Patents by Inventor Joshua D. Zimmerman
Joshua D. Zimmerman 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: 20250129565Abstract: A method for automatically adjusting the position of an implement of a lift assembly of a work vehicle includes receiving an input associated with raising a boom of the lift assembly relative to the ground, monitoring an implement angle relative to a target implement angle as the boom is being raised, and identifying an implement angle error relative to the target implement angle as the boom is moved following the target implement angle initially being reached. In addition, the method includes selecting a closed-loop control algorithm to control movement of the implement based at least in part on a sign of the implement angle error, wherein the closed-loop control algorithm corresponds to a closed-loop position control algorithm when the implement angle error is a positive implement angle error and a closed-loop velocity control algorithm when the implement angle error is a negative implement angle error.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2023Publication date: April 24, 2025Inventors: Duqiang Wu, Joshua D. Zimmerman
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Publication number: 20240328440Abstract: The present disclosure describes a hydraulic control system for power loss prevention that includes at least one controller having a memory and a processor. The at least one controller is configured to determine an observed flow rate of hydraulic fluid at a hydraulic actuator based on an actuation speed of the hydraulic actuator. Additionally, the at least one controller may compare the observed flow rate to a commanded flow rate of the hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator by a hydraulic pump of the hydraulic control system. Further, the at least one controller may adjust the commanded flow rate to a target flow rate in response to determining that a difference between the commanded flow rate and the observed flow rate is greater than a threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2023Publication date: October 3, 2024Inventor: Joshua D. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 12071745Abstract: A work vehicle includes a hydraulic shift control system that enables the work vehicle to smoothly change speeds during a shift and reduce abrupt changes. The hydraulic shift control system may predict undesirable scenarios associated with the abrupt changes. The hydraulic shift control system may utilize configuration data, feedback data (e.g., sensor data), and modeling data to estimate certain operation states and/or parameters, such as engine loads and hydraulic pressures. In response to determining that predicted values may exceed certain thresholds (e.g., maximum load or pressure), the hydraulic shift control system may perform proactive actions to prevent shifting that may cause undesirable outcomes for the work vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2023Date of Patent: August 27, 2024Inventor: Joshua D. Zimmerman
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Publication number: 20240279905Abstract: A method for implementing load-dependent machine aggressiveness for vehicle functions of a work vehicle includes receiving, with one or more computing devices, load-related data associated with a load weight for an implement of a work vehicle, the implement being coupled to a boom of the work vehicle, and receiving, with the one or more computing devices, an operator-initiated input command associated with executing a vehicle function of the work vehicle. The method also includes determining, with the one or more computing devices, an output command for controlling the operation of at least one component of the work vehicle based at least in part on the load-related data and the input command, and controlling, with the one or more computing devices, the operation of the least one component based at least in part on the output command to execute the vehicle function.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2023Publication date: August 22, 2024Inventor: Joshua D. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 12012727Abstract: A method for estimating the weight of loads carried by implements may include controlling an implement subject to actual weighing conditions to lift a load and receiving an input indicative of a sensed force associated with lifting the load. The method may further include determining a correlation value indicative of a correlation between first and second force values for lifting a given load with the implement as a function of the actual weighing conditions and as a function of nominal weighing conditions, respectively, where at least one of the actual weighing conditions differs from at least one of the nominal weighing conditions. Furthermore, the method may include determining an adjusted force value for lifting the load based at least in part on the sensed force and the correlation value. Additionally, the method may include estimating the weight of the load based at least in part on the adjusted force value.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2020Date of Patent: June 18, 2024Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventor: Joshua D. Zimmerman
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Publication number: 20240183127Abstract: A method for controlling load dependent valve flow rate in a presence of an overrunning load in a bucket includes receiving a measured pressure from and/or to a hydraulic valve, and the hydraulic valve is coupled to an actuator coupled to the bucket. The method includes calculating a load pressure on the actuator based on the measured pressure. The method includes receiving a first valve command for actuating the actuator to lower the bucket, the first valve command being associated with a desired valve flow rate and a desired maximum speed of the actuator. The method includes providing a second valve command based on a last calculated load pressure before receiving the first valve command, wherein the second valve command adjusts a valve opening area of the hydraulic valve so that a speed of the actuator corresponds to a maximum speed of the actuator for the last calculated load pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2022Publication date: June 6, 2024Inventors: Navneet Gulati, Joshua D. Zimmerman
