Patents by Inventor Lance R. Sherlock
Lance R. Sherlock 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: 20240069243Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes obtaining a worksite condition corresponding to a worksite operation of a mobile work machine, generating a machine performance metric representing operational performance of the mobile work machine for the worksite operation, generating a machine impact metric based on a comparison of the machine performance metric and a base performance metric, generating a correlation between the machine impact metric and the worksite condition, and generating a machine control signal based on the correlation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2023Publication date: February 29, 2024Inventors: Lance R. Sherlock, Piya SALGIA
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Patent number: 11892837Abstract: A remote starting system and method are provided for self-propelled work vehicles having work attachments supported from a main frame thereof. Cameras are arranged with respective fields of vision proximate to the work vehicle, and a communications unit is configured to exchange messages with a user device via a communications network. A local or remote controller is configured to receive first user input comprising a remote startup request for the work vehicle from the user device, and to automatically detect parameters respectively associated with predetermined remote startup conditions, at least one of the parameters comprising images obtained from the cameras. The images are transmitted to the user device, responsive to which second user input is received comprising remote startup confirmation from the user device via the communications network. Responsive to at least the second user input, engine startup is automatically controlled for the work vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2021Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Kirti Pandita, Lance R. Sherlock
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Publication number: 20240026655Abstract: A method of controlling a work vehicle on a worksite. Receiving a weather data indicative of a rainfall of the worksite. Receiving a design topography data indicative of the worksite in a final configuration. Receiving a current topography data. Determining a low elevation location on the worksite that may accumulate water from the rainfall. Comparing the rainfall to a rainfall threshold. Devising a temporary design topography data and communicating the temporary design topography data to the work vehicle if the rainfall threshold is met.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2022Publication date: January 25, 2024Inventors: Francois Stander, Jeremy B. Shuler, Kevin L. Pfohl, Cory J. Brant, Luke J. Kurth, Lance R. Sherlock
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Patent number: 11873622Abstract: A system and method are provided for determining mistrack conditions in work vehicles such as excavators having first and second tracks. A controller uses data from onboard sensors (e.g., cameras, lidar) having an external field of view to detect a first position of, e.g., a track of the work vehicle relative to a first external point in a local reference system independent of a global reference system and to detect, upon the work vehicle having advanced from the detected first position a predetermined distance, a second position of the at least first component of the work vehicle relative to a second external point in the local reference system. The controller further determines an amount of mistrack error corresponding to a difference between the detected second position and an expected second position, and generates an output signal based on the determined amount of mistrack error.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2022Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Amol Phadtare, Balkrishna Joshilkar, Lance R. Sherlock, Pramod Karle, Abhishek Garg
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Patent number: 11851853Abstract: A local operator-controlled work machine receives a wake-up call when it is not running. The wake-up call turns on a user interface in the machine. A remote machine configuration system loads a job file onto the machine and the machine turns off again.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2019Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Lance R. Sherlock
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Patent number: 11828904Abstract: A worksite control system includes a communication system configured to receive weather data corresponding to a worksite, a weather model generation logic configured to generate a weather model based on the weather data, a worksite action identification logic configured to identify a worksite action based on the weather model, and a control signal generator configured to generate a machine control signal that controls a machine associated with the worksite based on the identified worksite action.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2019Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Lance R. Sherlock, Piya Salgia
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Publication number: 20230228057Abstract: A system and method are provided for determining mistrack conditions in work vehicles such as excavators having first and second tracks. A controller uses data from onboard sensors (e.g., cameras, lidar) having an external field of view to detect a first position of, e.g., a track of the work vehicle relative to a first external point in a local reference system independent of a global reference system and to detect, upon the work vehicle having advanced from the detected first position a predetermined distance, a second position of the at least first component of the work vehicle relative to a second external point in the local reference system. The controller further determines an amount of mistrack error corresponding to a difference between the detected second position and an expected second position, and generates an output signal based on the determined amount of mistrack error.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2022Publication date: July 20, 2023Inventors: Amol Phadtare, Balkrishna Joshilkar, Lance R. Sherlock, Pramod Karle, Abhishek Garg
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Publication number: 20230226999Abstract: A remote start system and method for a work machine wherein the system comprises a communication device, an engine starter subsystem, a fluid pressure sensor, and a controller. In a first step, controller receives a wake signal from the communication device, The controller then confirms the lock status of a safety lock on the work machine and outputs an engine start signal to the engine starter subsystem upon confirming the lock status. The controller then receives a fluid pressure signal from the fluid pressure sensor, and outputs an engine stop signal if the fluid pressure signal is below a predetermined threshold after a specified timeframe.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2022Publication date: July 20, 2023Inventor: Lance R. Sherlock
