Argicultural-type Tractors Patents (Class 180/900)
  • Patent number: 11293619
    Abstract: A light system having: (a) a plurality of light sources connected to a vehicle and creating light that radiates away from the vehicle so that the light substantially surrounds the vehicle; and (b) one or more sensors that detect light from another light source; and wherein one or more of the plurality of light sources are turned off in a direction of the another light source while some of the plurality of light sources remain on so that a tunnel having a reduction or absence of light is formed in the direction of the another light source between the plurality of light sources that remain on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Brant Potter, Mark Pattison, John Orisich, Ambroise Servantie, Minesh Chaudhari, Frederick Roth
  • Patent number: 9903546
    Abstract: A portable lighting assembly includes a cart that may be rolled along a support surface. A bracket is coupled to the cart. A lighting unit is movably coupled to the bracket. The lighting unit is positioned at a selected orientation with respect to the panel. Thus, the lighting unit may emit light in the selected orientation with respect to the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Inventor: Bruce Parman
  • Patent number: 9555697
    Abstract: An adjustable canopy bracket for adjustably supporting a canopy to a roll bar of a vehicle, including a lower bracket plate securely positionable about a lower portion of a roll bar member of the roll bar; an upper bracket plate securely positionable about an upper portion of the roll bar member, the upper bracket plate engageable with a forward portion of the canopy; and an adjustable height mechanism engageable with a rearward portion of the canopy, the adjustable height mechanism operable with a rearward portion of the upper bracket plate, wherein adjusting the adjustable height mechanism raises and lowers the rearward portion of the canopy to provide a desired angle of the canopy relative to the roll bar member. An adjustable canopy for attaching to a roll bar of a vehicle is also disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: THE CLAUDE PERRY COMPANY
    Inventor: Jerrod Chance Cook
  • Patent number: 9476182
    Abstract: A work vehicle is provided with a vehicle frame, and a support bracket. The vehicle frame includes a first side plate, and a second side plate. The support bracket is arranged spanning the first side plate, and the second side plate. The first joint of the support bracket connects a first lower end of a support bracket body and the first side plate. The first joint extends upward from the side surface of the first side plate. The second joint of the support bracket connects a second lower end of a bracket body and the second side plate. The second joint extends upward from the side surface of the second side plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Junichi Nakanishi, Yosuke Kondo
  • Patent number: 9308816
    Abstract: A fuel tank assembly includes a fuel tank and a coupling assembly for coupling the fuel tank to the underbody of a vehicle. The fuel tank includes a tank body and a plurality of tabs extending from the tank body. Each tab has a tab opening. The coupling assembly includes at least one strap partially surrounding the fuel tank. The strap defines a strap opening. The coupling assembly further includes at least one fastener extending through the strap opening and the tab opening. Further, the coupling assembly includes a compression sleeve partially positioned in the tab opening. The compression sleeve defines a sleeve opening for receiving the fastener. The compression sleeve has a height that is greater than the height of each of the tabs in order to attenuate the transfer of tensile loads from the at least one strap to the tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Basista, Philip A. Yaccarino
  • Patent number: 8974564
    Abstract: A screen cleaning system cleans debris from a material catching screen surrounded by a frame. A hollow vacuum arm which moves over the screen. The arm has a slot in a side which is adjacent to the screen. The arm includes an inner arm pivotally coupled to a duct and an outer arm which movable with respect to the inner arm. The arm is moved by an actuator mechanism which includes a first pulley coupled to a drive shaft, a second pulley coupled to an end of the arm, a belt drivingly coupling the first pulley to the second pulley. The outer arm is slidably coupled to the inner arm and a spring is biased to urge the outer arm radially inwardly. A track is formed by the frame and a roller rides along the track and is rotatably coupled to an end of the outer arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: James M. Hershbarger, Nathan R. Vandike
  • Patent number: 8826508
