Patents by Inventor Roy A. Bittner

Roy A. Bittner 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).

  • Patent number: 11272700
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis, wheels supporting the chassis for moving the vehicle, and an application system supported by the chassis and including a product tank storing a volume of agricultural product for delivery onto an agricultural field. The agricultural vehicle further includes an application boom configured to deliver the agricultural product to the agricultural field. The application boom includes a boom arm segment having a primary longitudinal composite tube for axial torsion support, and an elongated non-composite member coupled to the primary longitudinal composite tube for buckling support. The boom arm segment can further include a truss system, and the primary longitudinal composite tube can be a lower cord of the truss system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Roy A. Bittner
  • Patent number: 11234431
    Abstract: A front-boom sprayer is provided that includes a boom center section and lift arm arrangement that provides a field of view below the boom when the boom is in a raised state that is substantially free of view obstructions from torque tube or other crosswise-extending components. The lift arm arrangement may provide different link tube geometries so that the respective left and right pairs of upper and lower lift arms align with each other in the line of sight of the in-cab operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Blaine A. Schwalbe, Roy A. Bittner
  • Publication number: 20210368771
    Abstract: An agricultural sprayer system is provided herein that can include a boom assembly having a frame and a boom arm operably coupled with the frame. The boom arm can be rotatable relative to the frame between a plurality of angles in a fore-aft direction. An actuator operably can be coupled with the frame and the boom arm and configured to rotate the boom arm between the plurality of angles. A sensor can be operably coupled with the boom assembly and configured to capture data associated with a position of the boom assembly. A computing system can be communicatively coupled to the sensor and configured to calculate a boom assembly deflection magnitude and a fore-aft deflection direction based on the data from the sensor and activate the actuator to rotate the boom arm relative to the frame when the magnitude of deflection deviates from a predefined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventor: Roy A. Bittner
  • Publication number: 20210368772
    Abstract: An agricultural sprayer system is provided herein that can include a boom assembly having a frame and a boom arm operably coupled with the frame. The boom arm can extend a first lateral distance defined between the frame and an outer end portion of the boom arm. A nozzle assembly can be supported by the outer end portion of the boom arm. A sensor can be operably coupled with the boom assembly and configured to capture data associated with a position of the boom assembly. A computing system can be communicatively coupled to the sensor. The computing system can be configured to calculate a boom assembly curvature based on the data from the sensor; determine a nozzle speed of the nozzle assembly, wherein the nozzle speed differs from the vehicle speed when the boom arm is deflected; and determine a calculated application rate of the nozzle assembly based on the nozzle speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Trevor Stanhope, Roy A. Bittner, Jason Hardy
  • Publication number: 20210368770
    Abstract: An agricultural sprayer system is provided herein that can include a boom assembly having a frame and a boom arm operably coupled with the frame at one end portion thereof. Outer and inner nozzle assemblies can each be supported by the boom arm. The inner nozzle assembly is inboard of the outer nozzle assembly. A sensor can be operably coupled with the boom assembly and configured to capture data associated with the boom arm. A computing system can be communicatively coupled to the sensor. The computing system can be configured to calculate a boom arm movement from a default axis based on the data from the sensor and regulate the outer and inner nozzle assemblies at differing flow rates when the movement exceeds a predefined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventor: Roy A. Bittner
  • Publication number: 20210323015
    Abstract: A system for monitoring spray quality of an agricultural vehicle is provided herein that includes a boom assembly and a nozzle positioned along the boom assembly. A flow regulator is operably coupled with the nozzle and is configured to control a flow of agricultural product through the nozzle. A sensor is configured to capture data indicative of a spray exhausted from the nozzle. A spray quality controller is communicatively coupled to the sensor. The controller is configured to receive flow data from the flow regulator indicative of a demanded application rate; receive the captured data from the sensor as the agricultural vehicle travels across the field; and generate a malfunction notification when the flow data from the flow regulator indicates a flow to the nozzle and the captured data from the sensor indicates a lack of spray from the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew W. Harmon, Trevor Stanhope, Roy A. Bittner, Jason Hardy
  • Patent number: 11140890
