Mast Type Hitch (e.g., Three Point Hitch, Etc.) Patents (Class 172/439)
  • Patent number: 11388852
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an agricultural implement connected to a vehicle. An actuator is arranged to control a lateral position of the implement with respect to the vehicle, also influencing the vertical angle of the implement. A camera mounted on the implement is connected to an image processing system which is adapted to derive the position of at least one row of plants in an image provided by the camera. An implement control unit controls the actuator to move the implement to a desired position based upon the derived position of the at least one row of plants, and a compensation arrangement compensates for the rotation of the camera around the vertical axis caused by the actuator based on the position of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Martin Kremmer, Tobias Schaefer, Akira Mizushima, Matthias Meyer
  • Patent number: 11198989
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a working machine includes a hydraulic pump to output operation fluid, a hydraulic actuator to be activated with the operation fluid, a first control valve to which the operation fluid outputted by the hydraulic pump is supplied, the first control valve being configured to control the hydraulic actuator, a second control valve to control the hydraulic actuator separately from the first control valve, a first fluid tube connecting the hydraulic pump and the first control valve, a second fluid tube branching from the first fluid tube and connecting to an input port of the second control valve, a third fluid tube connecting the first control valve and the hydraulic actuator, and a fourth fluid tube connecting to an output port of the second control valve and connecting to the third fluid tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuji Fukuda, Hiroaki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 11186130
    Abstract: Disclosed is a slip hitch system for coupling and uncoupling trailers from tractors having a three point lift. The slip hitch system comprises a tractor component mounted directly to the three point lift or in other embodiments to a standard 3 point hitch connected to the tractor's 3 point lift. A trailer component is configured for mating with the tongue of one or more trailers to be moved. A tractor plate on the tractor component is configured for seating within a capture space of the trailer component. Elevation of the tractor's 3 point lift consequently lifts the trailer component and trailer tongue for trailer relocation. Once relocated, the 3 point lift is lowered and the trailer and tractor components are separated while the operator may remain in the tractor cab. Also disclosed are various locking mechanisms between the tractor and trailer components and methods of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Inventors: Scott Gygi, Ernest Witzel
  • Patent number: 11174967
    Abstract: Techniques for implementing a pipe transport system. The pipe transport system includes a tow vehicle that moves a pipe trailer on which a pipe segment is loaded, in which the pipe segment includes tubing that defines a pipe bore and a fluid conduit implemented in an annulus of the tubing, and the tow vehicle includes a ripper assembly having a ripper shank. Additionally, the pipe transport system includes a hitch assembly to be secured to the ripper shank of the tow vehicle to enable the tow vehicle to be coupled to a trailer coupler of a tongue assembly implemented on the pipe trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Sean Lee, John Paul Leger, Sergio Rodriguez, Alexander Lee Winn
  • Patent number: 10897842
    Abstract: A lift link assembly of a three-point hitch. The lift link assembly includes a pin, a yoke, and a shaft. The yoke includes a main housing and first and second side arms that extend downwardly therefrom. The shaft includes a shank and a head positioned on a lower-end thereof. The shank is positioned in an upper-end through hole of the main housing, and the head includes an attachment point that receives the pin when the lift link assembly is in certain modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Digvijay Bhosale, Benjamin J. Heimbuch
  • 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
  • Patent number: 10506769
    Abstract: An agricultural motor vehicle designed to receive various agricultural implements, having a monoblock chassis assembled over 4×4 traction wheels, with a vibrating screen inside the lower portion of the chassis and a rotating cleaning set assembled lengthwise above the vibrating screen. The front section of the chassis has a concentrating guiding roller assembled crosswise upon it, with a hydraulic set for activation and transmission assembled above, the set serving as a support platform for a cockpit made accessible via a passageway and stairs. At the end of the rotating cleaning set is assembled a ventilation box with a motor power set is located on its rear side, and two pulling sets for residue outlet. A gutter for collecting clean grain is located at the end of the vibrating screen, the edges of the collecting gutter interconnected to cup elevators which lead into a dumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: INDÙSTRIAS REUNIDAS COLOMBO LTDA
