Deere & Company

Mark A Chmelar

Francois Stander

Fred E Rutan

An oscillation brake system and method is disclosed for a vehicle having front and rear vehicle sections coupled with an oscillation joint that allows rotation about an oscillation axis. The system includes front and rear brake sections rigidly coupled to the front and rear vehicle sections, respectively. The rear vehicle section has multiple degrees of freedom of movement relative to front vehicle section. When the oscillation brake is activated the front brake section engages the rear brake section to increase resistance against or prevent rotation about the oscillation axis. The system can also include sensors, and a controller that activates the system based on the sensor readings. The sensors can include accelerometers, pressure, position, speed or other sensors. The oscillation brake can include a hub splined to separator plates and a housing splined to friction plates, where the oscillation brake is activated to force the separator and friction plates together.

Oscillation control system and method

A multipiece control spool of a control valve is hooked together by hooks extending from the end surface of each spool member. At least one hook is provided with central plateaus that extend into beveled areas that allow for axial misalignment between hooked spool members. The end surface of one of the spool members is also provided with a central plateau and a recessed surface extending from the plateau, to further aid in allowing for axial misalignment.

Multipiece spool valve

A fuel tank venting valve includes a housing defining a cylindrical chamber having a first plunger slidably mounted therein, and a spring biasing the first plunger in a closed position. The first plunger itself defining a cylindrical chamber having a second plunger slidably mounted therein, and a spring biasing the second plunger in a closed position opposite to the closed position of the first plunger.

Growing community of inventors

Dubuque, IA, United States of America

Mark A Chmelar