Patents by Inventor John A. McClure
John A. McClure 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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Publication number: 20160360705Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to a crop feeding system in a harvester comprising a electrohydraulic circuit comprising electric and hydraulic connections that allow for the movement of a bottom floor assembly, such movement defining the depth of a crop feeding channel in the harvester and allowing at least one variable setting for removing a clog of material in a crop collection channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2015Publication date: December 15, 2016Inventors: Chandrashekhar Singh, Dhananjay Wagh, Srinivas Guttikar, John McClure
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Publication number: 20160334804Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics. Relative orientations and attitudes between motive and working components can be determined using optical sensors and cameras. The system can also be used to guide multiple vehicles in relation to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2016Publication date: November 17, 2016Applicant: AgJunction LLCInventors: Mark R. Webber, Keith R. Jones, John A. McClure, Andre C. Roberge, Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead
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Publication number: 20160252909Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine-vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics. Relative orientations and attitudes between motive and working components can be determined using optical sensors and cameras. The system can also be used to guide multiple vehicles in relation to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2016Publication date: September 1, 2016Applicant: AgJunction LLCInventors: Mark R. WEBBER, Keith R. Jones, John A. McClure, Andre C. Roberge, Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead
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Patent number: 9389615Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics. Relative orientations and attitudes between motive and working components can be determined using optical sensors and cameras. The system can also be used to guide multiple vehicles in relation to each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2015Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: AGJUNCTION LLCInventors: Mark R. Webber, Keith R. Jones, John A. McClure, André C. Roberge, Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead
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Publication number: 20160154108Abstract: A DGNSS-based guidance system, wherein a rover receiver first utilizes data from a master base station transceiver, a DGNSS reference network, or some other differential source to compute a differentially corrected location to establish a reference DGNSS relationship. Using this location and data observed only at the rover, the rover computes an internal set of differential corrections, which set is stored in computer memory, updated as necessary, and applied in future times to correct observations taken by the rover. As the rover enters into areas of other base station receiver reference networks, the rover transceiver will send positional information it receives from the master base station to the new, secondary base station. The secondary base station then calibrates its own reference information using information sent from the original master base station.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2016Publication date: June 2, 2016Applicant: AgJunction LLCInventor: John A. McClure
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Patent number: 9255992Abstract: A DGNSS-based guidance system, wherein a rover receiver first utilizes data from a master base station transceiver, a DGNSS reference network, or some other differential source to compute a differentially corrected location to establish a reference DGNSS relationship. Using this location and data observed only at the rover, the rover computes an internal set of differential corrections, which set is stored in computer memory, updated as necessary, and applied in future times to correct observations taken by the rover. As the rover enters into areas of other base station receiver reference networks, the rover transceiver will send positional information it receives from the master base station to the new, secondary base station. The secondary base station then calibrates its own reference information using information sent from the original master base station.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2014Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: AgJunction, LLCInventor: John A. McClure
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Publication number: 20160011597Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics. Relative orientations and attitudes between motive and working components can be determined using optical sensors and cameras. The system can also be used to guide multiple vehicles in relation to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2015Publication date: January 14, 2016Inventors: Mark R. Webber, Keith R. Jones, John A. McClure, André C. Roberge, Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead
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Patent number: 9223314Abstract: A GNSS-based system and method for maintaining a vehicle in a predetermined relation relative to a fixed location defined by GNSS coordinates. The system and method is configured for enabling and facilitating air-to-ground operations.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Aglunction, LLCInventors: John A. McClure, Greg S. Guyette
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Publication number: 20150285022Abstract: A mandrel for downhole isolation tools includes multiple composite pieces assembled about a common longitudinal axis at one or more common joint surfaces to font? said mandrel, wherein each of said composite pieces is configured having a cross-sectional area less than the cross-sectional area of said mandrel, and an attachment mechanism configured to secure together said common joint surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2014Publication date: October 8, 2015Applicant: QUANTUM COMPOSITES, INC.Inventors: Michael Dale KIESEL, Matthew Louis KACZMARCZYK, Roy B. BENDICKSON, Justin John McCLURE
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Patent number: 9141111Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics. Relative orientations and attitudes between motive and working components can be determined using optical sensors and cameras. The system can also be used to guide multiple vehicles in relation to each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2015Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: AgJunction LLCInventors: Mark R. Webber, Keith R. Jones, John A. McClure, André C. Roberge, Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead
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Publication number: 20150212522Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics. Relative orientations and attitudes between motive and working components can be determined using optical sensors and cameras. The system can also be used to guide multiple vehicles in relation to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2015Publication date: July 30, 2015Inventors: Mark R. Webber, Keith R. Jones, John A. McClure, André C. Roberge, Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead
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Patent number: 9002565Abstract: A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. A vehicle control method includes the steps of computing a position and a heading for the vehicle using GNSS positioning and a rate gyro for determining vehicle attitude, which is used for generating a steering command. Relative orientations and attitudes between tractors and implements can be determined using optical sensors and cameras. Laser detectors and rangefinders can also be used.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2014Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: AgJunction LLCInventors: Keith R. Jones, John A. McClure, Andrè C. Roberge, Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead, Mark R. Webber
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Patent number: 9002566Abstract: A visual, GNSS and INS (gyro) system for autosteering control uses crop row and furrow row edge visual detection in an agricultural application in order to closely track the actual crop rows. Alternatively, previous vehicle tracks can be visually detected and followed in a tramline following operating mode. GNSS and inertial (gyroscopic) input subsystems are also provided for supplementing the video input subsystem, for example when visual references are lost. Crop damage is avoided or at least minimized by avoiding overdriving the existing crops. Other applications include equipment control in logistics operations.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2009Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: AgJunction, LLCInventors: John A. McClure, Steven R. Miller
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Publication number: 20150046077Abstract: A GNSS-based system and method for maintaining a vehicle in a predetermined relation relative to a fixed location defined by GNSS coordinates. The system and method is configured for enabling and facilitating air-to-ground operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicant: AgJunction LLCInventors: John A. McClure, Greg S. Guyette
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Publication number: 20140347217Abstract: A DGNSS-based guidance system, wherein a rover receiver first utilizes data from a master base station transceiver, a DGNSS reference network, or some other differential source to compute a differentially corrected location to establish a reference DGNSS relationship. Using this location and data observed only at the rover, the rover computes an internal set of differential corrections, which set is stored in computer memory, updated as necessary, and applied in future times to correct observations taken by the rover. As the rover enters into areas of other base station receiver reference networks, the rover transceiver will send positional information it receives from the master base station to the new, secondary base station. The secondary base station then calibrates its own reference information using information sent from the original master base station.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventor: John A. McClure
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Publication number: 20140324291Abstract: A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. A vehicle control method includes the steps of computing a position and a heading for the vehicle using GNSS positioning and a rate gyro for determining vehicle attitude, which is used for generating a steering command. Relative orientations and attitudes between tractors and implements can be determined using optical sensors and cameras. Laser detectors and rangefinders can also be used.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: AgJunction LLCInventors: Keith R. Jones, John A. McClure, Andrè C. Roberge, Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead, Mark R. Webber
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Publication number: 20140266877Abstract: A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) based precision accuracy navigation and location system includes a Smart device with a hardwired Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection to a GNSS receiver. Differential GNSS corrections are received over the Internet from a base receiver for precision accuracy positioning, GIS, navigation and other applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: AgJunction LLCInventors: John A. McClure, Landon Morris, Greg S. Guyette
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Patent number: 8803735Abstract: A DGNSS-based guidance system, wherein a rover receiver first utilizes data from a master base station transceiver, a DGNSS reference network, or some other differential source to compute a differentially corrected location to establish a reference DGNSS relationship. Using this location and data observed only at the rover, the rover computes an internal set of differential corrections, which set is stored in computer memory, updated as necessary, and applied in future times to correct observations taken by the rover. As the rover enters into areas of other base station receiver reference networks, the rover transceiver will send positional information it receives from the master base station to the new, secondary base station. The secondary base station then calibrates its own reference information using information sent from the original master base station.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2011Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: AgJunction LLCInventor: John A. McClure
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Patent number: 8781685Abstract: A guidance and vehicle control system for automatically steering a vehicle, such as an agricultural vehicle or a tractor, through a field. The system includes a GNSS receiver and antenna for determining the vehicle's instantaneous position, a guidance CPU, and an automatic steering subsystem integrated with the vehicle's electrical power system. The automatic steering subsystem can be interfaced with the steering column of the vehicle, and mechanically activates the steering column, thereby steering the vehicle according to instructions received from the CPU based upon the vehicle's position and a predetermined path. An interrupt element, such as a wheel movement sensor or a slip gear, may be interfaced with the automatic steering subsystem to allow for manual steering override of the automatic steering control.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2013Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: AgJunction LLCInventor: John A. McClure
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Patent number: 8718874Abstract: A raster-based system for global navigation satellite system (GNSS) guidance includes a vehicle-mounted GNSS antenna and receiver. A processor provides guidance and/or autosteering commands based on GNSS-defined pixels forming a grid representing an area to be treated, such as a field. Specific guidance and chemical application methods are provided based on the pixel-defined treatment areas and preprogrammed chemical application prescription maps, which can include variable chemical application rates and dynamic control of the individual nozzles of a sprayer.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2013Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: AgJunction, LLCInventors: John A. McClure, Dennis M. Collins