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Patent number: 11634885Abstract: In embodiments, a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device, an MRF joystick resistance mechanism, and a controller architecture. The joystick device includes, in turn, a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick position sensor configured to monitor movement of the joystick relative to the base housing. The MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary a first joystick stiffness resisting movement of the joystick relative to the base housing in at least one degree of freedom. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) detect when unintended joystick motion conditions occur during operation of the work vehicle; and (ii) when detecting unintended joystick motion conditions, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to increase the first joystick stiffness in a manner reducing susceptibility of the joystick device to unintended joystick motions.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2020Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Todd F. Velde, Alex R. Vandegrift, Craig Christofferson, Christopher J. Meyer, Aaron R. Kenkel, Mark D. Anderson, Lance R. Sherlock, Kenneth Franck
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Publication number: 20230087278Abstract: A work vehicle that operates on a surface comprising an optical sensor. The optical sensor is configured to capture image data that includes a ground material. A non-transitory computer-readable memory is provided for storing operation information. An electronic processor is configured to receive image data captured by the optical sensor, apply an artificial neural network to identify a ground material characteristic based on the image data from the optical sensor, wherein the artificial neural network is trained to receive the image data as input and to produce as the output an indication of the ground material characteristic, access, from the non-transitory computer-readable memory, the operation information corresponding to the ground material characteristic, and adjust an operation of the work vehicle based on the accessed operation information corresponding to the ground material characteristic.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2021Publication date: March 23, 2023Inventor: Lance R. Sherlock
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Patent number: 11577796Abstract: A working machine includes an undercarriage, a main frame, a swing bearing supporting the undercarriage from the main frame, a swing motor configured to pivot the main frame on the swing bearing about a pivot axis, a boom extending from the main frame along a working direction, and a pivot angle sensor configured to provide a pivot angle signal corresponding to a pivot position of the main frame relative to the undercarriage about the pivot axis. A controller is configured to receive the pivot angle signal and to drive the swing motor automatically.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2019Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Dnyaneshwar J. Jagtap, Dipankar D. Dongare, Rushikesh R. Jadhav, Lance R. Sherlock, David A. Veasy
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Patent number: 11542682Abstract: A counterweight removal protection system and a method of controlling removal of the counterweight to avoid damage to an imaging sensor system of a work vehicle, such as an excavator. The imaging sensor system includes an imaging sensor supported by the counterweight and configured to transmit an imaging sensor signal to a vehicle controller to determine the state of the imaging sensor signal. A user interface in the work vehicle includes a selectable touch button to enable removal of the counterweight depending on the state of the imaging sensor signal. An interlock device prevents lowering the counterweight based on the state of the imaging sensor signal. In one embodiment, the imaging sensor signal is a heartbeat signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2020Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventor: Lance R. Sherlock
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Publication number: 20220397897Abstract: A remote starting system and method are provided for self-propelled work vehicles having work attachments supported from a main frame thereof. Cameras are arranged with respective fields of vision proximate to the work vehicle, and a communications unit is configured to exchange messages with a user device via a communications network. A local or remote controller is configured to receive first user input comprising a remote startup request for the work vehicle from the user device, and to automatically detect parameters respectively associated with predetermined remote startup conditions, at least one of the parameters comprising images obtained from the cameras. The images are transmitted to the user device, responsive to which second user input is received comprising remote startup confirmation from the user device via the communications network. Responsive to at least the second user input, engine startup is automatically controlled for the work vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2021Publication date: December 15, 2022Inventors: Kirti Pandita, Lance R. Sherlock
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Patent number: 11505920Abstract: A work vehicle includes a work implement operatively connected to a frame through an actuator having a cylinder and a piston rod. Control circuitry is operatively connected to the actuator and includes a processer and a memory, wherein the memory is configured to store program instructions and the processor is configured to execute the stored program instructions to: identify one of an initial retracted reference position of the piston rod based on an initial minimum retracted distance or an initial extended reference position of the piston rod based on an initial maximum extended distance; identifying an end of stroke position of the piston rod after identifying one of the initial retracted reference position of the piston rod or the initial extended reference position of the piston rod; and moving the work implement with respect to the work vehicle based on a work implement command modified by the identified end of stroke position.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2020Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventor: Lance R. Sherlock
