frame with gauge wheels is hinged to the center frame. A right side frame with gauge wheels is hinged to the center frame. The center, left, and right frames can support the harvesting head and permit the harvesting head to pivot with respect to the feeder house, as well as supporting a part of the weight of the harvesting head on the gauge wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Dennis P. Silver, Jeffrey A. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20180098496
    Abstract: A combine has a feeder house extending forward from the front of the combine, with the front of the feeder house defining a rectangular frame for supporting a harvesting head. A gauge wheel arrangement is supported on the rectangular frame and in turn supports the harvesting head. The gauge wheel arrangement includes a center frame that abuts the rectangular frame and pivots with respect to it. A left side frame with gauge wheels is hinged to the center frame. A right side frame with gauge wheels is hinged to the center frame. The center, left, and right frames can support the harvesting head and permit the harvesting head to pivot with respect to the feeder house, as well as supporting a part of the weight of the harvesting head on the gauge wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Inventors: Dennis P. Silver, Jeffrey A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 9144199
    Abstract: An articulated harvesting head load sensor arrangement is provided that includes two harvesting head sections (102, 104, 106) that are coupled with a first pivot pin (162) that is a load pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Aaron S. Ritter, Benjamin M Lovett, Bruce A Coers, Dennis P Silver, Benjamin J Schlesser
  • Patent number: 8387352
    Abstract: A corn head divider lift assist linkage comprises two members and a spring pivotally coupled together, wherein one of the two members is pivotally coupled to a row crop divider and another of the two members is pivotally coupled to a bracket that is fixed at the rear of two adjacent row units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Dennis P. Silver, Daniel M. Heim, Michael L. Vandeven, Suresh Neela
  • Publication number: 20120291410
    Abstract: A corn head divider lift assist linkage comprises two members and a spring pivotally coupled together, wherein one of the two members is pivotally coupled to a row crop divider and another of the two members is pivotally coupled to a bracket that is fixed at the rear of two adjacent row units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Dennis P. Silver, Daniel M. Heim, Michael L. Vandeven, Suresh Neela
  • Patent number: 8201388
    Abstract: A header height sensor (102) for an agricultural harvester has an elongate sensor arm (112), a reversing joint (114) and a rotary sensor (116) mounted to a bracket (106) that is fixed to a point (100) of a harvesting head. The reversing joint includes a housing (152) that limits the deflection of the sensor in a lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Vandeven, Daniel M. Heim, Dennis P. Silver, Duane M. Bomleny
  • Patent number: 7198450
    Abstract: An agricultural combine including an unloading system wherein an unloading conduit assembly is, in an operational set-up, rotatable or swivelable through an arc of 360° to permit grain unloading into a grain truck located at any point around the combine, whether the combine is stationary or moving. For road travel or storage the unloading conduit assembly, or some portion of it, is pivoted into a set-up wherein the longitudinal conduit is retracted into nesting relationship against the side of the combine and below the top of the grain tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Matousek, Jonathon E. Ricketts, Joshua J. Wolters, Dennis P. Silver
  • Patent number: 6908380
    Abstract: A hinged unloading auger for an agricultural combine that reduces the portion of the unloading auger that extends beyond the rear end of the combine when the unloading auger is in its storage position. The horizontal section of the unloading auger includes a hinged joint that connects a first segment and a second segment. In the storage position, the joint is separated to provide a compact storage package. In the unloading position, the second segment is rotated around the hinge so that the axes of the first and second segments are coaxial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Dennis P. Silver
  • Patent number: 6632135
    Abstract: A grain module for an agricultural combine. The module includes a longitudinally elongated grain tank. An endless conveyor conduit receives grain from the combine's grain tank and selectively feeds it into the module grain tank or removes it from the module grain tank. The module may comprise the rear section of an articulated combine vehicle wherein the front section contains grain threshing and separating systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Matousek, Dennis P. Silver, Jon Ricketts
  • Publication number: 20030139208
    Abstract: A hinged unloading auger for an agricultural combine that reduces the portion of the unloading auger that extends beyond the rear end of the combine when the unloading auger is in its storage position. The horizontal section of the unloading auger includes a hinged joint that connects a first segment and a second segment. In the storage position, the joint is separated to provide a compact storage package. In the unloading position, the second segment is rotated around the hinge so that the axes of the first and second segments are coaxial.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: Case Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis P. Silver