    Abstract: A system is provided for refitting a tire system on a four-wheel-drive compact tractor which typically comes equipped with a set of industrial tires mounted on standard industrial size wheels. The tractor has a frame size falling within an industry classification of extra large frame, large frame, mid-frame or small frame. A set of replacement agricultural tires or turf tires is provided. The industrial tires are replaced with the replacement agricultural tires or turf tires without changing at least the front wheels on the compact tractor. The replacement tires are selected so as to maintain a front tire overspeed within manufacturer specified ranges for the majority of tractors falling within the industry classification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Allen, Jeffery L. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8764059
    Abstract: A self-moving operating machine with an integrated lateral movement and leveling device, including a chassis having a front part and a rear part, to which a fore axle and a rear axle, both provided with wheels, are constrained, respectively, and including an operating arm having one of its ends constrained to the rear part. The front part and the rear part are articulated to each other by a spherical coupling including two linear actuators, consisting of hydraulic cylinders aimed at operating in mostly vertical directions. A third actuator is rod-wise connected to the front and rear parts, and is aimed at operating according to mostly horizontal directions. The actuators are operated independently. There are provided means designed to measure loads weighing on at least one of the two wheels and to control locking of the rear axle to the rear part upon reaching predetermined limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: C.M.C.S.R.L.—Societa Unipersonale
    Inventor: Giovanni Borghi
  • Patent number: 8752663
    Abstract: There is provided a travel vehicle-mounted engine device in which a particulate filter can be arranged in a highly rigid state in an engine as one of constituent parts of the engine to eliminate the need for taking countermeasures against exhaust gas for each unit of a vehicle or the like to thereby enhance the general purpose use of the engine. The travel vehicle mounted engine device mounted on a travel machine body and covered with a hood is provided with an air cleaner for supplying air to an engine and with a gas cleaning filter for cleaning exhaust gas from the engine. The air cleaner is arranged above an intake manifold on one side of an upper surface of the engine, and the gas cleaning filter is arranged above an exhaust manifold on the other side of the upper surface of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Kimura
  • Patent number: 8752662
    Abstract: A multifunction bin utility apparatus comprises a mobile base, a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted on the mobile base with each of the wheels being rotatable independently of each other to steer movement of the mobile base, a tool mount movable with respect to the mobile base, an arm assembly mounted on the mobile base and configured to move the tool mount with respect to the mobile base, at least one tool attachment mounted on the tool mount, and a control apparatus configured to control movement of the plurality of wheels and the arm assembly with the control apparatus being remotely controllable by a remote control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Jerome Mack
  • Patent number: 8613338
    Abstract: A flat plate nose frame design for a tractor in which a thick, flat structural plate is connected to and forwardly extends from the conventional frame rails of the tractor. The flat plate nose frame design increases vertical clearance under the hood without raising the hood height or reducing ground clearance. The nose plate is contoured to match the exterior contours of the tractor grill and hood eliminating the need for a separate aesthetic component covering the nose plate. The nose plate features a pair of vertically aligned short-height frame plates extending forwardly along the axis from the deep-section frame rails to increase strength in the flat nose plate without significantly increasing vertical height of the nose plate assembly. The flat plate nose frame is capable of withstanding operational loads as well as supporting a weight package or front-mounted implements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: John T. Rasset, Russell V. Stoltman, David S. Booth, Bryan J. Garberg, Carl J. Hagele, Chad A. Bautz, Landon J. Fries
  • Patent number: 8474562
    Abstract: A tractor center control console may be assembled before being mounted on a tractor. The tractor center control console includes a one-piece molded plastic pedestal, an instrument panel, and a steering column assembly that is solely supported by the one-piece plastic pedestal. A removable cowl covers at least part of the one-piece plastic pedestal. Electronic components are housed in the one-piece plastic pedestal and covered by the removable cowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Paul Michael Elhardt, Marlin Lavon Goodnight, Nicholas Michael Toomey
  • Patent number: 8443923
