Patents by Inventor Kevin D. McKee

Kevin D. McKee 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: 11647687
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling the direction of travel of agricultural implements may include a work vehicle having a vehicle-based controller configured to control an operation of a valve provided in operative association with the work vehicle. The system may also include an agricultural implement configured to be towed by the work vehicle. The implement may include a sensor configured to detect an operational parameter indicative of a direction of travel of the implement. The implement may also include an actuator configured to adjust the direction of travel of the implement, with the actuator being fluidly coupled to the valve such that the valve is configured to control an operation of the actuator. The implement may further include an implement-based controller configured to initiate control of the operation of the valve based on sensor data received from the sensor to adjust the direction of travel of the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Jason T. Czapka, Kevin D. McKee, Kevin M. Smith, Robert J. Longua, Keith W. Wendte, Trevor Stanhope, Marvin A. Prickel
  • Patent number: 11135915
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for providing implement-based speed control for a work vehicle may include a planter controller provided in operative association with a planter towed by the work vehicle and a vehicle controller provided in operative association with the work vehicle. The planter controller may be configured to access an input associated with at least one predetermined threshold value for an operating parameter of the planter and monitor the operating parameter relative to the predetermined threshold value(s) as the planter is being towed at a current ground speed of the work vehicle. In addition, when the operating parameter differs from the predetermined threshold value(s), the planter controller may be configured to adjust a speed control request transmitted to the vehicle controller to cause the current ground speed of the work vehicle to be automatically increased or decreased between predetermined maximum and minimum speed values set for the work vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Jason T. Czapka, Kevin D. McKee, Kevin M. Smith, Robert J. Longua, Keith W. Wendte, Marvin A. Prickel
  • Publication number: 20210059097
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling the direction of travel of agricultural implements may include a work vehicle having a vehicle-based controller configured to control an operation of a valve provided in operative association with the work vehicle. The system may also include an agricultural implement configured to be towed by the work vehicle. The implement may include a sensor configured to detect an operational parameter indicative of a direction of travel of the implement. The implement may also include an actuator configured to adjust the direction of travel of the implement, with the actuator being fluidly coupled to the valve such that the valve is configured to control an operation of the actuator. The implement may further include an implement-based controller configured to initiate control of the operation of the valve based on sensor data received from the sensor to adjust the direction of travel of the implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Jason T. Czapka, Kevin D. McKee, Kevin M. Smith, Robert J. Longua, Keith W. Wendte, Trevor Stanhope, Marvin A. Prickel
  • Patent number: 10912245
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for regulating the flow of fluid supplied to actuators of an agricultural implement may include a tool and a fluid-driven actuator configured to actuate the tool relative to a surface. The system may also include a pump configured to supply fluid to the fluid-driven actuator and a valve configured to control a flow of the fluid supplied to the fluid-driven actuator. Furthermore, the system may include a first sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of a first pressure upstream of the valve and a second sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of a second pressure downstream of the valve. Additionally, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the first and second sensors, with the controller configured to determine a pressure differential across the valve based on measurement signals received from the first and second sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Stovall, Michael Freisleben, Duqiang Wu, John C. Endsley, Michael Glennon, Kevin D. McKee
  • Patent number: 10842068
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling the direction of travel of agricultural implements may include a work vehicle having a vehicle-based controller configured to control an operation of a valve provided in operative association with the work vehicle. The system may also include an agricultural implement configured to be towed by the work vehicle. The implement may include a sensor configured to detect an operational parameter indicative of a direction of travel of the implement. The implement may also include an actuator configured to adjust the direction of travel of the implement, with the actuator being fluidly coupled to the valve such that the valve is configured to control an operation of the actuator. The implement may further include an implement-based controller configured to initiate control of the operation of the valve based on sensor data received from the sensor to adjust the direction of travel of the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Jason T. Czapka, Kevin D. McKee, Kevin M. Smith, Robert J. Longua, Keith W. Wendte, Trevor Stanhope, Marvin A. Prickel
  • Patent number: 10820470
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a supply line, at least one implement-based control valve, an implement-based pressure regulating valve, and a load sensing circuit. The implement-based control valve(s) is fluidly coupled to the supply line and configured to regulate a flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid supplied through at least one downstream actuator line to at least one hydraulic actuator of the implement. The implement-based pressure regulating valve is fluidly coupled to the supply line upstream of the control valve(s) and configured to regulate a fluid pressure to be equal to or greater than a minimum fluid pressure. The load sensing circuit is fluidly coupled to the pressure regulating valve and provides a line or load pressure to the pressure regulating valve. The pressure regulating valve is configured to regulate the supply of the pressurized hydraulic fluid based on the line pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Duqiang Wu, John C. Endsley, Michael Glennon, Kevin D. McKee
  • Patent number: 10820471
