Abstract: An autonomous farm vehicle is provided. In a preferred embodiment the vehicle is a plow, which is capable of driving itself without input from an operator. The plow is significantly lighter in weight and smaller in size then a combined tractor and plow, and can be operated continuously. The vehicle, includes a chassis mounted on a plurality of wheels and a tool in the form of a plowing assembly mounted to the chassis and displaceable about the chassis between a first and a second position, such that in the first position the plowing assembly is operational while the vehicle is driven in a first direction. In the second position the plowing assembly is operational while the vehicle is driven in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction.
Abstract: A positionable work implement with an increased working width. The positionable work implement includes a main frame, and wheel assemblies and implement assemblies mounted on the main frame. The main frame is pivotable about a vertical axis, pivoting between several working positions and a travelling position wherein the effective transverse width of the frame in the travelling position is reduced relative to the effective transverse width of the frame in the various working positions. The implement assemblies may include rotary basket hay rakes with a center idler wheel to increase the effective working width of the hay rake. Also, the rotary basket hay rakes may be mounted in tandem, working together, to increase the effective working width of the raking mechanism. Finally, a self-propelled version of the positionable work implement is contemplated.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 12, 2000
Date of Patent:
March 12, 2002
Assignee:
LMC Bainbridge, LLC
Inventors:
Kenneth M. Jarman, George R. McKemie, Ernest W. Lee, III
Abstract: Hollow cylindrical blanks of tubular stock are transformed into finished work pieces (3) in a single work stroke with a profiling tool (7) equipped with profiling rollers (30) in one tool section (8) and a die matrix (15) in another tool section (6). The two tool sections (6, 8) are coaxially movable relative to each other, for example by a press. Each profiling roller in the one tool section is rotatably mounted in a chamber and all rollers (30) are positioned circularly around a central longitudinal tool axis (34) so that a central plane of each roller extends substantially radially relative to the tool axis. The die matrix (15) in the other tool section (6) is supported on a central mandrel or arbor (14) that also supports the blank. The die matrix (15) has in its outer surface a plurality of grooves (15A) and ridges (15B) that cooperate with grooves and ridges in the profiling rollers.