Patents Issued in September 13, 2016
  • Patent number: PP27141
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Corylus plant named ‘Wepster’ characterized by high vigor and an upright-spreading plant habit, yellowish-green developing and fully expanded leaves during the spring and summer, resistance to eastern filbert blight caused by the fungus Anisogramma anomala (Peck) E. Müller, presence of random amplified polymorphic DNA markers 152-800 and 268-580 amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and which are linked to a dominant allele for resistance to eastern filbert blight from the cultivar Gasaway, expression of incompatibility alleles S1 and S2 in the styles, and DNA fingerprints at 8 of 20 microsatellite marker loci differ from both parents OSU 440.005 and ‘Tonda Pacifica’, and from one parent at an additional 12 marker loci.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: State of Oregon Acting by and through the State Board of Higher Education on behalf of Oregon State University
    Inventors: Shawn A. Mehlenbacher, David C. Smith, Rebecca L. McCluskey
  • Patent number: PP27142
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of blueberry plant, which is denominated varietally as ‘EB 12-19’ is described, and which produces a large to very large fruit, which is ripe for harvesting and shipment very early in the season, under the ecological conditions prevailing in Yanchep Springs, Western Australia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignees: Prunus Persica PTY LTD, Rolfe Nominees PTY LTD
    Inventor: Vincent David Mazzardis
  • Patent number: PP27143
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree (Prunus persica var. nucipersica). The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features: 1. Tree with vigorous, upright growth. 2. Regular and productive bearer of large size fruit. 3. Fruit having a high degree of attractive red skin color. 4. Fruit with very good mild, sweet, sub-acid flavor. 5. Firm, yellow flesh fruit with good shipping quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventors: Gary Neil Zaiger, Leith Marie Gardner, Grant Gene Zaiger
  • Patent number: PP27144
    Abstract: A new and distinct sweet orange clone, ‘B9-65’ was produced via adventitious shoot induction from a nucellar seedling internode stem segment. ‘B9-65’ is a vigorous tree that produces standard ‘Valencia’-type sweet orange fruit that is characterized by high fruit yield and high soluble solids content. The fruit size of ‘B9-65’ is larger than that for standard Valencia orange while having a similar fruit maturation date.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Florida Foundation Seed Producers, Inc.
    Inventor: Jude W. Grosser
  • Patent number: PP27145
    Abstract: ‘N13-32’ is a new and distinct early season clone of ‘Hamlin’ sweet orange. Fruit of ‘N13-32’ exhibit improved juice color and typical or better soluble solids than the industry standard for processing. Fruit juice of ‘N13-32’ produced a juice color score higher than 36, which is the minimum color score requirement to produce “Grade A” juice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Florida Foundation Seed Producers, Inc.
    Inventor: Jude W. Grosser
  • Patent number: PP27146
    Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of blackberry plant named ‘DrisBlackFourteen’, particularly characterized by having medium to high yield, medium to large-sized, black berries and self-fruitful plants, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin R. Sills, Andrea M. Pabon, Mark Crusha
  • Patent number: PP27147
    Abstract: This invention is a new and distinct grapevine variety denominated ‘IFG Twenty-two’. The new grapevine is characterized by producing small naturally seedless reddish black to black berries having round to slightly elliptic shape with a unique grape lollipop-like labrusca flavor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL FRUIT GENETICS, LLC
    Inventor: David Cain
  • Patent number: PP27148
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Impatiens plant named ‘Balbonirose’, characterized by its double-type, rose-colored flowers, dark green-colored foliage, and moderately vigorous, compact-mounded growth habit, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Ball Horticultural Company
    Inventor: Michael S. Uchneat
  • Patent number: PP27149
    Abstract: A new cultivar of Begonia of hybrid origin named ‘Canary Wing’, that is characterized by its trailing plant habit, its pendant flowers that are reddish pink in color, and its foliage that emerges golden chartreuse in color maturing to a chartreuse green color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Groovy Plants Ranch LLC
    Inventor: Jared Edward Hughes
  • Patent number: PP27150
    Abstract: A new cultivar of hybrid Begonia, ‘YASPYELL’, that is characterized by its large flowers that are yellow in color, its semi-double sterile male flowers and single female flowers (with one or two extra tepals), its flowers with broad tepals, its flowers that have a high degree of forward and horizontal facing flowers, its compact and well-branched habit without cane production in its first year of growth, and its foliage that is medium green in color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Florensis B.V.