    Inventor: Luiz Henrique Bertino
  • Patent number: 10385913
    Abstract: A Samer rod has length adjustable along a longitudinal axis. A first element extends along the axis between a first coupling end and an engagement section end, and a second element extends along the axis between a second coupling end and a receiving end. A receiving hole extends along the axis, inside the first element, away from the receiving end to the second coupling end. The engagement section has an outer row of teeth extending parallel to the axis with evenly spaced teeth extending perpendicular to the axis in the circumferential direction of the engagement section. The receiving hole has an inner row of teeth extending parallel to the axis with evenly spaced teeth extending perpendicular to the axis in the circumferential direction of the receiving hole wall. The spacing of the teeth of the two rows in the direction of the axis corresponds to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Gerd Stahl, Adnan Topal
  • Patent number: 10375346
    Abstract: A component rack for a display that includes: a frame, that includes: a base, a first wall, and a second wall arranged to form a U-shaped cavity; and a plurality of component modules located within the cavity and adapted to be coupled to the frame, wherein the frame and an inboard side of each of the plurality of component modules define an electronics chamber region, wherein the frame is adapted to carry modular electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Leon Hand-Crafted Speakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Noah D. Kaplan, Robert Waissi, Michael Fencil, Bryn Morrison, Ethan Kaplan
  • Patent number: 10143124
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a link assembly of a work vehicle hitch has a locking plate mounted to an upper portion of the link assembly. A collar is positioned over the sleeve and is configured to slide relative a portion of the sleeve. The collar meshes with the sleeve so as to prevent rotational movement of the upper portion of the sleeve relative the collar when the collar is adjacent the upper portion, but the sleeve can rotate relative the collar when the collar is adjacent a middle portion of the sleeve. The locking mechanism has a handle mounted on the collar that is pivotable between a locked position where the handle is generally parallel with the sleeve in which the collar is prevented from sliding relative the sleeve and a released position generally perpendicular to the sleeve in which the collar is able to slide relative the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew Shaw
  • Patent number: 10017907
    Abstract: A device movable across a road to level emulsion thereon. A wheeled frame includes brushes extending downward to engage the emulsion. A manual worm gear connected between the frame and a towbar assembly positions the towbar mount to connect to a vehicle hitch and vertically moves the frame while maintaining the brush contacting plane. Spring biased guide wheels position the brushes to contact the road surface even though the surface is uneven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: GreensGroomer WorldWide Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Davis, James Richard Hanson
  • Patent number: 9957692
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically controlling working edges on a heavy equipment vehicle is provided. A GNSS/INS system determines a location of the vehicle. A vision system calculates a location of the working edge in a vision system coordinate system by obtaining images of a target connected to the working edge using a camera with a fixed field view that obtains distance information for each pixel in the fixed field of view. The location is then transformed to the navigation system coordinate system. The transformed location information is used by a working edge control system to control the placement of the working edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Hexagon Technology Center GmbH
    Inventor: Kristian Morin
  • Patent number: 9615498
    Abstract: A haymaking machine includes a chassis supported directly or indirectly on the ground by wheels and a working device connected to the chassis. The chassis includes a coupling device to which two hitching pieces are articulated each bearing a hitching pin for the hitching to the respective lower arms of a tractor. Each hitching piece cooperates with a respective return device. Each return device storing energy when the corresponding hitching pin moves, relative to the coupling device, upward from a first position. Each return device is able to release that energy to the corresponding hitching pin by returning the hitching pin toward the first position. Each return device stores energy when the corresponding hitching pin moves, relative to the coupling device, downward from a second position, and each return device can release that energy to the corresponding hitching pin by returning the hitching pin toward the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: KUHN S.A.
