Patents by Inventor Michael G. Kovach

Michael G. Kovach 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: 11558988
    Abstract: A rolling basket assembly for an agricultural tillage implement. The rolling basket assembly includes a bracket, a first disk and a second disk rotatably connected to the bracket, a plurality of chain assemblies. Each chain assembly includes a first end connected to the first disk and a second end connected to the second disk and a plurality of links looped around one another and collectively forming each chain assembly. Each link includes a first loop, a second loop that is looped around the first loop, and at least one projection extending outwardly from one of the first loop and the second loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Michael G. Kovach
  • Patent number: 11483959
    Abstract: A disk assembly for agricultural implements comprises a disk hanger including a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The disk assembly further includes a hanger spindle supported relative to the distal end of the disk hanger for rotation about a first axis of rotation, and a blade spindle supported relative to the hanger spindle, with the blade spindle being rotatable about a second axis of rotation oriented non-parallel relative to the first axis of rotation. Additionally, the disk assembly includes a blade coupled to the blade spindle for rotation therewith about the second axis of rotation. Moreover, the disk assembly is configured such that rotation of the hanger spindle relative to the disk hanger about the first axis of rotation results in an adjustment of both an angle-of-engagement and a camber angle of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Alan Forbes, Michael G. Kovach, David Long, Timothy R. Blunier
  • Patent number: 11343956
    Abstract: A system for monitoring soil conditions within a field includes an agricultural implement including a frame and a ground-engaging tool coupled to the frame. The system further includes a first sensor coupled to the ground-engaging tool and configured to detect motion of the ground-engaging tool as the agricultural implement is moved across the field. The system additionally includes a second sensor separate from the first sensor. The second sensor is configured to detect an orientation of the ground-engaging tool relative to the frame as the agricultural implement is moved across the field. The system includes a controller communicatively coupled to the first and second sensors. The controller is configured to determine an indication of a soil condition at a given location within the field based at least in part on the detected motion and the detected orientation of the ground-engaging tool at the given location within the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael G. Kovach, James W. Henry, Yong Deng
  • Patent number: 11297757
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the displacement of a ground engaging tool of an agricultural implement includes a controller of the system may be configured to monitor a magnitude of a displacement defined between a current position of a ground engaging tool of the implement and a predetermined ground engaging tool position. The controller may also be configured to initiate a first control action when it is determined that the magnitude of the displacement of the ground engaging tool exceeds a first threshold displacement value. Moreover, the controller may further be configured to initiate a second control action when it is determined that the magnitude of the displacement of the ground engaging tool exceeds a second threshold displacement value, with the second threshold displacement value corresponding to a greater displacement relative to the predetermined ground engaging tool position than the first displacement threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Kovach, Christopher Barrick, John C. Endlsey, James W. Henry, Tracey D. Meiners, Klint J. Peterson, Alan Forbes, David Long, Christopher A. Lursen
  • Patent number: 11259454
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for detecting ground engaging tool float for an agricultural implement may include an implement having a ground engaging tool pivotally coupled to a frame and a biasing element coupled between the frame and the ground engaging tool. The biasing element may be configured to bias the ground engaging tool to a predetermined ground engaging tool position relative to the frame. The system may also include a sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of a current position of the ground engaging tool relative to the frame. Additionally, the system may include a controller configured to monitor the current position of the ground engaging tool based on measurement signals received from the sensor and identify a time period across which the ground engaging tool is displaced from the predetermined ground engaging tool position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Kovach, Christopher Barrick, John C. Endsley, James W. Henry, Tracey D. Meiners, Klint J. Peterson
  • Patent number: 11219153
    Abstract: A shank assembly for an agricultural tillage implement including a support arm, a shank connected to the support arm, a point connected to the shank, and a float monitoring system. The float monitoring system includes a first sensor for sensing a home position, a second sensor connected to the support arm and configured for sensing an angular position of the support arm relative to the frame of the agricultural tillage implement, and an electronic control unit operably connected to the first sensor and the second sensor. The electronic control unit is configured for comparing the home position and the angular position of the support arm and determining a float of the shank as the shank is towed in a forward direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Michael G. Kovach
  • Patent number: 11191204
