Patents by Inventor William D. Graham

William D. Graham 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: 11950526
    Abstract: A product on demand nozzle assembly includes a chamber at least partially defined by an external wall and an array of vertically spaced nozzles. Each nozzle has an air inlet, an air and entrained product outlet extending from the external wall, and an entrainment zone between the air inlet and the air and entrained product outlet to receive a product therein to be distributed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Stanley R. Borkgren, William D. Graham, Terry L. Snipes, Elijah B. Garner, Robert T. Casper, Scott C. McCartney, Michael E. Frasier
  • Publication number: 20230382354
    Abstract: A sensor generates an output signal indicative of an attribute of a limited amount of material above the sensor. A controller receives the output signal and incorporates a corresponding variable into a programmatic calculation of an indication of a volume of material in a tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Jason L. Werning, William D. Graham
  • Publication number: 20230320249
    Abstract: An information map is obtained by an agricultural system. The information map maps values of a characteristic at different geographic locations in a worksite. An in-situ sensor detects tractive characteristic values as a mobile agricultural machine operates at the worksite. A predictive map generator generates a predictive map that maps predictive tractive characteristic values at different geographic locations in the worksite based on a relationship between values of the characteristic in the information map and tractive characteristic values detected by the in-situ sensor. The predictive map can be output and used in automated machine control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Nathan R. Vandike, William D. Graham, Cary S. Hubner, Andrew J. Peterson, Benjamin M. Lovett, Darin L. Roth, Martin Unterpaintner
  • Publication number: 20230309437
    Abstract: One or more information maps are obtained by an agricultural system. The one or more information maps map one or more characteristic values at different geographic locations in a worksite. An in-situ sensor detects a soil property value as a ground engaging machine operates at the worksite. A predictive map generator generates a predictive map that predicts a predictive soil property value at different geographic locations in the worksite based on a relationship between the values in the one or more information maps and the soil property value detected by the in-situ sensor. The predictive map can be output and used in automated ground engaging machine control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Bhanu Kiran Reddy PALLA, Andrew J. PETERSON, Cary S. HUBNER, William D. GRAHAM, Nathan R. VANDIKE
  • Publication number: 20230143025
    Abstract: A yaw rate is sensed on a towing vehicle that is towing an air seeder. The sensed yaw rate is used to predict a future yaw rate on a planting implement of the air seeder. An application rate of material is varied across the application implement based upon the predicted yaw rate across the implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Inventors: William D. Graham, Robert T. Casper, Ray M. Scheufler
  • Patent number: 11343959
    Abstract: An air distribution system for a seed cart provides for improved air flow distribution upon identification of a turning event. The seed cart may have a fan operable to create an air stream. A set of primary tubes coupled to the fan may receive separate portions of the air stream from the fan. A distribution manifold may have a first plurality of passages therethrough and a second plurality of passages therethrough. A restrictor assembly may comprise a first end, a second end oppositely disposed from the first end, and a plurality of inlets and a plurality of outlets disposed therebetween. The restrictor assembly may have a plurality of restriction components. Restriction of air flow proximate the first end is different than the restriction of air flow proximate the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: William D. Graham
  • Publication number: 20220000013
    Abstract: A sensor generates an output signal indicative of an attribute of a limited amount of material above the sensor. A controller receives the output signal and incorporates a corresponding variable into a programmatic calculation of an indication of a volume of material in a tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: ANDREW W. HARMON, Jacob G. SCHOENY, William D. GRAHAM, ANANT DNYANOBA NIMBALKAR, Vikas V. KSHIRSAGAR, Vinit JAWALE, Anand RAJ, Nilkanth Devshetwar
  • Patent number: 11014741
    Abstract: A closure assembly is disclosed for a work machine having a supply tank with a tank opening. The closure assembly has a lid and lift, actuator and latch mechanisms. When the closure assembly is attached to the tank, the lift mechanism is configured to support the lid off of the tank opening. The actuator mechanism mounts to the lid to move the lid with respect to the tank opening between first and second positions in which in the first position the lid overlies the tank opening and in the second position the lid is substantially clear of the tank opening. The latch mechanism may be moved into a latched orientation in which when the lid is in the first position the latch mechanism latches the lid into engagement with the tank opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Stanley R. Borkgren, Terry L. Snipes, Tyler G. Groves, William D. Graham
  • Publication number: 20210127556
    Abstract: An air distribution system for a seed cart provides for improved air flow distribution upon identification of a turning event. The seed cart may have a fan operable to create an air stream. A set of primary tubes coupled to the fan may receive separate portions of the air stream from the fan. A distribution manifold may have a first plurality of passages therethrough and a second plurality of passages therethrough. A restrictor assembly may comprise a first end, a second end oppositely disposed from the first end, and a plurality of inlets and a plurality of outlets disposed therebetween. The restrictor assembly may have a plurality of restriction components. Restriction of air flow proximate the first end is different than the restriction of air flow proximate the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventor: William D. Graham
  • Publication number: 20200053955
    Abstract: A product on demand nozzle assembly includes a chamber at least partially defined by an external wall and an array of vertically spaced nozzles. Each nozzle has an air inlet, an air and entrained product outlet extending from the external wall, and an entrainment zone between the air inlet and the air and entrained product outlet to receive a product therein to be distributed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Stanley R. Borkgren, William D. Graham, Terry L. Snipes, Elijah B. Garner, Robert T. Casper, Scott C. McCartney, Michael E. Frasier
  • Patent number: 10492359
