Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Korus

Thomas J. Korus 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: 11903350
    Abstract: A mobile tower for use with an irrigation system comprises a frame, first and second spindles, a first height adjustment assembly, and a second height adjustment assembly. The frame is configured to support a fluid-carrying conduit of the irrigation system. The first and second spindles each include a generally upright beam. The first height adjustment assembly is rigidly connected to a first side of the frame and movably coupled to the first spindle. The first height adjustment assembly includes a first mechanism configured to raise or lower the first side of the frame relative to the first spindle. The second height adjustment assembly is rigidly connected to a second side of the frame and movably coupled to the second spindle. The second height adjustment assembly includes a second mechanism configured to raise or lower the second side of the frame relative to the second spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Lindsay Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Korus
  • Publication number: 20230060630
    Abstract: A mobile tower for use with an irrigation system comprises a frame, first and second spindles, a first height adjustment assembly, and a second height adjustment assembly. The frame is configured to support a fluid-carrying conduit of the irrigation system. The first and second spindles each include a generally upright beam. The first height adjustment assembly is rigidly connected to a first side of the frame and movably coupled to the first spindle. The first height adjustment assembly includes a first mechanism configured to raise or lower the first side of the frame relative to the first spindle. The second height adjustment assembly is rigidly connected to a second side of the frame and movably coupled to the second spindle. The second height adjustment assembly includes a second mechanism configured to raise or lower the second side of the frame relative to the second spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventor: Thomas J. Korus
  • Patent number: 11535064
    Abstract: An airless flexible tire including traction lug pairs each having a forward facing traction lug and a rearward facing traction lug cooperatively forming a divided Z or reverse divided Z shape. Each traction lug includes a lateral section and a central section. The central section extends from an end of the lateral section so as to straddle a centerline of the airless flexible tire and includes a number of discrete sidewalls. The discrete sidewalls are different sizes and angled relative to each other. The central sections of paired traction lugs form a space dividing portions of the Z or reverse Z shape. The central sections of nearest traction lugs of adjacent traction lug pairs form a space dividing the adjacent traction lug pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: LINDSAY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Fredenburg, Thomas J. Korus
  • Patent number: 11510372
    Abstract: A mobile tower for use with an irrigation system comprises a frame, first and second spindles, a first height adjustment assembly, and a second height adjustment assembly. The frame is configured to support a fluid-carrying conduit of the irrigation system. The first and second spindles each include a generally upright beam. The first height adjustment assembly is rigidly connected to a first side of the frame and movably coupled to the first spindle. The first height adjustment assembly includes a first mechanism configured to raise or lower the first side of the frame relative to the first spindle. The second height adjustment assembly is rigidly connected to a second side of the frame and movably coupled to the second spindle. The second height adjustment assembly includes a second mechanism configured to raise or lower the second side of the frame relative to the second spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: LINDSAY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Thomas J. Korus
  • Patent number: 11242947
    Abstract: An irrigation pipe assembly that utilizes a pipe that is made of a durable material, e.g., stainless steel or aluminum. During fabrication, the pipe is equipped with a plurality of components, i.e., a flange assembly, a truss mount, and an outlet, without drilling, welding, or the like. In this manner, a method of fabrication is provided that enables a plurality of components to be assembled to the pipe without compromising the integrity of the pipe material or treated surface so that galvanizing or painting is not required after the plurality of components have been fitted to the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Lindsay Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Korus, Charles H. Meis
  • Patent number: 11193622
    Abstract: A pipe liner for lining a fluid-carrying pipe, the pipe liner comprising an elongated flexible conduit and a flexible flange. The flexible conduit includes an outer wall forming an open-ended central channel for allowing fluids to be pumped therethrough. The flexible flange extends radially from one end of the elongated conduit and includes a number of fastener holes. The flexible conduit and the flexible flange are configured to be collapsed and pulled through the pipe such that the flexible flange can be connected to a rigid flange of the pipe via the fastener holes. The pipe liner is less prone to leak and is easier to transport and install.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Lindsay Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Korus
  • Publication number: 20210059133
