Patents by Inventor ALEX R. VANDEGRIFT

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

  • Patent number: 12291840
    Abstract: An auto-benching grade control system and method are provided for work machines such as excavators. Movements of at least one implement relative to a machine frame are actuated based on user inputs via a first user interface tool. Manual/automatic control modes are selected based on user inputs via a second user interface tool. Responsive to further user input via at least one of the first and second user interface tools, a target elevation is automatically specified based on a current elevation of at least one implement component corresponding to the further user input. During the automatic control mode, movement of at least the implement is controlled based at least in part on a specified target mainfall and a specified target cross-slope for at least a portion of the terrain to be worked, and the specified target elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Assignee: Deere &Company
    Inventors: Alex R. Vandegrift, Bryan D. Sulzer, Bryan J. Rausch
  • Publication number: 20240357962
    Abstract: Systems and methods utilizing automation logic for powered ladders of work vehicles, including harvesters. A portion of the powered ladder can be displaced relative to other portions of the ladder so that the powered ladder is in either a folded or unfolded orientation. A controller can determine whether a secondary device, such as, for example, a header, is attached to the work vehicle. In response to at least determining the secondary device is not attached to the work vehicle, the folded powered ladder can be automatically displaced from an extended position to a retraced position. Upon detection of either or both a change in position of an operator, and a predetermined operational status of the work vehicle, the ladder can be displaced away from the retracted position, and the second portion of the powered ladder can be displaced so that the powered ladder can return to the unfolded orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2023
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Inventors: Snehalrao S. Jadhav, Aaron S. Ritter, Paul D. Marvin, Blake A. Boe, Alex R. Vandegrift, Corey A. Akers
  • Publication number: 20240247462
    Abstract: An auto-benching grade control system and method are provided for work machines such as excavators. Movements of at least one implement relative to a machine frame are actuated based on user inputs via a first user interface tool. Manual/automatic control modes are selected based on user inputs via a second user interface tool. Responsive to further user input via at least one of the first and second user interface tools, a target elevation is automatically specified based on a current elevation of at least one implement component corresponding to the further user input. During the automatic control mode, movement of at least the implement is controlled based at least in part on a specified target mainfall and a specified target cross-slope for at least a portion of the terrain to be worked, and the specified target elevation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2023
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Inventors: Alex R. Vandegrift, Bryan D. Sulzer, Bryan J. Rausch
  • Patent number: 11939741
    Abstract: A work vehicle comprising a frame supported by a ground engaging device. A boom assembly is coupled to the frame. An attachment coupler is coupled to the boom assembly. An electronic data processor is communicatively coupled to a boom actuator, an attachment coupler actuator, a boom sensor, an attachment coupler sensor, and an operator input device. A computer readable storage medium comprising machine readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive an operator input and for a tilt forward command, command the boom actuator to move the boom assembly to a frame contact position and then command the attachment coupler actuator to move the attachment coupler towards a lower position. For a tilt rearward command, command the attachment coupler actuator to move the attachment coupler towards an upper position and then command the boom actuator to move the boom assembly towards a raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Alex R. Vandegrift, John R. Mahrenholz, Todd F. Velde, Benjamin Morrison, Bryan Rausch, Megan E. Marotz, Christopher J. Meyer
  • Patent number: 11681320
    Abstract: In embodiments, a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device, an MRF joystick resistance mechanism, and a controller architecture. The joystick device includes, in turn, a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick bias mechanism coupled to the joystick and exerting a centering force urging the joystick to return to the centered position when moved therefrom. The controller architecture is operable in a modified centering mode in which the controller architecture: (i) determines when the joystick begins return toward the centered position due to the centering force applied by the joystick bias mechanism; and (ii) when so determining, commands the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to modify a rate at which the joystick returns to the centered position by varying the MRF resistance force applied to the joystick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Aaron R. Kenkel, Alex R. Vandegrift
  • Patent number: 11634885
    Abstract: In embodiments, a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device, an MRF joystick resistance mechanism, and a controller architecture. The joystick device includes, in turn, a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick position sensor configured to monitor movement of the joystick relative to the base housing. The MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary a first joystick stiffness resisting movement of the joystick relative to the base housing in at least one degree of freedom. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) detect when unintended joystick motion conditions occur during operation of the work vehicle; and (ii) when detecting unintended joystick motion conditions, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to increase the first joystick stiffness in a manner reducing susceptibility of the joystick device to unintended joystick motions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Todd F. Velde, Alex R. Vandegrift, Craig Christofferson, Christopher J. Meyer, Aaron R. Kenkel, Mark D. Anderson, Lance R. Sherlock, Kenneth Franck
  • Patent number: 11505917
