Outrigged Implement Adjustable Inwardly Patents (Class 172/311)
  • Patent number: 11952974
    Abstract: A wave energy converter is provided which includes a nacelle having a starboard side and a port side axis, and housing a power take-off. The wave energy converter also includes at least one buoyancy member coupled to the nacelle, and a ballast tank coupled to the nacelle. The ballast tank, the at least one buoyancy member, and the nacelle, together form a first body, where the first body is coupled to the power take-off. The wave energy converter further includes a float and a drive arm forming a second body, where the second body is rotatably coupled to the first body about a coupling axis, and the second body is coupled to the power take-off. The second body is configured to rotate relative to the first body about the coupling axis within a radial span bounded by a proximal end of the float and a radially distal end of the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Columbia Power Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Pukha Lenee-Bluhm, Michael L. Ondusko, Zhe Zhang
  • Patent number: 11832546
    Abstract: An removably installable apparatus and system for managing weight transfer along a tractor drawn tool bar for use in row planting systems is provided. The planter weight transfer system comprises first and second bolt-on bracket assemblies, each bolt-on bracket assembly comprising a primary plate and a secondary plate secured to each other and to a row planter tool bar by a set of fasteners. Additionally, the bolt-on brackets are joined at the top by an actuator which applies a force on the brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Inventor: Ronald Steve Martin
  • Patent number: 11793100
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for shifting weight between a tractor and toolbar and between sections of the toolbar and for folding a toolbar between a field position and a transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Dale M. Koch, Jason J. Stoller
  • Patent number: 11751498
    Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a toolbar system having a toolbar frame, an elevator assembly, and a first wing on one side of the toolbar frame. The first wing may be coupled to the elevator and pivotable about a first vertical axis of rotation between an extended and a folded position. Tools may be coupled to the first wing and rotatable relative to a longitudinal axis of the first wing from an operating position below the first wing to a transport/shipping position above the first wing. Further, the first wing may be adapted to be moveable to position the first wing higher than a wheel of the agricultural implement on the same side of the toolbar frame in the folded position. Subsequently, the tools may be circularly rotated and the middle wing and tools pushed down to reduce the overall width and height of the implement for transporting or shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Ryan J. Fleshner, Ronald J. Schlimgen
  • Patent number: 11696523
    Abstract: A system for hydraulically leveling a multi-wing agricultural implement having a pressure regulating valve and a folding valve fluidly coupled in parallel between a supply line, configured to provide a supply pressure of hydraulic fluid, and an actuator, configured to move an outer-wing section of the implement between a transport position and a fully-extended position. Specifically, when fluid is supplied to the actuator via the pressure regulating valve, only a portion of the supply pressure is allowed through the pressure regulating valve to the actuator such that the outer-wing section may pivot towards a position where the outer-wing section is substantially level with the inner-wing section. When hydraulic fluid is supplied to the actuator via the folding valve, the outer-wing section is actuated towards the transport position. When hydraulic fluid is supplied to the actuator via the leveling valve, the outer-wing section is leveled relative to the inner-wing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Jared Paul Schaffer
  • Patent number: 11627701
    Abstract: An agricultural header for use with an agricultural harvester is configured to cut crop when the agricultural harvester moves in a direction of travel. The agricultural header comprises a first frame, a side draper belt supported by the first frame and positioned to receive cut crop and advance cut crop laterally relative to the direction of travel, a second frame, a center draper belt supported by the second frame and positioned in register with the side draper belt to receive cut crop laterally therefrom and advance cut crop rearwardly toward the agricultural harvester opposite to the direction of travel, and a joint interconnecting the first frame and the second frame and enabling relative fore-aft and lateral translation between the first frame and the second frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Matthew R. White, Bryan R. Yanke, Duane M. Bomleny, Corwin M. Puryk, Joshua R. Pierson, Anthony J. Washburn, Shane Anderson
  • Patent number: 11622497
    Abstract: A product distribution system mounting assembly includes a first member configured to rigidly couple to a frame of an agricultural apparatus and a second member configured to rigidly couple to a plurality of tubular components of a product distribution system of the agricultural apparatus. The first member and the second member are configured to engage with one another to form a sliding interface that enables the plurality of tubular components to move along a vertical axis relative to the frame as the agricultural apparatus moves in a direction of travel through a field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Timothy David Quinney
  • Patent number: 11617296
    Abstract: An agricultural machine hitched to a tractor and includes two side units and a frame, which extends in a longitudinal direction, each side unit including an arm mounted so as to pivot relative to the frame around a respective folding axis oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction, each side unit including a tool unit connected to the frame through the respective arm and being able to occupy a work position in which it rests on the ground, each side unit including a connection allowing the respective tool unit in work position to move relative to the respective arm, the connection includes a lightening actuator enabling to exert an upward force on each tool unit in work position. The machine includes a tie-rod connected to each of the arms through a respective upper joint of an axis parallel to the respective folding axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: KUHN S.A.
