Robert L Francis

Title: The Innovations of Robert L. Francis

Introduction

Robert L. Francis is a notable inventor based in East Moline, Illinois. He has made significant contributions to agricultural technology, particularly in the design of combine harvesters. With a total of 2 patents, his work has had a lasting impact on the efficiency of crop harvesting.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is the "Combine Rotor Drive Anti-Trash System." This invention features an axial flow combine equipped with a crop harvesting header that includes a feeder for cutting crops and feeding them into a threshing and separating mechanism. The mechanism is designed with a casing that receives the crop material and a rotor that threshes and separates grain from the crop. The rotor is driven by a central drive shaft through a gear case, which is partially enclosed within a cover that has a smooth exterior surface. This design inhibits the collection of chaff around the drive shaft, while impeller blades create airflow to direct crop material away from the shaft, preventing wrapping or accumulation.

Another significant patent is the "Swept Back Impeller Blade for Axial Flow Rotor." This apparatus is designed to accept unthrashed material being fed axially into the cylinder of an axial flow combine. It includes a three-bladed impeller that generates a frustum of a cone when rotated. The leading edges of the impeller blades are swept back, allowing for efficient material handling and improved performance.

Career Highlights

Robert L. Francis has worked with the International Harvester Company, where he has applied his innovative ideas to enhance agricultural machinery. His contributions have helped improve the functionality and efficiency of combine harvesters, making them more effective for farmers.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Robert has collaborated with notable coworkers such as Richard E. McMillen and Richard A. DePauw. These collaborations have fostered an environment of innovation and creativity, leading to advancements in agricultural technology.

Conclusion

Robert L. Francis is a distinguished inventor whose work has significantly influenced the agricultural industry. His patents reflect a commitment to improving crop harvesting technology, showcasing his innovative spirit and dedication to enhancing efficiency in farming practices.