Patents by Inventor Brett S. Graham
Brett S. Graham 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).
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Publication number: 20250146249Abstract: A reconfigurable grading blade attachment for a work machine includes an attachment frame, a pivot beam extending transversely to the frame length, a left stabilizer wheel assembly pivotally coupled to the left portion of the pivot beam, a right stabilizer wheel assembly pivotally coupled to a right portion of the pivot beam, a center mount, a left hydraulic actuator pivotally coupled to the left portion of the pivot beam, a right hydraulic actuator pivotally coupled to the right portion of the pivot beam, and a grading blade extending transversely to the length of the work machine frame. Retraction of the left hydraulic actuator rotates the left stabilizer wheel assembly upwards about the left wheel lift axis. Retraction of the right hydraulic actuator rotates the right stabilizer wheel assembly upwards about the right wheel lift axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2023Publication date: May 8, 2025Inventors: Arun Narayanan, Mark A. Simon, Nicholas J. Rokusek, Brett S. Graham
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Publication number: 20250137219Abstract: A work machine comprising of a frame extending longitudinally, a ground-engaging unit supporting the frame, and an operator cab coupled to the frame. A boom is pivotally coupled to a rear portion of the frame and coupled to the attachment coupler at a forward portion of the boom. The boom extends longitudinally and is configured to move the attachment coupler from a first position to a second position relative to the frame along a lift path. A boom lift assembly couples the rear portion of the boom to the frame and wherein the boom lift assembly guides the boom to move the attachment coupler along the lift path.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2023Publication date: May 1, 2025Inventors: Nilesh T. Kumbhar, Brett S. Graham, Eric Vilar, Giovanni A. Wuisan
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Publication number: 20250092639Abstract: A construction vehicle including a core defining a top, and a bottom opposite the top. The core including a frame, a drive motor coupled to the frame, where the drive motor defines a drive axis, and a drive assembly coupled to the core. The drive assembly including a first load-bearing wheel defining a first axis of rotation, and a second load-bearing wheel defining a second axis of rotation, where together the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation define a centerline plane, where the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation define an intermediate zone therebetween, where the drive axis is positioned between the centerline plane and the top of the core, and where the drive axis is positioned outside the intermediate zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2023Publication date: March 20, 2025Inventors: Nilesh T. Kumbhar, Brett S. Graham, Steven R. Whiteman, Trent A. Luoma, Sujit Waghmode
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Publication number: 20250067019Abstract: A box blade grading attachment of the present disclosure may comprise an attachment frame, a coupler bracket, a tilt connection, a pivot beam, left and right caster wheels, a grading box, and a tilting actuator. The attachment frame includes a rear attachment frame portion for coupling of the box blade grading attachment to a construction machine and an upper attachment frame portion having an upward facing reference surface. The tilt connection defines a tilt axis about which the attachment frame may tilt relative to the coupler bracket. The tilt axis may be substantially parallel to the upward facing reference surface. The pivot beam is pivotally connected to the upper attachment frame portion and includes left and right caster wheels pivotally connected to the pivot beam. The tilting actuator tilts the attachment frame and the grading box about the tilt axis relative to the coupler bracket.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2023Publication date: February 27, 2025Inventors: Mark A. Simon, Arun Narayanan, Nicholas J. Rokusek, Brett S. Graham
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Patent number: 12209389Abstract: A work vehicle is provided with a first portion having a frame supported by ground engaging units, and an operator cab with a first (forward) side and opposing second and third sides having respective (i.e., left and right) fields of view. At least a first portion of terrain proximate to the frame (i.e., an area of interest) is obscured from view of an operator in the operator cab during at least a portion of a trajectory of movement of a second portion of the work vehicle (e.g., a boom assembly). At least one imaging device is mounted on the work vehicle and has a field of view including the area of interest throughout the trajectory of movement of the second portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2022Date of Patent: January 28, 2025Assignee: Deere &CompanyInventors: Giovanni A. Wuisan, Rachel Bruflodt, Brett S. Graham
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Patent number: 12152642Abstract: A construction machine includes a machine frame, left front wheel, left rear wheel, right front wheel, and right rear wheel. Left and right side electric drive motors and reduction gear assemblies are aligned with a drive axis of the left and right front wheels, respectively. Left and right side drive chains connect the left and right side electric drive motors and reduction gear assemblies with the left and right rear wheels, respectively. A left side drive clutch is positioned between the left front wheel and the left side electric drive motor and reduction gear assembly. A right side drive clutch is positioned between the right front wheel and the right side electric drive motor and reduction gear assembly. A controller is configured to selectively engage or disengage the left and right side drive clutches to selectively provide two wheel drive or four wheel drive.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2023Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Brett S. Graham, Steven R. Whiteman
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Publication number: 20240279901Abstract: A construction machine includes a machine frame, a plurality of ground engaging wheels or tracks supporting the machine frame, a work implement, and a lifting linkage connected to the work implement for lifting and lowering the work implement relative to the machine frame. A position sensor is operably associated with the lifting linkage for generating a position signal representative of a position of the lifting linkage within a range of motion. A hydraulic actuator is connected to the lifting linkage for moving the lifting linkage through the range of motion. A hydraulic pressure supply system provides hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic actuator. A controller is configured to receive the position signal and to generate a control signal to vary a system relief pressure of the hydraulic pressure supply system at least in part in response to the position signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2023Publication date: August 22, 2024Inventors: Grant R. Henn, Michael R. Elgin, Brett S. Graham, Karl G. Heine, Jason Bennett
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Patent number: 12049741Abstract: A bucket assembly for use with a piece of construction equipment, the bucket assembly including a bucket including a base wall with a leading edge, where the bucket defines a bucket width, and a bucket frame pivotably coupled to the bucket and configured to be mounted to the piece of construction equipment, where the bucket frame defines a pivot axis about which the bucket pivots relative to the bucket frame over a pre-determined range of motion, where the pivot axis is parallel to the base wall of the bucket and perpendicular to the leading edge of the bucket, and where the pivot axis is centered along the bucket width.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2021Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Nilesh T. Kumbhar, Nicholas J. Rokusek, Brett S. Graham
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Publication number: 20240150992Abstract: A construction machine comprising a machine frame, a plurality of ground engaging units for supporting the machine frame from a ground surface, a work tool coupling, left and right boom arms pivotally supported directly or indirectly from the machine frame and pivotally connected to the work tool coupling, left and right work tool actuators mounted on the left and right boom arms, respectively, and left and right actuator linkages connecting the left and right work tool actuators, respectively, with the work tool coupling.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2022Publication date: May 9, 2024Inventors: Nilesh Kumbhar, Brett S. Graham, Eric Vilar, Giovanni A. Wuisan
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Publication number: 20230383497Abstract: An adaptive control system automatically controls an attachment position during a grading operation of a surface. The system comprises a frame, an attachment, first sensor, a second sensor, a laser receiver and a controller. The first sensor generates a first sensor signal indicative of an angle of the frame. The second sensor generates a second sensor signal indicative of an angle of the ground-engaging attachment. The laser receiver receives a laser signal from a laser beacon and generates a height signal based on the laser signal. The height signal is indicative of a position of either the attachment or the frame relative to the laser signal. The controller establishes a target grade based on a desired grade of the surface; identifies a position of the attachment; receives the first sensor signal; the second sensor signal; and the laser signal. The controller generates a first control signal or second control signal based on the inputs.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2022Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventors: Brett S. Graham, Daniel M. Kassen, Todd F. Velde
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Publication number: 20230339402Abstract: A method is provided for visually representing an area of interest proximate to or otherwise associated with a work vehicle including a first portion including a frame, an operator cab supported by the frame, and a second portion (e.g., boom assembly) moveable relative to the frame. The area of interest is at least partially obscured from an operator during movement of the second portion. First and second imaging devices are mounted on the work vehicle, at least one of the imaging devices having a field of view including the area of interest at any given time throughout movement of the second portion. The method includes selectively providing image data corresponding to the area of interest from either the first or the second imaging device to a display unit, wherein a display of the area of interest is substantially maintained thereon throughout the movement of the second portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2022Publication date: October 26, 2023Inventors: Brett S. Graham, Giovanni A. Wuisan, Rachel Bruflodt
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Publication number: 20230340759Abstract: A work vehicle is configured for visually representing an area of interest such as the blade of a work implement. A first portion (e.g., frame) includes an operator cab and a second portion (e.g., boom assembly) is moveable relative to the first portion, wherein the area of interest is at least partially obscured from operator view during movement of the second portion. An imaging device is mounted on the second portion and has a field of view including the area of interest throughout the movement of the second portion. During a first operating mode, a display unit is caused to statically display an area around the area of interest while the area of interest moves along with movement of the second portion. During a second operating mode, the display unit is caused to statically display the area of interest while the background moves along with movement of the second portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2022Publication date: October 26, 2023Inventors: Rachel Bruflodt, Giovanni A. Wuisan, Brett S. Graham
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Publication number: 20230279644Abstract: A work vehicle is provided with a first portion having a frame supported by ground engaging units, and an operator cab with a first (forward) side and opposing second and third sides having respective (i.e., left and right) fields of view. At least a first portion of terrain proximate to the frame (i.e., an area of interest) is obscured from view of an operator in the operator cab during at least a portion of a trajectory of movement of a second portion of the work vehicle (e.g., a boom assembly). At least one imaging device is mounted on the work vehicle and has a field of view including the area of interest throughout the trajectory of movement of the second portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2022Publication date: September 7, 2023Inventors: Giovanni A. Wuisan, Rachel Bruflodt, Brett S. Graham
