Patents by Inventor Preston L. Ellis

Preston L. Ellis 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: 5907948
    Abstract: A modular disc cutterbar utilizes self-contained cutter modules clamped between alternating spacer modules by fasteners engaged with the spacer modules. To resist bending moments in the cutterbar, selected fasteners can have a length to span more than one cutter module. The drive mechanism is also of a modular construction including a symmetrical, reversible sealed drive apparatus within each cutter module and a transfer shaft passing through each interstitial spacer module to interconnect each cutter module drive mechanism. The drive apparatus incorporates an oil slinger to keep the remote seals lubricated. The rock guard for each cutter module is mounted on the adjacent spacer modules, while the skid shoe mounting is simplified. A crop mover mounted on each disc member above the cutting knife improves the transfer of severed crop material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Preston L. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5819643
    Abstract: An agricultural baler for picking up crop material and forming it into a rectangular shaped package, having a bale density control system. The baler has a bale case including four wall members forming a generally rectangular opening, at least one of which wall members includes a tension rail movably mounted to vary the cross sectional area of the rectangular opening. The baler also has a hydraulic control arrangement including a hydraulic cylinder operable for changing the position of the tension rail, a pressure control valve comprising a variable relief valve, and a hydraulic circuit for coupling the hydraulic cylinder to the pressure control valve. The relief valve is selectively controlled by an electronic controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Irwin D. McIlwain, Preston L. Ellis
  • Patent number: 4931603
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker movable contact arm electrically connects with the circuit breaker load terminal without requiring a flexible electrical conducting braid. The contact arm is pivotally arranged within a contact arm support to which the load terminal lug is attached. The contact arm pivot pin is supported on a pair of parallel support posts extending from the contact arm support and a pair of bifurcated shunt plates are positioned on the pivot pin, one on each side of the contact arm to promote good electric transport between the contact arm and the support posts during short circuit conditions without interfering with the rotational movement of the contact arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Keith W. Klein, David Arnold, Preston L. Ellis