Patents by Inventor Christopher A. Foster
Christopher A. Foster 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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Systems and methods for providing mac-level wireless mesh networks incorporating long-range pathways
Patent number: 12082309Abstract: In one aspect, a system for providing a wireless mesh network includes a plurality of wireless mesh nodes positioned relative to an outdoor area, with the wireless mesh nodes comprising a plurality of stationary nodes spaced apart from one another across the outdoor area and a plurality of mobile nodes configured to be moved across the outdoor area. Each of the nodes is formed from a respective wireless communication device, with each wireless communication device being configured to function as a Media Access Control (MAC) level device when communicating data across the wireless mesh network. Additionally, the wireless communication device forming each respective mobile node is configured to communicate data across the wireless mesh network using a short-range wireless communications protocol. Moreover, at least a portion the wireless communication devices forming the stationary nodes are configured to communicate data across the wireless mesh network using a long-range wireless communications protocol.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2021Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Christopher A. Foster, Charles Edward Byrd, Jr., Hilgad Montelo Da Silva -
Patent number: 11707010Abstract: A system for monitoring the operational status of ground-engaging tools of an agricultural implement. The system includes a frame and an assembly including an attachment structure configured to be coupled to the frame and a ground-engaging tool pivotably coupled to the attachment structure at a pivot point. The system further includes a shear pin at least partially extending through both the attachment structure and ground-engaging tool to prevent pivoting of the ground-engaging tool about the pivot point. Additionally, the system includes a sensor configured to detect a load applied through a pivot member extending through at least one of the frame or assembly at any pivot point between the frame and the ground engaging tool. The system further includes a controller, communicatively coupled to the sensor, configured to determine a change in the working condition of the shear pin based on the detected load applied through the pivot member.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2019Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Joshua David Harmon, Christopher A. Foster
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Patent number: 11530528Abstract: In one aspect, a system for detecting tripping of ground engaging tools on an agricultural implement may include a ground engaging tool coupled to an implement frame. Furthermore, the system may include a motion sensor installed on the implement frame, with the motion sensor configured to capture data indicative of motion of the implement frame. Moreover, the system may include a controller configured to monitor the motion of the implement frame based on the data received from the motion sensor. In addition, the controller may be further configured to determine when the ground engaging tool has tripped based on the monitored motion.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2019Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLCInventors: Christopher A. Foster, Joshua David Harmon
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Patent number: 11385640Abstract: One embodiment describes a control system in an automation system including a first portion located at a first vehicle, which includes a first autonomous module that autonomously controls operation of the first vehicle to perform operations in a first area based at least in part on a first target operation result while the first portion is in an autonomous mode; and a second portion located at a second vehicle, in which the second portion includes a second autonomous module that autonomously controls operation of the second vehicle to perform operations in a second area based at least in part on a second target operation result while the second portion is in the autonomous mode and a first command module that determines the first target operation result and the second target operation result based at least in part on a global plan that indicates a total target operation result.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2019Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignees: CNH Industrial America LLC, Autonomous Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, John H. Posselius, Bret T. Turpin, Daniel J. Morwood
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Patent number: 11357153Abstract: In one aspect, a system for determining soil clod size as an implement is being towed across a field by a work vehicle may include an imaging device provided in operative association with the work vehicle or the implement such that the imaging device is configured to capture images of the field. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the imaging device. The controller may be configured to receive, from the imaging device, image data associated with an imaged portion of the field. Moreover, the controller may be configured analyze the received image data to identify at least one edge of a soil clod within the imaged portion of the field. Additionally, the controller may be configured to determine a size of the soil clod based on the identified at least one edge of the soil clod.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2019Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, James W. Henry, Luca Ferrari
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Patent number: 11337359Abstract: A combine harvester comprising a controller, at least one first sensor adapted to measure a first parameter related to soil deformation, and at least one second sensor adapted to measure a second parameter related to wheel slip. The first sensor is adapted to provide a first output to the controller. The second sensor is adapted to provide a second output to the controller. The controller is configured to determine a ground bearing capacity based on a combination of the first output and the second output.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2018Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Glenn Aesaert, Christopher A. Foster, Bart M. A. Missotten, John H. Posselius
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Patent number: 11330754Abstract: A system for assessing the performance of an agricultural implement may include a ground engaging tool configured to engage soil within a field as the agricultural implement is moved across the field such that the ground engaging tool creates a field material cloud aft of the ground engaging tool in a direction of travel of the agricultural implement. The system may further include a sensor configured to detect a cloud characteristic of the field material cloud and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The controller may be configured to monitor data received from the sensor and assess the agricultural operation being performed based at least in part on the cloud characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2019Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Christopher A. Foster, Trevor Stanhope, Christopher Barrick
