Transporting Attachments Patents (Class 56/228)
  • Patent number: 12010948
    Abstract: A header of an agricultural harvester is provided. The header includes a frame having a centerline defining a first side and a second side of the frame. A first portion of either the first side or the second side of the frame has a first trapezoidal profile that includes a first pair of legs that run along a longitudinal axis of the frame and a first pair of bases that form a height of the frame. The first pair of legs include a first top leg and a first bottom leg, and the first bottom leg is angled toward the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin David Kemmerer, Blaine Robert Noll, Herbert Max Farley
  • Patent number: 12010937
    Abstract: A header for a crop harvesting machine includes front and rear wheel arrangements that pivot about respective upright axis between a field orientation and a perpendicular transport orientation, while having respective suspensions arrangements movable between different suspended heights. A biasing spring provides lift assist to carry weight of the wheel arrangement during adjustment of the suspension elevation while being isolated from the suspension once set at any one elevation. The front wheel arrangement includes an anti-rotation latch that locks the front wheel in the field orientation automatically upon disconnection of a hitch arm. A second wheel of the rear wheel arrangement can be held in a raised position relative to a first wheel in a field orientation. Load bearing surfaces between the suspended rear wheels and the header frame abut one another when latching to the header frame to isolate the suspension from the header frame in the transport orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Russell George Lyons, Glen Frank Beamish
  • Patent number: 11785890
    Abstract: A corn head corn head includes a first wing segment and a center segment. A corn head adjustment system includes a first fold actuator; a first deck plate actuator mounted on at least one of the first wing segment frame or the center frame and configured to reposition at least one of the first deck plate rod or the center deck plate rod; and corn head hydraulics. During a fold process, the corn head hydraulics is configured to actuate the first fold actuator in order to fold the first wing segment relative to the center segment and to actuate the first deck plate actuator in order to decouple the first deck plate rod from the center deck plate rod. During an unfold process, the corn head hydraulics is configured to actuate the first fold actuator in order to unfold the first wing segment relative to the center segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Todd M. Verhoef, Nathan E. Krehbiel, Troy M. Heims, Mitchel J. Lindberg
  • Patent number: 11758840
    Abstract: An agricultural header includes a header frame and at least one harvesting element carried by the header frame. The header frame includes a rigid portion, a first conformable portion flexibly coupled to the rigid portion by a first resilient material that allows at least about 1.5° of reversible deflection, and a second conformable portion flexibly coupled to the rigid portion by a second resilient material that allows at least about 1.5° of reversible deflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Herbert M. Farley, Blaine R. Noll, Benjamin Kemmerer
  • Patent number: 11547034
    Abstract: An agricultural mowing device that includes a tongue configured for connecting to an agricultural vehicle, a trail frame rotatably connected to the tongue about an axis of rotation, a first trail-frame wheel and a second trail-frame wheel each being rotatably connected to the trail frame, and a cutter bar connected to the trail frame. The cutter bar includes a front end and a back end. The mowing device also includes a transport system that has a transport frame rotatably connected to the tongue and a first transport wheel and a second transport wheel each being rotatably connected to the transport frame. In the transport position, the first and second transport wheels support the trail frame. The first transport wheel is radially closer to the axis of rotation of the trail frame than the front end of the cutter bar in the transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Fay, II
  • Patent number: 11240964
    Abstract: A harvester or combine includes a folding corn head with a center section and folding wing sections. A folding row separator cover at the hinge location of the folding head sections folds to an angled position so that the folding action between the wings and the center section is not impaired. A single assembly actuates the folding of the row separator as well as locking and unlocking of the wing sections relative to the center frame section. A hydraulic cylinder actuates a main link that connects to the row separator cover and to a lock pin. Actuation of the hydraulic cylinder raises and lowers the cover and disengages and engages the locking pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Oxbo International Corporation
    Inventor: Benjamin Lehman
  • Patent number: 10980181
    Abstract: A header for an agricultural vehicle including a frame having lateral ends and a transport assembly connected to the frame and configured for being positioned in a transport position and a storage position. The transport assembly includes a tandem axle support device including at least one pivot shaft pivotally connected to the frame, a first walking beam, and a second walking beam. The first and second walking beams are operably connected to and moveable by the at least one pivot shaft. The transport assembly also includes at least four wheels including a first pair of tandem wheels removably connected to the first walking beam and a second pair of tandem wheels removably connected to the second walking beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Cecil R. Sudbrack, Todd F. Hertzler
