Draft Responsive Patents (Class 172/7)
  • Patent number: 11864482
    Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of an attachment includes coupling the attachment to a tractor via a power lift comprising two lower link arms and detecting a pull point as a geometrical intersection of imaginary extensions of both lower link arms based on reference angles. The method further includes determining the reference angles by an optical capture of the lower link arms, and controlling the operation based on the detected pull point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Martin Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11849659
    Abstract: A draft load control system for an agricultural implement includes a row unit, a down force system configured to apply a force within or to the row unit, a draft load sensor disposed on the row unit and configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of a draft load on the row unit, and a controller that includes a memory and a processor. The controller is configured to receive the sensor signal from the draft load sensor indicative of the draft load on the row unit, and in response to the draft load exceeding a threshold range, perform a control operation, a monitoring operation, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Schoeny, Trevor Stanhope
  • Patent number: 11808013
    Abstract: Systems and methods to activate one or more indicators, positioned on heavy hydraulic-based equipment to provide indication that the heavy hydraulic-based equipment is in an operation are described herein. The system may include a hydraulic initiation lever positioned proximate an operator's seat of the equipment and configured to be actuatable to an inactive position and an active position, the hydraulic initiation lever when in the active position configured to generate an unlock signal to thereby enable hydraulic operation of the heavy hydraulic-based equipment. The system may include one or more indicators configured to receive the unlock signal, the one or more indicators configured to activate in response to reception of the unlock signal and to deactivate in response to no reception of the unlock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: MARATHON PETROLEUM COMPANY LP
    Inventors: Kyle D. Jordan, Nicholas L Schimmoeller, George M. Lixey
  • Patent number: 11737385
    Abstract: A method of controlling tilt of an agricultural implement being towed by a tow vehicle along a field includes providing a controller, a first sensor, a second sensor, and an actuator coupled to the implement. The method includes detecting a baseline level of the tow vehicle with the first sensor at a first location in the field, wherein the implement is located at a second location in the field spaced rearward of the first location. The controller determines when the implement will be at the first location in the field, and an implement level of the implement is measured with the second sensor once the implement is at the first location. The implement level is compared to the baseline level with the controller. The controller determines if the difference between the implement level and baseline level is within a tolerance range, and further controls the actuator as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Ricky B. Theilen, Lucas B. Larsen
  • Patent number: 11716931
    Abstract: A collected article container device provided with a collected article container and capable of traveling autonomously is detachably connected to a work equipment main body that has a work unit such as a cutting blade device and is able to travel, the container device being configured to travel in a detached state to a collected article destination by itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Kuriyagawa, Runa Kaneko
  • Patent number: 11690308
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling an operation of agricultural implements may include a work vehicle configured to tow an implement. The work vehicle may include a hitch assembly having a draw point configured to be coupled to the implement. The work vehicle may further include an actuator configured to move the draw point relative to the hitch frame to adjust the position of the implement relative to the work vehicle. The implement may include a sensor configured to detect an operational parameter indicative of the operation of the implement. Additionally, the implement may further include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor, with the controller being configured to initiate control of an operation of the actuator based on sensor data received from the sensor to adjust the operational parameter of the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Trevor Stanhope
  • Patent number: 11686070
    Abstract: Systems and methods to activate one or more indicators, positioned on heavy hydraulic-based equipment to provide indication that the heavy hydraulic-based equipment is in an operation are described herein. The system may include a hydraulic initiation lever positioned proximate an operator's seat of the equipment and configured to be actuatable to an inactive position and an active position, the hydraulic initiation lever when in the active position configured to generate an unlock signal to thereby enable hydraulic operation of the heavy hydraulic-based equipment. The system may include one or more indicators configured to receive the unlock signal, the one or more indicators configured to activate in response to reception of the unlock signal and to deactivate in response to no reception of the unlock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: MARATHON PETROLEUM COMPANY LP
    Inventors: Kyle D. Jordan, Nicholas L. Schimmoeller, George M. Lixey
  • Patent number: 11661724
