Patents by Inventor Joshua David Harmon

Joshua David Harmon 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: 20210176912
    Abstract: A system for assessing agricultural operation performance may include an imaging device configured to capture image data associated with a portion of a field present within a field of view. The field of view may, in turn, include a first section directed at one of a processed or an unprocessed portion of the field and a second section directed at the other of the processed or the unprocessed portion of the field. Furthermore, a controller may be configured to determine a first value of a field characteristic for the processed portion of the field based on a first portion of the image data associated with the processed portion of the field. Additionally, the controller may be configured to determine a second value of a field characteristic for the unprocessed portion of the field based on a second portion of the image data associated with the unprocessed portion of the field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventor: Joshua David Harmon
  • Publication number: 20210144900
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling an operation of a tillage implement being towed across a field by a work vehicle may include a tillage tool configured to engage soil and crop material present within a field as the tillage implement is being towed across the field by the work vehicle. Furthermore, the system may include a controller configured to receive an input associated with crop material present within the field and determine a location of a crop row relative to the tillage tool based on the received input. Additionally, the controller may be configured to control a direction of travel of the tillage implement based on the determined location of the crop row.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: James W. Henry, Nicholas Nahuel Andrejuk, Joshua David Harmon
  • Publication number: 20210136990
    Abstract: A system for de-plugging ground engaging tools of an agricultural implement includes a ground engaging tool. A fluid nozzle is in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source such that pressurized fluid from the pressurized fluid source is flowable to the fluid nozzle. The fluid nozzle is oriented towards the ground engaging tool. Thus, pressurized fluid from the fluid nozzle is flowable towards, next to and/or against the ground engaging tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: James W. Henry, Kevin M. Smith, Joshua David Harmon
  • Publication number: 20210127546
    Abstract: ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A system for managing material accumulation relative to an agricultural implement may include a ground engaging tool supported on an agricultural implement and an infrared sensor having a field of view directed towards the ground engaging tool, The infrared sensor may be configured to generate data indicative of a temperature gradient of field materials at the ground engaging tool. A controller of the system may be communicatively coupled to the infrared sensor. The controller may monitor the data received from the infrared sensor and determine a presence of material accumulation relative to the ground engaging tool based at least in part on the temperature gradient of the field materials at the ground engaging tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Kevin M. Smith, Joshua David Harmon
  • Publication number: 20210123219
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for detecting tripping of ground engaging tools on an agricultural implement may include a ground engaging tool coupled to an implement frame. Furthermore, the system may include a motion sensor installed on the implement frame, with the motion sensor configured to capture data indicative of motion of the implement frame. Moreover, the system may include a controller configured to monitor the motion of the implement frame based on the data received from the motion sensor. In addition, the controller may be further configured to determine when the ground engaging tool has tripped based on the monitored motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, Joshua David Harmon
  • Publication number: 20210102984
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the operational status of ground-engaging tools of an agricultural implement. The system includes a frame and an assembly including an attachment structure configured to be coupled to the frame and a ground-engaging tool. The ground-engaging tool is pivotably coupled to the attachment structure. The system further includes a shear pin at least partially extending through both the attachment structure and ground-engaging tool to prevent pivoting of the ground-engaging tool about the pivot point when the shear pin is in an operable working condition. Additionally, the system includes an electrical connection through one or more components of the assembly or the shear pin and associated with the shear pin. The system further includes a controller electrically coupled to the electrical connection. The controller is configured to determine a change in the working condition of the shear pin based on an electrical property of the electrical connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventors: Trevor Stanhope, Joshua David Harmon
  • Publication number: 20210084803
    Abstract: A system for adjusting the spacing between ground engaging tools of an agricultural implement may include a plurality of ground engaging tools including a first end tool, a second end tool, and at least one intermediate tool positioned between the first and second end tools, with an adjustable ground engaging width being defined between the first and second end tools. The system may further include a biasing element positioned between each respective pair of adjacent engaging tools and configured to apply a biasing force against its respective pair of adjacent tools such that an inter-tool spacing between each respective pair of adjacent tools is maintained substantially uniform across the plurality of ground engaging tools as the ground engaging width is adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: Joshua David Harmon, Trevor Stanhope
  • Publication number: 20210084804