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Patent number: 11294374Abstract: One embodiment describes a control system in an automation system including a first portion located at a first vehicle, which includes a first autonomous module that autonomously controls operation of the first vehicle to perform operations in a first area based at least in part on a first target operation result while the first portion is in an autonomous mode; and a second portion located at a second vehicle, in which the second portion includes a second autonomous module that autonomously controls operation of the second vehicle to perform operations in a second area based at least in part on a second target operation result while the second portion is in the autonomous mode and a first command module that determines the first target operation result and the second target operation result based at least in part on a global plan that indicates a total target operation result.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2019Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignees: CNH Industrial America LLC, Autonomous Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, John H. Posselius, Bret T. Turpin, Daniel J. Morwood
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Patent number: 11235772Abstract: A slip control system for an off-road vehicle includes a control system configured to output a signal indicative of a first action if a magnitude of slippage of the off-road vehicle relative to a soil surface is greater than a first threshold value and less than or equal to a second threshold value. Furthermore, the control system is configured to output a signal indicative of a second action, different than the first action, if the magnitude of slippage is greater than the second threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2018Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignees: CNH Industrial America LLC, Autonomous Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, John H. Posselius, Eric Emerson Veikle, Michael G. Hornberger, Bret Todd Turpin, Daniel John Morwood
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SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING MAC-LEVEL WIRELESS MESH NETWORKS INCORPORATING LONG-RANGE PATHWAYS
Publication number: 20220022284Abstract: In one aspect, a system for providing a wireless mesh network includes a plurality of wireless mesh nodes positioned relative to an outdoor area, with the wireless mesh nodes comprising a plurality of stationary nodes spaced apart from one another across the outdoor area and a plurality of mobile nodes configured to be moved across the outdoor area. Each of the nodes is formed from a respective wireless communication device, with each wireless communication device being configured to function as a Media Access Control (MAC) level device when communicating data across the wireless mesh network. Additionally, the wireless communication device forming each respective mobile node is configured to communicate data across the wireless mesh network using a short-range wireless communications protocol. Moreover, at least a portion the wireless communication devices forming the stationary nodes are configured to communicate data across the wireless mesh network using a long-range wireless communications protocol.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2021Publication date: January 20, 2022Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, Charles Edward Byrd, JR., Hilgad Montelo Da Silva -
Patent number: 11206753Abstract: A system for controlling an implement during a tillage operation may include a frame and a ground-engaging tool pivotally coupled to the frame and movable relative to the frame between a retracted position and an extended position. An actuator may be configured to bias the ground-engaging tool towards the extended position during the tillage operation. An adjustable valve may be configured to permit flow out of the actuator when a fluid pressure of the actuator exceeds a reset pressure such that the actuator allows the ground-engaging tool to pivot towards the retracted position. A controller may be configured to determine at least one of an actuator position or a load value indicative of a force applied by the ground-engaging tool against the soil during the tillage operation and adjust the reset pressure based on the at least one of the actuator position or the load value.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2019Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Kevin M. Smith, John H. Posselius, Christopher A. Foster, Joshua David Harmon, Bruce Anderson
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Patent number: 11199845Abstract: In one aspect, a method for distributing crop material for ensilage may include determining, with a computing device, a storage volume for the crop material. The method may also include dividing, with the computing device, the determined storage volume into a plurality of planes. Each plane of the plurality of planes may be spaced apart from each other plane of the plurality of planes along a vertical direction. Furthermore, the method may include controlling, with the computing device, an operation of at least one of a work vehicle or an associated implement in a manner that distributes a portion of the crop material on a given plane of the plurality of planes.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2019Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Kevin M. Smith, John H. Posselius, Cory Douglas Hunt, Christopher A. Foster, Joshua David Harmon
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Patent number: 11076626Abstract: In one aspect, a method for compressing crop material for ensilage may include monitoring, with a computing device, a location of a work vehicle within a silage heap as the work vehicle traverses a layer of crop material within the silage heap. The method may also include determining, with the computing device, a current density of the layer of crop material as the work vehicle traverses the layer of crop material. Furthermore, the method may include controlling, with the computing device, an operation of the work vehicle based on the monitored location and the determined current density such that the work vehicle compresses the layer of crop material.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2019Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Kevin M. Smith, John H. Posselius, Christopher A. Foster, Joshua David Harmon
