Patents by Inventor Robert L. Fackler
Robert L. Fackler 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: 11731688Abstract: A method of differentially steering a hydraulically driven vehicle includes measuring left and right swash plate angles of pumps which drive left and right wheels of the vehicle and if the angles are different from one another and the larger swash plate angle is equal to or exceeds a threshold value then reducing the larger swash plate angle. If the larger swash plate angle is between the threshold value and a lower limit, or below the lower limit the swash plate angle is increased. Control systems and vehicles include swash plate angle sensors and actuators in communication with a controller which effects the steering control method.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2019Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Philip J. Ehrhart, Madhu Pankaj, Robert L. Fackler
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Patent number: 11606901Abstract: A method of autonomously controlling the ground speed of a harvester, such as a self-propelled or towed wind rower, uses both the engine speed and the header speed as control parameters to increase or decrease the ground speed as necessary to maintain efficient harvester operation over varying terrain and crop conditions. A control system includes a controller which receives signals from sensors indicative of engine speed, header speed and harvester ground speed and uses actuators to control the header speed, engine speed and harvester ground speed. An operator interface permits an operator to engage or disengage the autonomous mode of control system operation, as well as to directly control the harvester.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2019Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Madhu Pankaj, Robert L. Fackler, Steven C. Young
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Patent number: 11533844Abstract: Methods for autonomous operation of harvesters use header drive pump displacement, header speed, harvester ground speed, engine load and engine speed to control and maximize harvester operation under varying conditions such as crop type, crop condition and terrain. Adaptive learning processes within the methods relate the parameters of pump displacement with header speed and engine speed during harvester operation to permit the control system to establish combinations of related control parameters which are used by a control system to control harvester operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2020Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Madhu Pankaj, Robert L. Fackler
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Publication number: 20210235621Abstract: Methods for autonomous operation of harvesters use header drive pump displacement, header speed, harvester ground speed, engine load and engine speed to control and maximize harvester operation under varying conditions such as crop type, crop condition and terrain. Adaptive learning processes within the methods relate the parameters of pump displacement with header speed and engine speed during harvester operation to permit the control system to establish combinations of related control parameters which are used by a control system to control harvester operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2020Publication date: August 5, 2021Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Madhu Pankaj, Robert L. Fackler
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Publication number: 20200385054Abstract: A method of differentially steering a hydraulically driven vehicle includes measuring left and right swash plate angles of pumps which drive left and right wheels of the vehicle and if the angles are different from one another and the larger swash plate angle is equal to or exceeds a threshold value then reducing the larger swash plate angle. If the larger swash plate angle is between the threshold value and a lower limit, or below the lower limit the swash plate angle is increased. Control systems and vehicles include swash plate angle sensors and actuators in communication with a controller which effects the steering control method.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2019Publication date: December 10, 2020Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Philip J. Ehrhart, Madhu Pankaj, Robert L. Fackler
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Publication number: 20200375092Abstract: A method of autonomously controlling the ground speed of a harvester, such as a self-propelled or towed wind rower, uses both the engine speed and the header speed as control parameters to increase or decrease the ground speed as necessary to maintain efficient harvester operation over varying terrain and crop conditions. A control system includes a controller which receives signals from sensors indicative of engine speed, header speed and harvester ground speed and uses actuators to control the header speed, engine speed and harvester ground speed. An operator interface permits an operator to engage or disengage the autonomous mode of control system operation, as well as to directly control the harvester.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2019Publication date: December 3, 2020Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Madhu Pankaj, Robert L. Fackler, Steven C. Young
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Patent number: 10517207Abstract: An agricultural vehicle including a chassis and a header carried by the chassis and including a cutter mechanism. The header is adjustable in a vertical direction. The agricultural vehicle also includes a header actuator connected to the header and configured to adjust the header in the vertical direction, and a controller coupled to the header actuator. The controller is configured for receiving an input command for controlling an operation of the header actuator to achieve a lifting height, operating the header actuator in conformance with the input command, and terminating the operating of the header actuator.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2017Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Madhu Pankaj, Robert L. Fackler, Roger D. Huggard
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Patent number: 10485174Abstract: The disclosure relates to a ride height adjustment system useful for self-adjusting casters on suspension systems of harvesters, such as self-propelled windrowers. The suspension system utilizes sensors and hydraulic actuators operably linked to each caster, the hydraulic actuators responding to a detected ride height of the harvester to adjust the position of the casters to achieve the preferred ride height.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Jeffrey B. Fay, II, Gregory Fasick, Madhu Pankaj, Robert L. Fackler
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Publication number: 20180229570Abstract: The disclosure relates to a ride height adjustment system useful for self-adjusting casters on suspension systems of harvesters, such as self-propelled windrowers. The suspension system utilizes sensors and hydraulic actuators operably linked to each caster, the hydraulic actuators responding to a detected ride height of the harvester to adjust the position of the casters to achieve the preferred ride height.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2017Publication date: August 16, 2018Applicant: CNH Industrial America, LLCInventors: Jeffrey B. Fay, II, Gregory Fasick, Madhu Pankaj, Robert L. Fackler
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Publication number: 20170311541Abstract: An agricultural vehicle including a chassis and a header carried by the chassis and including a cutter mechanism. The header is adjustable in a vertical direction. The agricultural vehicle also includes a header actuator connected to the header and configured to adjust the header in the vertical direction, and a controller coupled to the header actuator. The controller is configured for receiving an input command for controlling an operation of the header actuator to achieve a lifting height, operating the header actuator in conformance with the input command, and terminating the operating of the header actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2017Publication date: November 2, 2017Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Madhu Pankaj, Robert L. Fackler, Roger D. Huggard
