Rotary Patents (Class 56/377)
  • Publication number: 20020000083
    Abstract: An implement for displacing crop lying on the ground comprising a rake having two rotatable motor-driven side-by-side rake wheels which form crop lying on the ground into a swath which is formed between them. Immediately behind the rake is a motor-drivable tedder comprising two rotatable tedder members which immediately spread the crop which was just formed into a swath over the ground. The raking members and the tedder members are supported on a frame which includes mechanisms to raise the raking members and the tedder members from a working position to a transport position and vice versa. The frame is supported by a pair of ground engaging wheels which are disposed between the rake and the tedder members on opposite sides of the just formed swath. The tedder members are equipped with hook-shaped tines and are provided with an rpm-variator to govern the rpm of the tedder members. The working width of the rake is in a range of about three to four times wider than the working width of the tedder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Applicant: LELY RESEARCH HOLDING A.G., a Swiss Limited Liability Company
    Inventor: Alfonsus Jacobus Van den Engel
  • Patent number: 6330785
    Abstract: A lifting force is applied to a wheel rake arm through a spring assembly wherein a coil spring is placed in compression rather than tension. In the preferred embodiment a rod is connected at one end to a rake wheel arm and the free end of the rod extends through a sleeve and then a coil spring which engages a stop at the opposite end of the rod. The sleeve is connected by linkages to an actuating rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Inventors: Dan D. Rowse, Ron A. Rowse
  • Publication number: 20010025473
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hay making machine, particularly a windrower for plant matter, comprising a structure carrying at least one raking wheel. The latter is connected to the end of a carrying arm in such a way as to be able to pivot about a first axis and a second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Applicant: Kuhn S.A.
    Inventor: Didier Demanet
  • Patent number: 6220008
    Abstract: A lifting force is applied to a wheel rake arm through a spring assembly wherein a coil spring is placed in compression rather than tension. In the preferred embodiment a rod is connected at one end to a rake wheel arm and the free end of the rod extends through a sleeve and then a coil spring which engages a stop at the opposite end of the rod. The sleeve is connected by linkages to an actuating rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventors: Dan D. Rowse, Ron A. Rowse
  • Patent number: 6038844
    Abstract: A rake arm deployment spreader with two arms and an elbow member arrangement, optionally and preferably having a locking mechanism involving an overcenter arrangement of certain pivots, for deployment or retraction of a folding hay rake which is towable by a tractor. The hay rake has a primary towable frame with right and left secondary frames pivotally attached adjacent the rear of the primary frame. The deployment spreader assembly is pivotally attached to the primary and secondary frames for pivoting the secondary frame relative to the primary frame. The deployment spreader includes a telescopic arm and a leg and link to control the telescopic arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: H&S Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Peeters, Gregory L. Landon
  • Patent number: 5987864
    Abstract: A front mounted rake includes a primary support, a first arm and a second arm. Tine wheels are mounted each of the arms. The first end of each arm is secured for pivotal movement about both a substantially vertical axis and about a substantially horizontal axis to the primary support. The second end of each arm is supported by ground engaging wheels. A brace maintains the relative lateral spacing of the arms. The pivotal movement of the second arm about the substantially horizontal axis is independent of the pivotal movement of the first arm about the substantially horizontal axis thereby permitting the first arm and the second arm to independently raise and lower as the ground engaging wheels travel over ground contours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Henry Lutz
  • Patent number: 5966916
    Abstract: A windrow turning apparatus which mounts to a front of a tractor and has a first rake support assembly and a second rake support assembly. The rake support assemblies support rotary raking wheels at an angle in relation to a support frame extending from a forward end outwardly toward a tractor attachment end. A farmer can lower either the first rake support assembly or the second rake support assembly to an operative position, depending upon the direction that windrow needs to be turned in order to maintain consistent windrow spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Murray Robert Laing
  • Patent number: 5960620
    Abstract: A rake arm assembly for supporting a finger wheel on a side delivery rake such as a V-rake. The rake arm assembly has a shaft journaled under a support frame for the finger wheels. One end of the shaft is attached to a rake arm and the other end to a crank arm. A torsion spring on the shaft applies a torque to the rake arm reducing the weight of the finger wheel on the ground over a wide vertical range so that the finger wheel stays in contact with the ground and rides over mounds without bending the fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Ogden Metalworks, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Michael Wright, Jeffrey Lee Mohr
  • Patent number: 5956934
    Abstract: A folding finger wheel V-rake with right and left movable heads independently rotatable on a carrier between operating and upside down position for transport, the same mechanism facilitating intermediate lifting of the finger wheels out of contact with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Ogden Metalworks, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Michael Wright, Jeffrey Lee Mohr
  • Patent number: 5953894
    Abstract: A haymaking machine having a chassis which is composed of a central section and several lateral sections which are articulated together and carry rotors. On each side of the central section four lateral sections are provided which are articulated together by axes extending in the direction of travel, the length of each first lateral section being at least equal to the distance between the support spindles of two adjacent rotors, the length of each second lateral section being substantially longer than the distance between the support spindles of the two adjacent rotors, the length of each third lateral section being substantially shorter than the distance between the support spindles of the first adjacent rotors, and the length of each fourth lateral section being at most equal to the distance between the support spindles of the two adjacent rotors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Kuhn S.A.
