Patents by Inventor Michael G. Kean

Michael G. Kean 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).

  • Publication number: 20210382486
    Abstract: A method of operating a work vehicle at a work area and a work area monitoring system for a work vehicle are provided. The method includes monitoring a target area in the work area and activating a response on the work vehicle directed toward the target area upon satisfaction of a work area condition in the work area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventors: AMY K. JONES, KEITH J. LENSING, KEITH N. CHASTON, MICHAEL G. KEAN, BRETT S. GRAHAM
  • Publication number: 20210372084
    Abstract: Graders and methods of operation thereof are disclosed herein. A grader includes a chassis, a saddle linkage, and a motion measurement system. The saddle linkage is supported for movement relative to the chassis and includes a mount movably coupled to the chassis, first and second arms each movably coupled to the mount, and a crossbar movably coupled to each of the first and second arms. The mount has a lock pin aperture, each of the first and second arms has a locking hole, and the crossbar has a plurality of locking holes. The lock pin aperture may be aligned with one locking hole of the first arm, the second arm, or the crossbar to position the saddle linkage in use of the grader. The motion measurement system is coupled to the saddle linkage and configured to measure movement or position of one or more components of the grader in use thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Michael G. Kean, Michael D. Peat, David A. Veasy
  • Patent number: 11162241
    Abstract: A robotic machine includes at least one sensor coupled to the robotic machine configured to generate a signal indicative of a worksurface for which a worksurface operation is to be conducted. The robotic machine also includes a machine and robotic control system configured to receive the signal indicative of the worksurface, identify the worksurface operation to be conducted, and generate control signals for an end effector of the robotic machine to carry out the identified worksurface operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Scott S. Hendron, Mark J. Cherney, Michael G. Kean, John J. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 11161410
    Abstract: A pattern recognition system receives an image captured by an image capture device, of an operator and the operator is identified. Operator information is accessed, based upon the identified operator, and a control signal is generated to control a mobile machine, based upon the operator information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Joshua C. Heitsman, Reginald M. Bindl, Keith N. Chaston, Michael G. Kean, John M. Hageman, Mark J. Cherney, Sean P. West
  • Patent number: 11162246
    Abstract: Graders and methods of operation thereof. A grader includes a chassis, a saddle linkage, and a motion measurement system. The saddle linkage is supported for movement relative to the chassis and includes a mount movably coupled to the chassis, first and second arms each movably coupled to the mount, and a crossbar movably coupled to each of the first and second arms. The mount has a lock pin aperture, each of the first and second arms has a locking hole, and the crossbar has a plurality of locking holes. The lock pin aperture may be aligned with one locking hole of the first arm, the second arm, or the crossbar to position the saddle linkage in use of the grader. The motion measurement system is coupled to the saddle linkage and configured to measure movement or position of one or more components of the grader in use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael G. Kean, Michael D. Peat, David A. Veasy
  • Publication number: 20210333790
    Abstract: A work machine has a backup camera that captures images of an area of a worksite behind the work machine. A controller identifies pre-defined markings in the worksite and localizes the pre-defined markings to the work machine, based on the images. A control signal generator generates control signals to automatically control the work machine based upon the localized markings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Michael G. KEAN, Amy K. JONES, Brett S. GRAHAM, Nathaniel M. CZARNECKI, Gordon E. MILLER, Rachel BRUFLODT
  • Publication number: 20210331669
    Abstract: A method and a system for avoiding collision of an object with a work tool coupled to a work machine. The method comprising generating an object signal by an object detector, monitoring the object signal in real-time by a processor, processing the object signal to detect an object at least partially buried in the ground surface, determining a distance between the object and a distance threshold, and sending by a controller a control signal to one or more of a machine control system and a work tool control system to modify one or more of a movement of the work tool or the work machine based on the object reaching the distance threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: BRETT S. GRAHAM, MICHAEL G. KEAN, DREW F. HARWELL, KEITH N. CHASTON, AMY K. JONES, KEITH J. LENSING
  • Patent number: 11136040
