Directly Tilting Patents (Class 56/480)
  • Patent number: 7895816
    Abstract: An apparatus for combines for the collection of threshed material discharged from the combine and automatically dumping the collected material when a predetermined weight of material is accumulated. The apparatus includes a threshed material collector attached to the combine for rotation about a horizontal axis that is closer to a forward end of the collector than a rearward end of the collector. The collector includes a plurality of horizontally spaced tines extending in a rearward direction and position to collect material discharged from the combine. A counter weight is attached to the collector for controlling the amount of material collected before the collector rotates under the weight of the collected material to a dumping position where the collected material is removed from the collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventors: James Sutton, Allan James
  • Patent number: 7624679
    Abstract: An unloader for a cotton compacting structure such as a module builder, including loose cotton retaining apparatus configured and operable for retaining loose cotton carried from, and returning the loose cotton to, the compacting structure. Apparatus of the invention can include an array or arrays of individual upstanding filaments, or flaps, located on a cotton conveying surface of a door arrangement or ramp extending from the compacting structure and over which a mass of compacted cotton or module is unloaded. The apparatus is configured to allow passage of a mass or module of compacted cotton thereover, while preventing passage of at least a substantial portion of any loose cotton following the mass or module along the surface. The apparatus is also configured for returning the loose cotton to the compacting structure upon folding or closing of the door or ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Kevin S. Richman, Kenneth W. Brown, Frank C. Dupire, Jimmy Ray Hargett
  • Publication number: 20090013661
    Abstract: A remote control system and apparatus enabling safely accessing the interior of a cotton compacting chamber and other regions of a cotton harvester, and also operating aspects of the compacting apparatus contained therein and thereabout, and which system is optionally operable for operating other aspects of the harvester, for inspection, maintenance and/or service, as well as other purposes. The system requires initial steps, including to safely neutralize or lock out operating systems of the harvester, then enables accessing designated interior locations of the compactor and the ability to operate systems therein, including aspects of the compacting apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: John F. Link, Michael J. Covington, George H. Hale
  • Patent number: 6766634
    Abstract: A control for an unloader of a cotton module builder or other cotton compactor for controlling unloading and loss of uncompacted or loose cotton from the compactor. The unloader includes an unloading element having a first end, an opposite second end, and an intermediate portion located between the ends. A first cotton driver is positioned and operable for moving cotton over a first portion of the unloading element from the chamber to the intermediate location, and a second cotton driver is positioned and operable for moving the cotton over the unloading element from the intermediate location to the second end. The control includes apparatus for selectably operating the first cotton driver in an unloading direction and apparatus operable during operation of the first cotton driver for detecting passage of a trailing end of the module or mass of compacted cotton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Covington, Dwight D. Lemke, Hyppolite Kuissi
  • Patent number: 5829238
    Abstract: A hay bale accumulator is disclosed. This accumulator is made up of a bale platform on pivotal wheels. This platform is attached to a solid hitch at the back of a baler. The attachment point of the platform to the hitch contains a hydraulicly operated system that allows the platform to move from side to side in reference to the hitch. This hydraulic system is also used to lower and raise the platform. The platform is designed to hold two large rectangular bales at a distance off of the ground. The accumulator works by catching a large rectangular bale as it is ejected out of a baler. A sensor on the platform will then activate the hydraulics causing the platform to shift to the side. This shifting places an open space on the platform behind the baler. When a second bale is ejected it will be placed on the platform by the first and a second sensor will be activated. This sensor will cause the hydraulic system to lower the platform and allow the bales to drag on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Harlan Richard Branson
  • Patent number: 5758481
    Abstract: The invention is a simple and efficient system for picking up bales of hay, straw, or other agricultural material in the field and transporting these in stacks (four bales high) to a remote location. The first step in the process is attaching to the baler a cart with a turn table. The baler bales the hay, straw, or other agricultural material into a rectangular bale that is delivered lengthwise to the cart. The turn table on the cart rotates the bale ninety degrees and discharges the bale. Then a bale is picked up by a self propelled bale wagon that consists of: a cab with an engine, a flat bed, and the appropriate machinery for picking up the bale. A boom is mounted on the front of the bale wagon. The boom includes a plurality of tines designed to penetrate the bale as it rests in the field after coming off the turn table cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Tom Fry
  • Patent number: 5513484
    Abstract: A transfer station for collecting and transferring harvested material to large transport vehicles includes a hopper, in which harvested material accumulates, supported on a rigid frame. The hopper may be elevated from a lower "collection" height to an upper "transfer" height that facilitates release of harvested material into the transport vehicle. In one embodiment, the contents of the hopper are poured into a collection vehicle by tilting the entire transfer-station frame. In a second embodiment of the invention, the transfer-station frame does not tilt. Instead, the hopper is equipped with a sloped floor member. When lifted vertically and positioned over a collection vehicle, the hopper discharges by gravity as soon as an opening is established at the base of the slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventors: Eitan Zehavi, Matti Laserson, Steven Frank
  • Patent number: 5187928
    Abstract: A harvesting apparatus and method includes a vehicle designed for operation along aisles between rows of low density young citrus trees for collecting, storing and transporting citrus fruit harvested by multiple workers moving along in front of the vehicle. The apparatus and method is more efficient and cost effective for harvesting citrus fruit from low density young citrus trees and eliminates pallet tubs and the vehicle boom required to empty and replace the tubs as used in the "conventional harvesting method". The machine and method includes a large semi-circular tray preferably mounted at a level about two feet above the ground on the front of a self-propelled vehicle carrying a hopper. The tray is selectively removable to allow a tray of different size to be mounted on the vehicle to meet the harvesting conditions involved at given citrus groves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Kathleen McKenna
    Inventors: Frank J. McKenna, Richard K. Horst, James F. Horst, Charles S. Wright, John D. Matthews
  • Patent number: 5125223
    Abstract: A harvesting apparatus and method includes a vehicle designed for operation along aisles between rows of low density young citrus trees for collecting, storing and transporting citrus fruit harvested by multiple workers moving along in front of the vehicle. The apparatus and method is more efficient and cost effective for harvesting citrus fruit from low density young citrus trees and eliminates pallet tubs and the vehicle boom required to empty and replace the tubs as used in the "conventional harvesting method". The machine and method includes a large semi-circular tray preferably mounted at a level about two feet above the ground on the front of a self-propelled vehicle carrying a hopper. The tray is selectively removable to allow a tray of different size to be mounted on the vehicle to meet the harvesting conditions involved at given citrus groves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Harvesting Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Frank J. McKenna, Richard K. Horst, James F. Horst, Charles S. Wright, John D. Matthews
  • Patent number: 4091601
    Abstract: A work table designed to be used to facilitate the removal of objects, preferably tobacco stalks, supported on sticks or other elongated elements by single or by several workers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1978
    Inventor: James L. Riggins
  • Patent number: 4037741
    Abstract: A bale loading, transporting and feeding apparatus of a type for handling large bales of hay. A two-wheeled trailer is provided with an elongated member having two or more shaft mechanisms rigidly attached thereto. The shaft mechanisms are perpendicularly disposed with respect to the elongated member and are non-parallel with respect to each other for facilitating the engaging of each bale while the previously engaged bale is lifted off of the ground. A feed rack is connected to the trailer and is selectively movable between a vertical loading and transporting position and a horizontal feeding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1977
    Inventor: Donald E. Smith