Patents by Inventor Kyle K. McKinzie

Kyle K. McKinzie 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: 11965316
    Abstract: A work vehicle and a method of controlling propulsion of a work vehicle includes an auxiliary work tool. The method includes receiving a propulsion input for propelling the work vehicle at a propulsion speed, determining a prime mover speed for a prime mover configured to propel the work vehicle, propelling the work vehicle with a prime mover output based on the propulsion input, operating the auxiliary work tool while propelling the work vehicle, determining an auxiliary work tool load from operation of the auxiliary work tool, determining whether the auxiliary work tool load of the auxiliary work tool exceeds an auxiliary work tool load threshold, and reducing the propulsion speed of the work vehicle if the auxiliary work tool load of the auxiliary work tool exceeds the auxiliary work tool load threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Kyle K. McKinzie
  • Patent number: 11654900
    Abstract: A control system includes a transmission and a controller configured to receive a vehicle stop command; determine a ground speed; compare the ground speed to first and second predetermined speed thresholds; generate, when the ground speed exceeds the second predetermined speed threshold, a downshift command; generate, when the ground speed is greater than the first predetermined speed threshold and less than or equal to the second predetermined speed threshold, a shuttle shift command; determine, when the ground speed is less than or equal to the first predetermined speed threshold, if the transmission is operating in the first or second mode; select, upon determining the operating mode, a four-square clutch; and at least partially engage the selected four-square clutch to slow or stop the work vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Kyle K. McKinzie, Benjamin J. Hertel, Clayton G. Janasek
  • Patent number: 11639594
    Abstract: A transmission system includes a transmission assembly having clutches to transmit power from an input shaft to an output shaft at a plurality of gear ratios. A traction motor drives the input shaft and propels the work vehicle, while a controller controls operation of the transmission assembly and the traction motor. A hydraulic circuit controls actuation of the clutches responsive to commands from the controller. The hydraulic circuit includes a hydraulic pump driven by the traction motor, an accumulator connected to the hydraulic pump and that holds hydraulic fluid therein under pressure, and an unloading valve positioned in a secondary fluid path running from an outlet of the hydraulic pump to a sump. The unloading valve operates in a closed state to direct hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump to the accumulator and operates in an open state to direct hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump to the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Kyle K. McKinzie
  • Patent number: 11628822
    Abstract: A control system for a work vehicle includes a power source including an engine and at least one electric motor configured to generate power; a transmission including a plurality of clutches coupled together and configured for selective engagement to transfer the power from the engine and the at least one electric motor along a power flow path to drive an output shaft of a powertrain according to a plurality of transmission modes; and a controller coupled to the power source and the transmission. The controller has a processor and memory architecture configured to: monitor an electric motor speed of the at least one electric motor; and generate and execute, when the electric motor speed is less than a first predetermined stall speed threshold, a clutch modulation command for the transmission such that at least one clutch of the plurality of clutches along the power flow path is partially engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Kyle K. McKinzie, Clayton G. Janasek
  • Patent number: 11613246
    Abstract: A control system for a work vehicle includes a power source with an engine and at least one motor configured to generate power; a transmission including a plurality of clutches configured for selective engagement to transfer the power to drive an output shaft of a powertrain of the work vehicle; and a controller coupled to the power source and the transmission. The controller has a processor and memory architecture configured to: initiate a transition for the transmission between a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode at a first shift point associated with an engine throttle shift function; determine a current engine speed; and generate and execute an engine speed command for the engine such that a commanded engine speed is a function of the current engine speed in accordance with the engine throttle shift function upon the transition of the transmission at the first shift point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Kyle K. McKinzie, Clayton G. Janasek, Eric Vilar
  • Publication number: 20220333350
    Abstract: A work vehicle and a method of controlling propulsion of a work vehicle includes an auxiliary work tool. The method includes receiving a propulsion input for propelling the work vehicle at a propulsion speed, determining a prime mover speed for a prime mover configured to propel the work vehicle, propelling the work vehicle with a prime mover output based on the propulsion input, operating the auxiliary work tool while propelling the work vehicle, determining an auxiliary work tool load from operation of the auxiliary work tool, determining whether the auxiliary work tool load of the auxiliary work tool exceeds an auxiliary work tool load threshold, and reducing the propulsion speed of the work vehicle if the auxiliary work tool load of the auxiliary work tool exceeds the auxiliary work tool load threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventor: KYLE K. MCKINZIE
  • Publication number: 20220250607
    Abstract: A control system for a work vehicle includes a power source including an engine and at least one electric motor configured to generate power; a transmission including a plurality of clutches coupled together and configured for selective engagement to transfer the power from the engine and the at least one electric motor along a power flow path to drive an output shaft of a powertrain according to a plurality of transmission modes; and a controller coupled to the power source and the transmission. The controller has a processor and memory architecture configured to: monitor an electric motor speed of the at least one electric motor; and generate and execute, when the electric motor speed is less than a first predetermined stall speed threshold, a clutch modulation command for the transmission such that at least one clutch of the plurality of clutches along the power flow path is partially engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Inventors: Kyle K. McKinzie, Clayton G. Janasek
  • Publication number: 20220228346
    Abstract: A control system is provided for a work vehicle having a powertrain and at least one implement configured to engage with a material during a dig operation. The control system includes a power source; a transmission configured for selective engagement to transfer the power from the engine and the motor to drive an output shaft of the powertrain of the work vehicle; and a controller. The controller has a processor and memory architecture configured to: receive at least one operational parameter of the work vehicle; evaluate the at least one operational parameter to determine if the at least one operational parameter satisfies a dig preparation condition; and generate, upon satisfying the dig preparation condition, at least one dig preparation command for at least one of the transmission and the engine to prepare the powertrain for the dig operation prior to the at least one implement engaging the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Kyle K. McKinzie, Clayton G. Janasek, Jonathan Coulter
  • Publication number: 20220227351
    Abstract: A control system for a work vehicle includes a power source with an engine and at least one motor configured to generate power; a transmission including a plurality of clutches configured for selective engagement to transfer the power to drive an output shaft of a powertrain of the work vehicle; and a controller coupled to the power source and the transmission. The controller has a processor and memory architecture configured to: initiate a transition for the transmission between a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode at a first shift point associated with an engine throttle shift function; determine a current engine speed; and generate and execute an engine speed command for the engine such that a commanded engine speed is a function of the current engine speed in accordance with the engine throttle shift function upon the transition of the transmission at the first shift point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Kyle K. McKinzie, Clayton G. Janasek, Eric Vilar
  • Publication number: 20220220703
    Abstract: A transmission system includes a transmission assembly having clutches to transmit power from an input shaft to an output shaft at a plurality of gear ratios. A traction motor drives the input shaft and propels the work vehicle, while a controller controls operation of the transmission assembly and the traction motor. A hydraulic circuit controls actuation of the clutches responsive to commands from the controller. The hydraulic circuit includes a hydraulic pump driven by the traction motor, an accumulator connected to the hydraulic pump and that holds hydraulic fluid therein under pressure, and an unloading valve positioned in a secondary fluid path running from an outlet of the hydraulic pump to a sump. The unloading valve operates in a closed state to direct hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump to the accumulator and operates in an open state to direct hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump to the sump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Inventor: Kyle K. McKinzie
  • Publication number: 20220176946
    Abstract: A control system includes a transmission and a controller configured to receive a vehicle stop command; determine a ground speed; compare the ground speed to first and second predetermined speed thresholds; generate, when the ground speed exceeds the second predetermined speed threshold, a downshift command; generate, when the ground speed is greater than the first predetermined speed threshold and less than or equal to the second predetermined speed threshold, a shuttle shift command; determine, when the ground speed is less than or equal to the first predetermined speed threshold, if the transmission is operating in the first or second mode; select, upon determining the operating mode, a four-square clutch; and at least partially engage the selected four-square clutch to slow or stop the work vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Kyle K. McKinzie, Benjamin J. Hertel, Clayton G. Janasek
  • Patent number: 11351983
    Abstract: A control system includes a transmission with a directional clutch and control assembly clutches coupled together and configured for selective engagement to transfer power. A controller is configured to selectively actuate the directional clutch and the control assembly clutches with clutch commands to implement a first split mode in which combined power is transferred to drive the output shaft, a first direct drive mode in which power from only the engine to drive the output shaft, and a first series mode in which power is transferred from primarily the at least one motor to drive the output shaft. The controller is further configured to implement a transient boost function within at least a portion of the first series mode in which the at least one directional clutch is partially engaged to supplement power from the at least one motor with power from the engine to drive the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Kyle K. McKinzie, Clayton G. Janasek, Eric R. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20220151133
