Drive To Other Machine By Power Take-off (pto) Driven By Wheel Or Axle Of Motor Vehicle Patents (Class 180/53.6)
  • Patent number: 11974522
    Abstract: A method for forming a bale of crop material in an agricultural baler. The method includes rotating a baler power-take-off (PTO) shaft at a rotational speed, rotating a bale of crop material in a bale chamber, and sensing, by at least one sensor, at least one bale ejection condition. The at least one sensor is configured to provide at least one bale ejection condition value corresponding to the at least one sensed bale ejection condition. The method further includes receiving, by a controller, the at least one bale ejection condition value, and adjusting, by the controller, the rotational speed of the baler PTO shaft responsive to the at least one bale ejection condition value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Kevin M. Smith, John R. McClure
  • Patent number: 11951831
    Abstract: A tractor includes an engine, a vehicle body, a rear PTO shaft, a central PTO shaft, a permission switch, and a control unit. The engine is configured to generate power. The vehicle body includes an operator's seat. The rear PTO shaft is configured to supply power generated by the engine to a rear work machine attached to a rear part of the vehicle body. The central PTO shaft is configured to supply power generated by the engine to a central work machine attached to a central part of the vehicle body. The permission switch is operable by an operator. The control unit indicates that the permission switch is operated as one of permission conditions for rotation of the rear PTO shaft after disembarkation, and indicates that the permission switch is operated as one of permission conditions for rotation of the central PTO shaft when moving backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: YANMAR HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Ishida, Tetsuya Iida
  • Patent number: 11691504
    Abstract: A prime mover system includes a first prime mover, a first drive shaft, a differential, a power take-off (PTO) drive shaft, a second drive shaft, a transmission, a first accessory, and an output shaft. The first drive shaft is operatively coupled to the first prime mover. The differential is coupled to the first drive shaft. The PTO drive shaft is coupled to the differential. The second drive shaft is coupled to the differential. The transmission is coupled to the second drive shaft. The first accessory is operatively coupled to the PTO drive shaft. The output shaft is coupled to the transmission. The transmission is configured to transfer rotation of the second drive shaft to the output shaft. Rotation of the PTO drive shaft is independent of rotation of the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Langenderfer
  • Patent number: 10800257
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle comprising: a first and a second track; a generator assembly configured to generate mechanical power; a group of work devices coupled to the generator assembly; a first and a second drive wheel coupled to the first and to the second track, respectively, and to the generator assembly; a user interface configured to receive commands from an operator; and a control unit connected to the user interface to receive commands from the operator; the control unit being configured to: measure an amount of time elapsed between a command sent by the operator and a subsequent command sent by the operator; and set the tracked vehicle to a blocked state if the amount of time measured is greater than a first time interval threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Prinoth S.p.A.
    Inventor: Martin Kirchmair
  • Patent number: 10442442
    Abstract: A periphery monitoring system includes an operation instruction output unit which outputs an operation instruction to a warning device provided in a work vehicle based on detection data of an object detection device detecting an object in a periphery of the work vehicle, an invalidating unit which invalidates the operation instruction based on an invalidating instruction output from a cancel operation device provided in a driving room of the work vehicle, and a validating unit which validates the invalidated operation instruction based on detection data of a boarding state detection device detecting a specific boarding state of a passenger in the driving room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Komatsu LTD.
