Patents by Inventor Kenneth E. Shoup

Kenneth E. Shoup 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: 10188038
    Abstract: A corn reel assembly that allows for quick connection and detachment from a corn reel is provided. The corn reel finger assembly may be quickly assembled and disassembled without the need for tools so that corn reel fingers may be connected or detached from mounts connected to a corn reel axle in the field. By allowing for rapid connection and disconnection of corn reel fingers from mounts, the corn reel fingers may be utilized only in those portions of the field requiring it. Enabling for the elongated fingers of the corn reel finger assembly to be detached from a mount attached to the corn reel axle without requiring disconnection of the mount from the corn reel axle also allows for more compact storage, as well as replacement of individual fingers if damaged, as opposed to replacement of an entire assembly. In some embodiments, adjustments to the particular angle of the fingers relative to the corn stalks being harvested can also be quickly made in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Shoup
  • Patent number: 9980425
    Abstract: A seed delivery device including a frame defining at least one seed chamber. The frame includes a sidewall and an air permeable floor. Seed can be received and deposited on the air permeable floor through an input port. An air input channel is utilized to introduce an air stream into the seed chamber and direct it through the air permeable floor such that seed is lifted from the air permeable floor to an outlet port. An air bypass channel is configured to separate the air stream into a first stream that is directed through the air permeable floor and a second stream that is directed through the bypass channel and recombined with the first stream, at a point prior to the output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Kenneth E. Shoup, Daniel Koop
  • Publication number: 20170055453
    Abstract: A corn reel assembly that allows for quick connection and detachment from a corn reel is provided. The corn reel finger assembly may be quickly assembled and disassembled without the need for tools so that corn reel fingers may be connected or detached from mounts connected to a corn reel axle in the field. By allowing for rapid connection and disconnection of corn reel fingers from mounts, the corn reel fingers may be utilized only in those portions of the field requiring it. Enabling for the elongated fingers of the corn reel finger assembly to be detached from a mount attached to the corn reel axle without requiring disconnection of the mount from the corn reel axle also allows for more compact storage, as well as replacement of individual fingers if damaged, as opposed to replacement of an entire assembly. In some embodiments, adjustments to the particular angle of the fingers relative to the corn stalks being harvested can also be quickly made in the field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Shoup
  • Publication number: 20160106027
    Abstract: A seed delivery device including a frame defining at least one seed chamber. The frame includes a sidewall and an air permeable floor. Seed can be received and deposited on the air permeable floor through an input port. An air input channel is utilized to introduce an air stream into the seed chamber and direct it through the air permeable floor such that seed is lifted from the air permeable floor to an outlet port. An air bypass channel is configured to separate the air stream into a first stream that is directed through the air permeable floor and a second stream that is directed through the bypass channel and recombined with the first stream, at a point prior to the output port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: MATTHEW J. WILHELMI, KENNETH E. SHOUP, DANIEL KOOP
  • Patent number: 9253940
    Abstract: A seed delivery device including a frame defining at least one seed chamber. The frame includes a sidewall and an air permeable floor. Seed can be received and deposited on the air permeable floor through an input port. An air input channel is utilized to introduce an air stream into the seed chamber and direct it through the air permeable floor such that seed is lifted from the air permeable floor to an outlet port. An air bypass channel is configured to separate the air stream into a first stream that is directed through the air permeable floor and a second stream that is directed through the bypass channel and recombined with the first stream, at a point prior to the output port, to prevent excess accumulation of seed in the seed chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Wilhelmi, Kenneth E. Shoup, Daniel Koop
  • Patent number: 8858110
    Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupling for securing an agricultural implement, such as a stalk stomper, to a tool bar assembly on a tractor, without the need for any tools. The tool bar assembly includes a bracket having a pair of spaced-apart arm members. Each arm member has a recess therein, and a hole spaced therefrom. The recesses and the holes are generally transversely aligned. A pin is adapted to be received in the holes. The agricultural implement assembly includes a plate member. Provided on the plate member is a cross bar. The cross bar is adapted to be engaged in the recesses. To connect the agricultural implement assembly to the tool bar assembly, the cross bar is engaged in the recesses and the agricultural implement and the pin can be inserted into the transversely aligned holes to connect the agricultural implement to the tool bar assembly. A spring member biases the implement to pivot away from the plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Shoup
  • Patent number: 8800458
    Abstract: A seed delivery device including a frame defining at least one seed chamber. The frame includes a sidewall and an air permeable floor. Seed can be received and deposited on the air permeable floor through an input port. An air input channel is utilized to introduce an air stream into the seed chamber and direct it through the air permeable floor such that seed is lifted from the air permeable floor to an outlet port. An air bypass channel is configured to separate the air stream into a first stream that is directed through the air permeable floor and a second stream that is directed through the bypass channel and recombined with the first stream, at a point prior to the output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Mathew Wilhelmi, Kenneth E. Shoup, Daniel Koop
