Construction Or Agricultural-type Vehicle (e.g., Crane, Forklift) Patents (Class 701/50)
  • Patent number: 11519158
    Abstract: A shovel according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a lower traveling body, an upper turning body rotatably mounted on the lower traveling body, an operator's compartment provided to the upper turning body, a display device provided in the operator's compartment, and an input device provided in the operator's compartment. The display device is capable of displaying a setting screen for a construction support system using information and communication technology, and a function to switch a screen displayed on the display device to the setting screen is assigned to the input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: SUMITOMO(S.H.I.) CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takaaki Morimoto, Yuho Nishimagi, Takeya Izumikawa
  • Patent number: 11518368
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method, computer system, and computer program product for preventing tipping of a load during transport by a vehicle is provided. The present invention may include retrieving a tipping point of the load, based on a center of gravity of the load, a speed of the vehicle, and a turning radius of the vehicle, wherein the tipping point is based on a simulation utilizing finite element analysis; and responsive to determining that the center of gravity of the load is within a threshold distance of the tipping point, taking a corrective action which may include controlling the speed or turning radius of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Budy Notohardjono, Suraush Khambati, Shawn Canfield, Richard M. Ecker
  • Patent number: 11512447
    Abstract: A work machine includes systems and methods for stability control based on operating values. The work machine includes a control system having a sensor system with a load sensor, an arm position sensor, and an articulation angle sensor. A controller is in communication with the sensor system. The controller is configured to receive a movement command and to receive a set of values from the sensor system. The controller is configured to determine an operational window for normal operation of the work vehicle based on the received set of values, determine a movement limit based on the received set of values, and limit movement of a component beyond the movement limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: David Myers, Doug Lehmann
  • Patent number: 11510539
    Abstract: An auto clean machine comprising: a chassis; an internal light source, located inside the chassis, for emitting internal light; an external light source, located outside the chassis, for emitting external light; an optical sensor, configured to sense optical data generated according to the external light or according to the internal light; and a control circuit, configured to analyze optical information of the optical data. If the internal light source is activated, the external light source is de-activated and the control circuit determines variation of the optical information is larger than a variation threshold, the control circuit changes the internal light source to be non-activated and the external light source to be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: PixArt Imaging Inc.
    Inventors: Muan Sian Ng, Wan Piang Lim, Hui-Hsuan Chen
  • Patent number: 11512446
    Abstract: Embodiments of a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device having a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick position sensor monitoring movement of the joystick relative to the base housing. An MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary a joystick stiffness resisting movement of the joystick relative to the base housing in at least one degree of freedom. A controller architecture is coupled to the joystick position sensor and to the MRF joystick resistance mechanism. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to increase the joystick stiffness when the joystick is moved into a first predetermined detent position to generate a first MRF detent; and (ii) selectively activate a first detent-triggered function of the work vehicle based, at least in part, on joystick movement relative to the first MRF detent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark E. Breutzman, Amy K. Jones, Madeline T. Oglesby, Erik W. McWethy
  • Patent number: 11510357
    Abstract: A plurality of different controllers on an agricultural machine are time synchronized. A positioning system detects a geographic location and a timestamp, which is indicative of a time when the geographic location was sensed, is applied to the geographic location. A first controller, that identifies an action to be taken based upon a location of the agricultural machine and a speed of the agricultural machine, and also based on a geographic location of where the action is to be taken, generates a future timestamp indicating a future time at which the action is to be taken. An action identifier (that identifies the action) and the future timestamp is sent to an actuator controller that controls an actuator to take the action. The actuator controller identifies an actuator delay corresponding to the actuator and controls the actuator to take the action at a time identified in the future timestamp based upon the future timestamp, a current time, and the actuator delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Pradeep Kale, Jason D. Walter, Omkar Joshi