    Abstract: A hose-pull apparatus for mounting to an irrigation system mobile tower supporting a fluid-carrying conduit. The hose-pull apparatus includes a swivel, a first pipe section, a joint, and a second pipe section. The swivel is configured to be in fluid communication with the conduit and rotate about a vertical axis. The first pipe section has a first end connected to the swivel and a second end extending outwardly from the swivel so that the first pipe section can pivot horizontally. The joint is connected to the second end of the first pipe section. The second pipe section has a first end connected to the joint so that the second pipe section can articulate relative to the first pipe section. The joint also has a second end configured to be in fluid communication with a supply hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Applicant: LINDSAY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew J. Dudik, Thomas J. Korus
  • Publication number: 20210059132
    Abstract: A mobile tower for use with an irrigation system comprises a frame, first and second spindles, a first height adjustment assembly, and a second height adjustment assembly. The frame is configured to support a fluid-carrying conduit of the irrigation system. The first and second spindles each include a generally upright beam. The first height adjustment assembly is rigidly connected to a first side of the frame and movably coupled to the first spindle. The first height adjustment assembly includes a first mechanism configured to raise or lower the first side of the frame relative to the first spindle. The second height adjustment assembly is rigidly connected to a second side of the frame and movably coupled to the second spindle. The second height adjustment assembly includes a second mechanism configured to raise or lower the second side of the frame relative to the second spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Applicant: LINDSAY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Thomas J. Korus
  • Patent number: 10925221
    Abstract: A hose-pull apparatus for mounting to an irrigation system mobile tower supporting a fluid-carrying conduit. The hose-pull apparatus includes a swivel, a first pipe section, a joint, and a second pipe section. The swivel is configured to be in fluid communication with the conduit and rotate about a vertical axis. The first pipe section has a first end connected to the swivel and a second end extending outwardly from the swivel so that the first pipe section can pivot horizontally. The joint is connected to the second end of the first pipe section. The second pipe section has a first end connected to the joint so that the second pipe section can articulate relative to the first pipe section. The joint also has a second end configured to be in fluid communication with a supply hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Lindsay Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Dudik, Thomas J. Korus
  • Publication number: 20200275619
    Abstract: A hose-pull apparatus for mounting to an irrigation system mobile tower supporting a fluid-carrying conduit. The hose-pull apparatus includes a swivel, a first pipe section, a joint, and a second pipe section. The swivel is configured to be in fluid communication with the conduit and rotate about a vertical axis. The first pipe section has a first end connected to the swivel and a second end extending outwardly from the swivel so that the first pipe section can pivot horizontally. The joint is connected to the second end of the first pipe section. The second pipe section has a first end connected to the joint so that the second pipe section can articulate relative to the first pipe section. The joint also has a second end configured to be in fluid communication with a supply hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Applicant: LINDSAY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew J. Dudik, Thomas J. Korus
  • Publication number: 20200256489
    Abstract: An irrigation pipe and method of fabrication that utilizes a pipe that is made of a durable material, e.g., stainless steel or aluminum. During fabrication, the pipe is equipped with a plurality of components, i.e., a flange assembly, a truss mount, and an outlet, without drilling, welding, or the like. In this manner, a method of fabrication is provided that enables a plurality of components to be assembled to the pipe without compromising the integrity of the pipe material or treated surface so that galvanizing or painting is not required after the plurality of components have been fitted to the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Applicant: Lindsay Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Korus, Charles H. Meis
  • Patent number: 10710110
    Abstract: An outlet fitting broadly comprises a coupler, a plug, and a gasket. The coupler engages a conduit opening of a conduit and includes an aft section, a forward section, and a radially extending flange bisecting the aft and forward sections. The aft section includes a narrowing inner surface forming a fluid passageway. The flange includes an upper surface for abutting the conduit near the conduit opening. The plug has a laterally elongated longitudinally extending central aperture. The aft section is inserted into the conduit opening and a tool inserted into the central aperture draws the plug towards the forward section and expands the aft section into secure engagement with the conduit. The gasket is also urged against the periphery of the conduit opening and forms a seal between the coupler and the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Lindsay Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Korus
  • Patent number: 10690274
    Abstract: An irrigation pipe and method of fabrication that utilizes a pipe that is made of a durable material, e.g., stainless steel or aluminum. During fabrication, the pipe is equipped with a plurality of components, i.e., a flange assembly, a truss mount, and an outlet, without drilling, welding, or the like. In this manner, a method of fabrication is provided that enables a plurality of components to be assembled to the pipe without compromising the integrity of the pipe material or treated surface so that galvanizing or painting is not required after the plurality of components have been fitted to the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Lindsay Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Korus, Charles H. Meis
  • Patent number: 10525773
