Patents Issued in March 10, 2020
  • Container
    Patent number: D877997
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Inventor: Thomas Hackner
  • Baby bottle drying rack
    Patent number: D877998
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Inventor: Hongwei Wang
  • Litter receptacle
    Patent number: D877999
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Keystone Ridge Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bryan Lawrence, Joshua D. Slear
  • Shopping cart
    Patent number: D878000
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: AMSA, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivor Michel Walter, Wilson Zeng, Jeroen Engel
  • Shuttle for a conveyor system
    Patent number: D878001
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: ATS AUTOMATION TOOLING SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Albert Kleinikkink, Louis Ian Cameron, Roger Hogan
  • Pet Urn
    Patent number: D878002
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: SKY URNS, INC.
    Inventors: Aaron McKay, James Warfield, Brian Flint
  • In-ground niche
    Patent number: D878003
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: COLUMBARIUM BY DESIGN, LLC
    Inventor: Gerardo G. Garcia
  • Mail box with airplane wheel pants
    Patent number: D878004
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Inventor: Toshikazu Tsukii
  • Mailbox post
    Patent number: D878005
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Platt Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Platt
  • plant named ‘RUIRD0037A’
    Patent number: PP31521
    Abstract: A new and distinct hybrid Rosa cultivar named ‘RUIRD0037A’ is disclosed, characterized by large, yellow flowers with a sweet fragrance. Plants are upright, and exhibit good resistance to blackspot diseases. The new variety is a Rosa, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: De Ruiter Intellectual Property BV
    Inventor: Hendrikus de Groot
  • Blueberry plant named ‘Plablue 15122’
    Patent number: PP31522
    Abstract: Descried herein is a new and distinct blueberry variety with varietal denomination ‘Plablue 15122’, characterized by a combination of traits which include, a semi upright plant growth habit, and very abundant production of medium fruit-size, round shaped and very firm fruit. ‘Plablue 15122’ is a self-fertile variety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Plantas de Navarra, S.A. Sociedad Unipersonal
    Inventor: Alexandre Pierron-Darbonne
  • Blueberry plant named ‘Plablue 1525’
    Patent number: PP31523
    Abstract: Descried herein is a new and distinct blueberry variety with varietal denomination ‘Plablue 1525’, characterized by a combination of traits which include, a semi upright plant growth habit, and very abundant production of large fruit-size, oblate shaped and firm fruit. ‘Plablue 1525’ is a self-fertile variety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Plantas de Navarra, S.A. Sociedad Unipersonal
    Inventor: Alexandre Pierron-Darbonne
  • Blueberry plant named ‘BB06-343MI-16’
    Patent number: PP31524
    Abstract: ‘BB06-343MI-16’ is a new and distinct high chill tetraploid Northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium) variety. ‘BB06-343MI-16’ is characterized as having large fruit, medium blue in color, and is very firm with a very small and dry pedicel scar. The fruit is well exposed on a vigorous medium upright bush. Along with a small sized crown, a loose fruit cluster, concentrated ripening, and very firm fruit that is easily detachable, the variety displays characteristics suitable for mechanical harvest. Berries of ‘BB06-343MI-16’ have very good flavor, a balance of sweetness and acidity and is very juicy with a crunchy texture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Berry Blue, LLC
    Inventors: Edmund J. Wheeler, James F. Hancock
  • Grapevine plant named ‘Sheegene 103’
    Patent number: PP31525
    Abstract: ‘Sheegene 103’ is a new grapevine plant with novel characteristics that include large, natural loose bunches and seedless berries. The berries produced by ‘Sheegene 103’ are large and exhibit a datiform shape with a sweet, prominent flavor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Sheehan Genetics Australia PTY. Ltd.
    Inventor: Timothy P. Sheehan
  • Grape plant named ‘Compassion’
    Patent number: PP31526
    Abstract: The botanical description and specifications of a new and distinct table grape cultivar originating from a hand-pollinated cross of ‘Ark. 2349’ (non-patented, non-released breeding genotype; female parent) x ‘Ark. 2304’ (non-patented, non-released breeding genotype; male parent) is provided herein. This new table grape cultivar can be distinguished by its seedless, green berries with a crisp, firm texture and unique fruity flavor having hardy and productive grapevines adapted to the Mid-South.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
    Inventor: John Reuben Clark
  • Strawberry plant variety named ‘DrisStrawSixtyTwo’
    Patent number: PP31527
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of strawberry plant named ‘DrisStrawSixtyTwo’, particularly characterized by its yield potential, fruit size and flavor, and shelf-life, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Driscoll's, Inc.
