Miscellaneous (e.g., Frames, Etc.) Patents (Class 172/776)
  • Patent number: 7010874
    Abstract: A mounting frame unit attached to a tractor body for enabling working implements such as a front loader and a backhoe to be attached to the tractor body. The mounting frame unit includes a pair of right and left main frames extending longitudinally of the tractor body, and connecting frames for connecting the main frames as spaced from each other. A lower mounting unit is disposed in a rearward section of each of the main frames for connection to a rear axle case forming part of the tractor body. An upper mounting unit for connection to the rear axle case is disposed on a bridge member that bridges upper positions of an upwardly opening cutout formed in the rearward section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Uchijima, Naoya Muramoto
  • Patent number: 6968906
    Abstract: An electric tilling machine has a motor mounted on a machine body for rotationally driving a tilling shaft provided with tilling claws. A housing/cleaning box has an upper opening and is configured to receive therein the tilling shaft and tilling claws with the machine body closing the opening of the box. Front and rear locking sections lock the machine body to the housing/cleaning box with the tilling shaft and tilling claws housed in the box. A control section keeps the motor in a controllably operable condition while the machine body is locked in the housing/cleaning box so that the motor can be operated to rotate the tilling shaft and tilling claws within the box in a cleaning mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Ito, Joji Maeda
  • Patent number: 6851484
    Abstract: A novel and practical track-filling apparatus for smoothing rutted soil formed by the repeated passage of wheels. This apparatus includes a frame, a system for attaching the frame to a tractor, and a soil moving blade assembly mounted to the frame. This blade assembly has laterally disposed and spaced apart left and right blades. A system for adjusting the included blade angle between these blades is also provided. This system for adjusting includes a single blade adjusting hydraulic ram that is operatively connected to the blades via a novel yet simple and reliable linkage assembly. Additionally, systems for lifting and tilting the apparatus optimizes operation of this track-filling apparatus over irregular and differing terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Layne Klompien
  • Publication number: 20040216905
    Abstract: Devices and methods for air assisted loading of soil in an earth moving apparatus are disclosed. One aspect of a device includes a source of a current of air and at least one conduit for directing the current of air towards soil moved by the earth moving apparatus. The device is configured to be operatively connected to the earth moving apparatus. An earth moving apparatus is also disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame having opposing sides, supported by at least two ground engaging wheels, and a bucket having a floor and a pair of upstanding side walls. A cutting blade may be attached to the bucket or disposed between the opposing sides of the frame. An air supply system for delivering a current of air to soil moved by the earth moving apparatus is also included. Methods for loading soil into an earth moving apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Mark R. Miskin
  • Patent number: 6752220
    Abstract: A farm equipment hitch comprises a hitch frame, a lift linkage, a lift cradle, a ram and a plurality of locking mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Robert E. Steele
  • Patent number: 6745848
    Abstract: A tower and wheel arm assembly for an implement frame includes a pair of identical single piece pivot castings which are selectively connectible at different locations along the frame and provide both wheel arm pivoting and a cylinder anchor tower pivoting. The wheel arm axle extends between the castings pivots within cylindrical cavities located in the castings. External cylindrical surfaces concentric with the cavities rotatably support a pair of tower plates which include circular openings received over the external cylindrical surfaces. Casting symmetry allows the same part to be used interchangeably for either the right-hand or left-hand support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Brian Thomas Mosdal, James Thomas Noonan, David Lee Steinlage, Garrett Lee Goins, Anthony Scott Royer, David Alan Payne
