With Gate Means Patents (Class 414/519)
  • Patent number: 11917936
    Abstract: An agitating system of an agricultural system includes a brace configured to couple to a sub-hopper of the agricultural system and a support configured to engage the brace and to support a shaft within the sub-hopper. The support includes a support piece having a first portion configured to receive the shaft and the brace has a recess configured to receive the first portion of the support piece while the support is in an installed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jesse Blair Pidwerbesky
  • Patent number: 10544614
    Abstract: A mechanism for precisely controlling a slide gate to provide certain and secure location of a sliding gate in a path of flowable dry bulk material, the mechanism including a rack and pinon gear with a shaft with a diameter hole therethrough for receiving a pin therethrough when the sliding gate is in a desired position. The swing arm is configured to inhibit removal of the pin and thereby prevent unwanted movement of the gate from the desired position. The swing arm is configured for selectively prohibiting accidental and/or intentional but unauthorized removal of the pin depending upon types of objects being placed through the open hole in the swing arm and the first fixed arm open hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Inventor: Karl W Nolin
  • Patent number: 10537067
    Abstract: An agricultural baler includes a baler mechanism and a carriage assembly. The carriage assembly is coupled to the baler mechanism. The carriage assembly includes a fixed section and at least one extending section. The extending section is extendable in a direction generally normal to the direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Timothy J Kraus, Henry D Anstey
  • Patent number: 9049817
    Abstract: A control system for an unload drive system of a combine and a method for controlling an unload drive system of a combine by sensing a force on an unload auger. The combine includes a grain tank for storing grain and at least one auger for unloading grain from the grain tank. The combine includes at least one movable auger cover coupled to the grain tank for controlling the amount of grain to flow into the at least one auger. The control system includes at least one sensor for sensing a force on the unload drive system and a controller for receiving at least one force condition from the at least one sensor representing the sensed force on the unload drive system and causing the at least one movable auger cover to move based on the sensed force condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: William Mark McCully, Clayton E. Banks, Jr., Nathan C. Grotelueschen
  • Publication number: 20140356116
    Abstract: An accessibility system for providing access into or out of a vehicle includes a pan defining a securement area. The pan includes a first end, a second end, and a support surface. A ramp assembly includes a first segment and a second segment hingedly coupled to the first segment. The ramp assembly is pivotally coupled to and deployable from the pan near the second end. A tailgate assembly is detachably secured and pivotally coupled to the pan such that during deployment of the ramp assembly, the ramp assembly is pivotable about a first axis and the tailgate assembly is pivotable about a second axis parallel to and offset from the first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Hermanson, Aaron E. Kiser, Justin Kline
  • Patent number: 8800825
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that provide a specific volumetric output (e.g., product feed and discharge) of a material. In some implementations, these systems and methods are particularly suited for use with strand-type materials, namely, materials having difficult handling characteristics. For some implementations, a specific pile depth and width of a material is created on a moving belt to provide a specific volumetric output based on the speed of the belt. One or more leveling drums can be used to make the pile depth consistent. Moreover, a weighing system can be provided that is used in combination with the metering mechanism and other components (e.g., a control system) to create a “weight-loss” type weigh feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Acrison, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J Ricciardi, Sr., Paul Matarazzo, Marc S. Landry
  • Patent number: 8747195
    Abstract: An agricultural combine with a plurality of grain tanks and an unloader system for unloading grain harvested by the combine. The unloader system has an unloader tube, a sensor and a controller. The unloader tube includes an interior passageway with a conveyor inside the interior passageway for moving the grain through the unloader tube and at least two discharge assemblies on the unloader tube for discharging grain traveling through the unloader tube to one of the plurality of grain tanks. The sensor is used for sensing an attribute of the grain that is to be unloaded through the unloader tube. The controller is operatively connected to and in communication with the unloader system and sensor so as to discharge the grain from the unloader tube through one of the at least two discharge assemblies based upon the attribute detected by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Eugene Ricketts, Kevin Scott Richman, Robert A Matousek
