Patents by Inventor Mark A. Cracraft
Mark A. Cracraft 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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Patent number: 11903343Abstract: Hydraulic power savings for a rear module handler cylinder of a round module cotton harvester is possible by using a regenerative hydraulic arrangement for raising an empty handler and using gravity to lower the handler. A bale handler system for a cotton picker baler includes a handler for receiving a round module that is movable between upright and lowered positions and a handler cylinder operably connected to the handler. The handler cylinder system includes a regenerative valve. The regenerative valve is engaged when the handler moves to the upright position during regenerative handler raise mode of operation, the regenerative valve is not engaged when the handler moves to the lowered position during float handler lower mode of operation. While in the float handler lower mode of operation, the handler cylinder retracts and diverts an oil flow pressure from a base end to a rod end of the handler cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Steven D. Wallestad, Mark A. Cracraft, James T. Noonan
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Publication number: 20230309447Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a harvester vehicle that includes a crop processing system comprising at least an accumulator and a round module builder. The harvester vehicle has a feedback fusion system that operably provides crop processing data indicative of an estimated accumulator fill level to a crop feed rate control system. The feedback fusion system has a plurality of feedback devices that operably provide feedback signals including data indicative of two or more of: crop mass flow, module builder status, module size, and accumulator fill level. The feedback fusion system has a control module that operably receives the feedback signals and generates an accumulator fill level signal based at least upon two or more of the feedback signals. The accumulator fill level signal is indicative of the estimated fill level in the accumulator.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2022Publication date: October 5, 2023Applicants: Deere & Company, Iowa State University Research FoundationInventors: Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Jeffrey C. Askey, Mark A. Cracraft, Robert R. Carlson, Grant W. Mandernach
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Publication number: 20230309446Abstract: Techniques and/or systems are disclosed herein for controlling a harvesting rate in a harvester vehicle having a crop feed rate control system that provides crop processing data to a vehicle control system. The crop feed rate control system includes: one or more feedback systems that operably provide a feedback signal including data indicative of a detected load amount for crop processing components of the crop processing system and indicative of a target load amount for the crop processing components; a first control module that operably receives the feedback signal and generates a controlling load signal based at least upon the feedback signal, the controlling load signal indicative of a controlling component of the crop processing components; and a second control module that operably receives a targeted load signal and the controlling load signal, the second control module operably generating crop processing data indicative of a target harvesting rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2022Publication date: October 5, 2023Applicants: Deere & Company, Iowa State University Research FoundationInventors: Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Jeffrey C. Askey, Mark A. Cracraft, Vasisvaran Gopal
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Patent number: 11744179Abstract: An accumulator contents detection system for a harvester includes an accumulator, a plurality of metering rollers, and at least one sensor. The accumulator accumulates crop material. The plurality of metering rollers receives crop material from the accumulator. The plurality of metering rollers includes a drive metering roller. The at least one sensor detects a load transmitted to the drive metering roller.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2020Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventor: Mark A. Cracraft
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Patent number: 11272661Abstract: An agricultural vehicle is operable in a first state for transport and in a second state for field work and includes a frame supported by a plurality of tires. A processor is operable to receive a signal generated as a result of the agricultural vehicle transitioning from the first state to the second state or from the second state to the first state. A gas system is operable to modify the tire pressure of the plurality of tires of the agricultural vehicle in response to the signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2019Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: James T. Noonan, Mark A. Cracraft, Jerry E. White, Kevin J. Goering, Scott R. Bowers
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Patent number: 11248680Abstract: A hydraulic power module for a crop harvester, and in particular a cotton harvester, having an engine. The hydraulic power module includes a main drive gear, a drive shaft extending through the main drive gear, and a clutch operatively connected to the drive shaft, wherein the clutch has an engaged position and a disengaged position. The engaged position of the clutch fixedly connects the main drive gear to the drive shaft and the disengaged position of the clutch disconnects the main drive gear drive from the drive shaft. The hydraulic power module further includes a first pump device directly coupled to the drive shaft, wherein the first pump device is driven by the drive shaft during rotation of the drive shaft. A second pump device is indirectly connected to the drive shaft through the clutch, and is driven by the drive shaft when the clutch is in the engaged position.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2018Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: James T. Noonan, Dwayne B. Watt, Cecil H. Wise, Jr., Steven D. Wallestad, Mark A. Cracraft, Jerry E. White, Cole D. Miller
