Patents by Inventor Michael T. Meschke

Michael T. Meschke 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: 20240138295
    Abstract: An adjustable divider system that is adapted to assist in distributing a crop material being discharged from a draper header to a feederhouse. The adjustable divider system can include a plurality of dividers positioned adjacent to an upper side of a drum floor and at least one actuator coupled to the plurality of dividers. A controller can be coupled to the at least one actuator and adapted to selectively operate the at least one actuator. Additionally, at least one sensor can be adapted to provide information to the controller indicative of a distribution of the crop material that can be used by the controller in connection with generating a signal to selectively operate the at least one actuator. Further, one or more of the plurality of dividers can be pivotally displaceable about the drum floor in response to the selective operation of the at least one actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Derek J. Franke, Michael T. Meschke, Nicholas J. Keener
  • Publication number: 20240099192
    Abstract: A cleaning system for use in an agricultural combine harvester comprises a crop-processing platform and a rotatable finger. The crop-processing platform is arranged to receive crop material thereon and reciprocate in a fore-aft manner to process crop material. The finger auger extends laterally in proximity to the crop-processing platform and comprises flighting of fingers arranged to convey crop material laterally upon rotation of the finger auger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: YOGESH N. CHANDE, KEVIN P. HURLEY, KIRAN KUMAR MAYYA, MICHAEL T. MESCHKE
  • Patent number: 11925145
    Abstract: A harvesting machine that has a first rotor rotationally coupled to a chassis, a second rotor rotationally coupled to the chassis, and a spine separating the first rotor from the second rotor. Wherein the spine has threshing inserts coupled thereto to facilitate threshing of crop processed by the first and second rotors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Manish Singh, Michael T. Meschke, Mark L. Mattson, Corey A. Noord
  • Publication number: 20240065171
    Abstract: Combine harvesters may include crop processing systems having a grate subassemblies with flaps that, in some instances, are divided into groups that are independently movable and moveable in opposite directions between a fully open position and a fully closed position. Further, each of the grate assemblies may include an actuator that is operable to actuate simultaneously a portion of the flaps on each of the grate assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: MICHAEL T. MESCHKE, MICHAEL L. VANDEVEN, BRIAN GORGE, MARTIN RITTERSHOFER
  • Publication number: 20240065170
    Abstract: Combine harvesters may include crop processing systems having a grate subassemblies with flaps that, in some instances, are divided into groups that are independently movable and moveable in opposite directions between a fully open position and a fully closed position. Further, each of the grate assemblies may include an actuator that is operable to actuate simultaneously a portion of the flaps on each of the grate assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: MICHAEL T. MESCHKE, MICHAEL L. VANDEVEN, BRIAN GORGE, MARTIN RITTERSHOFER
  • Publication number: 20230157211
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of feed accelerators of agricultural harvesters include one or more convertible sections that are convertible between two or more types of agitator assemblies. The feed accelerators may include a cylindrical body that may form one or more facets, and the feed accelerators may include an exterior wall and a plurality of paddles distributed along the exterior wall. The plurality of paddles may be arranged in a plurality of rows. The agitator assemblies may include a first type that includes an agitator having sidewalls that for a geometrical shape, such as a chevron that extends from the exterior wall. A second type of agitator may include one or more paddles that may align with one or more rows formed on the exterior wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: ERIC L. BORTNER, BALAJI PARTHASARATHY, MARK L. MATTSON, MANISH SINGH, MICHAEL T. MESCHKE, NITHIN CHAITHANYA REDDY CHOUDARY
  • Publication number: 20220030771
    Abstract: An exemplary sieve mechanism is configured for separating grain from chaff. The sieve mechanism generally includes a frame and a louvered region including a plurality of louvers mounted to the frame. The sieve mechanism further includes and an unlouvered region lacking louvers such that a gap is defined adjacent the louvered region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Walter, Kevin P. Hurley, Michael T. Meschke, Yogesh Chande, Kelli Martin
  • Patent number: 11224169