    Abstract: A vibration isolator device securing a nonmetal panel to a metal frame of a work vehicle includes a metal member affixed to a surface of the nonmetal panel, the metal member facing the metal frame. An isolator mount plate is secured to the frame in a manner permitting a predetermined adjustment between the isolator mount plate and the frame in each of two directions. A vibration isolator is positioned between the metal member and the frame. A region of the isolator mount plate is configured to receive and maintain vibration isolation between the region of the isolator mount plate and the metal member, the region of the isolator mount plate providing a predetermined adjustment between the isolator mount plate and the metal member in a third direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Brosz, Logan C. Miller, Mark Allan Renard
  • Patent number: 8408567
    Abstract: A swather tractor has a frame defined by a main tractor frame carrying the cab, engine and drive system, rear axle with castor wheels and a transverse front frame assembly mounted at a front of the main frame. The front rigid frame assembly carries the header and comprises a cross member and a pair of upstanding legs each carrying a front ground wheel hydraulically driven so that steering is controlled by the rate of forward movement of the front wheels. In order to provide improved suspension, the main frame is connected to the front frame assembly by a coupling which allows up and down suspension movement of the main frame relative to the front frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd
    Inventors: Leonard Bergman, James Thomas Dunn
  • Patent number: 8366128
    Abstract: A heavy vehicle comprising at least four mounted assemblies, intended to draw machinery. The properties of the vehicle satisfy the relationship: ( ? ? - ? · ( 1 - ? ) ) 2 + ( ? - h ? · ? 2 ) 2 > ( h ? · ? 2 ) 2 , where, ??=?/L, ? being the turning radius of the vehicle and L being the wheelbase of the vehicle, K is the proportion of the total vertical stiffness under the front axle with respect to the sum of the total vertical stiffnesses under the front and rear axles of the vehicle, ? is the ratio between the forward offset of the center of gravity and the wheelbase, h? is the ratio between the height of the draft line above the level of ground that forms a horizontal plane and the wheelbase of the vehicle, ? is the ratio between the longitudinal component of the resistive force applied by the drawn machinery to the vehicle, and the weight of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Dominique Dessevre
  • Patent number: 8056202
    Abstract: A system is provided for refitting a tire system on a compact tractor which typically comes equipped with a set of industrial tires mounted on standard industrial size wheels. A set of replacement agricultural tires or turf tires is provided. The replacement tires are sized to fit on the standard industrial size wheels while having rolling circumferences substantially equal to rolling circumferences of standard agricultural tires or turf tires, respectively, for the compact tractor in question. The industrial tires are replaced with the replacement agricultural tires or turf tires without changing at least the front wheels on the compact tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Allen, Jeffery L. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8008800
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle including a plurality of engines, a plurality of loads, a plurality of electrical generators, at least one load sensor, at least one electrical energy storage device, and a controller. The plurality of engines include a first engine and a second engine. The plurality of loads include a first mechanical load, a second mechanical load, a first electrical load, and a second electrical load. The first mechanical load is coupled to the first engine and the second mechanical load is coupled to the second engine. The plurality of electrical generator include a first generator and a second generator. The first generator is coupled to the first engine and the second generator is coupled to the second engine. The first generator is electrically coupled to the first electrical load and the second generator is electrically coupled to the second electrical load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Ryan P. Mackin, Alan D. Sheidler
  • Patent number: 7987932
    Abstract: A heavy vehicle, such as a transport vehicle or a “civil engineering” vehicle, of a mass greater than 500 metric tons, fitted with tires of radial structure of a diameter greater than three meters fifty having an axial width greater than 37 inches, and comprising a front axle provided with at least two tires and a rear axle, by which is transmitted at least part of the motive power. The rear axle of the vehicle comprises at least five tires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Pierre Durif
  • Patent number: 7937936
    Abstract: An exhaust component arrangement is provided for an off-road vehicle having an engine, a cab, a transmission connected to the engine, and a fuel tank adjacent the transmission. A portion of the fuel tank is positioned below a portion of the cab. The exhaust component arrangement includes a particulate filter unit, a NOx reduction unit, and an oxidation catalyst unit, all connected in series. The fuel tank has a recess formed in an upper surface thereof. A lower portion of one of the units is received in the recess. Preferably, a lower portion of the NOx reduction unit is received in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Robert James Recker, Christopher Adam Bering, Kirby Jon Baumgard
