7551594
`
`October 02, 2015
`
`THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT ANNEXED IS A TRUE COPY FROM THE
`RECORDS OF THIS OFFICE OF THE FILE WRAPPER AND CONTENTS
`OF:
`
`APPLICATION NUMBER: 12/925,405
`FILING DATE: October 19, 2010
`PATENT NUMBER: 8166739
`ISSUE DATE: May 01, 2012
`
`Page 1 of 337
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`r
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`..E'..
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`0L6L0I.IllIlllllllllllllllllllllllllllll'
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`9'001920
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT" TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`U.S. PTO
`
`121925405
`
`10l'19!201 D
`
`
`
`
`
`D NUMBER
`
`ANTICIPATED CLASSIFICATION OF THIS
`APPLICATION:
`
`PRIOR APPLICATION
`
`M-In-an
`— svncmss
`C;
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`§;E_B | IFl§;ATE UNDER 3'.-' QQFR 1.10:
`"Express Mail" mailing label number: EMl060I7404US
`Date of Deposit: October {Q .2010
`
`I hereby certify that this paper or fee is being deposited with the U.S. Potital Service “Express Mail 0st Office to Addressee"
`service under 3‘? CFR l.lO on the date indicated above and is addressed to C_otnmis loner for Paien PO. Box 1450 Alexandria,
`
`Virginia 223134450.
`
`CONTINUATION APPLICATION UNDER 37 C.F.R.
`
`1.53 b
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.0. Box.l-150
`
`Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
`
`Dear Sir:
`
`This is a request for filing a continuation application under 37 CFR § 1.53(b) of Serial No. 1 l:‘388,692, filed on March 24,
`2006 entitled WINDROW MERGING APPARATUS by the following inventor(s):
`
`Full Name
`Of Inventor
`
`Residence
`& Citizenship
`
`Post Offiee
`Address
`
`Full Name
`Of Inven tor
`
`Residence
`& Citizenship
`
`Post Offee
`Address
`
`Full Name
`OI‘ Inventor
`
`Residence
`& Citizenship
`
`Post 0l't'ice
`Address
`
`Farnly Name
`
`First Given Name
`
`Second Given Name
`
`Paul
`
`W.
`
`Byron
`Post Ofiiee Address
`
`State or Foreign Country
`New York
`
`Country ol'Citizenship
`USA
`
`City
`
`State & Zip CodefCountry
`
`Family Name
`
`First Given Name
`
`Second Given Name
`
`City
`
`Byron
`Post Oiiice Address
`
`6561 Transit Road
`
`Family Name
`Woodruff
`
`_City
`Bergen
`Post Office Address
`
`'i'3l 1 West Bergen Road
`
`State or Foreign Country
`New York
`
`Country of Citizenship
`USA
`
`City
`Byron
`
`FirstG1ven Name
`
`H
`
`State 8: Zip Code-"Country _
`New York l4422J'USA
`
`Second Given Name
`
`State or Foreign Country
`New York
`
`Cou ntry oi’ Citizenship
`USA
`
`State 8: Zip Code!Country
`New York l44l6:'USA
`
`Page 2 of 337
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`Page 2 of 337
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`

`
`Enclosed is the application; including the signed oath or declaration from the prior application, specification, claims
`and drawings. The continuing application is as follows: 17 pages of specification, 1 claims, 1 page of abstract, 24
`sheets of drawings, and 4 pages of oath or declaration.
`
`The entire disclosure of the prior application, from which a copy of the oath or declaration is supplied, is considered
`as being part of the disclosure of the accompanying application and is hereby incorporated by reference therein.
`
`IZI
`
`The filing fee is calculated below:
`
`E
`
`Small entity status is claimed pursuant to 37 CFR 1.27.
`
`E
`
`Payment of fees:
`
`Q
`
`PAYMENT OF THE FILING FEE IS BEING DEFERRED.
`
`>14
`
`ElEfiflflfl
`EEEICIEICIEI
`
`10.
`
`ll.
`
`12.
`
`13.
`
`14.
`
`15.