  • Patent number: 11512450
    Abstract: A working machine includes an undercarriage supported by first and second ground engaging units powered by first and second drive units, a main frame supported by the undercarriage, a first sensor configured to sense an orientation and relative angular motion of the main frame with respect to the undercarriage, a second sensor configured to sense an orientation and relative angular motion of the main frame in an external reference frame independent of the undercarriage, and a controller functionally linked to the first and second sensors. The controller is configured to receive commands corresponding to an intended movement of the first and second ground engaging units, and generate control signals to the first and second drive units to achieve or maintain the intended movement taking into account a detected orientation of the main frame relative to the undercarriage and a detected orientation of the main frame in the external reference frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Bryan D. Sulzer
  • Patent number: 11512448
    Abstract: This description provides an autonomous or semi-autonomous excavation vehicle that is capable of navigating through a dig site and carrying an excavation routine using a system of sensors physically mounted to the excavation vehicle. The sensors collect one or more of spatial, imaging, measurement, and location data representing the status of the excavation vehicle and its surrounding environment. Based on the collected data, the excavation vehicle executes instructions to perform an excavation routine by excavating earth from a hole using an excavation tool positioned at a single location within the site. The excavation vehicle is also able to carry out numerous other tasks, such as checking the volume of excavated earth in an excavation tool, navigating the excavation vehicle over a distance while continuously excavating earth from a below surface depth, and preparing a digital terrain model of the site as part of a process for creating the excavation routine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Built Robotics Inc.
    Inventors: Noah Austen Ready-Campbell, Gaurav Jitendra Kikani, Andrew Liang, Pradeesh Suganthan, James Alan Emerick, Sarah Marie Thornton, Ammar Idris Kothari, Edward Joseph Garza
  • Patent number: 11507078
    Abstract: A work system includes an operation device that transmits an operation signal, a work machine that operates on the basis of the operation signal, and a transport vehicle that outputs a traveling control signal in a case where a fault in communication between the operation device and the work machine occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Minagawa, Yasuhiro Ohyama, Qi Ding
  • Patent number: 11505919
    Abstract: A method for remote operation of machines using a mobile device is disclosed. The mobile device may detect and display one or more machines. The mobile device may establish a wireless connection with a machine. The mobile device may retrieve and display machine related information including one or more machine parameters, one or more implements, and one or more controls of the machine. In addition, the mobile device may transmit input commands received from an operator via the controls to the machine. The machine may be configured to establish the wireless connection with the mobile device and broadcast machine related information to the mobile device. The machine may also execute the input commands received from the mobile device and perform one or more functions. The method includes steps performed by the mobile device and the machine for the remote operation respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Suneel Venkata Kandula, Justin Peters
  • Patent number: 11503756
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for determining soil levelness as an agricultural implement is being towed across a field by a work vehicle may include a vision-based sensor configured to capture vision data associated with a portion of the field present within a field of view of the vision-based sensor. A controller of the system may be configured to receive, from the vision-based sensor, the vision data associated with the portion of the field present within the field of view of the vision-based sensor. Additionally, the controller may be configured to determine a soil levelness of the portion of the field present within the field of view of the vision-based sensor based on a spectral analysis of the received vision data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Michael R. Cozza, Mircea F. Lupu, Surya Saket Dasika, Sai Raghavendra Prasad Poosa, Thamer Z. Alharbi
  • Patent number: 11508091
    Abstract: A calibration device for an imaging device includes an imaging data acquisition unit that acquires imaging data of a known external target installed at a known position outside a work range of work equipment, the imaging data being obtained by imaging of at least one imaging device provided in a work machine including the work equipment, an external target position acquisition unit that acquires a position of the known external target, and a calibration unit that calibrates the imaging device based on the position of the known external target, which is acquired by the external target position acquisition unit, and the imaging data of the known external target, which is acquired by the imaging data acquisition unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Shogo Atsumi, Taiki Sugawara, Hiroyoshi Yamaguchi, Atsushi Nagato