    Inventors: Omar Carrillo Mendoza, Luis Miguel Rodriguez, Michael D. Ferguson, Philip J. Stewart
  • plant named ‘LANZ0026’
    Patent number: PP31528
    Abstract: A new Lantana plant named ‘LANZ0026’ having medium sized mature red flowers, excellent floriferousness, very low seed set, and uniform dense spreading habit with dark foliage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Syngenta Participations AG
    Inventor: Wendy R. Bergman
  • plant named ‘Evipo085’
    Patent number: PP31529
    Abstract: A new Clematis plant with a compact growth habit, profuse, violet-purple flowers, and continuous summer flowering. The variety successfully propagates from softwood cuttings and is suitable for cultivation in commercial nursery culture. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation from vegetative cuttings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: POULSEN ROSER A/S
    Inventors: Mogens Nyegaard Olesen, Raymond J. Evison
  • plant named ‘Evipo101’
    Patent number: PP31530
    Abstract: A new Clematis plant with a compact growth habit, profuse, violet purple flowers, and continuous summer flowering. The variety successfully propagates from softwood cuttings and is suitable for cultivation in commercial nursery culture. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation from vegetative cuttings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Inventors: Mogens Nyegaard Olesen, Raymond J. Evison
  • plant named ‘SMFXGP’
    Patent number: PP31531
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Forsythia plant named ‘SMFXGP’ is disclosed, characterized by abundant flowering and compact plant size. The new variety is a Forsythia, normally produced as an outdoor garden plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy D. Wood
  • plant named ‘Inmanbep19’
    Patent number: PP31532
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Mandevilla plant named ‘Inmanbep19’, characterized by its upright and vining plant habit; moderately vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; slightly glossy dark green-colored leaves; freely flowering habit; red purple-colored flowers with yellow to yellow orange-colored centers; and relative tolerance to low temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Innovaplant Zierpflanzen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Birgit Hofmann
  • plant named ‘COUMONT’
    Patent number: PP31533
    Abstract: A new and distinct Hydrangea cultivar named ‘COUMONT’ is disclosed, characterized mophead inflorescences composed of yellow-green and pink flowers. Plants flower abundantly on same year's growth. Inflorescences and individual flowers hold up well in the rain and plants tolerate both full sun and partial shade. Plants are compact, well-branched and have large foliage. The new variety is a Hydrangea, normally produced as an ornamental plant for containers or gardens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Inventor: Jacques Couturieux
  • Crapemyrtle plant named ‘JM4’
    Patent number: PP31534
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Crapemyrtle plant named ‘JM4’, characterized by its tall, upright to slightly outwardly spreading plant habit; freely branching habit; vigorous and sturdy growth habit; leaves that are initially dark green in color becoming dark greyed purple in color with development; numerous inflorescences with white-colored flowers; and good garden performance and pathogen resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignees: Greenleaf Nursery Company, Evergreen Nursery
    Inventor: Jack Mitchell Magee
  • plant named ‘LEMON CRUSH OG’
    Patent number: PP31535
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new and distinct cannabis cultivar designated as ‘LEMON CRUSH OG’. The main terpenes found in ‘LEMON CRUSH OG’ are limoene, beta-caryophyllene, alpha-humulene, linalool, trans-ocimene, beta-pinene, fenchol, alpha-terpineol, alpha-pinene and myrcene. The estimated concentration of the total THCmax, CBDmax, and CBGmax is about 18.77-23.19%, about 0%, and about 0.98-1.78%, respectively, at the time of assaying metabolites from flower samples of ‘LEMON CRUSH OG’. Harvest interval, i.e. at 56-70 days under short day conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Biotech Institute LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Lewis, Steven Haba
  • plant named ‘Doleuswedaso’
    Patent number: PP31536
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Leucanthemum plant named ‘Doleuswedaso’, characterized by its compact, upright and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; strong and upright flowering stems; early and freely flowering habit; large single inflorescences with spoon-shaped white-colored ray florets and large central disc; and good garden performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Dümmen Group B.V.
    Inventor: Ellen van Sambeek
  • plant named ‘Domsudiyel’
    Patent number: PP31537
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Domsudiyel’, characterized by its upright to outwardly spreading and uniformly and broadly mounded plant habit; moderately vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; dense and full plant form; uniform and freely flowering habit; medium-sized decorative-type inflorescences with bright yellow-colored ray florets; early season flowering habit, grown under natural season conditions, plants begin flowering in mid-August in the United Kingdom; and good garden performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Dümmen Group B.V.
    Inventor: Peter Wain
  • plant named ‘MIPEHR436’
    Patent number: PP31538
    Abstract: A new and distinct Petunia plant named ‘MIPEHR436’, characterized by its upright to outwardly spreading and mounding plant habit; moderately vigorous to vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; double type flowers that are red purple in color with white-colored margins; and good garden performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Miyoshi + Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Genya Daido, Hirotaka Oya
  • plant named ‘DPETCPGEM’
    Patent number: PP31539
    Abstract: A new and distinct Petunia cultivar named ‘DPETCPGEM’ is disclosed, characterized by a semi-trailing growth habit, and large, violet-blue flowers with white stripes. The plants are medium branched with a medium vigor. The new variety is a Petunia, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Danziger ‘DAN’ Flower Farm
    Inventor: Gavriel Danziger
  • plant named ‘DAMORPURP’
    Patent number: PP31540
    Abstract: A new and distinct Petunia cultivar named ‘DAMORPURP’ is disclosed, characterized by a semi-trailing growth habit, and large, violet-blue flowers with white stripes. The plants are medium branched with a medium vigor. The new variety is a Petunia, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Danziger ‘DAN’Flower Farm
    Inventor: Gavriel Danziger
  • plant named ‘KLEOE18301’
    Patent number: PP31541
    Abstract: A new Osteospermum plant particularly distinguished by white flowers with blue discs and an upright growth habit, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Klemm+Sohn GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Nils Klemm, Maike Boxriker
  • plant named ‘MMCream’
    Patent number: PP31542
    Abstract: A new cultivar of Carex plant named ‘MMCream’ that is characterized by variegated leaves with green centers and cream-white margins, wide leaves and good stress resistance to frost and drought.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Inventor: Michael Merz
  • plant named ‘Mountain Dew’
    Patent number: PP31543
    Abstract: A new, distinct Delosperma plant as illustrated and described, characterized by yellow and white flowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Inventor: Brent Arpad Horvath
  • plant named ‘Dogaurgralightpink’
    Patent number: PP31544
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Gaura plant named ‘Dogaurgralightpink’, characterized by its compact, upright to broadly spreading plant habit; vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; light red-colored flowers; and good garden performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Dümmen Group B.V.
    Inventor: Ellen van Sambeek
  • plant named ‘Orange Blaze’
    Patent number: PP31545
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Red Hot Poker plant named Kniphofia ‘Orange Blaze’ with long, upright to gracefully-arching, strap-like, keeled, glaucous, gray-green foliage and numerous scapes beginning in late spring and repeating for nine weeks into September in Michigan. Habit is densely growing, winter-hardy, resistant to lodging, heat, deer and rabbits. Numerous scapes of strong orange on medium tall scapes beginning in late spring and repeating repeating for nine weeks into mid-September. The new plant is useful for landscaping as a specimen, en masse, or as a long-lasting cut flower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Walters Gardens Inc
    Inventor: Hans A Hansen
  • plant named ‘Dosaskimi’
    Patent number: PP31546
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Salvia plant named ‘Dosaskimi’, characterized by its compact and upright plant habit; vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; early and freely flowering habit; upright inflorescences with violet blue-colored flowers; and good garden performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Dümmen Group B.V.
