Patents by Inventor Michael L. Vandeven
Michael L. Vandeven 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: 20240065170Abstract: Combine harvesters may include crop processing systems having a grate subassemblies with flaps that, in some instances, are divided into groups that are independently movable and moveable in opposite directions between a fully open position and a fully closed position. Further, each of the grate assemblies may include an actuator that is operable to actuate simultaneously a portion of the flaps on each of the grate assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2022Publication date: February 29, 2024Inventors: MICHAEL T. MESCHKE, MICHAEL L. VANDEVEN, BRIAN GORGE, MARTIN RITTERSHOFER
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Publication number: 20240065171Abstract: Combine harvesters may include crop processing systems having a grate subassemblies with flaps that, in some instances, are divided into groups that are independently movable and moveable in opposite directions between a fully open position and a fully closed position. Further, each of the grate assemblies may include an actuator that is operable to actuate simultaneously a portion of the flaps on each of the grate assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2022Publication date: February 29, 2024Inventors: MICHAEL T. MESCHKE, MICHAEL L. VANDEVEN, BRIAN GORGE, MARTIN RITTERSHOFER
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Publication number: 20230345876Abstract: A harvester includes a frame and a header coupled to the frame. The header includes a center segment, a wing coupled to the center segment, and an actuator between the wing and the center segment. The wing includes a ground-engaging component configured to bear a first variable portion of the weight of the wing and a wing sensor coupled to the wing. The actuator is configured to transfer a second variable portion of the weight of the wing to the frame. A controller is configured to receive a signal from the wing sensor and to send a signal to the actuator to vary a ratio of the first variable portion of the weight of the wing to the second variable portion of the weight of the wing.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2022Publication date: November 2, 2023Inventors: Michael L. Vandeven, Alex Brimeyer, Dillon M. Burke
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Publication number: 20230240179Abstract: Apparatuses and agricultural implements are directed to maintaining engagement of float arms of an agricultural implement with a ground surface, maintaining a consistent load distribution to the ground, and maintaining a height of a cutterbar of the agricultural implement at a selected distance of the ground. An agricultural implement may include a frame configured to couple to an agricultural vehicle, a float arm pivotably coupled to the frame, a cutterbar coupled to float arm, and a biasing component disposed between the float arm and the frame that biases the float arm away from the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2022Publication date: August 3, 2023Inventors: JOSHUA R. PIERSON, MICHAEL L. VANDEVEN, PETER T. SWANSON, ALEX A. BRIMEYER, DANIEL S. HOFFMAN
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Publication number: 20230022413Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically configuring a cutterbar between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration in response to actuation of a gauge wheel are disclosed. The cutterbar is coupled to the gauge wheel such that extension of the gauge wheel causes the cutterbar to move into the rigid configuration and retraction of the gauge wheel causes the cutterbar to move into the flexible configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2021Publication date: January 26, 2023Inventors: SHREYAS P. MODAK, ALEX A. BRIMEYER, MICHAEL L. VANDEVEN
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Publication number: 20230023341Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically configuring a cutterbar between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration in response to actuation of a gauge wheel are disclosed. The cutterbar is coupled to the gauge wheel such that extension of the gauge wheel causes the cutterbar to move into the rigid configuration and retraction of the gauge wheel causes the cutterbar to move into the flexible configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2021Publication date: January 26, 2023Inventors: SHREYAS P. MODAK, ALEX A. BRIMEYER, MICHAEL L. VANDEVEN
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Publication number: 20230024403Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically configuring a cutterbar between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration in response to actuation of a gauge wheel are disclosed. The cutterbar is coupled to the gauge wheel such that extension of the gauge wheel causes the cutterbar to move into the rigid configuration and retraction of the gauge wheel causes the cutterbar to move into the flexible configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2021Publication date: January 26, 2023Inventors: SHREYAS P. MODAK, ALEX A. BRIMEYER, MICHAEL L. VANDEVEN
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Patent number: 11490564Abstract: A header including a cutter bar configured to cut crop for harvesting and a header frame supporting the cutter bar. A transport assembly is operatively connected to the header frame. A support arm is rotatably coupled to an axle of the transport assembly and is pivotably coupled to a mounting frame coupled to the header frame. A cam linkage is disposed at the support arm to provide a mechanical advantage for an operator when moving the transport assembly from a transport position to a harvest position. The cam linkage includes a lift assist device having a first end connected to the mounting frame and a second end coupled to a cam arm. Extension of the second end from the first end of the lift assist device applies the cam arm to a cam surface of the support arm to move the transport assembly to the harvest position.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2020Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Michael C. LaVally, Michael L. Vandeven