    Inventors: Masaaki Imaizumi, Masataka Ozaki, Takeshi Kurihara
  • Patent number: 10150358
    Abstract: The generator and electrical motor system for multi-axle vehicles uses a generator to power electric motors which propel a multi-axle vehicle. The system includes a hybrid powertrain, a primary battery bank, and a primary generator. The hybrid powertrain uses electric motors to provide the drive power for the vehicle. To that end, the hybrid powertrain has a drive axle, an electric motor, a powertrain battery, and a power management unit. The drive axle is rotated by the electric motor and rotates the wheels of a vehicle. The primary battery bank and the powertrain battery are rechargeable electrical energy storage devices that store the power supplied by the generator. Additionally, the primary battery bank and the powertrain battery supply electrical power to the electric motor. Finally, the power management unit is a power conditioning system that regulates current and voltage being distributed to the electrical components of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Inventor: Erik Orlando Soto
  • Patent number: 9896820
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for assisting a machine operator in controlling a work tool of the machine. In an embodiment, the work tool is set at a first height and the machine is travelling at a first machine speed, resulting in a first work tool or machine load. Based on these factors, a first work tool control mode or second work tool control mode is chosen. In the first work tool control mode, the work tool is manually controlled within a load limit and a work tool height limit, whereas in the second work tool control mode, the work tool load is controlled toward the first work tool load. Based on operator inputs and machine state, as well as other factors such as ground surface, the machine may switch between control modes, or out of automatic work tool control entirely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Faivre, Bradley Krone
  • Patent number: 9816611
    Abstract: A transmission having an integrated gear and brake mechanism is disposed in a housing, the transmission having a variable drive mechanism, gear train, and an output axle engaged to the gear train. The output axle is driven by a final drive gear having an integrated drum brake within its circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Michael L. Bennett, Nathan W. Bonny
  • Patent number: 9404237
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for assisting a machine operator in controlling a work tool of the machine. In an embodiment, the work tool is set at a first height and the machine is travelling at a first machine speed, resulting in a first work tool or machine load. Based on these factors, a first work tool control mode or second work tool control mode is chosen. In the first work tool control mode, the work tool is manually controlled within a load limit and a work tool height limit, whereas in the second work tool control mode, the work tool load is controlled toward the first work tool load. Based on operator inputs and machine state, as well as other factors such as ground surface, the machine may switch between control modes, or out of automatic work tool control entirely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Faivre, Bradley Krone
  • Patent number: 9038753
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a power assembly connected to a vehicle drive line. The power assembly is selected from the group consisting of a split shaft power take off assembly and a transfer case. At least one hydraulic pump is connected to the power assembly. At least one hydraulic consumer is drivingly connected to the at least one hydraulic pump. The at least one hydraulic pump is selected from the group consisting of a variable displacement pump and a constant displacement pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Leonard H. Hancock, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9033074
    Abstract: Disclosed is a coupler comprising a first structure, a first shaft rotatably supported by the first structure, a second structure supporting the first structure, and a moving device configured to move the first structure relative to the second structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Chris Gates
  • Patent number: 8978796
    Abstract: A tractor has a base for supporting a motive power source, left and right driven wheels, and left and right transmissions for the respective left and right wheels. A handle structure is coupled to the base for grasping by an operator from behind the tractor. A drive system drives each of the left and right transmissions with motive power from the motive power source. A single lever hand control is provided for operation by a single hand of the operator for controlling both left and right transmissions seamlessly each between reverse speed through neutral and forward speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Silvio Gallazzini
  • Patent number: 8944193
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a working vehicle includes: a transmission case including a front transmission case and a rear transmission case, and a power transmission mechanism, arranged in the transmission case, configured to transmit rotating power from an engine to rear wheels or front wheels and transmit the rotating power to an implement mounted to a vehicle body, including: an input shaft; a first switching mechanism configured to switch a rotation corresponding to the rotating power to rotation in advancing direction or reversing direction; a main change speed mechanism; an auxiliary change speed mechanism; a second switching mechanism configured to switch whether to transmit the rotating power to the front wheels or not; and a PTO driving mechanism, wherein a clutch of the first switching mechanism, a clutch of the second switching mechanism and a clutch of the PTO driving mechanism are arranged in the front transmission case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Iseki & Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Noboru Sagawa
