Patents by Inventor Adam D. Sporrer

Adam D. Sporrer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20250143202
    Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a set of ground engaging elements that perform a ground engaging operation. The agricultural machine includes a rearward sensor mounted to the agricultural machine to sense an area of ground behind the agricultural machine and generate a rearward sensor signal. The agricultural machine includes rearward zone generator logic that determines a first zone and a second zone, wherein the first zone and the second zone represent portions of the area of ground behind the agricultural machine. The agricultural machine includes rearward residue generator logic configured to receive the rearward sensor signal and determine a first residue metric indicative of the amount of residue in the first zone. The agricultural machine includes control logic that controls one or more aspects of the ground engaging operation on the area of ground based on the first residue metric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2024
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Inventors: Adam D. SPORRER, Ricky B. THEILEN, Lucas B. LARSEN, Kyle J. TROST
  • Publication number: 20250134089
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling the level relative to ground of moveable wings in a spray system that includes the moveable wings mounted to a common center frame support structure attached to an associated work vehicle to form a pair of opposed independently moveable wings extending laterally from the associated work vehicle. An initial control signal is determined for moving the moveable wings based on positions of the moveable wings relative to the ground. A compensating signal is determined for compensating the initial control signal, wherein the compensating signal is derived independent from the position of the moveable wings relative to the ground and includes a flexure component dependent upon one or more flexural properties of the associated work vehicle. A level control output signal is generated for controlling the level of the moveable wings based on a combination of the initial control signal and the compensating signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2024
    Publication date: May 1, 2025
    Applicants: Deere & Company, Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle R. BLAYLOCK, Robert MCNAULL, Adam D. SPORRER, Bryan N. HRNICEK, Kasey J. LAMMERS, Daniel K. MURRAY, Alex J. IRLBECK
  • Patent number: 12201049
    Abstract: Work machines, control systems for work machines, and methods of operating work machines. A work machine includes a frame structure, a work implement, and a control system. The work implement is coupled to the frame structure and includes at least one ground engagement tool that is configured for movement in response to interaction with an underlying surface in use of the use work machine. The control system is coupled to the frame structure and includes a sensor mounted to the at least one ground engagement tool and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Ricky B. Theilen, Jeremy D. Krantz, Lucas B. Larsen
  • Publication number: 20250000002
    Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a transversely extending frame forming a first, a second, and a third frame section. A first actuator is coupled to the first frame section, a second actuator coupled to the second frame section, and a third actuator coupled to the third frame section. Sensors are coupled to each frame section to detect a height of the respective frame section relative to an underlying surface. A control unit is disposed in electrical communication with the sensors and operably controls the actuators to adjust the height of each frame section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2024
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Anthony Sikora, Rick B. Theilen
  • Patent number: 12144278
    Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a set of ground engaging elements that perform a ground engaging operation. The agricultural machine includes a rearward sensor mounted to the agricultural machine to sense an area of ground behind the agricultural machine and generate a rearward sensor signal. The agricultural machine includes rearward zone generator logic that determines a first zone and a second zone, wherein the first zone and the second zone represent portions of the area of ground behind the agricultural machine. The agricultural machine includes rearward residue generator logic configured to receive the rearward sensor signal and determine a first residue metric indicative of the amount of residue in the first zone. The agricultural machine includes control logic that controls one or more aspects of the ground engaging operation on the area of ground based on the first residue metric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Ricky B. Theilen, Lucas B. Larsen, Kyle J. Trost
  • Patent number: 12144273
    Abstract: A mobile machine includes a frame, and a set of wheels supporting the frame. The mobile machine also includes a set of ground-engaging tools mounted to the frame that are movable relative to the wheels to change a depth of engagement of the ground engaging-tools with ground over which the mobile machine travels. A first sensor senses a position of the frame relative to the ground surface over which the mobile machine is traveling. A second sensor senses a position of the frame relative to the wheels. The sensor signals from both sensors are used to control the frame height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Ricky B. Theilen, Lucas B Larsen
  • Patent number: 12133481
    Abstract: A main depth control input is detected, that indicates a depth of a soil engaging implement. A corresponding position of a stabilizer depth control actuator is identified, and a control signal is generated to control a main depth control actuator based on the main depth setting detected, and to control a stabilizer depth control actuator based upon the corresponding position identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Lucas B. Larsen
  • Patent number: 12114587
    Abstract: Work machines, control systems for work machines, and methods of operating work machines are envisioned. A work machine includes a frame structure, a work implement, and a control system. The work implement is coupled to the frame structure and includes at least one ground engagement tool that is configured for movement in response to interaction with an underlying surface in use of the use work machine. The control system is coupled to the frame structure and includes a sensor mounted to the at least one ground engagement tool and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Ricky B. Theilen, Jeremy D. Krantz, Lucas B. Larsen
  • Patent number: 12089516
    Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a transversely extending frame forming a first, a second, and a third frame section. A first actuator is coupled to the first frame section, a second actuator coupled to the second frame section, and a third actuator coupled to the third frame section. Sensors are coupled to each frame section to detect a height of the respective frame section relative to an underlying surface. A control unit is disposed in electrical communication with the sensors and operably controls the actuators to adjust the height of each frame section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Anthony Sikora, Ricky B. Theilen
  • Publication number: 20240224835
    Abstract: Work machines, control systems for work machines, and methods of operating work machines are disclosed herein. A work machine includes a frame structure, a work implement, and a control system. The work implement is coupled to the frame structure and includes at least one ground engagement tool that is configured for movement in response to interaction with an underlying surface in use of the use work machine. The control system is coupled to the frame structure and includes a sensor mounted to the at least one ground engagement tool and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2023
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Ricky B. Theilen, Jeremy D. Krantz, Lucas B. Larsen
  • Publication number: 20240224831
    Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a plurality of ground-engaging tools configured to modify a surface configuration of an agricultural field and a hydraulically-controlled subsystem configured to modify an operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools. The agricultural implement also includes a sensor coupled to the hydraulically-controlled subsystem configured to generate sensor signals indicative of a current operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools. The agricultural implement also includes an implement control system configured to receive the sensor signals from the sensor to determine the current operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools, and, upon determining the current operating angle is to be changed to a new operating angle, generate control signals for the hydraulically-controlled subsystem to modify the operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools from the current operating angle to the new operating angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2023
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Inventors: Adam D. SPORRER, Shawn J. BECKER, Lucas B. LARSEN, Ricky B. THEILEN
  • Patent number: 11980181
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a center frame positioning method for an agricultural sprayer. The method comprises activating a center frame positioning system and collecting and processing position data related to a position of a suspended center frame in the center frame positioning system. The method further comprises evaluating the position data to determine whether any adjustment to the position of the suspended center frame is needed and controlling actuator force in at least one actuator to adjust the position of the suspended center frame based on the evaluating the position data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignees: Deere & Company, Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Kyle R. Blaylock, Matthew J. Darr, Robert McNaull, Kevin L. Ehrecke
  • Publication number: 20240130262
    Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a plurality of ground-engaging tools configured to modify a surface configuration of an agricultural field and a hydraulically-controlled subsystem configured to modify an operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools. The agricultural implement also includes a sensor coupled to the hydraulically-controlled subsystem configured to generate sensor signals indicative of a current operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools. The agricultural implement also includes an implement control system configured to receive the sensor signals from the sensor to determine the current operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools, and, upon determining the current operating angle is to be changed to a new operating angle, generate control signals for the hydraulically-controlled subsystem to modify the operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools from the current operating angle to the new operating angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Adam D. SPORRER, Shawn J. BECKER, Lucas B. LARSEN, Ricky B. THEILEN
  • Publication number: 20240130267
    Abstract: Work machines, control systems for work machines, and methods of operating work machines are disclosed herein. A work machine includes a frame structure, a work implement, and a control system. The work implement is coupled to the frame structure and includes at least one ground engagement tool that is configured for movement in response to interaction with an underlying surface in use of the use work machine. The control system is coupled to the frame structure and includes a sensor mounted to the at least one ground engagement tool and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Ricky B. Theilen, Jeremy D. Krantz, Lucas B. Larsen
  • Patent number: 11930729
    Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a frame forming a plurality of sections. A plurality of tools is operatively coupled to the frame for penetrating an underlying surface upon which the implement travels. A controller is coupled to the frame. A plurality of control valves is operably controllable between an open and a closed position. A sensor for detecting a depth of penetration of at least one tool of the plurality of tools is coupled to the frame wherein the sensor is coupled to the controller for communicating the detected depth, and wherein the controller compares the detected depth to a target depth and operably controls the position of each of the plurality of control valves until the depth of the at least one tool on the frame is at the target depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Jarrod R. Ruckle
  • Patent number: 11805721
    Abstract: Work machines, control systems for work machines, and methods of operating work machines are disclosed. A work machine includes a frame structure, a work implement, and a control system. The work implement is coupled to the frame structure and includes at least one ground engagement tool that is configured for movement in response to interaction with an underlying surface in use of the use work machine. The control system is coupled to the frame structure and includes a sensor mounted to the at least one ground engagement tool and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Ricky B. Theilen, Jeremy D. Krantz, Lucas B. Larsen
  • Publication number: 20230329139
    Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a set of ground engaging elements that perform a ground engaging operation. The agricultural machine includes a rearward sensor mounted to the agricultural machine to sense an area of ground behind the agricultural machine and generate a rearward sensor signal. The agricultural machine includes rearward zone generator logic that determines a first zone and a second zone, wherein the first zone and the second zone represent portions of the area of ground behind the agricultural machine. The agricultural machine includes rearward residue generator logic configured to receive the rearward sensor signal and determine a first residue metric indicative of the amount of residue in the first zone. The agricultural machine includes control logic that controls one or more aspects of the ground engaging operation on the area of ground based on the first residue metric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Adam D. SPORRER, Ricky B. THEILEN, Lucas B. LARSEN, Kyle J. TROST
  • Patent number: 11751496
    Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a plurality of ground-engaging tools configured to modify a surface configuration of an agricultural field and a hydraulically-controlled subsystem configured to modify an operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools. The agricultural implement also includes a sensor coupled to the hydraulically-controlled subsystem configured to generate sensor signals indicative of a current operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools. The agricultural implement also includes an implement control system configured to receive the sensor signals from the sensor to determine the current operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools, and, upon determining the current operating angle is to be changed to a new operating angle, generate control signals for the hydraulically-controlled subsystem to modify the operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools from the current operating angle to the new operating angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Shawn J. Becker, Lucas B. Larsen, Ricky B. Theilen
  • 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: 11632895
    Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a set of ground engaging elements that perform a ground engaging operation. The agricultural machine includes a rearward sensor mounted to the agricultural machine to sense an area of ground behind the agricultural machine and generate a rearward sensor signal. The agricultural machine includes rearward zone generator logic that determines a first zone and a second zone, wherein the first zone and the second zone represent portions of the area of ground behind the agricultural machine. The agricultural machine includes rearward residue generator logic configured to receive the rearward sensor signal and determine a first residue metric indicative of the amount of residue in the first zone. The agricultural machine includes control logic that controls one or more aspects of the ground engaging operation on the area of ground based on the first residue metric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Ricky B. Theilen, Lucas B. Larsen, Kyle J. Trost