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a work implement. A control system for the work vehicle includes an operating device that outputs an operation signal indicative of an operation by an operator, and a controller that communicates with the operating device and controls the work implement. The controller determines a target design topography indicative of a target topography. The controller generates a command signal to operate the work implement in accordance with the target design topography. When a tilt angle of the work implement is changed with an operation of the operating device, the controller corrects the tilt angle of the work implement in accordance with the changed tilt angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventor: Junji Harada
  • Patent number: 11654981
    Abstract: An auxiliary dolly attachable to the rear of a primary trailer includes a first portion attachable to the primary trailer, a second portion comprising one or more axles with wheels, and a pivot point at which the first portion is coupled to and movable relative to the second portion, and further includes one or more cylinders configured to adjust the first and second portions relative to each other and apportion weight between the primary trailer and the auxiliary dolly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: PREMIER COIL SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Randall Dean Behrens, Michael Bailey
  • Patent number: 11582894
    Abstract: A tillage implement includes an implement frame having a first lengthwise frame member, a second lengthwise frame member, and a lateral frame member connected to and extending between the first and second lengthwise frame members. A hitch assembly is rotatably connected to the implement frame. A wheel assembly is connected to the implement frame and moveable between a raised position and a lowered position. A rockshaft is rotatably connected to the implement frame and connected to the wheel assembly. A leveling assembly is connected to the implement frame, the rockshaft, and the hitch assembly. The leveling assembly is configured to adjust the position of the hitch assembly based on movement of the rockshaft. The leveling assembly includes an actuator connected to and aligned with a leveling link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Shawn J. Becker, Mark D. Beeck, Andrew J. Peterson, Jarrod R. Ruckle
  • Patent number: 11357154
    Abstract: A power lift for an agricultural tractor includes a supporting structure configured to be mounted on the agricultural tractor. A left lower link, a right lower link, and an upper link are coupled in a pivotally movable manner, wherein the left and the right lower links and the upper link include coupling elements for attachment of an agricultural attachment. The left and the right lower links are rotatably coupled to one another via a lifting shaft, the lifting shaft being aligned with a lower link pivot axis. The left and the right lower links are pivotable by an actuating element which runs between at least one of the lower links and a support point of the supporting structure jointly about the lower link pivot axis in relation to the supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Mario Patino, Martin Heitlinger
  • Patent number: 11304353
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely positioning a stabilizer wheel of a towable agricultural implement simultaneously, cooperatively and proportionally control the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from both the rod and base ends of the bore of a double-acting hydraulic cylinder, to hold the piston of the hydraulic cylinder at a target position determined from a desired position input signal corresponding to a desired position of the stabilizer wheel with respect to a frame of the agricultural implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Stovall, Kena Shah, Timothy R. Blunier
  • Patent number: 11293163
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive apparatus includes a boom flow rate control valve, a target boom cylinder speed calculation part, a pressing force calculation part, a correction part, and a boom flow rate operation part. The target boom cylinder speed calculation part calculates a target boom cylinder speed for making the construction surface by the bucket closer to the target construction surface. The pressing force calculation part calculates the pressing force by which the bucket is pressed against the construction surface, based on the cylinder thrust of the boom cylinder and the center-of-gravity position information on the center-of-gravity position of the work device. The correction part corrects the target boom cylinder speed to make the deviation between the target pressing force and the calculated pressing force closer to 0. The boom flow rate operation part operates the boom flow rate control valve to provide the corrected target boom cylinder speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignees: Kobe Steel, Ltd., KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Nogi, Satoshi Maekawa, Akira Tsutsui, Sho Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 11286644
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive apparatus includes a boom flow rate control valve, a target boom cylinder speed calculation part calculating a target boom cylinder speed for making a construction surface by a bucket closer to a target construction surface based on the cylinder speed of a boom cylinder and the like, and a boom flow rate operation part. The boom flow rate operation part operates the boom flow rate control valve to make a boom cylinder supply flow rate be a target supply flow rate corresponding to the target boom cylinder speed when the target boom cylinder speed direction coincides with a cylinder thrust direction, and operates the boom flow rate control valve to make the boom cylinder discharge flow rate be a target discharge flow rate corresponding to the target boom cylinder speed when the target boom cylinder speed direction is opposite to the cylinder thrust direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignees: Kobe Steel, Ltd., KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Maekawa, Toshihiro Nogi, Sho Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 11248680