  • Patent number: 8897993
    Abstract: A detection system for front-mounted mid-PTO driven implements includes a sensor positioned adjacent a shaft connected between a mid-PTO driveshaft and a front mounted-implement. A controller may be electrically connected to the sensor, to a fuel pump solenoid, and to a reverse sense switch that indicates to the controller if a reverse pedal is actuated. When the controller receives a signal indicating the reverse pedal is actuated, the controller does not shut off the fuel pump solenoid if the controller also receives pulse signals from the sensor within a specified frequency range based on a desired PTO speed, but shuts off the fuel pump solenoid if the controller does not receive pulse signals from the sensor or receives pulse signals from the sensor outside the specified frequency range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Tien Chuong Lim, Chad Leighton Helland
  • Publication number: 20140238757
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a working vehicle includes: a transmission case including a front transmission case and a rear transmission case, and a power transmission mechanism, arranged in the transmission case, configured to transmit rotating power from an engine to rear wheels or front wheels and transmit the rotating power to an implement mounted to a vehicle body, including: an input shaft; a first switching mechanism configured to switch a rotation corresponding to the rotating power to rotation in advancing direction or reversing direction; a main change speed mechanism; an auxiliary change speed mechanism; a second switching mechanism configured to switch whether to transmit the rotating power to the front wheels or not; and a PTO driving mechanism, wherein a clutch of the first switching mechanism, a clutch of the second switching mechanism and a clutch of the PTO driving mechanism are arranged in the front transmission case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: ISEKI & CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Noboru Sagawa
  • Patent number: 8813882
    Abstract: A forage transporter allowing both front and rear unloading using an apron conveyor passing along the floor of the forage transporter provides a single control lever selectively enabling a forward drive for forward unloading and a rear drive for rear unloading while providing a mechanical lockout preventing simultaneous activation of the front and rear drives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Meyer Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Chris Albright, Dan Decker
  • Patent number: 8770325
    Abstract: A bulldozer is provided with an engine, a pump assembly, an engine auxiliary, and a connecting member. The engine has an output axis which extends in a front and back direction of the bulldozer. The pump assembly includes a plurality of hydraulic pumps. The hydraulic pumps are disposed behind the engine and are disposed to line up with each other in the front and back direction. The pump assembly is connected to the engine. The engine auxiliary is disposed behind the engine and is mounted to the engine. The connecting member connects the engine and the engine auxiliary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Souichirou Kinoshita, Akira Kotani
  • Patent number: 8567538
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a split shaft power take off assembly or a transfer case powered by a vehicle drive train. One or more hydraulic pumps are driven by the split shaft power take off assembly or transfer case and supply hydraulic fluid to one or more hydraulic users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Leonard H. Hancock, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8534396
    Abstract: A tractor power take-off drive line having an output shaft (11) with a socket (12) within which a removeable PTO stub shaft (13) is drivingly received. The stub shaft is retained in the socket by radially moveable retaining members (16) housed in the output shaft and moveable between a radially inward retaining position in which the retaining members each projecting into the socket (12) to engage a retaining formation (18) in the stub shaft (13) within the socket and a radially outward releasing position in which the retaining members are free to move radially outwardly relative to the socket to disengage the retaining formation and allow the stub-shaft to be removed from the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Agco SA
    Inventors: Guillaume Schulz, Vincent Hedin
  • Patent number: 8311709
    Abstract: A control system for managing the operation of a tractor PTO using input conditions occurring in a connected baler. Baler conditions such as tailgate position, crop pickup position, bale wrapper status, and driveline torque are sensed in the baler, and communicated to an implement-mounted controller whereupon control signals are initiated and communicated to a tractor-mounted controller to manage operation of the tractor's PTO. Safety may be maintained through the use of operator acknowledgements in order to prevent unexpected engagement of the PTO and a manual override capability allows an operator to suspend automated operation at any time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Olivier Vanhercke, Kevin M. Smith, Chris Foster, Riccardo Morselli
  • Patent number: 8297386
    Abstract: A work vehicle including: a body frame; an engine supported by the body frame through an elastic body; a belt transmission mechanism connected to an output shaft of the engine in a power transmissive manner; and a power takeoff (PTO) mechanism connected to the belt transmission mechanism in a power transmissive manner to take out power from the engine. A PTO support bracket configured to support the PTO mechanism is attached to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Osuga, Shoko Koda, Hironobu Nishihara, Takashi Kuramoto, Satoshi Ogata, Hiroshi Kawabata
  • Patent number: 8290667