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the levelness of a multi-wing agricultural implement may include a central frame section, a wing section pivotably coupled to the central frame section and a field contour sensor configured to generate data indicative of a contour of an aft portion of the field located rearward of the implement relative to a direction of travel of the implement. The system may further include a controller communicatively coupled to the field contour sensor. The controller may be configured to monitor the data received from the field contour sensor and assess a levelness of the implement based at least in part on the contour of the aft portion of the field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: Trevor Stanhope, Joshua David Harmon
  • Publication number: 20210029865
    Abstract: A system for determining material accumulation relative to ground engaging tools of an agricultural implement includes a frame member extending along a first direction, first and second ground engaging tools coupled to the frame member, a sensing arm, a sensor, and a controller. The first and second ground engaging tools are spaced apart from each other in the first direction such that an open space is defined between the first and second ground engaging tools. The sensing arm is aligned with the open space defined between the first and second ground engaging tools and is displaceable, with the sensor being configured to detect displacement of the sensing arm. The controller is configured to monitor the displacement based at least in part on data received from the sensor to determine a presence of material accumulation between the first and second ground engaging tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Kevin M. Smith, Joshua David Harmon
  • Publication number: 20200404833
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method for reducing material accumulation relative to a closing assembly of an agricultural implement may include receiving an input associated with an amount of material accumulation relative to the closing assembly. Additionally, the method may include controlling an operation of the implement based on the received input such that at least one of a first closing tool or a second closing tool of the closing assembly moves from a working position to a material removal position to reduce an amount of material accumulation relative to the closing assembly. The method may also include controlling an operation of an actuator of the implement to actuate the at least one of the first closing tool or the second closing tool from the material removal position back to the working position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Trevor Stanhope, Joshua David Harmon
  • Publication number: 20200390018
    Abstract: A system for controlling an implement during a tillage operation may include a frame and a ground-engaging tool pivotally coupled to the frame and movable relative to the frame between a retracted position and an extended position. An actuator may be configured to bias the ground-engaging tool towards the extended position during the tillage operation. An adjustable valve may be configured to permit flow out of the actuator when a fluid pressure of the actuator exceeds a reset pressure such that the actuator allows the ground-engaging tool to pivot towards the retracted position. A controller may be configured to determine at least one of an actuator position or a load value indicative of a force applied by the ground-engaging tool against the soil during the tillage operation and adjust the reset pressure based on the at least one of the actuator position or the load value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Inventors: Kevin M. Smith, John H. Posselius, Christopher A. Foster, Joshua David Harmon, Bruce Anderson
  • Publication number: 20200390023
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the operational status of ground-engaging tools of an agricultural implement. The system includes a frame and an assembly including an attachment structure configured to be coupled to the frame and a ground-engaging tool pivotably coupled to the attachment structure at a pivot point. The system further includes a shear pin at least partially extending through both the attachment structure and ground-engaging tool to prevent pivoting of the ground-engaging tool about the pivot point. Additionally, the system includes a sensor configured to detect a load applied through a pivot member extending through at least one of the frame or assembly at any pivot point between the frame and the ground engaging tool. The system further includes a controller, communicatively coupled to the sensor, configured to determine a change in the working condition of the shear pin based on the detected load applied through the pivot member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Inventors: Joshua David Harmon, Christopher A. Foster
  • Publication number: 20200308810
    Abstract: A system for monitoring wear of shank attachment members of an agricultural implement includes a shank extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end configured to be pivotally coupled to a portion of the agricultural implement, a shank attachment member coupled to the distal end of the shank, a non-contact sensor positioned remote to the shank attachment member, the non-contact sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of wear of the shank attachment member, and a controller communicatively coupled to the non-contact sensor. The controller is configured to determine a status of the wear of the shank attachment member based on sensor data received from the non-contact sensor while the shank attachment member is above ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventor: Joshua David Harmon
  • Publication number: 20200305336
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the installation status of shank attachment members of an agricultural implement includes a shank and a shank attachment member coupled to a distal end of the shank. The system also includes a sensor at least partially embedded within the shank at or adjacent to its distal end, with the sensor providing data indicative of an installation status of the shank attachment member relative to the shank. In addition, the system includes a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor, with the controller being configured to determine the installation status of the shank attachment member based on the data received from the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventor: Joshua David Harmon