    Inventor: Frederic C. Yates
  • Patent number: PP27151
    Abstract: A new and distinct Hosta plant named ‘Island Breeze’ with variegated foliage having a wide green margin and bright yellow centers with red stippling at the base of the leaf blades. The broad purple flowers in mid-summer are held attractively above the foliage of the medium-sized plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Walters Gardens Inc
    Inventor: Hans A. Hansen
  • Patent number: PP27152
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Schlumbergera truncata (Haworth) Moran hybr. plant named ‘PKMSchl05’, characterized by its dense growth habit and white colored flowers. When grown at low temperatures the flowers are light pink (as shown in the figures).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Gartneriet PKM A/S
    Inventor: Christian Hald Madsen
  • Patent number: PP27153
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Schlumbergera truncata (Haworth) Moran hybr. plant named ‘PKMschl03’, characterized by its dense growth habit and intense orange-colored flowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Gartneriet PKM A/S
    Inventor: Christian Hald Madsen
  • Patent number: PP27154
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Caladium plant named ‘Cosmic Delight’, characterized by its outwardly arching growth habit, wide lance leaves that have a creamy-white center, creamy-white veins, light pink to red spots, green mottling, and green margins, tolerance to sunburns, high tuber yield potential, and good performance in sunny or shady landscapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Florida Foundation Seed Producers, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhanao Deng, Brent K. Harbaugh
  • Patent number: PP27155
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Caladium plant named ‘Hearts Desire’, characterized by its mounding growth habit, heart-shaped green leaves that have a white center, white mid and primary veins, numerous red purple spots and speckles along the netted veins, and plants that are attractive in containers and sunny or shady landscapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Florida Foundation Seed Producers, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhanao Deng, Brent K. Harbaugh
  • Patent number: PP27156
    Abstract: A new cultivar of hybrid Coreopsis named ‘Solar Dance’ that is characterized by its broadly upright and compact plant habit, its semi-double ray florets that are deep yellow in color, its long and floriferous bloom period, its good winter hardiness compared to other cultivars of Coreopsis, and its healthy foliage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Marco van Noort Breeding BV
    Inventor: Marco van Noort
  • Patent number: PP27157
    Abstract: A new cultivar of Lavandula stoechas, ‘LOWI2010-05’, that is characterized by its upright and compact plant habit with strong stems, its inflorescences with fertile flowers that are deep violet-blue in color and large sterile bracts that are violet-purple in color, its late commencing and long blooming habit, its good retention of color after transportation without light, and its strong resistance against downy mildew.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Wim Bergs
  • Patent number: PP27158
    Abstract: A calla lily plant particularly distinguished by red spathes, light-medium maculation of the leaves that is visible from both sides and producing 4 to 6 inflorescences per 3-cm tuber is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventors: Andrew Geoffrey Fiennes Warren, Jacobus P. Spaans
  • Patent number: RE46143
    Abstract: A concentrated flavor dispensing machine having displacement pumps for delivering between a fraction of a milliliter and a few ounces of fluids having a viscosity value between 1 to 4000 centepoise is described. The dispensing machine includes a cabinet for containing a multitude of displacement pumps, where each displacement pump is realizably connected to a disposable pre-filled fluid cartridge. Each displacement pump includes a stepper motor in engagement with a threaded drive rod that is advanced or retracted by any one of several predetermined distances. The drive rod impels a plunger positioned within the disposable cartridge to dispense a volume of fluid. Flexible capillary tubes connected to the output of each disposable cartridge direct the fluid to a central dispensing area. The disposable cartridge includes an expandable plunger which draws fluid back into the cartridge when the drive rod is withdrawn after a dispense operation for drip prevention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: A.C. DISPENSING EQUIPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: P. Gregory Erman, Chris Marshall, Avery Wilson, David A. Ricker, Michael McDougall, Kevin Stoneman, Ian MacLean
  • Patent number: RE46144
    Abstract: The disclosure includes hydroxamic compounds of Formula I: (I) wherein P, Z, and m are defined herein. Also disclosed is a method for treating a neoplastic disease or an immune disease with these compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Purdue Pharmaceutical Products L.P.
