Patents by Inventor Walter J. Feller
Walter J. Feller 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: 10168714Abstract: 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: December 11, 2017Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: AGJUNCTION LLCInventors: Mark R. Webber, Keith R. Jones, John A. McClure, Andre C. Roberge, Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead
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Publication number: 20180113473Abstract: 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: December 11, 2017Publication date: April 26, 2018Applicant: AgJunction LLCInventors: Mark R. Webber, Keith R. Jones, John A. McClure, Andre C. Roberge, Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead
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Patent number: 9886038Abstract: 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: May 11, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: AGJUNCTION LLCInventors: Mark R. Webber, Keith R. Jones, John A. McClure, Andre C. Roberge, Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead
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Patent number: 9880562Abstract: 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: May 31, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: AGJUNCTION LLCInventors: Mark R. Webber, Keith R. Jones, John A. McClure, Andre C. Roberge, Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead
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Patent number: 9678216Abstract: A device for determining the position and orientation of a first body with respect to a second body uses a plurality of radio frequency (RF) transmitters on the first body to transmit a short range signal to one or more RF antennas on the second body. The first and second body are near each other and can be moveably coupled. A receiver circuit on the second body uses the plurality of RF signals received by the RF antennas to determine the position and orientation of the first body with respect to the second body. In some embodiments one or more GNSS antennas mounted to the second body will provide the GNSS coordinate system and location such that the position and orientation of both the first body and the second body can be referenced to the GNSS global coordinate system.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Hempishere GNSS, Inc.Inventor: Walter J. Feller
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Publication number: 20160334804Abstract: 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: May 31, 2016Publication date: November 17, 2016Applicant: AgJunction LLCInventors: Mark R. Webber, Keith R. Jones, John A. McClure, Andre C. Roberge, Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead
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Patent number: 9461358Abstract: A Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) electronic circuit is described that uses an antenna and a fractal ground plane conductor or a fractal counterpoise. Some embodiments of the electronic circuit include a first ground plane conductor portion on a first electronic substrate, and a second ground plane conductor portion on a second electronic substrate. The second ground plane conductor portion is shaped to include at least one fractal pattern. The fractal pattern of the second ground plane conductor portion makes the ground plane seem electrically larger than it is. The fractal ground plane conductor portion minimizes the reception of GNSS satellite signals below the antenna, and improves the reception of signals from low elevation GNSS satellites above the horizon.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Hemisphere GNSS Inc.Inventor: Walter J. Feller
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Publication number: 20160252909Abstract: 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: May 11, 2016Publication date: September 1, 2016Applicant: AgJunction LLCInventors: Mark R. WEBBER, Keith R. Jones, John A. McClure, Andre C. Roberge, Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead
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Patent number: 9389615Abstract: 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: September 22, 2015Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: 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: 20160170031Abstract: A device for determining the position and orientation of a first body with respect to a second body uses a plurality of radio frequency (RF) transmitters on the first body to transmit a short range signal to one or more RF antennas on the second body. The first and second body are near each other and can be moveably coupled. A receiver circuit on the second body uses the plurality of RF signals received by the RF antennas to determine the position and orientation of the first body with respect to the second body. In some embodiments one or more GNSS antennas mounted to the second body will provide the GNSS coordinate system and location such that the position and orientation of both the first body and the second body can be referenced to the GNSS global coordinate system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2014Publication date: June 16, 2016Applicant: HEMISPHERE GNSS INC.Inventor: Walter J. Feller
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Patent number: 9332501Abstract: An antenna-receiver communication system comprises an antenna conductor, antenna, and intelligent antenna controller. The intelligent antenna controller and antenna are connected via a conductor for providing power to the antenna from the intelligent antenna controller, and a received signal from the antenna to the intelligent antenna controller. The intelligent antenna controller is configured to provide voltage to the antenna for its operation, and to systematically alter the provided voltage level to communicate information to the antenna. The antenna is configured to communicate messages to the intelligent antenna controller by systematically altering the current consumed by the antenna. Both the intelligent antenna controller and antenna are configured to decode received messages and act on them.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: HEMISPHERE GNSS INC.Inventors: Andy Jakab, Walter J. Feller, Ryan Wen Xiaoping
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Publication number: 20160011597Abstract: 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: September 22, 2015Publication date: January 14, 2016Inventors: Mark R. Webber, Keith R. Jones, John A. McClure, André C. Roberge, Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead
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Patent number: 9178573Abstract: An RF/digital signal-separating receiver is provided for GNSS and other RF signals. The receiver includes a first master antenna and a second slave antenna, which are positioned in spaced relation for directional, radio compass applications. First and second downconverters and first and second ADCs are located under the first and second antennas in analog signal areas, which configuration minimizes cross-coupling RF signals from the antennas and reduces noise. The first and second ADSs are connected to respective first and second correlators in a digital signal location, which is centrally located relative to the antennas. The correlators are connected to a microprocessor for computing distances for the received signals, from which the receiver's orientation or attitude is determined. A method of manufacturing receivers with this configuration is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2013Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: HEMISPHERE GNSS INC.Inventor: Walter J. Feller
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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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Patent number: 9105961Abstract: GNSS signals are centered around two bands, L1 and L2, and antennas must cover both these bands for good RTK performance. GPS is at a lower frequency in both bands than the Russian GLONASS system. What is described herein is a method of constructing a low profile dual frequency wideband antenna with excellent polarization and signal reception for both GPS and GLONASS. This technique minimizes the impact of tolerances of the dielectrics, thicknesses and tuning by optimal construction.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: HEMISPHERE GNSS INC.Inventors: Walter J. Feller, Xiaoping Wen
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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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Publication number: 20150201380Abstract: An antenna-receiver communication system comprises an antenna conductor, antenna, and intelligent antenna controller. The intelligent antenna controller and antenna are connected via a conductor for providing power to the antenna from the intelligent antenna controller, and a received signal from the antenna to the intelligent antenna controller. The intelligent antenna controller is configured to provide voltage to the antenna for its operation, and to systematically alter the provided voltage level to communicate information to the antenna. The antenna is configured to communicate messages to the intelligent antenna controller by systematically altering the current consumed by the antenna. Both the intelligent antenna controller and antenna are configured to decode received messages and act on them.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2014Publication date: July 16, 2015Applicant: Hemisphere GNSS Inc.Inventors: Andy Jakab, Walter J. Feller, Ryan Wen Xiaoping
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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: 20150048990Abstract: A Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) electronic circuit is described that uses an antenna and a fractal ground plane conductor or a fractal counterpoise. Some embodiments of the electronic circuit include a first ground plane conductor portion on a first electronic substrate, and a second ground plane conductor portion on a second electronic substrate. The second ground plane conductor portion is shaped to include at least one fractal pattern. The fractal pattern of the second ground plane conductor portion makes the ground plane seem electrically larger than it is. The fractal ground plane conductor portion minimizes the reception of GNSS satellite signals below the antenna, and improves the reception of signals from low elevation GNSS satellites above the horizon.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2014Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: HEMISPHERE GNSS INC.Inventor: Walter J. Feller
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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