    Abstract: A hydraulic system including a supply line, an implement-based control valve, an override valve supported by the implement, and a bypass line. The control valve is fluidly coupled to the supply line and configured to regulate a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid supplied through a downstream actuator line to a hydraulic actuator of the implement. The override valve is fluidly coupled to the actuator line downstream of the control valve and includes a supply position at which the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid from the control valve passes through the override valve to the hydraulic actuator. The override valve is actuatable to at least one override position at which the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid from the control valve is cut-off. The bypass line is fluidly coupled between the supply line and the override valve such that a portion of the pressurized hydraulic fluid flows to the hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Duqiang Wu, John C. Endsley, Michael Glennon, Kevin D. McKee
  • Publication number: 20200187407
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for regulating the flow of fluid supplied to actuators of an agricultural implement may include a tool and a fluid-driven actuator configured to actuate the tool relative to a surface. The system may also include a pump configured to supply fluid to the fluid-driven actuator and a valve configured to control a flow of the fluid supplied to the fluid-driven actuator. Furthermore, the system may include a first sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of a first pressure upstream of the valve and a second sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of a second pressure downstream of the valve. Additionally, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the first and second sensors, with the controller configured to determine a pressure differential across the valve based on measurement signals received from the first and second sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher Stovall, Michael Freisleben, Duqiang Wu, John C. Endsley, Michael Glennon, Kevin D. McKee
  • Patent number: 10660257
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method for automatically actuating wing assemblies an agricultural implement associated with a work vehicle may include monitoring, with one or more computing devices, a first wing movement parameter associated with folding or unfolding a wing assembly of the agricultural implement during the performance of a wing movement operation. The method may also include determining, with the one or more computing devices, whether the first wing movement parameter satisfies a first condition associated with a first predetermined threshold value defined for the wing movement operation. The method may include, automatically initiating, with the one or more computing devices, movement of the work vehicle relative to a surface on which the work vehicle is supported to assist the folding or unfolding of the wing assembly during the performance of the wing movement operation when it is determined that the first wing movement parameter satisfies the first condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Jason T. Czapka, Kevin D. McKee, Kevin M. Smith, Robert J. Longua, Keith W. Wendte, Marvin A. Prickel
  • Publication number: 20200060064
    Abstract: A hydraulic system including a supply line, an implement-based control valve, an override valve supported by the implement, and a bypass line. The control valve is fluidly coupled to the supply line and configured to regulate a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid supplied through a downstream actuator line to a hydraulic actuator of the implement. The override valve is fluidly coupled to the actuator line downstream of the control valve and includes a supply position at which the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid from the control valve passes through the override valve to the hydraulic actuator. The override valve is actuatable to at least one override position at which the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid from the control valve is cut-off. The bypass line is fluidly coupled between the supply line and the override valve such that a portion of the pressurized hydraulic fluid flows to the hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Duqiang Wu, John C. Endsley, Michael Glennon, Kevin D. McKee
  • Publication number: 20200060063
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a supply line, at least one implement-based control valve, an implement-based pressure regulating valve, and a load sensing circuit. The implement-based control valve(s) is fluidly coupled to the supply line and configured to regulate a flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid supplied through at least one downstream actuator line to at least one hydraulic actuator of the implement. The implement-based pressure regulating valve is fluidly coupled to the supply line upstream of the control valve(s) and configured to regulate a fluid pressure to be equal to or greater than a minimum fluid pressure. The load sensing circuit is fluidly coupled to the pressure regulating valve and provides a line or load pressure to the pressure regulating valve. The pressure regulating valve is configured to regulate the supply of the pressurized hydraulic fluid based on the line pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Duqiang Wu, John C. Endsley, Michael Glennon, Kevin D. McKee
  • Publication number: 20200045871
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling the direction of travel of agricultural implements may include a work vehicle having a vehicle-based controller configured to control an operation of a valve provided in operative association with the work vehicle. The system may also include an agricultural implement configured to be towed by the work vehicle. The implement may include a sensor configured to detect an operational parameter indicative of a direction of travel of the implement. The implement may also include an actuator configured to adjust the direction of travel of the implement, with the actuator being fluidly coupled to the valve such that the valve is configured to control an operation of the actuator. The implement may further include an implement-based controller configured to initiate control of the operation of the valve based on sensor data received from the sensor to adjust the direction of travel of the implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Jason T. Czapka, Kevin D. McKee, Kevin M. Smith, Robert J. Longua, Keith W. Wendte, Trevor Stanhope, Marvin A. Prickel
  • Patent number: 10308116