    Inventor: Ellen van Sambeek
  • plant named ‘Superstar’
    Patent number: PP31547
    Abstract: The new and distinct cultivar of perennial Sedum plant named ‘Superstar’ is characterized by tight-forming compact clumps with small-sized, greyed-purple glaucous foliage on vertical to slightly arching branching stems flower stems that resist falling over and opening up in the center of the plant throughout the growing season. Numerous stems produce a multitude of flowers beginning light rosy-pink effect darkening with age to reddish purple and completely covering the top and sides of the plant. The new plant is useful for the landscape in containers, as specimen or en masse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Walters Gardens, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans A Hansen
  • Board for carrying a person across snow
    Patent number: RE47898
    Abstract: The disclosure herein is directed toward systems and methods for supporting a person and enabling motion of a person across a surface of snow while satisfying the countervailing requirements of increasing surface area for weight-carrying capacity on soft snow and reducing the opposing forces, like for example drag and friction, in hard snow. More specifically, a snowboard described herein includes an inner edge and an outer edge, and allows the rider to control the amount of board-to-snow contact. This snowboard is configured to improve rider support, increase speed and enhance safety performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Inventor: Nicholas James Gilson
  • Operator ride enhancement system
    Patent number: RE47899
    Abstract: An operator ride enhancement system that is coupleable to the frame of a vehicle includes a counterweight platform moveably coupled to the frame, and a resilient member engaged with the frame and the counterweight platform. The mass of the counterweight platform is configured to be approximately at least equal to a total mass supported by the counterweight platform during operation of the vehicle. The operator ride enhancement system attenuates and/or inhibits movement of the counterweight platform during operation of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: The Raymond Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Thomas Yahner
  • Memory for programming a floating gate using an analog comparison device coupled to a tunneling device
    Patent number: RE47900
    Abstract: The present invention provides circuits, systems, and methods for programming a floating gate. As described herein, a floating gate tunneling device is used with an analog comparison device in a circuit having a floating reference node and an offset-mitigating feedback loop for iteratively programming a floating gate or multiple floating gates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: TRIUNE IP, LLC
    Inventors: Ross E Teggatz, Wayne T Chen, Brett Smith, Erick Blackall
  • Hydraulic control system
    Patent number: 10582652
    Abstract: A hydraulic control for an attachment on a work vehicle. Power is provided to the attachment by manually actuating a control that is biased toward a first position. This first position corresponds to a deactuated mode of the attachment. By unlocking a lock mechanism, the control may be maintained in a second position under hand pressure. This second position corresponds to an actuated mode of the attachment. The lock mechanism may be actuated by an operator platform-actuated release mechanism. While an operator is on a platform on the vehicle, the lock mechanism remains unlocked, and the attachment maintains its operation without hand pressure on the control. The release mechanism actuates the lock mechanism when an operator is not on the platform. As a result, the attachment is deactuated. A filter may be utilized to prevent premature actuation of the release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: The Charles Machines Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Brant Douglas Kukuk, Cody L. Sewell
  • Agricultural planting system with automatic depth control
    Patent number: 10582653
    Abstract: A control system for controlling the depth of an opener device in an agricultural planter comprises a gauge wheel on a pivotably mounted support arm, a mechanical element coupled to the support arm to move in response to changes in the angle of the support arm, a sensor adapted to measure changes in the relative elevations of the opener device and the gauge wheel to produce an output signal representing the current relative elevations of the opener device and the gauge wheel, and a control device receiving the output signal from the sensor and producing a second output signal for maintaining the opener device at a selected elevation relative to the gauge wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Implement load balancing system
    Patent number: 10582654
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an implement load balancing method comprising sensing respective loads on one or more wheels supporting a central portion and one or more wheels supporting a wing portion, the central portion and the wing portion comprising segments of an implement; and causing, via actuation of a fluid-type cylinder, pivotal movement between the central portion and the wing portion based on the sensed loads, wherein the causing comprises causing fluid flow in one direction through the fluid-type cylinder based on a load on the one or more wheels supporting the central portion being greater than a load on the one or more wheels supporting the wing portion and causing fluid flow in an opposing direction through the fluid-type cylinder based on a load on the one or more wheels supporting the central portion being less than a load on the one or more wheels supporting the wing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin Anson Fanshier, Zane Wesley Unrau
  • System and method for spraying fluid onto seeds dispensed from a planter
    Patent number: 10582655