    Abstract: A method for the operation of a traveling power take-off shaft clutch connected to a drive motor, in a case of known wheel or vehicle speed, the speed of rotation of the power take-off shaft, electronically evaluated through the speed of rotation of the motor, can be made to agree in ratio with the wheel speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Stefan Prebeck, Kurt Schachner, Günter Pilat
  • Publication number: 20110232979
    Abstract: A tractor power take-off drive line having an output shaft (11) with a socket (12) within which a removeable PTO stub shaft (13) is drivingly received. The stub shaft is retained in the socket by radially moveable retaining members (16) housed in the output shaft and moveable between a radially inward retaining position in which the retaining members each projecting into the socket (12) to engage a retaining formation (18) in the stub shaft (13) within the socket and a radially outward releasing position in which the retaining members are free to move radially outwardly relative to the socket to disengage the retaining formation and allow the stub-shaft to be removed from the socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicants: AGCO SA, CLAAS TRACTORS SAS
    Inventors: Guillaume Schulz, Vincent Hedin
  • Patent number: 7891448
    Abstract: Control circuits for a riding lawn mower providing an override condition for selectively allowing the cutting blades of the lawn mower to operate when the vehicle is traveling in reverse. The circuits incorporate a multi-position ignition switch, an override switch, a vehicle reverse switch, a PTO switch and a park brake switch. In one aspect of the invention, the control circuits disable the engine when the vehicle is placed in reverse with the PTO engaged and without the override condition having been established. In another aspect of the invention, an electric PTO clutch is disabled when the vehicle is placed in reverse with the PTO engaged and without the override condition having been established. The override condition is terminated when the ignition switch is moved away from the override position, or when the operator activates the park brake switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignees: MTD Products Inc, Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Onderko, Michael W. Miller, Scott C. Bly, Theodore G. Wetzel
  • Patent number: 7861811
    Abstract: An implement drive arrangement for a wheel axle assembly pivotally connected to a housing. A drive element is supported on the axle for rotation with the wheel generally about the wheel axis. The housing rotatably supports a driven element for rotation about an axis generally fixed in relation to the housing. A free-floating connecting element is rotatably supported between the drive element and the driven element to facilitate relatively unimpeded pivoting of the axle and wheel relative to the housing. The connecting element has two degrees of freedom offset at 90° to one another and aligned radially relative to the axis of rotation to accommodate axle pivoting while assuring smooth transfer of power from the wheel to the driven element as the angular relationship changes between the axle and housing with movement of the wheel over irregular ground surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Rogerio Kroth, Ademar Gelbhar
  • Patent number: 7854281
    Abstract: A PTO clutch for a work vehicle and an operating structure for the PTO clutch includes: a PTO clutch having a clutch member and receiving drive power from an engine; a clutch control mechanically coupled to the clutch member for manually operating the PTO clutch via the clutch member; a PTO brake disposed downstream of the PTO clutch with respect to a direction in which power is transmitted, the PTO brake being movable to a braking position in association with a clutch disengaging operation of the clutch member; and a control retaining device for retaining the clutch control at a clutch disengaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshige Maezawa, Akifumi Nishino, Kenzo Ushiro
  • Patent number: 7775309
    Abstract: There is provided a pump unit including plurality of hydraulic pump bodies respectively fluidly connected to plurality of hydraulic motor bodies, which are disposed away from the pump unit, so as to form closed circuits, the pump unit including: a housing accommodating the plurality of hydraulic pump bodies so that the plurality of hydraulic pump bodies are operatively driven by a common driving source; a charge pump body operatively driven by the driving source; a suction fluid passage fluidly connected to a suction side of the charge pump body; a discharge fluid passage fluidly connected to a discharge side of the charge pump body; a charge passage for replenishing a part of pressurized fluid in the discharge fluid passage into each of the closed circuits; and a working machine operating fluid passage for supplying a part of the pressurized fluid in the discharge fluid passage toward an external hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryota Ohashi, Hironori Sumomozawa, Nobuhisa Kamikawa, Masahisa Kawamura
  • Patent number: 7641008
    Abstract: Described is a utility vehicle, in particular an agricultural tractor, with a front axle (3), which can be driven by a drive element of a first multi-disc clutch (11), connected in a driven manner to the drive train (2) and a power take-off shaft (4) which can be driven by the drive train (2) at speed proportionately to the speed of the vehicle over the ground (ground speed power take-off). In order to keep expenditure low on the control of the disc clutch (11) and the power take-off shaft (4), it is proposed that the power take-off shaft can be driven at a speed proportional to the speed of the vehicle over the ground by a second multi-disc clutch (12) which has a drive element connected in a driven manner to the drive train (2), and that both multi-disc clutches (11, 12) are actuated in common.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: AGCO GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Brenninger, Richard Heindl, Johann Wittman
  • Patent number: 7641415
