Patents by Inventor Christopher J. Meyer
Christopher J. Meyer 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: 11939741Abstract: A work vehicle comprising a frame supported by a ground engaging device. A boom assembly is coupled to the frame. An attachment coupler is coupled to the boom assembly. An electronic data processor is communicatively coupled to a boom actuator, an attachment coupler actuator, a boom sensor, an attachment coupler sensor, and an operator input device. A computer readable storage medium comprising machine readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive an operator input and for a tilt forward command, command the boom actuator to move the boom assembly to a frame contact position and then command the attachment coupler actuator to move the attachment coupler towards a lower position. For a tilt rearward command, command the attachment coupler actuator to move the attachment coupler towards an upper position and then command the boom actuator to move the boom assembly towards a raised position.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2019Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Alex R. Vandegrift, John R. Mahrenholz, Todd F. Velde, Benjamin Morrison, Bryan Rausch, Megan E. Marotz, Christopher J. Meyer
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Patent number: 11634885Abstract: In embodiments, a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device, an MRF joystick resistance mechanism, and a controller architecture. The joystick device includes, in turn, a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick position sensor configured to monitor movement of the joystick relative to the base housing. The MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary a first joystick stiffness resisting movement of the joystick relative to the base housing in at least one degree of freedom. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) detect when unintended joystick motion conditions occur during operation of the work vehicle; and (ii) when detecting unintended joystick motion conditions, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to increase the first joystick stiffness in a manner reducing susceptibility of the joystick device to unintended joystick motions.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2020Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Todd F. Velde, Alex R. Vandegrift, Craig Christofferson, Christopher J. Meyer, Aaron R. Kenkel, Mark D. Anderson, Lance R. Sherlock, Kenneth Franck
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Work vehicle magnetorheological fluid joystick systems operable in modified joystick stiffness modes
Patent number: 11499294Abstract: Embodiments of a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system include a joystick device having a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick position sensor configured to monitor joystick movement. An MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary a joystick stiffness resisting movement of the joystick relative to the base housing, while a controller architecture is coupled to the joystick position sensor and to the MRF joystick resistance mechanism. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) selectively place the work vehicle MRF joystick system in a modified joystick stiffness mode during operation of the work vehicle; and (ii) when the work vehicle MRF joystick system is placed in the modified joystick stiffness mode, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to vary the joystick stiffness based, at least in part, on the movement of the joystick relative to the base housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Alex R. Vandegrift, Craig Christofferson, Amy K. Jones, Anthony K. Kraft, Brett S. Graham, Christopher R. Benson, Christopher J. Meyer, Kenneth Franck, Mark D. Anderson, Todd F. Velde -
Patent number: 11499292Abstract: In embodiments, a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device, an MRF joystick resistance mechanism, and a controller architecture. The joystick device includes, in turn, a base housing, a joystick, and a joystick position sensor. The MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to selectively resist movement of the joystick relative to the base housing. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) when detecting operator rotation of the joystick in an operator input direction, determine whether continued joystick rotation in the operator input direction will misposition the work vehicle in a manner increasing at least one of work vehicle instability and a likelihood of work vehicle collision; and (ii) when determining that continued joystick rotation will misposition the work vehicle, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to generate an MRF resistance force deterring continued joystick rotation in the operator input direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Todd F. Velde, Madeline T. Oglesby, Lance R. Sherlock, Benjamin P. Koestler, Mark D. Anderson, Aaron R. Kenkel, Doug M. Lehmann, Craig Christofferson, Kenneth Franck, Christopher J. Meyer
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Work vehicle magnetorheological fluid joystick systems operable in modified joystick stiffness modes
Patent number: 11414833Abstract: Embodiments of a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system include a joystick device having a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick position sensor configured to monitor joystick movement. An MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary a joystick stiffness resisting movement of the joystick relative to the base housing, while a controller architecture is coupled to the joystick position sensor and to the MRF joystick resistance mechanism. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) selectively place the work vehicle MRF joystick system in a modified joystick stiffness mode during operation of the work vehicle; and (ii) when the work vehicle MRF joystick system is placed in the modified joystick stiffness mode, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to vary the joystick stiffness based, at least in part, on the movement of the joystick relative to the base housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Alex R. Vandegrift, Craig Christofferson, Amy K. Jones, Anthony K. Kraft, Brett S. Graham, Christopher R. Benson, Christopher J. Meyer, Kenneth Franck, Mark D. Anderson, Todd F. Velde -
