US3611286A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device for sensing the position of a moving vehicle with respect to a furrow
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-03-20
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Granted: 1971-10-05
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Expires: 1990-03-20
Abstract
Abstract A device for sensing the relative position of a moving vehicle with respect to a furrow in the ground includes a mounting frame adapted to be mounted on the vehicle, a vertically disposed elongated member swingably mounted to the mounting frame, and a bearing member rotatably mounted on the lower end of the elongated member. The elongated member is a helical spring and the bearing member is adapted to engage the deepest portion of the furrow. A switch is connected to the upper end of the elongated member and is adapted to respond to swinging movement of the elongated member so as to actuate indicator lights mounted on the vehicle whenever the elongated member moves out of its vertically disposed position.
Inventors
- 👤 Arthur B Cleveland
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 07:30
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01B; A01B69/00; A01B69/02; A01B69/024
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
A device for sensing the relative position of a moving vehicle with respect to a furrow in the ground; said device comprising a mounting frame adapted to be mounted on said vehicle; an elongated member pivotally connected to said mounting frame for swinging movement about a first axis; said elongated member having an upper and a lower end and being flexible along at least a portion of its length so that it will yieldably deflect with respect to its longitudinal axis; and a bearing member adapted to frictionally engage the ground; said bearing member being rotatably mounted on said lower end for rotation about a second axis so as to facilitate free swinging movement of said elongated member about said first axis when said bearing member engages the ground.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
129 words
A device for sensing the relative position of a moving vehicle with respect to a furrow in the ground; said device comprising a mounting frame adapted to be mounted on said vehicle; an elongated member pivotally connected to said mounting frame for swinging movement about a first axis; said elongated member having an upper and a lower end and being flexible along at least a portion of its length so that it will yieldably deflect with respect to its longitudinal axis; and a bearing member adapted to frictionally engage the ground; said bearing member being rotatably mounted on said lower end for rotation about a second axis so as to facilitate free swinging movement of said elongated member about said first axis when said bearing member engages the ground.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said second axis and said first axis are disposed in approximately the same plane when said elongated member is fee from deflection.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said second axis and the longitudinal axis of said elongated member are in approximately the same plane when said elongated member is free from deflection.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
66 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said mounting member is adapted to be carried by said vehicle with said first axis pointing in a direction approximately parallel to the direction of movement of said vehicle; said second axis being in a vertical plane which is approximately parallel to the vehicle''s direction of movement when said elongated member is vertically disposed and is free from deflection.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said second axis is vertically disposed when said elongated member is vertically disposed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said bearing member is bulbous in shape.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
A device according to claim 6, wherein saId bearing member is hollow and a heavy ball is within said bearing member; said ball being free to roll around the interior surface of said bearing member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said elongated member includes a helical spring.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 8, wherein said helical spring has an outer diameter of approximately 1 1/4 inches and is formed from approximately 0.15-inch spring wire.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
89 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein switch means are mounted on said mounting member; an instrument panel being adapted for mounting on said vehicle and including at least one electrically energizable indicator; said switch means being electrically connected in series between said indicator and a power source for controlling energization and deenergization of said indicator; mechanism interconnecting said switch means and said elongated member for causing said switch means to energize and deenergize said indicator in response to swinging movement of said elongated member about said first axis.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
A device according to claim 10, wherein said mechanism includes at least one actuating member which is movable into and out of engagement with said switch means in response to swinging movement of said elongated member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
A device according to claim 11, wherein said actuating member is a cam.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
60 words
A device according to claim 11, wherein said switch means includes at least two spaced contacts and said actuating member is an electrical conductor; said actuating member being movable from an open position wherein it engages one of said contacts and is spaced from the other of said contacts to a closed position wherein it engages both of said contacts.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
GB494424A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-10-04 | 1975-04-05 | 1975-10-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-10-04 | 1979-04-05 | 1979-10-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-10-04 | 1983-04-05 | 1983-10-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |