Patents by Inventor Michael D. Van Mill

Michael D. Van Mill 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).

  • Publication number: 20260116481
    Abstract: A farm implement including a main axle mounted to the farm implement and positioned perpendicular to a direction of travel of the farm implement. The main axle has first and second ends having respective openings. The farm implement includes first and second suspension axles pivotably coupled by first and second pivots to the main axle on an axis parallel to the direction of travel. The first suspension axle is within the first opening of the first end of the main axle and the second suspension axle is within the second opening of the second end of the main axle. The first pivot is located at a first position between a center of the main axle and the first end of the main axle, and the second pivot is located at a second position between the center of the main axle and the second end of the main axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2025
    Publication date: April 30, 2026
    Applicant: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. VAN MILL, John WALVATNE
  • Publication number: 20260015051
    Abstract: A track assembly for a farm implement includes a camber arm mounted in a camber arm housing, a first mounting bracket coupled to the upper connection point on the front end and pivotably coupled to the lower pivot point on the front end, and a second mounting bracket coupled to the upper connection point on the back end and pivotably coupled to the lower pivot point on the back end. The track assembly further includes first and second set arms having idler wheel sets mounted on one end and bogie wheel sets mounted on another end. The first set arm is pivotably coupled to the first mounting bracket, and the second set arm is pivotably coupled to the second mounting bracket, such that the idler wheel sets and bogie wheel sets are movable in opposing vertical directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2025
    Publication date: January 15, 2026
    Applicant: Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. VAN MILL, John WALVATNE
  • Publication number: 20250359512
    Abstract: A system for unloading of a mobile farm implement is provided. The system includes a mobile farm implement including a container and an auger with an auger spout. The system includes a door controller configured to at least one of open and close a door of the container of the mobile farm implement so as to thereby operate said door. The system includes a power takeoff sensor configured to measure a rotational speed of a power takeoff. The system includes a control device including a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The control device is connected to the power takeoff sensor and to the door controller. The control device is configured to make a determination as to whether the measured rotational speed of the power takeoff is above a first power takeoff rotational speed threshold, and to operate said door based on said determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2025
    Publication date: November 27, 2025
    Applicant: UNVERFERTH MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. VAN MILL, Shawn W. GERDEMAN, Ronald J. SCHLIMGEN
  • Patent number: 12391321
    Abstract: A track assembly for a farm implement includes a camber arm mounted in a camber arm housing, a first mounting bracket coupled to the upper connection point on the front end and pivotably coupled to the lower pivot point on the front end, and a second mounting bracket coupled to the upper connection point on the back end and pivotably coupled to the lower pivot point on the back end. The track assembly further includes first and second set arms having idler wheel sets mounted on one end and bogie wheel sets mounted on another end. The first set arm is pivotably coupled to the first mounting bracket, and the second set arm is pivotably coupled to the second mounting bracket, such that the idler wheel sets and bogie wheel sets are movable in opposing vertical directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2025
    Assignee: UNVERFERTH MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, John Walvatne
  • Patent number: 12342755
    Abstract: A system for unloading of a mobile farm implement is provided. The system includes a mobile farm implement including a container and an auger with an auger spout. The system includes a door controller configured to at least one of open and close a door of the container of the mobile farm implement so as to thereby operate said door. The system includes a power takeoff sensor configured to measure a rotational speed of a power takeoff. The system includes a control device including a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The control device is connected to the power takeoff sensor and to the door controller. The control device is configured to make a determination as to whether the measured rotational speed of the power takeoff is above a first power takeoff rotational speed threshold, and to operate said door based on said determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2025
    Assignee: UNVERFERTH MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Shawn W. Gerdeman, Ronald J. Schlimgen
  • Patent number: 12344333
    Abstract: A farm implement is provided having a frame and first and second track assemblies for assisting in moving the farm implement along a ground surface in a line of travel. The first track assembly and the second track assembly are positioned on opposite lateral sides of the frame. The first track assembly has a first track frame, a first idler wheel, and a first brake assembly. The first idler wheel has an inboard side facing toward a center of the first track frame and an outboard side facing away from the center the first track frame. The first brake assembly has a first disc coupled to the first idler wheel on the outboard side of the first idler wheel, a first caliper couplable to first and second sides of the first disc, and a first torque arm coupled to the first track frame and a spindle of the first idler wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2025
