Patents by Inventor Shane Bollinger

Shane Bollinger 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: 8511049
    Abstract: A suspension system for agricultural implements having at least one floating head using a four-bar linkage and permitting the floating head to accommodate variations in ground surface elevation in a lateral or transverse direction. By permitting the floating head to float, a more consistent cutting height is realized when ground surface elevation varies in a transverse direction. A main frame is provided to which the ground engaging wheels are attached. A sub-frame is connected to the main frame via the four-bar linkage. The sub-frame is pivotally attached to the arms of the four-bar linkage by spherical bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Kent L. Thompson, Shane A. Bollinger, Rustin V. Bentzinger
  • Publication number: 20120324854
    Abstract: A suspension system for agricultural implements having at least one floating head using a four-bar linkage and permitting the floating head to accommodate variations in ground surface elevation in a lateral or transverse direction. By permitting the floating head to float, a more consistent cutting height is realized when ground surface elevation varies in a transverse direction. A main frame is provided to which the ground engaging wheels are attached. A sub-frame is connected to the main frame via the four-bar linkage. The sub-frame is pivotally attached to the arms of the four-bar linkage by spherical bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Kent L. Thompson, Shane A. Bollinger, Rustin V. Bentzinger
  • Patent number: 8333058
    Abstract: A suspension system for agricultural implements having at least one floating head using a four-bar linkage and permitting the floating head to accommodate variations in ground surface elevation in a lateral or transverse direction. By permitting the floating head to float, a more consistent cutting height is realized when ground surface elevation varies in a transverse direction. A main frame is provided to which the ground engaging wheels are attached. A sub-frame is connected to the main frame via the four-bar linkage. The sub-frame is pivotally attached to the arms of the four-bar linkage by spherical bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kent L. Thompson, Shane A. Bollinger, Rustin V. Bentzinger
  • Patent number: 8327612
    Abstract: Device for mowing crops, comprising a series of mowing units arranged side by side at predetermined distances, each mowing unit comprising a knife holder with at least one knife carrying portion for carrying a mowing knife, and a drive mechanism for each knife holder. The drive mechanism for each knife holder comprises a first drive element comprising a hub portion for carrying the respective knife holder, and a second drive element drivingly engaged with the first drive element to rotatingly drive the knife holder about a vertical axis. In normal operation, the knife holder and the hub portion form a unitary rotatable assembly which, at a position between the knife carrying portion and the hub portion, is provided with a break connection which is effective in a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Lely Patent N.V.
    Inventors: Willem Arie Van Der Ent, Maarten Koorn, Jelle Fredo Oudemans, Shane A. Bollinger
  • Patent number: 8250840
    Abstract: A support structure for agricultural implements having at least one floating head with a work tool. The support structure permits the work tool to be folded. The work tool of the agricultural implement is supported near its outer end by the support structure in a cantilevered fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Forage Innovations B.V.
    Inventors: Kent L. Thompson, Shane A. Bollinger, Stuart Gene Van Donselaar
  • Publication number: 20120131893
    Abstract: A suspension system for agricultural implements having at least one floating head using a four-bar linkage and permitting the floating head to accommodate variations in ground surface elevation in a lateral or transverse direction. By permitting the floating head to float, a more consistent cutting height is realized when ground surface elevation varies in a transverse direction. A main frame is provided to which the ground engaging wheels are attached. A sub-frame is connected to the main frame via the four-bar linkage. The sub-frame is pivotally attached to the arms of the four-bar linkage by spherical bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Kent L. Thompson, Shane A. Bollinger, Rustin V. Bentzinger
  • Patent number: 8118533