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for providing implement-based speed control for a work vehicle may include a planter controller provided in operative association with a planter towed by the work vehicle and a vehicle controller provided in operative association with the work vehicle. The planter controller may be configured to access an input associated with at least one predetermined threshold value for an operating parameter of the planter and monitor the operating parameter relative to the predetermined threshold value(s) as the planter is being towed at a current ground speed of the work vehicle. In addition, when the operating parameter differs from the predetermined threshold value(s), the planter controller may be configured to adjust a speed control request transmitted to the vehicle controller to cause the current ground speed of the work vehicle to be automatically increased or decreased between predetermined maximum and minimum speed values set for the work vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Jason T. Czapka, Kevin D. McKee, Kevin M. Smith, Robert J. Longua, Keith W. Wendte, Marvin A. Prickel
  • Publication number: 20190143814
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for providing implement-based speed control for a work vehicle may include a planter controller provided in operative association with a planter towed by the work vehicle and a vehicle controller provided in operative association with the work vehicle. The planter controller may be configured to access an input associated with at least one predetermined threshold value for an operating parameter of the planter and monitor the operating parameter relative to the predetermined threshold value(s) as the planter is being towed at a current ground speed of the work vehicle. In addition, when the operating parameter differs from the predetermined threshold value(s), the planter controller may be configured to adjust a speed control request transmitted to the vehicle controller to cause the current ground speed of the work vehicle to be automatically increased or decreased between predetermined maximum and minimum speed values set for the work vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Jason T. Czapka, Kevin D. McKee, Kevin M. Smith, Robert J. Longua, Keith W. Wendte, Marvin A. Prickel
  • Publication number: 20190124822
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method for automatically actuating wing assemblies an agricultural implement associated with a work vehicle may include monitoring, with one or more computing devices, a first wing movement parameter associated with folding or unfolding a wing assembly of the agricultural implement during the performance of a wing movement operation. The method may also include determining, with the one or more computing devices, whether the first wing movement parameter satisfies a first condition associated with a first predetermined threshold value defined for the wing movement operation. The method may include, automatically initiating, with the one or more computing devices, movement of the work vehicle relative to a surface on which the work vehicle is supported to assist the folding or unfolding of the wing assembly during the performance of the wing movement operation when it is determined that the first wing movement parameter satisfies the first condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventors: Jason T. Czapka, Kevin D. McKee, Kevin M. Smith, Robert J. Longua, Keith W. Wendte, Marvin A. Prickel
  • Publication number: 20180208058
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for providing implement-based speed control for a work vehicle may include a planter controller provided in operative association with a planter towed by the work vehicle and a vehicle controller provided in operative association with the work vehicle. The planter controller may be configured to access an input associated with at least one predetermined threshold value for an operating parameter of the planter and monitor the operating parameter relative to the predetermined threshold value(s) as the planter is being towed at a current ground speed of the work vehicle. In addition, when the operating parameter differs from the predetermined threshold value(s), the planter controller may be configured to adjust a speed control request transmitted to the vehicle controller to cause the current ground speed of the work vehicle to be automatically increased or decreased between predetermined maximum and minimum speed values set for the work vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: Jason T. Czapka, Kevin D. McKee, Kevin M. Smith, Robert J. Longua, Keith W. Wendte, Marvin A. Prickel
  • Patent number: 7472684
    Abstract: A high low cruise control system for a work machine that allows the operator to set and adjust an upper engine speed limit in an upper limit mode or a lower engine speed limit in a lower limit mode and return to these set points easily. Without exiting the cruise control mode, the operator may decrease engine speed while in the upper limit mode, or increase engine speed while in the lower limit mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Kevin D. McKee, Jeff Milender
  • Patent number: 7093536
    Abstract: A fault tolerant operating method for a cotton compactor of a cotton module builder or packager of a cotton harvesting machine, which serves as an alternative to shutting down the compacting process or erratic operation thereof, in the event of indication of a fault or failure condition involving one or more sensors associated with the compactor, or a conductive path in connection with a sensor, all generally identified as a fault or failure condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Tracy R. Archer, Yun-Ren Ho, Kevin D. McKee, Kevin S. Richman
  • Patent number: 6726560
    Abstract: A dual power path drive for rotatably driving a threshing rotor of an agricultural combine. The drive includes a planetary gear arrangement having an output connected to the rotor for rotation therewith, a rotatable input connected in rotatably driven relation to a rotatable output of a rotatable power source such as a fluid motor of a hydro-static drive controllably operable for variably rotating the output of the fluid motor, and the gear arrangement including an input connectable by engagement of a device such as an engine-to-ring clutch in rotatably driven relation to a rotatable output of an engine of the combine, the clutch including faces connected in rotatably driven relation to the engine and to the ring gear for rotation therewith, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Yun Ren Ho, Kevin D. McKee, John Bundy
  • Publication number: 20040018864
    Abstract: A dual power path drive for rotatably driving a threshing rotor of an agricultural combine. The drive includes a planetary gear arrangement having an output connected to the rotor for rotation therewith, a rotatable input connected in rotatably driven relation to a rotatable output of a rotatable power source such as a fluid motor of a hydro-static drive controllably operable for variably rotating the output of the fluid motor, and the gear arrangement including an input connectable by engagement of a device such as an engine-to-ring clutch in rotatably driven relation to a rotatable output of an engine of the combine, the clutch including faces connected in rotatably driven relation to the engine and to the ring gear for rotation therewith, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Yun Ren Ho, Kevin D. McKee, John Bundy