    Inventor: Geoffroy Husson
  • Patent number: 11470761
    Abstract: An implement comprising a center section and a pair of wing sections, each of the sections comprising a pair of parallel frame members pivotably coupled to each other, wherein one of the frame members comprises a toolbar; and a plurality of hydraulic cylinders enabling rotational movement between the parallel frame members, wherein the hydraulic cylinders of the wing sections comprise double-rod cylinders and the hydraulic cylinders of the center section comprises single-rod cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin Anson Fanshier, Ross Duerksen, Douglas J. Grollmes
  • Patent number: 11457557
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring soil properties including soil moisture, soil electrical conductivity and soil temperature during an agricultural input application. Embodiments include a soil reflectivity sensor and/or a soil temperature sensor mounted to a seed firmer for measuring moisture and temperature in a planting trench. A thermopile for measuring temperature via infrared radiation is described herein. In one example, the thermopile is disposed in a body and senses infrared radiation through an infrared transparent window. Aspects of any of the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in or communicate with an agricultural intelligence computer system as described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Climate LLC
    Inventors: Dale Koch, Michael Strnad, Matthew Morgan, Brian McMahon
  • Patent number: 11337357
    Abstract: An agricultural tool bar has outer wings foldable between a lowered use or field position and a raised transport position. A primary pair of hydraulic cylinders fold and unfold the wings, while a secondary pair of hydraulic cylinders initially incline the wings from the horizontal use position before folding to the transport position. The secondary set of cylinders allow the tool bar to be used for narrow row planting without interference from seed boxes mounted on the toolbar center frame and the wings. The primary cylinders extend to push the wings to the transport position and retract to pull the wings to the use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Harvest International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Alan Sivinski
  • Patent number: 11234432
    Abstract: Folding spray implements and agricultural work vehicle equipped with folding spray implements are provided. In embodiments, the folding spray implement includes a centerframe assembly, boom assemblies mounted to opposing sides of the centerframe assembly, and an actuation system coupled to the centerframe and boom assemblies. The boom assemblies include, in turn, inner wings pivotally joined to the centerframe assembly for rotation about frame-to-wing fold joints, as well as outer wings pivotally joined to the inner wings for rotation about wing-to-wing fold joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas G. Bartlett, Daniel J. Koenen, Garry E. Baxter, John M. Schweitzer, Kody A. Sjoblom, Alejandro P. Lynch, Jeffrey J. Ringwald
  • Patent number: 11206755
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for an agricultural implement having inner and outer wing frame sections has an inner pivot bracket pivotally coupled to the inner wing frame section at a fold pivot location, and an outer pivot bracket pivotally coupled to the outer wing frame section at a flex pivot location and coupled to the inner pivot bracket. An inner pivot link pivotally couples to the inner pivot bracket and the outer pivot bracket, and an outer pivot link pivotally couples to the outer pivot bracket and the outer wing frame section. The inner and outer pivot brackets pivot relative to each other at the fold pivot location between a working state and a folded state, and the flex pivot location moves relative to the fold pivot location during the relative pivoting. When in the working state, the fold pivot location is higher than a top side of the inner wing frame section and the flex pivot location is lower than a bottom side of the inner wing frame section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Shawn J. Becker, Andrew J. Peterson, Mark D. Beeck, Jarrod R. Ruckle
  • Patent number: 11148491
    Abstract: A drawbar bracket includes a first fastening plate, a second fastening plate, and a coupling member. The coupling member couples the first fastening plate to the second fastening plate. The first fastening plate includes a first plate body, a first fastening part, and a first curved part. The first curved part couples the first plate body to the first fastening part and has a curved shape. The second fastening plate includes a second plate body, a second fastening part, and a second curved part. The second curved part couples the second plate body to the second fastening part and has a curved shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takanori Sato
  • Patent number: 11064644
