Patents by Inventor Jeffrey S. Wigdahl

Jeffrey S. Wigdahl 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: 11930741
    Abstract: A module builder includes a wrap floor system including a wrap floor belt wrapped around a front belt sheave and a first drive system coupled to the wrap floor system. The first drive system includes a main drive belt coupled to a rear belt sheave and the front belt sheave, wherein in an engagement mode of operation the main drive belt is tensioned to rotate the rear belt sheave, and in a disengagement mode of operation the main drive belt loses tension to cease rotation of the rear belt sheave. The builder includes a second drive system coupled to a baler belt to drive the baler belt into a module forming chamber. The first drive system further includes one or more of a rear lower gate roller, friction wheel, wrap box roller, electric clutch, or motor to engage and drive the main drive belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Ryan A. Hackert, Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Scott D. Weber
  • Publication number: 20240008414
    Abstract: A crop bale wrap delivery system and method selectively pays out a sheet of wrap at a selectable sheet feed rate selected from a range of sheet feed rates. The wrap delivery system and method selectively pays out a first portion of the wrap onto a rotating crop module at a first sheet feed rate and pays out a second portion of the wrap onto the module at a second sheet feed rate different from the first sheet feed rate. Three or more portions of the wrap may be payed out onto the crop module at three of more differed sheet feed rates that may be selectable by an operator or based on properties of the wrap material or the crop. The wrap feed rate may be a selectable variable or a continuously variable sheet feed rate selected from a range of pay out feeds or feed rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. WIGDAHL, Justin E. HUMMEL
  • Publication number: 20230413732
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for accumulating harvested crop that includes an accumulator for a harvester vehicle having a plurality of meter rollers aligned along a first axis and a plurality of beater rollers aligned along a second axis. The first axis is different than the second axis, and one roller of the plurality of beater rollers is aligned along the first axis. The one roller of the plurality of beater rollers aligned along the first axis is coupled with the plurality of beater rollers and not coupled to the plurality of meter rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Applicants: Deere & Company, Iowa State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Jeffrey C. Askey, Scott D. Weber, Justin E. Hummel
  • Publication number: 20230397540
    Abstract: An accumulator includes an enclosure, an inlet, an outlet, at least one roller, and a cotton compress assembly. The cotton compress assembly includes a first auger coupled to the enclosure. The first auger has a first shaft and a flighting attached to the first shaft. The flighting is positioned within the enclosure. The first auger compresses the cotton when the first auger rotates around a first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: JEREMY P. ROBISON, JEFFREY S. WIGDAHL, STEVEN D. WALLESTAD, JUSTIN E. HUMMEL
  • Patent number: 11832556
    Abstract: A baler for forming a bale of crop material includes a plurality of walls defining a bale chamber. A drive roller and a plurality of idler rollers are disposed in the bale chamber. At least one baling belt contacts the drive roller and the plurality of idler rollers. A bale engagement roller is rotatable about a bale engagement roller axis. The bale engagement roller is positioned to directly engage crop material in the bale chamber. An actuator is coupled to the bale engagement roller. The actuator translates the bale engagement roller in a direction perpendicular to the bale engagement roller axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Justin E. Hummel, Jeremy P. Robison
  • Publication number: 20230309450
    Abstract: An information map is obtained by a cotton harvesting system. The information map maps values of a first characteristic to different geographic locations in a worksite. An in-situ sensor detects a value of a second characteristic as the cotton harvester operates at the worksite. A predictive map generator generates a predictive map that predicts values of the second characteristic at the different geographic locations in the worksite based on a relationship between the values of the first characteristic in the information map and values of the second characteristic detected by the in-situ sensor. The predictive map can be output and used in automated machine control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. WIGDAHL, Brandon C. CARLSON, Nathan R. VANDIKE
  • Publication number: 20230309447
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a harvester vehicle that includes a crop processing system comprising at least an accumulator and a round module builder. The harvester vehicle has a feedback fusion system that operably provides crop processing data indicative of an estimated accumulator fill level to a crop feed rate control system. The feedback fusion system has a plurality of feedback devices that operably provide feedback signals including data indicative of two or more of: crop mass flow, module builder status, module size, and accumulator fill level. The feedback fusion system has a control module that operably receives the feedback signals and generates an accumulator fill level signal based at least upon two or more of the feedback signals. The accumulator fill level signal is indicative of the estimated fill level in the accumulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2022