  • Patent number: 11505923
    Abstract: A construction machine that can display various work devices including a bucket on a display device without causing a sense of discomfort is provided. A display controller is configured to deform a first drawing figure to create a first post-deformation drawing figure such that a triangle having vertexes at a first coupling point, a second coupling point and a first monitor point in the first drawing figure becomes congruent with a triangle having vertexes at the first coupling point, the second coupling point and the first monitor point in a coordinate system on an image on a display device, and arrange the first post-deformation drawing figure on a screen of the display device such that positions of the first coupling point, the second coupling point and the first monitor point in the first post-deformation drawing figure are arranged correspondingly to positions of the first coupling point, the second coupling point and the first monitor point, respectively, in the coordinate system on the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kohei Hiromatsu, Shiho Izumi, Daito Sakai
  • Patent number: 11498567
    Abstract: A method for operating a working vehicle-working device combination having a part system for adjusting the working vehicle-working device combination includes determining a motor torque of a motor of the working vehicle-working device combination based on a motor parameter, determining a first loss torque based on at least one motor loss parameter of the motor, determining a second loss torque based on at least one load parameter of a load system of the working vehicle-working device combination, determining an output torque of the working vehicle-working device combination based on the motor torque and the first and second loss torques, and performing a control operation on the working vehicle-working device combination or on the part system based on the output torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Manuel Billich
  • Patent number: 11499294
    Abstract: Embodiments of a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system include a joystick device having a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick position sensor configured to monitor joystick movement. An MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary a joystick stiffness resisting movement of the joystick relative to the base housing, while a controller architecture is coupled to the joystick position sensor and to the MRF joystick resistance mechanism. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) selectively place the work vehicle MRF joystick system in a modified joystick stiffness mode during operation of the work vehicle; and (ii) when the work vehicle MRF joystick system is placed in the modified joystick stiffness mode, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to vary the joystick stiffness based, at least in part, on the movement of the joystick relative to the base housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Alex R. Vandegrift, Craig Christofferson, Amy K. Jones, Anthony K. Kraft, Brett S. Graham, Christopher R. Benson, Christopher J. Meyer, Kenneth Franck, Mark D. Anderson, Todd F. Velde
  • Patent number: 11483970
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for adjusting harvesting implement orientation of an agricultural harvester may include a harvesting implement configured to be coupled to the agricultural harvester in a manner that permits a fore/aft tilt angle defined between a longitudinal axis of the harvesting implement and a field surface to be adjusted. The system may also include a sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of a distance between the harvesting implement and the field surface. Furthermore, the system may include a controller configured to receive an input associated with a predetermined characteristic of the harvesting implement. The controller may also be configured to monitor the distance between the harvesting implement and the field surface based on data received from the sensor and initiate adjustments of the fore/aft tilt angle based on the received input and the monitored distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: William Lee Cooksey, Nicholas S. Shane
  • Patent number: 11482083
    Abstract: A quick-change device for automatically changing an attachment on a construction machine includes first receptacles disposed on one side of a support for receiving a first coupling element; second receptacles disposed on the other side of the support for receiving a second coupling element, with the second receptacles having at least one locking element which moves between a release position for coupling or uncoupling the attachment and a locked position for holding the attachment in place on the quick-change device; and a display device disposed on the support for monitoring the lock status. The display device includes an electrical lock status indicator and an electrical control unit which activates the lock status indicator in an extended locked position of the locking element and deactivates it in a retracted release position and an extended position of the locking element different from the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: OilQuick Deutschland KG
    Inventor: Michael Kollmann
  • Patent number: 11474537