    Abstract: A suspension system for towed agricultural implements having at least one floating head of a first width suspended by a four-bar linkage of a second width wherein the first width is much greater than the second width. The floating head is permitted to float to accommodate variations in ground surface elevation in a lateral or transverse direction. By permitting the floating head to float, a more consistent cutting height is realized when ground surface elevation varies in a transverse direction. A main frame is provided to which the ground engaging wheels are attached. A sub-frame is connected to the main frame via the four-bar linkage. The sub-frame is pivotally attached to the arms of the four-bar linkage by spherical bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kent L Thompson, Shane A Bollinger, Rustin V Bentzinger
  • Publication number: 20110232255
    Abstract: A drive system for agricultural implements having at least one floating head and a tongue that may be disposed at various angles relative to a longitudinal angle of the implement. Two swivel gearbox assemblies are used, each comprising a first 90° gearbox rigidly attached to the implement and a second 90° gearbox that is permitted to rotate about an axis passing through one of its shafts and one of the first 90° gearbox's shaft. Because the tongue angle is variable, the drive shafts for driving the implement must take on a plurality of angles. The swiveling gearbox assemblies allow variable angles at the tongue and at the header.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Kent L. Thompson, Shane A. Bollinger, Stuart Gene Van Donselaar
  • Publication number: 20110219739
    Abstract: A suspension system for agricultural implements having at least one floating head using a four-bar linkage and permitting the floating head to accommodate variations in ground surface elevation in a lateral or transverse direction. By permitting the floating head to float, a more consistent cutting height is realized when ground surface elevation varies in a transverse direction. A main frame is provided to which the ground engaging wheels are attached. A sub-frame is connected to the main frame via the four-bar linkage. The sub-frame is pivotally attached to the arms of the four-bar linkage by spherical bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Kent L. Thompson, Shane A. Bollinger, Rustin V. Bentzinger
  • Patent number: 7966794
    Abstract: A drive system for agricultural implements having at least one floating head and a tongue that may be disposed at various angles relative to a longitudinal angle of the implement. Two swivel gearbox assemblies are used, each comprising a first 90° gearbox rigidly attached to the implement and a second 90° gearbox that is permitted to rotate about an axis passing through one of its shafts and one of the first 90° gearbox's shaft. Because the tongue angle is variable, the drive shafts for driving the implement must take on a plurality of angles. The swiveling gearbox assemblies allow variable angles at the tongue and at the header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kent L. Thompson, Shane A. Bollinger, Stuart Gene Van Donselaar
  • Patent number: 7958707
    Abstract: A suspension system for agricultural implements having at least one floating head using a four-bar linkage and permitting the floating head to accommodate variations in ground surface elevation in a lateral or transverse direction. By permitting the floating head to float, a more consistent cutting height is realized when ground surface elevation varies in a transverse direction. A main frame is provided to which the ground engaging wheels are attached. A sub-frame is connected to the main frame via the four-bar linkage and the linkage arms of the four-bar linkage are not parallel to one another as viewed from above. The linkage arms of the four-bar linkage are pivotally attached to the main frame and sub-frame by spherical bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kent L. Thompson, Shane A. Bollinger, Rustin V. Bentzinger
  • Publication number: 20110011049
    Abstract: Device for mowing crops, comprising a series of mowing units arranged side by side at predetermined distances, each mowing unit comprising a knife holder with at least one knife carrying portion for carrying a mowing knife, and a drive mechanism for each knife holder. The drive mechanism for each knife holder comprises a first drive element comprising a hub portion for carrying the respective knife holder, and a second drive element drivingly engaged with the first drive element to rotatingly drive the knife holder about a vertical axis. In normal operation, the knife holder and the hub portion form a unitary rotatable assembly which, at a position between the knife carrying portion and the hub portion, is provided with a break connection which is effective in a radial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Lely Patenet N.V.