  • Patent number: 6732812
    Abstract: A transverse rank particularly useful with implement split frame construction includes first and second transversely extending tubular members welded to the fore-and-aft tubes on first and second halves of the frame. The locations of the first and second tubular members on the respective fore-and-aft tubes are staggered. The members are sufficiently long so that they overlap and abut when the frame halves are assembled. The rear face of the forwardmost member abuts the forward face of the rearmost member, and the two tubular members are bolted together at the overlapping portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Anthony Scott Royer
  • Patent number: 6679339
    Abstract: A rockshaft is mounted over the front rank of the implement frame and is operated by cylinders located at opposite ends of the rockshaft connected to lift arms extending radially adjacent bearing mounts. Fore-and-aft extending links aligned with the lift arms and mounts operate lift wheel assemblies. A hitch arm connected near the center of the rockshaft is directly connected to a hitch turnbuckle for level lift operation. An aligned arrangement of cylinders, cylinder brackets, links and arms provides minimal torsional loading, particularly when the rockshaft is rotated to fully raise the implement frame for transport and is in the most susceptible shock loading condition. Moment arms are controlled to minimize rockshaft torsional loading during highest stress conditions. The front-mounted rockshaft provides simplicity and advantageous weight distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David Lee Steinlage, Brian Thomas Mosdal, James Thomas Noonan, Garrett Lee Goins, Anthony Scott Royer, David Alan Payne
  • Patent number: 6666155
    Abstract: A planter/fertilizer assembly that can be configured to facilitate either rapid seeding/fertilizing or transport and including an implement bar mounted on a wheel supported carrier frame for rotation between a transport position where the implement bar is parallel to a transport direction and an operating position where the implement bar is perpendicular to the transport direction, row units mounted to the implement bar on a side opposite the wheels and including central units adjacent the wheels and lateral units disposed laterally of the wheels, lateral coulter/fertilizer units mounted to the lateral row units, a coulter bar mounted to an underside of the carrier frame on a side opposite the support wheels and a separate coulter/fertilizer unit mounted to the coulter bar and aligned with each of the central row units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Case, LLC
    Inventors: Paul M. Paluch, Leonard A. Bettin
  • Patent number: 6648078
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device which may be mounted to the front of a tractor and which is operative to fold over corn stalks and the like before they engage the front tires of the tractor. The device positions dragging units in front of each of the front tires of the tractor, whereby the dragging units are dragged over the ground in front of the tires when the tractor is moving. The weight of each of the dragging units is sufficient to cause it to substantially fold over corn stalks and the like prior to their engagement with the front tires of the tractor, thereby greatly minimizing wear to the tires caused by engagement with the corn stalks and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventors: Marvin G. Moffett, Richard P. Swank, Scott C. Miller, Jeremy Miller
  • Patent number: 6484812
    Abstract: A bearing assembly (10) is taught including a housing (14), a shaft (18) supported within the housing (14) and having an outboard end extending through an opening in an end of the housing (14), a bearing (16) disposed between the shaft (18) and the housing (14) to permit rotation of the shaft (18) within the housing (14); and a harrow engaging member (20), such as a pair of diametrically opposed protrusions or a pair of apertured plates, mounted on the housing (14) and positioned either a) diametrically adjacent the bearing or b) between the bearing and the outboard end of the shaft. A harrow including the bearing assembly (10) is also taught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Phoenix Rotary Equipment Ltd.