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid manure spreader with a liquid manure spreader system, which comprises a central spreader arm and two lateral spreader arms pivotably disposed thereon, which are pivotable between a position aligned with the central spreader arm and a position oriented transversely to the central spreader arm, wherein the central spreader arm is pivotable around at least one transverse axis between a downwards folded working position and an upwards folded transport position, wherein the at least one transverse axis is translationally movably guided between a lower position and an upper position in at least one elongated hole extending in a vertical direction of the liquid manure spreader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: FLIEGL AGRARTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Josef Fliegl, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10966367
    Abstract: An agricultural machine with lateral folding frames and a central frame having plates linking same to a fixed tongue placed on the machine's longitudinal symmetry axis. Attached to the plate are articulated arms. Each free end of an articulated arm is connected to its respective lateral side frame, and on each arm is articulated a respective hydraulic piston whose other end is articulated to a telescopically displaceable tongue section. The containers or hoppers are arranged on the support area provided by the running gear linked to the central frame and a portion of the fixed tongue. The hydraulic pistons achieve the folding of the lateral frames to a travel disposition, offering the machine in its folded condition a minimum width less than 4 meters, compatible with the road travel regulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignees: TALLERES METALURGICOS CRUCIANELLI S.A., CRUCIANELLI MAQUINAS AGRICOLAS DO BRASIL COMÉRCIO, IMPORTAÂO E EXPORTAÂO LTDA..
    Inventor: Gustavo Crucianelli
  • Patent number: 10888044
    Abstract: A lift and rotate style agricultural implement with forward folding wings is provided. The agricultural implement includes a center frame that may be operatively configured to be lifted and rotated approximately 90 degrees when switching between a field configuration and a transport configuration. Furthermore, the wings may include an inner portion and an outer portion, wherein the outer portion may be operatively configured to be rotated or pivoted approximately 180 degrees relative to the inner wing portion when switching between a field configuration and a transport configuration. The inner and outer wing portions may be connected by a hinge and the outer wing may be pivoted about the inner wing portion by a cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon E. Kinzenbaw, Robert Blackwell
  • Patent number: 10834864
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying manure to fields. Some apparatus and methods maintain constant height of a manure supply swing pipe above the ground during use. Pivotally mounted side wings supported by tracks or wheels and carrying manure applicators such and shanks and coulters can be carried along side of and secured to the apparatus tongue in a narrow configuration above the ground for transport and deployed in a wide configuration on the ground during use. Center rear mounted manure applicators are movable off the ground for transport using hydraulics in some apparatus. Some apparatus have the pivotally mounted side wings pivoted well inside of the outer most extent of the read center region to provide a narrower transport configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Hydro Operating LLC
    Inventor: Nathan Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 10813268
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for attaching ground engaging tools proximate to the pivot point of an agricultural implement is provided. The system includes a flex apparatus configured to be operatively attached proximate to the pivot point of an agricultural implement by a pin. The flex apparatus may be configured to rotate as the pivot point of the agricultural implement flexes. The flex apparatus may include tracks, slots, or the like, configured to dampen the rotation of the flex apparatus relative to the flex of the pivot point of the agricultural implement. The size, location and orientation of the tracks, slots, or the like, may be configured to provide varying amounts of rotation of the flex apparatus relative to the flex of the pivot point of the agricultural implement. Furthermore, the flex apparatus includes holes, slots, grooves, or the like, configured for attaching a ground engaging tool to the flex apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Blackwell
  • Patent number: 10806067
    Abstract: A land roller is provided the can be transformed between a transport position and an operating position by at least one actuator. The land roller can have a center section with a center roller, a hitch member connected to the center section, a first wing section pivotally connected at a first end to the center section and having a first wing roller, a second wing section pivotally connected at a first end to the center section and having a second wing roller. The at least one actuator can rotate a first rotating member that pivots the first wing section and rotate a second rotating member that pivots the second wing section to transform the land roller from the transport position into the operating position. The at least one actuator is unconnected to the first rotating member and the second rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Degelman Industries LP