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Publication number: 20240159017Abstract: A method for estimating a weight of a load in a bucket of a work vehicle includes obtaining, via a controller, a speed of an actuator of a lift coupled to the bucket. The method also includes comparing, via the controller, the speed provided to an instantaneous command to a hydraulic valve coupled to the actuator. The method further includes estimating, via the controller, a hydraulic pressure drop across the hydraulic valve based on the comparison of the speed to the instantaneous command to estimate pressures in the cylinder. The method even further includes determining, via the controller, a hydraulic force of the actuator. The method still further includes estimating, via the controller, the weight of the load in the bucket of the work vehicle based on the estimated pressures in the actuator and the hydraulic force.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2022Publication date: May 16, 2024Inventor: Joshua D. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 11965313Abstract: A method for determining parallel lift feedforward control of a bucket of a work vehicle is provided. The method includes calculating a current stroke length of a bucket cylinder at a current moment based on a current bell crank plate angle and a current boom angle. The method includes predicting a future boom angle after a certain number of steps. The method further includes calculating a required bell crank plate angle from a learned cutting edge angle and the future boom angle. The method even further includes calculating a future stroke length of the bucket cylinder after the certain number of steps. The method yet further includes calculating an average speed command for bucket control based on the current stroke length and the future stroke length of the bucket cylinder. The method still further includes calculating a bucket cylinder control command based on the average speed command for bucket control.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Eric John Williams, Caleb Peterson, Duqiang Wu, Joshua D. Zimmerman
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Publication number: 20230349398Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a work vehicle includes one or more processors configured to receive an indication of a pump flow provided by a pump of the hydraulic control system. The one or more processors are also configured to receive an additional indication of a current input position of an input device of the hydraulic control system. The one or more processors are further configured to apply a dynamic valve map to control a valve position of a valve of the hydraulic control system based on the pump flow and the current input position of the input device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2022Publication date: November 2, 2023Inventor: Joshua D. Zimmerman
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Publication number: 20220228349Abstract: A method for determining parallel lift feedforward control of a bucket of a work vehicle is provided. The method includes calculating a current stroke length of a bucket cylinder at a current moment based on a current bell crank plate angle and a current boom angle. The method includes predicting a future boom angle after a certain number of steps. The method further includes calculating a required bell crank plate angle from a learned cutting edge angle and the future boom angle. The method even further includes calculating a future stroke length of the bucket cylinder after the certain number of steps. The method yet further includes calculating an average speed command for bucket control based on the current stroke length and the future stroke length of the bucket cylinder. The method still further includes calculating a bucket cylinder control command based on the average speed command for bucket control.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2021Publication date: July 21, 2022Inventors: Eric John Williams, Caleb Peterson, Duqiang Wu, Joshua D. Zimmerman
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Publication number: 20220145592Abstract: A method for estimating the weight of loads carried by implements may include controlling an implement subject to actual weighing conditions to lift a load and receiving an input indicative of a sensed force associated with lifting the load. The method may further include determining a correlation value indicative of a correlation between first and second force values for lifting a given load with the implement as a function of the actual weighing conditions and as a function of nominal weighing conditions, respectively, where at least one of the actual weighing conditions differs from at least one of the nominal weighing conditions. Furthermore, the method may include determining an adjusted force value for lifting the load based at least in part on the sensed force and the correlation value. Additionally, the method may include estimating the weight of the load based at least in part on the adjusted force value.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2020Publication date: May 12, 2022Inventor: Joshua D. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 11286648Abstract: A method for estimating implement load weights includes controlling an operation of at least one component of the work vehicle to perform an automated boom movement operation during which a boom of a work vehicle is automatically moved across an angular range of boom positions from a starting position to a final position. The method also includes receiving load-related data associated with a load weight for an implement of the work vehicle as the boom is moved across the range of positions, and identifying at least one measurement region within the angular range of positions associated with a phase of the automated boom movement operation during which a boom velocity of the boom is maintained substantially constant. In addition, the method includes determining a region load weight the at least one measurement region based on the load-related data.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2019Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Joshua D. Zimmerman, Raul Espinosa, Navneet Gulati
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Publication number: 20200340213Abstract: A method for estimating implement load weights includes controlling an operation of at least one component of the work vehicle to perform an automated boom movement operation during which a boom of a work vehicle is automatically moved across an angular range of boom positions from a starting position to a final position. The method also includes receiving load-related data associated with a load weight for an implement of the work vehicle as the boom is moved across the range of positions, and identifying at least one measurement region within the angular range of positions associated with a phase of the automated boom movement operation during which a boom velocity of the boom is maintained substantially constant. In addition, the method includes determining a region load weight the at least one measurement region based on the load-related data.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2019Publication date: October 29, 2020Inventors: JOSHUA D. ZIMMERMAN, RAUL ESPINOSA, NAVNEET GULATI