    Inventors: Yu Chen, Yi Chen
  • Patent number: RE46145
    Abstract: Provided are: a uniformly, highly dispersed metal catalyst including a catalyst carrier and a catalyst metal being loaded thereon dispersed throughout the carrier, the uniformly, highly dispersed metal catalyst having excellent performances with respect to catalytic activity, selectivity, life, etc.; and a method of producing the same. The uniformly, highly dispersed metal catalyst includes a catalyst carrier made of a metal oxide and a catalyst metal having catalytic activity, the catalyst metal being loaded on the catalyst carrier, in which the catalyst carrier is a sulfur-containing catalyst carrier having sulfur or a sulfur compound almost evenly distributed throughout the carrier and the catalyst metal is loaded on the sulfur-containing catalyst carrier in a substantially evenly dispersed manner over the entire carrier substantially according to the distribution of the sulfur or the sulfur compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: CHIYODA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshimi Okada, Toshiji Makabe, Masashi Saito, Hiroaki Nishijima
  • Patent number: RE46146
    Abstract: An LCD device and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed, in which a sealant concentrated upon the end of a dispensing device is formed in a dummy region on a substrate, so that a liquid crystal layer is not contaminated when both substrates are attached to each other and a cell cutting process can easily be performed. The method of manufacturing an LCD device includes preparing a lower substrate and an upper substrate, forming an auxiliary UV sealant in a dummy region on one of the lower and upper substrate and forming a main UV sealant, applying a liquid crystal on one of the lower and upper substrates, attaching the lower and upper substrates, and irradiating UV light onto the attached substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: LG DISPLAY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Moo Yeol Park, Sung Su Jung, Young Sang Byun
  • Patent number: RE46147
    Abstract: An adhesion layer made from Al film or Ti film is formed on Cu electrode pad portions as external connection terminals of a Cu interconnection layer of an LSI formed on the surface layer of a semiconductor substrate. A BLM film having a stacked structure of Cr/Cu/Au or Ti/Cu/Au is formed on the adhesion layer. Solder ball bumps made from Pb and Sn are formed on the BLM film. The adhesion layer ensures a high adhesion strength and a high electric contact characteristic between the Cu electrode pad portions and the BLM film, that is, between the Cu electrode pads and the solder ball bumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiharu Yanagida
  • Patent number: 9439337
    Abstract: A collapsible hand trowel comprises a rigid scoop that has a forward end terminating at a point, a rear end, and two opposing side flanges that each has a pivot bar aperture therethrough. A handle includes a rear end, a neck, and a forward end that comprises two laterally-extending pivot bars that traverse the pivot bar apertures of the scoop. An upwardly-projecting V-shaped ridge is formed along a longitudinal axis of the scoop and that terminates into two upturned handle catch flanges, each having an inwardly facing hook adapted to retain the neck of the handle therebetween. A handle lock is adapted to prevent the handle from disengaging the handle catch when the collapsible hand trowel is in the extended configuration, and when the handle lock is in a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Stephen Padden
  • Patent number: 9439338
    Abstract: A plow apparatus has a share to cut soil into clods, a moldboard connected to the share to turn over the clods, a beam connecting the moldboard to a motor vehicle, a vibrator assembly connected to the moldboard so as to vibrate the moldboard, a force sensor connected to the beam so as to detect a plowing force, and a controller connected to the force sensor and the vibrator assembly so as to control a vibration of the vibrator assembly according to a force value detected by the force sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: AIRIS SOCIETA' A RESPONSABILITA'LIMITATA
    Inventor: Gennaro Pieralisi
  • Patent number: 9439339
    Abstract: An attachment for agricultural implements which tills soil compacted by the wheels of the agricultural implement it is attached to. In one arrangement the power and force used to till the soil is gained from the torque of the machine pulling the agricultural implement it is attached to, alternatively the tilling device is independently powered. This arrangement reduces compaction caused by the wheels of row-crop planters through the use of a shank or rolling tines. The tilling device is mounted directly behind wheels of the agricultural implement. The tilling device has the ability to raise and lower into the soil with the engaging and disengaging of the implement. In addition, in its current form it can independently be disengaged from use by raising and locking it up out of the soil, even if the implement remains engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Agriculture Concepts, LLC
    Inventor: Colin Josh Hurd
  • Patent number: 9439340
    Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement includes a center frame section having a front frame member extending transverse to a travel direction, a rear frame member extending transverse to the travel direction, and a plurality of longitudinal frame members extending from and attached between the front frame member and the rear frame member. The plurality of longitudinal frame members include a pair of side frame members positioned at respective sides of the center frame section, and a pair of load distribution frame members. A plurality of tillage implements extend downwardly from the center frame section. A pull hitch is directly attached to the front frame member at two attachment locations and extends forward from the center frame section in the travel direction. Each attachment location is aligned with a respective load distribution frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Matthew R. Sudbrink, Dean A. Knobloch
  • Patent number: 9439341
    Abstract: A steering system and method is described for a vehicle having steerable front and rear wheels, and a steering input device for receiving manual steering input. Front and rear hydraulic steering devices may be coupled, respectively, to the front and rear wheels. Front and rear valve assemblies may be configured, respectively, to steer the front and rear wheels. In a manual steering mode, the front valve assembly may be disabled with respect to the front steering device, and the front hydraulic steering device may steer the front wheels based upon the manual steering input. In a rear steering assist mode, a rear steering command may be determined based upon the manual steering input, and the rear wheels steered based upon the rear steering command. In an automated steering mode, the front and rear wheels may be automatically steered based upon a target path of travel for the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Thomas D. Bebernes, Thomas A. Nichols, David V. Rotole, Walter C. Wright
  • Patent number: 9439342
    Abstract: Various strip tilling systems and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the strip tilling system includes: at least one strip tilling unit, said strip tilling unit including a support frame, at least one tilling member mounted to the support frame; at least one fertilizer delivery device mounted to the support frame; and a control system arranged to adjust the position of the fertilizer delivery device with respect to the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Kverneland Group Les Landes Genusson
    Inventor: Gaetan Pasquier
  • Patent number: 9439343
    Abstract: In embodiments, a seeder may include a frame including a seed box and a rear roller. In embodiments, the seeder may be configured to removably couple with either a roller assembly or a disc blade assembly. In some embodiments, the seeder may include a front tray configured to receive two kinds of seed from two different seed boxes and disperse the seed at a position in front of the rear roller so that the seeds are planted at the same depth. In some embodiments, the seeder may further include a calibration tray which may have a width less than a width of the seeder. The calibration tray may be configured to receive seed from the seed box during a calibration procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Blount, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. Wehler, Cory E. Sarver
  • Patent number: 9439344
    Abstract: An agricultural product delivery system for an agricultural implement includes an inductor box with an agricultural product inlet configured to receive an agricultural product, an air inlet configured to receive an airflow, a plurality of mixing chambers, and a plurality of air bypass channels. Each mixing chamber is configured to mix the agricultural product and a respective first portion of the airflow. The plurality of air bypass channels is configured to guide a respective second portion of the airflow from the air inlet to a respective mixing chamber of the plurality of mixing chambers. The plurality of bypass channels includes inside air bypass channels that contact adjacent inside air bypass channels, and outside air bypass channels that are arranged adjacent to an exterior inductor box wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael J. Connors, David D. Flamme, Chad M. Johnson, Scott A. Long, Grant T. MacDonald, Marvin A. Prickel, Martin J. Roberge
  • Patent number: 9439345
    Abstract: An agricultural micro-fertigation water includes a phosphate fertilizer, a water-soluble organic acid and a water-soluble organophosphonate, and is prepared by a method wherein the phosphate fertilizer is added to the irrigation water as a chaser to (addition with or after components of) the combination of a water-soluble organic acid and water-soluble organophosphonate to fully prevent precipitation and thus prevent plugging of a micro-irrigation system despite the addition of phosphate fertilizer in water having a precipitation factor of from 125 to 1,000 ppm, wherein said precipitation factor is a combined level of total alkalinity (as CaCO3) in ppm and total hardness (as CaCO3) in ppm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventors: John C. Miller, Deborah L. Miller