    Inventors: Miles Evans, Kelly Lucas, Scott R. Degelman
  • Patent number: 10806066
    Abstract: A work vehicle multi-coupler assembly having a controlled breakaway feature include a pair of coupling elements that mate along a coupling axis. A shear pin is carried by one of the coupling elements. A coupler mechanism connected to the second coupling element and configured to engage the shear pin to bring the first coupling element into mating engagement with the second coupling element. The coupler mechanism is configured to shear the shear pin to permit movement of the first coupling element away from the second coupling element along the coupling axis during a breakaway event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Randall A. Maro
  • Patent number: 10798868
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for pivotally connecting a first frame section and a second frame section includes at least one pivot plate pivotally connected to the first mounting structure of the first frame section with a first pin and pivotally connected to the first mounting structure of the second frame section with a second pin. The hinge assembly further includes a linkage bar with a first end pivotally connected to the second mounting structure of the first frame section with a third pin and a second end pivotally connected to the second mounting structure of the second frame section with a fourth pin. The pivot plate and the linkage bar are configured such that the second frame section pivots about the fourth pin during a working state and about the third pin during a transition between the working state and a folding state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Padmanabh Limaye, Trond A. Svidal
  • Patent number: 10701855
    Abstract: A towed implement, such as a cultivator is configured between an unfolded operational position and a folded transport position in which wing sections are pivoted about a vertical axis into a forward direction where they are alongside a telescoping tool bar. Sensors on the cultivator send signals initiating the folding/unfolding sequence to send commands through the implement controller to a tractor controller having a ISOBUS class 3 configuration. The tractor is commanded to forward and rearward movement in synchronism with the folding/unfolding process to steer wing supporting wheel assemblies toward the correct position for the intended transport direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Brice Magarity, James W. Henry
  • Patent number: 10548255
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method for reducing an overall transport profile of a multi-section tillage implement. The tillage implement includes a frame including a center frame section and at least one wing frame section. The tillage implement includes a plurality of ground-engaging tools pivotally mounted to the frame. The method includes pivoting each of the plurality of ground-engaging tools away from the ground surface from a ground-engaging position to a retracted position. The frame is disposed at an initial height relative to the ground surface before pivoting. After pivoting, the frame is lowered to a transport height relative to the ground surface. At least one wing frame section is folded relative to the center frame section from an operating position to a transport position to reduce a width of the tillage implement in the widthwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: James W. Henry
  • Patent number: 10517238
    Abstract: An implement adjusting system having an implement with a plurality of adjustable components, a plurality of input values, at least one controlled system configured to adjust at least one of the plurality of adjustable components, and a controller that receives the plurality of input values, the controller configured to reposition the plurality of adjustable components based on the plurality of input values. Wherein, the plurality of adjustable components are repositionable by the controller based on the input values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Shawn J. Becker, Jacob W. Cross
  • Patent number: 10512205
    Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement includes a main section including a hitch extending in a travel direction, a plurality of foldable wing sections coupled with the main section, a plurality of ground engaging tilling elements, a plurality of wheel assemblies and a control system. The tilling elements are coupled to the main section and wing sections. Each of the wheel assemblies include an actuator. The wheel assemblies include a first plurality of wheel assemblies associated with the main section and a second plurality of wheel assemblies associated with the plurality of wing sections. The actuators of the first plurality of wheel assemblies being independent of the actuators of the second plurality of wheel assemblies. The control system is configured to actuate the actuators to effect a profile minimizing operation of the foldable wing sections when the implement is being transitioned into a transport mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Matthew R. Sudbrink, Dean A. Knobloch