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Publication number: 20220030772Abstract: An electrohydraulic system for a work machine includes a pump, a motor fluidly coupled to the pump, a subassembly driven by the motor, and a rate-control valve fluidly coupled to the pump and the motor. The rate-control valve is movable through a range of positions. A present speed of the motor is proportional to a present position of the rate-control valve. The present position of the rate-control valve is adjustable by varying a current supplied to the rate-control valve. The supply of current to the rate-control valve is adjusted based on the difference between the present speed of the motor and a target speed of the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2021Publication date: February 3, 2022Inventors: Steven D. Wallestad, Mark A. Cracraft, James T. Noonan
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Publication number: 20210360858Abstract: Hydraulic power savings for a rear module handler cylinder of a round module cotton harvester is possible by using a regenerative hydraulic arrangement for raising an empty handler and using gravity to lower the handler. A bale handler system for a cotton picker baler includes a handler for receiving a round module that is movable between upright and lowered positions and a handler cylinder operably connected to the handler. The handler cylinder system includes a regenerative valve. The regenerative valve is engaged when the handler moves to the upright position during regenerative handler raise mode of operation, the regenerative valve is not engaged when the handler moves to the lowered position during float handler lower mode of operation. While in the float handler lower mode of operation, the handler cylinder retracts and diverts an oil flow pressure from a base end to a rod end of the handler cylinder.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2021Publication date: November 25, 2021Inventors: Steven D. Wallestad, Mark A. Cracraft, James T. Noonan
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Publication number: 20210282318Abstract: An accumulator contents detection system for a harvester includes an accumulator, a plurality of metering rollers, and at least one sensor. The accumulator accumulates crop material. The plurality of metering rollers receives crop material from the accumulator. The plurality of metering rollers includes a drive metering roller. The at least one sensor detects a load transmitted to the drive metering roller.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2020Publication date: September 16, 2021Inventor: Mark A. Cracraft
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Patent number: 11109534Abstract: Hydraulic power savings for a rear module handler cylinder of a round module cotton harvester is possible by using a regenerative hydraulic arrangement for raising an empty handler and using gravity to lower the handler. A bale handler system for a cotton picker baler includes a handler for receiving a round module that is movable between upright and lowered positions and a handler cylinder operably connected to the handler. The handler cylinder system includes a regenerative valve. The regenerative valve is engaged when the handler moves to the upright position during regenerative handler raise mode of operation, the regenerative valve is not engaged when the handler moves to the lowered position during float handler lower mode of operation. While in the float handler lower mode of operation, the handler cylinder retracts and diverts an oil flow pressure from a base end to a rod end of the handler cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2018Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Steven D. Wallestad, Mark A. Cracraft, James T. Noonan
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Patent number: 11071254Abstract: A module builder of an agricultural vehicle includes a chamber operable to support and form a product. A wrap is feedable into the chamber through a pinch point, the pinch point partially defined by a rotatable roller. A belt at least partially defines a wrap path. The wrap is configured to move along the wrap path to surround the product in the chamber. A gas flow system and/or a reversing belt is operable to direct the wrap from the pinch point toward the wrap path.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2016Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: James T. Noonan, Kevin J. Goering, Mark A. Cracraft, Nile T. Ackerman, Justin E. Hummel, Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Robert C. Blad
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Publication number: 20200166100Abstract: A hydraulic power module for a crop harvester, and in particular a cotton harvester, having an engine. The hydraulic power module includes a main drive gear, a drive shaft extending through the main drive gear, and a clutch operatively connected to the drive shaft, wherein the clutch has an engaged position and a disengaged position. The engaged position of the clutch fixedly connects the main drive gear to the drive shaft and the disengaged position of the clutch disconnects the main drive gear drive from the drive shaft. The hydraulic power module further includes a first pump device directly coupled to the drive shaft, wherein the first pump device is driven by the drive shaft during rotation of the drive shaft. A second pump device is indirectly connected to the drive shaft through the clutch, and is driven by the drive shaft when the clutch is in the engaged position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2018Publication date: May 28, 2020Inventors: James T. Noonan, Dwayne B. Watt, Cecil H. Wise, JR., Steven D. Wallestad, Mark A. Cracraft, Jerry E. White, Cole D. Miller
