Patents by Inventor Christopher D. Turner
Christopher D. Turner 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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Patent number: 11700792Abstract: A torque smoothing apparatus is utilized in conjunction with a large square baler (LSB), which includes a bale chamber, a plunger mounted for reciprocation within the bale chamber, and an LSB drive line. In embodiments, the torque smoothing apparatus includes a planetary gear train and a flywheel, which is mechanically coupled to the LSB drive line through the planetary gear train. An auxiliary motor having a motor output is mechanically coupled to the LSB drive line through the planetary gear train, while a controller is operably coupled to the auxiliary motor. The controller commands the auxiliary motor to selectively apply torque to the LSB drive line such that the torque applied by the auxiliary motor, taken in combination with a torque contribution of the flywheel, reduces variations in torque demands placed on a vehicle engine as the plunger reciprocates during LSB bale formation.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2019Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Christopher D. Turner, William J. Vande Haar, Darin L. Roth
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Publication number: 20210120745Abstract: A torque smoothing apparatus is utilized in conjunction with a large square baler (LSB), which includes a bale chamber, a plunger mounted for reciprocation within the bale chamber, and an LSB drive line. In embodiments, the torque smoothing apparatus includes a planetary gear train and a flywheel, which is mechanically coupled to the LSB drive line through the planetary gear train. An auxiliary motor having a motor output is mechanically coupled to the LSB drive line through the planetary gear train, while a controller is operably coupled to the auxiliary motor. The controller commands the auxiliary motor to selectively apply torque to the LSB drive line such that the torque applied by the auxiliary motor, taken in combination with a torque contribution of the flywheel, reduces variations in torque demands placed on a vehicle engine as the plunger reciprocates during LSB bale formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2019Publication date: April 29, 2021Inventors: Christopher D. Turner, William J. Vande Haar, Darin L. Roth
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Patent number: 10821840Abstract: A power supply arrangement having an interface for operation of a multi-voltage system of an agricultural vehicle includes a first network segment with a motor generator connected thereto and a second network segment with a lead battery connected thereto. The first network segment has a first voltage level corresponding to a nominal voltage of the lead battery for operation of an electric vehicle components, and the second network segment includes a higher second voltage level for charging the lead battery and providing electric power to an electric load comprising an agricultural implement. The interface forms a voltage source connecting the two network segments and provides an equalization voltage resulting from the two voltage levels in a charging mode and which is bypassed in a motor operating mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2017Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Decho Botev, Christopher D. Turner
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Patent number: 10591025Abstract: A combination engine starter and electric power generator device for a work vehicle has an electric machine and a gear set mounted to the electric machine. The gear set is configured to receive rotational input from the electric machine and from the work vehicle engine. The gear set mechanically couples the electric machine and the engine in first and second power flow directions in which in the first power flow direction the gear set effects a first gear ratio and in the second power flow direction the gear set effects a second gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2017Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Steven R. Fliearman, Christopher D. Turner, John N. Oenick, Tony J. Huegerich
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Patent number: 10519920Abstract: An automatic two-mode high reduction power transmission system. A power transmission system includes a first device that delivers a first input and receives a second output. A second device delivers a second input and receives a first output. A power transmission has two planetary gear sets and operates in a first mode at a first speed ratio, where the first input is received from the first device and in response, the first output is delivered to the second device. The power transmission operates in a second mode at a second speed ratio that is different than the first speed ratio, where the second input is received from the second device and in response, the second output is delivered to the first device. A pair of freewheel mechanisms automatically couple one of the first or second devices with the power transmission to provide the two modes.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2018Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Mahendra S. Patil, Christopher D. Turner, Prasad M. Panse, Pranav Jagtap
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Patent number: 10487918Abstract: A combination engine starter and electric power generator device for a work vehicle has an electric machine and a gear set mounted to the electric machine. The gear set is configured to receive rotational input from the electric machine and from the work vehicle engine. The gear set mechanically couples the electric machine and the engine in first and second power flow directions in which in the first power flow direction the gear set effects a first gear ratio and in the second power flow direction the gear set effects a second gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2016Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Christopher D. Turner, John N. Oenick, Tony J. Huegerich