    Inventor: Russell K. Clark
  • Publication number: 20020148622
    Abstract: A fine grading attachment, adapted to be affixed to a bulldozer and comprising an elongate body having fasteners, adapted to affix the attachment to a bulldozer in a predetermined orientation. In this orientation the length of the elongate body extends along and in front of the bottom of the bulldozer and the front face of the attachment is disposed to be vertical or to slope forwardly as it extends from bottom to top when the bulldozer is positioned so that the attachment contacts the soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: John A. Tapio, Nels D. Tapio, Kyle J. Tapio
  • Patent number: 6460319
    Abstract: A vegetation trimming and edging device has an adjustable head that permits selective positioning between trimming and edging orientations. A shaft extends between the head and a handle. The head receives one end of the shaft. A coupling mechanism couples the head and shaft, and locks the head against rotational movement about the shaft. In particular, the coupling mechanism includes a locking structure and a bias mechanism. The bias mechanism urges the locking structure into engagement to prevent rotational movement of the head. Downward pressure applied to the head overcomes the bias, however, and disengages the locking mechanism for rotation of the head between trimming and edging modes. When the downward pressure is released, the locking mechanism is again engaged to lock the head in position for the desired operational mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Marshall, Michael Milligan, Iulian Bejan
  • Patent number: 6401832
    Abstract: Lift wheel structure for an implement includes four bar linkage having a curved lower link connected to the frame closely adjacent a first tool-carrying rank. A caster wheel is supported at the forward end of the linkage for castering in an accommodation area defined by the curved lower link. Plates are bolted to the sides of the lower link and extend along sides of an upper link to a connection with a lift cylinder directly above the upper link. The link and the cylinder closely overlie the frame to limit interference with other components mounted above the frame and to facilitate compact folding of implement sections. Loads, including cylinder lift loads, are transmitted primarily through the lower link. A protected transducer assembly is connected between the lower link and the frame to maximize and linearize transducer response in the depth control range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David Alan Payne, Brian Thomas Mosdal, Anthony Scott Royer, Paul David Parker, James Thomas Noonan
  • Patent number: 6374923
    Abstract: A folding tool bar implement converts from a transversely extending operating configuration to a longitudinally extending transport configuration. The implement includes a rotating rockshaft supported by a wheel assembly at each opposing end thereof. The wheel assembly is formed as a walking beam assembly having an L-shaped member defining perpendicular axes of movement for the wheel assembly. A castering axis is oriented vertically to permit a castering action of the wheel assembly when the rockshaft is rotated into a working configuration. The rotation of the rockshaft re-positions the castering axis to a horizontal orientation when rotated into a transport configuration. A caster lock moves by gravity to lock the wheel assembly from moving about the castering axis when the rockshaft is in the transport configuration. The caster lock includes a latch mounted to the wheel assembly and a pivoted latch tongue mounted on the L-shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrence Friggstad
  • Publication number: 20020043384
    Abstract: The invention is a vehicle tow bar for self-powered aerators for grassy areas, such as golf courses. U-shaped members attached to the tow bar slide over the front axle housing of the self-powered aerator and allow the aerator to be towed swiftly from place to place using a tow vehicle, speeding the golf course aeration process. A corresponding method also is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Gerald D. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6371216
    Abstract: A forwardly folding tillage implement carries a number of ground engaging tools on a tool gang frame disposed to the rear of a carrier frame. A rockshaft is disposed between the carrier frame and the tool gang frame and is movable between four rotated positions about two axes of rotation. A control mechanism controls the relative angular position of the rockshaft. A support mechanism is disposed rearwardly of the axes of rotation to support the rear of the tool gang frame above the ground in the field working position. An abutment member restrains the relative rotation between the rockshaft and the tool gang frame to fully support the tool gang frame on the rockshaft upon rotation of the rockshaft. A spring mechanism is provided which interconnects the rockshaft and the first tool frame to exert a spring force on the tillage tools supported on the first tool frame to urge the tools into the ground. The spring mechanism is supported on a support arm extending rearwardly from the rockshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Publication number: 20020040669