    Abstract: A hydraulic power module for a crop harvester, and in particular a cotton harvester, having an engine. The hydraulic power module includes a main drive gear, a drive shaft extending through the main drive gear, and a clutch operatively connected to the drive shaft, wherein the clutch has an engaged position and a disengaged position. The engaged position of the clutch fixedly connects the main drive gear to the drive shaft and the disengaged position of the clutch disconnects the main drive gear drive from the drive shaft. The hydraulic power module further includes a first pump device directly coupled to the drive shaft, wherein the first pump device is driven by the drive shaft during rotation of the drive shaft. A second pump device is indirectly connected to the drive shaft through the clutch, and is driven by the drive shaft when the clutch is in the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: James T. Noonan, Dwayne B. Watt, Cecil H. Wise, Jr., Steven D. Wallestad, Mark A. Cracraft, Jerry E. White, Cole D. Miller
  • Patent number: 11224164
    Abstract: A header assembly for an agricultural harvesting machine having a traction unit comprises a cutter, a main frame that supports the cutter, a float cylinder configured to be coupled between the main frame and the traction unit, an accumulator, and fluidic circuitry that fluidically couples the accumulator to the float cylinder. The fluidic circuitry is configured to provide a first flow of pressurized fluid under pressure to the float cylinder, so the float cylinder exerts a float force on the main frame, and, based on a control input that corresponds to a lifting operation of the header assembly, provide a restricted flow of fluid, that is restricted relative to the first flow, between the float cylinder and the accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Alex Brimeyer, David E. Renner, Praveen Kumar Singh, Todd M. Verhoef
  • Patent number: 11166402
    Abstract: A tillage control system for a plurality of row units having an implement and being connected to a frame. The system includes a hydraulic system having fluid, a supply port and a drain port. A plurality of control subsystems are fluidly coupled with the supply port and the drain port. Each control subsystem is coupled with one of the plurality of row units and include a control valve and an actuator fluidly coupled to the control valve. The system further includes a controller communicatively coupled with each of the control valves to independently operate each actuator to raise and lower each implement of the plurality of row units relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Inventor: Benjamin L. Bauman
  • Patent number: 11073432
    Abstract: A force sensor is suitable for an electrohydraulic hitch control system of an agricultural tractor. The force sensor has an outer cylindrical part with a bore and a measuring rod fixed on one side in the bore. A central section of the cylindrical part is provided as force introduction section. Two outer sections of the cylinder part are removed equally far axially from the center of the force introduction section and are provided as abutment sections. The measuring rod is clamped in an area of the force introduction section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Thierbach, Steffen Klein
  • Patent number: 10912244
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method, for enhancing resolution during remotely controlled adjustment of a fore/aft trim angle of a frame of a towable tillage implement, utilize a fore/aft trim angle adjustment arrangement operatively attached between a hitch and the frame of the implement for tilting the frame at a desired trim angle along a fore/aft axis of the frame. An adjustable-length fore/aft trim linkage is operatively connected between the frame and the hitch for adjusting and maintaining the trim angle. A linear actuator is operatively attached to the trim angle linkage for remotely controlling the length of the trim angle adjustment linkage to thereby adjust the trim angle as a function of a stroke of the actuator. The fore/aft trim linkage provides an adjustment in its length that is proportionally less than the stroke of the actuator, to thereby provide enhanced resolution for remote control of the trim angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Christian Kilby, Michael G. Kovach, Michael Glennon
  • Patent number: 10893642
    Abstract: An electric tractor including one or more all-electric bidirectional force exerting three-point hitch assemblies for lifting and lowering farm tool implements in level relationship to the ground regardless of the elevation of lift applied to the implement. The front, middle and rear three-point hitch assemblies are each operated using linear actuators. The hitches may be coupled with battery boxes to provide power and to counterbalance attached farm implements. Each of the described three-point hitch assemblies (including embodiments for front, middle and rear positions) may be operated through manipulation of electric controls. Electronic components include controller, displays, panels, wiring harnesses, linear actuators, joy sticks, lighting, switches, gauges, electric battery management system for managing one or more power sources, and processing modules and memory for controlling hitch movement and implements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Solectrac, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Heckeroth
  • Patent number: 10736255