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Publication number: 20220192092Abstract: Systems and apparatuses for detecting an amount of steering articulation of a steering system are disclosed. The systems and apparatuses may be applied to steering systems of agricultural header transport systems. The systems and apparatuses may include a first component moveable with a first steering component and a second component that is movable with a second steering component. The first component and the second component may interact to generate a notification that a selected amount of steering articulation has occurred or is about to occur. The notification may be provided to an operator, such as in the form of a visual, audible, or haptic output.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2021Publication date: June 23, 2022Inventors: MICHAEL L. VANDEVEN, DUANE M. BOMLENY, JIXIN CHEN, ADAM J. BEALS, NICHOLIS R. FITZPATRICK, PAUL J. MCCREDIE, DANIEL S. HOFFMAN
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Publication number: 20220192089Abstract: A harvesting system includes a header pivotally attached to a combine. The header includes a center section to which a left wing and right wing are pivotally attached. A suspension system of the harvesting system includes first and second engageable states that enable dynamic wing behavior and reduce structural load. The first state corresponds to a harvesting configuration of the header in which the wings are allowed to pivot to allow the header to follow changes in terrain. The second state corresponds to a configuration in which the header is elevated relative to the ground. In the second state, the ability of the wings to pivot is minimized as compared to the first state, which allows the header to be maintained in a substantially flat configuration while minimizing the amount of dynamic load imparted by the header on the combine during non-harvesting transport of the header.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2022Publication date: June 23, 2022Applicant: Deere & CompanyInventors: Bryan R. Yanke, Duane M. Bomleny, Andrew J. Braet, Michael L. Vandeven, Paul D. Marvin
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Publication number: 20220183202Abstract: A transport assembly for a harvesting head that includes head connector arms, a transport axle, and a coupling system with a latch actuator, and first and second latch mechanisms coupled to the latch actuator and located at opposite ends of the transport axle. The transport assembly functions in working and transport modes. In the working mode, the first and second latch mechanisms latch the first and second head connector arms to the transport axle to latch the harvesting head to the transport axle. When the latch actuator is activated, the first and second latch mechanisms release the first and second head connector arms from the transport axle to allow the harvesting head to separate from the transport axle. When the latch actuator is not activated, the first and second latch mechanisms can be biased to remain latched.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2020Publication date: June 16, 2022Inventors: Jixin Chen, Michael W. Mossman, Michael L. Vandeven, Duane M. Bomleny
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Publication number: 20220124958Abstract: A steering system for an agricultural machine includes a first and second wheel assembly. Each wheel assembly includes an axle assembly including an axle, wheels rotatably connected to the axle, and a double-action hydraulic cylinder. In some embodiments, the double-action hydraulic cylinder is configured to pivot the wheels in either direction to indicate a direction of turn. In some embodiments, the double-action hydraulic cylinder of the first wheel assembly is hydraulically linked in its operation to an operation of the double-action hydraulic cylinder of the second wheel assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2021Publication date: April 28, 2022Inventors: Jixin Chen, Michael L. Vandeven
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Patent number: 11297765Abstract: A harvesting system includes a header pivotally attached to a combine. The header includes a center section to which a left wing and right wing are pivotally attached. A suspension system of the harvesting system includes first and second engageable states that enable dynamic wing behavior and reduce structural load. The first state corresponds to a harvesting configuration of the header in which the wings are allowed to pivot to allow the header to follow changes in terrain. The second state corresponds to a configuration in which the header is elevated relative to the ground. In the second state, the ability of the wings to pivot is minimized as compared to the first state, which allows the header to be maintained in a substantially flat configuration while minimizing the amount of dynamic load imparted by the header on the combine during non-harvesting transport of the header.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2019Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Bryan R. Yanke, Duane M. Bomleny, Andrew J. Braet, Michael L. Vandeven, Paul D. Marvin
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Publication number: 20220071089Abstract: A header assembly for an agricultural harvesting machine comprises a first frame assembly, a second frame assembly that supports a cutter, and is movable relative to the first frame assembly, a float cylinder coupled between the first frame assembly and the second frame assembly, an accumulator, a controllable reservoir, and fluidic circuitry. The fluidic circuitry comprises a first conduit forming a first fluid path that provides a flow of pressurized fluid under pressure to the float cylinder, so the float cylinder exerts a float force on the second frame assembly, a valve mechanism that is actuatable to inhibit fluid flow along the first fluid path between the accumulator and the float cylinder, a second conduit forming a second fluid path fluidically coupled to the controllable reservoir, the controllable reservoir being controllable to add fluid to the float cylinder.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2021Publication date: March 10, 2022Inventors: Alex BRIMEYER, David E. Renner, Michael L. Vandeven, Joshua R. Pierson, Todd M. Verhoef