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Shawn W. Gerdeman, John Walvatne
  • Publication number: 20250162664
    Abstract: A track assembly for assisting in moving a farm implement along a ground surface in a line of travel is provided. The track assembly includes a tilt arm comprising front and rear ends. The track assembly includes a camber arm coupled to the tilt arm such that the camber arm permits the tilt arm to pivot about a first axis perpendicular to the line of travel and a second axis parallel to the line of travel. The camber arm is located between the front and rear ends of the tilt arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2024
    Publication date: May 22, 2025
    Applicant: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. VAN MILL, Christopher M. SELF, John WALVATNE
  • Publication number: 20250048967
    Abstract: A grain cart and foldable auger assembly having an upper auger assembly portion with a discharge portion, a lower auger assembly portion with an intake portion, and a joint that allows the upper auger assembly portion to be moved between operating and transport positions. When in an operating position, the upper auger portion and the lower auger portion are offset from each other by an operating offset angle. The grain cart also has a hitch for allowing the grain cart to be towed. The discharge portion is forward of the hitch when in the operating position. Embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, increased forward and side reach, additional storage capacity of the hopper, increased discharge rate from the hopper, and a more compact transport position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2024
    Publication date: February 13, 2025
    Applicant: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. VAN MILL, Ronald J. SCHLIMGEN
  • Patent number: 12145670
    Abstract: A track assembly for assisting in moving a farm implement along a ground surface in a line of travel is provided. The track assembly includes a tilt arm comprising front and rear ends. The track assembly includes a camber arm coupled to the tilt arm such that the camber arm permits the tilt arm to pivot about a first axis perpendicular to the line of travel and a second axis parallel to the line of travel. The camber arm is located between the front and rear ends of the tilt arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Christopher M. Self, John Walvatne
  • Publication number: 20240326086
    Abstract: A dry product spreader is provided that includes a bin that includes a bin discharge opening. The dry product spreader further includes a conveyor located at the bottom of the bin. The conveyor is capable of discharging dry product material from the bin through the bin discharge opening. The dry product spreader further includes a spinner assembly for spreading the dry product material and positioned to receive the dry product material from the bin discharge opening. The dry product spreader further includes a material conveyance system to displace dry product material received through the bin discharge opening before the dry product material reaches the spinner assembly. The dry product spreader further includes a distribution manifold configured to receive dry product material displaced by the material conveyance system. The distribution manifold is configured to return dry product material displaced by the material conveyance system to be spread by the spinner assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Applicant: Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: August Paul Nelson, Stanley Ray Duncalf, Michael D. Van Mill
  • Patent number: 12089534
    Abstract: A grain cart and foldable auger assembly having an upper auger assembly portion with a discharge portion, a lower auger assembly portion with an intake portion, and a joint that allows the upper auger assembly portion to be moved between operating and transport positions. When in an operating position, the upper auger portion and the lower auger portion are offset from each other by an operating offset angle. The grain cart also has a hitch for allowing the grain cart to be towed. The discharge portion is forward of the hitch when in the operating position. Embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, increased forward and side reach, additional storage capacity of the hopper, increased discharge rate from the hopper, and a more compact transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: UNVERFERTH MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Ronald J. Schlimgen
  • Patent number: 11986852
    Abstract: A dry product spreader is provided that includes a bin that includes a bin discharge opening. The dry product spreader further includes a conveyor located at the bottom of the bin. The conveyor is capable of discharging dry product material from the bin through the bin discharge opening. The dry product spreader further includes a spinner assembly for spreading the dry product material and positioned to receive the dry product material from the bin discharge opening. The dry product spreader further includes a material conveyance system to displace dry product material received through the bin discharge opening before the dry product material reaches the spinner assembly. The dry product spreader further includes a distribution manifold configured to receive dry product material displaced by the material conveyance system. The distribution manifold is configured to return dry product material displaced by the material conveyance system to be spread by the spinner assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: August Paul Nelson, Stanley Ray Duncalf, Michael D. Van Mill
  • Patent number: 11963482
