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).
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Patent number: 12114602Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 12, 2021Date of Patent: October 15, 2024Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Todd M. Verhoef, Andrew J. Braet, Dennis P. Silver, Krupa Manjunath, Duane M. Bomleny
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Patent number: 11570950Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 17, 2020Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Eric D. Windsor, Nathan E. Krehbiel, Dennis P. Silver, Andrew J. Braet, Todd M. Verhoef
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Publication number: 20220015293Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2020Publication date: January 20, 2022Inventors: Eric D. Windsor, Nathan E. Krehbiel, Dennis P. Silver, Andrew J. Braet, Todd M. Verhoef
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Publication number: 20210392815Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2021Publication date: December 23, 2021Inventors: Todd M. Verhoef, Andrew J. Braet, Dennis P. Silver, Krupa Manjunath, Duane M. Bomleny
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Patent number: 11129332Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 29, 2018Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Steve A. Coon, Nathan E. Krehbiel, Dennis P. Silver
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Patent number: 10897846Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 31, 2018Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Troy M. Heims, Nathan E. Krehbiel, Steve A. Coon, Dennis P. Silver, Eric D. Windsor, Eric H. Stone
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Patent number: 10813289Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 5, 2018Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Andrew J. Braet, Dennis P. Silver, Nathan E. Krehbiel, Shantanu Acharya
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Publication number: 20200128747Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2018Publication date: April 30, 2020Inventors: Troy M. Heims, Nathan E. Krehbiel, Steve A. Coon, Dennis P. Silver, Eric D. Windsor, Eric H. Stone
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Publication number: 20200000036Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2018Publication date: January 2, 2020Inventors: Steve A. Coon, Nathan E. Krehbiel, Dennis P. Silver
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Publication number: 20190364735Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2018Publication date: December 5, 2019Inventors: Andrew J. Braet, Dennis P. Silver, Nathan E. Krehbiel, Shantanu Acharya
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Patent number: 10278330Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 11, 2016Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Dennis P. Silver, Jeffrey A. Nelson
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Publication number: 20180098496Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2016Publication date: April 12, 2018Inventors: Dennis P. Silver, Jeffrey A. Nelson
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Patent number: 9144199Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 30, 2013Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Aaron S. Ritter, Benjamin M Lovett, Bruce A Coers, Dennis P Silver, Benjamin J Schlesser
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Patent number: 8387352Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 20, 2011Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Dennis P. Silver, Daniel M. Heim, Michael L. Vandeven, Suresh Neela
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Publication number: 20120291410Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Inventors: Dennis P. Silver, Daniel M. Heim, Michael L. Vandeven, Suresh Neela
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Patent number: 8201388Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 2, 2011Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Michael L. Vandeven, Daniel M. Heim, Dennis P. Silver, Duane M. Bomleny
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Patent number: 7198450Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Robert A. Matousek, Jonathon E. Ricketts, Joshua J. Wolters, Dennis P. Silver
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Patent number: 6908380Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 23, 2002Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: CNH America LLCInventor: Dennis P. Silver
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Patent number: 6632135Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 7, 2002Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Case CorporationInventors: Robert Matousek, Dennis P. Silver, Jon Ricketts
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Publication number: 20030139208Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Applicant: Case CorporationInventor: Dennis P. Silver