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Publication number: 20190219022Abstract: An automatic two-mode high reduction power transmission system. A power transmission system includes a first device that delivers a first input and receives a second output. A second device delivers a second input and receives a first output. A power transmission has two planetary gear sets and operates in a first mode at a first speed ratio, where the first input is received from the first device and in response, the first output is delivered to the second device. The power transmission operates in a second mode at a second speed ratio that is different than the first speed ratio, where the second input is received from the second device and in response, the second output is delivered to the first device. A pair of freewheel mechanisms automatically couple one of the first or second ii devices with the power transmission to provide the two modes.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2018Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: MAHENDRA S. PATIL, CHRISTOPHER D. TURNER, PRASAD M. PANSE, PRANAV JAGTAP
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Patent number: 10183667Abstract: A mobile machine includes a set of human presence sensors that comprise one or more optical sensors, one or more thermal sensors, and an additional sensor that senses a characteristic of a human. The contribution of the various sensor values generated by the sensors is determined based on environmental conditions. A human presence metric, indicative of human presence, is generated from the contributions of the various sensor signals.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2015Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Noel W. Anderson, Christopher D. Turner, Duong M. Le, Uwe Vollmar, Travis J. Davis
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Publication number: 20180118038Abstract: A power supply arrangement having an interface for operation of a multi-voltage system of an agricultural vehicle includes a first network segment with a motor generator connected thereto and a second network segment with a lead battery connected thereto. The first network segment has a first voltage level corresponding to a nominal voltage of the lead battery for operation of an electric vehicle components, and the second network segment includes a higher second voltage level for charging the lead battery and providing electric power to an electric load comprising an agricultural implement. The interface forms a voltage source connecting the two network segments and provides an equalization voltage resulting from the two voltage levels in a charging mode and which is bypassed in a motor operating mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2017Publication date: May 3, 2018Inventors: Decho Botev, Christopher D. Turner
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Publication number: 20180100564Abstract: A combination engine starter and electric power generator device for a work vehicle has an electric machine and a gear set mounted to the electric machine. The gear set is configured to receive rotational input from the electric machine and from the work vehicle engine. The gear set mechanically couples the electric machine and the engine in first and second power flow directions in which in the first power flow direction the gear set effects a first gear ratio and in the second power flow direction the gear set effects a second gear ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2017Publication date: April 12, 2018Inventors: Steven R. Fliearman, Christopher D. Turner, John N. Oenick, Tony J. Huegerich
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Patent number: 9880560Abstract: An automatic control system moves a vehicle so that it can be coupled to an implement. The vehicle has propulsion and steering controls which respond to electronic input signals. A visual target is mounted on the implement. Vehicle mounted cameras generate images of the target. A motion control unit receives and processes the images, and generates vehicle movement commands as a function of the images which are communicated to the propulsion and steering controls. The motion control unit includes a perception engine connected to the cameras, a controller connected to the perception engine, and a vehicle/operator interface which is connected to the controller, and to the propulsion and steering controls. The perception engine captures images from the cameras, un-distorts the images, and searches for the target. If the target is found, the perception engine recovers vehicle posture information and transmits said information to the controller.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2013Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Shufeng Han, Christopher D. Turner, Bryan K. Buerkle, Steven A. Duppong
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Publication number: 20170248196Abstract: A combination engine starter and electric power generator device for a work vehicle has an electric machine and a gear set mounted to the electric machine. The gear set is configured to receive rotational input from the electric machine and from the work vehicle engine. The gear set mechanically couples the electric machine and the engine in first and second power flow directions in which in the first power flow direction the gear set effects a first gear ratio and in the second power flow direction the gear set effects a second gear ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2016Publication date: August 31, 2017Inventors: Christopher D. Turner, John N. Oenick, Tony J. Huegerich
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Publication number: 20170072948Abstract: A mobile machine includes a set of human presence sensors that comprise one or more optical sensors, one or more thermal sensors, and an additional sensor that senses a characteristic of a human. The contribution of the various sensor values generated by the sensors is determined based on environmental conditions. A human presence metric, indicative of human presence, is generated from the contributions of the various sensor signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Noel W. Anderson, Christopher D. Turner, Duong M. Le, Uwe Vollmar, Travis J. Davis
