Patents by Inventor Clayton G. Janasek
Clayton G. Janasek has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20200309258Abstract: A control system operates a power train of a work vehicle. The system includes a transmission arrangement which transfers power from an engine to an output shaft of the vehicle to drive the vehicle in a first or second direction according to at least one forward or reverse modes. The arrangement includes a forward directional clutch and a reverse directional clutch, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine if one of the clutches is engaged; evaluate a speed of the engine; and provide a torque command to engage the other of the clutches to slow the speed of the engine when a shuttle shift is initiated, or when the speed of the engine exceeds a predetermined speed threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2019Publication date: October 1, 2020Inventors: Kyle K. McKinzie, Clayton G. Janasek
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Patent number: 10655686Abstract: A priming system and method includes an actuator effecting engagement of a frictional element to couple input and output elements to transfer a torque. A control system initiates actuation of the frictional element through the actuator when a speed of the frictional element is below a priming threshold speed. The frictional element is primed to prepare the frictional element to transfer the torque from the input element to the output element, without delivering the torque to the output element. The frictional element in held in the primed state when the speed is below the priming threshold speed. The actuator completes actuation of the frictional element when the speed reaches the shift point, engaging the frictional element to deliver the torque to the output element.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2017Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventor: Clayton G. Janasek
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Patent number: 10619711Abstract: An infinitely variable transmission (IVT) for a work vehicle includes a variator with a first transmission component configured to receive engine power from an engine, a second transmission component configured to receive IVP power from an IVP machine, and an output transmission component configured to output summed engine power and IVP power. The IVT also includes a power reverser that connects the engine to the first transmission component of the variator and that transfers engine power to the first transmission component. The power reverser has a forward mode and a reverse mode. The power reverser, in the forward mode, is configured to rotate the first transmission component in a forward direction. The power reverser, in the reverse mode, is configured to rotate the first transmission component in a reverse direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2017Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Steven R. Fliearman, Kyle K. McKinzie, Clayton G. Janasek, Alec B. Hendryx, Reginald M. Bindl
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Patent number: 10407072Abstract: A vehicle traction control system for a vehicle, in which the vehicle has a prime mover, at least one wheel for providing tractive effort on a support surface, and a transmission having an input side operably coupled to the prime mover and an output side operably coupled to the at least one wheel, and in which the transmission has a controllable clutch pressure between the input side and the output side, includes a controller operable to monitor wheel slip of the at least one wheel. When wheel slip is detected the controller is operable to control the clutch pressure for modulating an output torque of the transmission for reducing the wheel slip. The clutch pressure can be controlled as a function of clutch slip.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2015Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Benjamin J. Hertel, Clayton G. Janasek
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Publication number: 20190085908Abstract: A priming system and method includes an actuator effecting engagement of a frictional element to couple input and output elements to transfer a torque. A control system initiates actuation of the frictional element through the actuator when a speed of the frictional element is below a priming threshold speed. The frictional element is primed to prepare the frictional element to transfer the torque from the input element to the output element, without delivering the torque to the output element. The frictional element in held in the primed state when the speed is below the priming threshold speed. The actuator completes actuation of the frictional element when the speed reaches the shift point, engaging the frictional element to deliver the torque to the output element.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2017Publication date: March 21, 2019Inventor: Clayton G. Janasek
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Patent number: 10112615Abstract: A vehicle traction control system for a vehicle having a prime mover, at least one wheel for providing tractive effort on a support surface and being capable of slipping, and a transmission having an input side operably coupled to the prime mover and an output side operably coupled to the at least one wheel. The traction control system includes a controller operable to react to wheel slip by automatically activating a plurality of reactions for reducing wheel slip, wherein the plurality of reactions are tiered such that the controller activates each reaction sequentially in a predetermined order.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2015Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Benjamin J. Hertel, Clayton G. Janasek, Nathan J. Horstman