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Patent number: 10759476Abstract: A method for executing straight tracking control may include receiving an input command(s) associated with controlling the operation of a first-side drive system and/or a second-side drive system of a hydrostatic transmission of a work vehicle to drive the vehicle along a straight path. The method may also include receiving first and second speed signals associated with the output speeds of the drive systems, and modifying the first speed signal or the second speed signal based on a speed scaling factor to generate a corrected speed signal. In addition, the method may include determining an adjusted control command for controlling the operation of the hydrostatic transmission as a function of the input command(s) and a control output determined based on the corrected speed signal. Further, the method may include controlling the operation of the hydrostatic transmission based at least in part on the adjusted control command.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2019Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Joshua D. Zimmerman, Andrea Gravili, Antonio Venezia, Joseph R. Shoemaker, Kushan Vora
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Publication number: 20200079426Abstract: A method for executing straight tracking control may include receiving an input command(s) associated with controlling the operation of a first-side drive system and/or a second-side drive system of a hydrostatic transmission of a work vehicle to drive the vehicle along a straight path. The method may also include receiving first and second speed signals associated with the output speeds of the drive systems, and modifying the first speed signal or the second speed signal based on a speed scaling factor to generate a corrected speed signal. In addition, the method may include determining an adjusted control command for controlling the operation of the hydrostatic transmission as a function of the input command(s) and a control output determined based on the corrected speed signal. Further, the method may include controlling the operation of the hydrostatic transmission based at least in part on the adjusted control command.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2019Publication date: March 12, 2020Inventors: Joshua D. Zimmerman, Andrea Gravili, Antonio Venezia, Joseph R. Shoemaker, Kushan Vora
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Publication number: 20200047738Abstract: In one aspect, a system for providing brake-assisted steering to a work vehicle may include at least one sensor configured to detect at least one parameter associated with a wheel speed differential defined between first and second wheels of the work vehicle. The system may also include a controller configured to determine a target wheel speed differential between the first and second wheels when it is determined that a change in the direction of travel of the work vehicle has been initiated. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to control the operation of a first or second braking device of the work vehicle such that a braking force is applied to an inside wheel of the work vehicle in a manner that adjusts the wheel speed differential towards the target wheel speed differential.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2018Publication date: February 13, 2020Inventor: Joshua D. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 10494019Abstract: A method for executing straight tracking control may include receiving an input command(s) associated with controlling the operation of a first-side drive system and/or a second-side drive system of a hydrostatic transmission of a work vehicle to drive the vehicle along a straight path. The method may also include receiving first and second speed signals associated with the output speeds of the drive systems, and modifying the first speed signal or the second speed signal based on a speed scaling factor to generate a corrected speed signal. In addition, the method may include determining an adjusted control command for controlling the operation of the hydrostatic transmission as a function of the input command(s) and a control output determined based on the corrected speed signal. Further, the method may include controlling the operation of the hydrostatic transmission based at least in part on the adjusted control command.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2018Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Aditya Singh, Tan Cheng, Navneet Gulati, Joshua D. Zimmerman
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Publication number: 20190351944Abstract: A method for executing straight tracking control may include receiving an input command(s) associated with controlling the operation of a first-side drive system and/or a second-side drive system of a hydrostatic transmission of a work vehicle to drive the vehicle along a straight path. The method may also include receiving first and second speed signals associated with the output speeds of the drive systems, and modifying the first speed signal or the second speed signal based on a speed scaling factor to generate a corrected speed signal. In addition, the method may include determining an adjusted control command for controlling the operation of the hydrostatic transmission as a function of the input command(s) and a control output determined based on the corrected speed signal. Further, the method may include controlling the operation of the hydrostatic transmission based at least in part on the adjusted control command.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2018Publication date: November 21, 2019Inventors: Aditya Singh, Tan Cheng, Navneet Gulati, Joshua D. Zimmerman
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Publication number: 20170114518Abstract: A hydraulic system powered by a shaft of an engine to control a plurality of hydraulic cylinders including at least one boom lift hydraulic cylinder coupled to a boom to pivot the boom about a horizontal axis, wherein a first variable displacement pump/motor and a second variable displacement pump/motor can be connected to provide a higher flow to the at least one boom lift hydraulic cylinder than a flow achieved by one of the first variable displacement pump/motor or the second variable displacement pump/motor, and a high-pressure accumulator and the first variable displacement pump/motor and the second variable displacement pump/motor can add power back to the engine shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2015Publication date: April 27, 2017Applicant: CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLCInventor: Joshua D. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 9611619Abstract: A hydraulic system powered by a shaft of an engine to control a plurality of hydraulic cylinders including at least one boom lift hydraulic cylinder coupled to a boom to pivot the boom about a horizontal axis, wherein a first variable displacement pump/motor and a second variable displacement pump/motor can be connected to provide a higher flow to the at least one boom lift hydraulic cylinder than a flow achieved by one of the first variable displacement pump/motor or the second variable displacement pump/motor, and a high-pressure accumulator and the first variable displacement pump/motor and the second variable displacement pump/motor can add power back to the engine shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2015Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventor: Joshua D. Zimmerman