Patents by Inventor Gregory Jacob Erker
Gregory Jacob Erker 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: 20240065137Abstract: A system for an agricultural seeding implement includes processing circuitry configured to, while the agricultural seeding implement is in a lowered position work state to distribute seeds during each pass through a seeding portion of a field, provide control signals to a downforce actuator to drive one or more row units toward a surface of the field. The processing circuitry is also configured to, while the agricultural seeding implement is in a raised position work state with the one or more row units lifted off of the surface of the field to turn within a headlands portions of the field, perform a calibration check for one or more load cell sensors that are configured to measure a downforce applied by the one or more row units to the field.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2022Publication date: February 29, 2024Inventor: Gregory Jacob Erker
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Patent number: 11765991Abstract: A particulate material metering system includes a controller configured to determine a radius of curvature of a path of a lead vehicle coupled to an agricultural implement. The controller is configured to determine a lead time of the lead vehicle relative to the agricultural implement based on a speed of the lead vehicle and/or the agricultural implement. The controller is configured to determine a radius of curvature of a path of the agricultural implement based on the radius of curvature of the path of the lead vehicle at a determination time, in which the determination time is a current time minus an offset time, and the offset time is based on the lead time. The controller is configured to determine target particulate material flow rates of respective metering devices of the particulate material metering system based on the radius of curvature of the path of the agricultural implement.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2020Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.Inventors: Craig M. Pridmore, Anthony C. Rapley, Gregory Jacob Erker
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Patent number: 11744169Abstract: A particulate material metering system includes a controller configured to determine a radius of curvature of a path of a lead vehicle coupled to an agricultural implement. The controller is configured to determine a lead time of the lead vehicle relative to the agricultural implement based on a speed of the lead vehicle and/or the agricultural implement. The controller is configured to determine a radius of curvature of a path of the agricultural implement based on the radius of curvature of the path of the lead vehicle at a determination time, in which the determination time is a current time minus an offset time, and the offset time is based on the lead time. The controller is configured to determine target particulate material flow rates of respective metering devices of the particulate material metering system based on the radius of curvature of the path of the agricultural implement.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2022Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: CNH INDUSTRIAL CANADA, LTD.Inventors: Craig M. Pridmore, Anthony C. Rapley, Gregory Jacob Erker
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Patent number: 11556140Abstract: A metering system for an agricultural vehicle includes meter rollers, each including protrusions driving flow of flowable particulate material in response to rotation of the meter roller. The metering system also includes a drive shaft driven in rotation and includes transmission assemblies that each correspond to a respective meter roller. Each transmission assembly includes a respective moveable gear actuatable to engage each of a plurality of gears to establish a respective gear ratio corresponding to one of a plurality of different speeds of the respective meter roller relative to the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2019Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.Inventors: Gordon Anthony Engel, Gregory Jacob Erker, Anthony Charles Rapley
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Publication number: 20220330474Abstract: A particulate material metering system includes a controller configured to determine a radius of curvature of a path of a lead vehicle coupled to an agricultural implement. The controller is configured to determine a lead time of the lead vehicle relative to the agricultural implement based on a speed of the lead vehicle and/or the agricultural implement. The controller is configured to determine a radius of curvature of a path of the agricultural implement based on the radius of curvature of the path of the lead vehicle at a determination time, in which the determination time is a current time minus an offset time, and the offset time is based on the lead time. The controller is configured to determine target particulate material flow rates of respective metering devices of the particulate material metering system based on the radius of curvature of the path of the agricultural implement.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2022Publication date: October 20, 2022Inventors: Craig M. Pridmore, Anthony C. Rapley, Gregory Jacob Erker
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Patent number: 11460487Abstract: An agricultural system includes a controller comprising a memory and a processor. The controller is configured to receive a sensor signal, determine a current flow based on the sensor signal, determine whether the current flow exceeds a current threshold for a time threshold, and operate a drive system of the agricultural system in an alternative operation instead of a normal operation in response to determining the current flow exceeds the current threshold for the time threshold.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.Inventors: Jared Steven Wright, Nicholas George Alfred Ryder, Gregory Jacob Erker, Graham Douglas Stuart
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Patent number: 11369056Abstract: An agitation control system of an agricultural system. The agitation control system includes an agitator that induces movement of particulate material through the agricultural system. An agitator motor couples to the agricultural system to move the agitator. A first motor couples to the agitation control system. The first motor includes a first sensor that detects a first temperature of the first motor and emits a first signal indicative of the first temperature. A controller couples to the agitator motor and to the first motor. The controller receives the first signal indicative of the first temperature from the first sensor and determines an ambient temperature from the first temperature. The controller controls the agitator motor in response to the ambient temperature.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2019Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.Inventor: Gregory Jacob Erker
