Patents by Inventor Frank C. Patten

Frank C. Patten 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: 4038808
    Abstract: A tobacco harvester is disclosed that utilizes an endless defoliator belt having defoliating apertures therein. Tobacco stalks pass into the apertures and during a downwardly moving segment of the defoliator belt leaves are stripped therefrom. A front downwardly inclined portion of the defoliator means includes a first angular section and a second angular section where the angle of the second section with respect to horizontal is greater than that of the first. Using this arrangement the plant is better prepared for defoliation in the first section while normal defoliation takes place in the second section. Further improvements to the tobacco harvester are included such as horizontal and vertical sensors for proper positioning of the defoliating means. Attendant indicator means alert an operator of the need for any necessary adjustment to the defoliator means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1977
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventors: Frank C. Patten, John G. Alphin