Publication number: 20210341032Abstract: In embodiments, a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device, an MRF joystick resistance mechanism, and a controller architecture. The joystick device includes, in turn, a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick position sensor configured to monitor movement of the joystick relative to the base housing. The MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary a first joystick stiffness resisting movement of the joystick relative to the base housing in at least one degree of freedom. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) detect when unintended joystick motion conditions occur during operation of the work vehicle; and (ii) when detecting unintended joystick motion conditions, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to increase the first joystick stiffness in a manner reducing susceptibility of the joystick device to unintended joystick motions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2020Publication date: November 4, 2021Inventors: Todd F. Velde, Alex R. Vandegrift, Craig Christofferson, Christopher J. Meyer, Aaron R. Kenkel, Mark D. Anderson, Lance R. Sherlock, Kenneth Franck
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Publication number: 20210340723Abstract: In embodiments, a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device, an MRF joystick resistance mechanism, and a controller architecture. The joystick device includes, in turn, a base housing, a joystick, and a joystick position sensor. The MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to selectively resist movement of the joystick relative to the base housing. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) when detecting operator rotation of the joystick in an operator input direction, determine whether continued joystick rotation in the operator input direction will misposition the work vehicle in a manner increasing at least one of work vehicle instability and a likelihood of work vehicle collision; and (ii) when determining that continued joystick rotation will misposition the work vehicle, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to generate an MRF resistance force deterring continued joystick rotation in the operator input direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2020Publication date: November 4, 2021Inventors: Todd F. Velde, Madeline T. Oglesby, Lance R. Sherlock, Benjamin P. Koestler, Mark D. Anderson, Aaron R. Kenkel, Doug M. Lehmann, Craig Christofferson, Kenneth Franck, Christopher J. Meyer
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WORK VEHICLE MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL FLUID JOYSTICK SYSTEMS OPERABLE IN MODIFIED JOYSTICK STIFFNESS MODES
Publication number: 20210340726Abstract: Embodiments of a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system include a joystick device having a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick position sensor configured to monitor joystick movement. An MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary a joystick stiffness resisting movement of the joystick relative to the base housing, while a controller architecture is coupled to the joystick position sensor and to the MRF joystick resistance mechanism. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) selectively place the work vehicle MRF joystick system in a modified joystick stiffness mode during operation of the work vehicle; and (ii) when the work vehicle MRF joystick system is placed in the modified joystick stiffness mode, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to vary the joystick stiffness based, at least in part, on the movement of the joystick relative to the base housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2020Publication date: November 4, 2021Inventors: Alex R. Vandegrift, Craig Christofferson, Amy K. Jones, Anthony K. Kraft, Brett S. Graham, Christopher R. Benson, Christopher J. Meyer, Kenneth Franck, Mark D. Anderson, Todd F. Velde -
Publication number: 20210123207Abstract: A work vehicle comprising a frame supported by a ground engaging device. A boom assembly is coupled to the frame. An attachment coupler is coupled to the boom assembly. An electronic data processor is communicatively coupled to a boom actuator, an attachment coupler actuator, a boom sensor, an attachment coupler sensor, and an operator input device. A computer readable storage medium comprising machine readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive an operator input and for a tilt forward command, command the boom actuator to move the boom assembly to a frame contact position and then command the attachment coupler actuator to move the attachment coupler towards a lower position. For a tilt rearward command, command the attachment coupler actuator to move the attachment coupler towards an upper position and then command the boom actuator to move the boom assembly towards a raised position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2019Publication date: April 29, 2021Inventors: ALEX R. VANDEGRIFT, JOHN R. MAHRENHOLZ, TODD F. VELDE, BENJAMIN MORRISON, BRYAN RAUSCH, MEGAN E. MAROTZ, CHRISTOPHER J. MEYER
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Patent number: 9239166Abstract: A diffuser for use in a gas turbine engine, the diffuser having a first wall, a second wall, and a flow separator. The first and second wall define an annular cavity, with the annular cavity having an inlet. The first and second wall also forming a prediffuser that is proximate the inlet, and a dump region distal the inlet. The flow separator extends from the first wall into the annular cavity.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2012Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: Solar Turbines IncorporatedInventors: Timothy James Caron, Peter J. Skyes, Christopher J. Meyer, Federico Liberatore
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Patent number: 9228436Abstract: A preswirler of a gas turbine engine includes an outer ring. The outer ring includes an outer flange with a plurality of first holes, and an outer cylindrical portion extending from the outer flange. The preswirler also includes an inner ring. The inner ring includes an inner flange spaced apart from the outer flange. The inner ring also includes an inner cylindrical portion located within the outer cylindrical portion and a back portion extending from the inner flange to the inner cylindrical portion. The inner ring further includes a plurality of second holes.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Solar Turbines IncorporatedInventors: Christopher J. Meyer, Hyun D. Kim, Tsuhon Lin, Edward T. Ramirez