  • Patent number: 8745963
    Abstract: A stalk stomper adapted for adjustable attachment to a tool bar or a corn head of a combine. The stalk stomper including a skid shoe member operatively and pivotally connected to an upper support member. The upper support member being adapted for mounting with the tool bar. The upper support member further adapted to adjustably select the angle of the upper support member relative to the tool bar. A torsion spring assembly is provided to bias the skid shoe member to exert a downward force on field stubble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Not Dead Yet Manufacturing
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Shoup
  • Patent number: 8567167
    Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupling for securing an agricultural implement, such as a stalk stomper, to a tool bar assembly on a tractor, without the need for any tools. The tool bar assembly includes a bracket having a pair of spaced-apart arm members. Each arm member has a recess therein, and a hole spaced therefrom. The recesses and the holes are generally transversely aligned. A pin is adapted to be received in the holes. The agricultural implement assembly includes a plate member. Provided on the plate member is a cross bar. The cross bar is adapted to be engaged in the recesses. To connect the agricultural implement assembly to the tool bar assembly, the cross bar is engaged in the recesses and the agricultural implement and the pin can be inserted into the transversely aligned holes to connect the agricultural implement to the tool bar assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Shoup
  • Publication number: 20130276684
    Abstract: A seed delivery device including a frame defining at least one seed chamber. The frame includes a sidewall and an air permeable floor. Seed can be received and deposited on the air permeable floor through an input port. An air input channel is utilized to introduce an air stream into the seed chamber and direct it through the air permeable floor such that seed is lifted from the air permeable floor to an outlet port. An air bypass channel is configured to separate the air stream into a first stream that is directed through the air permeable floor and a second stream that is directed through the bypass channel and recombined with the first stream, at a point prior to the output port, to prevent excess accumulation of seed in the seed chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: MATTHEW WILHELMI, Kenneth E. Shoup, Daniel Koop
  • Publication number: 20130192857
    Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupling for securing an agricultural implement, such as a stalk stomper, to a tool bar assembly on a tractor, without the need for any tools. The tool bar assembly includes a bracket having a pair of spaced-apart arm members. Each arm member has a recess therein, and a hole spaced therefrom. The recesses and the holes are generally transversely aligned. A pin is adapted to be received in the holes. The agricultural implement assembly includes a plate member. Provided on the plate member is a cross bar. The cross bar is adapted to be engaged in the recesses. To connect the agricultural implement assembly to the tool bar assembly, the cross bar is engaged in the recesses and the agricultural implement and the pin can be inserted into the transversely aligned holes to connect the agricultural implement to the tool bar assembly. A spring member biases the implement to pivot away from the plate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Shoup
  • Patent number: 8479669
    Abstract: The invention pertains to apparatus for use with a row planter unit. The apparatus includes an elongated and laterally extending bar operatively secured to a row planter unit for pulling same in a forward direction of travel. The apparatus includes a frame carried by the elongated and laterally extending bar and a support arm pivotally mounted thereon. At least one rotatable trash wheel is carried on the support arm. The row planter unit is pivotally supported on the frame rearwardly of the trash wheel in the direction of travel. Articulated members operatively connect the support arm to the row planter unit for applying a pull force to the rear of the support arm for controlling the depth of penetration of the trash wheel into the ground. The articulated members may comprise various alternatives including a link chain, a pair of links pivoted to one another in an offset relationship, or a link and a turnbuckle arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Shoup
  • Patent number: 8448585
    Abstract: A seed delivery device including a frame defining at least one seed chamber. The frame includes a sidewall and an air permeable floor. Seed can be received and deposited on the air permeable floor through an input port. An air input channel is utilized to introduce an air stream into the seed chamber and direct it through the air permeable floor such that seed is lifted from the air permeable floor to an outlet port. An air bypass channel is configured to separate the air stream into a first stream that is directed through the air permeable floor and a second stream that is directed through the bypass channel and recombined with the first stream, at a point prior to the output port, to prevent excess accumulation of seed in the seed chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Wilhelmi, Kenneth E. Shoup, Daniel Koop
  • Patent number: 8418634
    Abstract: A seed meter for an agricultural seed planter, wherein the seed meter includes a rotating distributing seed disk defining a plurality of radially spaced apertures. The seed disk or drum is operatively connected to a vacuum source for creating a pressure differential between the exterior and the interior of the seed disk so as to pick up seeds for dispensing. Secured to the exterior surface of the seed disk are a plurality of arm members, which include an end portion defining an aperture that is positioned over a corresponding aperture formed about the periphery of the seed disk. As the drum is rotated through a supply of seeds, individual seeds are urged onto the apertures of the arm members and corresponding seed disk apertures, and held in place by the vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Shoup
