The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 13, 1997
Filed:
Feb. 22, 1995
Daniel G Stiller, Savage, MN (US);
Jack R Gust, Apple Valley, MN (US);
Other;
Abstract
One aspect of the invention relates to a cutting unit joint (22) which can be located between a lift arm (18) and a cutting unit (20). Cutting unit joint (22) includes a four-bar linkage preferably including pairs of pivoting links (46 and 48) which create a 'virtual pull point' at any desired location. With regard to one embodiment, a cutting unit (20), the virtual pull point is even located below ground, when the cutting unit (20) is generally level. This configuration reduces or eliminates cutting unit 'bobbing.' In another embodiment, in connection with a cutting unit (20'), the virtual pull point is located roughly at the centerline of the reel, to maintain a good 'seal' between the cutting unit (20') and a lift arm supported grass basket (52'). Another aspect of the present invention relates to a self-contained damper (76) connected to lift arm (18), the damper (76) resisting upward movement at a velocity or frequency consistent with cutting unit 'bobbing.'