    Abstract: The seed drill of the present invention particularly includes a front chassis resting on the ground by means of wheels and a rear chassis carrying elements for planting seeds in the ground, the rear chassis being connected to the front chassis by means of a central articulation the axis of which is at least substantially vertical. The seed drill is one which additionally includes means making it possible, as soon as the planting elements leave the earth, to align the rear chassis with respect to the front chassis. The object of the present invention is to avoid any possible shocks between the rear chassis and the front chassis, the shocks being caused by pivoting of the rear chassis about the central articulation when the seed drill is switched to the transport position on sloping ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Applicant: KUHN-HUARD
    Inventors: Guy Gentilhomme, Patrice Challon
  • Patent number: 6367562
    Abstract: A multi-section implement frame with outer wing sections which fold relative to an inner section includes a bump stop tube assembly having a simple tube with faces slotted at one end to receive the bight portion of a U-bolt. The legs of the U-bolt are threaded and extend around the faces of an inner frame section tube, and a two-hole strap is positioned over the ends secured against the bottom of the frame section tube by two nuts. A tapered stop includes a connecting portion received within the projecting contact end of the tube to eliminate a welding step during manufacture. The slotted end of the tube is coped to generally conform to the shape of the frame section tube. The assembly is very simple and inexpensive and can be slid easily on the frame section tube to avoid standards, wheel modules or various other obstructions mounted on the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Brian Thomas Mosdal
  • Patent number: 6354382
    Abstract: A positionable work implement with an increased working width. The positionable work implement includes a main frame, and wheel assemblies and implement assemblies mounted on the main frame. The main frame is pivotable about a vertical axis, pivoting between several working positions and a travelling position wherein the effective transverse width of the frame in the travelling position is reduced relative to the effective transverse width of the frame in the various working positions. The implement assemblies may include rotary basket hay rakes with a center idler wheel to increase the effective working width of the hay rake. Also, the rotary basket hay rakes may be mounted in tandem, working together, to increase the effective working width of the raking mechanism. Finally, a self-propelled version of the positionable work implement is contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: LMC Bainbridge, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Jarman, George R. McKemie, Ernest W. Lee, III
  • Patent number: 6352125
    Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining a tool bar in a controlled position behind a tractor having a conventional three-point hitch arrangement including an upper arm and a pair of lower lift arms. The apparatus has a tool bar positioned near the tractor extending in a direction generally perpendicular to a line of travel of the tractor and at least two upper mounts laterally spaced apart and fixedly connected to the tool bar for pivotal connection to the upper arm of the conventional three-point hitch. Each of the upper mounts has at least one apertured plate, and multiple spaced apart lower mounts laterally spaced apart and fixedly connected to the tool bar are associated with each upper mount for pivotal connection to the lower lift arms of the conventional three-point hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Shoup
  • Patent number: 6325155
    Abstract: The invention disclosed is a support for a draft cable in a multi-sectional agricultural tillage apparatus movable between an open operating position and a folded transport position. The draft cable is attached to the central frame hitch and an outer wing, and is supported along its length by a folding support arm attached to the inner wing frame. A mechanical mechanism interconnects the central hitch frame with the support arm such that the cable moves to a non-interfering position when the tillage apparatus is in the transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 6315055
    Abstract: The invention disclosed is a support for a draft cable in a multi-sectional agricultural tillage apparatus movable between an open operating position and a folded transport position. The draft cable is attached to the central frame hitch and an outer wing, and is supported along its length by a folding support arm. A mechanical mechanism interconnects the outer wing with the support arm such that the cable moves to a non-interfering position when the tillage apparatus is in the transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 6301866
    Abstract: A vegetation trimming and edging device has an adjustable head that permits selective positioning between trimming and edging orientations. A shaft extends between the head and a handle. The head receives one end of the shaft. A coupling mechanism couples the head and shaft, and locks the head against rotational movement about the shaft. In particular, the coupling mechanism includes a locking structure and a bias mechanism. The bias mechanism urges the locking structure into engagement to prevent rotational movement of the head. Downward pressure applied to the head overcomes the bias, however, and disengages the locking mechanism for rotation of the head between trimming and edging modes. When the downward pressure is released, the locking mechanism is again engaged to lock the head in position for the desired operational mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Marshall, Michael Milligan, Iulian Bejan