  • Patent number: 10506757
    Abstract: A towed implement, such as a cultivator is configured between an unfolded operational position and a folded transport position in which wing sections are pivoted about a vertical axis into a forward direction where they are alongside a telescoping tool bar. Sensors on the cultivator send signals initiating the folding/unfolding sequence to send commands through the implement controller to a tractor controller having a ISOBUS class 3 configuration. The tractor is commanded to forward and rearward movement in synchronism with the folding/unfolding process to steer wing supporting wheel assemblies toward the correct position for the intended transport direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Brice Magarity, James W. Henry
  • Patent number: 10499553
    Abstract: An implement has right and left pivotally attached tool bar frames movable from an operating position extending laterally to a transport position extending forward from the connecting pivot axis. Right and left hitch arms are pivotally attached about vertical axes at rear ends to spaced apart locations the right and left tool bar frames and extend forward and inward when the tool bar frame is in the operating position. A hitch frame is pivotally attached at right and left rear portions thereof to front ends of the hitch arms about vertical axes. When the tool bar frame is in the transport position, the rear end of the hitch frame is forward of the right and left tool bar frames, and the front end of the hitch frame, attachable to a tractor, is a desired clearance distance forward of the right and left tool bar frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Pillar Lasers Inc.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 10477755
    Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a frame having a longitudinal axis and laterally opposed sides and motive supports mounted to and supporting the frame. The agricultural implement further includes a first wing carried by the frame and at least one second wing, in which each second wing is pivotably connected to the first wing. The agricultural implement also includes an elevator mechanism configured to raise and lower the first wing and the second wing. Each second wing is connected to the first wing by a wing pivot assembly that includes a skewed hinge pivotably connecting one of the second wings to the first wing. The wing pivot assembly allows each second wing to pivot with respect to the first wing between an operating position and a transport position, in which the skewed hinge defines a first pivot axis oriented at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: UNVERFERTH MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ronald Joseph Schlimgen, August Paul Nelson
  • Patent number: 10448554
    Abstract: By providing an electronic control system in communication with a hydraulic system for adjusting an angle of smoothing tools of a harrow, the smoothing tools may be adjusted more quickly and on the go, including from a tractor cab, for optimum field leveling during a tilling session. The control system may include a hydraulic control valve in communication with a linear actuator. The linear actuator may be in communication with a slide bar disposed in a channel. By configuring multiple bars of a harrow to achieve an angle of rotation defined by the slide bar, the angle of rotation for smoothing tools of the harrow may be precisely controlled by the control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Inventors: Rick L. Gerber, Dean A. Knobloch
  • Patent number: 10426075
    Abstract: An agricultural implement which can be configured in a work position and a transport position. The agricultural implement includes a center frame defining a frame axis. The agricultural implement also includes a left toolbar and a right toolbar respectively pivotally connected to the center frame. The agricultural implement also includes a left draft tube and a right draft tube respectively pivotally connected to the left and right toolbars. In the work position the left draft tube is pivotally folded relative to the left toolbar and in the transport position the left draft tube is pivotally unfolded relative to the left toolbar. In the work position the right draft tube is pivotally folded relative to the right toolbar and in the transport position the right draft tube is pivotally unfolded relative to the right toolbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Cale N. Boriack, Buweneke A. Fernando
  • Patent number: 10426072