  • Patent number: 10433482
    Abstract: A harvester or combine includes a folding corn head with a center section and folding wing sections. A folding row separator cover at the hinge location of the folding head sections folds to an angled position so that the folding action between the wings and the center section is not impaired. A single assembly actuates the folding of the row separator as well as locking and unlocking of the wing sections relative to the center frame section. A hydraulic cylinder actuates a main link that connects to the row separator cover and to a lock pin. Actuation of the hydraulic cylinder raises and lowers the cover and engages and disengages the locking pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Oxbo International Corporation
    Inventor: Benjamin Lehman
  • Patent number: 10194583
    Abstract: A hitch swing cylinder mounting point repositioning mechanism for use on an agricultural mower that enables the draft tongue to be pivoted through a swing range during mower operation when the mounting point is in a first position. Repositioning the mounting point to a second position enables the swing cylinder to pivot the draft tongue to a position generally perpendicular to the normal operating direction of travel thereby enabling lateral transport of the mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Derek S. Rude, Murray Kosokowsky
  • Patent number: 10059357
    Abstract: A cart includes a platform assembly, a handle assembly, first wheel assembly and a second wheel assembly. In use, the cart may folded from a deployed position in which it rolls along a surface to transport items, to a stowed position, in which it is collapsed in a compact geometry for storage. The cart may be further integrated into a chair, chaize lounge, garden cart, bicycle utility cart or a bicycle passenger cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Sunny Ford, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph E. Panigot
  • Patent number: 10017035
    Abstract: A method for controlling a multi-axle work vehicle based on axle loading may generally include monitoring a load associated with loads transmitted through a pivot pin of a track assembly of the work vehicle, wherein the track assembly is configured to be rotatably coupled to an engine of the work vehicle via an axle assembly. In addition, the method may include estimating an axle load applied through the axle assembly based on the monitored load and providing a control output for the work vehicle based on the estimated axle load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Brian Vik, Jason Novacek, Mark Krogen, David Tveito, Russell Stoltman
  • Patent number: 9801343
    Abstract: A row crop header for a harvester having a subframe removably coupleable to a feeder housing of the harvester. A pivot assembly is supported by the subframe permitting first and second header sections to pivotably move between raised and lowered positions together or independently of the other. A cross-auger center suspension assembly rotateably supports one end of the first cross-auger section and one end of the second cross-auger section as the first and second header sections pivotally move between the raised and lowered positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventor: Kevin Markt
  • Patent number: 9598095
    Abstract: A cart includes a platform assembly, a handle assembly, first wheel assembly and a second wheel assembly. In use, the cart may folded from a deployed position in which it rolls along a surface to transport items, to a stowed position, in which it is collapsed in a compact geometry for storage. The cart may be further integrated into a chair, chaize lounge, garden cart, bicycle utility cart or a bicycle passenger cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Sunny Fold, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph E. Panigot
  • Patent number: 9198355
    Abstract: An auger conveyor (104) is provided for a row crop harvesting head (100) that has a hinged frame (102). The auger conveyor (104) has a first section (122) that is coupled to a second section (120, 124) with a universal joint (130).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel M Heim, Michael L Vandeven
  • Patent number: 9198353
    Abstract: A hinged row crop harvesting head (100) has two frame sections (110, 112, 114) coupled together with at least one hinge (186, 188) that permits the two frame sections (110, 112, 114) to pivot with respect to each other as the hinged row crop harvesting head (100) travels through a field harvesting crops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Aaron S Ritter, Benjamin M Lovett, Bruce A Coers, Benjamin J Schlesser, Michael L Vandeven, Austin Hughes, Duane M Bomleny
  • Patent number: 9185837
