Patents by Inventor Michael R. Gratton
Michael R. Gratton 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: 20240059211Abstract: An agricultural work vehicle includes a chassis, a cab mounted to the chassis and including a work space for an operator to control the work vehicle, and a controller for controlling operation of the work vehicle. The work vehicle further includes a lighting system having at least one array field light for illuminating an area on or around the work vehicle. A light control module is disposed in electrical communication with the controller and is configured to operably control the at least one array field light. The controller transmits a signal to the light control module, and the at least one array field light transmits a light signal corresponding to the signal which is receivable by a receiving module on another work vehicle or implement.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2023Publication date: February 22, 2024Inventors: Nathan R. Demski, Eric A. Keen, Brian M. Huenink, Michael R. Gratton
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Patent number: 11807157Abstract: A control system of an off-road work vehicle for performing a work function includes a controller for controlling the work vehicle, a light control module for controlling a lighting system of the work vehicle, and a sensing device disposed in communication with the controller. The lighting system includes a array field light that is operably controllable to project a light emission. The sensing device signals a location to be illuminated by the array field light to the controller, and the light control module operably controls an output of the array field light to direct substantially its entire light emission at the location.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2021Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Nathan R. Demski, Brian M. Huenink, Eric A. Keen, Michael R. Gratton
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Patent number: 11752926Abstract: An agricultural work vehicle includes a chassis, a cab mounted to the chassis and including a work space for an operator to control the work vehicle, and a controller for controlling operation of the work vehicle. The work vehicle further includes a lighting system having at least one array field light for illuminating an area on or around the work vehicle. A light control module is disposed in electrical communication with the controller and is configured to operably control the at least one array field light. The controller transmits a signal to the light control module, and the at least one array field light transmits a light signal corresponding to the signal which is receivable by a receiving module on another work vehicle or implement.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2020Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Nathan R. Demski, Eric A. Keen, Brian M. Huenink, Michael R. Gratton
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Patent number: 11702051Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 5, 2021Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: 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
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Patent number: 11530525Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 31, 2019Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: 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
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Patent number: 11421399Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 31, 2019Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20220176873Abstract: An agricultural work vehicle includes a chassis, a cab mounted to the chassis and including a work space for an operator to control the work vehicle, and a controller for controlling operation of the work vehicle. The work vehicle further includes a lighting system having at least one array field light for illuminating an area on or around the work vehicle. A light control module is disposed in electrical communication with the controller and is configured to operably control the at least one array field light. The controller transmits a signal to the light control module, and the at least one array field light transmits a light signal corresponding to the signal which is receivable by a receiving module on another work vehicle or implement.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2020Publication date: June 9, 2022Inventors: Nathan R. Demski, Eric A. Keen, Brian M. Huenink, Michael R. Gratton
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Patent number: 11299085Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for roadway illumination by an industrial vehicle are disclosed. A work light of the industrial vehicle is operated to provide illumination to an area located between a forward end of the industrial vehicle and an area illuminated by a low beam light. The work light and the low beam light are operated together to provide improved illumination during travel of the industrial vehicle along the roadway while promoting visibility of operators of oncoming vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2020Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Nathan R. Demski, Brian T. Mosdal, Matthew Lommen, Michael R. Gratton, Christopher J. Mahoney, Nathan D. Turnis, Keith C. Rottinghaus, Brian Huenink, Nathan D. Sherman
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Publication number: 20210402914Abstract: A control system of an off-road work vehicle for performing a work function includes a controller for controlling the work vehicle, a light control module for controlling a lighting system of the work vehicle, and a sensing device disposed in communication with the controller. The lighting system includes a array field light that is operably controllable to project a light emission. The sensing device signals a location to be illuminated by the array field light to the controller, and the light control module operably controls an output of the array field light to direct substantially its entire light emission at the location.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2021Publication date: December 30, 2021Inventors: Nathan R. Demski, Brian M. Huenink, Eric A. Keen, Michael R. Gratton
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Publication number: 20210354618Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for roadway illumination by an industrial vehicle are disclosed. A work light of the industrial vehicle is operated to provide illumination to an area located between a forward end of the industrial vehicle and an area illuminated by a low beam light. The work light and the low beam light are operated together to provide improved illumination during travel of the industrial vehicle along the roadway while promoting visibility of operators of oncoming vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2020Publication date: November 18, 2021Inventors: NATHAN R. DEMSKI, BRIAN T. MOSDAL, MATTHEW LOMMEN, MICHAEL R. GRATTON, CHRISTOPHER J. MAHONEY, NATHAN D. TURNIS, KEITH C. ROTTINGHAUS, BRIAN HUENINK, NATHAN D. SHERMAN
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Patent number: 11136744Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 31, 2019Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: 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
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Patent number: 11131083Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 31, 2019Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20210222400Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2021Publication date: July 22, 2021Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20210131071Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20210131065Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20210131063Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20210131072Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: 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
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Patent number: D936114Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2020Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Thorsten Hagner, Benjamin Jordan, Aaron Ritter, Benjamin J. Mueller, Michael R. Gratton, Sebastian Himpel, Eric Keen, Michael Thompson, Mark DePoorter, Felix Nagelin, Nathan R. Demski, Dean Arden Boyce, Pradipkumar J. Tanpure
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Patent number: D943007Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2020Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Sushanta Das, Michael R. Gratton, Thorsten Hagner, Austin L. Begg, Doyle Friederich, Felix Nagelin, Alberto Mantilla, Anthony J. Baxter, Sebastian Himpel
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Patent number: D943010Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2020Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Sushanta Das, Michael R. Gratton, Thorsten Hagner, Austin L. Begg, Doyle Friederich, Felix Nagelin, Alberto Mantilla, Anthony J. Baxter, Sebastian Himpel