    Abstract: A tool bar mounting assembly for an agricultural implement. One agricultural implement includes a first tool bar assembly having a tool bar and a plurality of row units coupled to the tool bar and configured to deliver flowable agricultural product to a field. The agricultural implement also includes a frame assembly coupled to the first tool bar assembly. The frame assembly includes a mounting assembly having a mechanical linkage. The mechanical linkage is configured to removably couple the first tool bar assembly to the frame assembly via a plurality of fasteners. The frame assembly is configured to provide structural support to the first tool bar assembly. The mechanical linkage of mounting assembly is configured to removably couple a second tool bar assembly having a different configuration than the first tool bar assembly to the frame assembly via the plurality of fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Brian McMahon
  • Patent number: 10420273
    Abstract: An agricultural implement has a center frame supported on center wheels and right and left interframes are pivotally attached to corresponding ends of the center frame about wing pivot axes. Right and left wing frames are pivotally attached at front inner ends thereof to front ends of corresponding interframes about front interframe pivot axes. Rear inner portions of the wing frames are movably attached to corresponding interframes. Latch mechanisms selectively lock the rear inner portions each wing frame to rear portions of the corresponding interframes. A center actuator pivots the center frame such that the frames move from an operating position extending rearward to an initial transport position extending upward where the interframes and wing frames can pivot rearward about the upright wing pivot axes. The front interframe pivot axes are oriented perpendicular to the wing pivot axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: SCHULTE INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Todd Hofmann, Vincent Colistro
  • Patent number: 10405482
    Abstract: A header comprising multiple row elements along a width of the header. The multiple row elements are connected to a frame which is segmented into two peripheral segments and two central segments. Each peripheral segment is connected to an adjacent one of the central segments via a respective distal pivot, and the central segments are interconnected via a central pivot. The distal pivots are arranged to allow a rotation of the peripheral segments with respect to the central segments. The central pivot are arranged to allow a central rotation of the central segments with respect to each other, such that the segments are movable with respect to each other between a folded state and an operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Maarten Ysebaert, Pieter Van Overschelde, Sandor van Vooren
  • Patent number: 10342171
    Abstract: By providing a linear actuator in communication with a slide bar disposed in a channel, and by configuring multiple bars of a harrow to achieve an angle of rotation defined by the slide bar, the angle of rotation for smoothing tools of the harrow may be precisely controlled by the linear actuator. As a result, an infinite range of downward angles may be available for the smoothing tools for achieving various effects with the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Dean A. Knobloch, Tim Blunier
  • Patent number: 10278323
    Abstract: An agricultural implement having ground engaging components and inboard and outboard frame members are safely unfolded by using a radar or laser sensor to detect the presence of an obstacle in the unfolded position. A warning signal or disabling the unfolding process occurs when an obstacle is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Parvathy K. Hadley, Dean A. Knobloch
  • Patent number: 10251330
    Abstract: The latch assembly for the wings of a folding tool bar includes catches on each wing wing and a pair of pivotal latch arms on the tool bar tongue. An actuator pivots the latch arms between an unlatched position disengaged from the wing catches to a latched position engaging the wing catches so as to retain the wings in a transport position. In the latching and unlatching method, the latch arms are pivoted simultaneously in opposite directions by an actuator to capture and release the opposing wings of the tool bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Harvest International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Alan Sivinski, Byron J. Friesen
  • Patent number: 10104828
    Abstract: An agricultural implement system including a hitch assembly configured to couple to a tow vehicle, a plurality of wing tool bars coupled transversely to the hitch assembly, and a plurality of wing frames pivotally coupled to the plurality of wing tool bars Each wing frame is configured to support a plurality of row units and is positioned forward of a respective wing tool bar. The agricultural implement system further includes an air cart support arm with a first and second end. The first end of the air cart support arm is pivotally coupled to the wing tool bar and the second end of the air cart support arm is configured to couple to an air cart and the air cart support arm is configured to drive the air cart in a rearward direction relative to the hitch assembly in response to rotation of the wing tool bar in the rearward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance Alan Friggstad
  • Patent number: 10080322