    Abstract: A system includes an agricultural implement, a sensor, and a control system. The agricultural implement is configured to be coupled to an agricultural vehicle. The sensor is coupled to the agricultural implement and configured to output a signal indicative of a current pitch angle of the agricultural implement. The control system is configured to receive the signal indicative of the current pitch angle from the sensor, determine an anticipated pitch angle for traversing an upcoming topographical feature, define an anticipated pitch angle range based on the anticipated pitch angle, determine whether the current pitch angle is within the anticipated pitch angle range, generate a hitch height control signal indicative of instructions to predictively adjust a hitch height actuator if the current pitch angle is not within the anticipated pitch angle range, and communicate the hitch height control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Jason Czapka, Keith Walter Wendte
  • Patent number: 10596869
    Abstract: A ball assembly for attachment to a ball mount is described. The ball assembly can include a ball post that is securable to a ball mount. A hitch ball is slidably coupled to the ball post at a ball end of the ball post. A load gauge is disposed at the gauge end of the ball post. A load transfer element is operably associated with both the hitch ball and the load gauge so as to cause a load measurement to display on the load gauge based upon a load applied to the hitch ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Weigh Safe, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin McAllister
  • Patent number: 10546701
    Abstract: An operating device includes: a first lever rotatable around a rotation axis; a torsion bar having a columnar shape or a tubular shape with the rotation axis as a central axis and connected to the first lever; and a support that fixes and supports one end of the torsion bar. Further, the operating device includes: a drive shaft having a tubular shape with the rotation axis as a central axis and surrounding a periphery of the torsion bar, one end serving as the first lever side being connected to the first lever, and another end opposite to the one end serving as the first lever side being rotatably supported around the rotation axis; and a plurality of second levers connected to the drive shaft and rotatable around the rotation axis on the support side rather than the first lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shuichi Tanigaki, Daisuke Fujita
  • Patent number: 10508581
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multi-step regeneration apparatus of a diesel particulate filter (DPF), which generates a load to an engine to remove soot, the apparatus including: an external air temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of external air; a controller configured to compare a temperature value measured by the external air temperature sensor with a predetermined value and output a signal; and a control valve unit including a first control valve and a second control valve receiving a signal from the controller, and a first spool operated by the first control valve and a second spool operated by the second control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Doosan Corporation
    Inventor: Beom Kyun Yu
  • Patent number: 10472801
    Abstract: An excavator includes at least one gyro sensor for sensing the incline of equipment; a swing motor for rotating an upper body of the excavator; a first pressure sensor for sensing an operating pressure value applied to the swing motor; a swing joystick for driving the swing motor; a second pressure sensor for sensing a manipulation value inputted into the swing joystick; and a controller, wherein the controller receives pieces of information sensed by the gyro sensors, the first pressure sensor, and the second pressure sensor, and detects the operating pressure value of the swing motor, sensed through the first pressure sensor, so as to notify a worker of the time at which lubricating oil is added if a maximum manipulation value is inputted into the swing joystick for a minimum measuring time or more in a swing friction force measurement mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventor: Ji-Yun Kim
  • Patent number: 10405478
    Abstract: An agricultural implement including a frame, a hydraulic system, a controller and a plurality of sensors. The hydraulic system is coupled to the frame and has a plurality of hydraulic actuators fluidically coupled in a series arrangement. The controller is in control of the hydraulic system. The plurality of sensors have at least one sensor coupled to each of the plurality of hydraulic actuators. The sensors are in communication with the controller, with the controller executing the steps of receiving at least one signal from the sensors indicating a need to rephase the hydraulic actuators; and operating the hydraulic system to rephase the hydraulic actuators dependent upon the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: James W. Henry
  • Patent number: 10293874
    Abstract: A working vehicle has a ballast weight system including a fulcrum mounted on the vehicle frame and a ballast weight configured to pivot between a mounting configuration with the ballast weight is resting on the ground and an operational configuration with the ballast weight is carried by the vehicle frame. The ballast weight has a mounting arm and a lower corner portion. The mounting arm has a recess configured to interact with the fulcrum, wherein in the mounting configuration, the recess faces sideways such that the work vehicle is driven towards the ballast weight until the fulcrum interfaces with the recess. A catch mechanism secures the ballast weight to the fulcrum. A lift mechanism attaches between the ballast weight and the vehicle frame such that the lift mechanism pushes on the corner portion to pivot the ballast weight about the fulcrum. A latch mechanism pins the ballast weight in the operational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Evan Thomas Smith, Derek Hruska
  • Patent number: 10294630