    Inventors: Jerome Aron, Michel Quirin
  • Patent number: 5918452
    Abstract: A pull-type V-rake apparatus for use in raking cut vegetation. The V-rake is comprised of a left hand, side discharge, wheel rake assembly and a right hand, side discharge, wheel rake assembly operably connected by a forward pivotal subframe and a rearward pivotal subframe for use as a single implement. The left and right hand rake assemblies are hydraulically actuated to fold from an operative field position to a transport position. The transport profile being narrow enough to be pulled behind the farm vehicle down a roadway. When the V-rake is in its operative field position, the left and right wheel rake assemblies form a "V". The cut vegetation is raked inwardly and rearwardly on the right side and the left side discharging the cut vegetation in the middle at the apparent vertex of the rakes to produce a single larger windrow as the V-rake traverses the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Gary L. Kelderman
  • Patent number: 5899055
    Abstract: A "V" type pull rake includes a rigid primary frame to which rake arms are pivoted for movement about vertical and horizontal axes. The rake arms include at their outer ends upstanding posts to which control assemblies are connected and extend over the rake wheels and raked material to the primary frame. The control assembly includes a pair of pivotally interconnected members with the control assembly of each rake arm including two pivotal connections allowing pivotal movement about vertical and horizontal axes. Rake arms extensions are pivotally connected to the outer ends of the rake arms and actuating rods for raising and lowering the rake wheels extend along the rake arms over the pivotal connection to the rake arm extension and include a pivot rod for allowing the actuating rod to function when the rake arm extension is pivoted relative to the rake arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Rowse Hydraulic Rakes Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Dan D. Rowse, Ron A. Rowse
  • Patent number: 5862659
    Abstract: A haymaking machine including at least one windrowing rotor which is articulated to a bearing structure in such a manner that it can pivot about at least one axis which is substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the direction of travel. The at least one rotor can be driven in rotation about a central spindle which is substantially vertical and which is fitted at its lower end with a support equipped with several bearing wheels at least one of which is situated behind the central spindle. The bearing wheel which is situated behind the central spindle of the rotor is connected to an arm of the support which includes a mechanism pressing the bearing wheel against the ground during windrowing work in such a way that it is constantly bearing against the ground and tends to cause the rotor to pivot downward on its front half about the articulation to the bearing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Kuhn S.A.
    Inventor: Jerome Aron
  • Patent number: 5791133
    Abstract: A rotary rake for a hay making machine has prong brackets rotating about a substantially vertically aligned axis and having prongs at their outer ends and provided with respective eccentrically positioned cam rollers within the gyro casing and with respective journal bearings axially locked on the prong brackets, so that a compact subassembly is formed which is adapted to be introduced into and to be locked in at least two apertures within the gyro casing positioned one behind the other in a spaced relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Maschinenfabriken Bernard Krone GmbH
    Inventors: Bernard Krone, Josef Horstmann
  • Patent number: 5784873
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a haymaking machine including a chassis which carries several tedding and/or windrowing rotors. This chassis has lateral parts which can be folded upward for transport and/or setting down. A protection device which at least partially surrounds the rotors is connected to said chassis. This protection device includes lateral elements which can also be folded upward for transport and/or setting down.Each lateral element of the protection device includes at least one substantially straight section which is guided in such a way that it can move longitudinally in a bearing which is connected to the corresponding lateral part of the chassis so as to reduce the height of the machine in this position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Kuhn S.A.