    Inventors: Cedric Speich, Mathieu Schott
  • Patent number: 9457776
    Abstract: In brake control based on commands of a plurality of systems, an adjustment valve adjusts fluid supplied from a fluid source to a predetermined pressure to output the pressure-adjusted fluid. An output valve switches opening and closing based on a switching command. A skid detector detects whether a car is skidding or not and notifies a brake controller. The brake controller determines a pressure of fluid output by a control valve and issues a command to solenoid valves provided in the control valve. The brake controller issues a command to a discharge valve to discharge fluid from the discharge valve when a skid is detected. A relay valve adjusts pressure of fluid from the fluid source based on a higher pressure between a pressure of fluid output by the output valve and a pressure of fluid output by the control valve, to output the pressure-adjusted air to a brake cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignees: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION, CENTRAL JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY, MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoki Watanabe, Yoshiya Watanabe, Takahisa Inui
  • Patent number: 9221313
    Abstract: Stabilizer for a lower link of a three-point hitch of a tractor, comprising a first stabilizer member and a second stabilizer member connected to the first stabilizer member by a spring mechanism which allows a longitudinal movement between the stabilizer members, wherein the overall length of the stabilizer is adjustable by rotating the stabilizer members against each other. Furthermore, a blocking means is connected to the first stabilizer member, wherein the blocking means can be moved into a closed position in which a longitudinal movement between the stabilizer members is restricted. The first stabilizer member comprises a rotation-symmetric locking collar which engages the blocking means in the closed position such in that a longitudinal movement between the stabilizer members is disabled, wherein a rotation between the stabilizer members is lockable by a safety means, wherein the safety means comprises a spring clip engaging a recess formed in the circumference of the locking collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignees: DEERE & COMPANY, HSM HANS SAUERMANN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Martin Heitlinger, Hans Sauermann
  • Patent number: 9179590
    Abstract: Stabilizer for a lower draft link of a three-point hitch of a tractor, the stabilizer comprising a first stabilizer member and a second stabilizer member which is movably connected to the first stabilizer member by a spring-loaded centering mechanism, wherein the second stabilizer member can be rotated with regard to the first stabilizer member to modify the overall length of the stabilizer. A locking bracket is pivotally connected to the first stabilizer member for blocking a rotation between the stabilizer members by engaging the locking bracket with a blocking groove formed in a circumference of the second stabilizer member. Furthermore, a locking cover is provided for disabling a movement between the stabilizer members in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Martin Heitlinger, Hanko Onken
  • Publication number: 20150107211
    Abstract: A coupling device for an agricultural machine including a support for hitching to a tractor and at least one arm articulated to the support and protruding from the support in a direction parallel to a direction of advance of the tractor, the arm carrying, in an articulated manner, a chassis carrying a work element having a cutting angle relative to the ground to allow fine control of the cutting angle during movements of the work element. The coupling device further includes an upper connecting-rod, a lower connecting-rod, and a central connecting-rod, each of the upper and lower connecting-rods is articulated to the support and the central connecting-rod to form, projected in a vertical plane parallel to the direction of advance, a deformable quadrilateral, and the central connecting-rod is articulated to the chassis. An agricultural machine can include the coupling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: KUHN S.A.