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicants: Deere & Company, Iowa State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Jeffrey C. Askey, Mark A. Cracraft, Robert R. Carlson, Grant W. Mandernach
  • Publication number: 20230309446
    Abstract: Techniques and/or systems are disclosed herein for controlling a harvesting rate in a harvester vehicle having a crop feed rate control system that provides crop processing data to a vehicle control system. The crop feed rate control system includes: one or more feedback systems that operably provide a feedback signal including data indicative of a detected load amount for crop processing components of the crop processing system and indicative of a target load amount for the crop processing components; a first control module that operably receives the feedback signal and generates a controlling load signal based at least upon the feedback signal, the controlling load signal indicative of a controlling component of the crop processing components; and a second control module that operably receives a targeted load signal and the controlling load signal, the second control module operably generating crop processing data indicative of a target harvesting rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2022
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicants: Deere & Company, Iowa State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Jeffrey C. Askey, Mark A. Cracraft, Vasisvaran Gopal
  • Patent number: 11744182
    Abstract: A cotton harvester estimates the mass of cotton as it is harvested using sensor devices and compares the mass of each module against the estimated mass of the module as determined by the sensors so that a calibration factor may be determined and actively updated for more accurate crop yield determination. The mass flow for a specific module is accumulated and processed during harvesting using a base calibration factor and the module is weighed and compared against the expected mass using the base calibration factor to develop a candidate updated calibration factor. The base calibration factor is selectively replaced by the candidate updated calibration factor for processing a subsequent module based on machine feedback information relating to the operation of the harvester. Harvested crop data determined using the calibration factor is used to generate highly accurate yield maps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignees: Deere & Company, Iowa State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Brandon C. Carlson, Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Nicholas W. Vanlaningham, Kurt D. Gustafson, Jeffrey C. Askey
  • Publication number: 20220386531
    Abstract: A cotton harvester estimates the mass of cotton as it is harvested using sensor devices and compares the mass of each module against the estimated mass of the module as determined by the sensors so that a calibration factor may be determined and actively updated for more accurate crop yield determination. The mass flow for a specific module is accumulated and processed during harvesting using a base calibration factor and the module is weighed and compared against the expected mass using the base calibration factor to develop a candidate updated calibration factor. The base calibration factor is selectively replaced by the candidate updated calibration factor for processing a subsequent module based on machine feedback information relating to the operation of the harvester. Harvested crop data determined using the calibration factor is used to generate highly accurate yield maps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Applicants: Deere & Company, Iowa State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Brandon C. Carlson, Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Nicholas W. Vanlaningham, Kurt D. Gustafson, Jeffrey C. Askey
  • Publication number: 20220369564
    Abstract: A baler for forming a bale of crop material includes a plurality of walls defining a bale chamber. A drive roller and a plurality of idler rollers are disposed in the bale chamber. At least one baling belt contacts the drive roller and the plurality of idler rollers. A bale engagement roller is rotatable about a bale engagement roller axis. The bale engagement roller is positioned to directly engage crop material in the bale chamber. An actuator is coupled to the bale engagement roller. The actuator translates the bale engagement roller in a direction perpendicular to the bale engagement roller axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Justin E. Hummel, Jeremy P. Robison
  • Patent number: 11483974
    Abstract: A sensor input is detected on a cotton harvester. A performance characteristic value is identified based upon the detected sensor input. A speed control system controls cotton harvester drum speed and spindle speed, automatically, and separately from the ground speed of the cotton harvester, to improve the performance characteristic value, in a closed-loop fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignees: Deere & Company, IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Brandon C. Carlson, Charles F. Ostermeier, Nicholas W. Vanlaningham, Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Kurt D. Gustafson, Jeffrey C. Askey
  • Publication number: 20220322607