  • Patent number: 8366372
    Abstract: An unloading conveyor apparatus and system for an agricultural harvester including a spout controllably directable for enabling distributing grain in a desired manner within a region of a receiving storage container, or a transporting truck, wagon, or other vehicle, and configurable as a closure for the conveyor for preventing entry of contaminants and the like. The spout can advantageously extend both the distance and range of variability of grain delivery location, and the free end of the spout can include a cover for improving grain delivery accuracy and wind resistance, and a break open feature to prevent damage. The spout can also be rotatable laterally about the end of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Denver R. Yoder, Andrew J. Horst
  • Publication number: 20120189417
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, a baler with a bale clear indicator is provided. A passive bale ramp may be configured to deposit a bale clear of the path of a tailgate of the baler. One or more sensors may be used to determine the position of the passive ramp and whether a bale is clear of the ramp and the tailgate path and an indicator provided to notify an operator that the bale is clear. In one embodiment a bale up sensor is used to determine the position of the passive bale ramp. In another example embodiment, a ramp down sensor is used. In another example embodiment, a bale up sensor and bale down sensor are used to determine the position of the passive ramp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: AGCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Cedric J. Blough
  • Publication number: 20120062009
    Abstract: A vehicle cargo loading rail system includes inner vehicle rail portions connected to vehicle structure. Connecting rail portions have a rotatable connecting joint to rotatably connect the connecting rail portions to one of the inner vehicle rail portions. Step mounted rail portions are connected to a door rotatably connected to the vehicle and rotatable between closed and open conditions. The step mounted rail portions have a longitudinal slot. A roller fitting assembly is connected to the connecting rail portions and slidably received in the longitudinal slot. A trolley member is movable on a continuous rail surface created when the door is open having vehicle rail portion ends contacting connecting rail portion first ends, and connecting rail portion second ends in contact with step mounted rail portion ends. A trolley member cavity receives a support post of a member loaded into the vehicle by movement on the continuous rail surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: MILTON MANUFACTURING INC.
    Inventors: David C. Frey, Jay W. Winborn, Linda G. Tucker, William K. Fletcher
  • Publication number: 20110188979
    Abstract: A vehicle can include a chassis, a combination body pivotally secured to the chassis, a conveyor assembly disposed within the body and adapted to convey materials stored within the body out therefrom, and a tailgate attached to the body. The body includes a front end, an open rear end, and first and second side walls extending therebetween. A rear body superstructure extends around the rear end of the body to reinforce and strengthen the rear end of the body. The conveyor assembly includes a conveyor shaft assembly that allows for easy removal and installation of conveyor shafts and accompanying parts. A tailgate chute is removably mounted to the tailgate via a pair of mounting hooks and a mounting bar extending across an opening of the tailgate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: HENDERSON PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Ketels, Mark S. Hollinrake, Daniel J. Banyas, Glenn L. Ungerer, Mart E. Ward
  • Patent number: 7938613
    Abstract: An unloading conveyor apparatus and system for an agricultural harvester including a spout controllably directable for enabling distributing grain in a desired manner within a region of a receiving storage container, or a transporting truck, wagon, or other vehicle, and configurable as a closure for the conveyor for preventing entry of contaminants and the like. The spout can advantageously extend both the distance and range of variability of grain delivery location, and the free end of the spout can include a cover for improving grain delivery accuracy and wind resistance, and a break open feature to prevent damage. The spout can also be rotatable laterally about the end of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Denver R. Yoder, Andrew J. Horst
  • Publication number: 20110029205
    Abstract: An unloading system for an agricultural harvesting machine for reducing grain loss by detaining a grain saver door after movement to a fully open position during the unloading process, and by rapidly returning the door to a closed position with sufficient force for urging grain in the door area back into an unloading tube a predetermined time after the unloading process pauses or ceases. The system can advantageously detain the door in the open position in the presence of varying or reduced amounts of grain for increasing consistency and cohesiveness in the flow discharging grain and reduce the amount of grain remaining near a discharge end of the unloading tube when the door is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Ricketts, Jason L. Shonk, Kevin F Knapp