    Abstract: A rotary cleaning system for a combine harvester that includes a hollow drum having a plurality of apertures along at least a portion of a length of an exterior surface of the drum, the drum having a feeding end configured to receive a harvested crop and a discharge end configured to expel chaff from the harvested crop and a guiding vane positioned in an interior of the drum, wherein one of the drum and the guiding vane is configured for rotation while the other one of the drum and the guiding vane is stationary to expel grain through the plurality of apertures in the drum. A feeding mechanism can be attached to supply the crop to the hollow drum. A fan can be attached to the rotary cleaning system to generate an air flow stream. A plurality of fingers can be positioned in the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Mingyong Chen, Tyler S. Brammeier, Michael T. Meschke
  • Patent number: 11154013
    Abstract: A rotor assembly for harvesting a crop. The rotor assembly has a rotating portion defined along a rotation axis, a surrounding assembly at least partially surrounding the rotating portion, the surrounding assembly having at least one separation grate coupled to a support. The support defines an inner surface and has at least one interrupter receiver. The at least one interrupter receiver is selectively coupleable to an interrupter to position the interrupter radially inward of the inner surface towards the rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Tyler S. Brammeier, Michael T. Meschke
  • Patent number: 11083137
    Abstract: A return pan for an agricultural harvester has an inclined upper surface portion, disposed to receive grain from a threshing or separating mechanism and laterally convey grain under the force of gravity to an inlet of a grain flow sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Nathan R. Vandike, Adam J. Donohoe, Michael T. Meschke
  • Publication number: 20210204480
    Abstract: A harvesting machine that has a first rotor rotationally coupled to a chassis, a second rotor rotationally coupled to the chassis, and a spine separating the first rotor from the second rotor. Wherein the spine has threshing inserts coupled thereto to facilitate threshing of crop processed by the first and second rotors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Manish Singh, Michael T. Meschke, Mark L. Mattson, Corey A. Noord
  • Patent number: 11019768
    Abstract: A combine double-decker crop residue spreader for use with a rotating chopper having chopper blades and through which air is blown may include a divider panel separating a lower portion from an upper portion of the spreader. The divider panel extends rearwardly from a location where the chopper blades transition from rotating towards the divider panel to rotating away from the divider. An airflow conduit extends above the divider panel in the upper portion to rearwardly direct air flow. At least one lower vertical panel below the divider panel in the lower portion rearwardly directs crop residue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Martin Rittershofer, Michael T. Meschke, Matthew T. Wold, Oliver Klein, Marco Broschart
  • Patent number: 11013175
    Abstract: A grain harvesting vehicle is configured to harvest a grain. A chaffer is configured to separate grain from material other than grain (MOG). A grate is positioned rearward of the chaffer. The grate includes a grate panel having an upper surface and a lower surface and an aperture in the grate panel extending between the upper surface and the lower surface. The aperture has a first end nearer the chaffer and a second end opposite the first end. The grate further includes a ramp portion extending above the grate panel from adjacent the first end of the aperture toward the second end of the aperture. A grain sensor has a sensing location positioned at a height below the grate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Nathan R. Vandike, Adam J. Donohoe, Michael T. Meschke, Jody I. Eyestone, Jeremiah K. Johnson, Jeffrey R. Walter, Matthew T. Wold, Brian Gorge
  • Patent number: 10993373
    Abstract: A row crop header for an agricultural machine harvesting a crop having stalks, such as corn. The row crop header includes a frame, a first crop row divider mounted to the frame, and a second crop row divider mounted to the frame and spaced from the first crop row divider to define a space therebetween. A row unit is disposed at the space, wherein the row unit includes a deck assembly defining a gap, the deck assembly including a compliant deck configured to adjust the gap based on contact with the stalks of the crop. The compliant deck includes a plurality of overlapping plates having edges defining the gap where the edges are configured to move responsively to varying diameters of stalks. Crops are separated from the stalks upon contact with the overlapping plates. A gathering chain moves the separated crops toward a collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael T. Meschke, Steve A. Coon
  • Publication number: 20210084823