`
`The Commissioner is hereby authorized to charge any additional fees as set forth in 3? CFR §§ 1. 16 to 1.18 which
`may be required by this paper or credit any overpayment to Account No. 13-2'?25.
`
`A set of formal drawings ( sheets) is enclosed.
`
`Priority ofapplication Serial No. , filed on in, is claimed under 35 U.S.C. 119.
`
`The certified copy has been filed in prior application Serial No. , filed .
`
`The prior application is assigned of record to Oxbo International Corporation located at 7275 Batavia-Byron Road,
`Byron, New York 14422flJSA.
`
`The Power of Attorney in the prior application is to:
`
`MERCHANT & GOULD P.C.
`
`PO. Box 2903 Minneapolis, MN 55402-0903
`
`A preliminary amendment is enclosed. (Claims added by this amendment have been properly numbered
`consecutively beginning with the number next following the highest numbered original claim in the prior
`application.)
`
`Fee for excess claims is attached.
`
`A petition and fee has been filed to extend the term in the prior application until . A copy of the petition for
`extension of time in the prior application is attached.
`
`The inventor(s) in this application are less than those named in the prior application and it is requested that the
`following inventors identified above for the prior application be deleted:
`
`A Non-publication Request under 3? CFR 1.2 l3(a) is enclosed.
`
`Information Disclosure Statement, Form 1449 and
`
`reference(s).
`
`Authorization for Extension of Time All Replies.
`
`Request for Recognition of Patent Practitioners as being of Record, under rule 37 C.F.R. § 132(c)(3)
`
`Page 3 of 337
`
`Page 3 of 337
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`

`
`16.
`
`E
`
`Address all future communications to the Attention of Karen A. Fitzsirnmons associated with the customer
`number below (may only be completed by attorney or agent of record)
`
`1?.
`
`E
`
`A return postcard is enclosed.
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`nmfluunmax om“
`
`MERCHANT & GOULD P.C.
`P.0. Box 2903 Minneapolis, MN 55402-0903
`
`612.332.5300
` Date: October Li, 2010
`
`Karen A. Fitzsirmnons
`
`Reg. No. 50,470
`KFiIzsimmo11sfcjc
`
`Page 4 of 337
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`Page 4 of 337
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`

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`\
`
`II M
`
`S/N UNKNOWN
`
`PATENT
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`Applicant:
`
`‘DOW ET AL.
`
`Examiner:
`
`A. M. TORRESS
`
`Serial No.1
`
`UNKNOWN
`
`Group Art Unit:
`
`3671
`
`Filed:
`
`Title:
`
`HEREWITH
`
`Docket No. :
`
`12821 .16US C2
`
`WINDROW MERGING APPARATUS
`
`CERTIFICATE UNDER 37 CFR l.l0:
`“Express Mail" mailing label number: EM l060l'?404US
`Date of Deposit: October [fl .2010
`/.
`_
`I hereby certify that this paper or fee is being deposited with the US. Poaal Service "Express Mail Po Office to
`Addressee" service under 3? CFR l.l0 on the date indicated above arid is addresse to Commissioner or Patents PO.
`
`Box 1450 Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450. Name: Tina Pla te
`
`AUTHORIZATION FOR EXTENSION OF TIME ALL REPLIES
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`
`P.0. Box 1450
`
`Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
`
`Dear Sir:
`
`Please consider this a petition for extension of time for a sufficient number of months to
`
`enter these papers or any future papers, if appropriate.
`
`Please further charge any additional fees required to enter these papers or any
`
`future papers, or credit ay overpayment of fees, to Deposit Account No. 13-2725.
`
`23552
`
`Date: October /2 , 2010
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`MERCHANT & GOULD P.C.
`P.O. Box 2903
`
`Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-0903
`(612) 332-5300
`
` Karen A. Fitzsimmo
`
`Reg. No. 50,470
`KAI-‘:cjc
`
`Page 5 of 337
`
`Page 5 of 337
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`

`
`-
`
`qt}
`
`(4.
`
`S/N UNKNOWN
`
`PATENT
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`Applicant:
`
`DOW ET AL.
