Multi-implement agricultural vehicle
AssigneeOrchard Machinery Corporation
InventorsAlan Cooper Isaacson, Brian Andersen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multi-use agricultural vehicle includes a modular interface system configured to selectively couple multiple agricultural implements. The interface system provides structural alignment, mechanical fastening, and a hydraulic connection assembly, enabling a single vehicle platform to perform harvest and non-harvest agricultural operations.
Claims20
A multi-use agricultural vehicle, comprising:
- a powered chassis including a front power unit and a rear interface region;
- and
- a modular interface system mounted at the rear interface region, the modular interface system comprising:
- a structural frame configured to transmit operational loads between the powered chassis and a selectively attachable implement;
- one or more alignment features configured to guide the implement into a predetermined mounted position relative to the powered chassis;
- a plurality of mechanical fasteners configured to secure the implement to the powered chassis after alignment;
- wherein a hydraulic connection assembly is configured to operatively engage the vehicle to any of the selectively attachable implements.
A modular agricultural implement interface system, comprising:
- a structural frame configured for attachment to a powered agricultural vehicle;
- one or more alignment features configured to position an agricultural implement relative to the powered agricultural vehicle;
- a plurality of mechanical fasteners configured to secure the agricultural implement to the powered agricultural vehicle;
- wherein the interface system is configured to selectively couple the agricultural implement to the powered agricultural vehicle;
- wherein the interface system includes a hydraulic connection assembly configured to operatively engage the vehicle to any of the selectively attachable implements.
A retrofit kit for converting an agricultural vehicle into a multi-implement vehicle, the retrofit kit comprising:
- a modular interface system configured to be mounted to a rear portion of an existing agricultural vehicle, the modular interface system including:
- a structural frame;
- one or more alignment features;
- a plurality of mechanical fasteners;
- wherein the retrofit kit enables selective attachment of multiple agricultural implements including a bin carrier, a tug, a rear discharge, and a side dump;
- and
- wherein the retrofit kit further includes a hydraulic connection assembly configured for hydraulic operation of the agricultural implement.
A method of operating a multi-use agricultural vehicle, comprising:
- aligning an agricultural implement with a modular interface system using one or more alignment features;
- mechanically fastening the agricultural implement to the vehicle;
- hydraulically coupling the agricultural implement to the vehicle;
- and
- operating the vehicle with the agricultural implement as an integrated functional unit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.