Patents by Inventor Merle R. Gerber

Merle R. Gerber 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: 5445563
    Abstract: An axial flow agricultural combine has a single element rotor defining a rotor axis. The rotor is housed in a rotor housing having a threshing section and a separating section. The threshing section of the rotor housing defines a threshing axis and the separating section of the rotor housing defines a separating axis. The threshing section of the rotor housing is substantially concentric with the rotor axis passing through that section. The separating section of the rotor housing is arranged eccentric to the rotor axis. The separating axis is located above the rotor axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Mark F. Stickler, Klaus A. Braunhardt, Merle R. Gerber
  • Patent number: 5356338
    Abstract: An axial agricultural combine having independently driven threshing and separating sections. A midpoint support bearing is located between the threshing and separating sections of the rotor. The midpoint support bearing is provided with a saddle mounted to the sidesheets of the combine and extending across the bottom portion of the rotor housing. A sealing disc is mounted to the saddle and has a sealing ring that covers the threshing section/separating section interface and a web that is provided with a bearing assembly. The drive shaft for driving the threshing section passes through this bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Klaus A. Braunhardt, Mark F. Stickler, Raymond M. Andes, Jr., Merle R. Gerber
  • Patent number: 5344367
    Abstract: An improved infeed plate more evenly distributes harvested crop material as it is transferred from a feederhouse to an axial rotor. Crop on one side of the infeed plate is curled into the bottom of the rotor by a conical section. Crop on the other side of the rotor is introduced to the top of the rotor by a ramp. Crop in the middle section is directed to the bottom of the rotor. The ramp section is provided with an upwardly extending rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Merle R. Gerber