| Vermeer Manufacturing Company Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120102791 | SHEAR RESISTANT EXCAVATION COMPONENT - An excavation component is disclosed herein. The excavation component includes a cutter structure carrier and a cutter structure carried by the cutter structure carrier. The excavation component also includes a fastener for securing the cutter structure to the cutter structure carrier. The cutter structure carrier and the cutter structure have an interlocking geometry for transferring shear between the cutter structure carrier and the cutter structure so as to reduce an amount of shear applied to the fastener during excavation operations. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120043403 | MATERIAL REDUCING MACHINE CONVERTIBLE BETWEEN A GRINDING CONFIGURATION AND A CHIPPING CONFIGURATION - The present disclosure relates to a material reducing machine convertible between a grinding configuration and a chipping configuration. The material reducing machine includes a rotary component that is rotatable about an axis of rotation, the rotary component defining a grinding configuration boundary that extends at least partially around the axis of rotation. The material reducing machine also includes a plurality of hammers secured to the rotary component, the hammers including end portions that project outwardly beyond the grinding configuration boundary of the rotary component. Furthermore, the material reducing machine includes a boundary enlarging structure that mounts over the rotary component, the boundary enlarging structure defining a chipping configuration boundary that extends at least partially around the axis of rotation when the boundary enlarging structure is mounted over the rotary component, the chipping configuration boundary being positioned outside the grinding configuration boundary. The boundary enlarging structure is not mounted over the rotary component when the material reducing machine is in the grinding configuration and the boundary enlarging structure is mounted over the rotary component when the material reducing machine is in the chipping configuration. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120012229 | INDEXABLE STUMP CUTTER TOOTH - A stump cutter assembly that has a driven wheel with first and wheel side surfaces, and a first stump cutter tooth assembly operatively attaches to the first wheel side surface and a second stump cutter tooth assembly operatively attaches to the second wheel side surface. The first stump cutter tooth assembly includes a first stump cutter tooth and a first bi-directional pocket member that non-rotatably retains the first stump cutter tooth. The second stump cutter tooth assembly includes a second stump cutter tooth and a second bi-directional pocket member that non-rotatably retains the second stump cutter tooth. The first stump cutter tooth assembly is in general transverse alignment with the second stump cutter tooth assembly. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20110192923 | WOOD CHIPPER INFEED CHUTE - An infeed chute that is configured to more effectively and safely guide brush into a chipper is provided. The infeed chute is configured to guide brush upwards, thereby minimizing the occurrence of branches inadvertently catching the bottom edge of the chute. The infeed chute is also configured so that operators can conveniently load the chipper while being along a side of the chipper. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110174545 | DRILLING MACHINE AND METHOD - The present disclosure provides a machine capable of drilling into the ground at a wide range of angles relative to the ground surface. The present disclosure also provides novel drilling methods. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110078929 | EXCAVATION MACHINE WITH AUTO REVERSE - The present disclosure provides an excavation machine that is configured to minimize or otherwise account for the unintended stoppage (i.e., jamming/stalling) of a digger tool. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure a machine is provided with one or more drive systems that automatically stop and reverse to avoid excavation tool jamming. The machine and methods of the present disclosure provide an efficient method and machine for excavation operations. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110073692 | BELT TENSIONING APPARATUS - A belt tensioning system configured to more effectively maintain the proper tension in a belt that can be engaged and disengaged. Proper tension in the belt is maintained even if the belt stretches or contracts by including a spring biased member between a tension wheel and a pivot frame. The spring member is preloaded such that when the belt stretches the tension wheel is biased against the belt by the force of the spring. Also, by selectively engaging the tension system one can avoid overloading the engine without the need to incorporate a clutch. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110073691 | FEED CONTROL ARRANGEMENT - A feed control arrangement for controlling the infeed of materials into a machine such as a wood chipper is provided. The feed control arrangement includes a control lever and an emergency stop bar. The control lever and emergency stop bar can be selectively activated to effectively control the infeed of material into the machine. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110006142 | SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING THE POSITION OF A FEED ROLLER - A feed system that is configured to more effectively grab and pull brush and tree materials into a chipper is provided. The system of the present disclosure is configured such that a large, heavy tree trunk can be effectively pulled into the chipper. The system includes a hydraulic pump that applies variable down pressure on a feed roller. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20100314001 | STUMP CUTTER - The present disclosure provides a device and method that enable the efficient reduction of stumps. In one embodiment the stump removal methods and devices according to the present disclosure allow the operator to have a clear view of the work area during operation, and the ability to move the reduction device through a wide range of motion during operation. In one embodiment, the material reduction tool pivots relative to the chassis in the vertical plane about multiple pivot points. In some embodiments the device includes a retractable auxiliary control panel located at the end of the device opposite the material reduction tool. The control panel enables the operator to direct the movement of the device from the end of the device and thereby enable the device to maneuver through narrow spaces. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100294869 | WOOD CHIPPER FEED ROLLER - A feed system that is configured to more effectively grab and pull brush and tree materials into a chipper is provided. The system of the present disclosure is configured such that a large, heavy tree trunk can be continuously pulled into the chipper. The system includes two feed rollers one above the other in an offset arrangement. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100294868 | CHIPPER DRUM WITH INTEGRAL BLOWER - The chipper drum of the present disclosure is configured to maximize its cutting width while decreasing its overall size. In particular, the chipper drum of the present disclosure includes air deflectors recessed on the ends of the drum that are configured to generate the air flow necessary to blow chips out of the chipper. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100257757 | MACHINE ATTACHMENT BASED SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM - The present disclosure provides a machine configured so that its ground speed is at least in part dependent on the measured force that is applied to an attachment attached thereto. The present disclosure also provides an attachment for a machine that is configured to provide feedback to the machine it is configured to be attached to, wherein the feedback is representative of the force applied to the attachment. The present disclosure also provides a method of automatically controlling the ground speed of a machine based on feedback measured in an attachment attached to the machine. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100230168 | UNDERGROUND BORING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING UNDERGROUND BORING - A method and system for controlling a horizontal directional drilling machine having a boring tool. A rate of rotation and a rate of thrust are selected by an operator. Controls allow an automatic boring operation mode to be initiated to maintain the selected rate of rotation and thrust without further input from the operator. Periodically, when the rotation and thrust are interrupted, such as to modify the drill string, the automatic boring operation mode is interrupted. The automatic boring operation mode may be resumed without requiring the operator to select the rate of rotation and rate of thrust. The rate of rotation is resumed before the rate of thrust to reduce drill string shock loads and increase drilling performance. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100117282 | VISE FOR A DIRECTIONAL DRILLING MACHINE - A vise apparatus includes a vise die assembly that is pivotally mounted to tong heads of a vise mechanism. The vise die assembly includes a plurality of vise die and a mounting block having a first face and an oppositely disposed second face. Each of the plurality of vise die includes a gripping surface. A first vise die of the plurality of vise die is mounted to the first face of the mounting block while a second vise die is mounted to the second face. The first and second vise die are mounted such that the gripping surface of first vise die faces opposite the gripping surface of the second vise die. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100044061 | VIBRATORY PLOW ASSEMBLY - The present disclosure generally relates to a method and apparatus for installing utility lines underground by using a vibratory plow. One aspect of the invention relates to using a resilient member attached to a vibrator assembly, where the resilient member stores the kinetic energy of the vibrator assembly downward movement. The kinetic energy is then released during the upward movement. The energy is applied to a plow blade so as to improve the efficiency of the plow blade as it is drawn through the ground. Another aspect of the invention relates to connecting the resilient member to the ground via a set of wheels that do not appreciably deflect during the downward movement. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20090308669 | QUAD TRACK VEHICLE - The quad track vehicle includes a chassis including a front end, a rear end and a left side and a right side. The chassis is supported on a plurality of tracks. Each of the tracks defines a generally triangular shape. The plurality of tracks includes a front left track at the left side of the chassis, a front right track at the right side of the chassis, a rear left track at the left side of the chassis rearward of the front left track and a rear right track at the right side of the chassis rearward of the front right track. The rear tracks have rearward portions that project a first distance rearwardly beyond the rear end of the chassis. The front tracks have forward portions that project a second distance forwardly beyond the front end of the chassis. The second distance is less than the first distance. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090301783 | MICROTUNNELLING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS - A microtunnelling apparatus and system that includes an external drive system having rotational and linear thrust drive means, a drill head section having drill rotor and drill rod and connecting to intermediate drill rods allowing extension of the boring hole created by the drill head section driven by the drive system. The drill head includes a modular construction having a plurality of circular disc like elements, a bearing module, a steering module, a spacer module, and a mounting module, for axial alignment and abutment and mounting within a cylindrical steering shell. Directional steering of the drill head includes a plurality of substantially radially extending channels in steering module, each with an hydraulically movable protuberance movable by control means to redirect the outer steering casing and thereby redirect the drill head section mounted on the distal end of the drill rods. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090260264 | TRENCHER ATTACHMENT - The present disclosure provides a system and method of creating trenches of various widths, including widths that are substantially greater than the width of the boom head or even the chassis. According to the trencher system of the present disclosure, the boom is designed so that it can be easily configured to create a trench of a first width and subsequently create a trench of a second width that is different than the first width. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090183399 | Machine with adapter frame for weight stabilization and related method - A mobile trencher machine having an upper assembly, a ground drive assembly, and an adapter frame positioned between and coupled to each of the upper assembly and the ground drive assembly. The ground drive assembly being positionable in one of a number of mounting positions relative to the upper assembly, including a forward position, a rearward position, and a central position. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090158624 | TRENCHER CONTROL SYSTEM - The present disclosure provides a trencher control system that is reliable and easy to service. The trencher control system according to the present disclosure includes an improved wiring layout that, in part, results in a trencher that is more reliable and also easier to repair. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, control nodes of the control system are located near the trencher components that they control. The layout of the control nodes significantly reduces the overall wiring, and particularly reduces the amount of wiring extending to and from the cab. A method of controlling a trencher remotely is also provided. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090152010 | MICROTUNNELLING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS - A microtunnelling apparatus and system that includes an external drive system having rotational and linear thrust drive means, a drill head section having drill rotor and drill rod and connecting to intermediate drill rods allowing extension of the boring hole created by the drill head section driven by the drive system. The drill head includes a modular construction having a plurality of circular disc like elements, a bearing module, a steering module, a spacer module, and a mounting module, for axial alignment and abutment and mounting within a cylindrical steering shell. Directional steering of the drill head includes a plurality of substantially radially extending channels in steering module, each with an hydraulically movable protuberance movable by control means to redirect the outer steering casing and thereby redirect the drill head section mounted on the distal end of the drill rods. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090152008 | MICROTUNNELLING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS - A microtunnelling apparatus and system that includes an external drive system having rotational and linear thrust drive means, a drill head section having drill rotor and drill rod and connecting to intermediate drill rods allowing extension of the boring hole created by the drill head section driven by the drive system. The drill head includes a modular construction having a plurality of circular disc like elements, a bearing module, a steering module, a spacer module, and a mounting module, for axial alignment and abutment and mounting within a cylindrical steering shell. Directional steering of the drill head includes a plurality of substantially radially extending channels in steering module, each with an hydraulically movable protuberance movable by control means to redirect the outer steering casing and thereby redirect the drill head section mounted on the distal end of the drill rods. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090090800 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SHAPED OPENINGS IN A GRINDER SCREEN - A shaped opening is provided in the screen apparatus of a grinder. The shaped opening helps accumulate, gather and congregate materials that have not been reduced sufficiently in size. The shaped opening is located on the trailing edge of the screen opening. By being located on the trailing edge, lodged materials are urged into the shaped area during the grinding function. As more lodged materials are urged into the shaped area, the materials are congregated sufficiently for the cutters to engage the material and pull it back into the grinding chamber (and out of the screen). | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090090434 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF A STUMP CUTTER - A stump cutter controller and operator presence system includes one or more capacitive sensors in each of the three control levers that control movement of the cutter wheel. A sensor circuit measures changes in the capacitance of the sensors. The controller automatically disengages a drive clutch and applies a brake to the cutter wheel when the controller senses that an operator has left the operating station—which is assumed when the operator has not touched any one of the three control levers of the operator station for a predetermined time. The controller logic is set to allow the clutch to remain engaged during a delay period, of predetermined duration, to permit the operator to move a hand off of one control lever to another control lever. Also, a grace period, of varying duration based on the speed of the cutter wheel, may be provided during which the clutch is reengaged if an operator returns to the controls. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090079444 | APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CAPACITIVELY SENSING OPERATOR PRESENCE FOR A STUMP CUTTER - An operator detection and presence device includes a conductive sensor and a guard electrode. The sensor and electrode are physically located and electrically connected in a manner which helps the detection circuit measure if an operator's hand is on the handle or if the change in capacitance is due to water. The sensor and electrode are preferably physically located in the handle spaced apart from one another, where the sensor is located in an area that the operator will touch. The electrode is located in an area that the operator will not generally touch. A detection circuit is connected to the sensor and electrode for measuring whether the capacitance of the sensor has changed. The electrode is used to avoid false detections and/or the ability to detect of operator presence. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090072062 | Apparatus and method for supporting a removable anvil - A grinding machine having a mounting arrangement and an anvil. The grinding machine generally including a feed table and a grinding drum positioned within a mill box. The mounting arrangement being configured to support an end of the feed table and the anvil. The anvil including a wedge-shaped portion and having a length. The length of the anvil being configured to extend beyond sides of the mill box. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090036271 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DECELERATING A MATERIAL REDUCTION TOOL - One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a material reduction machine including a clutch configured and arranged to engage and disengage a material reduction tool with an engine based in response to a control unit. The control unit is configured to decelerate the material reduction tool by maintaining the clutch engaged with the engine during an engine speed reduction period. Another embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a method of decelerating a material reduction tool of a material reduction machine. The method includes the steps of maintaining engagement between the material reduction tool and an engine after the engine enters an engine speed reduction mode, and disengaging the material reduction device from the engine before the engine rpm drops below a predetermined level. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090014215 | Apparatus and method of loading a rod box for a horizontal directional drill - A biased door member is provided in an external wall of a drill rod supply magazine mounted on a horizontal directional drilling (HDD) machine. The door member swings inwardly from a first position parallel to the external wall to a second position within the distal column. At least one cut-out is formed in the external wall at the bottom of the retaining guides located at the longitudinal ends of the magazine. The cut-out creates a window through which the added drill rod is inserted. In operation, a drill rod is moved through the biased door member and window cut-outs into the distal column. The pocket of a rod transfer mechanism is positioned below the last column, and a rod lifter lowers the added drill rod into the pocket. The rod transfer mechanism then moves the added drill rod into alignment with the drill string. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20080277509 | GRINDING DRUM WITH A CUTTER ARRANGEMENT FOR A DIRECTION OF ROTATION - Grinding members on a grinding drum are arranged to move the material to be reduced laterally across the drum. The drum may be used in a tub grinder where the tub is configured to rotate about a vertical axis. In a tub grinder environment, the drum extends through the grinding floor, is configured to rotate about a horizontal axis, and includes cutters arranged in a right-handed helical pattern on the drum. | 11-13-2008 |