  • Patent number: 7878751
    Abstract: A rear eject body for a truck is provided. The body includes a floor and a pair of opposing sidewalls. A tailgate extends between the opposing sidewalls at a rear end of the rear eject body. The tailgate is pivotally supported for movement between an open position and a closed position. An ejector is supported in the rear eject body for movement between a retracted position at a forward end of the body and an extended position at the rear end of the body. A tailgate actuation assembly moves the tailgate between the open and closed positions in response to movement of the ejector between the retracted and extended positions. An ejector guide assembly includes sleds that slide in guide tracks to thereby guide the ejector as the ejector moves between the retracted and extended positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: LeRoy G. Hagenbuch
  • Patent number: 7862286
    Abstract: An unloading system for an agricultural harvester, includes a grain tank (16); a door (56) at the outlet of the grain tank (16) that is disposed to control the flow of grain out of the grain tank (16); a door actuator (84) coupled to the door (56) that is disposed to open and close the door; a first conveyor (30) disposed to receive grain passing through the door (56); a first conveyor drive motor (80) coupled to the first conveyor (30) to drive the first conveyor (30); a control circuit (72) coupled to both the door actuator (84) and the first conveyor drive motor (80), the control circuit (72) being configured to close the door (56) prior to shutting off the first conveyor (30) in response to an operator command to shut down the unloading system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Ryan Patrick Mackin, Daniel James Burke, Bruce Alan Coers, Mark Charles Depoorter
  • Publication number: 20100275563
    Abstract: An unloading system for an agricultural harvester, includes a grain tank (16); a door (56) at the outlet of the grain tank (16) that is disposed to control the flow of grain out of the grain tank (16); a door actuator (84) coupled to the door (56) that is disposed to open and close the door; a first conveyor (30) disposed to receive grain passing through the door (56); a first conveyor drive motor (80) coupled to the first conveyor (30) to drive the first conveyor (30); a control circuit (72) coupled to both the door actuator (84) and the first conveyor drive motor (80), the control circuit (72) being configured to close the door (56) prior to shutting off the first conveyor (30) in response to an operator command to shut down the unloading system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Ryan Patrick Mackin, Danial James Burla, Bruce Alan Coers, Mark Charles Depoorter
  • Publication number: 20100266377
    Abstract: An unloading conveyor apparatus and system for an agricultural harvester including a spout controllably directable for enabling distributing grain in a desired manner within a region of a receiving storage container, or a transporting truck, wagon, or other vehicle, and configurable as a closure for the conveyor for preventing entry of contaminants and the like. The spout can advantageously extend both the distance and range of variability of grain delivery location, and the free end of the spout can include a cover for improving grain delivery accuracy and wind resistance, and a break open feature to prevent damage. The spout can also be rotatable laterally about the end of the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Denver R. Yoder
  • Publication number: 20090321154
    Abstract: A grain cart is provided having a plurality of moveable devices positioned thereon which are hydraulically controlled. A manifold is mounted to the grain cart and hydraulically connected to more than one of the plurality of moveable devices. A remote control is provided in communication with the manifold to hydraulically control movement of the moveable devices hydraulically connected to the manifold. A remote control for controlling functions of a grain cart and a method of assembling of a control assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Michael R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7530777
    Abstract: A safety interlock system is disclosed that can be selectively actuated to prevent or enable access to a conveyor mechanism of a spreader. When actuated to prevent access, the safety interlock prevents a top cover from moving to a position that allows access to the conveyor through an open top of the trough and prevents a hopper door from moving to an opened position wherein an operator can access the conveyor mechanism through a bottom opening of the trough. The safety interlock system can be configured such that a hydraulic drive motor is disconnected from the conveyor mechanism before allowing the top cover and the door to move to positions providing access to the conveyor mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Henderson Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Bill Hintzsche, Mark Hollinrake
  • Patent number: 6908380
