Michael B Covington

US Patent:

7401496, Jul 22, 2008

Filed:

Sep 19, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/229923

Inventors:

Yun Ren Ho - Naperville IL, US
Michael J. Covington - Germantown TN, US
George H. Hale - Arlington TN, US

Assignee:

CNH America LLC - New Holland PA

International Classification:

G01B 21/00
A01D 46/12

US Classification:

73 179, 56 28, 100 99, 701 50, 702 94

Abstract:

A system and method for calibrating a cotton module builder having a compactor frame, the system including an electronic controller configured to move the compactor frame to a plurality of positions, to read a compactor frame position sensor or sensors in the first and second positions, and to calibrate the sensor or sensors based on the sensor readings.

US Patent:

7677169, Mar 16, 2010

Filed:

Sep 8, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/206458

Inventors:

Michael J. Covington - Germantown TN, US
George H. Hale - Arlington TN, US
Jimmy Ray Hargett - Bells TN, US

Assignee:

CNH America LLC - New Holland PA

International Classification:

B30B 13/00
B30B 15/24
A01D 46/08

US Classification:

100 35, 100 46, 100 99, 100146, 100226, 56 102 R, 56 112, 56 28

Abstract:

A cotton module building apparatus, utilizing imaging apparatus operable for capturing real-time images of the module building process, including accumulated cotton in the module building chamber, cotton inflow, and the in-process cotton module, and a method for building a cotton module using the images. The imaging apparatus includes a camera or cameras disposed at advantageous locations about the module building chamber, and cotton is distributed and moved within the chamber responsive to the images, for advantageous placement and distribution for forming a module having a desired consistency and top shape. Imaging apparatus can also be provided for observing unloading of a module from the chamber, and for facilitating maneuvering and positioning the unloading apparatus.

US Patent:

7836672, Nov 23, 2010

Filed:

Jul 10, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/825875

Inventors:

John F. Link - Calumet City IL, US
Michael J. Covington - Germantown TN, US
George H. Hale - Arlington TN, US

Assignee:

CNH America LLC - New Holland PA

International Classification:

A01D 43/02

US Classification:

56341

Abstract:

A remote control system and apparatus enabling safely accessing the interior of a cotton compacting chamber and other regions of a cotton harvester, and also operating aspects of the compacting apparatus contained therein and thereabout, and which system is optionally operable for operating other aspects of the harvester, for inspection, maintenance and/or service, as well as other purposes. The system requires initial steps, including to safely neutralize or lock out operating systems of the harvester, then enables accessing designated interior locations of the compactor and the ability to operate systems therein, including aspects of the compacting apparatus.

US Patent:

7267051, Sep 11, 2007

Filed:

Apr 1, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/096751

Inventors:

Kevin S. Richman - Lititz PA, US
Gary R. Gallens - Geneseo IL, US
Tracy R. Archer - West Liberty IA, US
Michael J. Covington - Germantown TN, US

Assignee:

CNH America LLC - New Holland PA

International Classification:

B30B 9/30
B30B 15/30
A01D 46/08

US Classification:

100215, 100146, 100226, 56 166, 56 28

Abstract:

A cotton receiving and densification apparatus for an upper region of a cotton module builder adapted for receiving a plurality of side-by-side flows of cotton and air and converging and densifying the cotton for distribution and conveyance downwardly into the module builder, including a cotton receiving chamber which tapers into a cotton densification chamber, both chambers being located above and downwardly opening into an upper region of a cotton compacting chamber of the module builder, the apparatus being capable of remaining intact when the module builder is collapsed for transport and storage.