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:
Jan. 12, 1999
Filed:
Feb. 26, 1997
Mark R Underwood, Burr Oak, KS (US);
Deere & Company, Moline, IL (US);
Abstract
A grain combine threshes grain from crop and deposits the grain in a grain bin. A discharge conveyor is mounted to the grain bin. At the distal end of the discharge conveyor is a discharge for expelling the grain. A telescopic, secondary unloader which is smaller than the discharge conveyor is located immediately below the discharge. The secondary unloader may be variably extended beyond the end of the discharge, or retracted when it is not in use. The secondary unloader is divided into grain conveying and paddle return sections which are formed from a partition which extends along the length of the secondary unloader. Paddles are provided in each section and are joined to a continuous flexible linkage mounted around sprockets. The secondary unloader uses hydraulic cylinders to extend and retract. When the secondary unloader is retracted, it is recessed inward from the distal end of the discharge conveyor which operates in a conventional manner by discharging grain from the discharge. When the secondary unloader is in an extended position, the reach of the discharge conveyor is extended by the length of the secondary unloader. In the extended position, grain is expelled from the discharge and falls into the grain conveying sections at the proximal end of the secondary unloader. The secondary unloader then conveys the grain to its distal end where the grain is expelled.