Patents by Inventor Douglas H. McLean

Douglas H. McLean 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: 4807136
    Abstract: A tractor coupled to a draft implement through at least one link arm of a hydraulic lift assembly having a lift rod coupled between each link arm and a hydraulic cylinder for raising and lowering the draft implement. A force sensor is coupled to a link arm for providing a measurement of the total force exerted on the link arm. Electrical circuitry provides a measurement of the actual draft force by correcting the total force measurement for lift forces transmitted to the link arm through the corresponding lift rod. A feedback or draft control system is also provided for adjusting the depth of the draft implement in inverse relation to the corrected measurement of actual draft force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: David J. Rutkowski, Douglas H. McLean
  • Patent number: 4160485
    Abstract: A tractor draft load monitoring system responsive to tractor and associated implement load changes. The system is particularly adapted for a tractor having an engine/transmission power unit coupled to its drive shaft. The power unit is mounted on the frame by resilient mounts that permit measurable angular displacement of the power unit relative to the frame about the drive shaft axis in reaction to changes in the drive shaft torque. The working depth of the implement, which may be tractor mounted, semi-mounted or a pull type implement, is raised or lowered by a hydraulic lift system that is controlled by a control valve assembly connected to a source of fluid under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1979
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Douglas H. McLean