    Inventors: Cedric Halter, Joel Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 8851199
    Abstract: A stabilizer (1) for a link of a three-point suspension system of an agricultural tractor has at least one telescope (8) consisting of a tube (5) and a piston (6). Said tube and piston are coupled elastically by at least one spring (7) and can be adjusted in length by means of threads (12, 13). At least one retaining clip (15) which can engage over an abutment (17) is held pivotably on the tube (5). To increase the load-bearing capacity of the stabilizer (1), the stop surfaces (18) of the retaining clip (15) are connected in a tensionproof manner by means of at least one bridge (30). Said bridge (30) engages over the outer side of at least one contact surface of the abutment (17) by means of the stop surface (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: JRS GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hans Sauermann
  • Patent number: 8833482
    Abstract: A tractor implement support linkage has a pair of implement attachment links (11), each link being provided at its outer end with an implement attachment means (12) and being pivoted (13) at its inner end on a first arm (14). The first arm is pivoted (15) at its inner end on a support frame (16), the outer end (14a) of each first arm being moveable by a lift means (18) for raising and lowering the first arm about its inner pivot (15) on the support frame (16). Each link (11) is also connected (20) with a second arm (21) which is pivoted at its inner end (22) on the support frame (16) and is pivotally connected at its outer end (20) with the link (11). The second arm (21) rotates the link (11) about its connection (13) with the first arm (14) as the first arm is rotated about its pivot (15) on the support frame (16) by the lift means (18) thus increasing the pivotal movement of the implement attachment means (12) relative to the support frame (16) for a given movement of the lift means (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: AGCo Corporation
    Inventors: Nicolas Valet, Sebastien Gauthier
  • Publication number: 20140174771
    Abstract: A gimbal for attaching an implement to a three-point hitch is described. The gimball includes a tow plate comprising a first side and a second side wherein the tow plate comprises lower brackets on the first side arranged to connect to lift arms of the three point hitch and an upper bracket on the first side arranged to connect to a stabilizer arm of the three point hitch. An implement plate is rotationally attached to the tow plate wherein the implement plate comprises an upper implement bracket for coupling to an upper implement arm and a lower implement bracket for coupling to a lower implement arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: G2 Turftools, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Merkt
  • Patent number: 8757284
    Abstract: A rocker for operating a rear linkage on an agricultural vehicle. The rocker has a main body and two side rocker arms attached at each end for connection to lift rods. The main body of the rocker is provided with a fluid reserve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: AGCO International GmbH
    Inventor: Gottlieb Wolfle
  • Publication number: 20130319699
    Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that includes a frame assembly. Moreover, the agricultural implement includes a rear hitch assembly coupled to the frame assembly. The rear hitch assembly includes a first arm, a second arm, and a hitch. The first arm and the second arm extend between the frame assembly and the hitch. The hitch is configured to be coupled to an auxiliary implement. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes a ground engaging assembly which is coupled to the frame assembly, positioned between the first arm and the second arm, and includes a closing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLC
    Inventor: Gaylen James Kromminga
  • Patent number: 8555994
    Abstract: An agricultural device is couplable to a tractor vehicle with carrier arms. The agricultural device comprises a carrier frame with a set of wheels and a coupling device for coupling the agricultural implement to a tractor vehicle. The agricultural device further comprises a coupling frame having at least one coupling point for coupling of the coupling frame to both carrier arms of the tractor vehicle. The coupling frame is connected to the carrier frame so as to be rigid in rotation in the vertical plane, wherein at least one coupling point of the coupling frame is positioned on or above the center line of the carrier frame. Owing to the fact that the carrier arms extend horizontally or upwards, the carrier arms will not or will hardly get out of position as a result of the travelling of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Lely Patent N.V.