  • Patent number: 6293353
    Abstract: An implement supports several ground cultivating tools on a main toolbar and at least one wing toolbar. The two are coupled together by two pivot brackets attached to the outer end of the main toolbar and the inner end of the wing toolbar. The pivot brackets are coupled to the main toolbar and the wing toolbar to permit the wing toolbar to pivot upwardly and downwardly with respect to the main toolbar. When the wing toolbar pivots upwards with respect to the main toolbar, it pivots about an upper point or axis and when it pivots downwards with respect to the main toolbar it pivots about a lower point or axis below the upper point or axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald W. Poole
  • Publication number: 20010011595
    Abstract: A forwardly folding tillage implement carries a number of ground engaging tools on a tool gang frame disposed to the rear of a carrier frame. A rockshaft is disposed between the carrier frame and the tool gang frame and is movable between four rotated positions about two axes of rotation. A control mechanism controls the relative angular position of the rockshaft. A support mechanism is disposed rearwardly of the axes of rotation to support the rear of the tool gang frame above the ground in the field working position. An abutment member restrains the relative rotation between the rockshaft and the tool gang frame to fully support the tool gang frame on the rockshaft upon rotation of the rockshaft. A secondary hitch mechanism is also provide to couple a second implement behind the forwardly folding tillage implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 6269886
    Abstract: The invention discloses a differential connecting rod and draft cable for an agricultural tillage device. The invention consists of a differential connecting rod which is positioned parallel to the center frame. The center frame is connected to the inner wing frame by a universal joint. The universal joint has a spherical bearing and a pivot. The pivot is positioned in a slot. The differential control rod positions the pivot in the slot. An ‘L’-shaped linkage and a spring assembly pivotally support the rod. The draft cable is attached to the center frame hitch and outer wing. It is supported in the center by a folding support arm. This allows the wire to be moved when the cultivator is being transported. The draft cable transfers the draft force exerted on the outer wing to the center frame hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 6267184
    Abstract: The invention discloses a differential connecting rod and draft cable for an agricultural tillage device. The invention consists of a differential connecting rod which is positioned parallel to the center frame. The center frame is connected to the inner wing frame by a universal joint. The universal joint has a spherical bearing and a pivot. The pivot is positioned in a slot. The differential control rod positions the pivot in the slot. An ‘L’-shaped linkage and a spring assembly pivotally support the rod. The draft cable is attached to the center frame hitch and outer wing. It is supported in the center by a folding support arm. This allows the wire to be moved when the cultivator is being transported. The draft cable transfers the draft force exerted on the outer wing to the center frame hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 6263978
    Abstract: The invention discloses a differential connecting rod and draft cable for an agricultural tillage device. The invention consists of a differential connecting rod which is positioned parallel to the center frame. The center frame is connected to the inner wing frame by a universal joint. The universal joint has a spherical bearing and a pivot. The pivot is positioned in a slot. The differential control rod positions the pivot in the slot. An ‘L’-shaped linkage and a spring assembly pivotally support the rod. The draft cable is attached to the center frame hitch and outer wing. It is supported in the center by a folding support arm. This allows the wire to be moved when the cultivator is being transported. The draft cable transfers the draft force exerted on the outer wing to the center frame hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 6260630
    Abstract: The invention discloses a differential connecting rod and draft cable for an agricultural tillage device. The invention consists of a differential connecting rod which is positioned parallel to the center frame. The center frame is connected to the inner wing frame by a universal joint. The universal joint has a spherical bearing and a pivot. The pivot is positioned in a slot. The differential control rod positions the pivot in the slot. An ‘L’-shaped linkage and a spring assembly pivotally support the rod. The draft cable is attached to the center frame hitch and outer wing. It is supported in the center by a folding support arm. This allows the wire to be moved when the cultivator is being transported. The draft cable transfers the draft force exerted on the outer wing to the center frame hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Publication number: 20010006128
    Abstract: An earthmoving machine wherein a driver's cab and a propulsion device for powering the machine are located on opposite sides of a central lift arm. The propulsion device is provided with a cooling device located over the propulsion device itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Inventors: Piercarlo Contoli, Corrado Ragazzini