    Abstract: A safety system for an automated storage and picking system is described. The storage system includes load handling devices operating above a series of stacked containers located within a framework, the top of which includes tracks on which the load handling devices operate. The safety system includes a transmitter located in close proximity to the storage system and a receiver located on each of the load handling devices. The transmitter can continually transmit a signal that is detected by the receivers on the load handling devices. In the event of an emergency or a breach of the storage system, the transmission of the signal is cut. Once the receiver no longer receives the signal from the transmitter, power to each load handling device drive is cut to render the storage system safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Jennifer Jane Shields, Timothy Deighton Steiner, Nicholas John Butler, Pete Campbell
  • Patent number: 11473271
    Abstract: A hydraulic system controller is disclosed. The hydraulic system controller may determine a maximum active circuit pressure of a set of active hydraulic circuits of the hydraulic system, wherein the hydraulic system includes a hydraulic pump to cause fluid to flow throughout the set of active hydraulic circuits; determine a circuit pressure of a hydraulic circuit of the hydraulic system; determine, based on a hydraulic flow command for the hydraulic circuit and the circuit pressure, a desired circuit delta-pressure for the hydraulic circuit; determine, based on the desired circuit delta-pressure and a pressure difference between the maximum active circuit pressure and the circuit pressure, a circuit valve setting for a circuit valve of the hydraulic circuit; and cause a control device to set a position of the circuit valve according to the circuit valve setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Rustin Glenn Metzger, Corey Lee Gorman, Adam Martin Nackers
  • Patent number: 11470759
    Abstract: A system for controlling a working implement connected to a vehicle, the system comprising: at least one tool mounted on the working implement, the implement and the at least one tool configured to perform an agricultural operation; an automatic steering device associated with the vehicle, the automatic steering device configured to guide the vehicle on an intended vehicle path; an actuator for controlling the lateral position of the working implement relative to the vehicle, the actuator connected to an implement control unit that can be operated to control the actuator in such a way that the working implement is moved on an intended path of the working implement and the implement control unit is set up to compensate a lateral deviation of the vehicle from the intended path of the vehicle through actuation of the actuator; and wherein the implement control unit is programmed to pre-set the actuator after a turning operation in a position in which the effects of the turning operation is compensated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Martin Kremmer, Tobias Schäfer
  • Patent number: 11470776
    Abstract: An agricultural work machine, in particular a harvester, has a header for performing agricultural work and having a control device which has at least one sensor unit for detecting a crop stream in and/or around the header and an image processing unit for processing images which are generated by the sensor unit based on the crop stream detected via sensor. The control device is configured to detect regions of like characteristics, components of the header and properties of the crop stream and is configured to use that which has been detected for open loop control and/or closed loop control of process sequences in the agricultural work machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Marvin Barther, Dennis Neitemeier, Frédéric Fischer, Boris Kettelhoit
  • Patent number: 11472416
    Abstract: A method of controlling a mobile machine having a set of ground engaging elements includes receiving an image of terrain proximate the mobile machine, detecting a contour of the terrain, determining a projected path of the set of ground engaging elements based on the detected contour of the terrain, and controlling a display device to display the image with an overlay representing the projected path of the ground engaging elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Mark J. Cherney, Jena M. Bartodziej, Nathaniel M. Czarnecki
  • Patent number: 11464168
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically removing undesirable vegetation is provided. The method includes receiving by a first vehicle, data describing a specified geographical area for scanning. The specified geographical area is divided into a plurality of sectors and a second vehicle is directed to a first sector of the plurality of sectors. First geographical coordinates associated with areas of undesirable vegetation growth located within the first sector are receiving from the second vehicle and an optimal travel path from a current location of the first vehicle to the areas of undesirable vegetation growth located within first sector are determined based on analysis of the first geographical coordinates. The first vehicle is directed to the areas of undesirable vegetation growth via the optimal travel path and a process for eliminating the areas of undesirable vegetation growth is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: KYNDRYL, INC.