    Abstract: An automatic locking ball coupler for a power take off includes a ball keeper connected to the power take off and having a longitudinal axis and openings in a cylindrical surface thereof. Locking balls are received in the openings and can move radially with respect to the axis of the cylindrical ball keeper. A ball collar is positioned around the cylindrical ball keeper and has a plurality of internal circumferential rings and recesses between each ring. The ball collar can slide axially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ball keeper between a coupled position in which the locking balls are on the rings and an uncoupled position in which the locking balls are in the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Robert Neil Fox, Brian Richard Clement, Chirstopher Allen Fox
  • Patent number: 7631719
    Abstract: A hybrid drive system for a four-wheel drive system arranged to supply motive power to a first output shaft of a transfer case from an internal combustion engine and to a second output shaft from an electric motor/generator. The transfer case includes a reduction gearset driven by the electric motor/generator, a power take-off unit driven by the reduction gearset, and a disconnect clutch operable for selectively coupling the reduction gearset to the second output shaft. This hybrid drive arrangement permits installation of a modified transfer case in place of a conventional transfer case for use in a traditional four-wheel drive driveline arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventor: David Wenthen
  • Patent number: 7523796
    Abstract: Control circuits for a riding lawn mower. The control circuits provide an override condition for selectively allowing the cutting blades of the lawn mower to operate when the vehicle is traveling in reverse. The circuits incorporate an ignition switch (8), an override switch (80), a vehicle reverse switch (40), and an operator presence switch (12). In one aspect of the invention, the control circuits disable the engine when the vehicle is placed in reverse with the PTO engaged and without the override condition having been established. In another aspect of the invention, an electric PTO clutch (60) is disabled when the vehicle is placed in reverse with the PTO engaged and without the override condition having been established. The override condition is terminated when the vehicle is turned off, or when the operator deactivates the manual override switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventors: Joseph M. Onderko, Michael W. Miller, Scott C. Bly
  • Patent number: 7513322
    Abstract: A control circuit for a lawn tractor having an engine and a power take off driven implement. The control circuit includes an inhibit circuit component for preventing operation of a power take off driven implement with the tractor in reverse. Two versions of the inhibit circuit are disclosed, one grounds an engine magneto and a second disables an electric clutch for coupling the power take off to the driven element. The circuit includes first and second override switches and an override circuit component that allows operation of a power take off driven implement while the lawn tractor is in reverse after the first and second override switches are activated in a proper order by a tractor operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Straka, Arthur James Harvey, Ted Wetzel
  • Patent number: 7484580
    Abstract: The present invention aims at making a transmission casing compact. In the present invention, in the inside of a transmission casing, a traveling-system power transmission mechanism which is interposed between an engine and an axel, a PTO-system power transmission mechanism which is interposed between the engine and a PTO shaft, and a changeover mechanism which is interposed between both power transmission mechanisms are provided, wherein the power transmission of the PTO-system power transmission mechanism is interrupted at a middle portion thereof by the changeover mechanism and, at the same time, the changeover mechanism is allowed to perform a changeover manipulation to connect a downstream side portion of the PTO-system power transmission mechanism and a downstream side portion of the traveling-system power transmission mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuo Yamaguchi, Noboru Yamamoto, Bunei Katagiri, Keiichi Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20080296115
    Abstract: A PTO clutch includes a lubrication shut-off valve that can slide between a first position blocking a port for lubrication oil to lubricate the PTO clutch, and a second position opening the port to lubricate the clutch. A relief valve is provided in the lubrication shut off valve, which opens in response to pressure spikes of activation oil and isolates the pressure spikes from the clutch piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Brian E. Biles, Craig A. Puetz, Chad E. Schoneman
  • Publication number: 20080271817
    Abstract: A tractor has a log splitter installed on two loader arms pivoted at a front end of the tractor. The log splitter includes a frame for attachment to the loader arms. The frame includes a surface, to which a ram and a wedge are coupled. An actuator mounted to the frame moves the ram and/or the wedge to split a log received between the ram and the wedge. The wedge includes a main blade and a cross blade perpendicular to the main blade. An edge of the cross blade is offset from an edge of the main blade so as to reduce the force required to achieve a four-way split of the log. The wedge and the frame are designed to enable inverting the log splitter to grasp a log, then raising the inverted log splitter to split the log directly into a truck bed. The uniquely designed hydraulic tank—ballast box combination provides an owner an external high volume hydraulic system without impeding the capability of the tractor hydraulic system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Dean R. Priebe
  • Patent number: 7431108
