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).

  • Patent number: 11903343
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Steven D. Wallestad, Mark A. Cracraft, James T. Noonan
  • Publication number: 20230309447
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2022
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicants: Deere & Company, Iowa State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Jeffrey C. Askey, Mark A. Cracraft, Robert R. Carlson, Grant W. Mandernach
  • Publication number: 20230309446
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2022
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicants: Deere & Company, Iowa State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Jeffrey C. Askey, Mark A. Cracraft, Vasisvaran Gopal
  • Patent number: 11744179
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Mark A. Cracraft
  • Patent number: 11272661
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: James T. Noonan, Mark A. Cracraft, Jerry E. White, Kevin J. Goering, Scott R. Bowers
  • Patent number: 11248680
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: James T. Noonan, Dwayne B. Watt, Cecil H. Wise, Jr., Steven D. Wallestad, Mark A. Cracraft, Jerry E. White, Cole D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20220030772
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Steven D. Wallestad, Mark A. Cracraft, James T. Noonan
  • Publication number: 20210360858
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Steven D. Wallestad, Mark A. Cracraft, James T. Noonan
  • Publication number: 20210282318
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventor: Mark A. Cracraft
  • Patent number: 11109534
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Steven D. Wallestad, Mark A. Cracraft, James T. Noonan
  • Patent number: 11071254
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: James T. Noonan, Kevin J. Goering, Mark A. Cracraft, Nile T. Ackerman, Justin E. Hummel, Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Robert C. Blad
  • Publication number: 20200166100
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Publication date: May 28, 2020
    Inventors: James T. Noonan, Dwayne B. Watt, Cecil H. Wise, JR., Steven D. Wallestad, Mark A. Cracraft, Jerry E. White, Cole D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20200154640
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Steven D. Wallestad, Mark A. Cracraft, James T. Noonan
  • Publication number: 20200022307
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Inventors: James T. Noonan, Mark A. Cracraft, Jerry E. White, Kevin J. Goering, Scott R. Bowers
  • Patent number: 10506761
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: James T. Noonan, Mark A. Cracraft, Jerry E. White, Kevin J. Goering, Scott R. Bowers
  • Patent number: 10091943
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignees: Deere & Company, Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Cracraft, Jesse D. Haecker, Thomas M. Alferink, Jeffrey C. Askey, Matthew J. Darr
  • Patent number: 9986689
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: James William Riesterer, Mark A. Cracraft, Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Jerry B. Hall, Terence D. Pickett, Daniel R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20180064032
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: MARK A. CRACRAFT, JESSE D. HAECKER, THOMAS M. ALFERINK, JEFFREY C. ASKEY, MATTHEW J. DARR
  • Publication number: 20180020620
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: James T. Noonan, Kevin J. Goering, Mark A. Cracraft, Nile T. Ackerman, Justin E. Hummel, Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Robert C. Blad
  • Publication number: 20170359957
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: James T. Noonan, Mark A. Cracraft, Jerry E. White, Kevin J. Goering, Scott R. Bowers