    Abstract: A pull-type crop engaging machine such as a rotary mower comprises a frame mounted on transversely spaced field ground wheels for movement with a hitch arm extending to a tractor and a transport assembly attached behind the frame for moving downwardly to a transport position so that in the transport position the hitch arm extends from one end of the frame generally in the transverse direction for towing the machine in the transverse direction. The transport includes a transport ground wheel which acts to raise the frame to pass underneath the crop engaging system to support the machine on the wheel, on a second wheel behind the frame and on the hitch. The movement of the hitch and the wheel is connected and started at a position of the hitch so that the machine remains balanced. A shield behind the frame includes a portion which moves with the transport wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignees: Macdon Industries Ltd., Maschinenfabrik Bernard Krone GmbH
    Inventors: Neil Gordon Barnett, Ricky Chan, Geoffrey U. Snider, Andreas Afting
  • Patent number: 9173345
    Abstract: Folding heads for corn-shelling machines and/or combine harvesters which include a central portion extending along a main transversal direction and two lateral portions aligned with the central portion in a working condition of the head are provided. Folding heads may include drive elements for moving the lateral portions so as to pass from the working configuration to a folded configuration wherein the lateral portions are at least partially folded and overlapping the central portion. Each lateral portion may be operatively connected to the central portion by connection elements which may include a relative arm which connects each lateral portion to the central portion, wherein the connection elements include a first hinge defining a first rotation axis parallel to a longitudinal direction of advancement of the head and a second hinge defining a second rotation axis, perpendicular to the first rotation axis. Methods of making and using folding heads are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: F.LLI CRESSONI S.p.A.
    Inventor: Romano Cressoni
  • Patent number: 9131638
    Abstract: A wheel lift assembly lockout mechanism for an agricultural mower having a lift cylinder for moving the mower frame between raised and lowered positions. The lockout mechanism is positioned adjacent to a rod end of a lift cylinder and is pivotable between generally opposing lockout and free positions. First and second stops interact with the lift cylinder depending upon the position of the lockout mechanism to provide at least two stop positions allowing minimum mower heights in each stop position to be established. The lockout mechanism further includes a bias apparatus and a lockout limiter to enable a specific lockout height to be imposed with minimal impact other operational aspects of the wheel lift assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Fay, II
  • Publication number: 20150101304
    Abstract: A transport wheel assembly for use on an agricultural mower when the mower is configured for lateral transport 90 degrees from the normal operational direction of travel of mower. The transport wheel assembly comprises a moveable frame that pivots approximately 270 degrees between a retracted position when the mower is operating and a transport position, and an actuator to position the moveable frame between the retracted and transport positions. A linkage including a bell crank interconnects the actuator and the moveable frame to enable full extent of pivoting of the moveable frame with a single direction movement of the actuator between an extended and a retracted position. The transport wheel mechanisms also position the transport wheels where they will not interfere with mower operation, especially pivoting of the tongue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: CNH AMERICA, LLC
    Inventors: DEREK S. RUDE, MURRAY KOSOKOWSKY
  • Patent number: 8960722
    Abstract: A trailer for transporting an agricultural harvesting head includes a pair of saddles for supporting the head. The saddles are adjustably mounted on the trailer frame and are simultaneously moved together by an actuator operated by a remote control. The saddles are connected by telescoping rod sections so that the spacing between the saddles is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Harvest International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Sivinski, Garry D. Friesen, Byron J. Friesen
  • Patent number: 8910726
    Abstract: A harvester has an attachment, for rotatably supporting the support arm of the support wheel to the frame of the header, that includes a first bearing device with a substantially horizontal axis for rotatably supporting the support arm of the support wheel to the attachment, so that the support arm is tiltable between an operating position and a stowed position. The attachment further has a second bearing device with a substantially vertical axis, for rotatably supporting the attachment to the frame, so that the attachment is tiltable between a first position whereby the axis of the first bearing device substantially transverses the direction of travel and a second position whereby the axis of the first bearing device is substantially parallel to the direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Eddy Lammerant, Johan A. E. Vande Ryse, Bart Ryckaert
  • Patent number: 8863488
    Abstract: A windrow merger has a frame supporting first, second and third pickup assemblies, with the two outside pickup assemblies foldable between an extended use position and a retracted travel position. Each of the pickup assemblies includes a reversible conveyor providing multiple windrow merging configurations. The pickup assemblies are interchangeable and aligned to define an unobstructed pickup face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Oxbo International Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Dow, Steven S. Dow, Mark M. Woodruff
