Patents by Inventor Douglas S. Herrmann

Douglas S. Herrmann 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: 11235897
    Abstract: A standing tree baling apparatus includes a main frame and a boom pivotably connected to the main frame. The boom has a first end and a second end. A boom lifter is connected between the main frame and the boom for raising and lowering the boom about a pivot joint at the first end of the boom. A rotation arm has a first arm end and a second arm end. The rotation arm is pivotably connected to the second end of the boom at the first arm end. A driver pivots the arm relative to the boom. A compression ring is sized for loosely encircling a trunk of a standing tree and adapted for forcibly moving a succession of branches of the tree non-destructively inward toward the trunk of the tree as the ring is raised about the tree to facilitate baling of the tree with rope line. The ring is connected to the second arm end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Inventor: Douglas S. Herrmann
  • Publication number: 20190233144
    Abstract: A standing tree baling apparatus includes a main frame and a boom pivotably connected to the main frame. The boom has a first end and a second end. A boom lifter is connected between the main frame and the boom for raising and lowering the boom about a pivot joint at the first end of the boom. A rotation arm has a first arm end and a second arm end. The rotation arm is pivotably connected to the second end of the boom at the first arm end. A driver pivots the arm relative to the boom. A compression ring is sized for loosely encircling a trunk of a standing tree and adapted for forcibly moving a succession of branches of the tree non-destructively inward toward the trunk of the tree as the ring is raised about the tree to facilitate baling of the tree with rope line. The ring is connected to the second arm end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Inventor: Douglas S. Herrmann
  • Patent number: 10252824
    Abstract: A standing tree branch compression ring is adapted to be vertically raised about the trunk of the tree by lifting means. As the ring is lifted, the ring forcibly moves the tree branches inward. A plastic ring liner is affixed to the outer surface of the ring to reduce the coefficient of friction of the ring to mitigate tree branch damage. The ring includes a plurality of segments that form a generally toroidal shape and includes a releasable segment to accept the tree trunk from the side. The segment is then connected to the remainder of the ring, around the tree trunk, before the ring is raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Inventors: Douglas S. Herrmann, Scott J. Maro
  • Publication number: 20180118384
    Abstract: A standing tree branch compression ring is adapted to be vertically raised about the trunk of the tree by lifting means. As the ring is lifted, the ring forcibly moves the tree branches inward. A plastic ring liner is affixed to the outer surface of the ring to reduce the coefficient of friction of the ring to mitigate tree branch damage. The ring includes a plurality of segments that form a generally toroidal shape and includes a releasable segment to accept the tree trunk from the side. The segment is then connected to the remainder of the ring, around the tree trunk, before the ring is raised.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Douglas S. Herrmann, Scott J. Maro
  • Patent number: 8347784
    Abstract: A towable trailored standing tree baler provides independent maneuverability with sufficient structural strength required for baling large trees. A telescopic wheeled frame provides ground support directly underneath a tree branch compression ring and therefore provides a strong structural foundation for pushing the ring upward. The support wheels of the frame can be both steered and tilted so that the apparatus can be centered on the tree even on uneven ground. A compression ring lifting boom utilizes an interconnecting rotation arm between the end of the boom and the compression ring so that the ring may be positioned at a very low starting point close to the ground and then moved accurately upwardly with the circumference of the ring being held level and centered. A specialized lining material on the ring reduces friction against the tree limb bark and therefore reduces tree limb damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Douglas S. Herrmann
  • Publication number: 20110232510
    Abstract: A towable trailored standing tree baler provides independent maneuverability with sufficient structural strength required for baling large trees. A telescopic wheeled frame provides ground support directly underneath a tree branch compression ring and therefore provides a strong structural foundation for pushing the ring upward. The support wheels of the frame can be both steered and tilted so that the apparatus can be centered on the tree even on uneven ground. A compression ring lifting boom utilizes an interconnecting rotation arm between the end of the boom and the compression ring so that the ring may be positioned at a very low starting point close to the ground and then moved accurately upwardly with the circumference of the ring being held level and centered. A specialized lining material on the ring reduces friction against the tree limb bark and therefore reduces tree limb damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas S. Herrmann