    Abstract: In embodiments, a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device. The joystick device includes, in turn, a base housing and a joystick, which is rotatable relative to the base housing and which is biased toward a joystick return position. An MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary an MRF resistance force impeding movement of the joystick relative to the base housing, while a controller architecture is coupled to the MRF joystick resistance mechanism. The controller configured to: (i) selectively enable an operator adjustment of the joystick return position by a work vehicle operator; and (ii) when enabling the operator adjustment of the joystick return position, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to maintain the MRF resistance force at a predetermined level until the operator adjustment of the joystick return position is terminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Brett S. Graham, Alex R. Vandegrift
  • 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: 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: 11249508
    Abstract: In embodiments, a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device, an MRF joystick resistance mechanism, and a controller architecture. The joystick device includes, in turn, a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick bias mechanism coupled to the joystick and exerting a centering force urging the joystick to return to the centered position when moved therefrom. The controller architecture is operable in a modified centering mode in which the controller architecture: (i) determines when the joystick begins return toward the centered position due to the centering force applied by the joystick bias mechanism; and (ii) when so determining, commands the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to modify a rate at which the joystick returns to the centered position by varying the MRF resistance force applied to the joystick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Aaron R. Kenkel, Alex R. Vandegrift
  • Publication number: 20210340726
    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: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    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
  • Publication number: 20210341960
    Abstract: In embodiments, a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device, an MRF joystick resistance mechanism, and a controller architecture. The joystick device includes, in turn, a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick bias mechanism coupled to the joystick and exerting a centering force urging the joystick to return to the centered position when moved therefrom. The controller architecture is operable in a modified centering mode in which the controller architecture: (i) determines when the joystick begins return toward the centered position due to the centering force applied by the joystick bias mechanism; and (ii) when so determining, commands the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to modify a rate at which the joystick returns to the centered position by varying the MRF resistance force applied to the joystick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Aaron R. Kenkel, Alex R. Vandegrift
  • Publication number: 20210340728
    Abstract: In embodiments, a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device. The joystick device includes, in turn, a base housing and a joystick, which is rotatable relative to the base housing and which is biased toward a joystick return position. An MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary an MRF resistance force impeding movement of the joystick relative to the base housing, while a controller architecture is coupled to the MRF joystick resistance mechanism. The controller configured to: (i) selectively enable an operator adjustment of the joystick return position by a work vehicle operator; and (ii) when enabling the operator adjustment of the joystick return position, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to maintain the MRF resistance force at a predetermined level until the operator adjustment of the joystick return position is terminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Brett S. Graham, Alex R. Vandegrift
  • Publication number: 20210341032
    Abstract: In embodiments, a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device, an MRF joystick resistance mechanism, and a controller architecture. The joystick device includes, in turn, a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick position sensor configured to monitor movement of the joystick relative to the base housing. The MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary a first joystick stiffness resisting movement of the joystick relative to the base housing in at least one degree of freedom. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) detect when unintended joystick motion conditions occur during operation of the work vehicle; and (ii) when detecting unintended joystick motion conditions, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to increase the first joystick stiffness in a manner reducing susceptibility of the joystick device to unintended joystick motions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Todd F. Velde, Alex R. Vandegrift, Craig Christofferson, Christopher J. Meyer, Aaron R. Kenkel, Mark D. Anderson, Lance R. Sherlock, Kenneth Franck
  • Publication number: 20210123207
    Abstract: A work vehicle comprising a frame supported by a ground engaging device. A boom assembly is coupled to the frame. An attachment coupler is coupled to the boom assembly. An electronic data processor is communicatively coupled to a boom actuator, an attachment coupler actuator, a boom sensor, an attachment coupler sensor, and an operator input device. A computer readable storage medium comprising machine readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive an operator input and for a tilt forward command, command the boom actuator to move the boom assembly to a frame contact position and then command the attachment coupler actuator to move the attachment coupler towards a lower position. For a tilt rearward command, command the attachment coupler actuator to move the attachment coupler towards an upper position and then command the boom actuator to move the boom assembly towards a raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Inventors: ALEX R. VANDEGRIFT, JOHN R. MAHRENHOLZ, TODD F. VELDE, BENJAMIN MORRISON, BRYAN RAUSCH, MEGAN E. MAROTZ, CHRISTOPHER J. MEYER
  • Patent number: D922366
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Brett S. Graham, Nilesh T. Kumbhar, Scott J. Cassidy, John S. Foltz, Casey J. Hart, Benjamin J. Morrison, Alex R. Vandegrift, Amy C. Carlson