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Patent number: 11680387Abstract: A method is provided for visually representing areas of interest associated with and/or proximate a work vehicle which includes a first portion (e.g., frame) and a second portion (e.g., work implement) moveable relative thereto, wherein for example a first area of interest comprising terrain proximate a ground-engaging work tool is obscured from direct operator view. An imaging device is mounted on the work vehicle and has a field of view including the first area of interest at least while the tool is proximate a ground-engaging position. Selections may accordingly be made from among various areas of interest, wherein image display parameters associated with perimeter contours of the selected area of interest are substantially maintained throughout movement of the second portion. For example, display parameters corresponding to the first area of interest may be maintained while the tool and the imaging device move relative thereto.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2022Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Brett S. Graham, Giovanni A. Wuisan, Rachel Bruflodt
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Publication number: 20230175235Abstract: A rear collision avoidance system and method for a machine with left and right side traction devices for moving the machine. Sensors monitor obstacles around the machine. A commanded reverse path is calculated based on operator traction device commands. If an obstacle is in the commanded reverse path, the system automatically adjusts the traction device commands to avoid collision with the obstacle. A time to collision can be calculated, and the traction device commands adjusted only when it is below a threshold. Adjusting the traction device commands to avoid collision can include determining reverse propel and steer components based on the traction device commands; and if the reverse propel is greater than a propel threshold then adjusting the traction device commands to reduce reverse propel but maintain the reverse path; and if steer is greater than propel then adjusting the traction device commands to reduce reverse propel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2021Publication date: June 8, 2023Inventors: Rachel Bruflodt, Giovanni A Wuisan, Michael Kean, Brett S Graham
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Publication number: 20230174055Abstract: A body swing collision avoidance system and method for a machine with steerable traction devices for moving the machine. Sensors monitor obstacles around the machine. A commanded body swing path is calculated based on operator steering commands. If an obstacle is in the commanded body swing path, the system automatically adjusts the steering commands to avoid collision with the obstacle. A time to collision can be calculated, and the steering commands adjusted only when it is below a threshold. Adjusting the steering commands to avoid collision can include determining propel and steer components based on the steering commands; and if propel is greater than a threshold then adjusting the steering commands to adjust the swing path to avoid collision; and if propel is less than the threshold then adjusting the steering commands to slow the machine to avoid collision.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2021Publication date: June 8, 2023Inventors: Rachel Bruflodt, Giovanni A. Wuisan, Michael Kean, Brett S. Graham
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Publication number: 20230134217Abstract: A work vehicle comprising a lift system, a coupling assembly, a proximity sensor, a linear actuator, and a monitoring system. The coupling assembly coupled to the movable arm and a work implement. The proximity sensor is configured to send a proximity signal representative of a position of a first surface on the coupling assembly with a second surface on the work implement. The linear actuator is configured to send an extension signal indicative of a length of the linear actuator. The monitoring system configured to receive the proximity signal and the extension signal; determine a first condition of a first coupling step based on the signals received; perform a curling operation; retract a linear actuator on the coupling assembly in a second coupling step; receive an extension signal from a linear actuator sensor; and determine a second condition of the second coupling step based on the extension signal received.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2021Publication date: May 4, 2023Inventors: Brett S. Graham, Nilesh T. Kumbhar
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Publication number: 20230102419Abstract: A work machine and method for grading a ground surface may include a frame, a ground-engaging attachment, an attachment coupler coupling the ground-engaging attachment to the frame, an actuator enabling movement of the ground-engaging attachment, an adjustable linkage to adjust a position of the ground-engaging attachment relative to the frame, an adjustable linkage, a sensor, and a controller. The adjustable linkage adjusts a position of the ground-engaging attachment relative to the frame. The adjustable linkage comprises of a first portion and a second portion, an enclosure encircling the second portion wherein the enclosure creates an annular chamber between the enclosure and the second portion. A sensor is coupled to the annular chamber and measures a pressure in the chamber. A controller may be configured to monitor the sensor signal, and perform one or more actions based on the sensor signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2021Publication date: March 30, 2023Inventors: Brett S. Graham, Nilesh T. Kumbhar, John R. Mahrenholz
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Patent number: 11609562Abstract: A work machine has a backup camera that captures images of an area of a worksite behind the work machine. A controller identifies pre-defined markings in the worksite and localizes the pre-defined markings to the work machine, based on the images. A control signal generator generates control signals to automatically control the work machine based upon the localized markings.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2020Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Michael G. Kean, Amy K. Jones, Brett S. Graham, Nathaniel M. Czarnecki, Gordon E. Miller, Rachel Bruflodt
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Patent number: D1015383Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Brett S. Graham, Brian J. Zimmer, Evan R. Olson