    Inventor: Jerome Aron
  • Patent number: 5743075
    Abstract: A haymaking machine which includes a frame that has two windrowing rotors driven in rotation about substantially vertical axes, the frame having a linkage beam which connects the axle of the first rotor to that of the second rotor, the beam being articulated to the axle of the first rotor. The linkage beam includes at least one transverse joint shaft and the first rotor includes a toothed ring which meshes with a first gear wheel which is formed as one piece with a drive shaft and with a second gear wheel which is formed as one piece with a transmission shaft which extends to the second rotor and which includes a third gear wheel which meshes with a toothed ring of this rotor. The transmission shaft is housed in the linkage beam and is pivotable with the latter about the axle of the first rotor, the transmission shaft including at least one universal joint at the level of the joint shaft the linkage beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Kuhn, S.A.
    Inventors: Jerome Aron, Marc Helfer
  • Patent number: 5685136
    Abstract: A haymaking machine includes at least one swathing rotor supported by a frame which can be attached to a tractor. The rotor is driven during operation by a hydraulic motor which is supplied by hydraulic lines that are connected to the hydraulic motor. The frame carries a guard which at least partially surrounds the rotor and includes at least one folding part which can be folded back to reduce the dimensions of the guard. The haymaking machine further includes a stopping device which is placed on one of the hydraulic lines and an actuating device for actuating the stopping device. The actuating device is connected to the at least one folding part of the guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Kuhn S.A.
    Inventor: Jerome Aron
  • Patent number: 5685135
    Abstract: A V-shaped pull type rake composed of a wheeled transversal element having a tow member extending longitudinally therefrom and a pair of rake arms attached at substantially each end of the cross member. The rake arms are moveable between an open position and a closed position. Each rake arm is provided with a double-acting hydraulic cylinder which is attached at one end to the tow member and at the other end to the rake arm and serves to move the rake arm to which it is attached to a position between (and including) the open and closed positions and all incremental positions therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Sitrex S.r.l.
    Inventor: Silvano Menichetti
  • Patent number: 5615545
    Abstract: A "V" rake is provided that comprises:a first rigid support frame;a second articulated frame sliding on the first frame, made up of a plurality of mobile arms hinged to each other and to the first frame;at least one joint to slide the second frame on the first frame for opening and closing of said arms;a plurality of fingered wheels arranged on the plurality of mobile arms; anda plurality of bearing wheels for transport of the rake; in which said joint comprises:support elements for sliding of the second frame on the first frame, constituted of:anti-friction support plates made of a material with a low friction coefficient; andbolts and relative spacer sleeves to position and contain the anti-friction support plates on said support elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Sitrex S.r.l.
    Inventor: Silvano Menichetti
  • Patent number: 5598691
    Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a primary frame, having a front and rear, a pair of opposed secondary frames each having an inboard end and an outboard end and each operably supporting a bank of ground driven wheel rakes, coupled to the primary frame near the rear and a positioning assembly to pivotally deploy or retract the secondary frames. The positioning assembly includes a deployment slide mounted on the primary frame and a pair of opposed fixed length spreader bars connecting the deployment slide to the outboard end of the secondary frames. An equalizing assembly dynamically couples the secondary frames by coupling the spreader bars, to a dancer on the primary frame. The implement also has an adjustable rear wheel spacing mechanism, employing a pair of interacting screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: H&S Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Peeters
  • Patent number: 5548949
    Abstract: A hay making machine including a carrying structure which can be attached to a tractor such that the carrying structure can travel with the tractor in a forward direction. A substantially vertical support axle is mounted to the carrying structure and supports a rotor having hay making tools. A girder is attached to the support axle. A support structure is articulated to the girder via one substantially vertical pivot spindle positioned forward of the support axle. Two beams, each carrying two carrying wheels, are connected to the support at opposite sides. At curves and turns of the trajectory of the tractor, all of the carrying wheels will pivot together with their beams and the support structure around the pivot spindle. The wheels will therefore be oriented together, without skidding, in the forward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Kuhn S.A.