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method for creating a final graded soil surface may include controlling an operation of a grading implement of a work vehicle such that the grading implement removes a layer of soil from a current soil surface as the work vehicle is moved in a forward direction. The method may also include receiving an input indicative of the current soil surface being at an offset soil depth relative to the initial ungraded soil surface, with the offset soil depth differing from the final soil depth. When the current soil surface is at the offset soil depth, the method may further include adjusting a position of the grading implement to add or remove soil based on a depth differential defined between the offset soil depth and the final soil depth to create the final graded soil surface as the work vehicle is moved in the reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Scott Andrew Elkins
  • Patent number: 10172273
    Abstract: A vehicle control system for controlling the height of a linkage on a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in which the linkage is automatically raised and lowered depending on a draft force detected by the vehicle including an input draft force detected by sensors in the CVT or driveline is inputted into the control system and the system further processes the input draft force to provide an output draft force upon which movement of the linkage is based and the control system processes the input draft force by compensating the input draft force detected during acceleration or deceleration and/or compensating the input draft detected whilst travelling along a slope, and/or equalizing the input draft force by applying a ramp function, and/or reducing the input draft force when the linkage is at a predetermined height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: AGCO International GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Gschwendtner, Guenther Ostenried, Werner Unsinn
  • Patent number: 9980422
    Abstract: A system includes an agricultural implement, a sensor, and a control system. The agricultural implement is configured to be coupled to an agricultural vehicle. The sensor is coupled to the agricultural implement and configured to output a signal indicative of a pitch angle of the agricultural implement. The control system is configured to receive the signal indicative of the pitch angle from the sensor, determine whether the pitch angle is within a pitch angle range, generate a hitch height control signal indicative of instructions to adjust a hitch actuator if the pitch angle is not within the pitch angle range, and communicate the hitch height control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Jason Czapka, Keith Walter Wendte
  • Patent number: 9883622
    Abstract: A tractor control system, which controls an operating condition of an implement attached to the tractor. The control system includes a sensing means providing a force signal which indicates the pull force necessary to pull an implement in a desired position; a control which receives the force signal; and means for measuring at least one parameter associated with the tractor mode and/or the implement mode and the implement position is adjusted to a new position when the force signal varies. The control system includes pre-determined values associated with certain tractor and/or implement modes. A measured parameter is compared with a pre-determined parameter value and if the measured parameter would result in an undesired movement of the implement, the force signal is deactivated, or the response to the force signal is deactivated to prevent undesired movement of the attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: AGCO International GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Gschwendtner, Guenther Ostenried, Ulrich Stich, Werner Unsinn
  • Patent number: 9845101
    Abstract: A pushcart includes a left wheel, a right wheel, a left wheel driver, a right wheel driver, a control unit, a left wheel rotary encoder, and a right wheel rotary encoder. The left wheel driver rotates the left wheel. The right wheel driver rotates the right wheel. The left wheel rotary encoder detects a rotational angle of the left wheel. The right wheel rotary encoder detects a rotational angle of the right wheel. The pushcart performs feedback control on angular velocities of the left wheel and the right wheel at least using an integral operation. The control unit calculates a weighted average of an integral element with respect to the angular velocity of the left wheel and an integral element with respect to the angular velocity of the right wheel, and then separately controls the left wheel driver and the right wheel driver based on the weighted average.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takanori Hayashi
  • Patent number: 9815471
    Abstract: A work vehicle is equipped with an engine, a hydraulic pump, a work implement, a travel device, an accelerator operating member, a work implement operating member, and a control unit. The hydraulic pump is driven by the engine. The work implement is driven by hydraulic fluid discharged from the hydraulic pump. The travel device is driven by the engine. The accelerator operating member changes the engine rotation speed. The work implement operating member operates the work implement. The control unit causes the speed of the work implement to increase by causing the engine rotation speed to increase when an operation amount of the work implement operating member is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Masao Yoshizawa, Shunsuke Miyamoto, Kenichi Yamada
  • Patent number: 9790663
    Abstract: A work vehicle is equipped with an engine, a hydraulic pump, a work implement, a work implement operating member, a work implement control valve, a capacity control device, a travel device, an accelerator operating member, and a control unit. The hydraulic pump is driven by the engine. The work implement is driven by hydraulic fluid discharged from the hydraulic pump. The work implement control valve controls the hydraulic pressure supplied to the work implement. The capacity control device controls a differential pressure between a discharge pressure of the hydraulic pump and an outlet hydraulic pressure of the work implement control valve. The travel device is driven by the engine. The accelerator operating member changes the engine rotation speed. The control unit causes the speed of the work implement to increase by causing the engine rotation speed to increase when an operation amount of the work implement operating member is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Masao Yoshizawa, Shunsuke Miyamoto, Kenichi Yamada