    Inventor: Alfonsus Jacobus Van Den Engel
  • Patent number: 8555995
    Abstract: A three-point hitch mountable to the front frame of an agricultural tractor includes a main backing member, an upper hitch-point anchor bracket having four sets of securing pin anchoring positions that is welded to the main backing member, a pair of spaced-apart pivot anchors welded to the main backing member, an A-frame assembly pivotably installed between the pivot anchors, and a hydraulic cylinder which raises and lowers the A-frame assembly operably coupled to one of the middle sets of pin anchoring positions and the A-frame assembly. An implement can be connected to the upper-most anchoring position and the distal ends of the A-frame assembly. The three-point hitch can be converted to a ball hitch by re-pinning the hydraulic cylinder to the uppermost anchoring position, raising the A-frame assembly about ninety degrees and pinning it to the anchor bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Jerry Harris
  • Patent number: 8511049
    Abstract: A suspension system for agricultural implements having at least one floating head using a four-bar linkage and permitting the floating head to accommodate variations in ground surface elevation in a lateral or transverse direction. By permitting the floating head to float, a more consistent cutting height is realized when ground surface elevation varies in a transverse direction. A main frame is provided to which the ground engaging wheels are attached. A sub-frame is connected to the main frame via the four-bar linkage. The sub-frame is pivotally attached to the arms of the four-bar linkage by spherical bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Kent L. Thompson, Shane A. Bollinger, Rustin V. Bentzinger
  • Patent number: 8464802
    Abstract: A connector for use in as a third point connector for a tractor has a hydraulic and pneumatic chamber for providing an easy method to adjust the length of the third point connector to thereby change the angle between the tractor and an attached implement. When a release valve is opened, the two sides of the connector can be moved towards or away from each other as air enters from the environment or exits as needed to balance the pressure inside the connector. An induced air pocket in the hydraulic chamber allows for a slight cushion against the forces as the incompressible hydraulic fluid prevents larger swings in the length of the connector. One or more of the opposing ends may have threaded connectors to allow for general size changes to the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Tri Trac Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay E. Potter
  • Patent number: 8413737
    Abstract: An implement for soil preparation is moved in a direction of travel by a tractor with a three-point linkage. The implement includes an attaching mechanism, a coupling member with three coupling points, a first tool beam which is attached to the coupling member, at least one tool which is supported by the first tool beam, and three coupling elements which are each movably attached to the coupling member in the region of the respective coupling points to connect the coupling member to the attaching means. The first coupling element defines a path of movement for a guided movement of the first coupling point with respect to the attaching means. The second and the third coupling element each define a path of movement for a guided movement of their respective coupling point with respect to the attaching mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Forage Innovations B.V.
    Inventor: Jelle Fredo Oudemans
  • Patent number: 8408325
    Abstract: An upper link for a utility vehicle, in particular for an agricultural tractor having a hydraulic cylinder (34) for adjusting the upper link (32) and at least one fluid tank (36), to which the hydraulic cylinder (34) can be coupled, so that in a coupled condition, hydraulic fluid limited to a pre-determined volume can be exchanged between the hydraulic cylinder (34) and the fluid tank (36), and so that a piston (40) of the hydraulic cylinder (34) can move in floating fashion by a distance (ls) corresponding to the pre-determined volume in the hydraulic cylinder (34). The present invention further includes a front-end as well as to a back-end three-point hitch of a utility vehicle with two pivotally connected lower links and an upper link with such a fluid tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: AGCO GmbH
    Inventor: Johannes Kapfer
  • Publication number: 20130062082
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a grading and/or scarifier apparatus configured to be coupled to a motor vehicle, such as a tractor. The apparatus may include a rear mounted frame supporting a blade assembly and/or a scarifier. The scarifier may include a first frame, a second frame slideably disposed through the first frame, and scarifier shanks retained by the second frame. The blade assembly may be pivotable around a substantially vertical axis extending from the blade assembly and/or around a substantially horizontal axis extending through the center of the motor vehicle. The blade assembly may include adjustable end plates at each end, which are maintained at a constant angle to the horizontal axis as the blade is pivoted around the vertical axis. The apparatus may further include trailing wheels that are pivotally attached to the frame and selectively laterally displaceable with respect to the horizontal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Jack D. Layton
  • Publication number: 20130037283
