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).

  • Patent number: 11965313
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Eric John Williams, Caleb Peterson, Duqiang Wu, Joshua D. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20230349398
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventor: Joshua D. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20220228349
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Eric John Williams, Caleb Peterson, Duqiang Wu, Joshua D. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20220145592
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventor: Joshua D. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 11286648
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Zimmerman, Raul Espinosa, Navneet Gulati
  • Publication number: 20200340213
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: JOSHUA D. ZIMMERMAN, RAUL ESPINOSA, NAVNEET GULATI
  • Patent number: 10759476
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Zimmerman, Andrea Gravili, Antonio Venezia, Joseph R. Shoemaker, Kushan Vora
  • Publication number: 20200079426
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Joshua D. Zimmerman, Andrea Gravili, Antonio Venezia, Joseph R. Shoemaker, Kushan Vora
  • Publication number: 20200047738
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventor: Joshua D. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 10494019
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Aditya Singh, Tan Cheng, Navneet Gulati, Joshua D. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20190351944
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Aditya Singh, Tan Cheng, Navneet Gulati, Joshua D. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20170114518
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Applicant: CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC
    Inventor: Joshua D. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 9611619
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Joshua D. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8474254
    Abstract: A system and method for performing a floating function in an earthmoving implement of an earthmoving machine without physically connecting chambers within a hydraulic actuator that is adapted to raise and lower the earthmoving implement. The system includes a device for delivering a pressurized fluid to and receiving pressurized fluid from the actuator, a valve for compensating for differences in volume between chambers of the actuator, and an electronic control circuit that includes electronic sensors for sensing the pressures in the chambers of the actuator, and a controller for receiving outputs of the sensors. The controller calculates an amount of the pressurized fluid that, when delivered to or received from the actuator, achieves a substantially constant pressures in the chambers of the actuator and enables the earthmoving implement to float regardless of motion of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Edward C. Hughes, IV, Christopher Alan Williamson, Joshua D. Zimmerman, Monika Marianne Ivantysynova
  • Patent number: 8191290
    Abstract: A displacement-controlled hydraulic system for installation on a multi-function machine, and multi-function machines equipped with the hydraulic system and having devices for propelling the machine, at least a first implement, and multiple actuators that perform multiple functions of the machine. The multiple actuators include first actuators that control the first implement and second actuators that control the propelling devices. The hydraulic system comprises multiple pumps for controlling the first actuators and optionally the second actuators, and valves that enable at least one of the pumps to sequentially control two of the multiple actuators and a corresponding two functions of the multiple functions performed thereby. None of the pumps sequentially controls the second actuators in combination with any of the first actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Edward C. Hughes, IV, Christopher Alan Williamson, Joshua D. Zimmerman, Monika Marianne Ivantysynova
  • Patent number: 7942208
    Abstract: A system for automatically controlling the position and level of an earthmoving implement on an earthmoving machine. The system includes at least one hydraulic actuator adapted to raise and lower the earthmoving implement, a device for delivering a pressurized fluid to and receiving pressurized fluid from the actuator, and an electronic control circuit that includes electronic sensors for sensing the absolute orientation of the machine and the position of the actuator, and a controller for receiving outputs of the sensors, calculating an amount of the pressurized fluid that must be delivered to or received from the actuator to achieve a desired position for the earthmoving implement, and control the delivering-receiving device to deliver or receive the amount of the pressurized fluid to achieve the desired position for the earthmoving implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Edward C. Hughes, IV, Christopher Alan Williamson, Joshua D. Zimmerman, Monika Marianne Ivantysynova
  • Publication number: 20100162885
    Abstract: A system and method for performing a floating function in an earthmoving implement of an earthmoving machine without physically connecting chambers within a hydraulic actuator that is adapted to raise and lower the earthmoving implement. The system includes a device for delivering a pressurized fluid to and receiving pressurized fluid from the actuator, a valve for compensating for differences in volume between chambers of the actuator, and an electronic control circuit that includes electronic sensors for sensing the pressures in the chambers of the actuator, and a controller for receiving outputs of the sensors. The controller calculates an amount of the pressurized fluid that, when delivered to or received from the actuator, achieves a substantially constant pressures in the chambers of the actuator and enables the earthmoving implement to float regardless of motion of the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Edward C. Hughes, IV, Christopher Alan Williamson, Joshua D. Zimmerman, Monika Marianne Ivantysynova
  • Publication number: 20100162593
    Abstract: A displacement-controlled hydraulic system for installation on a multi-function machine, and multi-function machines equipped with the hydraulic system and having devices for propelling the machine, at least a first implement, and multiple actuators that perform multiple functions of the machine. The multiple actuators include first actuators that control the first implement and second actuators that control the propelling devices. The hydraulic system comprises multiple pumps for controlling the first actuators and optionally the second actuators, and valves that enable at least one of the pumps to sequentially control two of the multiple actuators and a corresponding two functions of the multiple functions performed thereby. None of the pumps sequentially controls the second actuators in combination with any of the first actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Edward C. Hughes, IV, Christopher Alan Williamson, Joshua D. Zimmerman, Monika Marianne Ivantysynova
  • Publication number: 20100163258
    Abstract: A system for automatically controlling the position and level of an earthmoving implement on an earthmoving machine. The system includes at least one hydraulic actuator adapted to raise and lower the earthmoving implement, a device for delivering a pressurized fluid to and receiving pressurized fluid from the actuator, and an electronic control circuit that includes electronic sensors for sensing the absolute orientation of the machine and the position of the actuator, and a controller for receiving outputs of the sensors, calculating an amount of the pressurized fluid that must be delivered to or received from the actuator to achieve a desired position for the earthmoving implement, and control the delivering-receiving device to deliver or receive the amount of the pressurized fluid to achieve the desired position for the earthmoving implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Edward C. Hughes, IV, Christopher Alan Williamson, Joshua D. Zimmerman, Monika Marianne Ivantysynova