    Abstract: A product distribution system includes a product on demand pick-up assembly including a hopper. The hopper is configured such that an air stream flowing into the pick-up assembly entrains product therein and conveys product downstream through a plurality of conduits. The product distribution system further includes a container for storing product prior to delivery of product to the pick-up assembly and a meter and conveyor assembly configured to move product from the container to the pick-up assembly hopper such that an amount of product greater than a predetermined quantity is maintained in the pick-up assembly hopper during operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Stanley R. Borkgren, William D. Graham, Terry L. Snipes, Elijah B. Garner, Robert T. Casper, Scott C. McCartney, Michael E. Frasier
  • Patent number: 10123476
    Abstract: A product distribution system includes a product on demand pick-up assembly including a hopper. The hopper is configured such that an air stream flowing into the pick-up assembly entrains product therein and conveys product downstream through a plurality of conduits. The product distribution system further includes a container for storing product prior to delivery of product to the pick-up assembly and a meter and conveyor assembly configured to move product from the container to the pick-up assembly hopper such that an amount of product greater than a predetermined quantity is maintained in the pick-up assembly hopper during operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Stanley R. Borkgren, William D. Graham, Terry L. Snipes, Elijah B. Garner, Robert T. Casper, Scott C. McCartney, Michael E. Frasier
  • Publication number: 20170086355
    Abstract: A product distribution system includes a product on demand pick-up assembly including a hopper. The hopper is configured such that an air stream flowing into the pick-up assembly entrains product therein and conveys product downstream through a plurality of conduits. The product distribution system further includes a container for storing product prior to delivery of product to the pick-up assembly and a meter and conveyor assembly configured to move product from the container to the pick-up assembly hopper such that an amount of product greater than a predetermined quantity is maintained in the pick-up assembly hopper during operation of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Stanley R. Borkgren, William D. Graham, Terry L. Snipes, Elijah B. Garner, Robert T. Casper, Scott C. McCartney, Michael E. Frasier
  • Publication number: 20170073155
    Abstract: A closure assembly is disclosed for a work machine having a supply tank with a tank opening. The closure assembly has a lid and lift, actuator and latch mechanisms. When the closure assembly is attached to the tank, the lift mechanism is configured to support the lid off of the tank opening. The actuator mechanism mounts to the lid to move the lid with respect to the tank opening between first and second positions in which in the first position the lid overlies the tank opening and in the second position the lid is substantially clear of the tank opening. The latch mechanism may be moved into a latched orientation in which when the lid is in the first position the latch mechanism latches the lid into engagement with the tank opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Stanley R. Borkgren, Terry L. Snipes, Tyler G. Groves, William D. Graham
  • Patent number: 8468655
    Abstract: A hinge assembly with two pivot axes is provided for a folding frame. One pivot axis, a working pivot axis, allows the outer wing frame to rotate while in operation to follow the ground contours by rotating relative to the adjacent frame section without creating any interference between adjacent tools mounted to the frame sections. The second pivot axis is a folding pivot axis above the frame and about which the outer wing frame rotates to fold the outer wing into the transport position. This hinge assembly when used on a five section implement frame allows the outer wing frame to both follow the ground contour and to fold into an acceptable transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Stanely R. Borkgren, William D. Graham, Xinzhan Z. Yang
  • Publication number: 20110258811
    Abstract: A hinge assembly with two pivot axes is provided for a folding frame. One pivot axis, a working pivot axis, allows the outer wing frame to rotate while in operation to follow the ground contours by rotating relative to the adjacent frame section without creating any interference between adjacent tools mounted to the frame sections. The second pivot axis is a folding pivot axis above the frame and about which the outer wing frame rotates to fold the outer wing into the transport position. This hinge assembly when used on a five section implement frame allows the outer wing frame to both follow the ground contour and to fold into an acceptable transport position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Stanley R. Borkgren, William D. Graham, Xinzhan Z. Yang
  • Publication number: 20020092246
    Abstract: A cardboard or plastic sheet can be folded into a support structure for supporting an object on an inclined roof. The sheet has multiple fold lines which, when used to fold the sheet, form a base for mounting on the roof and a shelf for supporting the object at an angle relative to the roof. A roofing assembly includes bundles of roofing shingles and a sheet between the bundles. The sheet has multiple fold lines which, when used to fold the sheet, form a support structure for supporting an object on an inclined roof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: William D. Graham
  • Patent number: 6163732
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products determine compliance of a chemical product to be manufactured to government regulations that govern the manufactured product. According to the invention, the chemical compositions that are present in the chemical product to be manufactured are ascertained. The chemical compositions so ascertained are compared to a stored set of government regulatory standards related to the chemical compositions to determine compliance. Accordingly, compliance with complex government regulations governing chemical products can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Frederick David Petke, D. Russell Hickman, William D. Graham, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5027718
    Abstract: A sectional table for outdoor use comprises a plurality of substantially identical sections which, when assemled, may be formed into a regular polygon, e.g. octagon, etc., having a central opening of the same polygonal shape adapted to surround a columnar object, such as a tree, shaft or post, or which may have one section omitted to leave open a central opening accessible for service to the table. The table is formed of wood boards of the desired size and shape. Each of the sections comprises a table top of regular trapezoidal shape having a major side of the size of one side of the outer regular polygon and a minor side parallel to the major side and two angular sides. The minor side is of the size of one side of the central polygonal opening. A plurality of vertically extending legs depend from and support the table top. Bench seats are supported on the legs spaced horizontally from the table top major side far enough for a person to sit thereon facing the table top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Inventor: William D. Graham, Sr.