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Patent number: 11499292Abstract: In embodiments, a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device, an MRF joystick resistance mechanism, and a controller architecture. The joystick device includes, in turn, a base housing, a joystick, and a joystick position sensor. The MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to selectively resist movement of the joystick relative to the base housing. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) when detecting operator rotation of the joystick in an operator input direction, determine whether continued joystick rotation in the operator input direction will misposition the work vehicle in a manner increasing at least one of work vehicle instability and a likelihood of work vehicle collision; and (ii) when determining that continued joystick rotation will misposition the work vehicle, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to generate an MRF resistance force deterring continued joystick rotation in the operator input direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Todd F. Velde, Madeline T. Oglesby, Lance R. Sherlock, Benjamin P. Koestler, Mark D. Anderson, Aaron R. Kenkel, Doug M. Lehmann, Craig Christofferson, Kenneth Franck, Christopher J. Meyer
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Publication number: 20220267993Abstract: A work machine comprising a power conversion system, a ground-engaging mechanism, a traveling body, a moveable structure, a user input, and a controller. The traveling body is coupled to the ground-engaging mechanism which is controllable to move the traveling body relative to the ground surface. The movable structure has an actuator controllable to move the movable structure relative to the traveling body wherein the actuator receives power through the power conversion system. The user input generates a user input signal. The sensor generates a sensory signal. A controller with a processor thereon is operable to execute a position control algorithm to receive a user input signal; receive a sensor signal, determine a position of the movable structure relative to the traveling body; and responsively control the power conversion system to control the ground-engaging mechanism or the actuator to avoid interference of a boundary limit with an object sensed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2021Publication date: August 25, 2022Inventor: Lance R. Sherlock
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Publication number: 20220267994Abstract: A work machine having a traveling body, a moveable structure coupled to the traveling body, a sensor operable to generate a sensory signal, and a controller. The controller is in communication with the sensor. The controller including a processor and a memory having a position control algorithm stored thereon. The processor is operable to execute the position control algorithm to receive a boundary command establishing a defined boundary; receive a sensory signal from the sensor related to the movement of the movable structure; determine a position of the movable structure relative to the traveling body; and limit movement of one of the ground-engaging mechanism of the traveling body or the actuator of the moveable structure as the traveling body moves along the travel path when the position of the movable structure is within an allowable distance from the defined boundary.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2021Publication date: August 25, 2022Inventors: Amol Phadtare, Lance R. Sherlock, Sana Pendhari, Nitin Kale
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Patent number: 11359354Abstract: A system includes calibrating a grade control system of a work vehicle having a controller operatively connected to a camera. A plurality of cylinders operative to move a blade on the vehicle. The blade includes one or more blade markers. One of the cylinders moves to a predetermined configuration that is between 0% and 100% of maximum stroke length, and the camera takes a corresponding image of the one or more blade markers. The controller measures a corresponding location of the one or more blade markers using the corresponding image and calibrates the grade control system based on the corresponding location of the one or more blade markers. The stored corresponding location can be an initial calibration location or a corresponding calibration location that was previously determined during operating conditions of the work vehicle. The grade control system is calibrated in real-time while the work vehicle is operating or stationary.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2019Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventor: Lance R. Sherlock
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Publication number: 20220135036Abstract: A self-propelled work vehicle is provided with work state estimation and associated control techniques. The work vehicle comprises ground engaging units, a work implement configured for controllably working terrain, and various onboard sensors. A controller is functionally linked to at least the one or more onboard sensors and configured to ascertain a first parameter or operation of the work vehicle, determine a work state of the work vehicle, based at least in part on respective input signals from one or more onboard sensors, and generate a control signal for controlling at least a second parameter or operation of the work vehicle, responsive to the ascertained first parameter or operation and the determined work state. The control signals may be provided for proactive adjustments to engine speed, movements of the work implement, movements of the work vehicle itself, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2021Publication date: May 5, 2022Inventors: Dipankar D. Dongare, Dnyaneshwar Jagtap, Rushikesh Jadhav, Lance R. Sherlock, Mahesh Sorate, Sanket Pawar, Vaibhav Bhutad
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Publication number: 20220081878Abstract: A mobile machine includes a powertrain that propels the mobile machine about a worksite and a controllable subsystem configured to affect a surface of the worksite. The mobile machine includes a terrain sensor configured to sense a characteristic of the surface and generate sensor signals indicative of the characteristic of the surface. The mobile machine includes a control system configured to control the controllable subsystem, with a control signal, to affect the portion of the surface. The control system is configured to receive a sensor signal from the terrain sensor after the controllable subsystem has affected the portion of the surface, the sensor signal indicative of the characteristic of the portion of the surface after the controllable subsystem affects the portion of the surface and control the mobile machine based on the sensor signal and control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2021Publication date: March 17, 2022Inventors: Amol PHADTARE, Lance R. SHERLOCK, Shrilekha S. BANGAR, Balkrishna R. JOSHILKAR