    Inventor: Christian Gantzer
  • Patent number: 5540040
    Abstract: A deployment spreader with two arms and an elbow member arrangement, optionally and preferably having a locking mechanism involving an overcenter arrangement of certain pivots, for deployment or retraction of a folding hay rake which is towable by a tractor. The hayrake rake has a primary towable frame with right and left secondary frames pivotally attached adjacent the rear of the primary frame. The deployment spreader assembly is pivotally attached to the primary and secondary frames for pivoting the secondary frame relative to the primary frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: H&S Manfacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Peeters
  • Patent number: 5493853
    Abstract: A pull-type bifold hay rake includes a draw bar mounted at its rearward end to a cross-member, with a pair of rake arms pivotably mounted to the cross-member. A series of rotatable rakes are mounted to each rake arm for movement between a raised and lowered position. A linkage assembly is interposed between the draw bar and the rake arms for moving the rake arms between an operative open position and an inoperative closed position. A hydraulic cylinder assembly, including an extendible and retractable rod, is interconnected with the linkage and with the draw bar for moving the linkage between a first position in which the rake arms are open and a second position in which the rake arms are closed. A cable and pulley arrangement is interconnected between the hydraulic cylinder assembly and a control rod mounted to each rake arm for providing movement of the rake assemblies between their raised and lowered positions in response to operation of the hydraulic cylinder assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Tonutti S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carletto Tonutti
  • Patent number: 5479768
    Abstract: A turf care implement includes a frame mounted on a pair of opposed wheels. The frame supports a pair of lift arms which are mounted at an angle to the direction of travel of the implement. The lift arms support a plurality of rakes on mounting arms. The radial-type wheel rakes which have tines extending radially outward from a central hub. A series of cables and pulleys connects from the lift arms to a lift handle by a forward portion of the frame for raising and lowering the arms and positioning the arms at various heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventor: Allen J. Hettich
  • Patent number: 5459987
    Abstract: A side-delivery rake includes a main frame comprising right- and left-hand frame members which diverge rearwardly and are interconnected at their forward ends by a front support assembly and are further interconnected by front, intermediate and rear braces. The intermediate brace is constructed of a cylindrical tubular member and is bent to include opposite end sections that are respectively disposed at right angles to the right- and left-hand main frame members. Identical bell cranks are mounted for rocking about opposite ends of the intermediate brace and include first arms respectively connected, by suspension chains, to identical upstanding brackets fixed to a rake reel support basket extending beneath the main frame, and second arms respectively connected to right- and left-hand lift cranks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Larry D. Hining, Dale R. Dolberg, James L. Vogt
  • Patent number: 5400578
    Abstract: A mobile baler machine is combined with raking apparatus which includes two rotatable rake members which consolidate cut crop material during travel of the baler machine and present a single row of raked and consolidated cut crop material to the baler machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: Marcello B. Galanti
  • Patent number: 5313772
    Abstract: A rake component system consists of a tool bar frame member, a pair of rake assemblies, a pair of pivot heads for mounting the rake assemblies to the tool bar frame member, a lifting and lowering assembly, a three-point hitch assembly mountable to the tool bar frame member and a pull-type hitch assembly mountable to the tool bar frame member. These components are shipped to a dealer or assembler in a knocked-down condition. When desired, the rakes and pivot heads are mounted to the tool bar frame member. Either the three-point hitch assembly or the pull-type hitch assembly is mounted to the tool bar frame member, depending upon the particular configuration desired. The lifting and lowering assembly, which consists of a linkage connected to the rake pivot heads and an extendible and retractable cylinder connected to the linkage, is then mounted to tool bar frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Tonutti S.P.A.
