Patents by Inventor Michael L. Whitehead
Michael L. Whitehead 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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Patent number: 9141111Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics. Relative orientations and attitudes between motive and working components can be determined using optical sensors and cameras. The system can also be used to guide multiple vehicles in relation to each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2015Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: AgJunction LLCInventors: Mark R. Webber, Keith R. Jones, John A. McClure, André C. Roberge, Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead
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Publication number: 20150212522Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics. Relative orientations and attitudes between motive and working components can be determined using optical sensors and cameras. The system can also be used to guide multiple vehicles in relation to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2015Publication date: July 30, 2015Inventors: Mark R. Webber, Keith R. Jones, John A. McClure, André C. Roberge, Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead
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Patent number: 9002565Abstract: A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. A vehicle control method includes the steps of computing a position and a heading for the vehicle using GNSS positioning and a rate gyro for determining vehicle attitude, which is used for generating a steering command. Relative orientations and attitudes between tractors and implements can be determined using optical sensors and cameras. Laser detectors and rangefinders can also be used.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2014Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: AgJunction LLCInventors: Keith R. Jones, John A. McClure, Andrè C. Roberge, Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead, Mark R. Webber
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Publication number: 20150048973Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for detecting false Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellite signals. False GNSS satellite signals can be used malevolently to take control of a body such as a vehicle or ship that is using GNSS satellite signals for navigation. In some embodiments a GNSS attitude system is used to detect the false GNSS satellite signals. The GNSS attitude system measures the code or carrier phase of the GNSS satellite signals at two or more antennas to detect the false GNSS satellite signals. In some embodiments the attitude system computes first measured and second estimated carrier phase differences in order to detect the false GNSS satellite signals. The attitude system may compute the attitude of a baseline vector between the two antennas. Once false GNSS satellite signals are detected, the method can include preventing the attitude determining system from outputting position or location data.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2013Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: HEMISPHERE GNSS INC.Inventor: Michael L. Whitehead
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Patent number: 8897407Abstract: An RF (e.g., GNSS) interference mitigation system and method uses a switchable bank of filters for selectively blocking signals in predetermined bandwidths based on detecting strong, interfering signals with an interference detection circuit including a sniffer antenna. A low-strength RF (e.g., GNSS) system can be combined with a spectrally-close high-strength, telecommunications receiver system for cooperative control. Alternatively, an RF receiver can detect tones, changes in DC bias or level changes to activate a filter selection switch.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Hemisphere GNSS Inc.Inventors: Bradley P. Badke, Michael L. Whitehead, Walter J. Feller, Gregory J. Durnan
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Publication number: 20140324291Abstract: A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. A vehicle control method includes the steps of computing a position and a heading for the vehicle using GNSS positioning and a rate gyro for determining vehicle attitude, which is used for generating a steering command. Relative orientations and attitudes between tractors and implements can be determined using optical sensors and cameras. Laser detectors and rangefinders can also be used.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: AgJunction LLCInventors: Keith R. Jones, John A. McClure, Andrè C. Roberge, Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead, Mark R. Webber
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Patent number: 8686900Abstract: A multi-antenna GNSS system and method provide earth-referenced GNSS heading and position solutions. The system and method compensate for partial blocking of the antennas by using a known attitude or orientation of the structure, which can be determined by an orientation device or with GNSS measurements. Multiple receiver units can optionally be provided and can share a common clock signal for processing multiple GNSS signals in unison. The system can optionally be installed on fixed or slow-moving structures, such as dams and marine vessels, and on mobile structures such as terrestrial vehicles and aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2009Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Hemisphere GNSS, Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Whitehead, Walter J. Feller
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Patent number: 8639416Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The roll angle facilitates correction of the lateral motion induced position errors resultant from motion of the antennae as the vehicle moves based on an offset to ground and the roll angle. Alternative aspects include multiple-antenna GNSS guidance methods for high-dynamic roll compensation, real-time kinematic (RTK) using single-frequency (L1) receivers, fixed and moving baselines between antennas, multi-position GNSS tail guidance (“breadcrumb following”) for crosstrack error correction, guiding multiple vehicles and pieces of equipment relative to each other, and snow grooming equipment and method applications.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2012Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: AgJunction LLCInventors: Keith R. Jones, John A. McClure, Andrè C. Roberge, Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead
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Patent number: 8594879Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The roll angle facilitates correction of the lateral motion induced position errors resultant from motion of the antennae as the vehicle moves based on an offset to ground and the roll angle. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: AgJunction LLCInventors: André C. Roberge, Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead, John A. McClure, Steven R. Miller