    Abstract: A method of determining wheel slippage condition in a work vehicle includes moving the work vehicle from a first position to a second position, determining a drivetrain ground speed of the work vehicle using a drivetrain component, determining a predicted ground speed of the work vehicle using a sensor, detecting a wheel slippage condition by comparing the drivetrain ground speed to the predicted ground speed, and generating a driveline modification command to adjust propulsion power of the drivetrain component until the wheel slippage condition reaches a specified target. A method of adjusting acceleration for a work vehicle includes measuring a drivetrain acceleration, measuring an absolute acceleration, using the absolute acceleration to predict a ground speed, determining a steady state condition based on the commanded machine motion, the drivetrain speed, and the absolute acceleration, and modifying the predicted ground speed based on determination of the steady state condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Daniel M. Kassen, Michael G. Kean
  • Patent number: 11136744
    Abstract: Vehicles and methods of operating vehicles are disclosed herein. A vehicle includes a main frame, a work implement, and a control system. The work implement is supported by the main frame and configured to carry a payload in use of the vehicle. The control system is supported by the main frame and configured to control operation of the vehicle. The control system includes a payload measurement system configured to provide payload input indicative of a variable payload carried by the work implement in use of the vehicle and a controller coupled to the payload measurement system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: David Myers, Michael R. Gratton, Michael G. Kean, Todd F. Velde, Dustin T. Staade, Matthew Sbai, Ryan Detweiler, Grant R. Henn, Mary B. Wigginton, Aaron R. Kenkel
  • Publication number: 20210298220
    Abstract: A self-propelled work vehicle is provided with systems and methods for communicating the presence of nearby objects to an operator. A horizontally rotatable machine frame supports a work implement which is further vertically rotatable. Various object sensors are each configured to generate object signals representative of detected objects in respective fields of vision. A controller determines a working area for the work vehicle, corresponding at least to a swing radius of the machine frame and optionally further to a swing radius of the work implement at a given orientation and/or angle of rotation. The controller determines positions of each detected object relative to the machine frame based on the object signals and known positions of the respective object sensors, and generates output signals based on the determined object positions with respect to the working area. The output signals may facilitate vehicle interventions, and/or visual alerts corresponding to bird's eye displays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Michael G. Kean, Drew F. Harwell
  • Patent number: 11131076
    Abstract: A stability control system identifies an actionable condition, such as instability, in an off-road mobile machine, based upon an in-rubber tire sensor. A remedial action is identified, and a control signal is generated to control the mobile machine to take the remedial action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Mark J. Cherney, Michael G. Kean
  • Patent number: 11131083
    Abstract: A work machine that has a chassis, a payload section, a controller, a payload sensor in communication with the controller, and an orientation sensor that identifies the orientation of the work machine to the controller. The controller determines a center of gravity for the work machine considering a payload weight identified by the payload sensor and sends an alert when the location of the center of gravity and the orientation of the work machine create an unstable condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael R. Gratton, David Myers, Aaron R. Kenkel, Michael G. Kean, Mary B. Wigginton, Grant R. Henn, Todd F. Velde, Joseph R. Keene, Dustin T. Staade, Kevin Campbell, Thomas L. Kennedy, William Staidl
  • Patent number: 11124943
    Abstract: Graders and methods of operation thereof. A grader includes a chassis, a saddle linkage, and a motion measurement system. The saddle linkage is supported for movement relative to the chassis and includes a mount movably coupled to the chassis, first and second arms each movably coupled to the mount, and a crossbar movably coupled to each of the first and second arms. The mount has a lock pin aperture, each of the first and second arms has a locking hole, and the crossbar has a plurality of locking holes. The lock pin aperture may be aligned with one locking hole of the first arm, the second arm, or the crossbar to position the saddle linkage in use of the grader. The motion measurement system is coupled to the saddle linkage and configured to measure movement or position of one or more components of the grader in use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael G. Kean, Michael D. Peat, David A. Veasy
  • Patent number: 11082801
    Abstract: A method and system of position determination of an implement on a work vehicle. The method includes determining a position of a first radio frequency (RF) device relative to a local reference frame using ultra-wideband ranging between the first RF device and at least one additional RF device. The first RF device is coupled to a fixed location on the implement, and the additional RF device is mounted at a fixed location relative to the local reference frame. The implement is controllably movable relative to the local reference frame. A position and orientated of the implement is determined relative to the local reference frame based at least in part on the determined position of the first RF device relative to the local reference frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael G. Kean, Mark J. Cherney
  • Publication number: 20210222400
