Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Hocking

Thomas A. Hocking 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: 3981125
    Abstract: A leveling mechanism for harvester platforms or headers which is predicated upon the fact that a slight forcible distortion of the feeder housing to which the platform is secured will, when the distortion is effected in a particular manner, result in a side-to-side rocking motion of the platform. The mechanism for effecting such distortion is disposed immediately beneath the usual access door in the top wall of the feeder housing where it is readily accessible for manipulation, and locking means are provided for releasably securing the feeder housing in any of the distorted conditions of which it is capable of assuming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1976
    Assignee: International Harvester Company
    Inventors: Dathan R. Kerber, Thomas A. Hocking, John L. Vande Wiele
  • Patent number: 3981126
    Abstract: A safety support for maintaining the feeder of a harvester combine, together with its associated header, in an elevated position in case of failure of the usual lift cylinder. A telescopic brace has its forward end pivoted to the feeder and, when in a predetermined extended operative condition, has facilities at its rear end whereby it is supported on the front axle housing of the combine so that it may function under compression to assimilate the weight of the feeder and maintain the latter elevated. In a collapsed inoperative position the brace closely underlies the bottom wall of the feeder in a stored position and is held in such position by a suspension bracket which supports the rear end of the brace. A single anchor pin cooperates with the brace to maintain the latter in its extended position and also cooperates with the suspension bracket to maintain the rear end of the collapsed brace in an elevated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1976
    Assignee: International Harvester Company
    Inventor: Thomas A. Hocking