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Patent number: 9580061Abstract: A work vehicle including an engine, configured to supply power for driving a ground engaging traction device, and a hybrid power system to drive a powertrain. An engine controller is operatively coupled to the engine and is configured to generate a hybrid torque command received by a hybrid powertrain controller operatively coupled to the engine controller. The hybrid powertrain controller is configured to generate an available hybrid torque signal and a desired hybrid torque signal both of which are configured to be received by the engine controller. The engine controller generates an engine command signal configured to command the engine to operate at a commanded engine torque, in response to the available hybrid torque signal and the desired hybrid torque signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2015Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Michael J. Pipho, Thomas M. Johnson, Christopher D. Turner
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Patent number: 9532499Abstract: A gas monitoring system on an agricultural implement such as a tractor or cultivator includes a nutrient applicator to inject chemicals or compounds into the soil. Although the soil generally covers over the chemicals or compounds, there still may be gases released into the atmosphere. The system includes a sensor that detects the gas phase of the chemicals or compounds. The system is also set up to generate an indication when a concentration of the gas passes a threshold. If the concentration of the gas in the atmosphere is too high, an alarm may sound or flash, or the release of the chemicals or compounds is reduced or ceased.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2014Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Noel W. Anderson, Christopher D. Turner, Daniel P. Bruns
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Patent number: 9528871Abstract: A system including a vessel, an image capturing device, and a processor. The vessel at least partially contacts a liquid, wherein the liquid has a liquid surface that is defined by a quantity of the liquid, a shape of the vessel, and an orientation of the vessel relative to a horizontal plane. The image capturing device is spaced apart from the liquid surface and captures an image thereof. The processor is in communication with the image capturing device for analyzing a characteristic of the image and determining an attribute of the liquid therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2013Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Christopher D Turner, Christopher L Bradshaw, Michael J Pipho, Bruce L Upchurch
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Patent number: 9459130Abstract: A system including a container, an imaging structure, an image capturing device, and a processor. The container at least partially surrounds a liquid. The liquid has a liquid surface that is defined by a quantity of the liquid in the container, a shape of the container, and an orientation of the container relative to a horizontal plane. The imaging structure is positioned in the container. The image capturing device captures an image of the liquid surface and the imaging structure. The processor is in communication with the image capturing device for analyzing a characteristic of the image, and for determining an attribute therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Christopher L. Bradshaw, Christopher D. Turner, Michael J. Pipho, Bruce L. Upchurch
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Publication number: 20160229388Abstract: A work vehicle including an engine, configured to supply power for driving a ground engaging traction device, and a hybrid power system to drive a powertrain. An engine controller is operatively coupled to the engine and is configured to generate a hybrid torque command received by a hybrid powertrain controller operatively coupled to the engine controller. The hybrid powertrain controller is configured to generate an available hybrid torque signal and a desired hybrid torque signal both of which are configured to be received by the engine controller. The engine controller generates an engine command signal configured to command the engine to operate at a commanded engine torque, in response to the available hybrid torque signal and the desired hybrid torque signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2015Publication date: August 11, 2016Inventors: Michael J. Pipho, Thomas M. Johnson, Christopher D. Turner
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Patent number: 9290093Abstract: A vehicle attachment and control system for a vehicle attachment are described. The attachment includes a chassis configured to be attached to a vehicle with an onboard power source. The attachment includes an attachment power source supported by the chassis and an energy storage device supported by the chassis and configured to receive power from the attachment power source. The attachment includes a control system configured to transmit a signal to, and receive a signal from, the attachment power source and/or the energy storage device. The control system, the attachment power source, and the energy storage device are configured to provide power from the attachment power source and the energy storage device, via power transfer connections between the vehicle, or an associated implement, and the attachment power source or the energy storage device.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Christopher D. Turner, Gary S. Keys, II
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Publication number: 20150373905Abstract: A gas monitoring system on an agricultural implement such as a tractor or cultivator includes a nutrient applicator to inject chemicals or compounds into the soil. Although the soil generally covers over the chemicals or compounds, there still may be gases released into the atmosphere. The system includes a sensor that detects the gas phase of the chemicals or compounds. The system is also set up to generate an indication when a concentration of the gas passes a threshold. If the concentration of the gas in the atmosphere is too high, an alarm may sound or flash, or the release of the chemicals or compounds is reduced or ceased.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Noel W. Anderson, Christopher D. Turner, Daniel P. Bruns