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Publication number: 20210400872Abstract: A header including a cutter bar configured to cut crop for harvesting and a header frame supporting the cutter bar. A transport assembly is operatively connected to the header frame. A support arm is rotatably coupled to an axle of the transport assembly and is pivotably coupled to a mounting frame coupled to the header frame. A cam linkage is disposed at the support arm to provide a mechanical advantage for an operator when moving the transport assembly from a transport position to a harvest position. The cam linkage includes a lift assist device having a first end connected to the mounting frame and a second end coupled to a cam arm. Extension of the second end from the first end of the lift assist device applies the cam arm to a cam surface of the support arm to move the transport assembly to the harvest position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2020Publication date: December 30, 2021Inventors: Michael C. LaVally, Michael L. Vandeven
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Patent number: 11191212Abstract: A header assembly for an agricultural harvesting machine comprises a first frame assembly, a second frame assembly that supports a cutter, and is movable relative to the first frame assembly, a float cylinder coupled between the first frame assembly and the second frame assembly, an accumulator, a controllable reservoir, and fluidic circuitry. The fluidic circuitry comprises a first conduit forming a first fluid path that provides a flow of pressurized fluid under pressure to the float cylinder, so the float cylinder exerts a float force on the second frame assembly, a valve mechanism that is actuatable to inhibit fluid flow along the first fluid path between the accumulator and the float cylinder, a second conduit forming a second fluid path fluidically coupled to the controllable reservoir, the controllable reservoir being controllable to add fluid to the float cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2019Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Alex Brimeyer, David E. Renner, Michael L. Vandeven, Joshua R. Pierson, Todd M. Verhoef
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Patent number: 11178806Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a steering system for an agricultural machine. The steering system includes a first and second wheel assembly. Each wheel assembly includes an axle assembly including an axle, wheels rotatably connected to the axle, and a double-action hydraulic cylinder. In some embodiments, the double-action hydraulic cylinder is configured to pivot the wheels in either direction to indicate a direction of turn. In some embodiments, the double-action hydraulic cylinder of the first wheel assembly is hydraulically linked in its operation to an operation of the double-action hydraulic cylinder of the second wheel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2019Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Jixin Chen, Michael L. Vandeven
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Patent number: 11124232Abstract: A road transport system of a header of a harvesting machine includes two pairs of wheels and two wheel frames. Each wheel frame is connected to a pair of wheels. The two wheel frames are rotatable between a field operation position and a road transport position. A header of a harvesting machine includes two pairs of wheels and two wheel frames. Each wheel frame is connected to a pair of wheels. The two wheel frames are rotatable between a field operation position and a road transport position. A method of converting a header of a harvesting machine from a field operation mode to a road transport mode includes: releasing wheel frames of the header from the header; rotating the wheel frames from a field operation position to a road transport position; and enabling kingpin steering connections between at least one of the wheel frames and a pair of wheels.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Jixin Chen, Michael L. Vandeven
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Patent number: 11064654Abstract: A system for a header assembly that has a center frame configured to pivot relative to an adapter frame about at least one center axis, a center actuator coupled to the center frame to selectively provide a biasing force thereto, a first arm assembly configured to pivot relative to the center frame about at least a first arm axis, a first actuator coupled to the first arm assembly to selectively provide a biasing force thereto, a controller in communication with the center actuator and the first actuator to selectively alter performance characteristics of the center actuator and the first actuator, and a user interface in communication with the controller and having at least a first option and a second option. Wherein, the controller adjusts the performance characteristics of both the center actuator and the first actuator when the user interface is transitioned between the first option and the second option.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2019Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Michael L. Vandeven, Alex Brimeyer, Benjamin M. Lovett, Duane M. Bomleny, Bryan R. Yanke, Joshua R. Pierson, Anthony M. Hasenour
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Patent number: 11058056Abstract: A harvesting head for an agricultural harvester including a center frame section that is pivotally coupled to each of a left frame section and a right frame section. The elevation or height of the center frame section is determined by setting a height of the inner gauge wheels of the left and right frame sections. A gauge assembly for each of the left and right frame sections includes a linking member that spans between and operatively connects to outer and inner gauge wheels. The gauge assemblies are operably connected to the left and right frame sections to adjust an elevation of the outer and inner gauge wheels relative to the linking member to thereby adjust the elevation or height of the frame section when actuated by an actuation mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Joshua R. Pierson, Michael L. Vandeven, Jixin Chen, Eric Taflinger