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis, wheels supporting the chassis for moving the vehicle, an application system supported by the chassis and including a product tank storing a volume of agricultural product for delivery onto an agricultural field, and an application boom configured to deliver the agricultural product to the agricultural field. The application boom includes a composite tube, and a sleeve surrounding the composite tube to support the composite tube at a stress point of the composite tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Roy A. Bittner
  • Patent number: 11117146
    Abstract: A spray system for an agricultural machine is configured to include a valving arrangement and multiple liquid product lines coupled to spray nozzle assemblies such that the valving arrangement can connect the product lines to the spray nozzle assemblies in different ways to achieve different modes of operation. Such modes can include providing agricultural liquid product flow through the spray nozzle assemblies at differing rates and/or flushing the product through the spray nozzle assemblies in differing directions. This can be achieved by controlling the valving arrangement to selectively connect any of the lines to pump for supplying product, to tank for returning product, or to block the lines to inhibit the flow of product. In one aspect, the product multiple lines can be of different sizes to enable more modes of operation, such as greater or lesser flow rates while spraying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Roy A. Bittner, Steven Winkel
  • Patent number: 10994290
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a spray system for an agricultural machine in which multiple spray nozzles for spraying a liquid product can be dynamically arranged in number and location along a preconfigured rail acting as a boom. Each spray nozzle can include an attachment arrangement for conveniently attaching, tightening, loosening and/or detaching the spray nozzle with respect to the rail. In one aspect, the attachment arrangement can comprise a fastener configured to tighten or loosen a clip with respect to a body for engaging the rail. A separate product line for supplying liquid product to the spray nozzles can flexibly include numerous ports, more than there are spray nozzles, with some ports attaching to spray nozzles via branch lines, and other ports being sealed to inhibit flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Roy A. Bittner, Steven Winkel
  • Patent number: 10933742
    Abstract: An alternative traction control system, in addition to a primary traction control system, is associated with an agricultural machine in which a user selectable input can allow wheels of an the agricultural machine to spin freely, such as for clearing debris from tires, until a predetermined deactivate condition occurs. Such a deactivate condition could comprise, for example, reaching a maximum rotation speed and/or temperature threshold with respect to a wheel. To minimize the risk of damage to propulsion components which may be caused by excessive rotation speeds and/or temperatures, upon reaching such a threshold, operation can return from the alternative traction control system to the primary traction control system. Such a system can therefore allow an “on the fly” change that would permit an operator to selectively spin the tires without damaging mechanical aspects of the agricultural machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Roy Bittner, Nathan Brooks, Lawrence Borucki, Jr., Steven Winkel, Blaine Schwalbe
  • Publication number: 20210051942
    Abstract: A multi-axis linkage for use with a collapsible boom of an agricultural vehicle is disclosed. The collapsible boom includes a first boom segment having a first truss and a second boom segment having a second truss. The multi-axis linkage includes a first linear motor, a second linear motor, and a multipoint winged link. The first linear motor has a piston rod. An end of the piston rod is coupled to the first truss. The second linear motor has a second piston rod. An end of the second piston rod is coupled to the second truss. The multipoint winged link connects to the first linear motor, the second linear motor, the first boom segment, and the second boom segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventor: Roy A. Bittner
  • Publication number: 20210051943
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis, wheels supporting the chassis for moving the vehicle, an application boom coupled to the chassis and configured to deliver agricultural product to an agricultural field. The application boom has a boom arm including a longitudinal mount. In embodiments, the longitudinal mount includes a first projection, a second multi-lip projection, and a third projection. The second multi-lip projection has a first lip and a second lip. The agricultural vehicle further includes a first mounted attachment fastened to the first projection and the first lip of the second projection, and a second mounted attachment fastened to the second lip of the second projection and the third projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventor: Roy A. Bittner
  • Publication number: 20210051939
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis, wheels supporting the chassis for moving the vehicle, and an application system supported by the chassis and including a product tank storing a volume of agricultural product for delivery onto an agricultural field. The agricultural vehicle further includes an application boom configured to deliver the agricultural product to the agricultural field. The application boom includes a boom arm segment having a primary longitudinal composite tube for axial torsion support, and an elongated non-composite member coupled to the primary longitudinal composite tube for buckling support. The boom arm segment can further include a truss system, and the primary longitudinal composite tube can he a lower cord of the truss system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventor: Roy A. Bittner
