Patents by Inventor Christopher David Glenn Turner
Christopher David Glenn 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: 9429944Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide robotic control modules for use in a robotic control system of a vehicle, including structures, systems and methods, that can provide (i) a robotic control module that has multiple functional circuits, such as a processor and accompanying circuits, an actuator controller, an actuator amplifier, a packet network switch, and a power supply integrated into a mountable and/or stackable package/housing; (ii) a robotic control module with the noted complement of circuits that is configured to reduce heat, reduce space, shield sensitive components from electro-magnetic noise; (iii) a robotic control system utilizing robotic control modules that include the sufficiently interchangeable functionality allowing for interchangeability of modules; and (iv) a robotic control system that distributes the functionality and processing among a plurality of robotic control modules in a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignees: Deere & Company, iRobot CorporationInventors: Mikhail O. Filippov, Osa Fitch, Scott P. Keller, John O'Connor, David S. Zendzian, Nadim El Fata, Kevin Larsen, Arlen Eugene Meuchel, Mark David Schmaltz, James Allard, Chris A. De Roo, William Robert Norris, Andrew Julian Norby, Christopher David Glenn Turner
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Patent number: 9098080Abstract: Systems and methods for switching between autonomous and manual operation of a vehicle are described. A mechanical control system can receive manual inputs from a mechanical operation member to operate the vehicle in manual mode. An actuator can receive autonomous control signals generated by a controller. When the actuator is engaged, it operates the vehicle in an autonomous mode, and when disengaged, the vehicle is operated in manual mode. Operating the vehicle in an autonomous mode can include automatically controlling steering, braking, throttle, and transmission. A system may also allow the vehicle to be operated via remote command.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2010Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignees: Deere & Company, iRobot CorporationInventors: William Robert Norris, James Allard, Mikhail O. Filippov, Robert Dale Haun, Christopher David Glenn Turner, Seth Gilbertson, Andrew Julian Norby
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Patent number: 9043016Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide robotic control modules for use in a robotic control system of a vehicle, including structures, systems and methods, that can provide (i) a robotic control module that has multiple functional circuits, such as a processor and accompanying circuits, an actuator controller, an actuator amplifier, a packet network switch, and a power supply integrated into a mountable and/or stackable package/housing; (ii) a robotic control module with the noted complement of circuits that is configured to reduce heat, reduce space, shield sensitive components from electro-magnetic noise; (iii) a robotic control system utilizing robotic control modules that include the sufficiently interchangeable functionality allowing for interchangeability of modules; and (iv) a robotic control system that distributes the functionality and processing among a plurality of robotic control modules in a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2006Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignees: Deere & Company, iRobot CorporationInventors: Mikhail O. Filippov, Osa Fitch, Scott P. Keller, John O'Connor, David S. Zendzian, Nadim El Fata, Kevin Larsen, Arlen Eugene Meuchel, Mark David Schmaltz, James Allard, Chris A. De Roo, William Robert Norris, Andrew Julian Norby, Christopher David Glenn Turner
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Publication number: 20140350768Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide robotic control modules for use in a robotic control system of a vehicle, including structures, systems and methods, that can provide (i) a robotic control module that has multiple functional circuits, such as a processor and accompanying circuits, an actuator controller, an actuator amplifier, a packet network switch, and a power supply integrated into a mountable and/or stackable package/housing; (ii) a robotic control module with the noted complement of circuits that is configured to reduce heat, reduce space, shield sensitive components from electro-magnetic noise; (iii) a robotic control system utilizing robotic control modules that include the sufficiently interchangeable functionality allowing for interchangeability of modules; and (iv) a robotic control system that distributes the functionality and processing among a plurality of robotic control modules in a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventors: MIKHAIL O. FILIPPOV, OSA FITCH, SCOTT P. KELLER, JOHN O'CONNOR, DAVID S. ZENDZIAN, NADIM EL FATA, KEVIN LARSEN, ARLEN EUGENE MEUCHEL, MARK DAVID SCHMALTZ, JAMES ALLARD, CHRIS A. DE ROO, WILLIAM ROBERT NORRIS, ANDREW JULIAN NORBY, CHRISTOPHER DAVID GLENN TURNER
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Publication number: 20110071718Abstract: Systems and methods for switching between autonomous and manual operation of a vehicle are described. A mechanical control system can receive manual inputs from a mechanical operation member to operate the vehicle in manual mode. An actuator can receive autonomous control signals generated by a controller. When the actuator is engaged, it operates the vehicle in an autonomous mode, and when disengaged, the vehicle is operated in manual mode. Operating the vehicle in an autonomous mode can include automatically controlling steering, braking, throttle, and transmission. A system may also allow the vehicle to be operated via remote command.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Inventors: William Robert Norris, James Allard, Mikhail O. Filippov, Robert Dale Haun, Christopher David Glenn Turner, Seth Gilbertson, Andrew Julian Norby