    Abstract: A length adjustable lifting strut (1) for a hitch linkage of a tractor has two connection elements (11, 12) for connecting the lifting strut (1) to components (43, 44) of the hitch linkage. A fine adjustment mechanism 17 is provided on the lifting strut (1) to finely adjust the length of the lifting strut 1. A quick adjustment mechanism (21) is provided to adjust the lifting strut (1) length and is retainable in at least two discrete positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: GKN Walterscheid GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Laubner, Achim Schröder, Wolfgang Adamek, Marc Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 8359141
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and tangible medium using row sensing for calibrating geographical positions for guiding a farm implement and calibrated geographical positions for steering a vehicle along a row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Arthur F. Lange
  • Patent number: 8353359
    Abstract: A connecting apparatus and method of using the apparatus provide for attaching an implement to a utility vehicle that has a 3-point hitch including lower lift arms and connecting arms attached to rockshaft arms. The attachment apparatus and corresponding method include a lift support attached to the lower lift arms of the 3-point hitch. This combination of the lift support and lower lift arms provides for the hydraulic positioning of the implement, so that the implement (and/or brackets attached to the implement) may be attached to the utility vehicle (and/or brackets attached to the utility vehicle) without removing the lower lift arms and connecting arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Amerequip Corporation
    Inventors: Terry Ray Schwalenberg, Eric James Muehlbauer
  • Patent number: 8256526
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a pull type farm implement has an elongated tongue being drawn by a motor vehicle having a vehicle hitch on the rear end thereof configured for attachment to the tongue, the apparatus including a hydraulic hitch mechanism configured to have one end portion attached to the vehicle hitch and an opposite end portion configured to be attached to the tongue of the implement in a non-pivoting manner, the hitch mechanism having at least one hydraulic cylinder for selectively adjusting the lateral position of the front end of the tongue. An optional GPS is operable to detect the position of the tool bar relative to the desired path and repeatedly generate position signals and apparatus for controlling the hydraulic hitch mechanism to adjust the lateral position of the tongue so that the implement follows the desired path of movement in response to the GPS signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: A.I.L., Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene H. Schmidt, Marlin W. Unruh
  • Publication number: 20120085559
    Abstract: Disclosed are a connecting apparatus, and method of using the apparatus, that provides for safely and easily attaching an implement to a utility vehicle that has a 3-point hitch. The attachment apparatus and corresponding method include a lift support attached to the lower lift arms of the 3-point hitch. This combination of the lift support and lower lift arms provides for the hydraulic positioning of the implement, so that the implement (and/or brackets attached to the implement) may be attached to the utility vehicle (and/or brackets attached to the utility vehicle), thus providing for a more secure and rigid attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Terry Ray Schwalenberg, Eric James Muehlbauer
  • Publication number: 20110247844
    Abstract: The invention relates to an agricultural device which is couplable to a tractor vehicle with carrier arms. The agricultural device comprises a carrier frame with a set of wheels and a coupling device for coupling the agricultural implement to a tractor vehicle. The agricultural device further comprises a coupling frame having at least one coupling point for coupling of the coupling frame to both carrier arms of the tractor vehicle. The coupling frame is connected to the carrier frame so as to be rigid in rotation in the vertical plane, wherein at least one coupling point of the coupling frame is positioned on or above the centre line of the carrier frame. Owing to the fact that the carrier arms extend horizontally or upwards, the carrier arms will not or will hardly get out of position as a result of the travelling of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventor: Alfonsus Jacobus VAN DEN ENGEL
  • Publication number: 20110202232
    Abstract: A hydraulic hitch system for a vehicle includes a hydraulic source, a hydraulic reservoir, a hydraulic cylinder, an operator-controlled actuating means for generating a command signal, a hydraulic control valve for controlling the hydraulic cylinder, and an electronic control unit for controlling the control valve. To make it easier for the operator to set the hydraulic functions when working with different attachments, a pressure sensor generates a pressure signal and is connected to the hydraulic cylinder, and a control device is used to select a pressure control program for the hydraulic cylinder. The control valve is activated by a control signal which is generated by the control unit as a function of the selected pressure control program, the pressure signal and a command signal generated by the control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Jochen Busch, Markus Schober
  • Publication number: 20110147020