    Inventor: Carletto Tonutti
  • Patent number: 5305590
    Abstract: An agricultural rake especially designed for gathering wide swaths of agricultural field crops into windrows prior to baling is provided. The rake includes a primary frame, a pair of secondary rake frames pivotally and shiftably mounted to the primary frame, and a plurality or bank of radially-tined wheel rakes supported by the secondary frames. The secondary rake frames are free to pivot in a plane perpendicular to the direction of travel to prevent undo stress on the frames. Both the angle of deployment of the secondary frames as well as the distance between the frames is adjustable to accommodate different swath widths and windrow sizes. A unique rake suspension assembly provides for the easy shifting of the rake bases between the raking and transport positions while providing for desired tensioning of the rakes during raking operations and elevating the rake frames during transport. In an embodiment, castors are included to support the rake suspension assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: H & S Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Peeters
  • Patent number: 5274990
    Abstract: A haymaking machine, particularly a windrower of cut plants comprises a support mount which is attached to a frame that is adapted to be coupled to a hydraulic power lift of a tractor. At least one raking wheel being connected to one end of the support mount. The haymaking machine further comprises a protective device which extends at least partially around the at least one raking wheel and a deflector which works with the at least one raking wheel and limits a lateral ejection of cut plants. The haymaking machine further includes an adjusting mechanism for adjusting a position of the deflector with respect to the at least one raking wheel. The adjusting mechanism comprising a hydraulic cylinder which is connected to the deflector for changing the position of the deflector with respect to the at least one raking wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Kuhn, S.A.
    Inventors: Jerome Aron, Didier Demanet
  • Patent number: 5263306
    Abstract: The present invention regards a rake trolley with adjustable working widths, suitable for three point hitch finger wheel hay rakes. The trolley includes a transverse frame member. A pair of rake arms are connected to a pair of movable heads or supports, and a raising and lowering assembly is interconnected between the frame member and each rake head. The raising and lowering assembly includes a linkage, with a connector member on each side of the linkage extending between the linkage and one of the rake heads. A hydraulic cylinder assembly is interconnected with the linkage for moving it between a first position in which the rake arms are pivoted to a lowered, or working position, and a second position in which the rake arms are pivoted to a raised, or transport, position. The connector members are adjustable in length, to accommodate connection of the rake heads to varying positions along the length of the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Tonutti S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carletto Tonutti
  • Patent number: 5251431
    Abstract: The invention relates to a windrow inverting device pulled by a tractor to turn over hay rows and aid in the drying process of the windrows. The windrow inverting device comprises a rotating turntable in connection with a rake also pulled by a vehicle. The raking device picks up hay and sends it on to the turntable for inversion. The turntable is mounted for rotation and is in connection with a wheel of the vehicle to provide turning movement to the turntable. The turntable rotates clockwise to propel hay to the left of the vehicle or counter-clockwise to propel hay to the right of the vehicle thereby inverting the windrow in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventor: Craig A. Shoop
  • Patent number: 5231829
    Abstract: The present invention regards a rake trolley with adjustable working widths, suitable for three point hitch finger wheel hay rakes. The trolley includes a transverse frame member. A pair of rake arms are connected to a pair of moveable heads, and a pair of hydraulic cylinders are provided for moving the moveable heads between a working position in which the rake arms are lowered, and a transport position in which the rake arms are raised. The rake heads are mounted to the frame member, and the position of the rake heads on the frame member can be adjusted to vary the overall width of the rake trolley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Tonutti S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carletto Tonutti
  • Patent number: 5199252