  • Patent number: 9439346
    Abstract: A harvester for potatoes, beets and other root crops has digging shares arranged in a leading position in the travel direction of the harvester. A screen conveyor receiving a harvested mix and conveying the harvested mix in a conveying direction opposite to the travel direction is provided. The screen conveyor has a screen conveyor belt and guide elements supporting laterally the screen conveyor belt. The screen conveyor belt has a upwardly facing conveying stretch and a leading return pulley proximal to the digging shares. The conveying stretch forms a screening zone that, at least in the area of the leading return pulley, is oriented so as to ascend in the conveying direction. The screen conveyor belt is adjustable to different conveying slants in the area of the conveying stretch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Grimme Landmaschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Klemens Kalverkamp
  • Patent number: 9439347
    Abstract: An apparatus for raising and lowering a mower deck guard/chute includes a platform attachment assembly configured for attachment to a movable platform, a housing mount configured to be attached to a riding machine surface, and a linkage assembly having a break-away safety mechanism and configured to connect the platform attachment assembly to the housing mount and to thereby hold the movable platform in a variably raised position. The break-away safety mechanism is configured to break the connection between the platform attachment assembly and the housing mount when a tensile force is applied to the linkage assembly due to snagging or entanglement of the deck guard and/or apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Oehlsen
  • Patent number: 9439348
    Abstract: An autonomous working device, in particular an autonomous lawn mower, comprising a computing unit. The autonomous working device is configured to cover a surface to be treated in strips. The computing unit is configured to adjust an overlap of the strips according to at least one parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Biber, Steffen Petereit, Christoph Koch, Amos Albert
  • Patent number: 9439349
    Abstract: A gang reel mower comprises a frame that carries a plurality of variable speed, electrically powered reel cutting units. Cutting units having different reel diameters may be installed on the frame. Upon system power up, a mower controller on the frame automatically acquires information identifying the reel size of the cutting units then installed on the frame and uses the acquired reel size information to properly set the speed of the electric motors driving the cutting units to a desired value, such as that needed to maintain a desired clip. Thus, the cutting units can be changed in size with the mower controller automatically recognizing the change in a plug and play manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Drake, Kelly S. Meemken
  • Patent number: 9439350
    Abstract: In a sickle cutting system, it has been found that a significant increase in ground speed while maintaining an acceptable level of cutting efficiency as measured by the average stubble length can be obtained by a combination of one or more of the features where the cutting stroke is reduced from the conventional length of 3.0 inches to a value of the order of 2.0 inches; the length of the cutting edge of each knife blade is increased to a length greater than 2.2 inches; the width at the rear of the ledger surface of each guard is increased to greater than 1.0 inches; and the front edge of the blade is formed with an apex to shed crop material to one or other side of the apex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Francois R. Talbot
  • Patent number: 9439351
    Abstract: A boom arm cutting disk device for using a full area of a boom arm mounted cutting disk to cut materials facilitating vertical cutting and mulching of trees, brush, or the like. The device includes a disk configured for mounting on a boom arm such that the disk is rotatable relative to the boom arm. Each of a pair of cutters is coupled to and extends from the disk. Each of the cutters has a respective interior side edge aligned with a center of the disk and a respective blade edge extending outwardly from the interior side edge. Each blade edge defines a leading edge of the cutter as the disk is rotated wherein the cutters are configured to cut material by contact with the leading edges as a central area of the disk is urged towards the material while the disk is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Matt Nelson
  • Patent number: 9439352