  • Patent number: 7926387
    Abstract: A change-speed control system is provided for a utility vehicle having a stepless change-speed apparatus for speed-changing an engine output and transmitting the speed-changed output to a traveling unit. The system includes an engine speed governor for adjusting speed of the engine, an accelerator controller and a change-speed control linkage device for providing operative displacements in the stepless change-speed apparatus and the engine speed governor in association with an operation of the accelerator controller. The change-speed control linkage device sets an operation amount for the stepless change-speed apparatus and an operation amount for the engine speed governor in correlation with the operation amount of the accelerator controller, such that an acceleration ratio for the engine speed is greater than an acceleration ratio for the stepless change-speed apparatus until the engine reaches a predetermined speed and also the stepless change-speed apparatus reaches a predetermined speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Horiuchi, Yasunobu Nakatani, Hiroki Bessho, Norimi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7886862
    Abstract: A prime mover control device of a construction machine includes a hydraulic pump (24) driven by a prime mover (10), an actuator (5) driven with pressure oil discharged from the hydraulic pump (24), and a control valve (25) that controls a flow of the pressure oil from the hydraulic pump (24) to the actuator (5) in response to an operation of a first operating member (22a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Tatsuno, Hidetoshi Satake, Kazuhiro Ichimura
  • Patent number: 7878278
    Abstract: Presented is a heavy vehicle, such as a transport vehicle or civil engineering vehicle, of a mass greater than 500 metric tons and operable to generate a motive power. The vehicle includes tires of radial structure having a diameter greater than 3.5 meters, a front axle coupled to at least two tires, and at least one rear axle coupled to at least two tires and by which is transmitted at least part of the motive power. At least one of the axles includes at least four tires associated in pairs symmetrically on either side of the axle, and two associated tires have different axial widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Chamaillard, Pierre Durif
  • Patent number: 7874391
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes front and rear wheel assemblies, a frame supported on the front and rear wheel assemblies, and an operator compartment supported on the frame and having operator controls. The frame includes a central, tubular frame member having a front end portion and a rear end portion. An engine is supported on the frame for providing power to the front and rear wheel assemblies. A cooling assembly mounted above the engine. An attachment arm is attached to the front portion of the frame and a rear interface mount is rigidly attached to the rear portion of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Dahl, Shawn R. Ellefson, Matthew J. Kaldor, Warren M. Schatz, Thomas J. Tokach
  • Patent number: 7837207
    Abstract: A machine, such as a mobile asset, vehicle, or agricultural vehicle, includes a chassis, an adjustment system, and a wheel. The adjustment system replaces a conventional non-extendable leg connected between the chassis and the wheel of the machine. The adjustment system can extend and withdraw in length, such that the height of the machine can vary as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Randy Kremmin, Casey Steffensen
  • Patent number: 7775151
    Abstract: In a hydraulic lift structure formed by arranging a hydraulic cylinder case internally provided with a hydraulic cylinder for moving up and down a working machine (a rotary power tiller) in an upper portion of a transmission case of a working vehicle, an oil reservoir of a working fluid for the hydraulic cylinder is provided in a boundary portion between the transmission case and the hydraulic cylinder case in such a manner as to be isolated from an inner portion of the transmission case. The hydraulic lift structure which prevents a malfunction of a hydraulic cylinder or the like and improves a supplying and discharging efficiency of a working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7748485
    Abstract: An upper frame for construction equipment mounted to swing on a lower driving structure is provided, in which fixing pins for supporting a boom and a boom cylinder are coupled to left and right side plates that are welded on a base plate to face each other, and a plate-shaped joint connection plate is welded on the left and right side plates and the base plate, so as to support the left and right side plates by exhibiting the rigidity and flexibility against load being transferred to the fixing pins through a working device during working.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventors: Jin Woo Lee, Jai Wook Shin, Kyoung Cheol Hong
