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: 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
  • Patent number: 11606893
    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: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Anthony Sikora, Ricky B. Theilen
  • Patent number: 11576297
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide automatic assignment of control of a plurality of hydraulic circuits of an associated work vehicle to a plurality of operation systems of an implement. A hydraulic circuit assignment control unit includes a processor, a memory device, logic stored in the memory device, and a communication circuit operatively coupled with the processor. The processor executes the logic to associate an activation of a first hydraulic circuit of the plurality of hydraulic circuits of the associated work vehicle with a physical exercise of an operation system of the plurality of operation systems of the associated implement, and generates pairing assignment data representative of the association of the activated first hydraulic circuit with the physical exercise of the operation system of the implement. The logic generates directionality confirmation and calibration data that is communicated to the plurality of operation systems with the pairing assignment data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Mandar M. Kale, Sandeep Ekhe, Shoebreza Shaikh, Adam D. Sporrer, Ricky B. Theilen, Lucas B. Larsen
  • Patent number: 11397415
    Abstract: A metric priority is accessed, which identifies a priority of a plurality of different control metrics that are used in controlling an agricultural implement. Control signals are generated to control the implement to bring the metrics within corresponding predefined ranges in descending order of priority.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Ricky B. Theilen, Lucas B. Larsen, Jeremy D. Krantz
  • Publication number: 20220183206
    Abstract: A residue detection and implement control system and method are disclosed for an agricultural implement. The system includes a source of environment data and image data of an imaged area of a crop field containing residue. The system includes a data store containing a plurality of image processing methods and at least one controller that processes the image data according to one or more image processing instruction sets. The controller selects one or more of the image processing methods based on the environment data, and processes the image data using the selected image processing instruction(s) to determine a value corresponding to residue coverage in the imaged area of the field. The controller adjusts the configuration of the agricultural implement to respond to the amount and type of residue detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Ranjit Nair, Adam D. Sporrer, Kirti Balani, Ricky B. Theilen, Lucas B. Larsen, Vishal Rane, David L. Steinlage, Robert T. Casper, John M. Schweitzer, Jeremy D. Krantz
  • Patent number: 11266056
    Abstract: A residue detection and implement control system and method are disclosed for an agricultural implement. The system includes a source of environment data and image data of an imaged area of a crop field containing residue. The system includes a data store containing a plurality of image processing methods and at least one controller that processes the image data according to one or more image processing instruction sets. The controller selects one or more of the image processing methods based on the environment data, and processes the image data using the selected image processing instruction(s) to determine a value corresponding to residue coverage in the imaged area of the field. The controller adjusts the configuration of the agricultural implement to respond to the amount and type of residue detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Ranjit Nair, Adam D. Sporrer, Kirti Balani, Ricky B. Theilen, Lucas B. Larsen, Vishal Rane, David L. Steinlage, Robert T. Casper, John M. Schweitzer, Jeremy D. Krantz
  • Publication number: 20220000003
    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 19, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: ADAM D. SPORRER, Shawn J. Becker, Lucas B. Larsen, Ricky B. Theilen
  • Publication number: 20210372441
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide automatic assignment of control of a plurality of hydraulic circuits of an associated work vehicle to a plurality of operation systems of an implement. A hydraulic circuit assignment control unit includes a processor, a memory device, logic stored in the memory device, and a communication circuit operatively coupled with the processor. The processor executes the logic to associate an activation of a first hydraulic circuit of the plurality of hydraulic circuits of the associated work vehicle with a physical exercise of an operation system of the plurality of operation systems of the associated implement, and generates pairing assignment data representative of the association of the activated first hydraulic circuit with the physical exercise of the operation system of the implement. The logic generates directionality confirmation and calibration data that is communicated to the plurality of operation systems with the pairing assignment data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: MANDAR M. KALE, SANDEEP EKHE, SHOEBREZA SHAIKH, ADAM D. SPORRER, RICKY B. THEILEN, LUCAS B. LARSEN
  • Patent number: 11122754
    Abstract: An implement adjusting system having an implement with a plurality of adjustable components, a plurality of input values, at least one controlled system configured to adjust at least one of the plurality of adjustable components, and a controller that receives the plurality of input values, the controller configured to reposition the plurality of adjustable components based on the plurality of input values. Wherein, the plurality of adjustable components are repositionable by the controller based on the input values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Shawn J. Becker, Jacob W. Cross
  • Publication number: 20210274773
    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: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicants: 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: 20210243935
    Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a transversely extending frame forming a first, a second, and a third frame section. A hydraulic control system controls a raising or lowering movement of each frame section. A first actuator and a second actuator are coupled to the first frame section, a third actuator is coupled to the second frame section, and a fourth actuator is coupled to the third frame section. A first control valve is fluidly coupled between a fluid source and the first and second actuators. A second control valve is fluidly coupled to the third actuator and a third control valve is fluidly coupled to the fourth actuator. A first flow path fluidly couples the first actuator, the second actuator, the third actuator, and the fourth actuator in series and a second flow path fluidly couples at least the third and fourth actuators in parallel with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Jarrod R. Ruckle
  • Publication number: 20210227742
    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: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Adam D. SPORRER, Ricky B. THEILEN, Lucas B. LARSEN
  • Patent number: 11064643
    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: August 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Adam D. Sporrer, Shawn J. Becker, Lucas B. Larsen, Ricky B. Theilen