    Abstract: A lawn mower may include a blade housing configured to house at least one blade, an engine supported at least in part by the blade housing to selectively rotate the at least one blade, a handle assembly comprising at least one handle member for guiding operation of the lawn mower by an operator walking substantially behind the lawn mower, and a handle height adjustment assembly. The handle height adjustment assembly enables the handle member to be fixed in at least a first operating position or a second operating position each of which defines different handle heights for the handle member responsive to the handle height adjustment assembly being in a locked state, and enables the handle member to be rotated between the first operating position, the second operating position, and a folded position responsive to the handle height adjustment assembly being in an unlocked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: HUSQVARNA AB
    Inventor: Mikael Arvidsson
  • Patent number: 9439353
    Abstract: A cotton harvester and baler (20) to be towed by a vehicle (24), carries at least one mechanized cotton picking unit (30), a mechanized cotton baler (32) having packing apparatus (76) for compacting the picked cotton into bales (84) which are successively discharged. Cotton conveying apparatus (34) extends between the picking unit or units (30) and the baler (32), for receiving the picked cotton and conveying it to a baling chamber (72) of the baler (32) for compaction by the packing apparatus (76). The conveying apparatus (34) can comprise all mechanical, all pneumatic, or a combination of mechanical and pneumatic apparatus. The picking unit or units (30) can be removed to allow picking up and baling material such as straw or hay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Bruce A. Hadley, Kevin S. Richman, Steven E. Gaedy
  • Patent number: 9439354
    Abstract: The apparatus for harvesting olives and similar products comprises a support body (2) suitable to be grasped; a shaker unit (3) comprising a containment box (7) suitable to be mounted at the top of the support body (2); at least one comb sector (6) shaping a support structure (9, 90, 99) provided with a plurality of teeth (10), carried mobile by the containment box (7); a motor member to actuate the comb sector (6) in a substantially swinging motion, a motor shaft (12) arranged substantially aligned to the longitudinal axis of the support body (2) and suitable to be actuated in a rotary motion by the motor member. The apparatus also comprises a first kinematic chain (14) actuated by the motor shaft (12), suitable to transmit a first rotary motion, and a second kinematic chain (15) also actuated by the motor shaft (12) and suitable to transmit a second motion of the substantially alternated type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: MINELLI ELETTROMECCANICA
    Inventor: Ermanno Minelli
  • Patent number: 9439355
    Abstract: A header for attachment to an agricultural machine is provided with a frame, a driven moveable cutting device connected to the frame, and a driven movable conveying device connected to the frame. A gearbox is connected to the frame and transmits a drive force onto the cutting device and the conveying device. The gearbox is provided with an input gearbox arranged in a first housing and a main gearbox arranged in a second housing. A separation site is formed between the input gearbox and the main gearbox. The input gearbox is arranged at a back of the header. The input gear box is a rotary speed adapter exchangeable for a gearbox with different gearing ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Carl Geringhoff GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klemens Surmann, Stephan Schulze Selting, Jan Bernd Schulze Rückamp, Steffen Sudhues
  • Patent number: 9439356
    Abstract: A hitch that connects one propelled mower assembly to one or more non-propelled mower assemblies, allowing the non-propelled mower to be pushed or pulled without jackknifing, while the individual mower decks are free to follow the terrain independently of each other. The hitch has two rigid connectors pivotally attached to and interconnecting the propelled mower and the non-propelled mower. Each mower deck can move freely relative to its lateral and longitudinal axes independent of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Richard G. Mackowiak
  • Patent number: 9439357
    Abstract: A square baler having a display system for providing the operator with an indication of the weight of completed bales to enable the operator to modify a setting of the baler that affects crop density within the bale in order to achieve a uniform bale weight. In the invention, the display serves to indicate to the operator a rolling average of the weight of a predetermined number of bales last discharged from the baler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Olivier Arnel Vanhercke
  • Patent number: 9439358