`
`Examiner:
`
`A. M. TORRES
`
`Serial No.:
`
`UNKNOWN
`
`Group Art Unit:
`
`3671
`
`Filed:
`
`Title:
`
`I-IEREWITH
`
`Docket No.:
`
`l2821.16USC2
`
`WINDROW MERGING APPARATUS
`
`CERTIFICATE UNDER 37 CFR I.i0:
`"Express Mail” trialling label number: EM I060l':‘404US
`Date of Deposit: October L3 , 20l0
`
`'
`
`ffice to
`I hereby certify that this paper or fee is being deposited with the US. Postal Service "Express Mail Post
`Addressee" service under 37 CFR 1.10 on the date indicated above and is addressed to Commissiotier f Patents PO. Box
`1450 Alexandria. Virginia 22313-I450.
`
`REQUEST FOR RECOGNITION OF PATENT PRACTITIONERS AS
`BEING OF RECORD, UNDER RULE 37 C.F.R. § 1.32§c)§3l
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`
`P.O. Box 1450
`
`Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
`
`Because the Power of Attorney named more than ten patent practitioners, this paper is
`
`being submitted to indicate that the following patent practitioners are to be recognized by the
`
`Office as being of record:
`
`Reg. No. 34,130 Kalinsky, Robert A. Reg. No. 50,471
`Bruess, Steven C.
`Reg. No. 34,994 S_el1 maltz, David G. Reg. No. 39,828
`Daley, Dennis R.
`Reg. No. 36,414 Sebald, Gregory A.
`Reg. No. 33,280
`Daulton, Julie R.
`Fitzsimmons, Karen A. Reg. No. 50,470 Skoog, Mark T.
`Reg. No. 40,178
`
`rnarrnunsunxornce
`
`Datei 0Ct0b3F
`
`.2010
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`MERCHANT & GOULD P.C.
`Box 2903
`
`Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-0903
`(612) 332-5300
`
`Karen A. Fitzsimmo
`
`Reg. No. 50,470
`KAFfcjc
`
`Page 6 of 337
`
`Page 6 of 337
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`

`
`M&G No. 12321.16-US-C2
`
`Express Label No.: EM106017404US
`
`WINDROW MERGING APPARATUS
`
`Cross-reference to Related Applications
`
`This application is a continuation of application Serial No. 11;"388,692, filed March
`
`24, 2006; which is a continuation of application Serial No. l0;'40S,030, filed March 31, 2003,
`
`now U.S. Patent 7,310,929; which applications are incorporated herein by reference.
`
`10
`
`Field of the Invention
`
`Background of the Invention
`
`The present invention relates to a windrovv merger apparatus and a method of merging
`
`windrows. In particular, the present invention relates to a windrow merging apparatus and
`
`method having more than two heads and conveyor assemblies.
`
`Description of the Prior Art
`
`15
`
`20
`
`Devices for merging windrows are well known and are used to gather material, such as
`
`cut hay that might be windrowed, and merge it into a single windrow for harvesting or baling.
`
`Such windmw mergers have typically included a single pickup head and are either self
`
`propelled or pulled behind a tractor to move the material to a single row at one side of the
`
`merger. When used on a relatively small scale, these devices generally function in a
`
`satisfactory manner. However, for large scale operations requiring merging on large fields,
`
`the capacity of such mergers is limited because of their width and may not be sufficient to
`
`merge the material at an adequate rate for subsequent pickup by other devices. The merging
`
`must often be performed during a small timeframe when conditions are favorable. A limiting
`
`factor for the size of the merger device has been the towing capacity of tractors and other
`
`Page 7 of 337
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`Page 7 of 337
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`propulsion devices. However as larger, more powerfiil tractors are utilized, larger equipment
`
`may be used. The larger tractors have led to larger harvesting machinery so that the need
`
`exists for a merger with greater merging rates so as not to slow the harvest process.