  • Patent number: 8769920
    Abstract: A hydraulically driven swather tractor can move in a cab forward orientation in a working mode with a header on the forward end and can be rotated to engine forward in the transport position for more stable higher speed travel. A system is provided for transferring the header from field to transport position automatically from the cab and includes an arm which permanently connects to the header from the tractor independently of the lift and float mounting system such that in the working position the arm remains connected to the tractor and the header while allowing movement of the header relative to the tractor. Also in the transport position, with the header disconnected from the mounting system, the arm extends from the tractor to the mounting system of the header for supporting the forward end of the header for towing the header longitudinally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Roger L. Patterson, John Edward Enns
  • Patent number: 8770309
    Abstract: A tool bar assembly comprises a central section having a pair of pivotal wings each of which comprises pivotal inner and outer wing sections. The sections can be folded into a transport/storage position or unfolded into a substantially horizontal deployed position. In the deployed position, the sections are aligned end-to-end laterally behind a rear end of a movable frame which mounts central section. In the transport/storage position, the central section still extends laterally behind the rear end of the frame, but the pivotal wings have been folded forwardly at the ends of the central section to lie along opposite sides of the movable frame. In each folded pivotal wing, the inner wing section extends forwardly and upwardly at an angle from the central section and the outer wing section extends substantially rearwardly and horizontally from a front end of the inner wing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Environmental Tillage Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Bauer
  • Patent number: 8756904
    Abstract: A harvesting attachment for a harvesting machine includes a frame, and the frame includes an outer wall which defines a cavity in which at least one strut is arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignees: CNH Industrial Belgium nv, Biso Schrattenecker GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Schrattenecker
  • Patent number: 8745964
    Abstract: A tractor has hydraulically driven wheels at a cab end and castor wheels at an engine end. It can be driven cab forward in a working mode with a header on the forward end. It is rotated to engine forward in the transport position for more stable higher speed travel. There is provided a float module with adjustable and calibrated springs on the header which allows the header to float relative to the lift system on the tractor. The float force is adjusted by raising and lowering the lift system in dependence on an angle measurement of the lift position. The lift system includes a lift cylinder and tilt cylinder controlled to change cutter angle while maintaining a sight line to the cutter bar for the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd
    Inventors: Roger L Patterson, Andrew William Dean Bell, John Edward Enns
  • Patent number: 8555606
    Abstract: An argricultural machine for lateral displacement has a fastening device fastened to a pulling vehicle, a frame, an implement to be fastened to the frame, a hingeable drawbar, and an actuator provided between the frame and the drawbar. The actuator moves the frame between at least a transport position behind the fastening device and an operative position laterally of the fastening device. A telescopic drive shaft is situated between the fastening device and the implement, wherein a first end of the shaft is connected to the fastening device and a second end of the shaft is connected to the implement. The argricultural machine further has a steering device to direct the first shaft part of the telescopic drive shaft substantially to the second shaft end of the telescopic drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Lely Patent N.V.
    Inventor: Sjoerd Sieger De Vries
  • Patent number: 8365509
    Abstract: A self-propelled agricultural harvesting machine has at least one height-adjustable pick-up device for adapting an agricultural front attachment which is supported via at least one support wheel which, when in the transport position, is in contact with the ground. A braking device brakes the wheels of the agricultural harvesting machine. A control device regulates the ground pressure of the at least one support wheel on the ground when the braking device is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Tilly, Manfred Pollklas
  • Publication number: 20120217723
    Abstract: A steering system for a towed farm implement or wagon, such as a header transport, is provided that allows the tongue of the header transport to pivot approximately 90 degrees to the right or the left (i.e., 180 degrees in total) and translates the movement of the tongue to all of the wheels of the header transport. Front steering linkages are coupled to the tongue, and are configured to oscillate front wheels in response to rotation of the tongue. Rear steering linkages are coupled to the front steering linkages by front-to-rear linkages, and the rear steering linkages are configured to oscillate rear wheels in response to rotation of the tongue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: UNVERFERTH MANUFACTURING COMPANY INC.