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Patent number: 11337365Abstract: A particulate material sensing and agitation control system of an agricultural system includes a drive system configured to operate an agitating system, a plurality of sensors, in which each sensor of the plurality of sensors may detect presence of particulate material at the sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a functional status of each sensor of the plurality of sensors, and, in response to determining the functional status of a respective sensor of the plurality of sensor is functioning, determine a detection status of the respective sensor. The controller is further configured to output a control signal to instruct the drive system to operate the agitating system in a selected operating mode of a plurality of operating modes based on a position within the agricultural system, the functional status, and the detection status of each sensor of the plurality of sensors.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2019Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.Inventors: Graham Douglas Stuart, Gregory Jacob Erker
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Patent number: 11317558Abstract: The present disclosure includes an agricultural system having first and second product meters configured to meter product to first and second lines, respectively. First and second motors are coupled to the first and second product meters and configured to drive them at first and second metering rates, respectively. An air source is configured to provide first and second airflows to the first and second lines, respectively. A controller electrically coupled to the first and second motors is configured to receive first and second inputs indicative of first and second numbers of first and second outlets fluidly coupled to the first and second lines, respectively. The controller is configured to instruct the first and second motors to drive the first and second product meters at the first and second metering rates, respectively, based on the first and second inputs, and to instruct the air source to provide the first and second airflows with first and second dynamic pressures or first and second velocities.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2019Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.Inventors: Dennis W. Chahley, Gordon Anthony Engel, Jack Donald Turner, Dennis George Thompson, Gregory Jacob Erker, Trevor Lawrence Kowalchuk, Anthony Charles Rapley
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Patent number: 11234360Abstract: A particulate material sensing and agitation control system of an agricultural system includes an agitator configured to induce movement of particulate material through the agricultural system, a drive system coupled to the agitator, and a sensing system configured to determine a current flowing through the drive system. The drive system is configured to move the agitator, and the drive system is powered via an electrical circuit. The sensing system includes a first input coupled to a first point on the electrical circuit, the sensing system includes a second input coupled to a second point on the electrical circuit, the sensing system is configured to determine a voltage differential between the first point and the second point, and the sensing system is configured to determine current flowing through the electrical circuit based on the voltage differential.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2019Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.Inventor: Gregory Jacob Erker
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Publication number: 20210144909Abstract: A particulate material metering system includes a controller configured to determine a radius of curvature of a path of a lead vehicle coupled to an agricultural implement. The controller is configured to determine a lead time of the lead vehicle relative to the agricultural implement based on a speed of the lead vehicle and/or the agricultural implement. The controller is configured to determine a radius of curvature of a path of the agricultural implement based on the radius of curvature of the path of the lead vehicle at a determination time, in which the determination time is a current time minus an offset time, and the offset time is based on the lead time. The controller is configured to determine target particulate material flow rates of respective metering devices of the particulate material metering system based on the radius of curvature of the path of the agricultural implement.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2020Publication date: May 20, 2021Inventors: Craig M. Pridmore, Anthony C. Rapley, Gregory Jacob Erker
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Publication number: 20210059119Abstract: An agricultural system includes a controller comprising a memory and a processor. The controller is configured to receive a sensor signal, determine a current flow based on the sensor signal, determine whether the current flow exceeds a current threshold for a time threshold, and operate a drive system of the agricultural system in an alternative operation instead of a normal operation in response to determining the current flow exceeds the current threshold for the time threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2019Publication date: March 4, 2021Inventors: Jared Steven Wright, Nicholas George Alfred Ryder, Gregory Jacob Erker, Graham Douglas Stuart
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Patent number: 10813275Abstract: The present disclosure describes an agricultural product distribution system having first and second product meters configured to meter first and second amounts of agricultural product from a product tank over first and second periods of time, respectively. The system also includes first and second motors coupled to the first and second product meters, respectively, and configured to turn the first and second product meters a first number of turns and a second number of turns, respectively, over the first and second periods of time to meter the first and second amounts of agricultural product. Further, the system includes a controller configured to receive inputs indicative of the first amount of agricultural product, the first number of turns, the second amount of agricultural product, and the second number of turns and to compare the signals to determine first and second calibration rate of the first and second product meters.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2018Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.Inventors: Dennis W. Chahley, Gordon Anthony Engel, Jack Donald Turner, Dennis George Thompson, Gregory Jacob Erker, Trevor Lawrence Kowalchuk, Anthony Charles Rapley
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Patent number: 10759612Abstract: In one embodiment, a pneumatic distribution system configured to distribute a granular product to an agricultural implement includes a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, and a controller. The first pressure sensor is configured to be fluidly coupled to a storage tank configured to store the granular product and positioned upstream of the meter roller. The first pressure sensor is configured to output a first signal indicative of a first static pressure in the storage tank. The second pressure sensor is configured to be fluidly coupled to a component of the pneumatic distribution system, downstream of the meter roller. The second pressure sensor is configured to output a second signal indicative of a second static pressure downstream of the meter roller. The controller is communicatively coupled to the first pressure sensor and to the second pressure sensor.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2019Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.Inventors: Ethan Curtis Stephen Bent, Benjamin Douglas McKnight, Dennis George Thompson, Gregory Jacob Erker, Anthony Charles Rapley
