| AGCO CORPORATION Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120111584 | Implement Tongue Locking Mechanism - A tongue-hitch structure for a pull-type implement may comprise a tongue locking mechanism. A work frame for the pull-type implement may comprise a vertically adjustable rear wheel suspension comprising an actuator for moving the work frame between a lowered, working position and a raised, transport position. The tongue-hitch structure may be adapted to allow vertical movement between the tongue-hitch structure and the work frame. A leveling arrangement may be coupled between the work frame and the hitch-tongue structure operable to prevent and/or allow vertical movement between the tongue-hitch structure and the work frame. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120096825 | FLEXIBLE COMBINE HARVESTER DRAPER HEADER HAVING DRAPER BELT WITH INTERNAL GUIDE RIB - A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a flexible cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a flexible draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly to permit the draper assembly to flex with the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes fore-and-aft extending rollers and an endless flexible belt entrained around the rollers. The draper assembly further includes at least one support panel to support the belt. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120079800 | Interlocking Belt Guards for a Draper Header - A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120079272 | ONE-TIME USE AUTHORIZATION CODES WITH ENCRYPTED DATA PAYLOADS FOR USE WITH DIAGNOSTIC CONTENT SUPPORTED VIA ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS - In one embodiment, a computing apparatus that receives respective unique identifiers corresponding to a machine and a diagnostic tool and a requested parameter setting for configuring a machine component residing in the machine, and provides an authorization code with a payload comprising the requested parameter setting, the payload encrypted based on the unique identifiers. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120078490 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING THE ENGINE SPEED OF AGRICULTURAL VEHICLES FOR INCREASING ENGINE SPEEDS - An engine speed control system for an agricultural vehicle includes a variable throttle controller, a mode selector, and a control device. The variable throttle control permits an operator to select a variably adjustable engine speed and the mode selector permits the operator to select between a plurality of pre-set engine speeds. The control device receives output signals from the throttle controller, generates engine speed commands, and delivers the commands to an engine controller for controlling the speed of the agricultural vehicle's engine. The control device is operable to generate a first engine speed command associated with one of the pre-set engine speeds when an operator activates the mode selector and to temporarily or permanently override the first engine speed command with a second engine speed command associated with the throttle controller when the operator activates the throttle controller. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120078474 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING AND CANCELLING THE ENGINE SPEED OF AGRICULTURAL VEHICLES - An engine speed control system for an agricultural vehicle includes a variable throttle controller, a mode selector, and a control device. The variable throttle control permits an operator to select a variably adjustable engine speed and the mode selector permits the operator to select between a plurality of pre-set engine speeds. The control device receives output signals from the throttle controller, generates engine speed commands, and delivers the commands to an engine controller for controlling the speed of the agricultural vehicle's engine. The control device is operable to generate a first engine speed command associated with one of the pre-set engine speeds when an operator activates the mode selector and to temporarily or permanently override the first engine speed command with a second engine speed command associated with the throttle controller when the operator activates the throttle controller. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120072922 | EVALUATING TRIGGERS FOR APPLICATION CONTROL AND MACHINE CONFIGURATION - Evaluation of control and configuration triggers may be provided. A data transmission may be received from a machine. A first initial filter criteria may be determined to apply to the transmitted data, and the transmitted data may be provided to an application service associated with the initial filter criteria. A return message may be received from the application service and may be evaluated to determine whether the transmitted data should be compared to additional initial filter criteria. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120072533 | DYNAMIC SERVICE GENERATION IN AN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE ARCHITECTURE - Dynamic service generation may be provided. An application service may be created. Upon receiving a data transmission from a machine, wherein the data transmission comprises a machine identifier, an application service may be identified as being associated with the machine according to the machine identifier. The application service may be invoked on the transmitted data and a response message may be received from the application service. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120072341 | ALLOCATING APPLICATION SERVERS IN A SERVICE DELIVERY PLATFORM - Application service allocation may be provided. An initial filter criteria comprising an application service may be identified as being associated with a machine. A host address for the application service may be resolved, and the application service may be invoked. A service profile comprising the at least one initial filter criteria may be transmitted to the machine. A plurality of data may be received from the machine and transmitted to the host address associated with the application service. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120072322 | SELF-PROVISIONING BY A MACHINE OWNER - User provisioning of application services may be provided. A selection of a plurality of agricultural application services may be received from a authenticated user. A subscription entry comprising the selected application services may be created in a database. When a transmission is received from a machine comprising a data measurement and a machine identifier, the subscription entry may be determined to be associated with the machine identifier. The plurality of application services associated with the subscription entry may be invoked and the data measurement may be provided to the plurality of application services. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120072317 | BILLING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR AGRICULTURAL SERVICES ACCESS - Billing for application services may be provided. A plurality of data may be received from a machine. The machine may be determined to be associated with a subscribing user, and an application service associated with the machine may be identified. The plurality of data may be provided to the application service and a charge record associated with the subscribing user may be created. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120055134 | Gathering Auger with Independent Speed - A gathering auger of a harvesting header driven independently from the speed of the harvester. In one embodiment, a row unit of the header includes at last one powered snap roll in combination with a stripper plate for removing useable parts from crop stalks. The gathering auger is powered by a first drive means and the powered snap roll is powered by a second drive means such that the gathering auger and the powered snap roll are operated at different speeds. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120055133 | Offset Snap Rolls for Corn Header - First and second snap rolls corresponding with a pair of forward-extending row units of a harvesting header wherein the snap rolls oppose one another on opposite sides of a crop passage and are offset from one another relative the ground to urge the crop stalks in the crop passage toward one of the row units. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120055132 | Smooth Idler Roll for Corn Header - First and second snap rolls corresponding with a pair of forward-extending row units of a harvesting header wherein the snap rolls oppose one another on opposite sides of a crop passage and wherein one of said first and second snap rolls is substantially smooth along its length. In one embodiment, one of the snap rolls is a powered snap roll and the other smooth snap roll is an unpowered idler roll. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120042627 | Helical Acting Straight Snap Roll Flutes for Corn Header - A helical-acting snap roll for a harvesting header having straight flutes which are free of a formed twist. The snap roll includes elongated straight flutes that extend substantially the entire length of the snap roll but that are parallel misaligned with a central axis of rotation of the snap roll. A pair of opposing and counter-rotating snap rolls of the present invention chops and pulls crop stalks passing therebetween downward toward the ground while also creating a helical action such that the crop stalks are conveyed rearward. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120042626 | Crop Capturing Member for Corn Header with Gathering Auger - An elongated member extending from one row unit of a pair of adjacent row units of a harvesting header to urge crop stalks in a crop passage between the adjacent row units toward a gathering auger on the other of the pair of adjacent row units. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120042625 | Cantilevered Gathering Auger For Corn Header - A cantilevered gathering auger for a row unit of a harvesting header. The gathering auger cooperates with a striper plate to remove useable parts from crop stalks gathered in a crop passage and to convey the stripped useable parts rearward into a cross auger of the header. The useable parts are conveyed rearward free of obstruction to the cross auger. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120042624 | Removable Corn Header Snout - A removable divider for a row unit of an agricultural header. The divider is configured to be detachably retained by mounting portions of a frame of the row unit. The divider is retained by the mounting portions of the frame when the divider is in a first position relative the row unit for harvesting crop and is removable from the mounting portions when the divider is in a second position relative the row unit. Outward and parallel extending portions abut the frame of the row unit when the divider is in the first position but then allow the divider to be removed from the row unit when the divider is moved into the second position. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120042623 | Dual Idler Rolls for Corn Header - A first snap roll corresponding with one row unit and another pair of rolls corresponding with another adjacent row unit of a harvesting header where the first snap roll and the pair of rolls are offset from one another relative the ground to urge the crop stalks in the crop passage between the row units toward the one row unit. In one embodiment, the pair of offset rolls are unpowered idler rolls. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120042622 | Combination Driven and Idler Snap Rolls for Corn Header - First and second snap rolls corresponding with a pair of forward-extending row units of a harvesting header wherein the snap rolls oppose one another on opposite sides of a crop passage and are operated at different speeds relative to one another. In one embodiment one of the snap rolls is a powered snap roll and the other is an idler roll. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120042621 | Helical Acting Snap Roll Flutes for Corn Header - A helical-acting snap roll for a harvesting header having straight flutes which are free of a formed twist. The snap roll includes a plurality of elongated straight flutes that extend substantially the entire length of the snap roll but that are parallel misaligned with a central axis of rotation of the snap roll. A pair of opposing and counter-rotating snap rolls of the present invention chops and pulls crop stalks passing therebetween downward toward the ground while also creating a helical action such that the crop stalks are conveyed rearward. In one embodiment, at least a pair of straight portions acting as flutes are partially parallel aligned with one another along the length and one side of each snap roll. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120042620 | Pivoting Gathering Auger for Corn Header - A pivoting gathering auger for a row unit of a harvesting header. The gathering auger cooperates with a striper plate to remove useable parts from crop stalks gathered in a crop passage and to convey the stripped useable parts rearward into the cross auger of the header. The gathering auger pivots in a vertical plane between a first position for harvesting and a second position for maintenance. While in the maintenance position, a distal end of the gathering auger does not communicate with the cross auger. The useable parts are conveyed rearward free of obstruction to the cross auger. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120042619 | Offset Stripper Plates for Corn Header - First and second stripper plates for a harvesting header that are offset from one another relative the ground. The first and second stripper plates oppose one another to at least partially define a first crop passage for receiving crop stalks and to remove useable parts from the crop stalks gathered in the crop passage. In one embodiment, the first and second stripper plates are offset from one another relative the ground to urge the crop stalks laterally toward a gathering auger of a row unit of the header. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120042618 | Tilting Crop Stalk Chopper - A tilting crop stalk chopper on a header for harvesting crops. The chopper is moveably coupled to the header such that the chopper moves between first and second positions to vary the angle at which crops are cut. The movement of the chopper into first and second positions is independent of the position of the row units of the header relative the ground. In one embodiment, a gear box coupled to the chopper is moveable to the chopper between the first and second positions. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120036843 | AIR FILTER ASPIRATION AND ASPIRATION FAN DRIVE FOR USE WITH EXHAUST TREATMENT - In one embodiment, a system includes: a diesel engine having an intake and an exhaust; an exhaust treatment system communicating with the exhaust and operative to treat combustion products of the engine; an intake treatment system communicating with the intake and having an air filter assembly operative to remove particles from a flow of air and to provide the flow of air to the engine; and an aspiration fan assembly having a fan mechanically driven by the engine to produce scavenging vacuum pressure, the aspiration fan assembly being operative to apply the scavenging vacuum pressure to the air filter assembly to remove particles collected in the air filter assembly. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120036833 | Scavenging Vacuum Pressure Provisioning with Exhaust Treatment - In one embodiment, a method that includes collecting particles from an intake flow of air for a diesel engine; removing the particles collected using scavenging vacuum pressure and without adding exhaust restriction; and treating combustion products of the diesel engine. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120036819 | Flexible Combine Harvester Draper Header with Pivoting Structure within Side Draper - A harvesting header having a flexible cutterbar assembly utilizes draper belts behind the cutterbar assembly to gently consolidate the severed crop materials and deliver them to a point of discharge and delivery, such as to the feederhouse of a combine harvester. One embodiment has draper assemblies and a central conveyor fixed relative to the flexible cutterbar assembly, while another has the draper assemblies and central conveyer flexible with the cutterbar assembly. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120023885 | SPRING FLOTATION FOR CENTER DECK OF DRAPER HEADER - A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine. The center draper includes a draper frame swingably supported on the header frame at a pivot to project forwardly therefrom and a draper belt supported on the draper frame to present a rearwardly moving run for conveying the crop rearwardly. The center draper includes a counterbalance mechanism coupled between the header and draper frames to counteract the weight of the center draper about the pivot. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120011822 | AGRICULTURAL HEADER TRANSPORT KIT - 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. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120011821 | Variable Speed Lean Bar - In an example embodiment a header includes a rotatable lean bar. A controller may be provided to manipulate the rotation of the lean bar. In an example embodiment, rotation of the lean bar may be manipulated in response to a characteristic of a vehicle, such as vehicle speed. In one example embodiment a control panel is provided in a cab of a vehicle to allow an operator to manipulate rotation of the lean bar. A sensor may be provided to detect characteristics of the rotation and a display provided to indicate rotational characteristics of the lean bar. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120011820 | Header With Improved Lean Bar - In an example embodiment a header includes a rotatable lean bar that is the forwardmost element. In an example embodiment, the lean bar may be freely rotatable and include elements to assist in rotation upon engagement with crop material and elements to urge the crop material in a desired direction. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120011819 | Header With Adjustable Lean Bar - In an example embodiment a header includes a lean bar having a position that is adjustable. A controller may be configured to change position of the lean bar. The lean bar position may be manipulated in response to a characteristic of crop material to be processed. In one example embodiment a control panel is provided in a cab of a vehicle to allow an operator to remotely manipulate the position of the lean bar. A control panel may be provided to allow an operator to manipulate the lean bar. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20110308222 | CROP DEFLECTOR FOR ENDS OF DRAPER BELT OF FLEXIBLE DRAPER HEADER - The otherwise open end of the outboardmost belt guard over the interface between the flexible cutterbar assembly and flexible draper assembly of a harvesting header is closed by a deflector to prevent the ingress of crop residue into the void region defined beneath the overhanging belt guards. In this manner residue is prevented from migrating into the interior of the draper belt of the draper assembly. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110308221 | BELT GUARD CROP DAM FOR FLEXIBLE DRAPER HEADER - Belt guards that overlie the interface between a flexible cutterbar assembly and a flexible draper assembly of a harvesting header define an underlying void region that is sealed against the entry of crop residue by an upright dam wall that bears against the underside of the overhanging belt guards forward of the front edge of the upper run of the belt of the draper assembly. The upright dam wall is on the front extremity of flexible support panels that underlie the upper belt run and may be essentially rigid or provided with a resilient trim seal strip. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110302896 | HARVESTING HEADER WITH A FLEXIBLE CUTTER BAR AND TILT ARM FOR CUTTERBAR DRIVE - A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a flexible cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, a plurality of laterally spaced apart support arms, and a conveyor assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The support arms are pivotally coupled to the frame for swinging movement about a laterally extending axis so that the flexible cutterbar assembly is operable to flex along the length thereof in response to changes in terrain as the header is advanced. The cutterbar drive includes a forward gearbox drivingly connected to the cutterbar assembly and supported on an outer support arm. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110277435 | CROP HARVESTER HAVING METAL CONDITIONER ROLLS WITH HERRINGBONE RIB PATTERN - The conditioning rolls of a crop harvester have intermeshing metal ribs arranged in a herringbone pattern, each rib comprising a pair of end-to-end segments that converge spirally from opposite ends of the roll to a centermost apex. Alternative embodiments provide a single pair of metal herringbone rolls, two pairs of metal herringbone rolls, or a front pair of metal herringbone rolls and a rear pair of compressible surface herringbone rolls. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110270783 | TRIGGER-BASED APPLICATION CONTROL - Trigger-based application control may be provided. A work implement may receive an application trigger comprising a location-based condition. In response to determining that the work implement has entered the work area associated with the location-based condition, an application associated with the work implement may be received and initialized. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110270724 | AGRICULTURAL INVENTORY AND INVOICE SYSTEM - An agricultural inventorying and invoicing system may be provided. A work task associated with an agricultural implement and a work area may be identified. If the agricultural implement is determined to be located within the work area, a work application for recording at least one data measurement associated with the work task may be initiated. If the work implement is determined to no longer be located within the work area, the work application may be halted and the recorded at least one data measurement may be transmitted to a central system. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110270723 | DYNAMICALLY TRIGGERED APPLICATION CONFIGURATION - Dynamically triggered application configuration may be provided. An application trigger may be created and associated with a work area. A characteristic may be associated with a work implement. The work implement may be determined to be located in the work area and, if the characteristic of the work implement satisfies a condition associated with the application trigger, an application configuration may be transmitted to the work implement. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110253472 | COMBINATION DRIVE AND SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - The invention is a combination drive and suspension system that includes an upper drive assembly and a lower drive assembly pivotally connected. The pivoting drive system provides improved ground clearance for a farm vehicle capable of carrying a large quantity of field application material. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110232252 | DRAPER ASSEMBLY WITH ROLLERS AND A DRAPER BELT SUPPORT PANEL FOR A FLEXIBLE DRAPER HEADER - A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a flexible cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a flexible draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly to permit the draper assembly to flex with the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes fore-and-aft extending rollers and an endless flexible belt entrained around the rollers. The draper assembly further includes at least one support panel to support the belt. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110232248 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONDITIONING CROP MATERIALS - As crop materials are severed from the field, they pass through two successive pairs of counter-rotating conditioning rolls before being returned to the ground. The front rolls are preferably ribbed, metal rolls wherein the ribs of one roll are intermeshed with those of the other roll so as to crimp the stems of the crop materials as they pass between the rolls. The hard metal ribs also aggressively feed the materials rearwardly into the second set of rolls, which are preferably compressive surface rolls made of rubber or the like and provided with wide, intermeshed bars about their periphery. The tension mechanism for the rolls includes single-acting hydraulic cylinders that squeeze the rolls together to the extent permitted by adjustable stop structure used to set gaps between the rolls. In typical operations, the gap between the rear rolls is set to be considerably smaller than the gap between the front rolls. Great flexibility in the degree of conditioning experienced by the crop materials is achieved by the nature of the rolls and the ease with which roll pressure and spacing can be adjusted. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110185693 | Combine Harvester Draper Header Having Flexible Cutterbar - A harvesting header having a flexible cutterbar assembly utilizes draper belts behind the cutterbar assembly to gently consolidate the severed crop materials and deliver them to a point of discharge and delivery, such as to the feederhouse of a combine harvester. One embodiment has draper assemblies and a central conveyor fixed relative to the flexible cutterbar assembly, while another has the draper assemblies and central conveyer flexible with the cutterbar assembly. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110185679 | Meshwrap Dispensing Mechanism for Round Balers - A wrapper dispensing mechanism for round balers includes a feed roller shiftable generally toward and away from a baling element of a bale forming mechanism so as to be selectively brought into and out of engagement with the baling element. The feed roller is driven by the baling element when the feed roller is in engagement with the baling element, with the feed roller and the baling element cooperatively defining a temporary nip therebetween during engagement. The feed roller is disposed to at least partially vertically support the roll of supply material thereon. A method of dispensing wrapping material from a supply roll includes supporting the supply roll at least partially on a feed roller, shifting the feed roller into engagement with the baling element to create a temporary nip therebetween and drive the feed roller, and driving the baling element while the feed roller is in engagement therewith. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110160994 | AUTO-DETECTION OF A FIELD IN FLEET MANAGEMENT - A field boundary may be provided. First, a plurality of location data points may be received. Next, it may be determined whether each of the plurality of location data points is associated with at least one work area. Then a boundary line of the at least one work area may be identified from at least a subset of the plurality of location data points. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110160968 | WORK IMPLEMENT CONTROL BASED ON WORKED AREA - Control of a work implement may be provided. A location and a trajectory associated with a machine may be received. According to the location and trajectory, it may be determined whether the machine is entering an unworked area. If the machine is entering the unworked area, a work implement of the machine may be engaged. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110160961 | GUIDANCE USING A WORKED EDGE FOR WAYLINE GENERATION - Wayline generation using a worked edge may be provided. A field boundary line and first work implement width may be received. A first wayline may then be calculated according to a distance from the field boundary line comprising the width of the first work implement. The first wayline may be provided to another machine and a width of the other machine's work implement may be received. A second wayline may then be calculated according to a distance from the first wayline comprising the width of the second machine's work implement. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110155081 | AGRICULTURAL VEHICLE COOLING ASSEMBLY FAN SHROUD WITH SEALS FOR PASS-THROUGH COOLING AND EXHAUST TUBES - A self-propelled, low-emission vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, a vehicle cooling assembly, and an engine exhaust assembly disposed within an engine compartment. The vehicle cooling assembly includes an enclosure and a powered fan to vent the enclosure by drawing a stream of cooling air therethrough. The engine exhaust assembly carries exhaust gas through exhaust lines from the engine, which is disposed outside of the enclosure, through an exhaust treatment device, which is disposed inside of the enclosure, and out to the environment. A fan shroud assembly defines an outlet margin of the enclosure and includes a shroud body defining a pair of passageways through which the exhaust lines pass. The fan shroud assembly includes an insulated connection assembly disposed adjacent each passageway to provide sealing connection between the respective exhaust line and the shroud body while prohibiting direct contact between the respective exhaust line and the shroud body. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110154795 | Interlocking Belt Guards for a Draper Header - A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110153169 | Sensor-Based Implement Motion Interlock System - In an example embodiment, a sensor based implement motion interlock comprises, a sensor for detecting an obstacle near the implement and a controller configured to stop movement of the implement when the obstacle is detected. An override switch may be provided to allow an operator to move the implement in a safe mode after the object is detected. The override switch may be positioned to ensure that the operator is cognizant of the obstacle during movement of the implement. A normal mode of operation may be resumed when the object is no longer in proximity and/or an operation of the implement is complete. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110153168 | Method to Enhance Performance of Sensor-Based Implement Height Control - In an example embodiment, a system for providing a height change command for an implement, comprises a height control module configured to interact with a computer, and configured to receive topographical data, provide a virtual field map based on said topographical data, provide a forward view polygon for an implement based on said virtual field map, and provide a height change command for said implement based on said forward view polygon and an implement control unit configured to receive said height change command and control movement of said implement. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110153143 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ALERTING THAT A VEHICLE WILL ARRIVE AT A POINT-OF-INTEREST WITHIN A PREDETERMINED TIME INTERVAL - A system alerts a user that a vehicle will arrive at a point of interest within a predetermined time interval and includes a vehicle-mounted assembly and a remote assembly. The vehicle-mounted assembly includes a location-determining device connected to the vehicle for determining the location of the vehicle, and a first communication device connected to the location-determining device for sending data comprising the location of the vehicle over a communications network. The remote assembly includes a second communication device for receiving the data from the first communication device over a communications network, and a computing device in communication with the second communication device for computing a time-geofence, and for alerting the user. The time-geofence corresponds to a boundary that if the location of the vehicle is within the boundary the vehicle will arrive at the point of interest at earlier than the expiration of a predetermined interval, and if the vehicle is outside the boundary the vehicle will arrive at the point of interest at later than the expiration of a predetermined interval. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110151951 | Concave Adjustment Mechanism - A combine harvester where opposing concaves on either side of a rotor of a processing system substantially simultaneously travel symmetrical paths. The concaves of the processing system may be pivotally supported on a rockshaft where the axis of the rockshaft moves in a generally vertical manner so that the concaves then move generally radially toward or away from the rotor. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110151950 | Combine Harvester Processing System Having Adjustable Concaves on a Suspension System - A combine harvester where opposing concaves on either side of a rotor of a processing system substantially simultaneously travel symmetrical paths. The concaves of the processing system may be supported on a suspension system such that the concaves are pivotally supported from a common axial location at one end and translationally adjusted at another end to move the concaves generally radially toward or away from the rotor. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110148053 | ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT DEVICE FOR HIGH CLEARANCE VEHICLE - A self-propelled, dirigible agricultural vehicle includes a height-adjustable chassis with an axle and a driven wheel hub. The axle is shiftable between a normal clearance position above the wheel hub and a relatively higher elevated clearance position. The chassis further includes a kingpin and a spacer section that is removably connectable to the kingpin. The axle is in the normal clearance position when the spacer is removed from the kingpin and is in the elevated clearance position when the spacer is connected to the kingpin. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110146220 | Wide Cut Rotary Harvester With Improved Helper Roll - In an example embodiment a harvesting header has a cutter mechanism to cut crop material, a discharge opening through which the crop material may be discharged, at least one conditioning roll to condition crop material cut by the cutter mechanism that passes through the discharge opening, and a helper roll extending laterally outward of the discharge opening. A support may be provided at the discharge opening for rotatably supporting the helper roll. In one example embodiment the helper roll comprises a first sub-helper roll and a second sub-helper roll that are rotatably coupled to a bearing assembly mounted at the discharge opening. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110146219 | Wide Cut Rotary Harvester Having Helper Roll With Auger Flighting - In an example embodiment, a harvesting header includes a helper roll having at auger flighting configured to move crop material laterally inward. The auger flighting may be outboard of a crop receiving area. The helper roll may be placed rearward of a cutter mechanism and forward of a conditioning roll of the header. The axis of rotation of the helper roll may be positioned slightly above a cutting plane of a cutting bed so that the auger flighting extends vertically past the cutting plane. In an example embodiment, at least a portion of the auger flights are positioning outboard of a conditioning roll of the header. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110139895 | APPLICATOR BOOM TILT FRAME - A tilting boom applicator broadly includes a laterally-extending applicator boom a lift, and a tilt frame. The lift includes upper and lower lift arms that support the applicator boom and are operable to vertically shift the applicator boom. The tilt frame interconnects the applicator boom and lift and includes a fixed section mounted to upper lift arms and a swinging section mounted to the applicator boom. The frame sections are attached to each other at a frame pivot joint that defines a longitudinal tilt axis, with the frame pivot joint permitting tilting movement of the applicator boom relative to the lift about the longitudinal tilt axis. Lower lift arms are directly attached to the swinging section to limit movement of the applicator boom relative to the lift about a lateral pitch axis while permitting the tilting movement. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110139302 | AUTOMATED REFILLING CONNECTION FOR A LIQUID MATERIAL CONTAINER OF AN APPLICATOR - An agricultural liquid material application system broadly includes an agricultural applicator and a fluid-transferring connection assembly. The connection assembly includes complemental fluid connectors associated with a liquid material source and the applicator. The connection assembly includes a valve operably coupled to a corresponding one of the fluid connectors so as to be automatically shifted out of a closed position when the connectors are in sealing engagement with one another and the connection assembly is in a fluid transfer configuration. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110131940 | DRAPER BELT WITH CROP-RETAINING RIB - A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110131762 | DUPLEX FRAME HINGE FOR FARM IMPLEMENT - A duplex hinge having two pivot points. In one embodiment, the hinge is used between sections of multi-sectional farm implements to allow flex during field operations as well as folding for road transport. One pivot point is active both when folding and during field operations. The other pivot point is active during field operations but rigid while folding for road transport. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110113745 | SPRING FLOTATION FOR CENTER DECK OF DRAPER HEADER - A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The center draper includes a draper frame swingably supported on the header frame at a pivot to project forwardly therefrom and a draper belt supported on the draper frame to present a rearwardly moving run for conveying the crop rearwardly. The center draper includes a counterbalance mechanism coupled between the header and draper frames to counteract the weight of the center draper about the pivot. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110089647 | Variable Chassis Adjustment System - In an example embodiment, an adjustment apparatus for varying the ground clearance of a vehicle includes an adjustable leg configured to couple to a chassis and wheel of a vehicle, and a removable stop to releasably fix the adjustable leg in a desired condition. The adjustable leg may include a main leg and a drop leg that is movable within the leg, the main leg configured to couple to a chassis of a vehicle and the drop leg configured to couple to a vehicle wheel. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110084851 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSISTING IN THE REFILLING OF AGRICULTURAL VEHICLES - A system and method for directing when and where an agricultural vehicle should refill a container thereof may comprise a sensor for detecting an amount of material in the container, a location determining device, and a processing device communicably coupled with the sensor and the location determining device, as well as a display, a speaker, and/or an automated steering system. The processing device may use information regarding the amount of material in the container, the location of the agricultural vehicle, and a variety of other factors to determine when the container needs to be refilled and to determine a refill location at which the agricultural vehicle should refill. The processing device may send these refill instructions to the display, the speaker, and/or the automated steering system. The processing device may also alert a refill vehicle to travel to the determined refill location, if necessary. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110067374 | Baler Starter Roll - In one embodiment, a starter roll for a baler includes a continuous chevron-shaped rib provided on a contact surface of the starter roll. The rib may include a center portion arranged generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the starter roll and outwardly and rearwardly extending wings. A plurality of ribs may be provided to form guide channels for guiding wrapping material that is provided to the bale and engaged by the starter roll outward to cover the edges of a bale and distribute the wrapping material over the lateral surface of the bale. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110056178 | Flexible Draper and Cutter with Tilt Arm for Cutterbar Drive - A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain. The draper assembly includes a draper belt carried by pivotable support arms. The cutterbar drive includes a forward gearbox drivingly connected to the cutterbar assembly and supported on an outer support arm. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110049840 | Drawbar Bore Adapter - In an example embodiment a drawbar pin bore adapter includes a bushing sized to fit within a drawbar pin bore of a first size and a retainer to secure the bushing to the drawbar. The bushing may include a primary portion having an outer diameter configured for insertion into the drawbar pin bore, an inner diameter configured to receive a drawbar pin of a second diameter; and an extension portion configured to protrude from the drawbar bore and engage the retainer to secure at least a portion of the bushing within the drawbar pin bore. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110029909 | User Interface With Biomass Deflection Information - A user interface with biomass deflection information for biomass collection. In one embodiment, crop material such as the residue or material other than grain (MOG) from the back of the combine is directly projected toward a target on a baler collection device. A tailboard with defection panels may be used to alter the direction of the crop residue from the combine. The tongue of the baler is configured to not obstruct the crop material as the crop material is projected toward the baler. One or more knives of a chopper coupled to the combine may be configured to optimally project MOG toward the baler. Also, the stuffer chute of the baler may be configured to facilitate the flow of crop material such as MOG and therefore minimize obstructions. The crop material is transferred from the combine to the baler without the use of a conveyor. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110024538 | Combine Chopper For Feeding A Baler - A chopper for a combine harvester for biomass collection. In one embodiment, crop material such as the residue or material other than grain (MOG) from the back of the combine is directly projected toward a target on a baler collection device. A tailboard with defection panels may be used to alter the direction of the crop residue from the combine. The tongue of the baler is configured to not obstruct the crop material as the crop material is projected toward the baler. One or more knives of a chopper coupled to the combine may be configured to optimally project MOG toward the baler. Also, the stuffer chute of the baler may be configured to facilitate the flow of crop material such as MOG and therefore minimize obstructions. The crop material is transferred from the combine to the baler without the use of a conveyor. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110023732 | Round Baler With Variable Speed Baling Mechanism - In an example embodiment, a baler includes a variable speed baling chamber. The variable speed baling chamber may include a baling chamber and a variable speed drive. A method of baling crop material includes running a baling chamber at a first speed during a bale-forming cycle and running the baling chamber at a second speed during a non-bale-forming cycle, such as a bale wrapping cycle. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110023731 | Baler Density Control Mechanism and Method - A method of electronically sensing the fill of material in a stuffer chute and tripping a stuffer of a baler. A combine harvester and baler for biomass collection. In one embodiment, crop material such as the residue or material other than grain (MOG) from the back of the combine is directly projected toward a target on a baler collection device. A tailboard with defection panels may be used to alter the direction of the crop residue from the combine. The tongue of the baler is configured to not obstruct the crop material as the crop material is projected toward the baler. One or more knives of a chopper coupled to the combine may be configured to optimally project MOG toward the baler. Also, the stuffer chute of the baler may be configured to facilitate the flow of crop material such as MOG and therefore minimize obstructions. The crop material is transferred from the combine to the baler without the use of a conveyor. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110011665 | AGRICULTURAL VEHICLE EMISSION AFTERTREATMENT DEVICE UTILIZING HEAT EXCHANGER VENTILATION - A self-propelled low-emission off-road vehicle has an internal combustion engine supported in an engine compartment and also includes a vehicle cooling assembly and an engine exhaust treatment device positioned in the compartment. The vehicle cooling assembly includes a powered fan and an enclosure with a heat exchanger operable to discharge heat produced by the vehicle. The enclosure presents an inlet, outlet, and air flow plenum, with the fan directing air flow along a path between the inlet and outlet. The exhaust treatment device is operable to treat engine exhaust flow. The exhaust treatment device is positioned at least partly in the air flow plenum and in the path between the inlet and outlet. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110005439 | Planter with Depth Adjustment Mechanism - A planter row unit has a pair of ground-engaging gauge wheels located in close proximity to opposite sides of a furrow opener of the unit. The depth of penetration of the furrow opener depends upon the vertical position of the gauge wheels relative to the furrow opener. Wheel arms that connect the gauge wheels to the frame of the row unit are operably coupled with a depth adjustment lever through a rigid link that transmits adjusting movement of the depth adjustment lever to the gauge wheels to raise or lower the same. The link is made adjustable in length to provide fine depth adjustment of the unit for calibration purposes or otherwise. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20100313540 | DRAPER BELT SUPPORT FOR FLEXIBLE DRAPER HEADER - A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100282147 | Twin Row Planter - An apparatus and method to precisely meter and dispense two or more crop inputs with a common metering disc is presented to achieve proper placement in the soil relative to one another. In one embodiment, dry granular or granulized fertilizer is metered from one side of the disc and seed is metered from the opposite side of the same metering disc. The fertilizer is placed in a concentrated “pulse” approximately equal distances between seeds within a common seed furrow and/or between seed furrows to improved nutrient use efficiency by minimizing soil to fertilizer contact and subsequent chemical reactions that make applied supplemental nutrients less available to plants. Pressurized air may be utilized to assist discharge of both the seed and fertilizer from the disc meter to assure precise spacing in the soil. A cover may be placed on the meter and metering disc to recirculate air and thus minimize potential atmospheric contamination from seed coatings and fertilizer materials. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100282146 | Seed Meter Airflow Cover - A cover for a pneumatic metering device for preventing air flow to the ambient environment while dispensing of inputs from the metering device. In one embodiment, dry granular or granulized fertilizer is metered from one side of the disc and seed is metered from the opposite side of the same metering disc. The fertilizer is placed in a concentrated “pulse” approximately equal distances between seeds within a common seed furrow and/or between seed furrows to improved nutrient use efficiency by minimizing soil to fertilizer contact and subsequent chemical reactions that make applied supplemental nutrients less available to plants. Pressurized air may be utilized to assist discharge of both the seed and fertilizer from the disc meter to assure precise spacing in the soil. The cover may be placed on the meter and metering disc to recirculate air and thus minimize potential atmospheric contamination from seed coatings and fertilizer materials. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100282145 | Air Assisted Seed Dispensing - Directed air flow to assist the metering of seeds from a metering disk. In one embodiment, dry granular or granulized fertilizer is metered from one side of the disc and seed is metered from the opposite side of the same metering disc. The fertilizer is placed in a concentrated “pulse” approximately equal distances between seeds within a common seed furrow and/or between seed furrows to improved nutrient use efficiency by minimizing soil to fertilizer contact and subsequent chemical reactions that make applied supplemental nutrients less available to plants. Pressurized air may be utilized to assist discharge of both the seed and fertilizer from the disc meter to assure precise spacing in the soil. A cover may be placed on the meter and metering disc to recirculate air and thus minimize potential atmospheric contamination from seed coatings and fertilizer materials. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100282144 | Dual Product Dispensing Disk For Metering Device - A metering disk for dispensing two or more crop inputs to achieve proper placement in the soil relative to one another. In one embodiment, dry granular or granulized fertilizer is metered from one side of the disc and seed is metered from the opposite side of the same metering disc. The fertilizer is placed in a concentrated “pulse” approximately equal distances between seeds within a common seed furrow and/or between seed furrows to improved nutrient use efficiency by minimizing soil to fertilizer contact and subsequent chemical reactions that make applied supplemental nutrients less available to plants. Pressurized air may be utilized to assist discharge of both the seed and fertilizer from the disc meter to assure precise spacing in the soil. A cover may be placed on the meter and metering disc to recirculate air and thus minimize potential atmospheric contamination from seed coatings and fertilizer materials. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100282143 | Fertilizer Transfer Chamber For Metering Device - A transfer chamber assembly for an apparatus and method to precisely meter and dispense two or more crop inputs with a common metering disc. In one embodiment, dry granular or granulized fertilizer is metered from one side of the disc and seed is metered from the opposite side of the same metering disc. The fertilizer is placed in a concentrated “pulse” approximately equal distances between seeds within a common seed furrow and/or between seed furrows to improved nutrient use efficiency by minimizing soil to fertilizer contact and subsequent chemical reactions that make applied supplemental nutrients less available to plants. Pressurized air may be utilized to assist discharge of both the seed and fertilizer from the disc meter to assure precise spacing in the soil. A cover may be placed on the meter and metering disc to recirculate air and thus minimize potential atmospheric contamination from seed coatings and fertilizer materials. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100282142 | Dispensing Disk Alignment For Metering Devices - An indexable coupler for indexing metering disks together for dispensing two or more crop inputs to achieve proper placement in the soil relative to one another. In one embodiment, dry granular or granulized fertilizer is metered from one side of the disc and seed is metered from the opposite side of the same metering disc. The fertilizer is placed in a concentrated “pulse” approximately equal distances between seeds within a common seed furrow and/or between seed furrows to improved nutrient use efficiency by minimizing soil to fertilizer contact and subsequent chemical reactions that make applied supplemental nutrients less available to plants. Pressurized air may be utilized to assist discharge of both the seed and fertilizer from the disc meter to assure precise spacing in the soil. A cover may be placed on the meter and metering disc to recirculate air and thus minimize potential atmospheric contamination from seed coatings and fertilizer materials. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100282141 | Precision Fertilizer Placement - A method to precisely meter and dispense two or more crop inputs with a common metering disc is presented to achieve proper placement in the soil relative to one another. In one embodiment, dry granular or granulized fertilizer is metered from one side of the disc and seed is metered from the opposite side of the same metering disc. The fertilizer is placed in a concentrated “pulse” approximately equal distances between seeds within a common seed furrow and/or between seed furrows to improved nutrient use efficiency by minimizing soil to fertilizer contact and subsequent chemical reactions that make applied supplemental nutrients less available to plants. Pressurized air may be utilized to assist discharge of both the seed and fertilizer from the disc meter to assure precise spacing in the soil. A cover may be placed on the meter and metering disc to recirculate air and thus minimize potential atmospheric contamination from seed coatings and fertilizer materials. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100258325 | Walking Beam Assembly and Lift System for Tillage Implements - A tillage machine has an undercarriage that utilizes a triple axle walking beam wheel assembly for each load-supporting wheel assembly of the center section of the machine. Hydraulically powered lift arms are connected with the wheel assemblies to raise and lower the chassis of the machine as the wheel arms are swung downwardly and upwardly relative to the chassis. Each wheel assembly includes a primary walking beam pivoted to the lower end of the wheel arm, and a secondary walking beam pivoted to the rear end of the primary beam. A single front wheel is disposed at the front end of the primary beam, while a pair of wheels are disposed on the secondary beam on opposite fore-and-aft sides of the pivot connection with the primary beam. An abutment on the wheel arm engages a stop on the primary beam upon downward rotation of the wheel arm by a predetermined amount relative to the chassis such that continued downward movement of the wheel arm causes load to shift partially off the front wheel and onto the rear wheels. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100253029 | Round Baler Having Suspension Axle System - The ground wheels of a round baler are mounted on the chassis of the baler using a suspension system wherein a rigid axle of the system is spaced forwardly in offset relationship to spindles that journal the wheels for rotation. Fore-and-aft arms that connect the wheels with the axle are pivotally coupled with the axle in an independent manner so that each wheel can swing up and down relative to the chassis independently of the other wheel. Resilient cushion structure associated with the axle yieldably resists upward swinging of the wheel arms to thereby cushion the baler against jarring shock loads caused by abrupt terrain changes. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100201092 | TAG AXLE ATTACHMENT FOR AN OFF ROAD AGRICULTURAL APPLICATOR VEHICLE - The present invention provides a tag axle attachment for an off-road agricultural vehicle. The tag axle attachment allows agricultural vehicles to meet roadway weight restrictions imposed by the federal and state governments while also allowing the vehicle to perform optimally in the field. The tag axle is assembled such that it can be hydraulically lowered into a deployed position when the agricultural vehicle is on the roadway and hydraulically raised into a stowed position when the agricultural vehicle is in the field. The tag axle assembly is mounted to the chassis rails of an agricultural vehicle and positioned to fit between the chassis rails when stowed and minimizes the load per axle of the vehicle when deployed. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100192516 | Meshwrap Dispensing Mechanism for Round Balers - A wrapper dispensing mechanism for round balers includes a feed roller shiftable generally toward and away from a baling element of a bale forming mechanism so as to be selectively brought into and out of engagement with the baling element. The feed roller is driven by the baling element when the feed roller is in engagement with the baling element, with the feed roller and the baling element cooperatively defining a temporary nip therebetween during engagement. The feed roller is disposed to at least partially vertically support the roll of supply material thereon. A method of dispensing wrapping material from a supply roll includes supporting the supply roll at least partially on a feed roller, shifting the feed roller into engagement with the baling element to create a temporary nip therebetween and drive the feed roller, and driving the baling element while the feed roller is in engagement therewith. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100155171 | COMBINATION DRIVE AND SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - The invention is a combination drive and suspension system that includes an upper drive assembly and a lower drive assembly pivotally connected. The pivoting drive system provides improved ground clearance for a farm vehicle capable of carrying a large quantity of field application material. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100152943 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR OPTIMIZING PERFORMANCE OF VEHICLE GUIDANCE SYSTEMS - A vehicle guidance system includes a location determining component for determining locations of the vehicle; a weight sensor for sensing a weight associated with the vehicle; a steering actuator for steering at least one wheel of the vehicle; and a computing device in communication with the location determining component, the weight sensor, and the steering actuator. The computing device receives cartographic data representative of a desired path for the vehicle, receives location information from the location determining component, controls operation of the steering actuator in order to guide the vehicle along the desired path, and adjusts a steering parameter at least partially based on the weight sensed by the weight sensor. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100146735 | MOVEABLE BOOM HINGE - A moveable boom hinge apparatus is provided. The moveable boom hinge apparatus provides a mechanism offsetting the tip portion of a boom hinge from the base portion of a boom hinge when the tip and base portions are folded parallel to each other and securely position the tip portion of the boom when extended. Additionally, this moveable boom hinge apparatus provides a uniquely u-shaped link element and complementary u-shaped catch element that couple together in a way that sufficiently locks the tip portion into place with respect to the base portion and keeps structural loads of a boom hinge aligned with structural members of a boom hinge during its boom hinge's transition from the operational position to the non-operational position. This alignment significantly reduces bending moments that weaken structural materials over time. Therefore, this moveable boom hinge apparatus can be made with lighter, less-costly materials as opposed to the heavy, more costly materials that are currently used for boom hinge devices. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100123413 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING THE ACTIVATION OF AGRICULTURAL VEHICLE LIGHTING - An agricultural vehicle lighting system includes a plurality of HID lamps and a lighting controller. The HID lamps are configured to be mounted to the agricultural vehicle and powered by an existing electrical circuit of the agricultural vehicle. The lighting controller controls activation of the lamps and is configured to initially activate a first set of the lamps and to subsequently activate a second set of the lamps once it determines that the electrical circuit has the capacity to safely handle both the first and second sets of the lamps. The lighting controller may determine that the electrical circuit has sufficient capacity by determining when current drawn from the first set of the lamps drops below a threshold current level. Alternatively, the lighting controller may determine that the electrical circuit has sufficient capacity by delaying activation of the second set of the lamps for a time period corresponding to a current decay characteristic of the lamps. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100121539 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING THE ENGINE SPEED OF AGRICULTURAL VEHICLES - An engine speed control system for an agricultural vehicle includes a variable throttle controller, a mode selector, and a control device. The variable throttle control permits an operator to select a variably adjustable engine speed and the mode selector permits the operator to select between a plurality of pre-set engine speeds. The control device receives output signals from the throttle controller, generates engine speed commands, and delivers the commands to an engine controller for controlling the speed of the agricultural vehicle's engine. The control device is operable to generate a first engine speed command associated with one of the pre-set engine speeds when an operator activates the mode selector and to temporarily or permanently override the first engine speed command with a second engine speed command associated with the throttle controller when the operator activates the throttle controller. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100095646 | Combine Harvester Draper Header Having Flexible Cutterbar - A harvesting header having a flexible cutterbar assembly utilizes draper belts behind the cutterbar assembly to gently consolidate the severed crop materials and deliver them to a point of discharge and delivery, such as to the feederhouse of a combine harvester. One embodiment has draper assemblies and a central conveyor fixed relative to the flexible cutterbar assembly, while another has the draper assemblies and central conveyer flexible with the cutterbar assembly. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100044989 | SUSPENSION ASSEMBLIES WITH BUMP STEER CONTROL - A suspension assembly for an agricultural machine, adapted to reduce bump steering. The suspension assembly includes a strut shaft, a hollow tube, a cushioning mechanism, and a force control pad. The strut shaft can have an elongated body having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion, the middle portion defining a cutout. A wheel support can extend from the strut shaft and can be adapted to carry a wheel. The hollow tube can be at least partially disposed around the strut shaft and can be adapted to allow longitudinal motion of the strut shaft. The cushioning mechanism can cushion the longitudinal motion of the strut shaft. The force control pad, which can be connected to the hollow tube, can be engageable to the flat area of the strut shaft. The force control pad can impart or resist rotational force when engaged to the strut shaft. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100044980 | CHASSIS ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM - A machine, such as a mobile asset, vehicle, or agricultural vehicle, includes a chassis, an adjustment system, and a wheel. The adjustment system replaces a conventional non-extendable leg connected between the chassis and the wheel of the machine. The adjustment system can extend and withdraw in length, such that the height of the machine can vary as needed. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100043375 | Combine Harvester Draper Header Having Flexible Cutterbar - A harvesting header having a flexible cutterbar assembly utilizes draper belts behind the cutterbar assembly to gently consolidate the severed crop materials and deliver them to a point of discharge and delivery, such as to the feederhouse of a combine harvester. One embodiment has draper assemblies and a central conveyor fixed relative to the flexible cutterbar assembly, while another has the draper assemblies and central conveyer flexible with the cutterbar assembly. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100043374 | FLEXIBLE DRAPER AND CUTTER BAR HAVING SHIFTABLE CROP DIVIDER WITH DEFLECTOR - A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100043373 | DRAPER BELT WITH CROP-RETAINING RIB - A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100043372 | SPRING FLOTATION FOR CENTER DECK OF DRAPER HEADER - A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100037582 | HEADER HEIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE POTENTIOMETER INPUT - A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100037580 | FLEXIBLE DRAPER AND CUTTER BAR WITH TILT ARM FOR CUTTERBAR DRIVE - A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100003115 | LIFTING HOOK ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING SAME - A lifting hook assembly for lifting an object, such as wheel weight, with a lifting apparatus, such as a forklift. The lifting hook assembly comprises an elongated body, an adjustable arm, a joint assembly, and a lifting arm. The elongated body acts as a frame and skeleton for the lifting hook assembly. The adjustable arm is in communication with a first end of the elongated body, and is engageable to the lifting apparatus. The joint assembly is adapted to fix the adjustable arm at two or more predetermined angles with respect to the elongated body. The adjustability of the joint assembly can enable the adjustable arm to engage the lifting apparatus directly above the center of mass of the wheel weight, thereby balancing the wheel weight. The lifting arm extends from a second end of the elongated body, and is engageable to the wheel weight. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20090312948 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR USING POSITION/ATTITUDE INFORMATION TO ENHANCE A VEHICLE GUIDANCE SYSTEM - An enhanced vehicle guidance system comprising a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver and a data processor with a memory component and a computing device. The method of enhancing a vehicle's guidance system may comprise calculating the altitude, latitude, and longitude of a GNSS receiver for each of a plurality of positions; calculating the incline angle between adjacent points; and using the calculated incline angles to infer the attitude of the vehicle at any of the plurality of positions. The attitude may be used to calculated an inertial correction factor to compensate for GNSS position inaccuracies induced as a result of the vehicle rolling and pitching on uneven terrain. The altitude, latitude, longitude, and attitude of the plurality of positions may be stored in the memory such that the system may look-up the attitude for a given position without recalculating the attitude and without using an inertial sensor. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090312911 | METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC USER-CONFIGURABLE STEERING PARAMETER CONTROL - A vehicle guidance system and method for automatically adjusting an amount of a user-configurable steering parameter applied to at least one steerable wheel of a vehicle. The vehicle guidance system may comprise a computing device for receiving a desired angle of the steerable wheel, measuring the actual angle of the steerable wheel, and comparing the actual angle with the desired angle. The computing device may then decrease the user-configurable steering parameter automatically if over-steering has occurred, meaning the actual angle of the wheel is determined to be greater than the desired angle of the wheel and angled in the same direction as the desired angle, or the computing device may increase the user-configurable steering parameter automatically if under-steering has occurred, meaning the actual angle of the wheel is determined to be less than the desired angle of the wheel or is angled in the opposite direction as the desired angle. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090312079 | Rotating Radiator Screen Having Air Curtain Seal - A rotating radiator screen has a series of fins surrounding the peripheral edge of the screen at its interface with a wall surface of the machine on which the screen is mounted. An annular baffle on the wall surface circumscribes the fins and cooperates with them in producing positive pressure and an axially outwardly moving curtain of air in the vicinity of the interface so as to oppose the ingress of ambient air and foreign materials at that location. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090302640 | CAB SUSPENSION LINKAGE SYSTEM - An agricultural vehicle is described having a chassis and a cab mounted on the chassis. A suspension system for reducing the accelerations transmitted from the vehicles tires or tracks through the frame, into the cab, and ultimately through to the operator is provided. By reducing the accelerations, the ride quality is greatly improved, allowing operators to operate a vehicle for longer periods of time without excessive fatigue. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090293441 | ADJUSTABLE CUTTERBAR TRAVEL RANGE FOR A FLEXIBLE CUTTERBAR HEADER - A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090288383 | CENTER CROP DEFLECTOR FOR DRAPER HEADER - A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090277148 | FLEXIBLE DRAPER AND CUTTER BAR HAVING SHIFTABLE CROP DIVIDER WITH DEFLECTOR - A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090277147 | DRAPER HEAD WITH FLEXIBLE CUTTERBAR HAVING RIGID CENTER SECTION - A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090277146 | INTERLOCKING BELT GUARDS FOR A DRAPER HEADER - A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090277145 | HEADER HEIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE POTENTIOMETER INPUT - A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090277144 | SPRING FLOTATION FOR CENTER DECK OF DRAPER HEADER - A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090256293 | ADJUSTABLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR A SEAT - An adjustable vehicle seat suspension system comprising a support assembly, a regulating system, and a control system. In an exemplary embodiment, the control system, which can comprise a hardware control for setting-selection by a human operator, directs the regulating system to adjust the support assembly as needed. Based on the human operator's chosen settings, the regulating system, in conjunction with the support assembly, can emulate a passive, semi-active, or active suspension. Preferably, the regulating system comprises a rotary motor, which drives the support assembly. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090249760 | COMBINE HARVESTER DRAPER HEADER HAVING FLEXIBLE CUTTERBAR - A harvesting header having a flexible cutterbar assembly utilizes draper belts behind the cutterbar assembly to gently consolidate the severed crop materials and deliver them to a point of discharge and delivery, such as to the feederhouse of a combine harvester. One embodiment has draper assemblies and a central conveyor fixed relative to the flexible cutterbar assembly, while another has the draper assemblies and central conveyer flexible with the cutterbar assembly. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090245704 | SEALED SPHERICAL BEARING DEVICE - The present invention describes methods and apparatus to improve the operation of, and reduce the maintenance required by, a spherical bearing. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a sealed spherical bearing device including a spherical bearing and a flexible shield surrounding a portion of the spherical bearing enabled to articulate in accordance with a rotary motion of the spherical bearing and an oscillatory motion of the spherical bearing. The flexible shield is enabled to reduce the entry of contaminants into the spherical bearing while the spherical bearing is at rest and while the spherical bearing is in motion. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090242657 | Systems And Methods For Automatically Varying Droplet Size In Spray Released From A Nozzle - Systems and methods are provided for spraying chemicals and automatically adjusting, in substantially real-time, the drop size of the liquid in the spray. The drop size may be adjusted to control (either minimize or maximize) the amount of drift associated with the sprayed liquid. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090217639 | Break-Away Finger for Retracting Finger Auger - A tubular metal finger for a retracting finger auger assembly has a mounting portion adjacent the normally inner end of the finger, a working portion adjacent the opposite, normally outer end of the finger, and a weakened break-away portion between the mounting and working portions. Weakening of the sidewall of the tube in the break-away portion is accomplished through the provision of a pair of diametrically opposed, circular holes through the tube. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090199603 | STEERING LOCK INDICATOR FOR SELF-STEERING AXLE - A land vehicle includes a wheeled axle that is operable to be selectively self-steering. The axle includes a ground wheel that is operable to be selectively locked into a straight-ahead position so that self-steering is restricted. The land vehicle also includes a wheel lockout indicator system that is operable to sense when the ground wheel is locked in the straight-ahead position and can alert an operator by confirming that the ground wheel has been locked in the straight-ahead position. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090183484 | CROP PICKUP WITH TORSION BAR FLOTATION - The vertically swingable header of a farm machine utilizes a flotation mechanism having a torsion bar as the source of lifting force. The torsion bar is mounted on the header rather than the base machine and is operably coupled with the base machine through loading apparatus that includes a cam and cam follower system. An alternative embodiment utilizes a cam track fixedly mounted on the base machine. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090158699 | Modular Rotary Cutterbar - A modular rotary cutter bed is formed by a series of essentially identical cutter modules mounted end-to-end along the length of a common support beam. Guards for the cutters of the modules are arranged such that each guard overlaps and bridges the seam between an adjacent pair of modules so as to increase the structural rigidity of the cutter bed. Each guard is attached at its front end to the noses of a pair of adjacent modules and at its rear end to the support beam to increase structural integrity in all directions. A second embodiment does not utilize a common support beam for the modules but instead relies upon the interconnections between adjacent modules and bridging overlap of the guards to rigidify the cutter bed. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090112372 | ADAPTIVE FEEDBACK SOURCES FOR APPLICATION CONTROLLERS - The present invention provides an advanced spray control system for controlling a sprayer, which comprises a controller, a plurality of sensors and feedback means, and an output means for controlling the application system of the sprayer. The controller receives inputs from the operator through a user interface, and/or various feedback signals from the sensors of the system (e.g., a flow meter, or a pressure transducer). After processing these inputs, the controller sends signals to other components of the sprayer, such as, the pump, the storage means, the boom sections, and/or the nozzles, to maintain or change their operating conditions. Also provided are a method of controlling a sprayer using the spray control system and a sprayer comprising the spray control system of the present invention. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090094957 | Combine Harvester Draper Header Having Flexible Cutterbar - A harvesting header having a flexible cutterbar assembly utilizes draper belts behind the cutterbar assembly to gently consolidate the severed crop materials and deliver them to a point of discharge and delivery, such as to the feederhouse of a combine harvester. One embodiment has draper assemblies and a central conveyor fixed relative to the flexible cutterbar assembly, while another has the draper assemblies and central conveyer flexible with the cutterbar assembly. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090065603 | VARIABLE RATE SPRAY NOZZLE CONTROL - The present invention provides an advanced spray control system for controlling a sprayer, which comprises a plurality of scrolling means operatively connected to the sprayer, where the spray system offers added controllability and operability. Also provided is a method of controlling a sprayer using the spray control system of the present invention. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090056298 | Over-Retraction Limiter for the Fingers of a Retracting Finger Auger Mechanism - A retracting finger auger assembly is provided with a limiter inside the auger tube of the assembly that is disposed to make temporary engagement with the internal eccentrically offset finger shaft of the retracting finger mechanism in the event of flexure of the finger shaft beyond a predetermined amount. In a preferred embodiment, the limiter comprises a transverse, annular member with a guide ring of anti-friction material circumscribing the finger shaft, the member being secured to the interior surface of the auger tube for rotation therewith. The anti-friction guide ring is normally maintained slightly out of contacting engagement with the finger shaft, but is disposed to be engaged as necessary by the flexing shaft to limit such flexing and prevent over-retraction of the retracting fingers. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090049692 | INTEGRATED BREAKAWAY CYLINDER AND METHOD FOR CONSTRUCTING A BOOM ASSEMBLY - An integrated breakaway cylinder for controlling a boom of a self-propelled sprayer and method for constructing a boom assembly is disclosed in the present application. The integrated breakaway cylinder is constructed from a first stage cylinder and a second stage cylinder. The first stage cylinder is configured in a rod and barrel arrangement. The second stage cylinder is also configured in a rod and barrel arrangement, with the barrel of the first stage cylinder serving as the rod of the second stage cylinder. The first stage cylinder operates to extend and retract a boom. The second stage cylinder operates to absorb shock from inertia or the boom impacting an object. The design of various embodiments of the present invention couples the operation of maneuvering a boom with shock absorption into a single integrated cylinder. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090007534 | COMBINE HARVESTER DRAPER HEADER HAVING FLEXIBLE CUTTERBAR - A harvesting header having a flexible cutterbar assembly utilizes draper belts behind the cutterbar assembly to gently consolidate the severed crop materials and deliver them to a point of discharge and delivery, such as to the feederhouse of a combine harvester. One embodiment has draper assemblies and a central conveyor fixed relative to the flexible cutterbar assembly, while another has the draper assemblies and central conveyer flexible with the cutterbar assembly. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090001809 | TENSION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR AN ENDLESS TRACK OF A WORK MACHINE - A tension management system for generating tension in an endless track of a tracked work machine. The tension management system comprises a biasing element, an idler wheel, a swing link, an idler arm, and a pivotal bracket linking the biasing element with the idler arm. The biasing element generates force that is translated via the biasing arm to the pivotal bracket. The pivotal bracket provides a mechanical advantage in the translation of the force that enables the force exerted upon the swing link to be greater than the force generated by the biasing element. The idler arm connects the pivotal bracket to the swing link and exerts force on the swing link causing it to pivot. The idler wheel is mounted on the swing link and exerts force, generating tension, in the endless track as the swing link pivots. The tension management system enables a greater force to be exerted on the swing link than is generated by the biasing element, allowing for the use of smaller biasing elements than previously possible in conventional designs. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20080276590 | FLEXIBLE DRAPER AND CUTTER BAR WITH TILT ARM FOR CUTTERBAR DRIVE - A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080271426 | DRAPER BELT WITH CROP-RETAINING RIB - A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080229872 | Adjustable pedal assembly - An adjustable pedal assembly including: a lever arm; a mounting bracket located on a first end of the lever arm; an adjustable mounting bracket located on a second end of the lever arm; and an adjustable pedal removably affixed to the adjustable mounting bracket, wherein the adjustable mounting bracket is capable of adjusting a location of the adjustable pedal towards and away from the lever arm, and wherein the adjustable pedal is capable of rotating about the adjustable mounting bracket. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080224535 | TRACK BELT TENSION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A machine including: a frame assembly including one or more drive wheels and one or more idler wheels affixed to the frame assembly; a track belt disposed about the drive and the idler wheel; a hydraulic actuator arrangement including a hydraulic cylinder and accumulator affixed to the idler wheel that provides a force to tension the track belt; and a tension management system in operable communication with the hydraulic cylinder that maintains a pressure inside the hydraulic cylinder within a specified range. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080224531 | Adjustable Width Drive Axle and Drive Unit - Disclosed herein is an adjustable width drive axle including: a main axle body including a telescoping portion disposed at each end of the main axle body; a sprocket affixed to each end of the main axle body, the sprocket designed to engage a drive unit; a first spacer removably affixed to the sprocket, the first spacer disposed around the telescoping portion of the main axle body; and a hub removably affixed to an end of the first spacer opposite the sprocket, wherein one or more additional spacers may be interposed between the first spacer and the hub or between the sprocket and the first spacer to adjust the width of the axle. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080223954 | Control Handle for a Crop Sprayer - A crop sprayer, including: a chassis; a number of wheels which support the chassis; an engine for driving at least one of the number of wheels so as to propel said chassis; a chemical receptacle, supported by the chassis, for receiving and holding a chemical solution therein; a boom arm mounted to the chassis including a plurality of nozzles operable for dispersing chemicals; a control handle for controlling the position of the boom arm and the dispersion of the chemicals through at least a portion of the plurality of nozzles, wherein the control handle has an adjustable position to accommodate various size operators. | 09-18-2008 |