  • Patent number: 7641234
    Abstract: A ride-on turf mowing machine rollover protection assembly consisting of a mower chassis having left: and right main rails and having a plurality of cross rails spanning between the left and right main rails; left and right upwardly opening quills; a first plurality of welds rigidly interconnecting the left main rail and the left upwardly opening quill; a second plurality of welds rigidly interconnecting the right main rail and the right upwardly opening quill; a roll bar having left and right legs, each leg having a lower end, the lower ends of the left and right legs being respectively closely fitted for nesting extension into the left and right upwardly opening quills; and a plurality of helically threaded bolt, nut, and double shear eye combinations removably mounting the lower ends of the left and right legs of the roll bar within the left and right upwardly opening quills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Femco, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony G. Pelnar
  • Patent number: 7631716
    Abstract: Cotton harvester frame structure includes main structural members elevated to approximately cab floor level and extending horizontally rearwardly in a planar fashion over the engine compartment and the rear axle. The structural members attach to the central portion of the rear axle to provide added clearance for larger wheels and tires. The single elevated plane of the main frame structure provides simplified attachment of a power module including a transversely mounted engine. Access areas under the main structural members are of sufficient minimum width and height to allow an operator or an assembler to stand fairly erect while accessing most areas of the power module and a harvester fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Robert Fox, Michael Lee Pearson, Robert Matthew Bares
  • Patent number: 7500410
    Abstract: A transmission for a tractor having a change speed device operable when an engine and the transmission are connected to transmit, in varied speeds, power from the engine to a driving wheel, a main drive shaft for receiving power from the engine when the engine and the transmission are connected, and a reverse and forward drive switching device disposed between the engine and the change speed device operable to switch a direction of rotation of power from the engine. The reverse and forward drive switching device being shiftable between a high-speed forward drive position, a low-speed forward drive position, and a reverse drive position, and including a high-speed forward drive clutch, a low-speed forward drive clutch, and a reverse drive clutch wherein each clutch is mounted on the main drive shaft for switching the reverse and forward drive switching device to each respective clutch drive position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichiro Tsuji
  • Patent number: 7464782
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a fuel tank is supported by the front surface of an operator's cabin. A center frame fixed to a body is coupled to the fuel tank via an external-force transmission part. The external-force transmission part permits vertical movement of the cabin relative to the center frame, while regulating lateral movement of the cabin relative to the center frame when an external force greater than a predetermined value is applied to the cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Kenkichi Hirakawa, Tsutomu Toiguchi
  • Patent number: 7431113
    Abstract: The agricultural machine has at least one energy producer (19); at least one energy storage device; at least one working unit (2, 4, 7, 8, 15, 16, 17) driven by the at least one energy producer (19) and at least one electric drive unit (20) associated with the at least one energy producer (19). The at least one electric drive unit (20) controls the energy supply of the at least one working unit (2, 4, 7, 8, 15, 16, 17) according to energy requirements of the at least one working unit (2, 4, 7, 8, 15, 16, 17) since it supplies energy to or takes it from the at least one energy storage device (29) as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Claas Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Deppe
  • Patent number: 7374256
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle is disclosed having ancillary equipment that may be raised and lowered relative to the ground with consequential changing of the position of the center of gravity of the vehicle and having a hydraulic braking system comprising a master cylinder and a slave cylinder. The braking system further includes a pressure relief valve for limiting the hydraulic pressure applied to the slave cylinder only when the vehicle is in road mode. This ensures that the braking force does not exceed a safe limit below which the vehicle does not risk toppling forwards when braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Vandendriessche, Stephan P. G. Deneir, Tom A De Lathauwer, Willy F Rogiers
  • Patent number: 7178884