  • Patent number: 10773665
    Abstract: A system for detecting a damage condition associated with an agricultural machine. The system can include a component of the agricultural machine and a movement sensor configured to measure a movement parameter associated with the component. The system can include a controller communicatively coupled with the movement sensor. The controller can include a processor and associated memory. The memory may store instructions that, when executed by the processor, configure the controller to perform operations. The operations may include monitoring the movement parameter associated with the component and detecting a change in the monitored movement parameter over time that is associated with a damage pattern. The damage pattern may be indicative of damage to the agricultural machine. The operations may include automatically initiating a corrective action associated with preventing further damage to the agricultural machine when it is detected that the monitored movement parameter has experienced the damage pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, Joshua David Harmon
  • Publication number: 20200285241
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method for distributing crop material for ensilage may include determining, with a computing device, a storage volume for the crop material. The method may also include dividing, with the computing device, the determined storage volume into a plurality of planes. Each plane of the plurality of planes may be spaced apart from each other plane of the plurality of planes along a vertical direction. Furthermore, the method may include controlling, with the computing device, an operation of at least one of a work vehicle or an associated implement in a manner that distributes a portion of the crop material on a given plane of the plurality of planes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Kevin M. Smith, John H. Posselius, Cory Douglas Hunt, Christopher A. Foster, Joshua David Harmon
  • Publication number: 20200281248
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method for compressing crop material for ensilage may include monitoring, with a computing device, a location of a work vehicle within a silage heap as the work vehicle traverses a layer of crop material within the silage heap. The method may also include determining, with the computing device, a current density of the layer of crop material as the work vehicle traverses the layer of crop material. Furthermore, the method may include controlling, with the computing device, an operation of the work vehicle based on the monitored location and the determined current density such that the work vehicle compresses the layer of crop material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Kevin M. Smith, John H. Posselius, Christopher A. Foster, Joshua David Harmon
  • Publication number: 20200226851
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for detecting worn or damaged components of an agricultural machine may include first and second acoustic sensors positioned at first and second locations on the agricultural machine, respectively, with the second location being spaced apart from the first location. A controller of the system may be configured to determine a first acoustic parameter associated with the first location of the agricultural machine based on acoustic data received from the first acoustic sensor. The controller may also be configured to determine a second acoustic parameter associated with the second location of the agricultural machine based on acoustic data received from the second acoustic sensor. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to determine a component of the agricultural machine is worn or damaged when the first acoustic parameter differs from the second acoustic parameter by a predetermined amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventors: Joshua David Harmon, Huiyan Wu
  • Publication number: 20200128719
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for detecting accumulations of field materials between ground engaging components of an agricultural implement may include first and second ground engaging components configured to rotate relative to soil within a field as the implement is moved across the field. The first and second ground engaging components may be spaced apart from each other along an axial direction of the shaft. The system may also include a sensor configured to detect field materials within a detection zone defined directly between the first and second ground engaging components and above the axis of rotation in a vertical direction of the agricultural implement. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor, with the controller configured to determine a parameter associated with an accumulation of the field materials between the first and second ground engaging components based on data received from the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventor: Joshua David Harmon
  • Publication number: 20200114843
    Abstract: A system for detecting a damage condition associated with an agricultural machine. The system can include a component of the agricultural machine and a movement sensor configured to measure a movement parameter associated with the component. The system can include a controller communicatively coupled with the movement sensor. The controller can include a processor and associated memory. The memory may store instructions that, when executed by the processor, configure the controller to perform operations. The operations may include monitoring the movement parameter associated with the component and detecting a change in the monitored movement parameter over time that is associated with a damage pattern. The damage pattern may be indicative of damage to the agricultural machine. The operations may include automatically initiating a corrective action associated with preventing further damage to the agricultural machine when it is detected that the monitored movement parameter has experienced the damage pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, Joshua David Harmon