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Publication number: 20200154640Abstract: Hydraulic power savings for a rear module handler cylinder of a round module cotton harvester is possible by using a regenerative hydraulic arrangement for raising an empty handler and using gravity to lower the handler. A bale handler system for a cotton picker baler includes a handler for receiving a round module that is movable between upright and lowered positions and a handler cylinder operably connected to the handler. The handler cylinder system includes a regenerative valve. The regenerative valve is engaged when the handler moves to the upright position during regenerative handler raise mode of operation, the regenerative valve is not engaged when the handler moves to the lowered position during float handler lower mode of operation. While in the float handler lower mode of operation, the handler cylinder retracts and diverts an oil flow pressure from a base end to a rod end of the handler cylinder.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2018Publication date: May 21, 2020Inventors: Steven D. Wallestad, Mark A. Cracraft, James T. Noonan
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Publication number: 20200022307Abstract: An agricultural vehicle is operable in a first state for transport and in a second state for field work and includes a frame supported by a plurality of tires. A processor is operable to receive a signal generated as a result of the agricultural vehicle transitioning from the first state to the second state or from the second state to the first state. A gas system is operable to modify the tire pressure of the plurality of tires of the agricultural vehicle in response to the signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2019Publication date: January 23, 2020Inventors: James T. Noonan, Mark A. Cracraft, Jerry E. White, Kevin J. Goering, Scott R. Bowers
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Patent number: 10506761Abstract: An agricultural vehicle is operable in a first state for transport and in a second state for field work and includes a frame supported by a plurality of tires. A processor is operable to receive a signal generated as a result of the agricultural vehicle transitioning from the first state to the second state or from the second state to the first state. A gas system is operable to modify the tire pressure of the plurality of tires of the agricultural vehicle in response to the signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2016Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: James T. Noonan, Mark A. Cracraft, Jerry E. White, Kevin J. Goering, Scott R. Bowers
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Patent number: 10091943Abstract: A harvester generates a round module and positions the round module on a handler. The handler includes a cylinder having a base end and a rod end. A differential pressure across the cylinder is detected. A round module weight is generated based on the detected differential pressure.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2016Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignees: Deere & Company, Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Cracraft, Jesse D. Haecker, Thomas M. Alferink, Jeffrey C. Askey, Matthew J. Darr
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Patent number: 9986689Abstract: As a module is formed, characteristics of the module are sensed by the module forming machine. A module record is generated that includes a module identifier, a module location, and one or more sensed characteristics. The module record is output for use by other machines or systems.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2014Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: James William Riesterer, Mark A. Cracraft, Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Jerry B. Hall, Terence D. Pickett, Daniel R. Smith
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Publication number: 20180064032Abstract: A harvester generates a round module and positions the round module on a handler. The handler includes a cylinder having a base end and a rod end. A differential pressure across the cylinder is detected. A round module weight is generated based on the detected differential pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2016Publication date: March 8, 2018Inventors: MARK A. CRACRAFT, JESSE D. HAECKER, THOMAS M. ALFERINK, JEFFREY C. ASKEY, MATTHEW J. DARR
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Publication number: 20180020620Abstract: A module builder of an agricultural vehicle includes a chamber operable to support and form a product. A wrap is feedable into the chamber through a pinch point, the pinch point partially defined by a rotatable roller. A belt at least partially defines a wrap path. The wrap is configured to move along the wrap path to surround the product in the chamber. A gas flow system and/or a reversing belt is operable to direct the wrap from the pinch point toward the wrap path.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2016Publication date: January 25, 2018Inventors: James T. Noonan, Kevin J. Goering, Mark A. Cracraft, Nile T. Ackerman, Justin E. Hummel, Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Robert C. Blad
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Publication number: 20170359957Abstract: An agricultural vehicle is operable in a first state for transport and in a second state for field work and includes a frame supported by a plurality of tires. A processor is operable to receive a signal generated as a result of the agricultural vehicle transitioning from the first state to the second state or from the second state to the first state. A gas system is operable to modify the tire pressure of the plurality of tires of the agricultural vehicle in response to the signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: James T. Noonan, Mark A. Cracraft, Jerry E. White, Kevin J. Goering, Scott R. Bowers