`
`Although more power may be available to propel merger devices, other limitations are
`
`encountered that have restricted the size of windrow mergers. The machines must be
`
`transported from field to field and able to accomplish entry and exit in and out of fields, as
`well as meeting width limitations for transport on public highways and other roads without
`
`removing the heads.
`
`In order to achieve a wider merger apparatus, folding mergers have been developed,
`
`such as shown in U.S. Patent No. 6,205,757 to Dow er al. The_D_ow et at. T757 patent has a
`
`two headed merger device that folds to a storage position for transport. In addition, the Dow
`
`device utilizes transverse conveyors to move materially laterally and provide various
`
`configurations for moving material to the desired windrow. The Dow er al. '75? patent
`
`teaches a device that is successful in providing higher capacity, greater width, and improved
`
`methods of merging while folding to a storage position for transport. However, fiirther
`
`10
`
`15
`
`improvements to windrow mergers are possible.
`
`Utilizing wider folding heads provides design challenges, especially achieving a
`
`linkage for folding wide heads and providing acceptable support, while limiting the loads and
`
`torque in operating positions, storage positions and during movement between the use
`
`20
`
`position and the transport position. In order to achieve higher capacity, the heads may be
`
`widened, but the design becomes more complicated and difficult due to moving wider heads
`
`and staying within height and width limitations when folded. Controls and mechanisms for a
`
`folding more than two heads are not contemplated in the prior art.
`
`Moreover, another problem that devices having multiple heads suffer from is that they
`
`25
`
`typically form a gap between the ends of adjacent pickup heads so that some material may be
`
`missed in the field as the merger advances. Motors and other drive equipment have typically
`
`Page 8 of 337
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`Page 8 of 337
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`been positioned at ends of heads, providing an obstruction between the ends of the heads,
`
`requiring a gap between the end row of tines adjacent the heads. Operating prior adjustable
`
`conveyors at a sufficient rate so that material is passed from one conveyor to the other has
`
`required spacing that allows for adjustment, which prohibits an unobstructed pickup face
`
`without gaps. Achieving a conveyor that does not require adjustable end rollers would
`
`improve the liability and eliminate constant adjustment for different configurations. If such
`
`manual adjustment is not required, control of the merger apparatus and changing between
`
`different operating configurations, or changing between storage and use positions could be
`
`accomplished remotely by an operator of the towing vehicle without having to manually
`
`10
`
`adjust conveyor heads and other equipment. The utility of such a merger apparatus is
`
`increased if such changes and configurations may be made remotely during merging without
`
`having to stop.
`
`It can be seen that a new and improved windrow merging apparatus is needed. Such a
`
`merger should provide for a wider effective pickup face that can accommodate various
`
`15
`
`spacing of windrows and material and an unobstructed pickup face so that material is not
`
`missed in the field. Such a merger apparatus should provide for a merger having more than
`
`two heads and allow for folding of the heads between a use position and a storage position,
`
`providing for transport on public roads. A merger having conveyors with fixed heads that do
`
`not require adjustment increases the reliability and efficiency of such a merger. The present
`
`20
`
`invention addresses these as well as other problems associated with windrow merging devices
`
`and merging operations.
`
`Summag of the Invention
`
`The present invention is directed to a windrow merger apparatus, such as is
`
`25
`
`commonly used to merge cut hay andfor windrows into larger windrows for harvesting or
`
`baling. The windrow merger apparatus is configured for being towed by a tractor or other
`
`vehicle, or may be self-propelled. The merger includes a frame and three pickup and transfer
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`Page 9 of 337
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`Page 9 of 337
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`assemblies in a preferred embodiment. Each of the pickup and transfer assemblies includes a
`
`pickup head and an associated conveyor. The pickup heads have sets of tines that extend
`
`radially outward from the head spaced along the length of the head, transverse to the direction
`
`of travel. The tines rotate and pick the hay or other material up and send it rearward to an
`
`associated conveyor for moving to a single windrow. The heads include removable guards
`
`intermediate the sets of tines. Motors and related equipment are recessed so that the heads are
`
`closely aligned with the tines having an unobstructed face to the hay or other material as the
`
`merger travels. Star wheels having a ratcheted outer periphery configured for engaging
`
`material on the ground and rotating to aid in picking up the material may be disposed
`
`intermediate ends of adjacent pickup heads so that an unobstructed and continuous pickup
`
`face is achieved. In one embodiment, the pickup heads also include skid assemblies that
`
`support the heads and ride over the ground. The skid assemblies are positioned to the rear of
`
`the heads so as not to interrupt the continuity of the face of the tines as the merger apparatus
`
`travels.