    Abstract: An agricultural rake especially designed for gathering wide swaths of agricultural field crops into windrows prior to baling is provided. The rake includes a primary frame, a pair of secondary rake frames pivotally and shiftably mounted to the primary frame, and a plurality or bank of radially-tined wheel rakes supported by the secondary frames. Both the angle of deployment of the secondary frames as well as the distance between the frames is adjustable to accommodate different swath widths and windrow sizes. A unique rake suspension assembly provides for the easy shifting of the rake bases between the raking and transport positions while providing for desired damping of the rakes during raking operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: H & S Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth I. Peeters
  • Patent number: 5155986
    Abstract: A crop raking apparatus having a pair of arms pivotally attached along the vertical axis to a frame. A side delivery type rake having rotatable radially extending teeth is attached to each of the arms. A mechanism is provided for pivoting each one of the rakes about a substantially horizontal axis from a deployed raking position when the respective arm is out to an upper transport position when the respective radial arm is pivoted inwardly. The arms are connected together to the frame by link members which are powered by a hydraulic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Inventor: Gary L. Kelderman
  • Patent number: 5127216
    Abstract: A hay raking and windrowing apparatus having a tool bar adapted to be attached to a prime mover and having a side delivery rake attached to one side thereof for raking hay rearwardly and inwardly and a second side delivery rake on the other side of the tool bar for also raking hay rearwardly and inwardly so that both side delivery rakes together produce a single windrow. A folding apparatus is provided on each end of the tool bar for hydraulically folding the rakes between a lowered field operative position and a raised transport position. Hydraulic cylinders are preferably used to move the rakes between the transport and operative positions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Inventor: Gary L. Kelderman
  • Patent number: 5065570
    Abstract: This invention relates to the improvement of a new hay rake system that utilizes two separate wheel-type rakes which are substantially merged into one by mounting them to fold in for traveling and fold out for the raking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Inventor: Melvin C. Kuehn
  • Patent number: 5062260
    Abstract: This invention concerns a pull type hay rake which has the particularity of having an upside down "V" shape and to have two movable side elements, that open automatically when need for working and they close automatically when one has to transport on the road. Furthermore, this invention forsees the addition of other elements as optionals so as to increase or decrease its performances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: Tonutti S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carletto Tonutti
  • Patent number: 5060465
    Abstract: A transportable farm machine for windrowing products includes a frame which can be connected to a tractor, a rotor mounted to the frame for rotation about a vertical axis, and a plurality of toolholder arms mounted to the rotor such that the tools mounted on the toolholder arms may form the product into windrows during rotation of the rotor. Each of the toolholder arms includes an inside part mounted to the rotor and an outside part to which the tools are mounted and which is conencted to the inside part by a joint about which the outside part can be displaced between a work position and a transport position. The joint includes a first pivot for pivoting the outside part around the longitudinal axis of the inside part, a second pivot for pivoting the outside part about an axis forming a positive angle relative to the axis of the first pivot and a locking device for locking the outside part in the work position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Kuhn S.A.
    Inventor: Aron Jerome
  • Patent number: 5024053
    Abstract: An agricultural machine comprises a frame which is adapted to be hooked to a drive tractor and carries at least one rotor equipped with work tools controlled by a central cam to move products such as hay which are on the ground. The rotor is connected to the frame by a pin which is positioned substantially perpendicular to the direction of advance of the machine and comprises a central support pin on which carrying wheels are connected. The agricultural machine further comprises an actuating mechanism positioned between the frame and the rotor of the machine which acts on the rotor to pivot the rotor around its hinge pin. With this arrangement, a partial load transfer from the front wheels onto the rear wheels or wheels can be obtained and the agricultural machine can adapt to the unevenness of the ground as well as clear all obstacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Kuhn S.A.