  • Publication number: 20010001422
    Abstract: The invention discloses a differential connecting rod and draft cable for an agricultural tillage device. The invention consists of a differential connecting rod which is positioned parallel to the center frame. The center frame is connected to the inner wing frame by a universal joint. The universal joint has a spherical bearing and a pivot. The pivot is positioned in a slot. The differential control rod positions the pivot in the slot. An ‘L’-shaped linkage and a spring assembly pivotally support the rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: May 24, 2001
    Applicant: Flexi-coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 6223831
    Abstract: The invention discloses a differential connecting rod and draft cable for an agricultural tillage device. The invention consists of a differential connecting rod which is positioned parallel to the center frame. The center frame is connected to the inner wing frame by a universal joint. The universal joint has a spherical bearing and a pivot. The pivot is positioned in a slot. The differential control rod positions the pivot in the slot. An ‘L’-shaped linkage and a spring assembly pivotally support the rod. The draft cable is attached to the center frame hitch and outer wing. It is supported in the center by a folding support arm. This allows the wire to be moved when the cultivator is being transported. The draft cable transfers the draft force exerted on the outer wing to the center frame hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 6213034
    Abstract: A planter apparatus includes a carrier frame including a curved track portion, and a mainframe rotatably attached to the carrier frame and rotatable along the curved track portion and about a pivot point, which is offset from a centerline of the carrier frame. The transverse center of gravity of the planter apparatus is substantially along the centerline when the mainframe is in a transportation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Kregg J. Raducha, Paul M. Paluch
  • Patent number: 6213221
    Abstract: Improved bearing assemblies for agricultural implements and in particular flexible frame towed agricultural implements such as plows and the like are disclosed. The bearing assemblies preferably include a bearing formed from ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. The improved bearing assembly includes a flanged cylindrical bearing sleeve adapted for use with a hinge connecting adjacent frame sections of a flexible frame towed agricultural implement. The flanged cylindrical bearing sleeve is positioned within an outer cylindrical metal bearing sleeve which is mounted in the end of a male hinge member in alignment with a pivot pin receiving bore extending therethrough. A pivot pin extending through the flanged cylindrical bearing sleeve connects a hinge clevis on a female hinge member to the male hinge member. A flange on the flanged cylindrical bearing sleeve extends between thrust bearing surfaces on the male hinge member and the female hinge member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Sunflower Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis L. Lewallen
  • Patent number: 6182771
    Abstract: A tractor has hydraulic cylinders arranged reawardly of a transmission case for swinging lift arms. A plurality of control valves for controlling the hydraulic cylinders are arranged on a lid plate of the transmission case. Oil lines are disposed in the lid plate for intercommunicating the control valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Nakamura, Akio Hattori
  • Patent number: 6158525
    Abstract: The present invention makes it possible to increase the inner width between left and right main frames without increasing the entire width of a vehicle, to reduce the weight, and to improve the productivity. For this purpose, in a main frame structure for construction equipment including a pair of left and right main frames, a cross member connecting the front portions of the pair of left and right main frames and vertically swingably supporting an equalizer bar for coupling a pair of left and right track frames, and lift cylinder supporting elements rotatably supporting one end of a lift cylinder for raising and lowering a working machine frame mounted with a working machine, the pair of left and right main frames (1a, 1b) are respectively composed of a straight plate provided along a longitudinal direction of a vehicle body, and each of the lift cylinder supporting elements is integrally fixed on the outside in a lateral direction of the vehicle body, of the pair of left and right main frames (1a, 1b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirotsugu Inoue
  • Patent number: 6131670
    Abstract: An attachment kit with swiveling wheel for converting a self-propelled rotary tiller with rear tines and motor driven wheels into a towing machine. The attachment kit is secured to the tiller in place of the drag stake. A mounting bracket (8) allows for the assembly to be easily mounted to the rotary tiller without removing either tines (11) or the tine guard (12). The attachment kit with swiveling wheel (9) adds versatility and stability to the rotary tiller by converting it into a towing machine which can be used to tow many different types of trailers, nut harvesters, garden carts, etc. A towing tower (10a) and (10b) to facilitate towing a nut harvester easily connects to the attachment kit. The attachment kit also accepts ball-type hitches and drop-pin hitches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: John Travis Johnson
