Robert N Behrens

US Patent:

39480240, Apr 6, 1976

Filed:

Sep 20, 1974

Appl. No.:

5/507926

Inventors:

David Thomas Allen - Horicon WI
Robert Nick Behrens - Horicon WI

Assignee:

Deere & Company - Moline IL

International Classification:

A01D 7514

US Classification:

56 112

Abstract:

An electric motor-powered linkage is provided for raising and lowering an implement mounted on a lawn and garden tractor. The energization of the motor and preselection of the position to which it is desired that the motor move the implement is accomplished through means of a control system including a pair of side-by-side arms pivotally mounted for swinging movement about a common axis. On one arm is mounted first and second normally open control switches forming part of a control circuit connected to a motor-reversing power circuit, and on the other arm is mounted a cam forming part of a follow-up linkage. To selectively actuate the motor to drive in forward and reverse, the arm on which the control switches are mounted is selectively manually swung in opposite first and second directions to cause the first and second switches to be respectively actuated to closed positions by first and second arcuate surfaces of the cam. The follow-up linkage acts in response to motor actuation to return the cam to a position wherein the surfaces thereof permit whichever one of the switches is actuated to return to its normally open position to thus de-energize the motor. The cam surfaces are elongated in the direction of movement of the switches so that the distance through which the motor must move the implement in order to effect deenergization of the motor may be preselected by the amount that the switch carrying arm is manually displaced.

US Patent:

53378490, Aug 16, 1994

Filed:

Aug 17, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/931247

Inventors:

Jimmy N. Eavenson - Juneau WI
Robert N. Behrens - Beaver Dam WI
Henry Friesen - Niagara Falls, CA
Nicholas Hamm - Vineland, CA

Assignee:

Deere & Company - Moline IL

International Classification:

B62D 6110

US Classification:

180 2412

Abstract:

A mechanism for mounting an axle to a vehicle, and including a power output shaft drivingly coupled with a generally cylindrical coupler which is drivingly coupled with a first sleeve. A first axle is coupled for rotation with the first sleeve, and a first ground engaging wheel is coupled for rotation with the first axle and is thereby operatively driven by the output shaft. A first axle housing rotatably supporting the first axle is generally rigidly and releasably fixed to the frame of the vehicle. A first sprocket is fixed for rotation with the first sleeve, and a chain operatively extends between the first sprocket and a second sprocket which is fixed for rotation with a second sleeve. The second sleeve is operatively coupled with a second axle rotatably supported by a second axle housing, and therefore a second ground engaging wheel is driven with the first ground engaging wheel. An adjustable tensioning mechanism includes a bolt and nut for shifting the second axle housing with respect to the first axle housing to thereby adjust the tension in the chain.

US Patent:

49827626, Jan 8, 1991

Filed:

Feb 12, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/478336

Inventors:

Michael C. Lee - Beaver Dam WI
Robert N. Behrens - Beaver Dam WI
Dale R. Dobberpuhl - Horicon WI
Lloyd A. Wykhuis - Mayville WI
Dix S. Montogomery - St. Charles IL

Assignee:

Deere & Company - Moline IL

International Classification:

F16K 104

US Classification:

13761417

Abstract:

Lift structure particularly useful with front mounted implements for providing both lift and weight transfer functions from a single valve. The valve acts as an adjustable bleeder for the lift cylinder and includes a control knob which is movable both axially and rotationally to respectively provide lift and adjustable flotation. The valve is normally biased to an adjustable orifice position for operating the implement in a lowered, flotation position. To momentarily lift the implement, the operator moves the control knob against the bias to direct flow to the lift cylinder thereby raising the implement off the ground. When the operator releases the valve, it automatically returns to the preset orifice position to provide the desired flotation.

US Patent:

53158938, May 31, 1994

Filed:

Nov 17, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/977387

Inventors:

Robert N. Behrens - Beaver Dam WI
Jimmy N. Eavenson - Juneau WI

Assignee:

Deere & Company - Moline IL

International Classification:

G05G 1100

US Classification:

74512

Abstract:

A vehicle brake mechanism having a foot pedal and hand lever brake controls engagable by the operator and coupled with a generally transversely extending shaft pivotable in response to the operator engaging the brake controls, left and right linkages coupled between respective vehicle brakes and the transverse shaft, and shiftable generally with the transverse shaft for applying respective vehicle brakes. Left and right equalizer mechanisms are coupled between the transverse shaft and respective linkages for generally equalizing and balancing the forces applied to each vehicle brake. The linkages include a rod. Each equalizer mechanism includes a pair of outer levers extending from the transverse shaft for pivotal motion therewith, a spacer slidably carried on the rod and abutable with the lever as the lever pivots with the transverse shaft, a compression spring compressed between the spacer means and a first washer means coupled with the rod, a second washer coupled with the rod and abutable with the spacer when the outer lever has not pivoted from a brake disengaged position. The transverse shaft is pivotally coupled with the vehicle at two laterally spaced locations.