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for spraying a fluid onto or near seeds may include a planter having a seed meter configured to dispense seeds from a hopper, a seed tube extending from the seed meter toward a furrow, and a rotationally-driven belt positioned within the seed tube. The belt may be configured for conveying the seeds from the seed meter through the seed tube to the furrow. The planter also includes a sprayer assembly having a nozzle configured to spray a fluid on or near the seeds dispensed from the seed meter. The system may further include a controller configured to determine a current speed of the belt relative to the seed tube and control the sprayer assembly based on the current speed of the belt such that the nozzle sprays the fluid at least one of onto or near each of the seeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Trevor L. Kowalchuk
  • Agitation units and systems, and dispensing equipment equipped therewith
    Patent number: 10582656
    Abstract: An agitation unit for use in a lawn spreader and other dispensing equipment, and oscillating agitation systems therefor comprising such an agitation unit. The agitation unit includes a hub, an arm extending from the hub, and an extension on the arm configured to project downwardly to an extent relative to the arm and the hub to protrude into, but not through, the outlet passageway of the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Perma-Green Supreme, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Beal, Thomas F. Jessen
  • Spreading device
    Patent number: 10582657
    Abstract: A spreading device includes a containing unit to contain a spread material, a first spreading unit including a first rotating body to spread the spread material contained in the containing unit, a second spreading unit including a second rotating body to spread the spread material contained in the containing unit, a first driving source of which speed is changeable, a first shaft to transmit power provided from the first driving source, a second shaft to transmit power provided from a second driving source different from the first driving source, and a power transmission mechanism to receive power from the first shaft and power from the second shaft, the power transmission mechanism being capable of transmitting the power received from the first shaft and the power received from the second shaft to the first rotating body and the second rotating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sumio Yagyu, Takao Nakagawa, Masaru Kawane
  • Light beam header height control system for an agricultural harvester
    Patent number: 10582658
    Abstract: An improved automatic height adjustment system for use with a header of an agricultural harvester is provided. The system includes apparatus and methods utilizing detection of a light beam at or near the skid plate of a header to adjust the height of the header relative to the ground surface. The apparatus includes an emitter for emitting a beam of light to a receiver. An apertured sensor guide is positioned between the emitter and the receiver. The sensor guide is in communication with a controller. If the body of the sensor guide is detected as blocking passage of light to the receiver then the controller operates an extensible actuator to raise or lower the header relative to the ground surface. The system provides rapid header height adjustment in response to detected changes in elevation of the skid plate as the harvester traverses a crop field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Inventors: Jonathan Eugene Ricketts, John Conroy
  • Active steering windrow shields
    Patent number: 10582659
    Abstract: A system for positioning crop windrow guide shields projecting generally rearwardly alongside the crop discharge stream as it exits an agricultural mower. The shields are coupled for simultaneous, coordinated movement and repositioned by a powered actuator in response to either a manual input by a vehicle operator or automatically by a controller based on a steering angle deflection between a tractor and a towed implement. The system may be adapted for use with a single implement being operated on a side hill to control windrow drifting. The system may also be used with simultaneously operated front-mounted and pull-behind mowers to direct the crop discharge streams into a merged windrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Fay, II
  • Agricultural harvesting head with float arm pivots below reciprocating knives
    Patent number: 10582660
    Abstract: An agricultural harvesting head includes a laterally extending frame with several spaced apart float arms pivotally coupled to the frame at their rear ends, and a reciprocating knife fixed to the forward ends of the float arms, wherein the float arms are constrained to pivot with respect to the frame about pivot points that are lower than the reciprocating knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Bryan R. Yanke, Daniel S. Hoffman, Adam L. Heeren, Duane M. Bomleny
  • System and method for converting cutting and gathering system of a corn head
    Patent number: 10582661
    Abstract: A system for modifying a row unit of a harvesting head, the system including at least one cutting disk, a right angle gear set configured for being drivingly connected to the cutting disk, and a drive shaft between a row unit gear box and the right angle gear set. The system may drive two counter-rotating cutting disks that can be positioned either at near the rear or the front of the row unit. A method for modifying the row unit includes removing existing stalk rolls and housings, installing a cover plate over a gearbox to which the housings were mounted, removing existing trash knives, drilling holes in the row unit frame for mounting the cutting disks, installing the cutting disks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Kopper Kutter, LLC
    Inventor: Alan G. VanNahmen
  • Manual and self adjusting deck plate for agricultural header
    Patent number: 10582662
    Abstract: A header for an agricultural vehicle includes: a header frame; a first deck plate carried by the header frame; a second deck plate carried by the header frame, the first deck plate and the second deck plate forming a gap therebetween defining a gap width and a width direction; a rotatable tube carried by the header frame and connected to at least one of the first deck plate and the second deck plate such that rotation of the rotatable tube adjusts the gap width; and a spring fixed to the rotatable tube and having at least one end captured by the second deck plate such that a force directed in the width direction acting on the second deck plate produces a spring force in the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industial America LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan E. Ricketts