IP Library Granted Patent US 8,122,694
Granted Patent B2
US 8,122,694 · App. 12/563,284 · Granted Feb 28, 2012

Suspension system for a crop harvesting header

Assignee: CNH America LLC
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,122,694
App. No.
12/563,284
Granted
Feb 28, 2012
Kind
B2
Abstract

A suspension system is provided for use with a crop harvesting header including a frame carrying a structure movable about an endless path to deliver a crop to the header. The frame has opposed ends and is pivotably connected to the header, each end of the frame being independently movable between a first angle between the frame and the header and a second angle between the frame and the header. A first suspension member and a second suspension member are each connected between the frame and the header to provide a substantially constant force to the frame between the first and second angles.

Claims (19)

1. A suspension system for use with a crop harvesting header comprising:

a frame carrying a structure movable about an endless path to deliver a crop to the header, the frame having opposed ends, the opposed ends are pivotably connected to a lower portion of the header at a first pivot and the opposed ends are further pivotally connected to an upper portion of the header at a second pivot, the first and second pivots are substantially aligned along a common substantially vertical axis, each end of the frame independently movable between a first angle between the frame and the header and a second angle between the frame and the header; and

a first suspension member and a second suspension member, each suspension member connected between the frame and the header to provide a substantially constant force to the frame between the first and second angles, wherein the first suspension member has one end fixed at the second pivot point and further wherein the second suspension member has an end substantially aligned with the axis.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the substantially constant force is a lifting force.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the substantially constant force is a lowering force.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein structure is a belt.

5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the belt includes tines extending outwardly from the belt.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first suspension member and the second suspension member are each hydraulic rams.

7. The system of claim 6 , wherein a magnitude of the substantially constant force provided by the first suspension member and the second suspension member is adjustable.

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein magnitude adjustment of the first suspension member and the second suspension member may be achieved from a position remote from the first suspension member and the second suspension member.

9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the remote position is from a cab of a crop harvesting machine used to support the header.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the frame includes a support wheel.

11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the support wheel is positioned near an end of the frame opposite the header.

12. A suspension system for use with a crop harvesting header comprising:

a frame carrying a belt movable about an endless path to deliver a crop to the header, the frame having opposed ends, the opposed ends are pivotably connected to a lower portion of the header at a first pivot and the opposed ends are further pivotally connected to an upper portion of the header at a second pivot, the first and second pivots are substantially aligned along a common substantially vertical axis, each end of the frame independently movable between a first angle between the frame and the header and a second angle between the frame and the header; and

a first hydraulic ram and a second hydraulic ram, each hydraulic ram connected between the frame and the header to provide a substantially constant force to the frame between the first and second angles, wherein the first hydraulic ram has one end fixed at the second pivot point and further wherein the second hydraulic ram has an end substantially aligned with the axis.

13. The system of claim 12 , wherein a magnitude of the substantially constant force provided by the first hydraulic ram and the second hydraulic ram is adjustable.

14. The system of claim 12 , wherein the substantially constant force is a lifting force.

15. The system of claim 12 , wherein the substantially constant force is a lowering force.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 18, 2012
From: CNH AMERICA LLC
To: BLUE LEAF I.P., INC.
Reel/Frame 028582/0278 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 21, 2009
From: BICH, GARY; RUDE, DEREK S.; CROPPER, ROBERT; HILL, LESLIE G.
To: CNH AMERICA LLC
Reel/Frame 023257/0661 →
Continuity (1)
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