    Abstract: An assembly for the selection of the gear ratio of a power take-off shaft gearbox for the drive of a power take-off shaft output of an agricultural vehicle including an actuator for selecting between one of a plurality of gear ratios and a neutral condition. A first input assembly is positioned within an operator's station and is connected to a control assembly for controlling the actuator to allow an operator to select one of the plurality of gear ratios for the power take-off shaft gearbox. A second input assembly is also connected to the control assembly and allows an operator to select one of the plurality of gear ratios for the power take-off shaft gearbox. The second input assembly is positioned at a location remote from the operator's station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Nicolai Tarasinski, Marco Reinards
  • Patent number: 7422078
    Abstract: A control circuit for a lawn tractor having an engine and a power take off driven implement. The control circuit includes an inhibit circuit component for preventing operation of a power take off driven implement with the tractor in reverse. Two versions of the inhibit circuit are disclosed, one grounds an engine magneto and a second disables an electric clutch for coupling the power take off to the driven element. The circuit includes first and second override switches and an override circuit component that allows operation of a power take off driven implement while the lawn tractor is in reverse after the first and second override switches are activated in a proper order by a tractor operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Straka, Arthur James Harvey, Ted Wetzel
  • Patent number: 7419024
    Abstract: A motortrike designed to allow individuals that use a wheelchair to independently operate it. The motortrike comprises a wheelchair frame assembly that secures onto a motorcycle frame, a movable platform assembly a transmission assembly, a power transfer assembly and a rear wheel assembly. An individual in a wheelchair may ride the wheelchair onto the platform assembly and lock the wheelchair thereon. A threshold ramp assembly is mounted to the rear of the platform assembly to minimize the transition from ground level to the platform member. The individual may operate the motortrike as a motor vehicle while transporting the wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Christ Soter Tavantzis
  • Patent number: 7299888
    Abstract: First pump shaft having an input end is on a side opposite PTO shaft in the vehicle width direction with second pump shaft in between. First and second pump shafts are supported by a pair of bearing members respectively provided at second end wall and lid member so as to sandwich the corresponding gear, and center section. Housing has a seal case portion at a portion for supporting an end on a side closed to driving source of the PTO shaft, the seal case portion including a ring-shaped oil distributing chamber for supplying operation oil to a PTO clutch operating oil path formed in the PTO shaft so as to supply the operation fluid to the PTO clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventors: Ryota Ohashi, Hironori Sumomozawa
  • Patent number: 7237633
    Abstract: A control circuit for a lawn tractor having an engine and a power take off driven implement. The control circuit includes an inhibit circuit component for preventing operation of a power take off driven implement with the tractor in reverse. Two versions of the inhibit circuit are disclosed, one grounds an engine magneto and a second disables an electric clutch for coupling the power take off to the driven element. The circuit includes first and second override switches and an override circuit component that allows operation of a power take off driven implement while the lawn tractor is in reverse after the first and second override switches are activated in a proper order by a tractor operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Straka, Arthur James Harvey, Ted Wetzel
  • Patent number: 7131509
    Abstract: A safety system for a riding lawn mower that prevents powered operation of a PTO driven implement while in reverse unless an override switch is “ON”. The override switch may be a sustained action two position switch and the PTO driven implement may be a lawn mower blade. In one embodiment, the override switch does not allow the engine to start if the override switch is on. In one embodiment, the override switch cooperates with an operator presence switch to prevent operation of the PTO driven implement when the override switch is on and the operator is not present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur James Harvey, Theodore G. Wetzel
  • Patent number: 7128177
    Abstract: A safety system for a riding lawn mower that prevents powered operation of a PTO driven implement while in reverse unless an override switch is “ON”. The override switch may be a sustained action two position switch and the PTO driven implement may be a lawn mower blade. In one embodiment, the override switch does not allow the engine to start if the override switch is on. In one embodiment, the override switch cooperates with an operator presence switch to prevent operation of the PTO driven implement when the override switch is on and the operator is not present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur James Harvey, Theodore G. Wetzel
  • Patent number: 7090601
    Abstract: The invention involves an agricultural machine with a drive train to be coupled onto the power take-off shaft of a tractor, with a transmission integrated into the drive train. In these types of agricultural machines it is frequently necessary, after starting at a high torque, to select a lower transmission ratio, so that the agricultural machine can be driven at an optimal speed by an engine to which sufficient power is then still available for the propulsion for the tractor. In order to make this possible, it is proposed, in an agricultural machine of this type, to construct the transmission as a continuously variable conical-disk belt or chain transmission which is preferably fully hydraulic, is coupled with a hydraulic clutch, and has idle-shifting in the starting transmission ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: PIV Drives GmbH