    Abstract: A rotary cleaning system for a combine harvester that includes a hollow drum having a plurality of apertures along at least a portion of a length of an exterior surface of the drum, the drum having a feeding end configured to receive a harvested crop and a discharge end configured to expel chaff from the harvested crop and a guiding vane positioned in an interior of the drum, wherein one of the drum and the guiding vane is configured for rotation while the other one of the drum and the guiding vane is stationary to expel grain through the plurality of apertures in the drum. A feeding mechanism can be attached to supply the crop to the hollow drum. A fan can be attached to the rotary cleaning system to generate an air flow stream. A plurality of fingers can be positioned in the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: Mingyong Chen, Tyler S. Brammeier, Michael T. Meschke
  • Patent number: 10952373
    Abstract: A residue deflector is disposed in a combine body, and positioned along an airflow path to guide residue from an exit end of a cleaning shoe and a threshing and separation assembly, to a residue chopper. The deflector is configured with a plurality of spaced fingers so that air can pass through the deflector between the fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Martin Rittershofer, Michael T. Meschke, Matthew T. Wold, Gregor Diessner, Marco Broschart
  • Patent number: 10945373
    Abstract: A harvester feeder may include a housing forming a crop passage having a width and a conveyor supported by the housing to extend above crops being conveyed along the crop passage. The conveyor may include a frame, at least one forward tensioner, at least one drive sprocket and at least one belt about the forward tensioner and the drive sprocket. In one implementation, the at least one belt forms a substantially uninterrupted crop engaging belt surface extending across a majority of the width. In one implementation, each belt has an upper portion and a lower portion with the lower portion being adjacent the crop passage, wherein a crop massager extends between the upper portion and the lower portion and resume only presses the lower portion of the continuous belt towards the crop passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Adam J. Donohoe, Michael T. Meschke
  • Patent number: 10925215
    Abstract: A feederhouse conveyor system for an agricultural harvesting machine is provided. The feederhouse conveyor system includes a power transmitting system. The power transmitting system includes first rollers, second rollers, and power transmitting bands. The power transmitting bands are configured to each transmit power between each of the first rollers and the second rollers. The feederhouse conveyor system also includes rigid cross members, configured to each attach near each end to at least one of the power transmitting bands, and flexible cross members configured to each attach near each end to at least one of the power transmitting bands. The centerlines which extend through the rigid cross members and the flexible cross members are parallel. The mat attaches to the flexible cross members by a pocket in the mat through which the flexible cross members extend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David W. Peters, Corwin M. Puryk, Michael T. Meschke, Adam J. Donohoe
  • Publication number: 20200404850
    Abstract: A rotor assembly for harvesting a crop. The rotor assembly has a rotating portion defined along a rotation axis, a surrounding assembly at least partially surrounding the rotating portion, the surrounding assembly having at least one separation grate coupled to a support. The support defines an inner surface and has at least one interrupter receiver. The at least one interrupter receiver is selectively coupleable to an interrupter to position the interrupter radially inward of the inner surface towards the rotation axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Tyler S. Brammeier, Michael T. Meschke
  • Publication number: 20200245559
    Abstract: A feederhouse conveyor system for an agricultural harvesting machine is provided. The feederhouse conveyor system includes a power transmitting system. The power transmitting system includes first rollers, second rollers, and power transmitting bands. The power transmitting bands are configured to each transmit power between each of the first rollers and the second rollers. The feederhouse conveyor system also includes rigid cross members, configured to each attach near each end to at least one of the power transmitting bands, and flexible cross members configured to each attach near each end to at least one of the power transmitting bands. The centerlines which extend through the rigid cross members and the flexible cross members are parallel. The mat attaches to the flexible cross members by a pocket in the mat through which the flexible cross members extend.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David W. Peters, Corwin M. Puryk, Michael T. Meschke, Adam J. Donohoe