    Inventor: David R. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20120137646
    Abstract: An agricultural header assembly broadly includes a header and a header transport assembly. The header is disposed in a transport orientation when a rigid beam thereof is out of vertical alignment with the header center of gravity. The transport assembly includes first and second pairs of spaced apart wheels shiftably connected to the rigid beam for movement between a transport position and a field position. The first and second pairs of wheels define respective first and second midpoints therebetween when in the transport position. The first and second midpoints are each disposed in general vertical alignment with the header center of gravity when the header is in the transport orientation to substantially balance the header on the transport assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Honas, Christopher T. Sauerwein, Randy Lohrentz
  • Patent number: 8166739
    Abstract: A windrow merger has a frame supporting first, second and third pickup assemblies, with the two outside pickup assemblies foldable between an extended use position and a retracted travel position. Each of the pickup assemblies includes a reversible conveyor providing multiple windrow merging configurations. The pickup assemblies are interchangeable and aligned to define an unobstructed pickup face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Oxbo International Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Dow, Steven S. Dow, Mark M. Woodruff
  • Patent number: 8166735
    Abstract: A gang-type lawn mower system comprises a main frame and a plurality of mower decks secured to the main frame. Mounted on the frame is a power source such as an internal combustion engine. A drive train is interconnected between the power source and each of the mower decks. Thus, each mower deck is driven by the single power source. Further, the frame structure includes a tongue that is adapted to be connected to a tractor. Therefore, in cutting grass, the frame structure is pulled over the ground and each of the mower decks, driven by the power source, cuts grass or other vegetation that passes under the mower deck. Additionally, each mower deck is pivotally connected to the frame structure about at least one pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Wing Product Development Corp.
    Inventor: Tim Schnell
  • Publication number: 20120085075
    Abstract: The invention relates to an agricultural machine including a fastening device configured to be fastened to a pulling vehicle, a frame, an implement to be fastened to the frame, a hingeable drawbar, and an actuator provided between the frame and the drawbar, in order to move the frame between at least a transport position behind the fastening device and an operative position laterally of the fastening device, wherein a telescopic drive shaft between the fastening device and the implement, wherein a first shaft end is connected to the fastening device and a second shaft end is connected to the implement, and a steering device which is configured to direct the first shaft part of the telescopic drive shaft substantially to the second shaft end of the telescopic drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventor: Sjoerd Sieger DE VRIES
  • Patent number: 8117812
    Abstract: A swather tractor has ground drive wheels at a first end, castor wheels at a second end and a header lift arms at the first end and can be driven with the first end forward for harvesting and with the first end rearward for towing. A transport for the header includes a longitudinal beam with a plurality of transverse support arms along the beam. The beam is kinked adjacent the front so that a main portion of the beam is offset to one side relative to the hitch assembly and the rear wheels. A yoke engages the lift arms and provides a hitch for towing the header. Either the forward end of the beam is directly attached to the hitch for small headers or for larger headers a steerable front wheel assembly is connected to the hitch and includes a spring coupling which transfers load to the lift arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Roger L. Patterson
  • Patent number: 8112977
    Abstract: A wheel-supported frame for an agricultural harvester header having a tongue and a pivotally connected transverse frame, a retractable transport wheel connected to the tongue, and a pivoting mechanism for pivoting one of the supporting wheels approximately 90 degrees to align with the deployed transport wheel. The invention enables the harvester to be easily reconfigured between an operating configuration and a transport configuration. By rotating the transverse frame to align its transverse width with the direction of travel during transport, deploying the transport wheel, and aligning one of the normal support wheels with the transport direction of travel, the harvester is reoriented for transport along its lateral axis. The lateral transport apparatus is easily reconfigured by a single individual and requires no additional equipment beyond that integral to the harvester in order to reconfigure the harvester between transport and operational modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Edward H. Priepke