    Abstract: A flexible cultivator implement frame includes a center section and two wing sections. The center section has a main portion and two side portions supported at opposing sides of the main portion for pivotal movement relative to the main portion about respective flexing axes. The flexing axes of the center section are sloped to extend forwardly and laterally outwardly relative to the forward working direction. Each wing section has an inner portion and an outer portion pivotally coupled to the inner portion about a respective flexing axis. The flexing axes of the wing sections are sloped to extend forwardly and laterally inwardly relative to the forward working direction so as to be oriented transversely to the flexing axes of the center section of the frame such that the flexible frame follows ground contours while minimizing undesirable stresses in and twisting of various pivots and frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventors: Johan Redekop, Terrance Friggstad
  • Patent number: 10070574
    Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement with a hydraulic system having a left wing hydraulic subsystem supplying hydraulic pressure and flow to an outer left wing hydraulic circuit for actuating the actuator of an outer left wing wheel assembly, and a right hydraulic subsystem supplying hydraulic pressure and flow to an outer right wing hydraulic circuit for actuating an actuator of an outer right wing wheel assembly; the hydraulic system additionally having at least one hydraulic flow divider dividing hydraulic flow and pressure between the outer left wing hydraulic circuit and the outer right wing hydraulic circuit, the at least one hydraulic flow divider being configured to coordinate the motion of the outer left wing and the outer right wing wheel assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Mark J. Wileniec, Kena Shah, James W. Henry
  • Patent number: 10071862
    Abstract: An automated tensioning system is provided for a conveyor. The tensioning system includes a spring housing with a lead screw/drive shaft assembly located therein that has a pushing face that extends out of one housing end. A spring compression plate is threadingly engaged with the lead screw. A plate indicator is located on the spring compression plate. A tensioner spring is located between the tensioner spring support provided by a first housing end and the spring compression plate. A sensor is located on the spring housing that is configured to detect a position of the plate indicator. A driven wheel, rotationally engaged with the drive shaft and axially slideable thereon, is driven by a motor to drive the driven wheel and rotate the lead screw and advance or retract the face so that a desired tension is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Flexicon Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Joel Barry
  • Patent number: 10051775
    Abstract: A latching arrangement for an agricultural implement having components which may be retracted or folded from an extended operational position to a stowed position better suited to transport and/or storage including a first remotely operable actuating mechanism for moving a component between the stowed and extended positions, a lever having a component engaging hook near one end and a fulcrum fixed to the implement, and a second remotely operable actuating mechanism for selectively engaging the hook and component only when the component is in the stowed position. The second actuating mechanism is operable independently of, and from the same location as, the first actuating mechanism. The second actuating mechanism comprises a hydraulic cylinder fixed to the implement and having a piston rod coupled to the lever near a lever end opposite the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Matthew R. Sudbrink, Matthew P. Morgan, Dean A. Knobloch
  • Patent number: 10028423
    Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement has a main frame section with a telescoping pull hitch tube and a tool bar. A left wing section and a right wing section are pivotally coupled with the main frame section. At least one wing implement is pivotally coupled with each wing section. A hydraulic system has a left wing hydraulic subsystem for actuating the left wing implements and a right wing hydraulic subsystem for actuating the right wing implements. The hydraulic system has at least one hydraulic flow divider and combiner between the left hydraulic circuit and the right hydraulic circuit that functions to coordinate the motion of the left wing implements and the right wing implements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Matthew R. Sudbrink, Kena Shah, Dean A. Knobloch
  • Patent number: 10015924
    Abstract: A disk harrow having a carriage frame and diverging forward and rear secondary frames extending laterally with respect to a travel direction. Gangs of disk blades are connected to and supported by the secondary frames. A portion of the outermost portion of the forward secondary frame is articulated relative to the remainder of the frames and has a ground support wheel allowing its height to be independently controlled relative to the remainder of the secondary frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Dean A. Knobloch
  • Patent number: 9999171
    Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement with a hydraulic system coupled to actuators of foldable wing sections and to actuators of wheel assemblies associated with each wing section. The hydraulic system having a wing sensor detecting an inner wing section being folded and at least one valve coupled to the wing sensor. The valve being activated by the wing sensor enabling a hydraulic fluid flow to the actuators associated with the wheel assemblies of the wing sections causing the wheel assemblies associated with the wing sections to thereby retract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Brice Magarity, Kena Shah, Dean A. Knobloch, John C. Endsley, Matthew R. Sudbrink, Jason E. Andrews, David Schulte
  • Patent number: 9992922
    Abstract: The invention relates to an agricultural cultivator having a frame (10), which is designed to be self-propelled in a transport direction (T) or to be pulled by a tractor (5) in the transport direction (T), with a part of the frame (10) extending transversely to the transport direction (T) as a support (11), and with a plurality of individually mountable cultivator elements (20), which can be positioned side by side and spaced from one another on the support (11), wherein the support (11) is constructed from a plurality of support sections (12, 13, 14, 15) and has a folding mechanism (30) which enables the support sections (12, 13, 14, 15) to be folded onto one another about folding axes (31, 32, 33) that extend parallel to the transport direction (T). In addition, one or more mounting rails are provided. The mounting rails can be removably mounted on the support. The cultivator elements can be mounted on the mounting rail or rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: CNH INDUSTRIAL DANMARK A/S
    Inventor: Fritz Brockmoller
  • Patent number: 9992923
    Abstract: An agricultural implement system including a hitch assembly configured to couple to a tow vehicle, a plurality of wing tool bars coupled transversely to the hitch assembly, and a plurality of wing frames pivotally coupled to the plurality of wing tool bars. Each wing frame is configured to support a plurality of row units and is positioned forward of a respective wing tool bar. The agricultural implement system further includes an air cart support arm with a first and second end. The first end of the air cart support arm is pivotally coupled to the wing tool bar and the second end of the air cart support arm is configured to couple to an air cart and the air cart support arm is configured to drive the air cart in a rearward direction relative to the hitch assembly in response to rotation of the wing tool bar in the rearward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance Alan Friggstad
  • Patent number: 9986676
    Abstract: A mowing device has an elongate frame with opposing longitudinal ends and two mowing units disposed on opposite longitudinal sides of the frame. Each mowing unit has an elongate support with a first pivot joint (G1) by which a first of the opposing longitudinal ends of the support is hinged on one of the longitudinal sides to pivot about a horizontal rotational axis (A) extending in the longitudinal direction (LR1) of the frame. A bar-shaped mower is hinged on a second the opposing longitudinal ends of the support in order to extend, in a working position, longitudinally horizontally and transversely to the longitudinal direction (LR1). A second pivot joint (G2) provides a rotational axis (A2) that extends vertically, transversely to the first rotational axis (A1) to allow for mower pivoting to a transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: CLAAS Saulgau GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Speer
  • Patent number: 9968026
    Abstract: A large field cultivator has forward and rear wing frames that are articulated to a main frame between a field position in which they extend laterally and a transport position in which they pivot forward and rearward about an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the frames in the field position. A pair of flip up frames secured to the aft frames pivot out of the way so that the rear wing frame assemblies may be pivoted inward to the transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Matthew R. Sudbrink
  • Patent number: 9918424
    Abstract: A method for lifting wing tool bars of an agricultural implement includes receiving a fluid at an input port of a fluid control system. The fluid is configured to induce raising a central tool bar of the agricultural implement using a first actuator extending between the central tool bar and a main frame of the agricultural implement, and then to induce rotating a first wing tool bar relative to the central tool bar using a second actuator extending between the first wing tool bar and the central tool bar after the central tool bar is raised. The method also includes detecting an angle between the first wing tool bar and the central tool bar using a switch. The method further includes controlling fluid flow to the second actuator based on the detected angle via a solenoid controlled valve electrically coupled to the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Timothy Allen Olson