  • Patent number: 8418432
    Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupling for securing an agricultural implement, such as a stalk stomper, to a tool bar assembly on a tractor, without the need for any tools. The tool bar assembly includes a bracket having a pair of spaced-apart arm members. Each arm member has a recess therein, and a hole spaced therefrom. The recesses and the holes are generally transversely aligned. A pin is adapted to be received in the holes. The agricultural implement includes a plate member. Provided on the plate member are a cross bar and a retention stop. The cross bar is adapted to be engaged in the recesses. To connect the agricultural implement to the tool bar assembly, the cross bar is engaged in the recesses and the agricultural implement is pivoted so that the plate member is above the pair of holes and the pin can be inserted into the transversely aligned holes to connect the agricultural implement to the tool bar assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Shoup
  • Publication number: 20130020101
    Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupling for securing an agricultural implement, such as a stalk stomper, to a tool bar assembly on a tractor, without the need for any tools. The tool bar assembly includes a bracket having a pair of spaced-apart arm members. Each arm member has a recess therein, and a hole spaced therefrom. The recesses and the holes are generally transversely aligned. A pin is adapted to be received in the holes. The agricultural implement includes a plate member. Provided on the plate member are a cross bar and a retention stop. The cross bar is adapted to be engaged in the recesses. To connect the agricultural implement to the tool bar assembly, the cross bar is engaged in the recesses and the agricultural implement is pivoted so that the plate member is above the pair of holes and the pin can be inserted into the transversely aligned holes to connect the agricultural implement to the tool bar assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Shoup
  • Publication number: 20130020100
    Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupling for securing an agricultural implement, such as a stalk stomper, to a tool bar assembly on a tractor, without the need for any tools. The tool bar assembly includes a bracket having a pair of spaced-apart arm members. Each arm member has a recess therein, and a hole spaced therefrom. The recesses and the holes are generally transversely aligned. A pin is adapted to be received in the holes. The agricultural implement assembly includes a plate member. Provided on the plate member is a cross bar. The cross bar is adapted to be engaged in the recesses. To connect the agricultural implement assembly to the tool bar assembly, the cross bar is engaged in the recesses and the agricultural implement and the pin can be inserted into the transversely aligned holes to connect the agricultural implement to the tool bar assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Shoup
  • Patent number: 8166896
    Abstract: The seed meter includes the combination of a vacuum housing and a seed disc coupled together in a sealed manner to form a vacuum chamber. Disposed within the vacuum chamber is a generally flat finger wheel having plural radially extending resilient fingers. Also disposed in the vacuum chamber is a fixed arm. A seed hopper is disposed adjacent the seed disc for providing seeds to an outer surface of the seed disc, with the seeds adhering to the plural spaced apertures on the seed disc's periphery with vacuum applied to the disc's inner surface. A rotary drive spindle rotates the vacuum housing, seed disc and finger wheel combination, with each resilient finger sequentially deflected by the fixed arm to sequentially engage each disc aperture, interrupting vacuum communication with each aperture, for sequentially releasing the seeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Shoup
  • Publication number: 20110283927
    Abstract: The invention pertains to apparatus for use with a row planter unit. The apparatus includes an elongated and laterally extending bar operatively secured to a row planter unit for pulling same in a forward direction of travel. The apparatus includes a frame carried by the elongated and laterally extending bar and a support arm pivotally mounted thereon. At least one rotatable trash wheel is carried on the support arm. The row planter unit is pivotally supported on the frame rearwardly of the trash wheel in the direction of travel. Articulated members operatively connect the support arm to the row planter unit for applying a pull force to the rear of the support arm for controlling the depth of penetration of the trash wheel into the ground. The articulated members may comprise various alternatives including a link chain, a pair of links pivoted to one another in an offset relationship, or a link and a turnbuckle arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Shoup
  • Publication number: 20110271887
    Abstract: A seed meter for an agricultural seed planter, wherein the seed meter includes a rotating distributing seed disk defining a plurality of radially spaced apertures. The seed disk or drum is operatively connected to a vacuum source for creating a pressure differential between the exterior and the interior of the seed disk so as to pick up seeds for dispensing. Secured to the exterior surface of the seed disk are a plurality of arm members made from a resilient, yet rigid material, such as spring steel, which include an end portion defining an aperture that is positioned over a corresponding aperture formed about the periphery of the seed disk. As the drum is rotated through a supply of seeds, individual seeds are urged onto the apertures of the arm members and corresponding seed disk apertures, and held in place by the vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Shoup