  • Publication number: 20120011822
    Abstract: An agricultural header assembly broadly includes a header and a header transport assembly. The header is disposed in a transport orientation when a rigid beam thereof is out of vertical alignment with the header center of gravity. The transport assembly includes first and second pairs of spaced apart wheels shiftably connected to the rigid beam for movement between a transport position and a field position. The first and second pairs of wheels define respective first and second midpoints therebetween when in the transport position. The first and second midpoints are each disposed in general vertical alignment with the header center of gravity when the header is in the transport orientation to substantially balance the header on the transport assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: AGCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Honas, Christopher T. Sauerwein, Randy Lohrenlz
  • Patent number: 8091331
    Abstract: A windrow merger including three pickup and transfer units, a folding system, and a plurality of float mechanisms. The folding system employs simultaneous rearward, outward, and upward folding motion so as to ensure none of the units interfere with the other units while folding, and likewise while unfolding. The folding system can further fold and unfold each of the three pickup and transfer units at the same time. During merging operations, the plurality of float mechanisms of the windrow merger limits the range of motion of each pickup and transfer unit. The float mechanisms further transfer a portion of the weight of each pickup and transfer unit from the ground to the frame of the merger. The units of the windrow merger can also include a rub rail having a surface that reduces swirling or clumping of material as the material is conveyed toward an end of the windrow merger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Oxbo International Corporation
    Inventors: Steven S. Dow, Paul W. Dow
  • Patent number: 8087225
    Abstract: An agricultural windrower includes a traction unit having a frame. A cutting platform has a longitudinal extension, a feeder opening associated with a first mounting location, and a first hitch at an end of the cutting platform associated with a second mounting location. A lift assembly carried by the traction unit frame is configured to mount with the cutting platform at the first mounting location. An articulated transport arrangement is mounted to the traction unit frame. The articulated transport arrangement includes a second hitch configured for mating with the first hitch, and at least one actuator for coupling between and adjusting a relative angular orientation between the frame and the cutting platform when the first hitch and the second hitch are mated together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Gordon Lee Salley, Thomas Daryl Bebernes
  • Patent number: 8061114
    Abstract: A combine head frame includes a laterally-extending upper beam adjacent to the top of the combine head and a laterally-extending lower beam adjacent to the bottom of the combine head. A left lateral beam has first and second ends, wherein the first end is coupled to a left central portion of the upper beam and the second end is coupled to a left end portion of the lower beam. A right lateral beam has third and fourth ends, wherein the third end is coupled to a right central portion of the upper beam and the fourth end is coupled to a right end portion of the lower beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Michael Wayne Mossman, Michael Bennett Downey, Eric Hans Stone
  • Patent number: 8025312
    Abstract: An agricultural header assembly broadly includes a header and a header transport assembly. The header is disposed in a transport orientation when a rigid beam thereof is out of vertical alignment with the header center of gravity. The transport assembly includes first and second pairs of spaced apart wheels shiftably connected to the rigid beam for movement between a transport position and a field position. The first and second pairs of wheels define respective first and second midpoints therebetween when in the transport position. The first and second midpoints are each disposed in general vertical alignment with the header center of gravity when the header is in the transport orientation to substantially balance the header on the transport assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Honas, Christopher T. Sauerwein, Randy Lohrentz
  • Patent number: 8001755
    Abstract: An adjustable and foldable V-shaped hay rake is an agricultural tool used for raking hay on fields, in which, for each arm of the hay rake, all the mechanisms for moving the arm are centered on a single adjustable master support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Sitrex S.p.A.