    Abstract: A hinged unloading auger for an agricultural combine that reduces the portion of the unloading auger that extends beyond the rear end of the combine when the unloading auger is in its storage position. The horizontal section of the unloading auger includes a hinged joint that connects a first segment and a second segment. In the storage position, the joint is separated to provide a compact storage package. In the unloading position, the second segment is rotated around the hinge so that the axes of the first and second segments are coaxial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Dennis P. Silver
  • Patent number: 6893202
    Abstract: A two-wheeled hoppered cart is particularly adapted to receive crop from a combine and transfer same to another transport vehicle with an unloading conveyor, and to conveniently transport products to an air-seeder cart. The frame comprises a rear frame portion supporting the hoppered container, and a front frame portion extending forward and down from the rear frame portion to a hitch. A port with a gate is located below the rear frame, and a pair of wheels is mounted on the frame such that the rotational axis is located below the rear frame portion and rearward of the port. An access area below the port, ahead of the port, and to the first side of the port, is unobstructed. An intake hopper of a conventional air-seeder cart filling conveyor can be positioned under the port with the filling conveyor in front of the wheel on the first side of the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Bourgault Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeff Hunt
  • Patent number: 6881022
    Abstract: A combined dump truck and spreader apparatus is disclosed for selectively dumping and spreading materials. The apparatus includes a truck chassis and a body for receiving and dispensing the materials. The body has a first and a second end and a first and second curved side wall. The body is secured to the chassis and a tailgate is secured to the first end of the body. An auger arrangement is disposed within the body and extends between the first and second ends thereof for transporting the materials along the body. The tailgate defines an opening which co-operates with the auger arrangement for permitting the flow therethrough of the materials. The arrangement is such that selective spreading and dumping of the materials from the opening is permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignees: Cives Corporation, Monroe Truck Equipment Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Feller
  • Patent number: 6866465
    Abstract: Wheels, endless treads, or articulating legs powered by a first drive mechanism support a chassis for movement along a support surface over which are spread one or more regular or irregular shaped objects. A transversely extending, forwardly opening receptacle is mounted to the chassis for receiving and holding the objects. The receptacle is movable by a second drive mechanism about a substantially horizontal axis between a lowered collecting position and a raised dumping position for dispensing collected objects into a collection bin. Working together a pair of sweeper gates mounted at opposite ends of the receptacle can be rotated by a third drive mechanism about respective vertical axes between fully open and fully closed positions. The sweeper gates entrap and pull objects into the receptacle when they are within a predetermined proximity of the receptacle. A remote control allows an operator to control the first, second and third drive mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventors: John M. Jester, George Jemmott
  • Patent number: 6767173
    Abstract: The compact tailgate lifter includes a pair of lifting assemblies. A first lifting assembly is attached to one side wall of a dump box. A second lifting assembly is attached to the other side wall of the dump box. The first and second lifting assemblies are attached to opposing ends of a tailgate. Each lifting assembly includes a base, pivot arm, tailgate plate, actuation device, and a plurality of pins. The tailgate plate is removably retained within the pivoting arm. A rear of the pivoting arm is pivotally attached to a rear of the base. One end of the actuation device is pivotally attached to a rear of the base and the other end thereof is pivotally attached to a front of the pivoting arm. Extension of each actuation device will lift the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Raymond Scott Sunila
  • Patent number: 6761525
    Abstract: A vehicle including a combination body for selectively dumping and spreading materials. The vehicle includes, at least, a chassis and a body pivotably secured to the chassis at a hinge. The body is comprised of front and rear ends having upper and lower edges and first and second side walls having lower edges. A hoist is provided which extends between the body and the chassis for pivoting the body about the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Henderson Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Mark Stephen Hollinrake, Timothy Ray Schenk, David Alan Cabalka, Terry J. Sommerfelt, Thomas E. Amthauer, Marc E. Cabalka, Mart E. Ward
  • Patent number: 6598629
