Patents by Inventor Ronald L. Pratt

Ronald L. Pratt 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: 5485797
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an integral coupling arrangement for coupling a trailing cart to a transverse toolbar. The cart is provided with two draft links extending forwardly from the cart that are pivotally coupled to the toolbar. A central hitch also extends forwardly from the cart and is coupled to the toolbar by a floating link. Pushing and pulling forces are applied through the draft links only. The central hitch carries the vertical weight applied by the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Lawrence D. Green, Ronald L. Pratt
  • Patent number: 5245827
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a hydraulic pump which provides pressurized fluid at an output port as a function of pressure in a load sensing port, a hydraulic reservoir, and a load pressure sensing line connected to the load sensing port. A solenoid operated implement control valve controls fluid communication to and from a hydraulic function such as a cylinder. A supply control valve has a first position wherein the reservoir is communicated with the load sensing port and a second position wherein the pump output port is communicated with the load sensing port. A spring urges the valve member to its first position, and a solenoid is energizable to move the valve member to its second position. The solenoid is energized when the implement control valve is activated so that the supply control valve communicates pump pressure to the load sensing port and the pump will operate at full capacity whenever the second hydraulic function is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Douglas M. Durant, Larry M. Delfs, Derek M. Eagles, Ronald L. Pratt
  • Patent number: 4582143
    Abstract: A forwardly-folding, tractor-drawn agricultural implement featuring a rear center frame and a pair of wing sections that may selectively occupy operating positions in which they are horizontally and transversely alined with each other but alined in that manner forwardly of the center, rear section. This rear section carries no agricultural tools and serves basically as a rear rolling support for the implement in both its operating position and in a transport position in which the wing sections are folded forwardly along opposite sides of a central telescopic tongue or hitch by means of which the rear section is connected to and supported on a tractor. When the implement is in its transport or folded position, the overall length of the machine may be shortened to bring the rear support wheels closer to the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Ronald L. Pratt
  • Patent number: 4137852
    Abstract: A forwardly foldable agricultural planter includes a hitch shiftable as wing sectons are moved between transport and operational configurations. Rigid link tow bars pivot about centrally positioned pivots permitting the hitch to be horizontally shifted between transport and operational positions to thereby realize positive drawn implement control in both configurations. A telescoping drawbar provides further implement support and control and either manual or automatic latching mechanisms can be provided to secure the folded wing sections in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1979
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Ronald L. Pratt