    Abstract: A system for monitoring soil conditions within a field includes an agricultural implement including a frame and a ganged tool assembly supported relative to the frame and including a toolbar coupled to the frame and a plurality of ground-engaging tools coupled to the toolbar. The system further includes a first sensor provided in operative association with the ganged tool assembly and configured to detect motion of the ganged tool assembly. The system further includes a second sensor separate from the first sensor configured to detect an orientation of the ganged tool assembly relative to at least one of the field or the frame. The system includes a controller communicatively coupled to the sensors and configured to determine an indication of a soil condition at a given location within the field based at least in part on the detected motion and orientation of the ganged tool assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael G. Kovach, James W. Henry, Yong Deng
  • Patent number: 11178803
    Abstract: A shank assembly for an agricultural tillage implement including a shank, a point removably connected to the shank, and a protective guard removably connected in between the point and the shank. The point retains the protective guard on the shank. The protective guard is configured for protecting the shank and flexing in response to a movement of the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Michael G. Kovach
  • Patent number: 11076522
    Abstract: A knife for creating berms in agricultural fields for strip -till farming includes wings on opposing sides of the knife edge that are configured to fracture and raise soil in a wider path for building a berm behind the knife. The wings can be swept back, angled downward from front to back, and angled downward from inside to outside, for better loosening compacted soil below the surface and creating improved berms rearward of the knife. The knife edge can be replaceable by removal of a single pin. If a difficult object is encountered, such as large rocks or tree roots, the knife can swing reward with respect to a supporting shank to minimize damage to the knife. Upon swinging reward, an agricultural product delivery tube rearward of the knife for depositing agricultural product into the berm can swing forward to minimize crimping of the delivery tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Michael G. Kovach
  • Patent number: 11076523
    Abstract: A tillage point for an agricultural implement includes a body extending in a lengthwise direction between a tip end and a retention end and in a vertical direction between an upper body surface and a lower body surface, where the body defines a retention slot between the upper and lower body surfaces. Additionally, the tillage point has a fin extending outwardly from the upper body surface in the vertical direction. The fin defines a height in the vertical direction between a base end of the fin positioned adjacent to the upper body surface of the body and a top end of the fin positioned opposite the base end. The fin further defines a lateral width between opposed lateral sides of the fin, where the lateral width of the fin tapers along at least a portion of the vertical height of the fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Michael G. Kovach
  • Patent number: 11039563
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for monitoring the condition of seedbed within a field may include a plurality of ground-penetrating tools supported by an implement frame adjacent to its forward end. The system may also include a plurality of surface-finishing tools supported by the implement frame adjacent to its aft end. Moreover, the system may include a seedbed floor detection assembly coupled to the implement frame behind the plurality of ground-penetrating tools and in front of the plurality of surface-finishing tools. The seedbed floor detection assembly may include a seedbed tool configured to ride along the seedbed floor. Additionally, the seedbed detection assembly may include a seedbed floor sensor configured to detect a position of the seedbed tool relative to the implement frame, with such position being indicative of variations in a profile of the seedbed floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Kovach, Rick L. Gerber
  • Patent number: 10966362
    Abstract: An auxiliary tool assembly for an agricultural implement is configured to support a finishing tool(s) at a location at or adjacent to the aft end of the implement. The auxiliary tool assembly includes a support arm extending lengthwise between a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end of the support arm being pivotally coupled to a portion of the implement at or adjacent to its aft end so that the tool assembly is pivotable relative to the implement between a work position and a transport position. In addition, the finishing tool(s) is configured to be coupled to or otherwise supported relative to the ground by the support arm at a location between its proximal and distal ends. Moreover, the auxiliary tool assembly includes one or more surface-engaging wheels coupled to the distal end of the support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Kovach, Scott R. Faust, Timothy R. Blunier, Gaylen J. Kromminga
  • Publication number: 20210092894
    Abstract: A disk assembly for agricultural implements comprises a disk hanger including a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The disk assembly further includes a hanger spindle supported relative to the distal end of the disk hanger for rotation about a first axis of rotation, and a blade spindle supported relative to the hanger spindle, with the blade spindle being rotatable about a second axis of rotation oriented non-parallel relative to the first axis of rotation. Additionally, the disk assembly includes a blade coupled to the blade spindle for rotation therewith about the second axis of rotation. Moreover, the disk assembly is configured such that rotation of the hanger spindle relative to the disk hanger about the first axis of rotation results in an adjustment of both an angle-of-engagement and a camber angle of the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Alan Forbes, Michael G. Kovach, David Long, Timothy R. Blunier
  • Publication number: 20210059093