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Publication number: 20180298993Abstract: An infinitely variable transmission (IVT) for a work vehicle includes a variator with a first transmission component configured to receive engine power from an engine, a second transmission component configured to receive IVP power from an IVP machine, and an output transmission component configured output summed engine power and IVP power. The IVT also includes a power reverser that connects the engine to the first transmission component of the variator and that transfers engine power to the first transmission component. The power reverser has a forward mode and a reverse mode. The power reverser, in the forward mode, is configured to rotate the first transmission component in a forward direction. The power reverser, in the reverse mode, is configured to rotate the first transmission component in a reverse direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2017Publication date: October 18, 2018Inventors: Steven R. Fliearman, Kyle K. McKinzie, Clayton G. Janasek, Alec B. Hendryx, Reginald M. Bindl
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Patent number: 10011171Abstract: A multi-mode power train and multi-mode vehicle include a power-conversion device that is in communication with an engine via a direct mechanical power-transfer connection extending from the engine to the power-conversion device. A continuously variable power source (CVP) is in communication with the power conversion device via an intermediate power-transfer connection. A lock-up device with first and second engagement states is provided between the engine and the power-conversion device or the CVP. With the lock-up device in the first engagement state, mechanical power from the engine is converted by the power-conversion device for use by the CVP, with the CVP using the converted power to provide mechanical power to a power-output connection. With the lock-up device in the second engagement state, the engine transmits mechanical power through the lock-up device to the power-output connection.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2016Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Clayton G. Janasek, William E. Reeves
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Patent number: 9994104Abstract: A vehicle traction control system for a vehicle includes a prime mover, at least one wheel for providing tractive effort on a support surface, and a ground-engaging implement moveable relative to the support surface. The traction control system also includes a controller operable to monitor wheel slip of the at least one wheel. The controller is operable to move the ground-engaging implement at a rate proportional to an amount of wheel slip.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Benjamin J. Hertel, Clayton G. Janasek, Jeffrey L. Theusch
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Publication number: 20170066324Abstract: A vehicle fraction control system for a vehicle includes a prime mover, at least one wheel for providing tractive effort on a support surface, and a ground-engaging implement moveable relative to the support surface. The traction control system also includes a controller operable to monitor wheel slip of the at least one wheel. The controller is operable to move the ground-engaging implement at a rate proportional to an amount of wheel slip.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2015Publication date: March 9, 2017Inventors: Benjamin J. Hertel, Clayton G. Janasek, Jeffrey L. Theusch
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Publication number: 20170066448Abstract: A vehicle fraction control system for a vehicle having a prime mover, at least one wheel for providing tractive effort on a support surface and being capable of slipping, and a transmission having an input side operably coupled to the prime mover and an output side operably coupled to the at least one wheel. The traction control system includes a controller operable to react to wheel slip by automatically activating a plurality of reactions for reducing wheel slip, wherein the plurality of reactions are tiered such that the controller activates each reaction sequentially in a predetermined order.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2015Publication date: March 9, 2017Inventors: Benjamin J. Hertel, Clayton G. Janasek, Nathan J. Horstman
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Publication number: 20170066447Abstract: A vehicle traction control system for a vehicle, in which the vehicle has a prime mover, at least one wheel for providing tractive effort on a support surface, and a transmission having an input side operably coupled to the prime mover and an output side operably coupled to the at least one wheel, and in which the transmission has a controllable clutch pressure between the input side and the output side, includes a controller operable to monitor wheel slip of the at least one wheel. When wheel slip is detected the controller is operable to control the clutch pressure for modulating an output torque of the transmission for reducing the wheel slip. The clutch pressure can be controlled as a function of clutch slip.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2015Publication date: March 9, 2017Inventors: Benjamin J. Hertel, Clayton G. Janasek