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Patent number: 9228450Abstract: A particle deflector for a gas turbine engine deters accumulation of particles in cooling passages of nozzle vanes of the engine. The particle deflector is arranged to be disposed around a turbine housing over cooling passages that supply cooling air to nozzle vanes within the housing. The particle deflector includes circumferentially distributed mounting holes for mounting the particle deflector to the turbine housing. The particle deflector also includes circumferentially distributed spacers to space the particle deflector from the housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Solar Turbines IncorporatedInventors: Christopher J. Meyer, Tsuhon Lin
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Patent number: 9200538Abstract: A plug for an inspection hole of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The plug may have a stem including a first shaft, wherein a first seal is located circumferentially about the first shaft. The plug may have a swivel seal including a second seal spaced from a ball by a second shaft, and the swivel seal may be rotatably connected to the stem by the ball. The ball and the second seal may be fixed to the second shaft.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2012Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: Solar Turbines IncorporatedInventors: David B. Walker, Christopher J. Meyer, Tsuhon Lin, Sean Joseph Bentley
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Patent number: 8978517Abstract: A hand tool (10) for capping or removing a cap from a container. The tool comprises a housing assembly (20) and a gearbox assembly (200) positioned within the housing assembly. The gearbox assembly includes a motor (42), a lead screw (70) rotated by the motor and a screw pusher (90) engaged by the lead screw and moved axially based on rotation of the lead screw. The gearbox assembly is adapted to engage a jaw set assembly (200) with the screw pusher operatively engaging a jaw set of the jaw set assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2009Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Wheaton Industries, Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Meyers, Craig Platania
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Publication number: 20140116056Abstract: A diffuser for use in a gas turbine engine, the diffuser having a first wall, a second wall, and a flow separator. The first and second wall define an annular cavity, with the annular cavity having an inlet. The first and second wall also forming a prediffuser that is proximate the inlet, and a dump region distal the inlet. The flow separator extends from the first wall into the annular cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: Solar Turbines IncorporatedInventors: Timothy James Caron, Peter J. Skyes, Christopher J. Meyer, Federico Liberatore
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Patent number: 8695352Abstract: A baffle assembly for a housing of a combustor system of a gas turbine engine is provided. The baffle assembly includes a baffle retainer and a baffle. The baffle retainer includes a retainer tube and a collar. The retainer tube is received within a bleed port of the housing. The collar is defined at an upper end of the retainer tube and is configured to rest against the housing. The baffle includes a baffle tube rigidly attached to an inner surface of the retainer tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Solar Turbines Inc.Inventors: Nathan J. Bohney, Christopher J. Meyer
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Publication number: 20140096603Abstract: A fluid level measurement system for sensing fluid level in a tank is disclosed that includes a float that moves vertically in the interior of the tank, and a force measuring mechanism coupled to the float that generates an output based on the upward force on the float. The system can include an outer tube where the float is contained in the outer tube. A microcontroller can compute fluid level using the force measuring mechanism output. Altitude and other factors can be accounted for. Exemplary force measuring mechanisms can include a Hall Effect sensor sensing position of a magnet coupled to the float, or a force sensor coupled to the float. The length of the float, or the float and uncompressed spring can be substantially equal to the height of the tank. The float can have a generally uniform or non-uniform outside diameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2012Publication date: April 10, 2014Inventors: Boyd M. Nichols, David Myers, Benjamin P. Koestler, Christopher J. Meyer
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Publication number: 20140099190Abstract: A turbine housing (430) includes a support housing (440) with an annular shape. The support housing (432) includes an outer surface (433) and an inner surface (434). The inner surface (434) is located radially inward from the outer surface (433). A plurality of cooling holes (431) extols through the support housing(440) from the outer surface (433) to the inner surface (434). The cooling holes (431) include a stadium shape. The stadium shape includes a rectangle with a top and bottom of a first length and ends capped with semicircles with a radius of a second length. The cooling holes (431) are disposed at an angle (98) from thirty to sixty degrees. The angle (98) is between a line (96) projected to the outer surface (433) from an axis of the turbine housing (430) and a line (97) extending through a center of each cooling hole (431) parallel to the first length.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2012Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: SOLAR TURBINES INCORPORATEDInventors: Christopher J. Meyer, Tsuhon Lin, Edward T. Ramirez
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Patent number: D913618Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2019Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLCInventors: Richard R. Mathias, Brandon J. Suleski, James P. Bilodeau, Michael James Douglas, Yu Ri Young Kim, Christopher J. Meyer-Rassow, Da Deng, Samuel Emrys James
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Patent number: D979866Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2019Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLCInventors: Hamish Thompson, Christopher J. Meyer-Rassow, Aaron Gill, Hongbo Lin, Isaku D. Kamada, Daniel Harris, Hung-Chen Yu, Charles S. Brunner, Xavier F. Cullere, Maxwell Wood-Lee, Daniel R. Der Marderosian, Adam Udy, Steven Gacin