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:
Aug. 26, 1997
Filed:
Sep. 12, 1995
Don Gates, Fargo, ND (US);
David R Shuff, Boise, ID (US);
WEC Company, Oregon, IL (US);
Abstract
A foldable root crop defoliator wherein the implement has a central frame with lateral wings pivotally attached to the central frame. The front end of the central frame is adjustably attached to a hitch for towing the defoliator. Plant top cutting and shredding devices are mounted to the wing frames and are driven by a power train connected to the power-take-off (PTO) of the towing vehicle. In a use orientation, the two lateral wings are independently adjustable relative to the ground. Also, they have a range of free motion, and are able to 'float' independently over the ground that they are immediately above. For a travel or storage orientation, each lateral wing is rotated upward to a vertical position by actuating a lifting device mounted on the central frame. The lifting device includes, for example, a piston and cylinder, and toggle linkage assembly. By being foldable, the defoliator may be reduced to a much smaller width, making it safer to transport and easier to store.