    Abstract: A sandbagging manufacturing apparatus designed to be used with standard sanding trucks normally used with a broadcast spreader. The truck includes a large hopper with a hydraulically controlled conveyor belt located longitudinally inside the large hopper that delivers sand to a rear opening. Located below the rear opening is rigid framework used to hold the broadcast spreader. The apparatus includes a small hopper selectively attached to the framework below the hopper's rear opening. The small hopper is designed to slide into brackets formed on the framework so that the small hopper and broadcast spreader may be easily exchanged. A vertically aligned chute is attached to the small hopper through which sand falls to fill sandbags. The apparatus also includes a control box designed to control the operation of the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventors: Morris J. Malone, Morris W. Malone, Viola C. Malone
  • Patent number: 6595737
    Abstract: A dischargeable hopper system (10) for a vehicular apparatus is provided. The dischargeable hopper system (10) comprises a fixed assembly (100) including a front support portion (110) and a pair of opposing wing portions (120) extending transversely therefrom to delineate at least a portion of a storage compartment (150). The dischargeable hopper system (10) also comprises a movable assembly (200) releasably coupled to the fixed assembly (100) in pivotally displaceable manner. The movable assembly (200) is displaceable relative to the fixed assembly (100) between open and closed positions responsive to user manipulation of an actuation assembly (300) coupled thereto. The movable assembly (200) in its closed position encloses against the fixed assembly (100) at least a portion of the storage compartment (150), and in its open position opens the portion of the storage compartment (150) for autonomous content discharge therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Frank Parish
  • Patent number: 6425725
    Abstract: The invention is a bulk handing apparatus attachable to the flat bed of a truck having a flat bed tiltable on the frame of the truck rearward at an angle. The apparatus has a rectangular elongated frame having side frame members spaced from one another to receive seed containers with projecting ledges the bottom of the containers. The side frame members have inward flanges for engagement over the projecting ledges of seed containers to lock the containers between the side frames and is adapted to receive a plurality of seed containers between the side frame members..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: Robert A. Ehlers
  • Publication number: 20020081183
    Abstract: A belly dump vehicle includes a containment body with an exterior surface and an underlying belly having opposed ends. An auger tunnel extends through one of the opposed ends of the belly and communicates with the exterior surface of the body. A rotatably mounted auger extends between the opposed ends of the belly and protrudes into the auger tunnel. A granular matter broadcast assembly is mounted to the exterior of the body in communication with the auger tunnel. A prime mover selectively rotates the auger, whereby granular matter from a load contained in the belly is fed by the auger through the auger tunnel to the broadcast assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Mike E. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6394735
    Abstract: A vehicle including a combination body for selectively dumping and spreading materials. The vehicle includes, at least, a chassis and a body pivotably secured to the chassis at a hinge. The body is comprised of front and rear ends having upper and lower edges and first and second side walls having lower edges. A hoist is provided which extends between the body and the chassis for pivoting the body about the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Henderson Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Mark Stephen Hollinrake, Timothy Ray Schenk, David Alan Cabalka
  • Patent number: 6364598
    Abstract: The dump body of a dump truck includes a tailgate having an opening through which material in the receptacle can be dispensed by an endless conveyor in the dump body, and a feedgate for adjusting the rate of discharge is removably mounted on one of the tailgate and the bottom of the dump body and has a passageway through which the conveyor belt extends and a door displaceable toward and away from the conveyor to adjust the size of the passageway and thus the rate of material discharge when the conveyor is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: The Louis Berkman Company
    Inventors: Robert V. Vickers, E. Kent Daniels, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6361266
    Abstract: A dump truck having a dump body which includes an adjustable feedgate for adjusting the size of a passageway through a rear opening at the rear of the dump body. The feedgate is rotatably mounted within the rear opening to provide for improved control of the flow of materials within the dump body which pass through the rear opening when the feedgate is positioned into an open position. A side guide is incorporated into the feedgate to provide additional control of the flow rate of materials through the rear opening especially at low feed rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: The Louis Berkman Company
    Inventors: Roland L. Hagemeyer, Kenneth P. Manon
  • Patent number: 6186731