    Abstract: A module builder includes a wrap floor system including a wrap floor belt wrapped around a front belt sheave and a first drive system coupled to the wrap floor system. The first drive system includes a main drive belt coupled to a rear belt sheave and the front belt sheave, wherein in an engagement mode of operation the main drive belt is tensioned to rotate the rear belt sheave, and in a disengagement mode of operation the main drive belt loses tension to cease rotation of the rear belt sheave. The builder includes a second drive system coupled to a baler belt to drive the baler belt into a module forming chamber. The first drive system further includes one or more of a rear lower gate roller, friction wheel, wrap box roller, electric clutch, or motor to engage and drive the main drive belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Ryan A. Hackert, Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Scott D. Weber
  • Patent number: 11406063
    Abstract: A baler for forming a bale of crop material includes a plurality of walls defining a bale chamber. A drive roller and a plurality of idler rollers are disposed in the bale chamber. At least one baling belt contacts the drive roller and the plurality of idler rollers. A bale engagement roller is rotatable about a bale engagement roller axis. The bale engagement roller is positioned to directly engage crop material in the bale chamber. An actuator is coupled to the bale engagement roller. The actuator translates the bale engagement roller in a direction perpendicular to the bale engagement roller axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Justin E. Hummel, Jeremy P. Robison
  • Patent number: 11375669
    Abstract: A module builder includes a wrap floor system including a wrap floor belt wrapped around a front belt sheave and a first drive system coupled to the wrap floor system. The first drive system includes a main drive belt coupled to a rear belt sheave and the front belt sheave, wherein in an engagement mode of operation the main drive belt is tensioned to rotate the rear belt sheave, and in a disengagement mode of operation the main drive belt loses tension to cease rotation of the rear belt sheave. The builder includes a second drive system coupled to a baler belt to drive the baler belt into a module forming chamber. The first drive system further includes one or more of a rear lower gate roller, friction wheel, wrap box roller, electric clutch, or motor to engage and drive the main drive belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Ryan A. Hackert, Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Scott D. Weber
  • Publication number: 20210360862
    Abstract: A round bale or module building assembly with a frame having a first wall and a second wall separated from one another by a module width and a plurality of rollers positioned between the first wall and the second wall, the plurality of rollers defining at least one belt path. Wherein, at least two rollers of the plurality of rollers have a combined width configured to substantially span the module width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Kevin J. Goering, Justin E. Hummel, Jeffrey S. Wigdahl
  • Patent number: 11109536
    Abstract: A round bale or module building assembly with a frame having a first wall and a second wall separated from one another by a module width and a plurality of rollers positioned between the first wall and the second wall, the plurality of rollers defining at least one belt path. Wherein, at least two rollers of the plurality of rollers have a combined width configured to substantially span the module width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Kevin J. Goering, Justin E. Hummel, Jeffrey S. Wigdahl
  • Patent number: 11071254
    Abstract: A module builder of an agricultural vehicle includes a chamber operable to support and form a product. A wrap is feedable into the chamber through a pinch point, the pinch point partially defined by a rotatable roller. A belt at least partially defines a wrap path. The wrap is configured to move along the wrap path to surround the product in the chamber. A gas flow system and/or a reversing belt is operable to direct the wrap from the pinch point toward the wrap path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: James T. Noonan, Kevin J. Goering, Mark A. Cracraft, Nile T. Ackerman, Justin E. Hummel, Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Robert C. Blad
  • Patent number: 10986781
    Abstract: Machines and headers for machines are disclosed herein. A machine includes a chassis and a header coupled to the chassis. The header is positioned to remove crop material from the ground. The header includes an auger structured to interact with crop material passed through the header in use of the machine. The auger has a drum configured for rotation about a drum axis and at least one auger attachment set coupled to the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeremy P. Robison, Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Jordan J. Ruby
  • Patent number: 10980182
    Abstract: A module wrapping assembly for a module builder having a first roller rotationally coupled to the module builder about a first axis, a bracket pivotally coupled to the module builder about a bracket axis, and a second roller rotationally coupled to the bracket about a second axis. Wherein, the second axis is offset from the bracket axis. Further wherein, the bracket is pivotable about the bracket axis to reposition the second axis relative to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Ryan A. Hackert, Kevin J. Goering, Jeffrey S. Wigdahl