    Inventor: Gert Schönnenbeck
  • Patent number: 7077222
    Abstract: An articulate vehicle has first and second frames, which are coupled to each other at proximal ends thereof with respect to the vehicle through a coupling part so as to be relatively rotatable around a vertical axis according to steering operation. The first and second frames are distributed at front and rear portions of the vehicle. The first frame supports a first transaxle apparatus having first axles, and the second frame supports a second transaxle apparatus having a pair of second axles. A gearbox is disposed near the coupling part and provided with a pair of mutually drivingly connected horizontal shafts which are variable in relative angles thereof around the vertical axis according to steering operation. One of the horizontal shafts is drivingly connected to a power take-off shaft for extracting output power of a speed-changing arrangement in the first transaxle apparatus. The other of the horizontal shafts is drivingly connected to an input shaft of the second transaxle apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Ryota Ohashi
  • Patent number: 7029422
    Abstract: This invention will therefore provide a tool to assist the rig operator in perfecting his/her rig operation skills. Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for minimizing slippage on the drum clutch of a well service rig. A detector senses the motion of the compound when the clutch is initially engaged. If the momentum is above an acceptable level, an alarm sounds, notifying the operator to be smoother with the clutch. A tracking mechanism is disclosed so that a rig supervisor or safety person can critique the operator on the smoothness of the rig operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Key Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic M. Newman, Kevin Northcutt
  • Patent number: 6964310
    Abstract: A multi-wheel-driving vehicle including at least three parallel axles each of which is provided on both ends thereof with respective drive wheels and including power dividing means for permitting the rotary speed among the axles, is improved in its effect of braking so that the braking force of fewer brakes is effectively transmitted to all drive wheels of a vehicle according to a simple braking operation by a driver. The power dividing means, for example, a differential gear unit, includes an input member and a pair of output members, like differential side gears, each of which interlocks with at least one of the axles so as to differentially share a driving force received by the input member between the pair of output members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 6942595
    Abstract: A control system for the drive of a power take-off mechanism on an agricultural tractor that records machine-specific values of the implement attached to the tractor. The drive train between the tractor engine and the power take-off includes a CVT transmission. The control device is connected with a processor via a signal lead for receiving its output signals. The control device is connected for the formation of output signals via input leads with switches, controls, sensors, and actuators for the tractor to read the machine specific parameters of the attached implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Oliver Hrazdera
  • Patent number: 6902017
    Abstract: An articulate vehicle has first and second frames, which are coupled to each other at proximal ends thereof with respect to the vehicle through a coupling part so as to be relatively rotatable around a vertical axis according to steering operation. The first and second frames are distributed at front and rear portions of the vehicle. The first frame supports a first transaxle apparatus having first axles, and the second frame supports a second transaxle apparatus having a pair of second axles. A gearbox is disposed near the coupling part and provided with a pair of mutually drivingly connected horizontal shafts which are variable in relative angles thereof around the vertical axis according to steering operation. One of the horizontal shafts is drivingly connected to a power take-off shaft for extracting output power of a speed-changing arrangement in the first transaxle apparatus. The other of the horizontal shafts is drivingly connected to an input shaft of the second transaxle apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Ryota Ohashi
  • Patent number: 6899190
    Abstract: A hybrid power train for farm tractors, wherein the elements defining at least one of the electric machines are housed in a structural casing formed in one piece. The structural casing forms an integral part of the supporting structure of the tractor in the form of a half-shell open on one side, so as to permit assembly of an insulating element, a stator, and a shaft fitted with a respective rotor to form the electric machine part of the hybrid power train. The diesel engine of the agricultural tractor is mechanically connected to the Power take-off mechanism by routing the PTO shaft through a number of hollow shafts for transmitting power from the diesel engine to and from the two electric machines by means of a conventional epicyclic gear train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Giorgio Bordini
  • Patent number: 6854404
    Abstract: This invention provides devices and methods for adapting a motorcycle for use with an agricultural system. In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural system includes a motorcycle drive unit adapted for removable attachment to a tool assembly. In a further embodiment of the invention, power transmission from the drive unit to a tool assembly drive axle is at reduced speed and increased torque relative to the motorcycle drive unit output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Society for Research and Initiatives for Subtainable Technologies and Institions
    Inventor: Mansukhbhai Ambabhai Jagani