    Abstract: The dump body of a dump truck includes a tailgate having an opening through which material in the receptacle can be dispensed by an endless conveyor in the dump body, and a feedgate for adjusting the rate of discharge is removably mounted on one of the tailgate and the bottom of the dump body and has a passageway through which the conveyor belt extends and a door displaceable toward and away from the conveyor to adjust the size of the passageway and thus the rate of material discharge when the conveyor is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: The Louis Berkman Company
    Inventors: Robert V. Vickers, E. Kent Daniels, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6186730
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for reduced impact loading of impact sensitive materials, such as agricultural seed material, into a bin from above. The loading apparatus includes a door selectively movable between a lower position and an upper position. A guide mounts the door at the bin and provides a predetermined path between the lower and upper positions for the door. A drive is used to selectively vary the position of the door along the path in response to accumulation of material loaded from above. The door is first moved to the lower position for initial loading. A material dispenser having a discharge end is extended through an access opening in the bin at the door for initial loading of material therein. As material accumulates in the bin during loading, the discharge end is selectively raised in the access opening to maintain it within a predetermined distance range above such material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Justin Place
  • Patent number: 6188029
    Abstract: To simplify the structure of a hopper side of a weighing apparatus, brackets 24, 34 are fitted to gates 22, 32 of pool hoppers 8 or weighing hoppers 9 and rollers 28, 38 are rotatably provided on extensions 24a, 34a thereof. On a body B side of the weighing apparatus, there are provided operating arms 44, 64 having a forked tip portion, and the rollers 28, 38 fitted to the body B side are engaged so as to be held by the operating arms 44, 64. When the operating arms 44, 64 are rocked about support shafts 43, 63, the gates 22, 32 of the hoppers 8, 9 are rocked about support shafts 25, 35 through the rollers 28, 38 to selectively open and close lower portion discharge openings 21b, 31b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideshi Miyamoto, Takashi Kimura
  • Patent number: 6176673
    Abstract: A work machine having a receptacle adapted to receive and carry loads is disclosed. The receptacle has a first lateral sidewall, a second lateral sidewall spaced apart from the first lateral sidewall, and a floor extending between the first lateral sidewall and the second lateral sidewall. The work machine further includes a tailgate which extends transversely from the first sidewall to the second sidewall, the tailgate being pivotable between a closed position which prevents loads from exiting a rear portion of the receptacle, and an open position which allows loads to exit the rear portion of the receptacle. The work machine yet further includes a cylinder movable between a first rod position and a second rod position and a linkage. The linkage of the tailgate in the closed position when the cylinder is located in the first rod position, and positions the tailgate in the open position when the cylinder is located in the second rod position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Moyna, Peter F. Prillinger, Christopher Smith, David A. Young
  • Patent number: 6146080
    Abstract: An aggregate carrying body has an output area defined at its bottom, a metering beam located above this output area, that can be elevated (and lowered), this metering beam to control and assist the flow of aggregate material to the output area. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the output area comprises a conveying floor. A conveyor is disposed at the bottom of body and extends beyond the rear of the body through a transverse opening in the rear end wall of the body. Aggregate material in the body flows to the output area and the conveyor is then operable to remove the aggregate material from the body rearwardly and through a transverse opening at the rear of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Can-American Stone Spreader Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Sinke
  • Patent number: 6135671
    Abstract: The invention relates to a paving materials loading apparatus. In particular, a paving materials loading feeder 16 is so disposed that a lower end 19a of a loading frame 19 thereof is connected to a receiving hopper 17, a discharge port 19c, 19d is formed in a middle part of the loading frame 19 between the lower end 19a and a discharge end 19b, and a lid 35 is provided on the discharge port 19c, 19d so as to be openable and closable. The loading feeder 16 may also be raised and lowered. The invention also relates to a paving machine provided with a front hopper 2 and a rear hopper 3, on a self-propelled vehicle 1. In particular, the paving materials loading apparatus of the above construction is mounted on the self-propelled vehicle 1 so that the discharge port 19c, 19d of the loading feeder 16 is located above the front hopper 2 and the discharge end 19b of the loading feeder 16 is located above the rear hopper 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Niigata Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidenori Yasu, Tatsuoki Inagaki, Hajime Sugata, Chiaki Matsuura, Katsuro Hasebe, Ryuzi Izawa, Akio Mori, Nobuyuki Watanabe, Fumio Goto, Shinichiro Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 6120079