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Publication number: 20200245544Abstract: An agitation control system of an agricultural system. The agitation control system includes an agitator that induces movement of particulate material through the agricultural system. An agitator motor couples to the agricultural system to move the agitator. A first motor couples to the agitation control system. The first motor includes a first sensor that detects a first temperature of the first motor and emits a first signal indicative of the first temperature. A controller couples to the agitator motor and to the first motor. The controller receives the first signal indicative of the first temperature from the first sensor and determines an ambient temperature from the first temperature. The controller controls the agitator motor in response to the ambient temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2019Publication date: August 6, 2020Inventor: Gregory Jacob Erker
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Publication number: 20200245539Abstract: A particulate material sensing and agitation control system of an agricultural system includes a drive system configured to operate an agitating system, a plurality of sensors, in which each sensor of the plurality of sensors may detect presence of particulate material at the sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a functional status of each sensor of the plurality of sensors, and, in response to determining the functional status of a respective sensor of the plurality of sensor is functioning, determine a detection status of the respective sensor. The controller is further configured to output a control signal to instruct the drive system to operate the agitating system in a selected operating mode of a plurality of operating modes based on a position within the agricultural system, the functional status, and the detection status of each sensor of the plurality of sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2019Publication date: August 6, 2020Inventors: Graham Douglas Stuart, Gregory Jacob Erker
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Publication number: 20200245536Abstract: A particulate material sensing and agitation control system of an agricultural system includes an agitator configured to induce movement of particulate material through the agricultural system, a drive system coupled to the agitator, and a sensing system configured to determine a current flowing through the drive system. The drive system is configured to move the agitator, and the drive system is powered via an electrical circuit. The sensing system includes a first input coupled to a first point on the electrical circuit, the sensing system includes a second input coupled to a second point on the electrical circuit, the sensing system is configured to determine a voltage differential between the first point and the second point, and the sensing system is configured to determine current flowing through the electrical circuit based on the voltage differential.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2019Publication date: August 6, 2020Inventor: Gregory Jacob Erker
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Publication number: 20200081457Abstract: A metering system for an agricultural vehicle includes meter rollers, each including protrusions driving flow of flowable particulate material in response to rotation of the meter roller. The metering system also includes a drive shaft driven in rotation and includes transmission assemblies that each correspond to a respective meter roller. Each transmission assembly includes a respective moveable gear actuatable to engage each of a plurality of gears to establish a respective gear ratio corresponding to one of a plurality of different speeds of the respective meter roller relative to the drive shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2019Publication date: March 12, 2020Inventors: Gordon Anthony Engel, Gregory Jacob Erker, Anthony Charles Rapley
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Publication number: 20200026884Abstract: The present disclosure includes an agricultural system having first and second product meters configured to meter product to first and second lines, respectively. First and second motors are coupled to the first and second product meters and configured to drive them at first and second metering rates, respectively. An air source is configured to provide first and second airflows to the first and second lines, respectively. A controller electrically coupled to the first and second motors is configured to receive first and second inputs indicative of first and second numbers of first and second outlets fluidly coupled to the first and second lines, respectively. The controller is configured to instruct the first and second motors to drive the first and second product meters at the first and second metering rates, respectively, based on the first and second inputs, and to instruct the air source to provide the first and second airflows with first and second dynamic pressures or first and second velocities.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2019Publication date: January 23, 2020Inventors: Dennis W. Chahley, Gordon Anthony Engel, Jack Donald Turner, Dennis George Thompson, Gregory Jacob Erker, Trevor Lawrence Kowalchuk, Anthony Charles Rapley
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Patent number: 10524408Abstract: The present disclosure includes an agricultural system having first and second product meters configured to meter product to first and second lines, respectively. First and second motors are coupled to the first and second product meters and configured to drive them at first and second metering rates, respectively. An air source is configured to provide first and second airflows to the first and second lines, respectively. A controller electrically coupled to the first and second motors is configured to receive first and second inputs indicative of first and second numbers of first and second outlets fluidly coupled to the first and second lines, respectively. The controller is configured to instruct the first and second motors to drive the first and second product meters at the first and second metering rates, respectively, based on the first and second inputs, and to instruct the air source to provide the first and second airflows with first and second dynamic pressures or first and second velocities.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2018Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.Inventors: Dennis W. Chahley, Gordon Anthony Engel, Jack Donald Turner, Dennis George Thompson, Gregory Jacob Erker, Trevor Lawrence Kowalchuk, Anthony Charles Rapley