  • Patent number: 6098719
    Abstract: A parallelogram boom device for mounting agricultural implements has a parallelogram arrangement of a first upper beam horizontally and longitudinally aligned with a second upper beam plus a single lower beam longitudinally aligned with the first and second upper beams, but at a lower horizontal level. A first hydraulic piston unit acts via a bridle to raise and lower the parallelogram arrangement relative to the ground. An agricultural implement is attached at one end to a mounting arm supported via the parallelogram arrangement and a second hydraulic piston unit serves to move the implement in an arc about its attached end. The new boom devices also have the capability of retracting the supported implements rearwards from their forward direction of travel in the event the implement encounters a rock, stump or like obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: James R. Turner
  • Patent number: 6092609
    Abstract: A flexible folding agricultural implement includes a frame with a number of independent frame sections each supporting a plurality of ground working tools via front and rear ground engaging and depth adjustment wheels. Each frame section is attached to the adjacent section(s) via front flexible link connectors and rear ball joints. Each front flexible link connector is a bar pivotably attached at one end to the center point of one frame section, and, at the other end, to a front corner of an adjacent frame section in alignment with the respective rear ball joint and a scissor limit stop is positioned around each bar which scissor limit stops limit the amount of relative twist between adjacent frame sections to prevent roll over and to allow the link connectors to be made rigid such that they can act as pivot supports for the respective frame sections as they are folded for transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventors: Herbert Jeffery, Kelly McNichols
  • Patent number: 6076613
    Abstract: A forwardly-foldable agricultural implement includes a center frame supported by wheels and extending generally transverse to the direction of travel, and a pair of wing sections. Each wing section has an intermediate portion pivotally connected to the center frame by a foldable frame and being supported by a wheel. The foldable frame includes a pair of elongated wing support members having one end connected to the center frame and another end connected to the respective wing section. The foldable frame also includes a pair of hitch arms with one end connected to a two-direction pivot knuckle on a three-point tractor hitch and another end pivotally connected to the respective wing section and its wing support member. This structure provides a method of changing a foldable implement between a wide, field operating configuration and a narrower, road transport configuration without the necessity of a telescopic tongue member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Orthman Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Frasier
  • Patent number: 6041871
    Abstract: A push arm control assembly (30, 30a) for use with bulldozer (10) having blade (12) removably mounted to a pair of laterally displaceable push arms (14) on opposite sides of the bulldozer.The push arm control assembly includes at least one elongated, relatively lightweight, control member (32, 56, 59) having a length dimension substantially spanning the distance between push arms (14) and having a strength sufficient to enable lifting of push arms (14) as a unit. A pair of arm coupling assemblies (33) are provided on control member (30, 30a) and are adapted for coupling to each of push arms (14) for manipulation of the push arms (14) as a unit. In the preferred form, the control arm assembly (30, 30a) positions the push arms (14) a distance less than the lateral distance between push arms (14) when push arms (14) are coupled to blade (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Spencer Defty
  • Patent number: 6021853
    Abstract: A field finishing land plane has a V-shaped, horizontally oriented frame converging at a front end affixed pivotal to steerable rollers in a yoke fastened to a tow tongue. The pivotal front is housed in a protective shielding. A cross member that attaches to the wide section of the V frame at the rear of the land plane extends outward from the V ends on each side. The outward extensions have individual rollers attached to swivel at the outer ends. Supported by internal framing and operated hydraulically, pneumatic tired, retractable road wheels can be raised for field use of the land plane and lowered for on-road towing. For field use with the road wheels raised, the land plane of this invention rests on the front steerable rollers and on the rear swivel rollers so that a long crosswise scooping bucket located centrally under the main frame of the land plane makes ground contact. For road safety during towing with road wheels down, the long crosswise scooping bucket has rotatable end sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Ralph H. Atkins
    Inventor: Ralph H. Atkins
  • Patent number: 6016877