    Abstract: A garbage collection and transport system, in which a garbage vehicle (1) has a horizontal partition (4) for forming two stowage spaces (5, 6) located one above the other, is proposed. So that different types of garbage containers (9) can be emptied, the garbage vehicle (1) has a loading trough (22) which extends the partition (4) and which can be positioned with its end edge (29) in such a way that it is adapted to that chamber (14, 15) of the garbage container (9) which is in each case to be separated off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: MultiRec Patentverwertungs-und Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH
    Inventor: Rolf Schiller
  • Patent number: 6095616
    Abstract: A wheel supported grain wagon includes a box or container with sloping side walls extending to a bottom wall, and a discharge opening is formed within one of the side walls adjacent the bottom wall. An inner metering door or panel and an adjacent outer closure door or panel are supported by parallel spaced dual tracks for movement between lower positions closing the discharge opening and retracted upper open positions. An actuator first raises the outer closure panel to permit grain to flow through a metering passage defined by the bottom edge of the metering panel and to release grain pressure on the metering panel. The metering door is then elevated in response to further elevation of the outer closure panel so that grain flows smoothly under both panels without obstructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: J. & M. Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Scott M. Grieshop
  • Patent number: 6092966
    Abstract: A multiple purpose dump unit designed to be mounted on a vehicle for hauling, dumping, spreading and the collection of refuse as well as for distributing salt, sand and other aggregates. The unit has a single dump body with a sloping, fixed endgate and a longitudinally extending conveyor along the open bottom of the dump body, and the unit is provided with a spreader mechanism at the exit gate from the conveyor to facilitate spreading of salt, sand and other aggregates. The unit is pivotally mounted near its rear end so that it can be lifted by hydraulic cylinders for dumping, spreading aggregate, asphalt, etc. The dump unit can be sized so that the vehicle can navigate narrow streets and alleys and is mounted at a height and with sides of a height to meet the requirements for manual refuse loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Highway Equipment Company
    Inventors: Charles Martin, Michael Dean, Peter Cervelli
  • Patent number: 6092973
    Abstract: A material eject system includes an ejector mounted to a bed of a vehicle which is movable between a rear end and a forward end of the bed for ejecting material from the bed. The ejector is powered by a cylinder having different fluid volumes depending on the direction of motion of the cylinder. A control circuit operates with the ejector motor to automatically move the ejector through eject and return cycles. The ejector includes a speed control for operating the motor and the ejector at different speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Burnett, Peter F. Prillinger, David A. Young
  • Patent number: 6062804
    Abstract: A load carrying body has an ejector slidably disposed for movement between first and second end portions of the load carrying body. The load carrying body has a "v" shaped floor and the ejector has a "v" shaped bottom. The ejector has a first angled portion disposed at a preselected included first angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the load carrying body. The second end portion of the load carrying body has an angled end portion at substantially the same angle as the included first angle to facilitate complete ejection. A jack pulls the ejector between the first and second end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Alan D. Young, Peter F. Prillinger, Chris J. Smith
  • Patent number: 5967375
    Abstract: A sealant melter incorporates a sealant block feed assembly that reduces the labor required to feed sealant blocks to the sealant tank of the melter and that reduces or even eliminates the risk that hot liquid sealant will splash out of the sealant tank when sealant blocks are fed into it. The sealant block feed assembly preferably includes a top-fed splash box and a conveyor assembly for feeding sealant blocks to the splash box from a towing/storage vehicle or the like. The splash box incorporates internal guards in the form of counterbalanced flaps that prevent hot liquid sealant from splashing out of the splash box when the sealant blocks are fed into it from above. The conveyor assembly includes a conveyor that is selectively controllable, either from the towing/storage vehicle or from curbside, to receive sealant blocks and to selectively feed the received sealant blocks to the splash box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Crafco, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Barnes