`
`In one embodiment, the pickup heads are placed under a preloaded torque to position
`
`the heads slightly lower than without the torque and are spring loaded as the pickup heads
`
`travel and engage the uneven terrain. In this manner, the heads more easily "float" over the
`
`uneven ground.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`The merger has a linkage that is hydraulically driven in a preferred embodiment that
`
`20
`
`folds the outer pickup and transfer assemblies rearward and inward. The center pickup and
`
`transfer assembly can be moved upward and downward in a pivoting type motion. When the
`
`pickup and transfer assemblies are raised, each outer assembly rests on supports in its raised
`
`and folded position. The folding systems are driven by hydraulic cylinders and provide for
`
`folding and unfolding even while the merger apparatus is moving and operating.
`
`25
`
`Each of the pickup and transfer assemblies includes a conveyor assembly associated
`
`with each pickup head. Shrouds extend in an arcing configuration at the rear of the conveyors
`
`over the top to direct material flung from the heads onto the conveyors. The conveyors are
`
`Page 10 of 337
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`Page 10 of 337
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`driven by hydraulic motors in a preferred embodiment and are operable in either direction so
`
`that multiple merging configurations and operations are possible. The merging arrangement
`
`selected is varied by adjusting both the configuration of the pickup and transfer assemblies
`
`and the direction of the conveyors.
`
`In a preferred embodiment, the conveyors include pulleys or rollers that are fonned
`
`with blades radially disposed around a periphery of the pulley and engaging the conveyor belt.
`
`The pulleys do not have a through axle and the blades chop up material that falls off of the
`
`conveyor. Such a configuration also helps to avoid clogging, which may occur with material
`
`engaging through axles and other moving parts. Such pulleys also reduce the weight of the
`
`10
`
`machine when compared to conventional pulleys.
`
`Controls for the merger can be remotely actuated from the cab if the merger is self
`
`propelled, or from the cab of the tractor or other propulsion device. Since hydraulic motors
`
`drive the various systems on the merger, central hydraulic controls provide for simple, reliable
`
`remote actuation that can be accomplished from the cab of a towing vehicle while the merger
`
`15
`
`operates and continues to travel. The tractor and the merger may simultaneously be operated
`
`from a single location by one person with such a control arrangement.
`
`These features of novelty and various other advantages that characterize the invention
`
`are pointed outwith particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof.
`
`However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained
`
`20
`
`by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to
`
`the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred
`
`embodiment of the present invention.