    Abstract: A rolling basket assembly for an agricultural tillage implement. The rolling basket assembly includes a bracket, a first disk and a second disk rotatably connected to the bracket, a plurality of chain assemblies. Each chain assembly includes a first end connected to the first disk and a second end connected to the second disk and a plurality of links looped around one another and collectively forming each chain assembly. Each link includes a first loop, a second loop that is looped around the first loop, and at least one projection extending outwardly from one of the first loop and the second loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Michael G. Kovach
  • Publication number: 20210059098
    Abstract: A shank assembly for an agricultural tillage implement including a support arm, a shank connected to the support arm, a point connected to the shank, and a float monitoring system. The float monitoring system includes a first sensor for sensing a home position, a second sensor connected to the support arm and configured for sensing an angular position of the support arm relative to the frame of the agricultural tillage implement, and an electronic control unit operably connected to the first sensor and the second sensor. The electronic control unit is configured for comparing the home position and the angular position of the support arm and determining a float of the shank as the shank is towed in a forward direction of travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Michael G. Kovach
  • Publication number: 20210051831
    Abstract: A shank assembly for an agricultural tillage implement including a shank, a point removably connected to the shank, and a protective guard removably connected in between the point and the shank. The point retains the protective guard on the shank. The protective guard is configured for protecting the shank and flexing in response to a movement of the shank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Michael G. Kovach
  • Patent number: 10912244
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method, for enhancing resolution during remotely controlled adjustment of a fore/aft trim angle of a frame of a towable tillage implement, utilize a fore/aft trim angle adjustment arrangement operatively attached between a hitch and the frame of the implement for tilting the frame at a desired trim angle along a fore/aft axis of the frame. An adjustable-length fore/aft trim linkage is operatively connected between the frame and the hitch for adjusting and maintaining the trim angle. A linear actuator is operatively attached to the trim angle linkage for remotely controlling the length of the trim angle adjustment linkage to thereby adjust the trim angle as a function of a stroke of the actuator. The fore/aft trim linkage provides an adjustment in its length that is proportionally less than the stroke of the actuator, to thereby provide enhanced resolution for remote control of the trim angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Christian Kilby, Michael G. Kovach, Michael Glennon
  • Publication number: 20200260634
    Abstract: A system for monitoring soil conditions within a field includes an agricultural implement including a frame and a ganged tool assembly supported relative to the frame and including a toolbar coupled to the frame and a plurality of ground-engaging tools coupled to the toolbar. The system further includes a first sensor provided in operative association with the ganged tool assembly and configured to detect motion of the ganged tool assembly. The system further includes a second sensor separate from the first sensor configured to detect an orientation of the ganged tool assembly relative to at least one of the field or the frame. The system includes a controller communicatively coupled to the sensors and configured to determine an indication of a soil condition at a given location within the field based at least in part on the detected motion and orientation of the ganged tool assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: Michael G. Kovach, James W. Henry, Yong Deng
  • Publication number: 20200260633
    Abstract: A system for monitoring soil conditions within a field includes an agricultural implement including a frame and a ground-engaging tool coupled to the frame. The system further includes a first sensor coupled to the ground-engaging tool and configured to detect motion of the ground-engaging tool as the agricultural implement is moved across the field. The system additionally includes a second sensor separate from the first sensor. The second sensor is configured to detect an orientation of the ground-engaging tool relative to the frame as the agricultural implement is moved across the field. The system includes a controller communicatively coupled to the first and second sensors. The controller is configured to determine an indication of a soil condition at a given location within the field based at least in part on the detected motion and the detected orientation of the ground-engaging tool at the given location within the field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: Michael G. Kovach, James W. Henry, Yong Deng
  • Publication number: 20200236832
    Abstract: A tillage point for an agricultural implement includes a body extending in a lengthwise direction between a tip end and a retention end and in a vertical direction between an upper body surface and a lower body surface, where the body defines a retention slot between the upper and lower body surfaces. Additionally, the tillage point has a fin extending outwardly from the upper body surface in the vertical direction. The fin defines a height in the vertical direction between a base end of the fin positioned adjacent to the upper body surface of the body and a top end of the fin positioned opposite the base end. The fin further defines a lateral width between opposed lateral sides of the fin, where the lateral width of the fin tapers along at least a portion of the vertical height of the fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventor: Michael G. Kovach