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Patent number: 8583315Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. A vehicle control method includes the steps of computing a position and a heading for the vehicle using GNSS positioning and a rate gyro for determining vehicle attitude, which is used for generating a steering command.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: AgJunction LLCInventors: Michael L. Whitehead, Steven R. Miller, John A. McClure, Walter J. Feller
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Patent number: 8532885Abstract: A differential global navigation satellite system (DGNSS)-based guidance system which is capable of utilizing satellites from multiple GNSS networks, for example in a real time kinematic (RTK) system. The remote rover receiver and the base station transceiver periodically synchronize to ensure that the satellites being tracked by the rover receiver correspond with those tracked by the base station transceiver. This ensures that redundant position data is filtered out and an accurate GNSS position of the rover unit can be determined. The ability to use satellites from different GNSS networks increases the accuracy of the positioning system and increases the chance of multiple satellites being available to a receiver under a greater number of circumstances.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2012Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Hemisphere GNSS Inc.Inventor: Michael L. Whitehead
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Publication number: 20130142295Abstract: An RF (e.g., GNSS) interference mitigation system and method uses a switchable bank of filters for selectively blocking signals in predetermined bandwidths based on detecting strong, interfering signals with an interference detection circuit including a sniffer antenna. A low-strength RF (e.g., GNSS) system can be combined with a spectrally-close high-strength, telecommunications receiver system for cooperative control. Alternatively, an RF receiver can detect tones, changes in DC bias or level changes to activate a filter selection switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Inventors: Bradley P. Badke, Michael L. Whitehead, Walter J. Feller, Gregory J. Durnan
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Patent number: 8456356Abstract: A GNSS system includes a receiver connected to an external mass storage device. Applications for the system, including GNSS data processing methods are also disclosed. The external storage device can comprise a flash (thumb) drive, which can be connected to the receiver via a USB interconnection.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Hemisphere GNSS Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Whitehead, Bradley P. Badke, John A. McClure, Steven R. Miller
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Patent number: 8448547Abstract: An extractor tool for Torx brand and other fluted fasteners comprising an end section for engaging a fastener opening comprising six equally spaced, uniformly sized, pitched flutes separated by uniform depth grooves located at the end of a shank with a cylindrical connecting section joined thereto, in turn, joined to an impact drive end of the shank. The fluted end section has a frusto-conical configuration with the narrow dimension of the fluted end section at the distal end of the tool and wherein the distal end has a flat surface transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shank.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Lisle CorporationInventors: Michael L. Whitehead, Brian C. Lambert
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Patent number: 8271194Abstract: A method for locating GNSS-defined points, distances, directional attitudes and closed geometric shapes includes the steps of providing a base with a base GNSS antenna and providing a rover with a rover GNSS antenna and receiver. The receiver is connected to the rover GNSS antenna and is connected to the base GNSS antenna by an RF cable. The receiver thereby simultaneously processes signals received at the antennas. The method includes determining a vector directional arrow from the differential positions of the antennas and calculating a distance between the antennas, which can be sequentially chained together for determining a cumulative distance in a “digital tape measure” mode of operation. A localized RTK surveying method uses the rover antenna for determining relative or absolute point locations. A system includes a base with an antenna, a rover with an antenna and a receiver, with the receiver being connected to the antennas.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Hemisphere GPS LLCInventors: Michael L. Whitehead, Steven R. Miller, John A. McClure, Cary Davis, Walter J. Feller
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Patent number: 8265826Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The roll angle facilitates correction of the lateral motion induced position errors resultant from motion of the antennae as the vehicle moves based on an offset to ground and the roll angle. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2008Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Hemisphere GPS, LLCInventors: Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead, John A. McClure
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Publication number: 20120174445Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The roll angle facilitates correction of the lateral motion induced position errors resultant from motion of the antennae as the vehicle moves based on an offset to ground and the roll angle. Alternative aspects include multiple-antenna GNSS guidance methods for high-dynamic roll compensation, real-time kinematic (RTK) using single-frequency (L1) receivers, fixed and moving baselines between antennas, multi-position GNSS tail guidance (“breadcrumb following”) for crosstrack error correction, guiding multiple vehicles and pieces of equipment relative to each other, and snow grooming equipment and method applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2012Publication date: July 12, 2012Inventors: Keith R. Jones, John A. McClure, Andrè C. Roberge, Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead
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Patent number: 8174437Abstract: In the invention, a rover receiver first utilizes data from a base Receiver, a DGNSS reference network, or other differential source to compute a differentially corrected location. Then, using this location and data observed only at the rover, the rover computes an internal set of differential corrections that are stored in computer memory, updated as necessary, and applied in future times to correct observations taken by the rover. The possibly mobile rover receiver, therefore, corrects its own observations with differential corrections computed from its own past observations; relying on external differential for the sole purpose of establishing a reference location, and this is unlike prior art.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Hemisphere GPS LLCInventor: Michael L. Whitehead
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Patent number: D673391Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2012Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Lisle CorporationInventor: Michael L. Whitehead
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Patent number: D719426Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2014Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Lisle CorporationInventor: Michael L. Whitehead