Patents by Inventor Colter W. Kinney

Colter W. Kinney 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).

  • Publication number: 20240065136
    Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a tractor having a front end, a rear end, and a front frame coupled to the front end. The agricultural machine includes an implement coupled to the rear end of the tractor. The agricultural machine includes a supply line configured to transfer commodity from a front tank, which is configured to be supported above the ground by the front frame, to a main tank of the agricultural machine. The main tank distributes commodity to row units, which distribute the commodity to the soil, and the supply line transfers additional commodity to the main tank. The front frame is movable relative to the front end of the tractor to cause engagement of the supply line with the front tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Lee A. Johnson, Colter W. Kinney, Nathan A. Mariman, Oscar S. Tinney
  • Publication number: 20230284546
    Abstract: A mobile machine includes a frame and a set of frame support elements supporting the frame. A set of ground engaging elements is mounted to the frame and movable relative to the wheels to change a depth of engagement of the ground engaging elements with the ground over which the mobile machine travels. At least one actuator drives movement of the set of ground engaging elements relative to the frame. A ground sensor is operably coupled to the mobile machine and configured to provide a ground distance signal. Ground engaging element height adjustment logic is configured to receive the ground distance signal and provide a control output to the at least one actuator to generate a height value of the ground engaging elements relative to ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Grant J. WONDERLICH, Colter W. KINNEY, Bradley A. WACKERLE, Nathan A. MARIMAN, James R. PETERSON, Randall A. MARO, Kenneth E. HERRMANN
  • Patent number: 11659782
    Abstract: A control system for controlling an implement that is movable between a work mode and a transport mode. The control system includes a source of hydraulic fluid, a first actuator and a second actuator. The first and second actuators are fluidly coupled to the source and disposed parallel to one another. A sensor detects movement of the first and second actuators between their retracted and fully extended positions, and a control valve is disposed in communication with the sensor and in fluid communication with the first and second actuators. As the implement moves to its transport mode, the sensor detects movement of the first and second actuators towards their fully extended positions. The control valve inhibits movement of the first and second actuators before either actuator reaches its fully extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Colter W. Kinney, Randall A. Maro, Grant J. Wonderlich, Nathan A. Mariman
  • Publication number: 20230036582
    Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a main frame, an adjustable frame coupled to the main frame and, a row unit which includes a linking arm coupled to the adjustable frame, and an actuator coupled to the main frame and the adjustable frame. The agricultural machine also includes a controller configured to command the actuator to output various downforces to the row units based on signals received from one or more sensors. The one or more sensors are configured to measure one more indicators associated with an actual height of the row unit relative to ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Grant J. Wonderlich, Colter W. Kinney, Bradley A. Wackerle, Nathan A. Mariman, James R. Peterson, Randall A. Maro, Kenneth E. Herrmann
  • Publication number: 20230036576
    Abstract: Work machines, fertilizer opener assemblies for work machines, and methods of operating work machines are disclosed herein. A work machine includes a chassis, a frame, and a fertilizer opener assembly. The frame is coupled to the chassis for movement relative thereto. The fertilizer opener assembly is coupled to the frame to selectively form trenches in the soil for the deposition of fertilizer. The fertilizer opener assembly includes an actuator that is extendable and retractable to vary a length of the actuator and a cutting implement coupled to the actuator. Operation of the actuator drives movement of the cutting implement between a cutting position, in which the cutting implement makes contact with the soil to form trenches therein, and a transport position, in which the cutting implement is raised above the soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Colter W. Kinney, Carlos Alberto Soto, Bradley A. Wackerle, Randall A. Maro
  • Publication number: 20230029623
    Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a main frame, an adjustable frame coupled to the main frame and, a row unit which includes a linking arm coupled to the adjustable frame, and an actuator coupled to the main frame and the adjustable frame. The agricultural machine also includes a controller configured to command the actuator to move to various positions based on signals received from one or more sensors. The one or more sensors are configured to measure one more indicators associated with an actual height of the row unit relative to ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Grant J. Wonderlich, Colter W. Kinney, Bradley A. Wackerle, Nathan A. Mariman, James R. Peterson, Randall A. Maro, Kenneth E. Herrmann
  • Publication number: 20210307229
    Abstract: A control system for controlling an implement that is movable between a work mode and a transport mode. The control system includes a source of hydraulic fluid, a first actuator and a second actuator. The first and second actuators are fluidly coupled to the source and disposed parallel to one another. A sensor detects movement of the first and second actuators between their retracted and fully extended positions, and a control valve is disposed in communication with the sensor and in fluid communication with the first and second actuators. As the implement moves to its transport mode, the sensor detects movement of the first and second actuators towards their fully extended positions. The control valve inhibits movement of the first and second actuators before either actuator reaches its fully extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Colter W. Kinney, Randall A. Maro, Grant J. Wonderlich, Nathan A. Mariman
  • Publication number: 20210127549
    Abstract: An implement includes a frame having a main section and a wing section pivotally coupled to the main section. A row unit is mounted to the frame wing section to dispense a product to the ground surface. A weight transfer system transfers weight from the frame main section to the frame wing section to reduce the load carried by the main wheel assembly. A row unit downforce system applies a force on the row unit relative to the frame wing section. A pressure transducer measures the force applied by the row unit downforce system and generates a signal indicative of the applied force. A control system operates the weight transfer system in response to the signal from the pressure transducer to assist the row unit downforce system. The control system actuates the weight transfer system to apply an additional force on the frame wing section in response to the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Colter W. Kinney, Grant J. Wonderlich, Michael C. Steele