    Abstract: A wheel assembly comprising a rigid wheel including a radially outer rim wall presenting a polygonal shape with a plurality of outermost vertices connecting a plurality of planar faces, and a flexible tire mounted on the outer rim wall. The tire is supported by the vertices of the rim wall and is separated from the rim faces by a space, portions of the tire located between the vertices being configured to flex inwardly when subject to ground engaging pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Lindsay Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Korus, Jochen Pfrenger
  • Publication number: 20190143757
    Abstract: An airless flexible tire including traction lug pairs each having a forward facing traction lug and a rearward facing traction lug cooperatively forming a divided Z or reverse divided Z shape. Each traction lug includes a lateral section and a central section. The central section extends from an end of the lateral section so as to straddle a centerline of the airless flexible tire and includes a number of discrete sidewalls. The discrete sidewalls are different sizes and angled relative to each other. The central sections of paired traction lugs form a space dividing portions of the Z or reverse Z shape. The central sections of nearest traction lugs of adjacent traction lug pairs form a space dividing the adjacent traction lug pairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: LINDSAY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Fredenburg, Thomas J. Korus
  • Publication number: 20180363833
    Abstract: A pipe liner for lining a fluid-carrying pipe, the pipe liner comprising an elongated flexible conduit and a flexible flange. The flexible conduit includes an outer wall forming an open-ended central channel for allowing fluids to be pumped therethrough. The flexible flange extends radially from one end of the elongated conduit and includes a number of fastener holes. The flexible conduit and the flexible flange are configured to be collapsed and pulled through the pipe such that the flexible flange can be connected to a rigid flange of the pipe via the fastener holes. The pipe liner is less prone to leak and is easier to transport and install.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: LINDSAY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Thomas J. Korus
  • Patent number: 10137735
    Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a rigid wheel and an airless flexible tire with certain performance characteristics of a pneumatic tire. The rigid wheel includes a central portion and a plurality of circumferentially spaced mounting elements removably attached to a radially outer margin of the central portion. The tire is mounted on the wheel and engages the mounting elements such that portions of the tire not engaging the mounting elements are separated radially from the wheel by a space. The tire is configured such that portions of the tire not engaging the mounting elements flex inwardly toward the wheel when subject to ground engaging pressure, thereby minimizing ground penetration and soil disruption. The tire may include one or more tension elements embedded in the tire to increase the tire's strength and resilience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Lindsay Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Korus, Michael Fredenburg
  • Patent number: 10139034
    Abstract: A pipe liner for lining a fluid-carrying pipe, the pipe liner comprising an elongated flexible conduit and a flexible flange. The flexible conduit includes an outer wall forming an open-ended central channel for allowing fluids to be pumped therethrough. The flexible flange extends radially from one end of the elongated conduit and includes a number of fastener holes. The flexible conduit and the flexible flange are configured to be collapsed and pulled through the pipe such that the flexible flange can be connected to a rigid flange of the pipe via the fastener holes. The pipe liner is less prone to leak and is easier to transport and install.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Lindsay Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Korus
  • Patent number: 10137736
    Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a rigid wheel and an airless flexible tire with certain performance characteristics of a pneumatic tire. The rigid wheel includes a central portion and a plurality of circumferentially spaced mounting elements removably attached to a radially outer margin of the central portion. The tire is mounted on the wheel and engages the mounting elements such that portions of the tire not engaging the mounting elements are separated radially from the wheel by a space. The tire is configured such that portions of the tire not engaging the mounting elements flex inwardly toward the wheel when subject to ground engaging pressure, thereby minimizing ground penetration and soil disruption. The tire may include one or more tension elements embedded in the tire to increase the tire's strength and resilience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Lindsay Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Korus, Michael Fredenburg
  • Patent number: 10139017
    Abstract: A suspended pipe assembly comprising a first suspended pipe, a second suspended pipe, a third suspended pipe, and a number of suspenders for suspending the pipes from an elevated pipe or pipes of a mobile irrigation system or other fluid distribution system. The first suspended pipe and second suspended pipe are connected together via a fixed joint. The second suspended pipe and third suspended pipe are connected together via a live joint such that the second suspended pipe and third suspended pipe can expand longitudinally relative to each other. Additional suspended pipes can be connected to each other via alternating fixed and live joints. The suspenders allow the suspended pipes to expand longitudinally relative to the elevated pipe and prevents the suspended pipes from warping side-to-side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Lindsay Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Korus