    Inventor: M. Jerome Aron
  • Patent number: 4977734
    Abstract: A hay rake moveable between a rake position and a transport position. A frame assembly supported by an axle and wheels carries two sets of fingerwheel hay rakes which are rotatable on an axis positioned transversely to the axle. A hitch assembly which is connected to a towing vehicle is pivotedly connected to the frame. A connecting linkage is provided between the hitch assembly and the frame and a power source is connected to the frame for rotating the wheel rakes about their axis and rotating the frame relative to the hitch assembly thereby rotating the rakes between a downward and outward rake position and an upward and inward transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Inventors: Carroll G. Rowe, John D. Little
  • Patent number: 4974407
    Abstract: A hay rake having a frame assembly, having a front, a back and two sides and supported by wheels for being moved by a vehicle. A first and second set of a plurality of fingerwheel rakes are provided with each set rotatably carried adjacent opposite sides of the frame about a separate axis. Each of the axis are at an angle to vertical and horizontal. A power actuator on the frame rotates the rakes about the axis for rotating the rakes downwardly, outwardly and backwardly for moving the rakes to a rake position and rotates the rakes upwardly, inwardly and forwardly to raise the rakes to a transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Inventors: Carroll G. Rowe, John D. Little
  • Patent number: 4947631
    Abstract: This invention relates to the improvement of a new hay rake system that is comprised of two separate wheel-type rakes into one by mounting them on one frame in such a manner permitting them to fold in for traveling and fold out for the raking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Inventor: Melvin C. Kuehn
  • Patent number: 4932197
    Abstract: An apparatus having a frame adapted for earth traversing movement in a direction of travel and having portions laterally positionable with respect to the direction of travel, a work implement pivotally mounted on the laterally positionable portion of the frame for motion therewith relative to a predetermined axis through a range of selected operative positions, and a device for securing the work implement relative to the predetermined axis in a selected one of the operative positions for operation during movement of the frame along the path of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Inventor: David R. Allen
  • Patent number: 4926619
    Abstract: A hay-making machine operable to move along a straight line path and a curved path includes a central support along with elongated transverse supports pivotably connected to the central support and extending from opposite sides of the central support in a direction generally perpendicular to the straight line path. Raking devices and ground-support wheels are provided on each of the transverse supports. A drawbar structure is connected to the central support and extends generally forwardly of the central support, the drawbar structure being connectable to a tractor vehicle while an undercarriage is connected to the central support and extends generally rearwardly of the central support. Running wheels are rotatably mounted on the undercarriage, and a pivotal arrangement pivotably supports the running wheel for pivotable movement about generally vertical axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: H. Niemeyer Sohne GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Josef Ungruh, Maximilian Rohlmann
  • Patent number: 4914901
    Abstract: A haymaking machine having a frame supporting at least one raking wheel equipped with tool-carrying arms controlled during work. The raking wheel is rotatable about a support pin which carries a control cam and which is free in rotation in relation to the frame during work. The support pin is connected to at least one support which is offset in relation to the support pin in the direction of movement of the machine, with the support being stationary in relation to its connection to the support pin in the horizontal plane. The support thus assures a continuous predetermined orientation of the support pin and of control cam as a function of the direction of movement to permit formation of well-formed and regular windrows during movements of the haymaking machine both in a straight line or around curves or turns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Kuhn S.A.
    Inventor: Jerome Aron
  • Patent number: 4882900
    Abstract: This invention relates to the improvement of a new hay rake system that is comprised of two separate wheel-type rakes into one by mounting them on one frame in such a manner permitting them to fold in for traveling and fold out for the raking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Inventor: Melvin C. Kuehn
  • Patent number: 4875332
    Abstract: The outside part 17 of each tool-carrying arm 10 is offset in relation to the inside part 18 is that the center of gravity G of the set comprising the outside part 17 and the associated work tools 11 is located at least approximately on the longitudinal axis of rotation 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: Kuhn, S.A.
    Inventor: Jerome Aron
  • Patent number: 4864809
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for working grass, hay or other crops on the field, provided with two rake members which are drivable about upwardly directed axes of rotation. During operation, the distance between the rake members can be changed by controls at the seat of the tractor on which the machine is mounted to adapt the machine to various circumstances. The machine is provided with swath forming crop guide members, the relative positions of which are automatically adapted to remain about the same irrespective of the distance between the rake members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: C. van der Lely N.V.
    Inventors: Ary van der Lely, Cornelis J. G. Bom
  • Patent number: 4821499
    Abstract: A rotary rake in which the angular relationship of pin wheels and swing arm supports relative to a forward direction is such as to cause debris being collected to be caused to roll to one side, thereby increasing debris-collection potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Inventor: Darrell C. Symonds
  • Patent number: 4800713
    Abstract: A rotary rake in which each of the pin wheels (i.e. disk wheels) being arranged in echelon manner, has rearwardly inclined gaps between respective fingers whereby to promote removal of debris that otherwise will jam between the fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Inventor: Darrell C. Symonds