    Inventors: James D. Cleaver, Christopher J. De Vaney, Louise A. McGuire, Michael J. McGuire
  • Patent number: 11467593
    Abstract: A system including a controller associated with an agricultural vehicle. The controller is configured to: receive other-vehicle-data that is representative of another vehicle that is in an agricultural field; and determine route-plan-data that is representative of a route to be taken by the agricultural vehicle in the agricultural field, based on the other-vehicle-data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Joachim Boydens, Thomas Debbaut, Didier Verhaeghe
  • Patent number: 11464156
    Abstract: A monitoring system and a monitoring method for a planter includes a computer having an unit speed fusion module, a seeding flow rate monitoring module, and a decision module for theoretical rotation speed of a drive motor, a rotation speed deviation inference module, a controlling parameter tuning module, an adjusting module for rotation speed of a seeding shaft, a controlling module for rotation speed of seeding shaft and a positioning signal receiver fixed on a top of a cab for receiving a geographic position signal. The system monitors operating state parameters of the planter and accurately controls seed amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventors: Jianping Hu, Wei Liu, Jiaming Luo, Lvhua Han, Deyong Yang, Lili Dong
  • Patent number: 11466435
    Abstract: A work machine (1) having a controller (40) that can perform area limiting control, the work machine further includes a machine control ON/OFF switch (17) that alternatively selects an ON position permitting execution of the area limiting control and an OFF position prohibiting execution of the area limiting control. The controller (40) has an engine control section (63) that performs automatic idling control when a predetermined period of time (T1) has elapsed after a point in time when all of operation levers (1, 23) have attained a neutral state. The engine control section (63) is configured to execute the automatic idling control during when the switch (17) is in the OFF position and not to execute the automatic idling control during when the switch (17) is in the ON position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shiho Izumi, Shuuichi Meguriya, Ryuu Narikawa, Kouji Ishikawa, Tarou Akita
  • Patent number: 11465162
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate generally to computer vision and automation to autonomously identify and deliver for application a treatment to an object among other objects, data science and data analysis, including machine learning, deep learning, and other disciplines of computer-based artificial intelligence to facilitate identification and treatment of objects, and robotics and mobility technologies to navigate a delivery system, more specifically, to an agricultural delivery system configured to identify and apply, for example, an agricultural treatment to an identified agricultural object. In some examples, a method may include calculating an amount of light originating from a light source sensed at a location in which an agricultural object is interposed between the light source and an image capture device, causing emission of an obscurant, and directing the obscurant to a region interposed between the light source and the agricultural object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventors: Gabriel Thurston Sibley, Curtis Dale Garner, Andre Robert Daniel Michelin, Lorenzo Ibarria, Patrick Christopher Leger, Benjamin Rewis, Shi Yan
  • Patent number: 11459730
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a work vehicle that has a frame, a ground-engaging implement that moves the frame over a ground surface, and an attachment connected to the frame for movement with respect to the frame. The hydraulic system includes a pump that pumps hydraulic fluid, a first conduit fluidly connecting the pump and the attachment, a reservoir that contains hydraulic fluid, a second conduit fluidly connecting the pump to the reservoir, a fluid resistor fluidly connected with the second conduit, and a valve. The fluid resistor dissipates power from the work vehicle. The valve actuates between a first state in which the valve fluidly connects the pump to the first conduit such that hydraulic fluid is directed to the attachment, and a second state in which the valve fluidly connects the pump to the second conduit such that fluid is directed through the fluid resistor and into the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Grant R. Henn, Benjamin R. Wagner, Andrew Humke
  • Patent number: 11459733
    Abstract: A control system for a work includes an operating device and a controller. The operating device outputs an operation signal indicative of an operation by an operator. The controller is in communication with the operating device. The controller determines a target profile of a terrain to be worked on. The controller generates a command signal to operate the work implement according to the target profile. The controller receives the operation signal from the operating device. The controller determines an operation of the work implement based on the operation signal. The controller corrects the target profile according to the operation by the operator when the operation of the work implement by the operator is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Hashimoto, Kenjiro Shimada, Toshihiro Kawano, Yosuke Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 11459734