    Inventors: Silvano Menichetti, Sauro Petturiti
  • Publication number: 20110197561
    Abstract: A wheel-supported frame for an agricultural harvester header having a tongue and a pivotally connected transverse frame, a retractable transport wheel connected to the tongue, and a pivoting mechanism for pivoting one of the supporting wheels approximately 90 degrees to align with the deployed transport wheel. The invention enables the harvester to be easily reconfigured between an operating configuration and a transport configuration. By rotating the transverse frame to align its transverse width with the direction of travel during transport, deploying the transport wheel, and aligning one of the normal support wheels with the transport direction of travel, the harvester is reoriented for transport along its lateral axis. The lateral transport apparatus is easily reconfigured by a single individual and requires no additional equipment beyond that integral to the harvester in order to reconfigure the harvester between transport and operational modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: EDWARD H. PRIEPKE
  • Publication number: 20110094202
    Abstract: A windrow merger including three pickup and transfer units, a folding system, and a plurality of float mechanisms. The folding system employs simultaneous rearward, outward, and upward folding motion so as to ensure none of the units interfere with the other units while folding, and likewise while unfolding. The folding system can further fold and unfold each of the three pickup and transfer units at the same time. During merging operations, the plurality of float mechanisms of the windrow merger limits the range of motion of each pickup and transfer unit. The float mechanisms further transfer a portion of the weight of each pickup and transfer unit from the ground to the frame of the merger. The units of the windrow merger can also include a rub rail having a surface that reduces swirling or clumping of material as the material is conveyed toward an end of the windrow merger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: Oxbo International Corporation
    Inventors: Steven S. Dow, Paul W. Dow
  • Patent number: 7926249
    Abstract: A harvest header includes a transport system for converting the harvest header between a harvesting configuration and a transport configuration. The transport system may be retrofitted to existing headers or may be integrally constructed with a header. The transport system includes wheels that are retracted or rotated into a compact storage position against the rear wall surface of the header in a harvest configuration so as not to substantially increase the width of the header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Joel Timothy Cook
  • Patent number: 7918076
    Abstract: A crop harvesting header includes a center portion mounted on two spring arms and two separate wings pivotally connected to the center portion. The wings are connected to the center portion by interconnecting linkages which transfer weight from the wings to the spring arms each including a balance beam arranged to balance the lifting force from the spring arm with the downward forces from the center portion and wing such that the downward force on a skid plate of each portion on the ground varies automatically as the total downward force is varied. The balance beams apply force to the linkages by a compression member to reduce forces. The movement caused by floating of the header and the change of angle of the header are compensated at the balance beam to ensure that the force to the wings is reduced as the requirement caused by changes in geometry reduces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Francois R. Talbot
  • Patent number: 7908838
    Abstract: A self-propelled agricultural harvesting machine includes an agricultural front attachment which is supported via at least one carrier wheel which is in contact with a ground, at least one height-adjustable pick-up housing for adapting the agricultural front attachment and a control device controlling a ground pressure of the at least one carrier wheel on the ground that results when the front attachment assumes a non-working position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Hohlfeld, Bjoern Stremlau
  • Patent number: 7841157
    Abstract: A mower apparatus includes a mower deck having a first deck section, a second deck section pivotable relative to the first deck section, and a latch. The latch is actuable between a first position in which the latch maintains the second deck section in a lowered position and a second position in which the latch maintains the second deck in a raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Wood-Mizer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Latuszek, Scott A. Dufek, Mark J. Kohrman
  • Patent number: 7827774
    Abstract: A windrow merger has a frame supporting first, second and third pickup assemblies, with the two outside pickup assemblies foldable between an extended use position and a retracted travel position. Each of the pickup assemblies includes a reversible conveyor providing multiple windrow merging configurations. The pickup assemblies are interchangeable and aligned to define an unobstructed pickup face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Oxbo International Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Dow, Steven S. Dow, Mark M. Woodruff
  • Publication number: 20100115906
    Abstract: A self-propelled agricultural harvesting machine has at least one height-adjustable pick-up device for adapting an agricultural front attachment which is supported via at least one support wheel which, when in the transport position, is in contact with the ground. A braking device brakes the wheels of the agricultural harvesting machine. A control device regulates the ground pressure of the at least one support wheel on the ground when the braking device is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas Tilly, Manfred Pollklas
  • Patent number: 7712295
    Abstract: An agricultural machine comprising: a motor vehicle that can move in two opposite directions, a direction of travel for work, and a transport direction, a driver's cabin that can move along the motor vehicle, at least one central support connected to the lifting device of the motor vehicle and supporting front working units intended to cut standing plant products, the working units that protrude laterally from the motor vehicle being able to be moved by means of the central support into a transport position in which they are positioned longitudinally at least partly above the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Kuhn S.A.
    Inventors: Rene Walter, Cedric Halter, Philippe Potier