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Patent number: 9370140Abstract: An improved control system for managing rotation of a bale loading arm in a bale loader in which a single position sensor combined with a purposefully designed sensor target enable loading arm position to be efficiently determined by a controller in order to direct the actuator movements based upon loading arm position necessary for automated operation of a bale loading cycle.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Cecil R Sudbrack, Robert L. Fackler
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Publication number: 20160021824Abstract: An improved control system for managing rotation of a bale loading arm in a bale loader in which a single position sensor combined with a purposefully designed sensor target enable loading arm position to be efficiently determined by a controller in order to direct the actuator movements based upon loading arm position necessary for automated operation of a bale loading cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2014Publication date: January 28, 2016Inventors: CECIL R. SUDBRACK, ROBERT L. FACKLER
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Publication number: 20140278021Abstract: A visual steering wheel direction indicator for a self-propelled machine. The indicator may additionally exhibit an indicator of the amount that the steering wheel must be turned in order to reach neutral. The indicator may be integrated into a neutral start system and may include dedicated direction indicators that function independently of the main operator display.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: CNH AMERICA, LLCInventors: ROBERT L. FACKLER, MARK D. LAYTON
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Patent number: 8554425Abstract: A control system is provided to control the rate of pressure rise in a hydraulic lift and flotation system. When a hydraulic cylinder of the hydraulic lift and flotation system is to be adjusted, the pressure in the hydraulic lift and flotation system has to be increased to a predetermined pressure controlled by a relief valve before the hydraulic cylinder can be operated. The unload valve of the hydraulic lift and flotation system can be closed in a controlled or regulated manner in order to control the rate at which pressure rises in the hydraulic lift and flotation system.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2013Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Douglas R. Otto, Robert L. Fackler
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Patent number: 8401745Abstract: A control system is provided to control the rate of pressure rise in a hydraulic lift and flotation system. When a hydraulic cylinder of the hydraulic lift and flotation system is to be adjusted, the pressure in the hydraulic lift and flotation system has to be increased to a predetermined pressure controlled by a relief valve before the hydraulic cylinder can be operated. The unload valve of the hydraulic lift and flotation system can be closed in a controlled or regulated manner in order to control the rate at which pressure rises in the hydraulic lift and flotation system.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Douglas R. Otto, Robert L. Fackler
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Patent number: 8113033Abstract: A simplified method for calibrating a variable-displacement hydraulic PTO system on an agricultural windrower when powering a header wherein the variable-displacement pump is operated at maximum flow capacity while the engine is operated at a pre-determined speed and a flow balance valve is adjusted to achieved a pre-determined cutterbar speed. Operation of the cutterbar at the pre-determined speed allows sufficient hydraulic fluid flow through the remaining parallel fluid circuit to power the remaining equipment, typically a reel, on the header. Controls for managing pump displacement and engine speed as well as indication of cutterbar speed are typically available on the windrower tractor thereby eliminating the need for additional diagnostic equipment and making the method suitable for use in the field.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Robert L. Fackler, Timothy W. Rawlings, Jr.
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Patent number: 8112202Abstract: A control system for managing rotation of a bale loading arm in a bale loader in which a pair of sensors combined with a purposefully designed sensor target enable loading arm position to be efficiently derived by a controller in order to direct the actuator movements based upon loading arm position necessary for automated operation of a bale loading cycle. Additional inputs to the controller enable initiation of a bale loading cycle to be automatically initiated. The controller may also determine when a complete bale wagon load is achieved and automatically direct loading arm motions necessary to configure the bale wagon for transport.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Robert L. Fackler, Donald R. Whitenight
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Patent number: 8001751Abstract: A method of gradually relieving pressure in a hydraulic system of a work machine, wherein a pump in fluid communication with the hydraulic system and a fluid reservoir, is operable for pressurizing fluid from the reservoir and pumping the pressurized fluid into the hydraulic system, wherein the pump is restrictive to fluid flow therethrough when not operating, and the hydraulic system includes at least one valve in fluid communication with the work element configured for receiving the pressurized fluid. The valve is controllably operable in at least two operating modes, including a first mode wherein the pressurized fluid can pass therethrough between the pump and the work element or elements, and a second mode wherein the fluid is prevented from passing between the pump and the work element.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2007Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Philip J. Ehrhart, Robert L Fackler
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Patent number: 7920947Abstract: Apparatus and a method for monitoring the performance of control algorithms, providing a safeing subsystem for a vehicle, particularly an agricultural windrower, for determining when a controlled system such as the propulsion system is no longer tracking a reference input signal sufficiently well. An appropriate action can then be executed, such as outputting a fault signal and/or shutting down the controlled system. An exponentially decaying integrator can be used to monitor the tracking errors.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2006Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Robert L. Fackler, Christoper A. Foster, Mark K. Chow, Richard P. Strosser
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Publication number: 20110047946Abstract: A control system is provided to control the rate of pressure rise in a hydraulic lift and flotation system. When a hydraulic cylinder of the hydraulic lift and flotation system is to be adjusted, the pressure in the hydraulic lift and flotation system has to be increased to a predetermined pressure controlled by a relief valve before the hydraulic cylinder can be operated. The unload valve of the hydraulic lift and flotation system can be closed in a controlled or regulated manner in order to control the rate at which pressure rises in the hydraulic lift and flotation system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventors: Douglas R. Otto, Robert L. Fackler