    Abstract: The T-Point Lift is an electrically actuated, hydraulic, removable three-point hitch/lift assembly, which is installed on vehicles and equipment having a 2? receiver mount, for quick installation and removal by one person. An inverted T shaped mounting frame with mounting points for an upper lift arm and two lower lift arms is inserted into a vehicles receiver. A hydraulic cylinder is mounted to the lift frame and upper lift arm which carries any attached load with assistance from attached lift links transferring the load to lower lift arms and providing sway control. An electrical power source is the only requirement for the attached hydraulic power pack with controls, thus not requiring any modification to the vehicle or equipment, to employ the apparatus in the manor for which it was designed, which tractor implements can be installed and used in accordance with their intended use up to and including category 1 three point implements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Kelly Scot Waltz, Carey Brent Nelson
  • Publication number: 20110100657
    Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that includes a hitch assembly configured to couple the agricultural implement to a tow vehicle, and a carrier frame pivotally coupled to the hitch assembly. The agricultural implement also includes a pair of wheel assemblies each rotatably coupled to the carrier frame by a respective pivot joint. The agricultural implement further includes an actuator assembly configured to rotate each wheel assembly about the respective pivot joint in a first direction by applying a first torque, and to rotate each wheel assembly about the respective pivot joint in a second direction, opposite the first direction, by applying a second torque. A magnitude of the first torque and a magnitude of the second torque are substantially equal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Connors, Brian Anderson, Marvin A. Prickel, Leonard A. Bettin
  • Patent number: 7878261
    Abstract: An operating apparatus for a work vehicle with a detachable implement provided with a hydraulic actuator, comprising: a control valve and a link mechanism for operatively connecting the control valve to an operating lever, both the control valve and link mechanism being disposed beneath a driver seat of the work vehicle; and a locking lever configured to be switched between a locked position for holding the operating lever in a neutral position, and a lock-releasing position for releasing the hold on the operating lever, wherein the locking lever is disposed between the driver seat and a rear fender positioned laterally of the driver seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Masumoto
  • Patent number: 7861794
    Abstract: A three-point implement mounting for an agricultural or industrial utility vehicle includes an upper member and two lower members. A working implement is coupled to the three-point implement mounting in order to couple the working implement to the utility vehicle. In order to provide an interface between the utility vehicle and the working implement which is versatile and can adapted to the physical application, the three-point implement mounting is of modular design and has a coupling interface for coupling the three-point implement mounting to the utility vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Nicolai Tarasinski, Marco Reinards
  • Patent number: 7861793
    Abstract: A stabilising and release system, for an agricultural apparatus having a mounting portion for mounting the apparatus to a tractor, a pendulum mounted on the mounting portion, and a boom for spraying or cutting, which is pivotally mounted to the pendulum at a pivot point so as to allow pivoting of the boom relative to the pendulum. The system stabilises the boom against movement imparted to it by disruptive forces which disturb the natural position of the boom by proving a rigid damper arranged between the support frame and the boom and arranged to damp relative movement of the boom and the mounting frame caused by disruptive forces, the damper has an articulated coupling which allows the damper to articulate so that the damper can follow the motion of the boom thus damping any undesired swaying action caused by bumps and ruts over which the tractor passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Murphy
  • Publication number: 20100294524
    Abstract: A coupling (31, 32) for use with agricultural implements (1) such as yard scrapers, and agricultural implements including the coupling (31, 32) are described. The coupling (31, 32) sits between connection means (20) such as a vehicle mounting point, and a working portion (1) such as the frame (10) of a yard scraper (1). The coupling is simple, and provides an effective way for transferring load between the connection means (20) and the working portion (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: James Lawrenson
  • Patent number: 7828071
    Abstract: An agricultural machine including a chassis, an engine, a driver's cabin, a hitch, and at least two working units connected to the hitch by a hitching frame. The at least two working units are configured to be pivoted between a working position in which the working units extend substantially horizontally and transversely to a direction of travel in work and a transport position in which the working units extend substantially over the chassis. The hitch is connected to the chassis via a rigid structure, the rigid structure connected to the chassis by a transverse articulation, at least one actuator being provided between the chassis and the rigid structure to allow the rigid structure to tip about the transverse articulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Kuhn S.A.