  • Patent number: 5890867
    Abstract: A dump truck having a dump body which includes a rotatable feedgate for adjusting the size of a passageway through a rear opening at the rear of the dump body. The rotatable feedgate is rotatably mounted within the rear opening to provide for improved control of the flow of materials within the dump body which pass through the rear opening when the feedgate is positioned into an open position. A side guide is incorporated into the rotatable feedgate to provide additional control of the flow rate of materials through the rear opening especially at low feed rates. The rotatable feedgate design includes a rotatable feedgate position for open mode hauling whereby the feedgate is repositioned in the rear of the dump body. An opening plate is also provided to be used to provide an alternative arrangement for sealing the tailgate opening while the rotatable feedgate is attached or detached from the dump body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: The Louis Berkman Company
    Inventor: Roland L. Hagemeyer
  • Patent number: 5873396
    Abstract: A vehicle comprising a motor for providing drive power to the vehicle, a hydraulic system powered by the motor, a container for containing a bulk quantity of fluent matter, and matter-dispensing apparatus comprising the hopper for receiving fluent matter from the container, a selectively operable transfer mechanism for transferring fluent matter from the container to the hopper, and an actuator disposed proximately to the hopper, the actuator being operatively associated with the transfer mechanism by the hydraulic system such that the transference of fluent matter from the container to the hopper is controlled by the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Sandbag Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Biebrach, Kevin J. Kwaterski
  • Patent number: 5823734
    Abstract: A dump truck having a dump body which includes an adjustable feedgate for adjusting the size of a passageway through a rear opening at the rear of the dump body. The feedgate is rotatably mounted within the rear opening to provide for improved control of the flow of materials within the dump body which pass through the rear opening when the feedgate is positioned into an open position. A side guide is incorporated into the feedgate to provide additional control of the flow rate of materials through the rear opening especially at low feed rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: The Louis Berkman Company
    Inventors: Roland L. Hagemeyer, Kenneth P. Manon
  • Patent number: 5655872
    Abstract: This invention relates to a grain cart having a downwardly and inwardly tapered hopper for temporarily storing grain, an auger mounted to an outer, forward portion of the cart's hopper is adapted for unloading grain from the cart. An interface housing mounted to the outer portion of the cart's forward inclined wall and disposed over an aperture in the wall is coupled to a lower end of the auger. Grain discharged from the hopper under the influence of gravity enters the interface housing and is removed from the housing by the auger for discharge into another vehicle such as a truck. The interface housing is removably mounted to the outer surface of the hopper, such as by bolts, to facilitate removal and repair of the auger, and to simplify grain cart design and manufacture. An angle drive gearbox couples the auger shaft to the power take-off unit of a tractor pulling the grain cart for driving the auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: David S. Plotkin
  • Patent number: 5653567
    Abstract: A mobile batch feeder for cubed feed consisting of a supply hopper with conveyor leading to a cumulative dispensing chute. Rotational input to drive the conveyor also functions to trip open the dispensing chute periodically thereby to dispense measured batches of cube feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Charley A. Taylor
    Inventor: Charley A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5516253
    Abstract: There is disclosed an improved grain cart comprising a mobile frame adapted to be pulled by a vehicle, such as a tractor. The frame supports a grain hopper or box. The hopper includes an inset front corner area. An auger for unloading grain from the hopper is located entirely outside the hopper. The auger includes a sump for receiving grain from the hopper, the sump being positioned on a lower, outside wall portion of the inset front corner area. Between the sump and the surface of the outside wall portion of the inset front corner area there is a grain shut off door for controlling a flow of grain from the hopper to the sump. A hydraulic cylinder is mounted adjacent to the sump and is connected to the grain shut off door for opening and closing the door. A conduit is connected to the sump, and a drive assembly is provided for conveying grain through the conduit. The drive assembly includes a gear box having a shaft connected to auger flighting disposed inside the conduit, and a drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Parham Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Craig W. Linscheid, Daniel Dold, Leonard Bailey