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a work implement. A control system for the work vehicle includes a controller. The controller determines a target design terrain indicating a target trajectory of the work implement, and operates the work implement to dump materials on a current terrain sequentially from a nearer side to a farther side of the work vehicle in accordance with the target design terrain. At least a part of the target design terrain is located above the current terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Yukihisa Takaoka, Kazuki Kure
  • Patent number: 11459735
    Abstract: A display control system includes a work machine and a display control device. The work machine includes work equipment, a depth detection device configured to detect a depth in a detection range and provided at a position where the work equipment does not interfere with the detection range, and a posture detection device configured to detect a posture of the work machine. The display control device includes a map generation unit configured to generate a three-dimensional map representing a shape around the work machine based on depth information generated by the depth detection device and posture information generated by the posture detection device, a depth image generation unit configured to generate a depth image representing a depth of a range including a position of the work equipment in the three-dimensional map, and a display control unit configured to output a display signal to display the depth image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhisa Takahama, Yukinori Matsumura
  • Patent number: 11454005
    Abstract: A controller (21) of a hydraulic excavator (1) performs a first determination of determining whether or not loading of an object to be worked onto a dump truck (2) by the hydraulic excavator has been conducted based on a posture of a work implement (12), calculates a first load that is a load of the object to be worked loaded onto the dump truck by the hydraulic excavator based on a thrust force of a boom cylinder (16) and on a determination result of the first determination, performs a third determination of determining whether or not the first load is to be integrated based on a determination result of a second determination of determining whether or not the loading of the object to be worked onto the dump truck by the hydraulic excavator has been conducted that is transmitted from a controller (40) of the dump truck and on the determination result of the first determination, and calculates a loaded weight on the dump truck by integrating the first load in a case where it is determined by the third determin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nakamura, Kunitsugu Tomita, Kazunori Hoshino, Shigeru Bandou
  • Patent number: 11453995
    Abstract: A hydraulic excavator (1) is provided with a controller (40) including an actuator control section (81) which, when an operation device (45, 46) is operated, controls at least one of a plurality of hydraulic actuators (5, 6, 7) in accordance with the velocities of the plurality of hydraulic actuators (5, 6, 7) and a predetermined condition. The controller (40) determines, based on a sensed value from a posture sensor (50), the direction of a load exerted on an arm cylinder (6) due to the weight of an arm (9), outputs, upon determining that the direction of the load is opposite to a driving direction of the arm cylinder (6), a second velocity Vamt2 to the actuator control section (81), and outputs, upon determining that the direction of the load is the same as the driving direction of the arm cylinder (6), a third velocity Vamt3 to the actuator control section (81).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masamichi Ito, Ryuu Narikawa, Shinya Imura
  • Patent number: 11447933
    Abstract: A control system for a work vehicle includes a controller. The controller determines a work zone at a work site. The controller determines a target design topography at least partially positioned below an actual topography at the work site. The controller specifies a non-work zone. The non-work zone is a portion in which the actual topography is positioned below the target design topography in the work zone. The controller modifies the work zone based on the non-work zone. The controller generates a command signal to operate a work implement of the work vehicle according to the modified work zone and the target design topography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Yukihisa Takaoka, Kazuki Kure
  • Patent number: 11447929
    Abstract: The construction machine includes: an input interface which permits an input of a provisional target position of the attachment in a virtual space; a target position calculation part which calculates an actual target position that is a target position of the attachment in a real space from the provisional target position; an operational amount calculation part which calculates an operational amount required to make a current position of the attachment coincide with the actual target position of the attachment coincide with the actual target position with respect to at least one driven target selected from a lower traveling body, an upper slewing body, a working device, and the attachment; and a control part which controls an operation of one of the actuators for driving the driven target in accordance with the calculated target operational amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kiyokazu Tanaka, Reona Takamura
  • Patent number: 11447932
