Patents by Inventor Calvin J. Kraning

Calvin J. Kraning 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: 5993312
    Abstract: A combine including an improved HVAC control system. The frame of the combine supports an operator cab, a harvesting head and the other operational systems of the combine. The control system includes an operator control and a heat exchanger located in the cab. The control system also includes at least one sensor disposed to sense at least one of an ambient air temperature, a cab air temperature and solar loading, and to produce at least one sensed signal representative thereof. The operator control is configured to produce a set-point signal representative of a desired cab air temperature. An interface circuit is electromagnetically coupled to the valve assembly, the operator control, and the at least one sensor. A cooling coil may also be located in the cab, wherein the interface circuit is electromagnetically coupled to the associated coolant compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Dale W. Panoushek, Calvin J. Kraning, Curtis A. Halgrimson, Quentin L. Guhr, Robert D. Doescher, Alan G. Leupold
  • Patent number: 5538472
    Abstract: A combine including an improved HVAC control system is disclosed herein. The frame of the combine supports an operator cab, a harvesting head and the other operational systems of the combine. The control system includes an operator control located at the roof of the cab and a heat exchanger located at the floor of the cab. An interface circuit is electrically coupled to the control circuit and the heat exchanger valve to control the amount of heat output by the heat exchanger. A cooling coil may also be located at the floor of the cab, wherein the control and interface circuit cooperate to control the associated coolant compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Dale W. Panoushek, Calvin J. Kraning
  • Patent number: 5467582
    Abstract: A cotton picker moistening system is provided that includes a pump driven by an electric motor to deliver a pressurized flow of moistening fluid. The system also includes a detecting device for generating a sensed parameter signal representative of a characteristic of the fluid delivered by the pump, such as pressure or flow rate, and a signal generator for generating a desired parameter signal representative of the desired characteristic. A control circuit compares the sensed and desired parameter signals and generates a control signal derived from the sensed and desired parameter signals. The control signal is applied to the electric motor, the pump or a regulating device downstream of the pump to control the delivery of moistening fluid. A flush switch is provided to override the control circuit and cause predetermined flow of fluid to be delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Dale W. Panoushek, Calvin J. Kraning
  • Patent number: 5417299
    Abstract: A full-time all wheel steering system is provided whereby the rear wheel angle is determined by the front wheel angle and a relational curve, polynomial equation or set of tabulated values. The front wheel angle is measured and the desired rear wheel angle is calculated by a programmable controller. If the desired rear wheel angle is not sufficiently close to the actual rear wheel angle, the controller means sends a signal which results in adjustment of the rear wheel angle. The desired rear wheel angle may be a function of the vehicle speed as well as the front wheel angle. Further, the operator may select from a plurality of relational curves, polynomial equations, tabulated values as well as a plurality of manually selectable modes including an independent rear wheel steering mode. The system is applicable to passenger cars, trucks and tractor-trailer rigs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Oshkosh Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Duane R. Pillar, Michael C. Wrege, Calvin J. Kraning
  • Patent number: 5233525
    Abstract: An improved electronic control system for a vehicle transmission system having a plurality of sequential gear ratios allows the vehicle operator to selectively engage either a normal sequential gear ratio progression or a gear ratio progression that skips or omits certain low gear ratios from the gear ratio shift sequence. The transmission control system includes a microprocessor driven electronic control circuit that governs the transmission operation by selectively actuating, from a plurality of hydraulic clutch solenoid valves, a unique combination of solenoid valves for each gear ratio. Manually operable control means allows the vehicle operator to cause the microprocessor to select a software routine that omits certain solenoid valve combinations so as to progress through the transmission gear ratios during upshifts in the forward control mode at a faster rate, thus improving the acceleration of the vehicle in the low gear ratio range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Overmann, Jeffrey S. Milender, Calvin J. Kraning
  • Patent number: 5194851
    Abstract: The improved steering controller is of the type used to control the angular position of the rear wheels on a four-wheel-steer vehicle as a function of the angular position of the front, operator-steered wheels. The controller includes a computing section, a visual display of the alpha-numeric type and a visual indicator which provides a bar-like display having a number of individual "markers" arranged in a row. The apparent length of such bar-like display, which changes as markers are illuminated, apprises the vehicle operator of the approximate magnitude and direction of angular displacement of the rear wheels from the centered position. The alpha-numeric visual display indicates operational mode as well as "errors" used in troubleshooting diagnosis and repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Calvin J. Kraning, Jeffrey S. Milender
  • Patent number: 4802545
    Abstract: A steering system for an articulated vehicle has pivotal wheel steering such as front axle wagon-wheel steering, a hydraulic actuator for pivoting the axle with respect to the vehicle, and a pair of hydraulic actuators for causing articulation of the vehicle. The system includes sensors for providing signals dependent on the degree of front wheel pivot relative to the vehicle and the degree of articulation of the vehicle. These signals are detected by a microprocessor controller which in turn controls the sequence of actuation of the axle and articulation hydraulic actuators. The actuators are operated sequentially so that small directional changes of the vehicles are achieved solely through pivoting of the axle. Operation of the axle and articulation actuators is controlled by a manual steering unit having a conventional hydraulic steering valve, with sequencing being provided through manipulation of a hydraulic fluid diverter valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventors: Paul A. Nystuen, Barry D. Batcheller, Kevin L. Brekkestran, Calvin J. Kraning