US Patent:

49207326, May 1, 1990

Filed:

Mar 15, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/324364

Inventors:

Michael C. Lee - Beaver Dam WI
Robert N. Behrens - Beaver Dam WI
Dale R. Dobberpuhl - Horicon WI
Lloyd A. Wykhuis - Mayville WI
Dix S. Montgomery - St. Charles IL

Assignee:

Deere & Company - Moline IL

International Classification:

A01B 6311

US Classification:

56 102

Abstract:

Lift structure particularly useful with front mounted implements for providing both lift and weight transfer functions from a single valve. The valve acts as an adjustable bleeder for the lift cylinder and includes a control knob which is movable both axially and rotationally to respectively provide lift and adjustable flotation. The valve is normally biased to an adjustable orifice position for operating the implement in a lowered, flotation position. To momentarily lift the implement, the operator moves the control knob against the bias to direct flow to the lift cylinder thereby raising the implement off the ground. When the operator releases the valve, it automatically returns to the preset orifice position to provide the desired flotation.

US Patent:

47594179, Jul 26, 1988

Filed:

Aug 27, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/901716

Inventors:

Lee J. Wanie - Horicon WI
Robert N. Behrens - Horicon WI
Stanley J. DeBraal - West Bend WI

Assignee:

Deere & Company - Moline IL

International Classification:

B60K 2300
B62D 100

US Classification:

180 634

Abstract:

A system and method for controlling the ground speed and enhancing the maneuverability of an off-road vehicle having systems for initially establishing and thereafter automatically returning the hydrostatic transmission to the neutral position, a pedal system interconnected with the neutral location and return system for selectively driving the vehicle in either the forward or the reverse direction, a brake system consisting of a left foot operated left and right turn brake subsystem which enhances the vehicle's maneuverability, a right foot operated master brake system which is used to bring the vehicle to a complete halt and for emergencies, and a park brake system which is used to lock the brakes when the vehicle is at rest, a cruise control system which is interconnected with the pedal system and the brake system. The left foot operated turn brake subsystem enables an operator to utilize the turn brakes without the cruise control engaged and without having to take his foot off the forward or the reverse pedal. The cruise control system's interconnections with the service brake and the pedal system provide a plurality of disengagement options for the cruise control system.

US Patent:

49695339, Nov 13, 1990

Filed:

Jul 29, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/226249

Inventors:

David R. Holm - Oconomowoc WI
Stephen G. Ritter - Juneau WI
Kenneth E. Hunt - Oconomowoc WI
Robert N. Behrens - Beaver Dam WI
Ronald J. Baker - Horicon WI
Mark F. Hopp - Fox Lake WI
Denis J. Del Ponte - Beaver Dam WI
Paul A. Meyer - Cedar Falls IA

Assignee:

Deere & Company - Moline IL

International Classification:

B60K 2804
B62D 118
B62D 300
B62D 2510

US Classification:

180273

Abstract:

A tractor includes: (a) a one piece frame having opposite ends defined by respective members adapted for receiving ballast with the rear member including a hitch located below any mounted ballast, (b) a dual screen filtering arrangement located upstream of a radiator and an engine combustion air inlet, (c) an implement lift system including a main spring lift assist which is locked out when the implement is lowered and an auxiliary lift assist for increasing the lift assist for front-mounted implements but is mounted so as to join the main lifts assist to produce a near constant lift force during lifting the implement while producing a minimal lift force when the implement is completely lowered (d) short and long effective lengths of a steering pitman arm may be selected, for respectively minimizing steering effort or maximizing responsiveness, by respectively connecting a mounting point closest to or a mounting point farthest from a pivot axis of the arm to a drag link, (e) a steering wheel is tiltable together with a steering column about a u-joint of the latter to a selected position by operation of a cam-operated latch, (f) a hydrostatic transmission is accurately neutralized by speed and direction and brake controls including adjustable arms, rollers and cams, (g) a tractor hydrostatic transmission includes a manually-operable bypass valve which is shiftable to dump the pressure side of the pump for permitting the tractor to be pushed when the engine is not working, the valve being automatically moved to a normal position permitting normal operation of the pump in response to the pump being driven by the engine, and (h) a switch is mounted to a seat structure so as to open, in response to an operator leaving the tractor seat, the mounting of the switch to the seat being such that a load as small as 20 kg applied at any place on the seat will keep the switch closed.

US Patent:

46713956, Jun 9, 1987

Filed:

Jun 9, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/872781

Inventors:

Dale R. Dobberpuhl - Horicon WI
Robert N. Behrens - Horicon WI

Assignee:

Deere & Company - Moline IL

International Classification:

F16D 6706
B60K 4124

US Classification:

192 17C

Abstract:

A control lever communicates with a plurality of additional levers and an electrical circuit. A PTO brake and electric clutch are responsive to the control lever and circuit for engagement and disengagement. The linkage system includes an electrically responsive inductor and magnetically responsive plate. When the PTO brake is disengaged and the clutch is engaged, the electrical circuit supplies current to the inductor which creates a magnetic field to capture the plate holding the brake and clutch in their respective modes. Upon actuation of the control lever or full application of an associated vehicle's wheel brakes, the circuit is disrupted to the inductor allowing a spring to act upon the linkage assembly to engage the PTO brake and causing the PTO clutch to be disengaged.