`
`Brief Description of the Drawings
`
`25
`
`Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals and letters indicate
`
`corresponding elements throughout the several views:
`
`Page 11 of 337
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`Page 11 of 337
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`Figure 1 is a perspective view of a merger apparatus according to the principles of the
`
`present invention in a use position with conveyor shrouds removed for clarity;
`
`Figure 2 is a top plan view of the merger shown in Figure 1 in the use position;
`
`Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the merger shown in Figure 1 in the use position;
`
`Figure 4 is a front perspective View of the merger shown in Figure 1 in the use
`
`position;
`
`Figure 5 is a perspective view of the merger shown in Figure 1 with two heads at a
`
`folded position;
`
`Figure 6 is a top plan view of the merger shown in Figure 5 with the two outer heads
`
`10
`
`at the folded position;
`
`Figure 7 is a side elevational view of the merger shown in Figure 5 with the two outer
`
`heads at the folded position and the center head raised;
`
`Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the merger shown in Figure 1 with one head at
`
`a folded position;
`
`15
`
`Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of the merger shown in Figure 8 with one head at a
`
`folded position;
`
`Figure 10 is a side elevational view of a star wheel device for the merger apparatus
`
`shown in Figure 1;
`
`Figure 11 shows an end sectional view of a hexagonal shafi construction utilized in the
`
`20
`
`conveyor of the merger apparatus;
`
`Figure 12 shows a schematic view of the control system for the merger apparatus
`
`shown in Figure 1;
`
`Page 12 of 337
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`Page 12 of 337
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`

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`Figure 13 is an elevational of a pretorque device showing a head angled from the
`
`pretorque and at a non-torqued position in phantom;
`
`Figure 14 is a bottom perspective view of the merger shown in Figure 1;
`
`Figure 15 is a perspective view of a head assembly according to the principles of the
`
`present invention;
`
`Figure 16 is a bottom perspective View of a conveyor;
`
`Figure 17 is an end sectional view of a pickup and transport assembly;
`
`Figure 18 is an end elevational view of the pre-torque device for the head of the
`
`merger;
`
`Figure 19 is a partially exploded perspective view of a pickup and transport assembly
`
`for the merger apparatus;
`
`Figure 20 is a perspective partially exploded view of a conveyor for the merger
`
`apparatus;
`
`Figure 21 is a perspective view of a conveyor roller; and
`
`Figures 22-24 are diagrammatic views of patterns of merger methods according to the
`
`principles of the present invention.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`Detailed Description
`
`Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to Figure 1, there is shown a merger
`
`apparatus, generally designated 100. A towing device, generally a tractor 1000 tows the
`
`20
`
`merger apparatus 100. In other configurations, the merger apparatus 100 may be self
`
`propelled, such as is well known to those skilled in the art and the principles of the present
`
`invention apply to towed and self-propelled devices.
`
`Page 13 of 337
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`Page 13 of 337
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`As shown generally in Figures 1-4, the merger includes three pickup and transfer
`
`assemblies, designated 104, 106 and 108. The assemblies 104, 106 and 108 are supported on
`
`a framework 101 including folding arms 102 that provides for movement of the outer
`
`assemblies 104 and 108 between a use position and a folded position, as explained
`
`hereinafter. The merger apparatus 100 includes steerable rear wheels 114 and a hitch 110 for
`mounting to the tractor 1000. A steering linkage llti, such as is well known in the art,
`
`connects the towing vehicle 1000 to the rear wheels 114 to improve tracking so that the
`
`merger apparatus 100 substantially follows directly behind the towing vehicle 1000. A power
`
`take off typically provides the power to the merger apparatus 100 from the towing vehicle
`
`10
`
`1000. In addition, the controls are mounted in the cab of the towing vehicle 1000, as
`
`explained hereinafter, so that an operator may control all merger functions without having to
`
`stop the merging operation and make manual adjustments to the merger 100.
`
`The folding arm 102 is actuated by a linkage 118 to facilitate movement of the
`
`15
`
`20
`
`pivoting assemblies 104, 106 and 108 between a use position to a storage position. Each
`
`pickup and transfer assembly 104, 106 and 108 includes a head unit, designated 124, 126 and
`
`128 respectively. The heads 124, 126 and 128 pick up and deliver the crop rearward to
`
`corresponding conveyors 134, 136 and 138. As shown in Figures 4, 15 and 16, each pickup
`
`and transfer assembly 104, 106 and 108 includes an arcing shroud 160. The shrouds 160
`
`intercept material that has been thrown rearward and directs it downward onto the
`
`corresponding conveyor. The shrouds 160 are shown removed for clarity in several of the
`
`views, but is foreseen that the shrouds 160 will be utilized in most merging operations.
`
`The merger 100 has flexibility with respect to conveyor travel direction as well as with
`
`respect to the number of heads operating, so that multiple configurations for different merging
`
`needs and operation are possible. As shown in Figures 1-4, the merger 100 may be operated
`
`25
`
`with all three pickup and transfer assemblies, 104, 106 and 108 in a lowered operating
`
`position. When operated in this mode, the merger 100 can cover a much wider swath,
`
`merging more material and a greater number of windrows than is possible with prior merger
`
`devices.