    Abstract: Vehicles and methods of operating vehicles are disclosed herein. A vehicle includes a main frame, a work implement, and a control system. The work implement is supported by the main frame and configured to carry a payload in use of the vehicle. The control system is supported by the main frame and configured to control operation of the vehicle. The control system includes a payload measurement system configured to provide payload input indicative of a variable payload carried by the work implement in use of the vehicle and a controller coupled to the payload measurement system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: David Myers, Michael R. Gratton, Michael G. Kean, Todd F. Velde, Dustin T. Staade, Matthew Sbai, Ryan Detweiler, Grant R. Henn, Mary B. Wigginton, Aaron R. Kenkel
  • Patent number: 11053663
    Abstract: A motor grader including a main frame, an operational frame movable relative to the main frame about a primary joint, and a plurality of hydraulic cylinders configured to adjust a position of the operational frame relative to the main frame, where each cylinder of the plurality of cylinders is movable between an extended position and a retracted position to adjust the length thereof. The motor grader further includes a processor configured to receive a signal indicating a desired cross slope of the operational frame, receive a signal identifying one of the plurality of cylinders as a lead cylinder, determine a desired position of the operational frame that achieves the desired cross slope of the operational frame, estimate a current position of the operational frame by monitoring a length of the lead cylinder, and adjust the position of the operational frame by controlling a follower cylinder of the plurality of cylinders to create the desired cross slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael G. Kean, Michael D. Peat, Todd F. Velde
  • Patent number: 11053662
    Abstract: A motor grader including a main frame, an operational frame movable relative to the main frame in three directions, and a linkage system coupling the operational frame to the main frame. The linkage system includes a plurality of hydraulic cylinders each movable between an extended position and a retracted position to adjust the length thereof. The plurality of cylinders is operationally connected such that movement of one cylinder of the plurality of cylinders causes movement of at least another cylinder of the plurality of cylinders. A processor is configured to receive a signal related to the length of at least one cylinder of the plurality of cylinders, and estimate, based in part on the signal, a position of the operational frame relative to the main frame in the three directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael G. Kean, Michael D. Peat, Todd F. Velde
  • Publication number: 20210131063
    Abstract: A load sensitive ride system and method is disclosed for a vehicle with an implement movably attached by a boom cylinder. The system includes a payload weight measuring system that measures payload weight and generates a signal indicative of the payload weight, a ride control circuit that adjusts hydraulic flow to and from the boom cylinder; and a controller that receives the signal indicative of the payload weight, and sends compliance commands to adjust ride control compliance based on the signal indicative of the payload weight. The system can include a tire inflation system that adjusts tire pressure. The controller can send inflation commands to adjust tire pressure based on the signal indicative of the payload weight. The compliance commands can depend on the components and compliance adjustment methods of the ride control circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Aaron R. Kenkel, Michael G. Kean, Mary B. Wigginton, Michael R. Gratton, Grant R. Henn, Todd F. Velde, Joseph R. Keene, Kevin W. Campbell, Dustin T. Staade
  • Publication number: 20210131071
    Abstract: A work machine includes a chassis, a boom coupled to the chassis, and a work implement coupled to the boom and movable relative to the chassis. In system may further include dynamic payload weighing system configured to measure the payload weight on the work implement. The system may also include an electrohydraulic system controller in communication with the dynamic payload weighing system and an electrohydraulic control valve electrically coupled to the electrohydraulic system controller and moveable to a plurality of weight-specific valve positions based on the measured payload weight on the implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Michael R. Gratton, David Myers, Aaron R. Kenkel, Michael G. Kean, Mary B. Wigginton, Grant R. Henn, Todd F. Velde, Joseph R. Keene, Dustin T. Staade, Kevin Campbell, Thomas L. Kennedy, Ryan Detweiler, Matthew Sbai
  • Publication number: 20210131065
    Abstract: Vehicles and methods of operating vehicles are disclosed herein. A vehicle includes a main frame, a work implement, and a control system. The work implement is supported by the main frame and configured to carry a payload in use of the vehicle. The control system is supported by the main frame and configured to control operation of the vehicle. The control system includes a payload measurement system configured to provide payload input indicative of a variable payload carried by the work implement in use of the vehicle and a controller coupled to the payload measurement system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: David Myers, Michael R. Gratton, Michael G. Kean, Todd F. Velde, Dustin T. Staade, Matthew Sbai, Ryan Detweiler, Grant R. Henn, Mary B. Wigginton, Aaron R. Kenkel