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle is disclosed having ancillary equipment that may be raised and lowered relative to the ground with consequential changing of the position of the center of gravity of the vehicle and having a hydraulic braking system comprising a master cylinder and a slave cylinder. The braking system further includes a pressure relief valve for limiting the hydraulic pressure applied to the slave cylinder only when the vehicle is in road mode. This ensures that the braking force does not exceed a safe limit below which the vehicle does not risk toppling forwards when braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Vandendriessche, Stephan P. G. Deneir, Tom A. De Lathauwer, Willy F. Rogiers
  • Patent number: 7131651
    Abstract: A chassis is described which is constructed of two lower side frames which at each end are provided with a wheel or caterpillar track. On each of the two lower side members, there is a horizontal bearing. Each of these bearings are connected to an upper vertical side member which at their upper end is connected to two parallel cross members through horizontal bearings for the development of a parallelogram connection. Between the lower and upper side members, there are two double-acting hydraulic cylinders. These can be connected in parallel in order to make a weight distribution possible. By means of a regulation valve between pressure side and suction side, respectively, on the double-acting hydraulic cylinders the upper part of the chassis can swing back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the side members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: Niels Kjaer Laursen
  • Patent number: 7089824
    Abstract: A traveling transmission apparatus for a work vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a stepless change-speed unit receiving power from an engine, a gear transmission mechanism receiving power from the stepless change-speed unit and disposed rearwardly of the engine, a rear-wheel differential mechanism receiving power from the gear transmission mechanism and disposed rearwardly of the engine, and a transmission case accommodating the gear transmission mechanism and the rear-wheel differential mechanism and coupled to the rear of the engine. The stepless change-speed unit is disposed rearwardly of the gear transmission mechanism and rearwardly also of an output shaft of the rear-wheel differential mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunobu Nakatani, Yoshifumi Horiuchi
  • 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: 6930591
    Abstract: An anti-theft system for construction machines, comprising a memory which stores, as machine-side identification information, first identification information allocated construction machine by construction machine and second identification information allocated in common to plural construction machines, a first collating medium having the same identification information as the first identification information, a second collating medium having the same identification information as the second identification information, a collator which collates the identification information of the first or the second collating medium with the machine-side identification information, and an operation controller which cancels the inhibit of operation of the construction machine concerned when there is obtained a coincident collation result by the collator. With this anti-theft system, an owner of construction machines can manage the construction machines by only one type of a collating medium while preventing theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiko Asakage, Hisashi Kadowaki, Norihiko Hayashi, Hitoshi Hidaka
  • Patent number: 6915873
    Abstract: A suspended drive axle and agricultural tractor having same including a central housing having inboard final drives and left and right axle housing suspended therefrom by upper and lower control arms with axle shafts extending outwardly therefrom to which wheel and tire assemblies are mounted. A constant velocity universal joint is provided between the inboard final drives and the axle shafts. The universal joint having a pair of journal members and a coupling yoke that radially surround the drive and driven yokes of the joint whereby the axial length of the universal joint is minimized to enable the wheels to be located on the axle shafts at 60 inch tread spacing. This allows the drive axle to be used on a row crop tractor without altering the structure of the vehicle from a conventional row crop tractor whereby the characteristics of a row crop tractor are maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Terrill Wayne Woods, Dennis Aaron Bowman, Mervin Peter Kizlyk, Norman Frederick Lemmon, Kendall Lee Giesmann, Aaron James Peterson, George Nick Schmitz, Peter Alan Kosmicki, Joe L. Schutte, William Guy Alexander, Christopher Alan Schafer, Dennis Lee Jeffries, Jeffrey Kahle Brown
  • Patent number: 6779623
