Ronald Lee Wheeler

US Patent:

40169855, Apr 12, 1977

Filed:

Feb 14, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/550122

Inventors:

John Charles Green - Lillington NC
Ronald Edward Wheeler - Angier NC

International Classification:

A24B 106

US Classification:

214 55

Abstract:

A combination bulk tobacco rack loader and unloader, and method of unloading a bulk tobacco rack is disclosed. The combination bulk tobacco rack loader and unloader comprises a generally open frame structure adapted in the unloading mode to receive filled bulk tobacco rack on its side with the plane of the tobacco leaves therein being generally horizontally disposed in overlying relationship, the bulk tobacco rack being of the type having first and second sections latched together and with tines fixed to at least one section and extending therefrom to penetrate and support the bulk volume of tobacco leaves peripherally contained therein. Once placed in the apparatus or device of the present invention, the same is adapted upon selective actuation to unlatch at least one latching mechanism associated with the bulk rack to allow one section of the rack to be pulled from the other section.

US Patent:

61765317, Jan 23, 2001

Filed:

Nov 16, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/192348

Inventors:

Ronald E Wheeler - Angier NC

International Classification:

B66C 122

US Classification:

294 88

Abstract:

The grapple system of the present invention is intended for use with a front-end loader or other type equipment which specialize in gripping and moving heavy loads. The grapple system includes a stationary jaw assembly that is comprised of a series of spaced apart fingers and which is adapted to be secured to a mounting fixture on the front loading equipment. Rotatably secured to the stationary jaw assembly, by a generally horizontal main shaft, is a movable jaw assembly. Also disposed about the main shaft is a T-shaped lever arm connector, which, along with a pair of hydraulic actuators, comprise an actuating linkage assembly. More particularly, the hydraulic actuators are disposed in a series configuration, with the T-shaped connector serving as an intermediate connecting link between the two actuators. The free end of one actuator is attached to the stationary jaw assembly, while the free end of the remaining actuator is attached in a similar manner to the movable jaw assembly. Hydraulic fluid lines that supply the actuators are connected so as to form a parallel circuit which insures that both actuators operate in unison.

US Patent:

44627343, Jul 31, 1984

Filed:

Jul 12, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/397111

Inventors:

John C. Green - Lillington NC
Ronald E. Wheeler - Angier NC

International Classification:

A24B 110

US Classification:

414 26

Abstract:

The present invention relates to a bulk tobacco racking device that is designed to assist in loading and closing a sectional bulk tobacco rack of the type including a generaly U-shaped tine section, an elongated bar section, and a pair of latches that extend from said tine section which are adapted to engage and latch with said elongated bar section. The racking device of the present invention comprises a frame structure having a bottom and a pair of laterally spaced side frame assemblies disposed on opposite sides thereof for receiving respective sections of the rack during the loading and racking operation. At least one of said side frame assemblies is laterally adjustable to assure that the respective rack sections are properly fitted and disposed between the side frame assemblies. Each side frame assembly includes a guide structure for engaging a flange extending from the respective ends of said tine section such that the tine section is maintained in proper alignment as the same is pushed downwardly into engagement with said elongated bar section.