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).

  • Patent number: 12082309
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, Charles Edward Byrd, Jr., Hilgad Montelo Da Silva
  • Patent number: 11707010
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Joshua David Harmon, Christopher A. Foster
  • Patent number: 11530528
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, Joshua David Harmon
  • Patent number: 11385640
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignees: CNH Industrial America LLC, Autonomous Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, John H. Posselius, Bret T. Turpin, Daniel J. Morwood
  • Patent number: 11357153
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, James W. Henry, Luca Ferrari
  • Patent number: 11337359
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Glenn Aesaert, Christopher A. Foster, Bart M. A. Missotten, John H. Posselius
  • Patent number: 11330754
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, Trevor Stanhope, Christopher Barrick
  • Patent number: 11294374
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignees: CNH Industrial America LLC, Autonomous Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, John H. Posselius, Bret T. Turpin, Daniel J. Morwood
  • Patent number: 11235772
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignees: 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
  • Publication number: 20220022284
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, Charles Edward Byrd, JR., Hilgad Montelo Da Silva
  • Patent number: 11206753
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Kevin M. Smith, John H. Posselius, Christopher A. Foster, Joshua David Harmon, Bruce Anderson
  • Patent number: 11199845
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Kevin M. Smith, John H. Posselius, Cory Douglas Hunt, Christopher A. Foster, Joshua David Harmon
  • Patent number: 11076626
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Kevin M. Smith, John H. Posselius, Christopher A. Foster, Joshua David Harmon
  • Publication number: 20210176909
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, James W. Henry, Luca Ferrari
  • Publication number: 20210127545
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, Trevor Stanhope, Christopher Barrick
  • Publication number: 20210132028
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, James W. Henry, John H. Posselius
  • Publication number: 20210123219
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, Joshua David Harmon
  • Patent number: 10973163
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignees: 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
  • Publication number: 20200390023
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Inventors: Joshua David Harmon, Christopher A. Foster
  • Publication number: 20200390018
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Inventors: Kevin M. Smith, John H. Posselius, Christopher A. Foster, Joshua David Harmon, Bruce Anderson