    Abstract: A suspended drive axle and agricultural tractor having same including a central housing having inboard final drives and left and right axle housing suspended therefrom by upper and lower control arms with axle shafts extending outwardly therefrom to which wheel and tire assemblies are mounted. A constant velocity universal joint is provided between the inboard final drives and the axle shafts. The universal joint having a pair of journal members and a coupling yoke that radially surround the drive and driven yokes of the joint whereby the axial length of the universal joint is minimized to enable the wheels to be located on the axle shafts at 60 inch tread spacing. This allows the drive axle to be used on a row crop tractor without altering the structure of the vehicle from a conventional row crop tractor whereby the characteristics of a row crop tractor are maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Terrill Wayne Woods, Dennis Aaron Bowman, Mervin Peter Kizlyk, Norman Frederick Lemmon, Kendall Lee Giesmann, Aaron James Peterson, George Nick Schmitz, Peter Alan Kosmicki, Joe L. Schutte, William Guy Alexander, Christopher Alan Schafer, Dennis Lee Jeffries, Jeffrey Kahle Brown
  • Patent number: 6758112
    Abstract: In a power transmission arrangement, a working unit includes a hydraulic power unit and a valve unit enclosed in a first bulging portion of a transmission case closer to an upper side or on a top surface thereof and connected with each other along a vehicle lengthwise direction. The first bulging portion is closer to a first lateral side along the vehicle width direction of the transmission case, while a hydraulic pump is located closer to a second lateral side. Hydraulic fluid is drawn from the transmission case, around a lower side of the hydraulic pump, through a suction port thereof, and discharged to a suction port of the valve unit. The hydraulic power unit includes a cylinder tube and piston, extending in the lengthwise direction, and support shaft, extending along the width direction, which is supported by the transmission case and connected to a lift arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventors: Norihiro Ishii, Hirohiko Kawada, Hideki Kanenobu, Hiroshi Tottori, Kentaro Nagata
  • Patent number: 6752228
    Abstract: A tractor with a cab disposed rearwardly of a hood, the cab being mounted on a tractor body (T) including a body forming unit, the cab including a bottom wall defining left and right footrests. The cab has a total length larger than a total height thereof. The cab is arranged to have the footrests substantially level with a lower end of the body forming unit. The cab has an intermediate height level (x) lower than a height level of the hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Aoyama, Seiichi Ishiizumi, Katsumi Yanagihara, Kuninosuke Iwata, Norihide Iwata, Takahiro Komine, Yutaka Inubushi, Shigeo Shoen
  • Patent number: 6502840
    Abstract: A suspension linkage for an axle has hard mechanical oscillation stops that move relative to the vehicle frame as the axle travels vertically. The linkage uses thrust bearings to eliminate sideways movement of the axle that causes bounce steer. The linkage is a scissors linkage, having an upper link and a lower link joined together at a center pivot. The hard mechanical oscillation stops are carried by the linkage, as opposed to the vehicle frame, and thus move vertically with the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Jeffery Michael Leyonhjelm, Lyal Douglas Allen, James Arthur Nagorcka
  • Patent number: 6491129
    Abstract: An agricultural tractor having a rear suspension with draft compensating geometry to control the compression or extension of the rear suspension in response to a draft load. The draft compensating suspension enables the tractor hitch to be mounted on the suspended frame or chassis of the tractor rather than mounting the hitch to a non-suspended beam axle or locking out the suspension during draft work. The draft load is applied to the chassis by a ground engaging implement. The tractive load and torque at the rear wheels are reacted through the side view instantaneous center of the rear suspension. The placement of the instantaneous center will determine the suspension reaction to the wheel load and torque. Locating the suspension instantaneous center on a line of 100% draft-compensation will eliminate the motion of the suspension due to the draft load. If the instantaneous center is located below the 100% draft-compensation line, the suspension will compress under a draft load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Donald Eugene Young, Ronnie Franklin Burk
  • Patent number: 6460643
    Abstract: A high clearance farm tractor is capable of accepting different front attachments to enable it to operate as either a swather or a sprayer. The front and rear sections of the vehicle's chassis are connected by an articulating oscillating joint which permits the vehicle's rear wheels to follow the path of the front wheels while turning thereby reducing damage to crops. The oscillating nature of the joint improves traction by allowing the wheels to always have full contact with the ground. A rear mounted engine counterbalances the weight of a front mounted attachment such as a swather head. The mounting of the cab on the front section of the vehicle away from the engine reduces noise experienced by the operator and permits the operator to have a direct line of sight to the operation of the vehicle. The use of active suspension and chemical application rates permit the vehicle to be transported and operated at higher speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Wilfred J. Degelman