  • Patent number: 9505140
    Abstract: A robot includes a body and a bumper. The body is movable relative to a surface and includes a first portion of a sensor. The bumper is mounted on the body and movable relative to the body and includes a backing and a second portion of the sensor. The backing is movable relative to the body in response to a force applied to the bumper. The second portion of the sensor is attached to the backing and movable with the backing relative to the first portion of the sensor in response to a force applied to the bumper. The sensor is configured to output an electrical signal in response to a movement of the backing. The electrical signal is proportional to an amount of displacement of the second portion relative to the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Victor Fay, Seth Blitzblau, Samuel Duffley, Kyle Dumont, Justin H. Woodman
  • Patent number: 9347844
    Abstract: A draft sensing mechanism for a three point hitch includes a hitch frame attached to a frame of a vehicle. The hitch frame includes left and right link supports for coupling to left and right draft links and left and right draft bars. Each draft bar has a first portion attached to a corresponding one of the link supports, and a second portion positioned rearwardly and inwardly with respect to its first portion. Draft forces applied by the draft links to the link supports are transmitted to the second portions of the draft bars. A linkage unit sums the draft forces from the draft bars and includes a draft force transducer which generates a draft force signal in response to deflection of the draft bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew M. Tilkes, Benjamin J. Heimbuch, Edwin R. Kreis, Mark S. Earley, Dennis A. Bowman, Jonathan T. Roth, Douglas R. Fischer, Michael D. Kollath
  • Patent number: 9200426
    Abstract: A blade control system includes an angle obtaining part, an open ratio setting part and a lift cylinder controlling part. The angle obtaining part is configured to obtain an angle of a lift frame with respect to a designed surface. The open ratio setting part is configured to set an open ratio based on the angle. The lift cylinder controlling part is configured to open a proportional control valve at the open ratio for elevating the blade when a distance between the designed surface and an edge of a blade is determined to be less than or equal to a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Hayashi, Kenji Okamoto, Kenjiro Shimada
  • Patent number: 9199616
    Abstract: The disclosure describes, in one aspect, a method for determining a machine ground speed. The method includes determining a first speed from a position determining system, determining a direction the machine is traveling at the first speed, determining a machine rate of inclination, and determining a compensated ground speed as a function of the first speed and the machine rate of inclination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel Doy, Erik Eddington, Eric Dishman, Robert Shockency
  • Patent number: 9185838
    Abstract: A pull-type crop engaging machine such as a rotary mower comprises a frame mounted on transversely spaced field ground wheels for movement with a hitch arm extending to a tractor and a transport assembly attached behind the frame for moving downwardly to a transport position so that in the transport position the hitch arm extends from one end of the frame generally in the transverse direction for towing the machine in the transverse direction. The transport includes a transport ground wheel which acts to raise the frame to pass underneath the crop engaging system to support the machine on the wheel, on a second wheel behind the frame and on the hitch. The movement of the hitch and the wheel is connected and started at a position of the hitch so that the machine remains balanced. A shield behind the frame includes a portion which moves with the transport wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignees: Macdon Industries Ltd., Maschinenfabrik Bernard Krone GmbH
    Inventors: Ricky Chan, Neil Gordon Barnett, Geoffrey U. Snider, Andreas Afting
  • Patent number: 9066465
    Abstract: A soil compaction reduction system and method determine a path through the field for a mobile machine or control a soil compaction characteristic of the mobile machine based upon a varying soil compaction characteristic of the mobile machine as the mobile machine traverses the field and based upon a soil compaction constraint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Larry L. Hendrickson, Noel W. Anderson
  • Patent number: 9033062
    Abstract: A control system for a machine is disclosed. The system includes a ripper sensor associated with a ripper of the machine configured to generate a signal indicative of a position of the ripper. The system includes a steering command sensor associated with a steering control module of the machine. The steering command sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a steering command of the machine. The system further includes a controller configured to receive the signals indicative of the position of the ripper and the steering command of the machine. The controller is configured to execute an action based on the engaged state of the ripper and the steering command of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Stratton, Kimberly N. Stratton, Troy K. Becicka
  • Patent number: 8924102
    Abstract: A dynamic supplemental downforce control system for a planter row unit. The system includes closed-loop feedback circuit that cooperates with a downforce actuator to dynamically control fluid flow to the downforce actuator to maintain balance between the actual gauge wheel downforce and a desired gauge wheel downforce during planting operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Derek A. Sauder, Jeremy J. Hodel