`
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`As shown in Figures 8 and 9, either of the outer pickup assemblies, namely pickup
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`assembly 104 or pickup assembly 108, may be raised independently of each of the other
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`assemblies. With such a configuration, the merger 100 is able to operate with two of the
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`pickup and transfer assemblies, therefore merging a swath two thirds of the full width of the
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`merger 100, such as when configured as shown in Figures 1-4. Such a two head merging
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`configuration may be needed for irregularities in the terrain, to access smaller fields or
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`irregular shaped fields, or for improved merging at edges of fields.
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`As also shown in Figures 8 and 9, either the assembly 104 or the assembly 108 may be
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`raised independently of the other assemblies. This provides for merging while having either
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`of the pickup and transfer assemblies 104 or 108 extending to one side or the other of the
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`towing vehicle 1000. hi addition, the conveyors 134, 136 and 138 are reversible, to be
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`operable in both directions so that material may be selectively transported either to the left or
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`the right. The conveyors 134, 136 and 138 may also operate in either direction when one of
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`the pickup and transport assemblies is raised. With such flexibility, it is possible to direct
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`material "to the outer ends of the pickup and transport assemblies 104 or 108 or to either of the
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`ends of transport assembly 106, depending on the configuration of the merger 100 and the
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`needs of the merging apparatus.
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`Referring now to Figures 5-7, the merger 100 may have both pickup assemblies 104
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`and 108 raised simultaneously while the center pickup and transfer assembly 106 remains
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`lowered in an operating position. The pickup assemblies 104 and 108 generally rest on
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`supports 122 while raised and folded. The pickup assembly 106 may be operated as a single
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`conveyor merger with its head 126 collecting material and throwing it backward to the
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`associated conveyor 136 for transport to either end of the pickup assembly 106. With this
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`configuration, even smaller areas may be accessed with a merger capable of collecting
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`material from much greater area per pass than is possible with prior art merger devices. In
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`addition, as shown in Figure 7, all of the pickup and transfer assemblies 104, 106 and 108
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`may be raised for transporting the merger when not operating to collect material. In this
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`configuration, with all three pickup and transfer assemblies 104, 106, and 108 are raised, the
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`merger 100 is capable of transport on public roads. The pickup and transfer assemblies 104
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`and 108 fold rearward and inward to minimize the overall width and height of the merger 100.
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`The merger 100 has the additional advantage of being centered behind the transport vehicle in
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`its transport configuration. As the conveyors and folding linkages are independently
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`operable, the merger 100 may be operated continuously, even while the pickup and transfer
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`assemblies 104, 106 and 108 are being raised or lowered. This control provides for
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`continuous operation and improved efficiency that is not possible with prior merger devices
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`that require that the merger be stopped to raise,
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`lower or otherwise adjust any of the merger's
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`equipment.
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`The pickup and transport assemblies 104 and 108 mount to the folding arm 102 on
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`mounts 192 attached to a pickup and transport assembly support frame 190 associated with
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`each assembly 104 or 108. Each of the pickup and transfer assemblies 104, 106 and 108 is
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`interchangeable with the other pickup and transfer assemblies and vary only in their mounting
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`to the merger 100. This interchangeability reduces the parts inventory necessary for servicing
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`the merger device 100 and decreases down time when repair of one of the pickup assemblies
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`is required.
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`Merger I-leads
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`Referring now to Figures 14, 15 and 17, the merger heads 124, 126 and 128 include a
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`multiplicity of tines 200 spaced along the length of each head. In addition, as shown most
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`clearly in Figure 17, the tines 200 are also spaced radially around the circumference of an
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`arbor 168 along the length of the head. The tines 200 are somewhat ‘flexible and are pivotally
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`mounted to provide flexure should a tine engage the ground or other obstacle. Intermediate
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`the sets of tines 200 are guards 202 that extend around the top front and bottom of the arbor
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`168 and provide protection to the inner equipment of the heads. The guards 202 are straight
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`members in a preferred embodiment that are bent and mounted under tension, as explained in
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`co-pending U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10f02'?,930, incorporated herein by reference.