    Abstract: A work machine includes a work implement. A control system for the work machine includes a controller. The controller acquires cliff position data. The cliff position data indicates a position of a cliff included in an actual topography of a work site. The controller determines a target design topography located below the actual topography. The controller determines an end position of work by the work implement from the cliff position data. The controller generates a command signal to move a work implement according to the end position and the target design topography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventor: Yukihisa Takaoka
  • Patent number: 11445658
    Abstract: Locations of seeds in a field can be identified using event-based processing or frequency-based processing. A material is applied to the field, based upon the seed locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Elijah B. Garner, Todd N. Signer, Cary S. Hubner, Grant J. Wonderlich, Kenneth E. Herrmann
  • Patent number: 11447935
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for determining an actual pose of an articulating boom arm using an artificial intelligence mechanism (e.g., a neural network) trained to determine the actual pose of the articulating boom arm based on captured image data. In some implementations, an electronic processor is configured to control movement of the articulating boom arm based at least in part on pose information determined by applying the image-based neural network. In some implementations, an electronic processor is configured to train the neural network by using, as training data, captured image data and output signals from sensors indicative of measured positions of the components of the articulating boom arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Calin Raszga, Adam G. Harwood, Michael G. Kean, John M. Hageman, Justin Sticksel
  • Patent number: 11440780
    Abstract: A system of controlling a lowering speed of a work lever of a forklift which includes, a hydraulic motor connected to the work lever through a hydraulic line to transmit a power to the work lever; an electronic solenoid valve for controlling the hydraulic motor connected to the work lever; a weight sensor provided at one side of the work lever, the weight sensor measuring a weight of a load placed on the work lever and transmitting the measured value to a controller; and a controller for controlling an RPM of the hydraulic motor and a current amount of the electronic solenoid valve based on the measured value transmitted from the weight sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: DOOSAN INDUSTRIAL VEHICLE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jaesung Choi, Jinyong Lee, Dongho Han, Beomkyun Yu
  • Patent number: 11427986
    Abstract: An interlock system for a work vehicle includes a controller configured to output instructions to a first actuator assembly to control a first implement positioned rearward of a chassis of the work vehicle. The controller is configured to instruct the first actuator assembly to block movement of the first implement while an access door of the chassis is in an open state, in which the access door is positioned on a rear portion of the chassis, longitudinally opposite a cab ingress/egress door positioned proximate to a forward portion of the chassis, and the controller is configured to output instructions to a second actuator assembly to control a second implement positioned forward of the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Cory Robert Pitts
  • Patent number: 11427984
    Abstract: An excavation load calculated by an excavation load calculating section and an excavation distance calculated by an excavation distance calculating section are stored in a work result storage section in association with each other. A correspondence relation setting section sets correspondence relation between a target excavation load and a target excavation distance on the basis of a tendency of correspondence relation between the excavation load and the excavation distance stored in the work result storage section. The target excavation load is set on the basis of rated capacity information of a bucket. A target excavation distance calculating section calculates the target excavation distance on the basis of the correspondence relation set by the correspondence relation setting section and the target excavation load. The target excavation distance is displayed on a monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joonyoung Roh, Kunitsugu Tomita, Satoshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 11419261
    Abstract: A work machine with a sensing assembly that identifies characteristics of an underlying surface and a distribution assembly that distributes material to the underlying surface. Wherein, the sensing assembly identifies the characteristics of the underlying surface and the distribution assembly distributes varying amounts of material based on the characteristics as the work machine moves along the underlying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Douglas G. Temple
  • Patent number: 11421403
    Abstract: According to some implementations, a magnetic sensor may include a communication device; a magnetic switch; and a controller configured to: determine whether the magnetic switch is actuated by a magnet associated with the bucket tooth; generate, based on determining whether the magnetic switch is actuated, a message concerning an attachment status of the bucket tooth; and cause the communication device to wirelessly transmit the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Hall
  • Patent number: 11414820
    Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled construction machine, comprising a machine frame supported by a chassis having wheels or crawler tracks. The basic principle of the invention involves determining a variable ? which is characteristic of the milling profile on the basis of a functional relationship between the variable which is characteristic of the milling profile and the advance speed v and/or milling drum rotational speed n. The variable ? which is characteristic of the milling profile is a correction variable for adjusting the height of the milling drum with respect to the surface of the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Rene' Müller, Sebastian Hofrath, Cyrus Barimani
  • Patent number: 11414839
    Abstract: A control line determinator determines whether or not a work state of a work implement is a predetermined work state. A display controller generates a display signal including a target surface of a construction object or a control line indicating a surface which is different from the target surface and which a bucket is to be prevented from entering. The display controller makes a display form of the control line or the target surface in the display signal different according to whether or not the work state is the predetermined work state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Shintani, Yoshiki Kami, Yoshito Kumakura
  • Patent number: 11414833
    Abstract: Embodiments of a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system include a joystick device having a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick position sensor configured to monitor joystick movement. An MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary a joystick stiffness resisting movement of the joystick relative to the base housing, while a controller architecture is coupled to the joystick position sensor and to the MRF joystick resistance mechanism. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) selectively place the work vehicle MRF joystick system in a modified joystick stiffness mode during operation of the work vehicle; and (ii) when the work vehicle MRF joystick system is placed in the modified joystick stiffness mode, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to vary the joystick stiffness based, at least in part, on the movement of the joystick relative to the base housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Alex R. Vandegrift, Craig Christofferson, Amy K. Jones, Anthony K. Kraft, Brett S. Graham, Christopher R. Benson, Christopher J. Meyer, Kenneth Franck, Mark D. Anderson, Todd F. Velde
  • Patent number: 11414838
    Abstract: A shovel includes a traveling body, a turning body turnably mounted on the traveling body, an object detecting part configured to detect a predetermined object around the shovel, a controller configured to restrict a motion of the shovel or report detection of an object when the object is detected, and a canceling part configured to execute a cancellation of restricting the motion or reporting the detection. A person around the shovel is alerted at the time of the cancellation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: SUMITOMO (S.H.I.) CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takeya Izumikawa
  • Patent number: 11416570
    Abstract: A method and a system for the process-related generation of agricultural data is disclosed. A server platform includes an input tool and a query tool, wherein the user uses the input tool to executes a process-related agricultural input routine, such as a documentation routine to document an agricultural process, or a planning routine for planning an agricultural process, and wherein the query tool is linked through IT to the input tool. The user provides agricultural process parameters in the input routine to the server platform. Further, the server platform includes data memory with query data comprising different lists of agricultural questions with boundary conditions associated therewith. The query tool compares the process parameters and the boundary conditions, and based on the comparison, the query tool selects a list of agricultural questions and queries the user about questions from the selected list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: 365FarmNet Group KGaA mbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Marten Grundmann, Stephan Poppe-Kirchmann
  • Patent number: 11408731
    Abstract: A work cycle detection and control system includes an angle detector that detects an angular position of an implement, operably coupled to a mobile machine, relative to a base of the mobile machine. The system also includes a range detector that detects a degree range of rotation, about the base, in which the angular position of the implement is located. Work cycle logic identifies a particular work cycle, from a plurality of different work cycles, that the mobile machine is performing, based on the degree range. An action signal generator generates an action signal, based on the particular work cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Matthew J. Flood, Alek D. Jerauld, Thomas A. Knopp, Robert A. Hamilton, William K. Borrenpohl
  • Patent number: 11408148
    Abstract: A working machine includes an operation device to conduct operations of the working machine, a control device to control the working machine between an operation allowable state and an operation restriction state, the operation allowable state allowing the working machine to be operated, the operation restriction state restricting the operations conducted by the operation device in comparison with the operation allowable state. The working machine includes a display device having a display portion and an input operation portion. The control device performs control under the operation restriction state when a predetermined input operation is conducted through the input operation portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroshi Horii