  • Publication number: 20210051941
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis, wheels supporting the chassis for moving the vehicle, an application system supported by the chassis and including a product tank storing a volume of agricultural product for delivery onto an agricultural field, and an application boom configured to deliver the agricultural product to the agricultural field. The application boom includes a composite tube, and a sleeve surrounding the composite tube to support the composite tube at a stress point of the composite tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventor: Roy A. Bittner
  • Publication number: 20210051940
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis, wheels supporting the chassis for moving the vehicle, an application system supported by the chassis and including a product tank storing a volume of agricultural product for delivery onto an agricultural field, and an application boom configured to deliver the agricultural product to the agricultural field. The application boom includes a boom arm segment having a longitudinal tube, an elongated structure coupled to the longitudinal tube, and an elastomeric bonding material affixing the longitudinal tube and the elongated structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventor: Roy A. Bittner
  • Publication number: 20210051938
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle having a chassis and an application boom coupled to the chassis. The agricultural vehicle is configured to deliver agricultural product to an agricultural field. The application boom has a boom arm. The boom arm includes a longitudinal truss member, and a longitudinal chase supported by the longitudinal truss member. The longitudinal chase includes a channel. The agricultural vehicle further includes an application system. The application system has a product tank supported by the chassis and storing a volume of the agricultural product for delivery onto an agricultural field, a plurality of nozzle bodies, a piping system delivering the agricultural product to the plurality of nozzle bodies, and one or more control lines coupled to the plurality of nozzle bodies and for controlling the plurality of nozzle bodies. The one or more control lines are supported by the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventors: Roy A. Bittner, Steven Winkel
  • Publication number: 20200396891
    Abstract: A spray boom for an agricultural machine includes a first section having a first end and a second end and a second section having a first end pivotably coupled to the second end of the first section. The first section includes a first support member and a second support member disposed above the first support member. A centerline of the second support member is horizontally offset from a centerline of the first support member. Meanwhile, the second section includes a first support member. The spray boom may be configured in an extended position or a folded position. In the folded position, the second section is disposed above the first support member of the first section and adjacent the second support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventor: Roy A. Bittner
  • Publication number: 20200396978
    Abstract: A spray boom support structure includes a first support member, a second support member, a plurality of vertical support elements disposed between the first and second support member along lengths of the first and second support members, and at least one strut. Each vertical support element includes a bottom saddle portion coupled to first support member, a top saddle portion coupled to the second support member, and an I-beam portion disposed between the top and bottom saddle portions. Further, each strut extends between adjacent vertical support elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventor: Roy A. Bittner
  • Publication number: 20200396979
    Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a lift arm assembly and a boom including at least one support member. A first support member of the at least one support member is coupled to the lift arm assembly. Further, the first support member includes a tube and a hinge inserted into a first end of the tube. The hinge includes an extension portion disposed within the hollow tube and a hinged portion extending upward from a first end of the extension portion. The first end of the extension portion is adjacent the first end of the tube. Further, the first support member is coupled to the lift arm assembly by way of the hinged portion of the hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventor: Roy A. Bittner
  • Publication number: 20200390080
    Abstract: A boom truss structure for an agricultural sprayer that includes boom segments on either side of the sprayer, including primary boom segments, secondary boom segments attached to the primary boom segments at a first hinge, and breakaway boom segments attached to the secondary boom segments at a second hinge. The primary boom segment includes truss elements extending upwardly from a base support member. The secondary boom also includes a base support member, but with an inverted underside truss support member that is located underneath the base support member instead of on top of the base support member. This allows the secondary boom segment to fold on top of the primary boom segment in a compact manner about a lower pivot axis. Additionally, the breakaway boom segment may be folded initially about the secondary boom segment, after which the secondary boom segment is folded about the primary boom segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Inventor: Roy A. Bittner