| CNH AMERICA LLC Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120124968 | MIXING PIPE FOR SCR MUFFLERS - An apparatus for treating exhaust includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, the housing defining a chamber. The inlet is in fluid communication with a source of exhaust. A mixing tube is connected to the inlet. The mixing tube has at least two branches and a plurality of apertures defined in a wall of the mixing tube. A substrate is disposed between the mixing tube and the outlet. The at least two branches converge at an end section of the mixing tube to form a mixing loop. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120097407 | VERTICAL TILLAGE SYSTEM - A vertical tilling implement to be pulled behind and agricultural vehicle having a number of gangs of fluted-concave disc blades, rolling baskets, and wheels connected to a main frame. As the vertical tilling implement is pulled, the fluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction lateral to the side of the blades as well as up. Meanwhile, the rolling bars aid in leveling the seedbed and crushing the remaining large pieces of soil. The vertical tilling implement reduces the amount of subsoil compaction and cuts through heavy residue making it ideal for use in the fall or in the spring. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120042814 | Coulter Assembly - A coulter assembly is provided that facilitates continuous adjustment of coulter disk penetration depth. In an exemplary embodiment, the coulter assembly includes a gauge wheel configured to rotate across a soil surface to limit a penetration depth of a coulter disk into the soil. A depth adjustment assembly is coupled to the gauge wheel and configured to adjust the penetration depth of the coulter disk by continuously varying the vertical position of the gauge wheel. This configuration may enable the coulter disk to operate at any penetration depth within the gauge wheel range of motion, thereby facilitating deposition of fertilizer within the soil at a suitable depth to enhance crop growth. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120042811 | Coulter Assembly - A coulter assembly is provided that facilitates continuous adjustment of coulter disk penetration depth. In an exemplary embodiment, the coulter assembly includes a gauge wheel configured to rotate across a soil surface to limit a penetration depth of a coulter disk into the soil. A depth adjustment assembly is coupled to the gauge wheel and configured to adjust the penetration depth of the coulter disk by continuously varying the vertical position of the gauge wheel. This configuration may enable the coulter disk to operate at any penetration depth within the gauge wheel range of motion, thereby facilitating deposition of fertilizer within the soil at a suitable depth to enhance crop growth. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20110315234 | FLUID CONTROL SYSTEM FOR STEERABLE AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT - An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a valve in fluid communication with first and second actuating cylinders and with first and second fluid conduits. The valve is configured to control fluid flow from the first and second fluid conduits to the first and second actuating cylinders. Furthermore, a controller is communicatively coupled to first and second pressure sensors and to the valve. The first pressure sensor is coupled to the first fluid conduit, and the second pressure sensor is coupled to the second fluid conduit. The controller is configured to determine whether the first fluid conduit or the second fluid conduit is supplying fluid to the valve based on signals from the first and second pressure sensors, and to automatically control fluid flow to the first and second actuating cylinders such that wheel assemblies are rotated to a desired angle relative to an implement frame. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110270495 | GPS CONTROLLED RESIDUE SPREAD WIDTH - A positioning sensor (e.g., GPS) allows a controller to determine the present location and orientation of the harvester on a map and to record the presently and previously harvested portions of a field. The controller uses the map and positional information to determine if the crop residue spray pattern from an adjustable spreader is returns substantially all the crop residue to the currently harvest portion and automatically adjusts the adjustable spreader to achieve an ideal residue spray pattern. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110232251 | CUTTERBAR SUPPORT FOR A CROP HARVESTING HEADER - A system for supporting a cutterbar of a crop harvesting header includes an adjustment assembly including a first arm pivotably secured to the header. The first arm includes a first portion configured to support the cutterbar, and a second portion including a torsion device having a mass of elastic material connected to the adjustment assembly. The second portion is configured to be pivotably rotatable about a first axis by the adjustment assembly to selectably increase or decrease a force appliable to the first portion in order to raise or lower the first portion with respect to the header. The system further includes a connecting lever having one end pivotally connected to an interconnecting member and another end coupled to the second arm, wherein the connecting lever has a pivot portion for rotation about a second axis the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110219998 | Air/Product Flow Splitting Apparatus For Use With Product Distribution System Of An Agricultural Seeding Machine - A splitter divides an air/product mixture flow, delivered thereto in an air-powered distribution line, between a primary and a secondary distribution channel, which may be flow-coupled to a product hopper or a hose flow-coupled to another product hopper or another splitter. The air/product mixture enters the inlet of the splitter along an angled downward flow path and exits a primary outlet, flow-coupled to the primary distribution channel, along a vertical downward flow path. Air/product flow is exhausted by a secondary outlet, which is flow-coupled to the secondary distribution channel, at an angled upward flow path. The velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is exhausted from the secondary outlet is at an acute angle relative to the velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is received by the inlet of the splitter. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110219996 | Air/Product Flow Splitting Apparatus For Use With Product Distribution System Of An Agricultural Seeding Machine - A splitter divides an air/product mixture flow, delivered thereto in an air-powered distribution line, between a primary and a secondary distribution channel, which may be flow-coupled to a product hopper or a hose flow-coupled to another product hopper or another splitter. The air/product mixture enters the inlet of the splitter along an angled downward flow path and exits a primary outlet, flow-coupled to the primary distribution channel, along a vertical downward flow path. Air/product flow is exhausted by a secondary outlet, which is flow-coupled to the secondary distribution channel, at an angled upward flow path. The velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is exhausted from the secondary outlet is at an acute angle relative to the velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is received by the inlet of the splitter. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110213531 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING HARVEST OPERATIONS - A system and method for monitoring and coordinating harvest operations is disclosed. The system and method includes a control system to real time monitor the grain capacity of one or more harvesters to optimize harvest operations. The control system may also monitor harvest and offload vehicle positions and provide instructions for optimizing harvest operations. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110205084 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COORDINATING HARVESTER AND TRANSPORT VEHICLE UNLOADING OPERATIONS - A system and method for positioning a transport vehicle relative to a harvester is disclosed. The system includes an imaging device mounted on the transport vehicle and a control system for analyzing image data and executing a computer program to provide commands to position the transport vehicle in an acceptable predetermined condition relative to the harvester for discharge operations. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110199221 | HARVESTER BIN SENSOR - A harvester grain bin monitoring system is disclosed. The system includes a sensor that monitors the perimeter of the bin proximate to the top rim to provide a warning to an operator when the grain level reaches approaches the bin rim. The sensor may be optical or mechanical. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110179750 | UP-CUT NET KNIFE FOR AGRICULTURAL BALER - An improved net cutting assembly that may be used with an agricultural baler net wrapping system. More particularly, an up-cut net knife for improved cutting of wrapping material (e.g., a net) used to wrap bales of crop material in an agricultural baler. The up-cut net knife assembly improves net cutting performance by providing an up-cut net knife that moves in the same direction as the net whereby the motion of the net helps the knife get into the cut position. Further, embodiments of the up-cut knife assembly move the up-cut knife cutting edge at substantially the same speed and in the same direction as the net to be cut. This motion of the up-cut knife allows the up-cut knife to be lifted up into the net motion using a driver and then to continue on with no relative motion—or at least minimal relative motion of the knife to the net—until the knife gets into the cut position. In the cut position, the knife stops and the net is pulled against the knife blade resulting in cutting the net. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110170995 | Grain Unloading Conveyor With Directable Spout And Closure Apparatus And System - An unloading conveyor apparatus and system for an agricultural harvester including a spout controllably directable for enabling distributing grain in a desired manner within a region of a receiving storage container, or a transporting truck, wagon, or other vehicle, and configurable as a closure for the conveyor for preventing entry of contaminants and the like. The spout can advantageously extend both the distance and range of variability of grain delivery location, and the free end of the spout can include a cover for improving grain delivery accuracy and wind resistance, and a break open feature to prevent damage. The spout can also be rotatable laterally about the end of the conveyor. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110144869 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INCHING USING A CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION - An agricultural vehicle and method of operating the same, where the agricultural vehicle has an engine, a continuously variable transmission, a processor, an inching controller, and a speed controller. The speed controller sends a first signal to the processor, and the processor controls the transmission to operate the vehicle at a first speed based on the first signal. The inching controller sends a second signal to the processor, and the processor controls the transmission to move the agricultural vehicle in a forward or reverse direction, depending on the second signal. If the first speed based on the first signal is zero, the second signal triggers the processor to control the transmission to move the agricultural vehicle in the forward or reverse direction a predetermined first distance. The control of the vehicle to be at zero speed or to be in a particular position is effectuated by a position control mechanism. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110143827 | HELICAL BAR CONCAVE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING - A helical bar concave comprising a grate having helical mounting framework and helical cutouts to form a percent open area having a helical geometry. Configurable and segmented rub bars are mounted in a helical fashion to a cylindrical helical surface of the grate. A method of manufacturing a helical bar concave from a flat, rolled laser cut arrangement that provides a net helical concave functionality. Laser cutting a flat metal sheet to form helical cutouts defining a percent open area having a helical geometry in combination with configurable rub bars mounted in a helical fashion results in a configurable helical bar concave in which the number or aggressiveness of the threshing surface on the inside radius of the grate may be changed and/or the rub bars may be moved to the outside of the grate to change the percent open area and hence the separation characteristics of the concave. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110143826 | METHOD OF PREVENTING DEBRIS ACCUMULATION WITHIN VOIDS OF CROP ENGAGING COMPONENTS OF AN AGRICULTURAL COMBINE - A method of preventing the accumulation of debris within cavities or voids of crop engaging components of an agricultural combine is provided. To prevent debris accumulation within such cavities, the cavities of such crop engaging components are first identified. Then, the cavities are injected with a fill material, such as self-expanding foam to fill the cavity and adhere thereto. A rasp bar for mounting to a rotor of an agricultural combine is also provided. The rasp bar includes a rasp bar element, a mounting bracket, a fastener, and a fill material for filling a cavity formed by the rasp bar. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110136556 | Agricultural Combine Unloader Extension - An agricultural combine unloader extension is provided that can be used to extend the reach of conventional unloader tubes and for preventing the loss of crop material residing within the unloader tube from falling out and becoming waste. The unloader extension is hingedly connected to the unloader tube and configured to be moved from a discharging position to a closed or storage position. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110130181 | REGULATOR OF RESIDUE FLOW FOR SPREADING DEVICES ON AGRICULTURAL COMBINES - An agricultural combine having an adjustable spreader assembly is provided that includes a spreader with one or a pair of regulators. The spreader includes a discharge opening about its lateral side. The regulator is pivotably connected to the lateral side of the spreader such that the regulator is in fluid communication with the discharge opening. The regulator can be configured to move from a retracted position to an extended position or to vary the direction of discharge of crop residue. The spreader can be a vertical spreader, a horizontal spreader, or a spread board. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110112733 | Shuttle Strategy for Vehicles with Electronically Controlled Transmissions and Engines - A vehicle is configured to perform shuttle-shifting and comprises an engine and a power shift transmission operably connected with the engine comprising forward and reverse mechanical gears, the power shift transmission having more forward mechanical gears than reverse mechanical gears. The vehicle comprises a processor operably connected to the power shift transmission and to the engine, and is configured to receive a command from a user to establish a relationship between a last forward gear used and a desired reverse performance. The processor is configured to determine a desired reverse ratio based upon the last forward gear used and the established relationship and to select a reverse mechanical gear having a reverse gear ratio which is the same or less than the desired reverse ratio. The processor is configured to control the power shift transmission to shift to the selected reverse mechanical gear and if the reverse gear ratio of the selected reverse mechanical gear is less than the desired reverse ratio, an RPM of the engine is controlled to compensate for a difference between the reverse gear ratio of the selected reverse mechanical gear and the desired reverse ratio. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110100657 | STEERABLE AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WITH EQUALIZED STEERING EFFORT - An agricultural implement is provided that includes a hitch assembly configured to couple the agricultural implement to a tow vehicle, and a carrier frame pivotally coupled to the hitch assembly. The agricultural implement also includes a pair of wheel assemblies each rotatably coupled to the carrier frame by a respective pivot joint. The agricultural implement further includes an actuator assembly configured to rotate each wheel assembly about the respective pivot joint in a first direction by applying a first torque, and to rotate each wheel assembly about the respective pivot joint in a second direction, opposite the first direction, by applying a second torque. A magnitude of the first torque and a magnitude of the second torque are substantially equal. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110100656 | STEERABLE AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WITH ADAPTABLE WHEEL SPACING - An agricultural implement is provided that includes a hitch assembly configured to couple the agricultural implement to a tow vehicle. The agricultural implement also includes a carrier frame pivotally coupled to the hitch assembly by a main pivot joint such that the main pivot joint resists substantially all lateral loads between the carrier frame and the hitch assembly. The agricultural implement further includes a pair of wheel assemblies each rotatably coupled to the carrier frame by a respective knuckle pivot joint, and an actuator assembly configured to rotate each wheel assembly about the respective knuckle pivot joint while the agricultural implement is in both a working and transport position. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110100654 | VERTICAL TILLAGE SYSTEM - A vertical tilling implement to be pulled behind and agricultural vehicle having a number of gangs of fluted-concave disc blades, rolling baskets, and wheels connected to a main frame. As the vertical tilling implement is pulled, the fluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction lateral to the side of the blades as well as up. Meanwhile, the rolling bars aid in leveling the seedbed and crushing the remaining large pieces of soil. The vertical tilling implement reduces the amount of subsoil compaction and cuts through heavy residue making it ideal for use in the fall or in the spring. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110100653 | SOIL SHAPING AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT - In an embodiment, an agricultural implement includes at least a first row of ground engaging tools, each of the tools spaced a first distance apart from one another, and a second row of ground engaging tools disposed behind the first row of ground engaging tools, each of the second row of ground engaging tools spaced a second distance apart from one another. The implement also includes a row of soil shaping disks disposed behind the second row of ground engaging tools, wherein a spacing between each of the soil shaping disks is not uniform and corresponds to whether the spacing is behind the first row of ground engaging disks or behind the second row of ground engaging disks. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110093169 | Apparatus and Method for Automatically Controlling the Settings of an Adjustable Crop Residue Spreader of an Agricultural Combine - An apparatus and method for automatically controlling the settings of an adjustable crop residue discharge system of an agricultural combine is provided. The apparatus includes a sensor, an actuator, and a controller. The sensor detects a position of a residue deflector and/or a speed of the residue discharge system. The actuator operatively controls the residue deflector to adjustably position the residue deflector. The controller is operatively connected to the sensor and actuator. The controller includes a memory, a speed input device, a position input device, and a mode input device. The controller is configured to store in memory a plurality of positions and speeds of the residue discharge system and automatically adjust the positions and speeds of the residue discharge system upon receiving an input to change to headland mode. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110088961 | ELECTRONIC THROTTLE ON CONTROL HANDLE - A steering and engine speed control mechanism for operating a vehicle. The control mechanism has a control handle mounted on the vehicle. The control handle is configured to deflect about an axis by movement of an operator's hand. A steering direction of the vehicle is related to a deflection angle of the control handle about the axis. An actuating element for changing the speed of the engine of the vehicle is attached to the control handle and is conveniently movable by an operator's digit to a plurality of positions to effect the desired speed of the engine. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110088365 | OFFSET PICKUP TINES TO IMPROVE FEEDING PICK UP - An improved pickup comprising offset pickup tines for improved feeding of balers or harverters. The offset mounting of the rotor tines and auger tines of the pickup reduces and/or substantially eliminates the “dead area” between the pickup and the rotor during the handing off of crop from one feed mechanism to another feeding mechanism resulting in improved control of the crop as the crop travels through the machine. The rotor tines and the auger tines may comprise the same structure providing improved efficiencies in manufacturing, inventory and maintenance of the pickup equipment. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110078989 | PLANT-CUTTING ASSEMBLY FOR A HEADER - A cutting assembly for a header of a plant-cutting machine is disclosed. The cutting assembly generally includes a blade assembly fastened to a head assembly, which is configured to be drivingly connected to a motor. The cutting assembly is suitable for mounting proximate to the center of the header, in an end-to-end relation with another cutting assembly. Removal of the blade assembly from the head assembly can be efficiently effected by releasing or removing a small number of fasteners, thus allowing an operator to readily remove or replace the blade assembly as needed. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110072773 | AUTOMATIC DISPLAY OF REMOTE CAMERA IMAGE - A farm vehicle includes a crop gathering mechanism to convey harvested crop material to a crop flow path passing internally through at least part of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a vehicle data bus and a plurality of control modules operatively connected to the vehicle data bus and configured to monitor information on the vehicle data bus and to act according to such information. An electronic operator module is configured to monitor the states of operator controls and to broadcast information on the vehicle data bus specifying such states. Additionally, video cameras positioned within the vehicle face the crop flow path and are operably connected to a graphic display. A graphic display control module includes a processor configured to control the display of images on the graphic display for selective display of images from the video cameras based upon information from the vehicle data bus. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110053667 | SUPPORT ASSEMBLY FOR MOVEABLE MEMBERS OF AN AGRICULTURAL COMBINE AND DEVICES THEREOF - A support assembly for supporting a moveable member of an agricultural combine is provided. The support assembly includes a moveable member, such as a foldable chaff pan assembly for spreading chaff and other crop residue from the rear of an agricultural combine, a support member and a resilient member connected to the support member for supporting the moveable member. The resilient member can be configured as an arched shaped or cylindrically shaped member. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110049927 | Expandable Grain Tank For Agricultural Combines - An expandable grain tank is provided for covering the open end of a grain tank of an agricultural combine. The expandable tank includes a tarp and a support structure for raising and lowering the tarp. The support structure is configured with an upper frame, a plurality of expandable legs connected to the upper frame and the grain tank, and an actuator to expand and retract the expandable legs. The expandable tank is configured to be moved between a retracted position and an expanded position. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110027056 | VERTICAL LIFT ARM DEVICE - A skid steer loader having an operator compartment attached to a frame. Lift assemblies are movably mounted to the frame and are movable between a retracted position and an extended position. As the lift assemblies are moved between the retracted position and the extended position, joining plates, first links and second links are positioned behind the operator compartment to provide a better field of vision for the operator. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110024520 | LEVEL SENSORS FOR METERING SYSTEM CONTAINER - Level sensors for a metering system container are provided that facilitate determining material level within the container despite dusty or damp conditions. In an exemplary embodiment, a material metering system includes a first sensor assembly disposed within a lower portion of the container and a second sensor assembly disposed within an upper portion of the container. Each sensor assembly is configured to output a signal indicative of contact with the material. The material metering system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the first and second sensor assemblies and configured to engage a transfer of material to the container in response to the signal from the first sensor assembly indicative of contact with the material and to disengage the transfer of material to the container in response to the signal from the second sensor assembly indicative of contact with the material. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20100300340 | COULTER ASSEMBLY - A coulter assembly is provided that facilitates continuous adjustment of coulter disk penetration depth. In an exemplary embodiment, the coulter assembly includes a gauge wheel configured to rotate across a soil surface to limit a penetration depth of a coulter disk into the soil. A depth adjustment assembly is coupled to the gauge wheel and configured to adjust the penetration depth of the coulter disk by continuously varying the vertical position of the gauge wheel. This configuration may enable the coulter disk to operate at any penetration depth within the gauge wheel range of motion, thereby facilitating deposition of fertilizer within the soil at a suitable depth to enhance crop growth. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100291982 | REMOTELY POSITIONABLE INTERRUPTION PLATE - A remotely positionable interruption plate system for altering chop quality in a chopper assembly. The system includes a base and an interruption plate slidably mounted to the base. The interruption plate is arranged and disposed to selectively position the interruption plate into at least a portion of a residue flow of the chopper assembly. The selective positioning of the interruption plate is accomplished remotely. An agricultural vehicle and a method utilizing the remotely positionable interruption plate system are also disclosed | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100288140 | SENSOR FOR DETECTION OF WRAPPING ON BALE - A baling machine and method for forming a bale is disclosed. A sensor is positioned in the bailing chamber and is positioned to sense an area proximate the perimeter of the bale to determine if material is present, thereby determining if the bale is properly wrapped or not. When the bale is not properly wrapped, material is present in the area proximate the perimeter in which the sensor is active; causing the sensor to send a signal indicating that the bale is not properly wrapped. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100287900 | IMPLEMENT HEIGHT CONTROL ADJUSTMENT ON AGRICULTURAL VEHICLES - An adjustable height implement system for an agricultural vehicle. A harvesting implement has an adjustable height. A control system is operably connected in a first operating mode to the harvesting implement to adjust the height of the harvesting implement with respect to the ground. The control system is operably connected in a second operating mode to the harvesting implement to maintain at least a predetermined distance between the harvesting implement and the ground. The second operating mode is engaged in response to the agricultural vehicle satisfying at least one predetermined vehicle operating parameter. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100287898 | GROUND SPEED IMPLEMENT HEIGHT CONTROL ADJUSTMENT RATE ON AGRICULTURAL VEHICLES - An adjustable height implement system for an agricultural vehicle. The system includes a harvesting implement having an adjustable height, a control system operably connected to the harvesting implement to adjust the height of the harvesting implement with respect to the ground and a sensor configured to determine a ground speed. The control system alters the rate of the height adjustment in response to the ground speed. A method and agricultural vehicle are also disclosed. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100276167 | VERTICAL TILLAGE SYSTEM - A tilling implement has a front row of shallow concave disc blades having a front right portion and a front left portion symmetrically disposed about a centerline of the implement. A rear row of shallow concave disc blades has a rear right portion and a rear left portion symmetrically disposed about the centerline of the implement. The rear right portion following behind the front right portion in a right path and the rear left portion following the front left portion in a left path when the implement is displaced through a field. The implement includes no ground engaging tool in the right path between the front right portion and the rear right portion, and no ground engaging tool in the left path between the front left portion and the rear left portion. The shallow concave disc blades have a concavity of between approximately 1.25 and 1.69 inches over an outer diameter of approximately 20 inches. The front left portion and the front right portion, and/or the rear left portion and the rear right portion, are positioned at an angle of about 18 degrees with respect to a line perpendicular to the centerline. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100276166 | SYMMETRICAL PATH VERTICAL TILLAGE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A tilling implement has a front row of concave disc blades having a front right portion and a front left portion symmetrically disposed about a centerline of the implement. A rear row of concave disc blades has a rear right portion and a rear left portion symmetrically disposed about the centerline of the implement. The rear right portion follows behind the front right portion in a right path and the rear left portion follows the front left portion in a left path when the implement is displaced through a field. The implement includes no ground engaging tool in the right path between the front right portion and the rear right portion, and no ground engaging tool in the left path between the front left portion and the rear left portion. A ground engaging tool is disposed generally along the centerline of the implement between the right and left paths. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100219264 | SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A BOOM LIFT ASSEMBLY OF AN AGRICULTURAL SPRAYER - A suspension arrangement mounted in support of a boom lift assembly and boom supported thereon on a chassis of an agricultural sprayer is provided. The boom lift assembly is configured to move the boom between a raised, inoperative position and a lowered, operative position. The suspension arrangement includes a pivot linkage pivotally coupling the boom lift assembly and the chassis, and a dampener located between the boom lift assembly and the chassis. During operation of the sprayer, the dampener of the suspension arrangement reduces transfer of an impact force or stress force from transferring between the chassis and the boom lift assembly so as to isolate suspension of the boom lift assembly from the chassis of the sprayer. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100204891 | ACCELERATION CONTROL FOR VEHICLES HAVING A LOADER ARM - A control system for a vehicle having a loader arm, such as a skid steer loader, telescopic handler, wheel loader, backhoe loader or forklift, reads a load height sensor, a load weight sensor; dynamically calculates the static center of gravity of the combined vehicle and load; calculates the acceleration necessary to cause the dynamic center of gravity of the combined vehicle and load to extend exterior of the vehicle's stability polygon; and limits the acceleration of the vehicle to less than the acceleration necessary to cause the dynamic center of gravity of the combined vehicle and load to extend exterior of the vehicle's stability polygon. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100172730 | AUTOMATIC OVER-CENTER SYSTEM - The present invention is directed to a control circuit for automatically bringing a hydraulically operated work arm into a particular position without having to manually reverse the direction of the hydraulic operating system. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100156115 | SYSTEM FOR RECOVERING OR CONVERTING ENERGY FOR EQUIPMENT HAVING A MOVABLE IMPLEMENT AND METHOD - Potential energy of an implement and implement supporting member, such as a mechanical arm, attached to a machine, such as construction equipment, is recovered by an energy converter, such as a flywheel or a pull-cord generator, during relative movement between the implement supporting member and the machine. An activator causes relative movement between the implement and the machine. The flywheel or pull-cord generator drives an auxiliary pump or electric generator when the flywheel or pull-cord generator moves relative the auxiliary pump or electric generator. The recovered potential energy is stored in an accumulator or battery. Kinetic energy may be converted to electric energy or hydraulic pressure and stored for later use. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100145581 | AUTOMATIC PRODUCTIVITY MANAGEMENT CONTROL WITH STANDARD POWER SHIFT TRANSMISSION - A system and method for managing the power of an engine-powered vehicle is provided. The power of the engine is managed in automatic vehicle speed mode by inputting the desired vehicle ground speed and a measured variable to an electronic controller, which automatically up-shifts the transmission and reduces engine speed to maintain a desired vehicle speed and reduce fuel consumption when a load on the vehicle is reduced and down-shifts the transmission and increases engine speed when the load is applied. The measured variable is (a) the position of a selector switch, which is positionable in a field mode for operating the vehicle in a field, including tillage applications under changing load conditions, and a road mode for operating the vehicle during road hauling or transportation, (b) the position of a brake and ground speed, (c) vehicle slippage and ground speed, (d) an operator set maximum and minimum ground speed, (e) an operator set maximum and minimum gear setting, (f) system sensitivity, and/or (g) change in implement status. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100126744 | IMPLEMENT FRAME WITH FRONT FOLDING WINGS AND TRANSPORT WHEELS - An agricultural implement arrangement is disclosed that may provide wheel assemblies that are stored in front of wing assemblies and row units mounted thereon. The arrangement may include actuators to extend the wheel assemblies in order to lift the row units off the ground to move to a transport position. When in a fully-folded position, the wing wheel assemblies may interleave. The arrangement may also shift the weight of the wing assemblies while in transport position to the hitch of the tractor and center the rearward weight over the central wheel assembly. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100126743 | IMPLEMENT FRAME WITH FRONT FOLDING WINGS AND TRANSPORT WHEELS - An agricultural implement arrangement is disclosed that may provide wheel assemblies that are stored in front of wing assemblies and row units mounted thereon. The arrangement may include actuators to extend the wheel assemblies in order to lift the row units off the ground to move to a transport position. When in a fully-folded position, the wing wheel assemblies may interleave. The arrangement may also shift the weight of the wing assemblies while in transport position to the hitch of the tractor and center the rearward weight over the central wheel assembly. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100126742 | IMPLEMENT FRAME WITH FRONT FOLDING WINGS AND TRANSPORT WHEELS - An agricultural implement arrangement is disclosed that may provide wheel assemblies that are stored in front of wing assemblies and row units mounted thereon. The arrangement may include actuators to extend the wheel assemblies in order to lift the row units off the ground to move to a transport position. When in a fully-folded position, the wing wheel assemblies may interleave. The arrangement may also shift the weight of the wing assemblies while in transport position to the hitch of the tractor and center the rearward weight over the central wheel assembly. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100115911 | OPTIMIZED BALER TAILGATE CYCLE - A round baler has a tailgate moveable between a closed position in which the tailgate extends along the back side of the baling chamber and an open position in which a completely formed bale can be discharged from the baling chamber and a controller programmed to open and close the tailgate in response to a bale discharge signal. The tailgate opens and closes initially relatively quickly and then more slowly as the tailgate approaches the fully open or fully closed position, the rate of opening and closing being determined by the period of time lapsing from the bale discharge signal. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100115802 | HYDRAULIC BACKHOE SHIFT MECHANISM - An earth-working vehicle, such as a backhoe loader, has an implement, such as a backhoe, mounted in a manner that the implement can be shifted transversely with respect to the vehicle. A hydraulic motor and roller cable or rack are secured to the vehicle main frame and implement supporting plate to position the implement transversely of the vehicle without the jerky movements of prior backhoe loaders. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100107869 | ADJUSTABLE CYLINDER POSITION SENSOR - A device for detecting the absolute position of a cylinder rod is provided. A cylinder assembly has a cylinder body with a gland member positioned thereof. The gland member has a rod opening extending therethrough. An adjustable sensor is mounted on the gland member, the adjustable sensor being operable to read one or more detectable features of the cylinder rod. The adjustable sensor can be incrementally adjusted relative to the cylinder rod to optimize the gap provided between the adjustable sensor and the cylinder rod, allowing the sensor to detect the motion and absolute position of the cylinder rod. The detectable features may be three tracks of data including first timing data and position data. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100101468 | Method and Apparatus For An Agricultural Implement Seed Meter - A seed meter includes an input port configured to receive a supply of seeds and an output port configured to deliver the supply of seeds for dispensing to a planting area and a seed disk configured to receive the supply of seeds from the input port and deliver the supply of seeds to the output port at a substantially uniform rate. The seed disk has a seed side where seeds flow from the input port, and a vacuum side opposite the seed side. The seed meter further includes a first housing portion surrounding a first portion of the seed disk in a fixed relationship to direct the supply of seeds against the seed disk and a second housing portion. The second housing portion is configured to move between a first position extending to a second portion of the seed disk to operate in concert with the first housing portion to direct the supply of seeds against the seed disk and a second position providing access to at least a portion of the second portion of the seed disk including the lowest most portion of the seed disk. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100101467 | PLANTER WITH STRUCTURAL MANIFOLD - A planter, in certain embodiments, includes a structural air manifold. The planter may include a hollow structural member configured to bear and/or distribute static and dynamic loads of the planter. The structural member may include a hollow interior having a first port and a second port. A plurality of individual planting units and a fan may be mounted to the structural member and coupled to the hollow interior at the first and second ports, respectively, via a conduit. The hollow interior may provide a path for forced airflow between the first and second ports to enable pneumatic operation of a feature of the agricultural seed planter. Further, each planting unit may include a seed meter pneumatically coupled to the fan. An orifice may be disposed in the first or second port to restrict the airflow through the port and to the seed meter. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100101071 | Method and Apparatus For An Agricultural Implement Seed Meter - A seed meter includes an input port configured to receive a supply of seeds and an output port configured to deliver the supply of seeds for dispensing to a planting area and a seed disk configured to receive the supply of seeds from the input port and deliver the supply of seeds to the output port at a substantially uniform rate. The seed disk has a seed side where seeds flow from the input port, and a vacuum side opposite the seed side. The seed meter further includes a first housing portion surrounding a first portion of the seed disk in a fixed relationship to direct the supply of seeds against the seed disk and a second housing portion. The second housing portion is configured to move between a first position extending to a second portion of the seed disk to operate in concert with the first housing portion to direct the supply of seeds against the seed disk and a second position providing access to at least a portion of the second portion of the seed disk including the lowest most portion of the seed disk. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100090500 | Elements of the body of a Vehicle - An element of a body of a vehicle has a substrate portion formed by a first material and an outer portion formed by a second material suitable to be coupled with each other. At least the outer portion is provided with coupling elements for releasably coupling the outer portion and the substrate portion with each other. The coupling elements are dimensioned to allow different expansion of the materials used for the substrate portion and the outer portion. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100084149 | PIVOTING GAUGE WHEEL - Embodiments of the invention provide an innovative arrangement to control the height of ground engaging tools located on agricultural implements via gauge wheel assemblies, particularly for supporting and adjusting the height of winged extensions of the implement frame. The gauge wheel assemblies may provide an adjustment assembly in the form of a screw jack, which can be coupled to a support bracket that is attached to the implement frame and also coupled to a support tube that is coupled to a gauge wheel via pivot assembly and a bracket. The bracket and support tube may be coupled at discrete positions according to the height adjustment of the screw jack via pins and holes in the bracket and tube. When coupled, the pins and holes of the support bracket and tube may reduce the load of the winged extensions on the screw jack mechanism. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100084148 | TANDEM DISK WITH FINISHING REEL - Embodiments of the present invention provide a novel configuration for agricultural tandem disk systems that feature soil finishing systems. This configuration of the finishing system features finishing reels that provide a robust assembly that will require less frequent repair and maintenance. The finishing system also features support arms that allow the user to adjust the position of finishing reels and the downward force applied to the reels. In an exemplary embodiment, the soil finishing reels are located behind two rows of ground breaking disk blades. After the soil is opened by the disks, the finishing reel may be used to break up or split large soil clods created by the disks. The soil finishing system allows the user to have the soil in an optimized state for germination after one pass of the agricultural system, reducing the number of passes needed to prepare the field. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100070178 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE ORIENTATION MEASUREMENT - The orientation of a self-propelled vehicle or a towed vehicle relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle can be determined by mounting two ground speed sensors on the vehicle. The orientation of the vehicle relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle can be used to correct the error in the location of an implement mounted on the vehicle determined by a GPS system mounted on the vehicle or the vehicle towing the implement due to crabbing of the vehicle as the vehicle travels substantially perpendicular to a significant slope. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100059238 | ROW UNIT SOIL FINISHING APPARATUS - The present invention provides a novel configuration for agricultural row units that feature soil finishing assemblies. This configuration of the finishing assembly provides a simple adjustment of the height of the finishing assembly to enhance usability and flexibility of the row unit. The improved adjustment mechanism enhances user control over the vertical distance between the finishing wheels/discs and the ground opening assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, soil finishing assembly is pivotally coupled to the row unit frame via a height adjustment assembly. The height adjustment assembly may feature a biasing member and other components to allow adjustment of one end of the pivotal coupling of the adjustment assembly within the row unit assembly. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100051298 | HYDRAULIC SHOCK DISSIPATION FOR IMPLEMENT BOUNCE - To dissipate hydraulic shock created by the bouncing of an implement mounted on a wheeled vehicle, such as a towed tillage implement or the bucket of a vehicle, such as a wheel loader, an electronic control valve, which supplies hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator that raises and lowers the implement, is actively controlled by an electronic controller. As the vehicle with an implement is transported at higher speeds, the implement tends to bounce creating pressure spikes in the hydraulic system that raises and lowers the implement. The pressure spikes are dissipated by actively generating random or cancelling hydraulic pulses in the hydraulic system. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100048270 | CAROUSEL MERGER - A carousel merger is provided that is designed to replace existing belt conveyor devices. The carousel merger device has a crop receiving passageway which extends through a top surface of the carousel merger device toward a bottom surface of the carousel merger device. The crop receiving passageway has a plurality of crop receiving regions and a crop flow region. The crop receiving regions have arcuate sidewalls, support plates rotatably mounted to the bottom surface and blades mounted to the support plates. The crop flow region is provided adjacent the crop receiving regions with a portion of the crop flow region extending through the crop receiving regions. The crop flow region has a back wall opposite from the arcuate sidewalls of the crop receiving regions. A discharge is in communication with the crop flow region. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100048269 | FOREIGN OBJECT DETECTION AND REMOVAL SYSTEM FOR A COMBINE HARVESTER - A foreign object detection and removal system for an agricultural combine is provided. The system includes a controller operatively connected to a feederhouse and a chopper assembly. The feederhouse includes an acoustic element for detecting foreign objects and an actuator for opening and closing a door of the feederhouse to remove foreign objection. The chopper assembly includes an actuator to retract a knife bank to allow for the passage of foreign objects through the chopper assembly without causing damage to the chopper assembly. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20090315298 | Method and assembly for drawbar retention - An assembly for drawbar retention from a hanger bar on the rear of a tractor includes bottom and top capture plates spanning the intersection of the drawbar and hanger bar, front to back and side to side, and held together by four bolt and nut fasteners that are passed vertically through the four corners of the two plates such that there are two bolts on either lateral side of the drawbar and two on the front and back sides of the hanger bar. A pair of spacer blocks are provided across the front and back edges of the hanger bar releasably captured between the cover plates by the bolts. Cutouts in the spacer blocks can receive tongues on wear pads to permit pads to be captured between the top cover plate and hanger and/or the hanger and the drawbar by the bolts and spacers. The method is the arrangement of top and bottom cover plates with spacers and fasteners as stated, with or without wear pads. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090272584 | Steering Control System - A steering system for a vehicle wherein the first and second axle shafts are driven by a power shaft powered by an engine. A differential gear is interposed between the power shaft and the first and second axle shafts. The steering system has a first hydraulic unit associated with the first axle shaft, a second hydraulic unit associated with the second axle shaft, a hydraulic circuit connecting an input of the first hydraulic unit to an output of the second hydraulic unit and an output of the first hydraulic unit to an input of said second hydraulic unit. A control unit is connected to the hydraulic circuit for varying a flow rate of hydraulic fluid in the first and second hydraulic units and an actuator associated with the control unit for controlling said control unit. The actuator is responsive to rotation of a steering wheel. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090272550 | THREE POINT HITCH - A three point hitch for a work vehicle is provided with one draft link of fixed length and another draft link of variable length. The variable length draft link includes a linear double action hydraulic cylinder assembly, a first attachment plate fixedly connected with one of the arm and the cylinder of the assembly and having a pivot connector configured for pivotal attachment with the vehicle, and a second attachment plate fixedly connected with a remaining one of the arm and the cylinder and having a first pivot connector configured for pivotal attachment with a tilt link and a second pivot connector configured for pivotal attachment with the implement to be supported from the vehicle. The variable length draft link permits lateral adjustment of the angle of the implement with respect to the vehicle center line. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090258684 | Apparatus and method for analysing the composition of crop in a crop-conveying machine - An apparatus is provided for analysing the composition of crop in a crop-conveying machine, such as a harvesting machine. The crop in the machine is conveyed along a crop movement path, whereof a portion is illuminated by a light source ( | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090250930 | Knotter for a Baler - A knotter had a twine holder, a bill hook, an arm carrying a crotch and a cutter and a twine finger operated by a drive mechanism to form two knots consecutively, the first to tie together two runs of twine passed around a completed bale and the second to tie together two runs of twine drawn from respective supply rolls for the commencement of the next bale. The twine holder serves to grip the two runs of twine drawn from the supply rolls throughout the formation of the two knots. The bill hook serves to knot the runs of twine gripped by the holder. The cutter serves to sever the runs of twine between the holder and the bill hook. The crotch pushes the twine runs off the bill hook during the completion of each knot. The twine finger is pivotably mounted on the opposite side of the bill hook from the twine holder to bring the sections of the runs of twine to be knotted within the reach of the bill hook. In the invention, an edge of the twine finger contacting the runs of twine as the knots are pushed off the bill hook by the crotch comprises an obstruction to resist movement of the runs of twine in a direction transverse to their length. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090249968 | Square Baler with an Ejector System - A square baler having a bale case within which crop is compacted by means of a plunger and a discharge outlet at one end of the bale case is provided and an auxiliary ejector system for advancing bales towards the discharge outlet independently of the movement of the compacting plunger. The ejector system comprises a shuttle assembly mounted in a wall of the bale case for reciprocation parallel to the direction of movement of the bales in the bale case. A least one dog mounted on the shuttle assembly engages in the last bale in the bale case positioned nearest the discharge outlet and advances the bale incrementally out of the discharge outlet in response to reciprocation of the shuttle assembly. In the invention, a second shuttle assembly is mounted in a wall of the bale case for reciprocation independently of the first shuttle assembly. The second shuttle assembly has at least one dog to engage in the next-to-last bale in the bale case. By selecting which of the shuttle assemblies to activate, an operator may elect to eject only the last base in the bale case or the last two bales. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090242220 | Crop Residue And Soil Conditioning Agricultural Implement - A ground opener that is allowed to caster in one direction is associated with a pair of arms connected by a pivot connection that allows one arm to move relative to the other arm. The movable arm is forced against the stationary arm when the ground opener impacts the soil as the ground opener is pulled along a relatively straight travel path. When the ground opener is turned radially from the straight travel path, the movable arm may cast away from the stationary arm. The disc opener is coupled to the movable arm through a central hub and, as such, the trailing edge of the disc opener will move away from the stationary arm as the disc opener is turned. When the disc opener has completed the turn, the torque on the disc opener will lessen thereby allowing the movable arm to move back toward the stationary arm. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090241818 | Crop Residue And Soil Conditioning Agricultural Implement - A ground opener that is allowed to caster in one direction is associated with a pair of arms connected by a pivot connection that allows one arm to move relative to the other arm. The movable arm is forced against the stationary arm when the ground opener impacts the soil as the ground opener is pulled along a relatively straight travel path. When the ground opener is turned radially from the straight travel path, the movable arm may cast away from the stationary arm. The disc opener is coupled to the movable arm through a central hub and, as such, the trailing edge of the disc opener will move away from the stationary arm as the disc opener is turned. When the disc opener has completed the turn, the torque on the disc opener will lessen thereby allowing the movable arm to move back toward the stationary arm. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090222160 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COORDINATED VEHICLE CONTROL WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION - A control system controls a pair of vehicles in coordination to traverse a respective pair of trajectories. The control system is configured to specify a plurality of successive waypoints, a safe stopping interval and an intermediate interval greater than the safe stopping interval, and exchange waypoints between vehicles. The system controls each vehicle in coordination with the other, senses a rate of exchange of waypoint data between the vehicles, and determines the safe stopping interval. The control system updates positions with additional waypoints as the respective vehicles pass by waypoints of the forecasted trajectory, determines the length of the forecasted trajectory remaining and compares it with the intermediate interval and the safe stopping interval. The system generates a warning signal if distance is less than the intermediate interval, and if the distance is less than the safe stopping interval, stops within the safe stopping interval. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090178600 | Seed Tank Arrangement and Planter - A seed tank arrangement is provided with improved access to seed tanks of an agricultural planter and the contents thereof, while simplifying the manufacturing of such tanks. The seed tank has a fill opening formed in the upper surface of the tank for loading and accessing seeds in the interior of the tank. Features of the tank are mirror images about a diagonal plane of the tank, which enables the same tank to be used for both the left and right sides of the planter. This is achieved by rotating the left tank 90 degrees with respect to the right tank. The design provides improved access to the interior of the tanks for filling and servicing the seed. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090145251 | Farm Vehicle Power Take-off - A farm vehicle power take-off device, in particular for a tractor, wherein an output shaft is connected selectively by a drive to a first and second input shaft rotating at different speeds. The selective connection is made by moving a selector sleeve between three settings, in a first and second of which, the output shaft is connected to the first shaft to rotate at a first and second angular speed respectively, and, in a third of which, the output shaft is connected to the second shaft to rotate at a third angular speed different from the first and second angular speed. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090127042 | Trailer Braking Device - A trailer braking device having a high-pressure main hydraulic circuit of a tractor to which a trailer is attached; to a hydraulic circuit of a master brake cylinder of the tractor; and a trailer brake valve having a driver connected hydraulically to the high-pressure main hydraulic circuit and to the hydraulic circuit. The driver of the device has a piston which is subjected to a first action by an independent circuit that is activated, for example, by the stop lights and a second action produced by the operator, such as a foot acting on a brake pedal, on the hydraulic circuit of the master brake cylinder. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090095561 | Hydraulic Steering System for a Vehicle - A steering system for an agricultural vehicle with a hydraulic steering motor incorporates an internal pump, a distribution valve, an input shaft which in use is coupled for rotation by the steering shaft of a vehicle steering wheel, and connectors for hydraulic lines leading to a high pressure source of oil, to an oil reservoir and to hydraulic actuators connected to the steerable wheels of the vehicle. The steering motor is located remotely from the steering shaft and is coupled for rotation with shaft by hydraulic rotary actuators mounted on the steering shaft and the input shaft of the steering motor and arranged in a closed circuit with one another. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090090594 | CRAWLER VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEM - A drive control system of a crawler vehicle has a lever, a hydraulic distributor for feeding pressurized oil over a feed line to a hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator can engage and release a central clutch. A cable has a first end fixed to a rod of the hydraulic actuator, and a second end connected to the hydraulic distributor. The cable activates and deactivates the hydraulic distributor, depending on the position of the rod. A main pulley is integral with the lever about which the cable is wound. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090072618 | Track for Crawler Vehicles - A metal track for crawler vehicles, the track having a metal chain hinged with substantially rectangular metal shoes, each of which has a work surface with arrow-shaped teeth defined by a front portion of one arrow-shaped tooth and a rear portion of another arrow-shaped tooth spaced apart on the work surface and complementary in shape; each portion of arrow-shaped tooth cooperating with a complementary portion on a respective adjacent shoe to define a complete arrow-shaped tooth. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090058042 | Tractor Drawbar Assembly - A drawbar assembly includes a drawbar and a hammer strap that is fixed to the drawbar forward of a drawbar hanger. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090057045 | HYDRAULIC SYSTEM TO DETER LIFT ARM CHATTER - A skid steer or wheel loader having an implement, such as a bucket, arranged for elevational and tilting movements relative to the frame of the loader has a foot controlled hydraulic system that deters lift arm chatter. An accumulator is directly connected to the conduit between the control valve, which controls raising and lowering of the implement, and the end chamber of the lift arm cylinder that raises the implement. The spool of the control valve is positioned by a mechanically linked foot pedal. The end chamber that lowers the implement is not connected to the hydraulic fluid supply reservoir when the control valve spool is in its neutral position, so that down pressure may be applied to the implement for ground penetration and deter lift arm chatter without having to turn the system on or off at appropriate times. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090056963 | AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WITH FLEXIBLE WING LOCKING SYSTEM - A tension member arrangement is disclosed that can be mounted between a central portion of an agricultural implement and a wing. The wing is configured to be raised and lowered by an actuator. The tension member is mounted to support structures on the central portion of the implement and on the wing once the wing is raised, to maintain the wing in the raised position. Stress may then be relieved from the actuator without the wing descending from the raised position. The tension member may be completely removed from the implement or may remain attached and employed only when needed to maintain the wing in the raised position. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090053027 | Remote Boom Lock Assembly - A remote boom lock assembly is provided to secure a boom assembly supported on an agricultural vehicle or implement. The boom lock assembly is generally configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the boom assembly as it is seated in a boom cradle structure mounted on the agricultural vehicle. The boom lock assembly includes a boom lock element mounted to the boom cradle structure, and an actuator assembly configured to selectively move the boom lock element from a locked position to an unlocked position. A remote switch is employed to control operation of the actuator assembly. The boom lock assembly further includes a spring configured to bias the boom lock element toward the locked position. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090043461 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR LONGITUDINALLY BALANCING AN AGRICULTURAL VEHICLE - A method and device for longitudinally balancing an agricultural vehicle, in particular a tractor, whereby at least one sensor, for detecting at least one respective stress affecting a longitudinal attitude of the agricultural vehicle, controls an actuating device of a ballast to move the ballast longitudinally along the agricultural vehicle, which at least partly compensates for the stress. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090033010 | Method and a jig for mounting a stack of Belleville Springs - The invention relates to mounting of a stack of Belleville springs about a shaft. The individual springs of the stack are first positioned over the shaft. A jig is then placed over the shaft and the springs and has at least one axially extending pressure bar that is radially inwardly biased to urge the inner circumferences of all the springs into contact with axially aligned points on the surface of the shaft. The springs are then compressed using a compression element while they are still urged by the pressure bar against the shaft. Finally, to retain the springs on the shaft and maintain the springs in compression, a split retaining clip is pressed onto to the shaft until it engages in a groove. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090021073 | Crawler Traction Device - A crawler traction device for a crawler vehicle, in particular a tractor, the device having a carriage, a drive sprocket rotating about a first axis, an idler wheel rotating about a second axis parallel to the first axis. The track is looped about the drive sprocket and the idler wheel and meshes with the drive sprocket along a meshing arc. The traction device has a noise and vibration damping device having an auxiliary roller which rotates about a third axis parallel to the first axis and is eccentric with respect to the drive sprocket as well as smaller in diameter than the drive sprocket. The noise and vibration damping device only cooperates with the track along a portion of the track located, in use, immediately upstream from the meshing arc and interposed between the auxiliary roller and the terrain. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090014190 | Implement With Two Stage Folding Wing - A towed agricultural implement including a center section having a chassis supported on wheels, and with a pair of selectively positionable wing assemblies extending laterally from each side. The wing assemblies include an arm assembly operably coupled at one end to the center section, and operably coupled at the other end to a wing frame. The wing assemblies are positionable in a folded-down position, wherein the wing frames are generally parallel to the ground, and a folded-up position wherein the wing frames are positioned generally perpendicular to the ground. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090008895 | Vehicle having an Elevated Cab and Access Steps - A vehicle with an elevated cab is provided with a power driven access step that is capable of being moved between an operating lower position and a raised stowage position. The step is carried by at least one telescopically collapsible tubular strut and an actuator is housed within the strut for raising and lowering the step by extending and contracting the strut. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090007828 | PLANTER WITH STRUCTURAL AIR MANIFOLD - A planter, in certain embodiments, includes a structural air manifold. The planter may include a hollow structural member configured to bear and/or distribute static and dynamic loads of the planter. The structural member may include a hollow interior having a first port and a second port. A plurality of individual planting units and a fan may be mounted to the structural member and coupled to the hollow interior at the first and second ports, respectively, via a conduit. The hollow interior may provide a path for forced airflow between the first and second ports to enable pneumatic operation of a feature of the agricultural seed planter. Further, each planting unit may include a seed meter pneumatically coupled to the fan. An orifice may be disposed in the first or second port to restrict the airflow through the port and to the seed meter. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090007805 | Needle with Air Duct - A baler has a bale chamber and a needle movable through the bale chamber to pass a strand of twine from one side of the bale chamber to a knotter located on the opposite side, the twine being engaged by a tip of the needle. In the invention, pressurized air is directed at the needle tip. The supply of pressurized air may be discontinuous and timed to coincide only with certain phases of the needle operating cycle. The air stream avoids crop material being caught up in the knots formed by the knotter. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20080302581 | Weighing Apparatus - A weighing apparatus for bales as they are released from the bale chute of an agricultural baler has a weighting table supported on a first side of a support frame by a single load beam and supported on a second side by a support element. The weighing apparatus has a mechanism for measuring the inclination of the weighing table relative to the horizontal as well as a load beam and processor. The processor receives the signal from the load beam and based upon the sensed inclination provide an indication of a weight supported by the weighing table. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080283214 | Heat Exchanger Mounting - A cooler block for an agricultural tractor comprising a cooler assembly mounted on a radiator and coupled to the radiator by upper and lower linkages. The cooler assembly can be moved between a first position in which the cooler assembly lies parallel to the radiator and a second position in which the cooler assembly is inclined relative to the radiator. The cooler assembly is pivotable about a pivot in the upper linkage that is itself movable relative to the radiator. The lower linkage allows the entire cooler assembly to rise and the pivot of the upper linkage to move away from the radiator as the cooler assembly is pivoted from the first to the second position. A detent is incorporated into one of the two linkages to retain the cooler assembly in the second position. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080250885 | Power Take-off for an Agricultural Vehicle - A power take-off device for an agricultural vehicle, in particular a tractor, wherein an input shaft is connected to a first and, selectively, a second output shaft by moving a sleeve-type selector between three selection positions, in the first of which, the input shaft is connected angularly to the first output shaft to rotate the first output shaft at a first speed, and in the second and third of which, the input shaft is connected angularly to the second output shaft to rotate the second output shaft at a second speed and a third speed, different from the second speed. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080236969 | HYDRAULIC CYLINDER LIMITER - A limiter bracket, for restricting the stroke of a hydraulic cylinder, is formed from a U-shaped member having a central base portion and two opposing sidewall. The base has a semi-circular retention slot extending from an off center position centrally located detent within the base. The opening of the slot is asymmetrically located at an off center position along an edge of the base so that the rod of a cylinder is both horizontally and vertically displaced during positioning within the limiter. Once the rod is located in the detent of the limiter, a pivot pin is inserted through a connector at the end of the rod and the aligned attachment holes in the sidewalls securing the limiter to the rod. The end of the cylinder body will contact the base of the limiter during retraction of the rod thus limiting the overall stroke of the cylinder. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080230241 | Sway Block of a Three-Point Implement Hitch - A sway block for a three-point hitch of an agricultural implement has a frame for supporting a tow hook; and the frame in turn has two substantially parallel right-angle plates. A respective pair of levers is hinged to each right-angle plate by pins; and each pair of levers is associated with a respective lock member operated from above by an operator using an actuating mechanism. The sway block performs the dual function of preventing sway and supporting a tow member. | 09-25-2008 |