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Patent number: 7894951Abstract: Systems and methods for switching between autonomous and manual operation of a vehicle are described. A mechanical control system can receive manual inputs from a mechanical operation member to operate the vehicle in manual mode. An actuator can receive autonomous control signals generated by a controller. When the actuator is engaged, it operates the vehicle in an autonomous mode, and when disengaged, the vehicle is operated in manual mode. Operating the vehicle in an autonomous mode can include automatically controlling steering, braking, throttle, and transmission. A system may also allow the vehicle to be operated via remote command.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2006Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignees: Deere & Company, iRobot CorporationInventors: William Robert Norris, James Allard, Mikhail O. Filippov, Robert Dale Haun, Christopher David Glenn Turner, Seth Gilbertson, Andrew Julian Norby
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Patent number: 7665283Abstract: A modular vehicle system comprises an engine unit and an engine management controller associated with the engine unit. A throttle actuator is associated with the engine management controller to control a throttle setting of an engine unit. A mower unit is associated with mower electronics. A blade clutch actuator activates or deactivates a cutting blade of the mower unit. A transmission line supports communications between the engine management controller and the mower electronics to support remote control mowing or unmanned mowing activities.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2008Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Christopher David Glenn Turner, John Franklin Reid
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Publication number: 20080209877Abstract: A modular vehicle system comprises an engine unit and an engine management controller associated with the engine unit. A throttle actuator is associated with the engine management controller to control a throttle setting of an engine unit. A mower unit is associated with mower electronics. A blade clutch actuator activates or deactivates a cutting blade of the mower unit. A transmission line supports communications between the engine management controller and the mower electronics to support remote control mowing or unmanned mowing activities.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2008Publication date: September 4, 2008Inventors: Christopher David Glenn Turner, John Franklin Reid
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Patent number: 7089721Abstract: A modular vehicle system comprises an engine unit and an engine management controller associated with the engine unit. A throttle actuator is associated with the engine management controller to control a throttle setting of an engine unit. A mower unit is associated with mower electronics. A blade clutch actuator activates or deactivates a cutting blade of the mower unit. A transmission line supports communications between the engine management controller and the mower electronics to support remote control mowing or unmanned mowing activities.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Christopher David Glenn Turner, John Franklin Reid
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Patent number: 7073623Abstract: A method and system for controlling an electrical steering system supports both manned and unmanned operation of a steering system for a vehicle. A steering wheel is coupled to an electric motor shaft for rotation with the steering wheel. A torque transducer senses a torque level for any application of rotational force applied to the steering wheel. An operator detector detects a presence or absence of an operator based on the sensed torque. The steering is controlled based on the detected presence or absence of the operator.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2005Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Christopher David Glenn Turner
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Patent number: 6988583Abstract: A method and system for controlling an electrical steering system supports both manned and unmanned operation of a steering system for a vehicle. A steering wheel is coupled to an electric motor shaft for rotation with the steering wheel. A torque transducer senses a torque level for any application of rotational force applied to the steering wheel. An operator detector detects a presence or absence of an operator based on the sensed torque. The steering is controlled based on the detected presence or absence of the operator.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Christopher David Glenn Turner
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Patent number: 6946749Abstract: A system and method for maintaining the health of an electrical storage device measures revolutions per unit time of an engine shaft of an internal combustion engine. A status signal is provided indicating whether the engine shaft is disengaged or engaged with a remainder of a drive train to propel a vehicle. A controller determines minimum revolutions per unit time necessary to provide at least a threshold minimum percentage of full operational output power of an alternator. The controller sends a control signal to control the revolutions per unit time of the engine shaft to be equal to or greater than the determined minimum revolutions per unit time if the status signal is indicative of disengagement. A throttle actuator associated with providing fuel to the internal combustion engine is responsive to the control signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Christopher David Glenn Turner
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Patent number: 6906684Abstract: A receiver receives an electromagnetic signal via an antenna mounted on an antenna mast. A signal evaluator determines or measures a signal quality level associated with the received electromagnetic signal. The signal quality compares the determined signal quality level to a threshold minimum signal quality level. A current elevational position of the antenna mast is detected or tracked. The antenna mast is raised to a greater height than the current elevational position if the compared signal quality level is less than the threshold minimum signal quality level and if the current elevational position is less than a maximum height of the antenna mast.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Christopher David Glenn Turner