    Abstract: An implement frame construction includes a fore-and-aft extending apertured tube with transversely extending tool mounting tubes with cross section matching the shape of the apertures. The tubes are inserted through the apertures to provide a mechanical connection not solely reliant on joint weld strength. The resulting joints are fillet welded on both sides of the fore-and-aft tube and provide more bending and torsional resistance than a butt-welded joint without need for gussets. The smaller tube runs continuously through the joint to reduce the number of components and welds necessary for a given frame configuration. The components themselves position the frame tubes relative to each other to simplify weld fixturing and increase resistance to parallelograming. Hinge areas are provided with welded tube-within-tube construction to prevent wall collapse and retain mounting bolt torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: James Thomas Noonan, David Alan Payne, Brian Thomas Mosdal, Paul David Parker
  • Patent number: 5996704
    Abstract: A towed, three row cultivator including a frame, a hitch bar, primary and secondary implement bars and vertical columns slidable within bearing housings attached at each side of the frame. The columns are attached to each other at the upper end by a bridge member and terminate in wheel assembles at the lower end. Actuators are provided for lifting and lowering the frame relative to the columns. Fertilizer and chemical tanks may also be provided for attachment to the bridge member, thereby placing the weight of such tanks and their contents directly on the wheels independent of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Paul J. Landry
  • Patent number: 5967241
    Abstract: An ATV lift handle is provided for an all terrain vehicle having a vertically movable blade at the forward end thereof. The vertical movement of the blade is controlled by a lift handle positioned rearwardly thereof and which is pivotally mounted on a lift handle bracket. The lift handle bracket has a locking pin movably mounted thereon which protrudes outwardly and rearwardly therefrom when in its extended locked position. The locking pin is movable from its extended locked position to a retracted non-locking position against the resiliency of a spring operatively connected thereto. When it is desired to lock the blade in its upper non-working position, the lift handle is pivotally moved rearwardly of the protruding locking pin and is placed in engagement therewith to prevent the lift handle from moving forwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Cycle Country Accessories Corp.
    Inventors: Gary Cross, Glen E. Carlson
  • Patent number: 5941317
    Abstract: A row cultivator 10 is drawn behind a prime mover illustrated by the wheels 11 with rows defined by mounds illustrated in terms of the lines 12 before the cultivator and the reshaped mounds being illustrated by the lines 13 located behind the cultivator. As can be seen the rows before the cultivator include an irregularity. In this case there are wide rows shown at 14 and relatively narrow rows shown at 15. The cultivator 10 includes a fixed rigid tool bar 16 and a moveable tool bar 17 travelling behind the fixed tool bar 16 and pivotable relative thereto via connecting bars 18, 19 and 20. Where the rows to be reshaped are all evenly spaced the connecting bars 18, 19 and 20 would be positioned parallel to the rows. The moveable tool bar 17 is displaced to the left.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Great Western Corporation Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Lloyd Mansur
  • Patent number: 5890546
    Abstract: A tractor drawn scraper apparatus with folding wings includes a main frame with a main blade assembly depending therefrom and wing frames with wing blade assemblies depending therefrom. The wing frames are pivotally connected to laterally opposite ends of the main frame and are pivoted by the action of hydraulic cylinders connected between the main frame and the wing frames respectively. The wing frames are lowered for soil engagement and raised for transport. A wheel frame includes a wheel frame axle pivotally connected to the main frame by way of the main blade assembly and having a pair of radial wheel support arms with ground engaging wheels journaled thereon. A pair of wheel frame cylinders engaged between the main frame and the wheel support arms are activated to raise the wheels for soil engagement by the blade assemblies and to lower the wheels for transport. A tongue assembly extends forwardly from the main frame for hitching to a tractor to draw the blade assemblies over a soil surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Robert S. Kerpash, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5829537
    Abstract: A clay surface scarifier includes a portable frame with a first axle and a second axle rotationally connected thereto. At least one scarifying blade, having a cutting edge orthogonal to the first axis, is attached to the first axle and rotatable therewith about the first axis. At least one scarifying blade, having a cutting edge orthogonal to the second axis, is attached to the second axle and rotatable therewith about the second axis. The axes of rotation of the first and second axles are intersecting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Welch Tennis Courts, Inc.
    Inventor: James Vernon Houghtaling
  • Patent number: 5829370
    Abstract: A folding multi-row crop planter having coupled thereto individual planter row units. The planter having an assisted hinge that allows the planter wings to be moved from an open field position to a closed travel position. Further, the multi-row crop planter having a large central fluid storage tank for fertilizers/insecticides mounted forward of the foldable wings. The distribution of fluids occuring through a fluid network system along the planter wings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Harold C. Bender