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`The tines 200 and guards 202 are easily removable and replaced should damage occur. The
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`guards 202 may be loosened at one end while remaining attached at a second end to provide
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`easy access to damaged tines 200 and perform other maintenance. The heads include a
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`housing 204 that is mounted to the corresponding pickup and transfer assembly on the
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`preloaded torque assemblies 210 as shown in Figure 19. The preloaded torque assemblies 210
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`provide a lifting force against the weight of the heads 124, 126 and 128 to improve the ride as
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`the merger 100 travels over irregularities in the terrain. As shown most clearly in Figure 17,
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`the heads 124, 126 and 128 are mounted with approximately 15 degrees of bias from the
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`preloaded torque assembly in variance to a non-torqued position, shown in phantom in Figure
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`13. The heads are therefore spring loaded and rise up and over rocks and other irregularities
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`with greater ease. In addition to improving the ability to "ride" over irregularities, the
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`preloading force improves performance by increasing contact time with material to be picked
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`up. The flexure also decreases the damage and therefore, maintenance and down time for the
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`merger.
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`Referring now to Figure 18, the preloaded torque assembly 210 includes a center
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`rectangular floating element 212 that is supported by four resilient members 214 spaced on
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`the four sides of the center floating element 212. A housing 216 retains the center member
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`212 and the resilient support members 214 and allows for mounting of the heads to the
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`preloaded torque assembly 210.
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`As shown most clearly in Figure 15, a hydraulic motor 206 drives each arbor 163 for
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`the heads 124, 126 and 128. The hydraulic motor 206 is recessed into the housing 204 of the
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`heads 124, 126 and 128. With the hydraulic motor 206 recessed, the ends of the heads 124,
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`126 and 128 are positioned substantially to abut one another. No obstruction due to drive
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`mechanisms, support wheels or other mechanisms inserted intermediate the adjacent heads is
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`required, as was typical with previous merger devices. Therefore, the end tines 202 of one
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`head are close to the tines 202 of another head so that there are no large gaps between the
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`heads as occur with previous merger devices, which had motors and other equipment between
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`heads. In addition, the merger includes star wheels 162 mounted intermediate ends of the
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`heads 124 and 126 and intermediate ends of the heads 126 and 128. The star wheels 162 are
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`rotatably mounted to the housing 204 at the ends of the heads, as shown most clearly in
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`Figure 19. As shown in Figure 10, the star wheels 162 include a number of teeth spaced
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`around the periphery of the star wheel 162 in a notched configuration. As the star wheels 162
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`rotate, the notches and teeth intercept material that is not picked by the end tines 202 of the
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`adjacent heads and aids in directing the material rearward. The star wheels 162 eliminate
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`gaps and minimize the material that is not picked up and left on the ground after the merger
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`100 passes.
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`The heads I24, 126 and 128 of the present invention provide an unobstructed pickup
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`face to engage the material to be windrowed as the merger 100 moves. Recessed hydraulic
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`motors 206 allow for placing the ends of the heads 124, 126 and 128 in close proximity to one
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`another and eliminate the large gaps where prior art drive support mergers and other
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`mechanisms and machinery were located. Moreover, the star wheels 162 inserted
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`intermediate the ends of heads 124, 126 and intermediate the ends of the heads I26 and 128,
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`as shown most clearly in Figure 4, ensure that the face of the merger is unobstructed and
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`continuous. The merger 100 provides improved pickup while achieving a greater width per
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`pass than has been seen heretofore.
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`Folding
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`A folding linkage 118 that is hydraulically driven accomplishes the folding of the
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`pickup and transfer assemblies 104, 106 and 108. The outer pickup and transfer assemblies
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`104 and 108 are folded rearward and inward from the use position shown in Figure 1, to the
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`storage position shown in Figure 5. The pickup and transport assemblies 104 and 108 are
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`directed up, in and to the rear at the folded position shown in Figure 5. The arms 102 of the
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`folding frame 101 engage and rest on supports 122 at their folded position. Folding of each of
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`the assemblie