Patents by Inventor Benjamin C. Potter

Benjamin C. Potter 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: 20230397518
    Abstract: An implement illumination system includes illumination devices that illuminate a tool-to-soil interaction area. The illumination devices may also be grouped into groups and may be controllable from the operator's compartment of the towing vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2022
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: Nathan R. DEMSKI, Eric A. KEEN, Benjamin C. Potter, Mark D. Klein
  • Publication number: 20230234559
    Abstract: A soil measure, such as a soil cone index, and a vehicle index indicating the amount of force the vehicle exerts on the ground as it travels over the ground, are obtained and compared to identify a soil damage score. The soil damage score can be mapped over a field and an agricultural vehicle can be controlled based upon the soil damage score. In another example, a detector detects a fill level of a material storage compartment on an agricultural vehicle. The inflation pressure of tires on the agricultural vehicle is controlled based upon the detected fill level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Benjamin C. Potter, Eric A. Keen, Mark D. Klein, Lee A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9950734
    Abstract: A steering system and method are described for a vehicle having steerable wheels. A steering device may be coupled to one or more of the wheels. A parked state of the vehicle and a present orientation of the hydraulic steering device may be determined. The present orientation of the steering device may be compared with a neutral orientation of the steering device. Based upon a determined parked state of the vehicle and the comparing of the present and neutral orientations of the steering device, the steering device may be moved from the present orientation toward the neutral orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Thomas D. Bebernes, Benjamin C. Potter
  • Publication number: 20160297472
    Abstract: A steering system and method are described for a vehicle having steerable wheels. A steering device may be coupled to one or more of the wheels. A parked state of the vehicle and a present orientation of the hydraulic steering device may be determined. The present orientation of the steering device may be compared with a neutral orientation of the steering device. Based upon a determined parked state of the vehicle and the comparing of the present and neutral orientations of the steering device, the steering device may be moved from the present orientation toward the neutral orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas D. Bebernes, Benjamin C. Potter
  • Patent number: 9380737
    Abstract: A steering system and method are described for a vehicle having steerable wheels. A steering device may be coupled to one or more of the wheels. A parked state of the vehicle and a present orientation of the hydraulic steering device may be determined. The present orientation of the steering device may be compared with a neutral orientation of the steering device. Based upon a determined parked state of the vehicle and the comparing of the present and neutral orientations of the steering device, the steering device may be moved from the present orientation toward the neutral orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Thomas D. Bebernes, Benjamin C. Potter
  • Publication number: 20160039453
    Abstract: A steering system and method are described for a vehicle having steerable wheels. A steering device may be coupled to one or more of the wheels. A parked state of the vehicle and a present orientation of the hydraulic steering device may be determined. The present orientation of the steering device may be compared with a neutral orientation of the steering device. Based upon a determined parked state of the vehicle and the comparing of the present and neutral orientations of the steering device, the steering device may be moved from the present orientation toward the neutral orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas D. Bebernes, Benjamin C. Potter