    Abstract: A dual auger grain cart includes a horizontal auger assembly, a vertical auger assembly, and a drive assembly operatively connected to the horizontal and vertical auger assemblies. The horizontal and vertical auger assemblies each include an auger shaft and flighting disposed on the auger shaft. The drive assembly includes a first member operatively connected to the horizontal auger shaft, a second member operatively connected to the vertical auger shaft, and a power input device operatively connected to the first and second drive members to drive rotation of the horizontal and vertical auger shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Schlimgen, Michael D. Van Mill
  • Publication number: 20240122105
    Abstract: A system for unloading of a mobile farm implement is provided. The system includes a mobile farm implement including a container and an auger with an auger spout. The system includes a door controller configured to at least one of open and close a door of the container of the mobile farm implement so as to thereby operate said door. The system includes a power takeoff sensor configured to measure a rotational speed of a power takeoff. The system includes a control device including a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The control device is connected to the power takeoff sensor and to the door controller. The control device is configured to make a determination as to whether the measured rotational speed of the power takeoff is above a first power takeoff rotational speed threshold, and to operate said door based on said determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Applicant: UNVERFERTH MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. VAN MILL, Shawn W. GERDEMAN, Ronald J. SCHLIMGEN
  • Publication number: 20240101201
    Abstract: A track assembly for assisting in moving a farm implement along a ground surface in a line of travel is provided. The track assembly includes a tilt arm comprising front and rear ends. The track assembly includes a camber arm coupled to the tilt arm such that the camber arm permits the tilt arm to pivot about a first axis perpendicular to the line of travel and a second axis parallel to the line of travel. The camber arm is located between the front and rear ends of the tilt arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. VAN MILL, Christopher M. SELF, John WALVATNE
  • Patent number: 11910754
    Abstract: A grain cart and foldable auger assembly having an upper auger assembly portion with a discharge portion, a lower auger assembly portion with an intake portion, and a compound angle joint that allows the upper auger assembly portion to be moved between operating and transport positions. When in an operating position, the upper auger portion and the lower auger portion are offset from each other by an operating offset angle. When in a transport position, the upper auger assembly portion is offset from the lower auger assembly portion by a transport offset angle such that the upper auger assembly portions folded across the front of the grain cart in a non-obstructive and non-protruding manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: UNVERFERTH MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Ronald J. Schlimgen, John Walvatne, Christopher M. Self
  • Publication number: 20230380348
    Abstract: A grain cart and foldable auger assembly having an upper auger assembly portion with a discharge portion, a lower auger assembly portion with an intake portion, and a joint that allows the upper auger assembly portion to be moved between operating and transport positions. When in an operating position, the upper auger portion and the lower auger portion are offset from each other by an operating offset angle. The grain cart also has a hitch for allowing the grain cart to be towed. The discharge portion is forward of the hitch when in the operating position. Embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, increased forward and side reach, additional storage capacity of the hopper, increased discharge rate from the hopper, and a more compact transport position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. VAN MILL, Ronald J. SCHLIMGEN
  • Patent number: 11825765
    Abstract: A method of unloading mobile farm implements is presented. Unloading the mobile farm implement is accomplished by transmitting commands to unfold an auger arm and to open a container door and by monitoring weight measurements from the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: UNVERFERTH MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Shawn W. Gerdeman, Ronald J. Schlimgen
  • Publication number: 20230341860
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automated cart operation. The automated cart operation may include determining whether a container is full at a first unloading location and, if so, moving the cart from the first unloading location to a second unloading location. The automated cart operation may include moving the cart to a container, determining whether the cart is near the container, and, if the cart is determined to be near the container, stopping the cart. The automated cart operation may include determining a route from a current location to the location of a farm implement that avoids one or more permanent obstacles and areas of the field that have not been harvested and moving the cart to the farm implement on the determined route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Applicant: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. VAN MILL, Christopher M. SELF, Ronald J. SCHLIMGEN
  • Patent number: 11780514
    Abstract: A track assembly for assisting in moving a farm implement along a ground surface in a line of travel is provided. The track assembly includes a tilt arm comprising front and rear ends. The track assembly includes a camber arm coupled to the tilt arm such that the camber arm permits the tilt arm to pivot about a first axis perpendicular to the line of travel and a second axis parallel to the line of travel. The camber arm is located between the front and rear ends of the tilt arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Christopher M. Self, John Walvatne