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Patent number: 9558600Abstract: A duty cycle recording system and method is disclosed for a vehicle with a drivetrain having a plurality of components and sensors. The duty cycle recording system may include a control unit and communication link. The control unit may receive sensor readings, compute damage estimates for drivetrain components based on the readings, and compute estimated remaining life (ERL) estimates based on the damage estimates. The communication link may transmit the computed damage and ERL estimates. The control unit may sample transmission torque and speed sensor readings, and for each sample may populate a three-dimensional histogram of transmission torque and speed the vehicle has experienced.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Timothy D. Rice, Kyle K McKinzie, Darren J Ziskovsky, Clayton G Janasek
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Patent number: 9428049Abstract: A multi-mode power train and multi-mode vehicle include a A power-conversion device that is in communication with an engine via a direct mechanical power-transfer connection extending from the engine to the power-conversion device. A continuously variable power source (CVP) is in communication with the power conversion device via an intermediate power-transfer connection. A lock-up device with first and second engagement states is provided between the engine and the power-conversion device or the CVP. With the lock-up device in the first engagement state, mechanical power from the engine is converted by the power-conversion device for use by the CVP, with the CVP using the converted power to provide mechanical power to a power-output connection. With the lock-up device in the second engagement state, the engine transmits mechanical power through the lock-up device to the power-output connection.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Clayton G. Janasek, William E. Reeves
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Publication number: 20160207388Abstract: A multi-mode power train and multi-mode vehicle include a power-conversion device that is in communication with an engine via a direct mechanical power-transfer connection extending from the engine to the power-conversion device. A continuously variable power source (CVP) is in communication with the power conversion device via an intermediate power-transfer connection. A lock-up device with first and second engagement states is provided between the engine and the power-conversion device or the CVP. With the lock-up device in the first engagement state, mechanical power from the engine is converted by the power-conversion device for use by the CVP, with the CVP using the converted power to provide mechanical power to a power-output connection. With the lock-up device in the second engagement state, the engine transmits mechanical power through the lock-up device to the power-output connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2016Publication date: July 21, 2016Inventors: Clayton G. Janasek, William E. Reeves
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Publication number: 20160035155Abstract: A duty cycle recording system and method is disclosed for a vehicle with a drivetrain having a plurality of components and sensors. The duty cycle recording system may include a control unit and communication link. The control unit may receive sensor readings, compute damage estimates for drivetrain components based on the readings, and compute estimated remaining life (ERL) estimates based on the damage estimates. The communication link may transmit the computed damage and ERL estimates. The control unit may sample transmission torque and speed sensor readings, and for each sample may populate a three-dimensional histogram of transmission torque and speed the vehicle has experienced.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2014Publication date: February 4, 2016Inventors: Timothy D. Rice, Kyle K. McKinzie, Darren J. Ziskovsky, Clayton G. Janasek
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Patent number: 9126598Abstract: The invention relates to power management of a off-highway vehicle. A power management apparatus is described as a vehicle control unit coupled to a vehicle and the vehicle control unit is in communication with an engine and a transmission controller. In response to power management input, the vehicle control unit sends a message to the transmission controller commanding a maximum torque limit based on the maximum drivetrain torque. The maximum torque limit is configured to optimize power to the vehicle implement.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2006Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Jahmy Hindman, Eric R Anderson, Chris Maifield, Christopher G Parish, Jeremiah J Bock, Daniel Pflieger, Kevin L Pfohl, Clayton G Janasek, Briton T Eastman, Michael D Testerman, Michael L Frank
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Publication number: 20150239343Abstract: A multi-mode power train and multi-mode vehicle are disclosed. A power-conversion device is in communication with an engine via a direct mechanical power-transfer connection extending from the engine to the power-conversion device. A continuously variable power source (CVP) is in communication with the power conversion device via an intermediate power-transfer connection. A lock-up device with first and second engagement states is provided between the engine and the power-conversion device or the CVP. With the lock-up device in the first engagement state, mechanical power from the engine is converted by the power-conversion device for use by the CVP, with the CVP using the converted power to provide mechanical power to a power-output connection. With the lock-up device in the second engagement state, the engine transmits mechanical power through the lock-up device to the power-output connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2014Publication date: August 27, 2015Applicant: Deere & CompanyInventors: Clayton G. Janasek, William E. Reeves