    Inventors: David Breneur, Gilles Fischbach
  • Patent number: 7784558
    Abstract: A three point hitch for a work vehicle is provided with one draft link of fixed length and another draft link of variable length. The variable length draft link includes a linear double action hydraulic cylinder assembly, a first attachment plate fixedly connected with one of the arm and the cylinder of the assembly and having a pivot connector configured for pivotal attachment with the vehicle, and a second attachment plate fixedly connected with a remaining one of the arm and the cylinder and having a first pivot connector configured for pivotal attachment with a tilt link and a second pivot connector configured for pivotal attachment with the implement to be supported from the vehicle. The variable length draft link permits lateral adjustment of the angle of the implement with respect to the vehicle center line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Robert E. Mozingo
  • Patent number: 7766094
    Abstract: An ATV hitch attachment includes a first mounting point defined by a hitch coupling and two further mounting points defined by two brace arms inclined upwardly and outwardly to a respective connection location on the rear rack. A rigid connecting member has a pair of arms extending rearwardly for rigid connection by a sliding fit to a forward end of a pair of parallel frame members of an implement such that the rigid connection holds the implement in the operating position in a common horizontal plane with the arms. The implement can be lifted to a raised transport position by an electric actuator causing pivotal movement about a horizontal pivot axis transverse to the rear hitch. Ground wheels which are spaced from the ground in operating position which can contact the ground when the implement is raised to limit squatting movement of the ATV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Quadivator Inc.
    Inventors: Darin Hubscher, Jon Close, Lyle Dueck
  • Patent number: 7766095
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lower link assembly for a tractor hitch. The lower link assembly includes a first strut and a second strut. The first strut includes a channel at an end thereof and a hollow space defining first and second walls and adjacent to the channel. The second strut may be inserted into the channel. A locking element is associated with the hollow space for latching the second strut to the first strut, and may be moved between an unlocked position and a latching position. A spring pretensions the locking element in the latching position. A grip element is connected to the locking element, by means of which an operator may move the locking element into the unlocked position. The spring is biased to retain the locking element in the hollow space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: John Deere Iberica S.A.
    Inventor: Daniel Vergara
  • Patent number: 7690439
    Abstract: An automatically actuating apparatus for engaging an implement to an ASAE S278.6 three-point hitch quick coupler utilizing a pivoting motion about an upper hitch point and an automatic latching mechanism to engage and retain lower hitch pins that simplifies connection of an implement. The mechanism also includes a mechanism for automatically engaging the PTO driveline between a tractor and a powered implement as the implement is engaged with the hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Edward H. Priepke, Douglas S. Fitzkee
  • Publication number: 20100059976
    Abstract: Device for facilitating the control of the weighting of an agricultural tractor and for improving its productivity, includes a support member (A) designed to run transversely to the direction of travel of the tractor, this support member having a central part with a member (B) for coupling to a front or rear three-point lift of the tractor and, on each side of this central part, a lateral extension (Aa, Ab) equipped with a unit of attachment (Ea, Eb) of a weight, a load or a tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Hubert DEFRANCQ
  • Patent number: 7600574
    Abstract: A tractor front hitch 10 is provided for mounting an implement on the front of a tractor. The hitch has socket 13 mounted for pivotal movement relative to the tractor, a pair of lower implement support links 12 which form a sub-assembly received in the socket 13, and one or more upper implement support links 14 supported from the tractor. The lower link sub-assembly 12 is moveable relative to the socket 13 between a coupling position, in which the lower link sub-assembly is at least partly withdrawable from the socket to facilitate coupling of the implement to the lower links, and a locked implement operative position in which the lower link sub-assembly 12 is locked in the socket 13. The lower link sub-assembly 12 may be moved fore and aft, and side to side relative to the socket 13 and is also rotatable in the general plane of the socket to facilitate coupling when in the coupling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Agco SA
    Inventor: Vincent Chauvel
  • Publication number: 20090230657
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method providing for improved hitching of a towed implement to a tractor. The apparatus and method are of most use in small connections such as to a lawn tractor and provide for a handgrip to improve ease of moving the implement by hand and a hitching mechanism which serves to allow for the same hand to raise the hitch pin, engage the hitch, and then lower the hitch pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: David Miller