  • Patent number: 6454294
    Abstract: A high clearance vehicle includes a walking beam frame and an independent suspension. The frame consists of a main frame, A-shaped frames, a main truss, leg braces, and an axle. Pins which are used to join each A-shaped frame and leg braces to the main truss act as pivot points, as does the pin that attaches the axle to the main frame. Each leg brace may connect to each A-shaped frame by an elastic member to provide the independent suspension. Legs are at each corner of the frame. At the bottom of each leg is a wheel hub mount with a wheel drive assembly operably connected to a wheel for propelling the vehicle. At the top of the front legs are tapered kingpins which carry segmented thrust washers having a knob and receiving portion. A boom having extension arms and spray nozzles may also be attached. The walking beam frame may include a crab steering device which shifts the rear axle off-center so that the vehicle dog legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Miller St. Nazianz
    Inventors: Roy A. Bittner, Marcus J. Ridenour, Richard E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 6237957
    Abstract: A tractor having an engine disposed in a front position, a transmission case disposed in a rear position, and a main frame for interconnecting the engine and transmission case. Reinforcing frames are attached to opposite side surfaces of the main frame. The reinforcing frames are shaped to accommodate a mid-mount mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Takekata, Akifumi Nishino, Kiyokazu Nakanishi, Toshiyuki Hamamoto
  • Patent number: 6213218
    Abstract: A sod laying self propelled apparatus having a mobile frame mounted on front and rear wheels. The frame has front and rear sections that are articulated to allow the wheels to follow rough terrain. The frame front section has a U-shaped opening to allow receipt of a roll of sod therein without lifting the roll. The frame includes sod lifting arms with a two way hydraulic cylinder to raise the roll once in the roll is in the opening and in such a manner as to generally evenly distribute weight of the roll to each of the wheels. The front wheels are swingable between outside and inside positions relative to front frame arms to change the configuration thereof and include a locking mechanism to lock the configuration. The sod lifting arms are also engageable with a cross bar on a transport truck to allow the apparatus to be rotated relative to the sod raising arms and lifted from the ground for transport. A removable forklift is mountable on the frame for removing sod from a transport truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Donald R. Miller
  • Patent number: 6202779
    Abstract: A mower having a cruise control system is provided. The mower includes a frame, a plurality of wheels including at least a first drive wheel operatively supported by the frame, an engine operatively mounted to the frame, a mower deck operatively connected to the frame, and a drive system for use in transferring power from the engine to the at least first drive wheel. The drive system includes an accelerator pedal fixedly connected to an accelerator rod. The cruise control system mechanically locks the accelerator pedal and accelerator rod in place. This permits the operator to release all pressure from the accelerator pedal (resting the foot of the operator) while maintaining the accelerator pedal in any predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: MTO Products Inc.
    Inventor: Carl Musat
  • Patent number: 6053517
    Abstract: A mud flap support for a tractor allows the wheels to be steered while maintaining the attitude of the mud flap constant. The support has three elements with a preloaded spring between the axle and one of the elements of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Lodi Luigi & Figli S.r.l.
    Inventors: Enzo Lodi, Elios Lodi
  • Patent number: 5945917
    Abstract: A swathing guidance display for accurately guiding and navigating an agricultural product application vehicle is described. The invention aids in precision guidance of the application of agricultural products such as fertilizers and herbicides to reduce application overlap. The invention further provides assistance in planting operations without requiring the use of traditional markers, provides parallel swath guidance of an agricultural product application vehicle, and provides an apparatus which providing a vector for navigating an agricultural product application vehicle to a desired application location. The swathing guidance device includes a circular display having a plurality of illuminating radial vectors to indicate the direction of the desired course and course correction. Both guidance and navigational functions are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Rockwell International
    Inventor: Scott E. Harry