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Publication number: 20210176909Abstract: In one aspect, a system for determining soil clod size as an implement is being towed across a field by a work vehicle may include an imaging device provided in operative association with the work vehicle or the implement such that the imaging device is configured to capture images of the field. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the imaging device. The controller may be configured to receive, from the imaging device, image data associated with an imaged portion of the field. Moreover, the controller may be configured analyze the received image data to identify at least one edge of a soil clod within the imaged portion of the field. Additionally, the controller may be configured to determine a size of the soil clod based on the identified at least one edge of the soil clod.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2019Publication date: June 17, 2021Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, James W. Henry, Luca Ferrari
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Publication number: 20210127545Abstract: A system for assessing the performance of an agricultural implement may include a ground engaging tool configured to engage soil within a field as the agricultural implement is moved across the field such that the ground engaging tool creates a field material cloud aft of the ground engaging tool in a direction of travel of the agricultural implement. The system may further include a sensor configured to detect a cloud characteristic of the field material cloud and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The controller may be configured to monitor data received from the sensor and assess the agricultural operation being performed based at least in part on the cloud characteristic.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, Trevor Stanhope, Christopher Barrick
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Publication number: 20210132028Abstract: A system for monitoring field conditions of a field includes a sensor supported on an agricultural implement, the sensor having a field of view directed towards an aft portion of the field disposed rearward of the agricultural implement relative to a direction of travel of the agricultural implement. The sensor generates data indicative of a field condition associated with the aft portion of the field. An actuator actuates the sensor back and forth relative to the agricultural implement along a sensor movement path. A controller receives data from the sensor indicative of the field condition as the actuator actuates the sensor such that the field of view of the sensor is oscillated across the aft portion of the field while the agricultural implement is being moved across the field. The controller monitors the field condition based at least in part on the data received from the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, James W. Henry, John H. Posselius
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Publication number: 20210123219Abstract: In one aspect, a system for detecting tripping of ground engaging tools on an agricultural implement may include a ground engaging tool coupled to an implement frame. Furthermore, the system may include a motion sensor installed on the implement frame, with the motion sensor configured to capture data indicative of motion of the implement frame. Moreover, the system may include a controller configured to monitor the motion of the implement frame based on the data received from the motion sensor. In addition, the controller may be further configured to determine when the ground engaging tool has tripped based on the monitored motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2019Publication date: April 29, 2021Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, Joshua David Harmon
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Patent number: 10973163Abstract: A system includes an electronic control system for an agricultural system, including a controller configured to receive a first signal indicative of a mission of a work vehicle of the agricultural system. The controller is configured to determine a first desired path of travel of the work vehicle based on the mission. The controller is configured to output a second signal to the work vehicle indicative of the first desired path of travel, to receive a third signal indicative of a change event from the work vehicle or from an operator, to determine a response to the change event that facilitates completion of the mission, and to output a fourth signal indicative of the response to the work vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2015Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignees: CNH Industrial America LLC, Autonomous Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, John H. Posselius, Paul J. Lewis, Bret Todd Turpin, Jeremy Alexander Harris, James Brian Stewart, Max J. Barfuss, Joshua Hill Henrie, Daniel John Morwood, Brandon Chamberlain Adams
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Publication number: 20200390023Abstract: A system for monitoring the operational status of ground-engaging tools of an agricultural implement. The system includes a frame and an assembly including an attachment structure configured to be coupled to the frame and a ground-engaging tool pivotably coupled to the attachment structure at a pivot point. The system further includes a shear pin at least partially extending through both the attachment structure and ground-engaging tool to prevent pivoting of the ground-engaging tool about the pivot point. Additionally, the system includes a sensor configured to detect a load applied through a pivot member extending through at least one of the frame or assembly at any pivot point between the frame and the ground engaging tool. The system further includes a controller, communicatively coupled to the sensor, configured to determine a change in the working condition of the shear pin based on the detected load applied through the pivot member.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2019Publication date: December 17, 2020Inventors: Joshua David Harmon, Christopher A. Foster
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Publication number: 20200390018Abstract: A system for controlling an implement during a tillage operation may include a frame and a ground-engaging tool pivotally coupled to the frame and movable relative to the frame between a retracted position and an extended position. An actuator may be configured to bias the ground-engaging tool towards the extended position during the tillage operation. An adjustable valve may be configured to permit flow out of the actuator when a fluid pressure of the actuator exceeds a reset pressure such that the actuator allows the ground-engaging tool to pivot towards the retracted position. A controller may be configured to determine at least one of an actuator position or a load value indicative of a force applied by the ground-engaging tool against the soil during the tillage operation and adjust the reset pressure based on the at least one of the actuator position or the load value.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2019Publication date: December 17, 2020Inventors: Kevin M. Smith, John H. Posselius, Christopher A. Foster, Joshua David Harmon, Bruce Anderson