  • Patent number: 8700270
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for determining the magnitude and direction of the draft force applied to the drawbar of a tractor by a towed implement. Orthogonal load sensors can be placed at the drawbar pivot point to measure load on the drawbar. From the measured load on the drawbar, the lateral and longitudinal draft forces applied by the towed implement on the drawbar can be calculated. The magnitude and direction of the draft force can then be determined from the calculated lateral and longitudinal forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, Kevin M. Smith
  • Patent number: 8668024
    Abstract: A system for correcting skewing in an agricultural implement where the implement includes a plurality of ground engaging tools laterally spaced across a width of the implement and operative to selectively engage the ground to perform a desired operation on a field surface has a skew detecting device operative to sense when the implement is travelling in a skewed orientation and send a correction signal indicating the skewed orientation to a correction mechanism. A drag force is exerted on the ground engaging tools by engagement with the ground when performing the desired operation on the field surface, and the correction mechanism is operative to change the drag forces exerted on at least some ground engaging tools on one side of the implement to correct the skewed orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Straw Track Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Norbert Beaujot
  • Patent number: 8634992
    Abstract: A dynamic supplemental downforce control system for a planter row unit. The system includes closed-loop feedback circuit that cooperates with a downforce actuator to dynamically control fluid flow to the downforce actuator to maintain balance between the actual gauge wheel downforce and a desired gauge wheel downforce during planting operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Derek A. Sauder, Jeremy J. Hodel
  • Patent number: 8549828
    Abstract: A harvesting system is provided that includes a primary harvester for harvesting grain and biomass, a biomass harvester for further processing the biomass, and a tugger and accumulator coupled between the primary harvester and the biomass harvester. The tugger and accumulator includes an onboard power plant and an onboard propulsion system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: John David Burger
  • Publication number: 20130192854
    Abstract: A draft sensing mechanism includes a draft frame adapted to be attached to a frame of a vehicle. The draft frame has left and right supports adapted to be coupled to corresponding left and right draft links. A draft strap has a left end fixed to a front side of the left support and a right end fixed to a front side of the right support. The draft strap is deflectable in response to draft forces applied to the left and right supports. A draft sensor is attached to the draft strap. The sensor generates a draft signal in response to deflection of the draft strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: PETER A. KOSMICKI, Benjamin J. Heimuch, Mark S. Earley, Edwin R. Kreis, Andrew M. Tilkes
  • Patent number: 8496068
    Abstract: A draft sensing mechanism includes a draft frame adapted to be attached to a frame of a vehicle. The draft frame has left and right supports adapted to be coupled to corresponding left and right draft links. A draft strap has a left end fixed to a front side of the left support and a right end fixed to a front side of the right support. The draft strap is deflectable in response to draft forces applied to the left and right supports. A draft sensor is attached to the draft strap. The sensor generates a draft signal in response to deflection of the draft strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Peter A. Kosmicki, Benjamin J. Heimbuch, Mark S. Earley, Edwin R. Kreis, Andrew M. Tilkes
  • Patent number: 8494727
    Abstract: In order to achieve a solution which assists a farmer in working land in a way which reduces the risk of soil compaction of the land there is, among others, a method of determining a work trajectory to be followed by an agricultural work vehicle. The method includes accessing a soil carry capacity map of an area of land to be worked by the agricultural work vehicle, receiving load data of the agricultural work vehicle so as to determine the agricultural work vehicle load and determining the work trajectory to be followed by the agricultural work vehicle. The work trajectory is determined by correlating the soil carry capacity map and the load data of the agricultural work vehicle, so as to optimize that the area to be worked with low carry capacity is worked with low agricultural work vehicle load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Aarhus Universitet
    Inventors: Ole Green, Dionysios D. Bochtis
  • Patent number: 8453754
    Abstract: A system for correcting skewing in an agricultural implement where the implement includes a plurality of ground engaging tools laterally spaced across a width of the implement and operative to selectively engage the ground to perform a desired operation on a field surface has a skew detecting device operative to sense when the implement is travelling in a skewed orientation and send a correction signal indicating the skewed orientation to a correction mechanism. A drag force is exerted on the ground engaging tools by engagement with the ground when performing the desired operation on the field surface, and the correction mechanism is operative to change the drag forces exerted on at least some ground engaging tools on one side of the implement to correct the skewed orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Straw Track Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Norbert Beaujot