    Inventors: Willem Arie VAN DER ENT, Maarten KOORN, Jelle Fredo OUDEMANS, Shane A. BOLLINGER
  • Publication number: 20100192534
    Abstract: A suspension system for agricultural implements having at least one floating head using a four-bar linkage and permitting the floating head to accommodate variations in ground surface elevation in a lateral or transverse direction. By permitting the floating head to float, a more consistent cutting height is realized when ground surface elevation varies in a transverse direction. A main frame is provided to which the ground engaging wheels are attached. A sub-frame is connected to the main frame via the four-bar linkage. The sub-frame is pivotally attached to the arms of the four-bar linkage by spherical bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Kent L. Thompson, Shane A. Bollinger, Rustin V. Bentzinger
  • Publication number: 20100132325
    Abstract: A drive system for agricultural implements having at least one floating head and a tongue that may be disposed at various angles relative to a longitudinal angle of the implement. Two swivel gearbox assemblies are used, each comprising a first 90° gearbox rigidly attached to the implement and a second 90° gearbox that is permitted to rotate about an axis passing through one of its shafts and one of the first 90° gearbox's shaft. Because the tongue angle is variable, the drive shafts for driving the implement must take on a plurality of angles. The swiveling gearbox assemblies allow variable angles at the tongue and at the header.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Kent L. Thompson, Shane A. Bollinger, Stuart Gene Van Donselaar
  • Patent number: 7726109
    Abstract: A suspension system for agricultural implements having at least one floating head using a four-bar linkage and permitting the floating head to accommodate variations in ground surface elevation in a lateral or transverse direction. By permitting the floating head to float, a more consistent cutting height is realized when ground surface elevation varies in a transverse direction. A main frame is provided to which the ground engaging wheels are attached. A sub-frame is connected to the main frame via the four-bar linkage. The sub-frame is pivotally attached to the arms of the four-bar linkage by spherical bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Kent L. Thompson, Shane A. Bollinger, Rustin V. Bentzinger
  • Patent number: 7658056
    Abstract: A drive system for agricultural implements having at least one floating head and a tongue that may be disposed at various angles relative to a longitudinal angle of the implement. Two swivel gearbox assemblies are used, each comprising a first 90° gearbox rigidly attached to the implement and a second 90° gearbox that is permitted to rotate about an axis passing through one of its shafts and one of the first 90° gearbox's shaft. Because the tongue angle is variable, the drive shafts for driving the implement must take on a plurality of angles. The swiveling gearbox assemblies allow variable angles at the tongue and at the header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Kent L. Thompson, Shane A. Bollinger, Stuart Gene Van Donselaar
  • Patent number: 7596935
    Abstract: A suspension system for fixed-frame, towed agricultural implements having at least one floating head. A hydraulic cylinder is used for both lift and suspension of the floating head. A hydraulic accumulator provides expansion room for hydraulic fluid to move in and out of the hydraulic cylinder during suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Shane A. Bollinger, Kent L. Thompson, Rustin V. Bentzinger
  • Publication number: 20090107100
    Abstract: A swing cylinder such as those used to offset an agricultural implement may experience larges forces as it reaches the ends of its travel. A cushioning system to mitigate these forces comprises a piston with wear rings engaged thereto. The wear rings block off a usual passageway for the hydraulic fluid to flow, and provide their own, much smaller passageway. The flow of hydraulic fluid is thereby restricted in the neighborhood of the extremes of piston travel. An additional aspect of the invention is that the wear rings are pushed out of their position blocking the passageway when hydraulic fluid pressure is applied to move the piston away from the extreme position, thereby completely removing the restriction to flow in that direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Shane A. Bollinger, Calvin D. Meinders
  • Publication number: 20090107097
    Abstract: A suspension system for agricultural implements having at least one floating head using a four-bar linkage and permitting the floating head to accommodate variations in ground surface elevation in a lateral or transverse direction. By permitting the floating head to float, a more consistent cutting height is realized when ground surface elevation varies in a transverse direction. A main frame is provided to which the ground engaging wheels are attached. A sub-frame is connected to the main frame via the four-bar linkage. The sub-frame is pivotally attached to the arms of the four-bar linkage by spherical bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Kent L. Thompson, Shane A. Bollinger, Rustin V. Bentzinger
  • Publication number: 20090107096
    Abstract: A drive system for agricultural implements having at least one floating head and a tongue that may be disposed at various angles relative to a longitudinal angle of the implement. Two swivel gearbox assemblies are used, each comprising a first 90° gearbox rigidly attached to the implement and a second 90° gearbox that is permitted to rotate about an axis passing through one of its shafts and one of the first 90° gearbox's shaft. Because the tongue angle is variable, the drive shafts for driving the implement must take on a plurality of angles. The swiveling gearbox assemblies allow variable angles at the tongue and at the header.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Kent L. Thompson, Shane A. Bollinger, Stuart Gene Van Donselaar