    Abstract: A rectangular baler comprising a bale chamber; a compacting plunger moveable between a retracted position and an extended position; an ejection arrangement provided in a wall comprising a shuttle assembly with at least one dog mounted for protruding from said wall when the shuttle assembly is moving from a rest position in the forward direction to move one or more bales forward; wherein at least one end dog is located in the rest position of the shuttle assembly in a zone near of the plunger in the extended position thereof, such that when the shuttle assembly moves in the forward direction, said at least one end dog is engageable behind a bale adjacent the inlet of the bale chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Stefan De Rycke, Peter Vanhoutte, Robrecht M. K. Dumarey
  • Patent number: 9439359
    Abstract: An agricultural square baler equipped with a pre-compression chamber and configured to guide crop material towards and into the baling chamber where rectangular bales are formed. At least one of the upper and lower walls of the pre-compression chamber is formed by a conveyor belt, arranged to move from the supply towards the baling chamber. The conveyor belt has at least two portions configured to exert different friction forces on a batch of crop material, so that the high friction portion is capable of moving the batch into the baling chamber, whereas the low friction portion exerts a low force on the batch, thereby preventing material to be prematurely moved towards the baling chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Didier O. M. Verhaeghe
  • Patent number: 9439360
    Abstract: A bale shredder apparatus may comprise a frame and a bale hopper mounted on the frame and defining an interior bale chamber for receiving a bale to be shredded with a bale feed opening. A bale shredding assembly may be in communication with the bale chamber through the opening to shred a bale in the bale chamber. A side wall of the hopper may be movable away from the primary side wall to permit removal of a bale from the bale chamber. A primary bale movement assembly may move a bale in a lateral direction toward the opening and a secondary bale movement assembly may move the bale in a direction substantially transverse to the lateral direction. A shredding rotor of the shredding assembly may include at least one brace including at least one leg extending outwardly from the outer surface of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventors: Ethen D. Wentz, Walter R. Fair, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9439361
    Abstract: There is provided apparatus including: a workstation having an operator work portion, a material source portion, a material delivery portion and a robot arm. A housing is located at the material source portion and contains plantlet holders, the housing being closable by a lid mechanically and sealingly engaging a peripheral lip of the housing. An empty housing is located at the material delivery portion to receive the plantlet holders. A tool assembly on the robot arm includes a plantlet holder manipulator for movement of a plantlet holder between the material source portion, the operator work portion, and the material delivery portion; and an integral closure manipulator operable to engage a lid for removal from and attachment to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Nuplant Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Robert Dixon Teasdale
  • Patent number: 9439362
    Abstract: This invention concerns apparatus for growing plants comprising a column (100) of pots (102) stacked one above the other to define an enclosure for housing plants. Each pot (102) defines a chamber (104) for holding a plant. Separators for separating pots of the column are provided and the separators define an enclosed headspace around a top of at least two of the pots where plants project from the chamber. The chamber comprises a passageway (106) that provides a continuous flow path for air through the column (100) without requiring the air to flow through the chamber (104). This flow path includes the headspaces above the at least two of the pots (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Alexander P. Fisher
  • Patent number: 9439363
    Abstract: A bracket system for a grapple assembly of a machine is provided. The grapple assembly includes a grapple base having an elongate portion and a mounting portion extending from the elongate portion. The bracket system includes a lining member configured to contact at least a part of the elongate portion and to a first face of the mounting portion. The bracket system further includes a first plate disposed adjacent to a second face of the mounting portion and coupled to the lining member via a plurality of first fastening members. The bracket system further includes a second plate coupled to the first plate. The second plate is coupled with a grapple saw via a plurality of second fastening members. The first plate and the second plate define a space therebetween to facilitate coupling of the first and second plates with the mounting portion and the grapple saw, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.
    Inventors: Saravanakumar Selvaraj, William J. Ruff, Harikumar Chellaswamy