    Abstract: A method of controlling an agricultural work system includes defining a wheelbase of the traction unit and defining at least one implement dimension of the drawn implement relative to the traction unit. A pitch angle of the traction unit about a central transverse axis is sensed relative to a horizontal reference plane as the traction unit moves over a terrain feature of a ground surface. A controller may then generate an elevation profile of the ground surface from the sensed pitch angle and the wheelbase of the traction unit. The controller may then control or actuate an adjustable component to adjust a ground clearance between the drawn implement and the ground surface to avoid contact between the drawn implement and the terrain feature as the drawn implement moves over the terrain feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventor: KYLE K. MCKINZIE
  • Patent number: 11299141
    Abstract: A control system is provided for implementing multi-layer braking and retardation in a work vehicle that includes a hybrid electric drive system having an engine and one or more electric machines. The control system includes a braking and retardation system that dissipates energy generated by motion of the work vehicle, with the braking and retardation system including a brake resistor, an engine brake, and a transmission operable to provide transmission braking. A controller receives inputs on a braking torque demand and operational parameters of the hybrid electric drive system and the braking and retardation system, determines an amount of energy absorption necessary to meet the braking torque demand, and allocates the energy to be absorbed within the braking and retardation system according to a hierarchal energy allocation scheme based on the energy to be absorbed and the operational parameters of the hybrid electric drive system and braking and retardation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Kyle K. McKinzie, Clayton G. Janasek
  • Publication number: 20210129829
    Abstract: A control system includes a transmission with a directional clutch and control assembly clutches coupled together and configured for selective engagement to transfer power. A controller is configured to selectively actuate the directional clutch and the control assembly clutches with clutch commands to implement a first split mode in which combined power is transferred to drive the output shaft, a first direct drive mode in which power from only the engine to drive the output shaft, and a first series mode in which power is transferred from primarily the at least one motor to drive the output shaft. The controller is further configured to implement a transient boost function within at least a portion of the first series mode in which the at least one directional clutch is partially engaged to supplement power from the at least one motor with power from the engine to drive the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Kyle K. McKinzie, Clayton G. Janasek, Eric R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 10975959
    Abstract: A control system operates a power train of a work vehicle. The system includes a transmission arrangement which transfers power from an engine to an output shaft of the vehicle to drive the vehicle in a first or second direction according to at least one forward or reverse modes. The arrangement includes a forward directional clutch and a reverse directional clutch, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine if one of the clutches is engaged; evaluate a speed of the engine; and provide a torque command to engage the other of the clutches to slow the speed of the engine when a shuttle shift is initiated, or when the speed of the engine exceeds a predetermined speed threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Kyle K. McKinzie, Clayton G. Janasek
  • Patent number: 10907726
    Abstract: A planetary gearset includes a sun gear, a ring gear, a planet gear positioned between the sun gear and the ring gear to revolve around the sun gear, a planet carrier, a planet pin to which the planet gear is coupled for rotation about the planet pin, and a retaining pin positioned in the planet pin and the planet carrier so as to couple the planet pin to the planet carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Randall L. Long, Danny G. Voth, Kyle K. McKinzie
  • Publication number: 20200325980
    Abstract: A planetary gearset comprises a sun gear, a ring gear, a planet gear positioned between the sun gear and the ring gear to revolve around the sun gear, a planet carrier, a planet pin to which the planet gear is coupled for rotation about the planet pin, and a retaining pin positioned in the planet pin and the planet carrier so as to couple the planet pin to the planet carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: RANDALL L. LONG, DANNY G. VOTH, KYLE K. MCKINZIE
  • Publication number: 20200309258
    Abstract: A control system operates a power train of a work vehicle. The system includes a transmission arrangement which transfers power from an engine to an output shaft of the vehicle to drive the vehicle in a first or second direction according to at least one forward or reverse modes. The arrangement includes a forward directional clutch and a reverse directional clutch, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine if one of the clutches is engaged; evaluate a speed of the engine; and provide a torque command to engage the other of the clutches to slow the speed of the engine when a shuttle shift is initiated, or when the speed of the engine exceeds a predetermined speed threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Kyle K. McKinzie, Clayton G. Janasek
  • Patent number: 10738868
    Abstract: A power train and related vehicle have a multi-mode power transmission with a first continuously variable power source (“CVP”) that may convert rotational power received by the engine for transmission to a second CVP. A variator assembly may receive rotational power from the second CVP at a first input and directly from the engine at a second input. A control assembly may include one or more output components and a plurality of clutch devices arranged between the one or more output components and the variator assembly and engine. In a first state of the control assembly, the plurality of clutch devices may collectively provide direct power transmission between the engine and the one or more output components. In a second state of the control assembly, the plurality of clutches may collectively provide power transmission between the variator and the one or more output components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Kyle K. McKinzie, Reginald M. Bindl