Patents by Inventor Leonard R. Colavito

Leonard R. Colavito 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).

  • Agricultural harvester with closed loop ground tracking control
    Patent number: 5535577
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an agricultural harvester having a cut crop receiving header coupled to a hydraulic cylinder. The header applies a force against the ground that is adjusted by applying pressure to the cylinder. Proportional raise and lower valves control the pressure in the cylinder. A pressure signal representing cylinder pressure is received. The difference between the measured pressure and the setpoint is used to compute input signals, which are transmitted to the valves. Cylinder pressure is maintained substantially at a setpoint, the setpoint being adjustable in response to varying terrain. The setpoint is set to a first value in falling terrain and a second value in rising terrain. At the top of a hill, the setpoint is reduced below the first value until ground contact is regained, and the pressure is recharged above the second value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Control Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Chmielewski, Scott T. Demarest, Leonard R. Colavito, Kenneth W. Zeuner
  • Agricultural harvester with closed loop ground tracking control
    Patent number: 5463854
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an agricultural harvester having a cut crop receiving header coupled to a hydraulic cylinder. The header applies a force against the ground that is adjusted by applying pressure to the cylinder. Proportional raise and lower valves control the pressure in the cylinder. A pressure signal representing cylinder pressure is received. The difference between the measured pressure and the setpoint is used to compute input signals, which are transmitted to the valves. Cylinder pressure is maintained substantially at a setpoint, the setpoint being adjustable in response to varying terrain. The setpoint is set to a first value in falling terrain and a second value in rising terrain. At the top of a hill, the setpoint is reduced below the first value until ground contact is regained, and the pressure is recharged above the second value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Control Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Chmielewski, Jr., Scott T. Demarest, Leonard R. Colavito