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).

  • Publication number: 20240059211
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: Nathan R. Demski, Eric A. Keen, Brian M. Huenink, Michael R. Gratton
  • Patent number: 11807157
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Nathan R. Demski, Brian M. Huenink, Eric A. Keen, Michael R. Gratton
  • Patent number: 11752926
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Nathan R. Demski, Eric A. Keen, Brian M. Huenink, Michael R. Gratton
  • Patent number: 11702051
    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: April 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    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
  • Patent number: 11530525
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    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, Ryan Detweiler, Matthew Sbai
  • Patent number: 11421399
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    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: 20220176873
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Nathan R. Demski, Eric A. Keen, Brian M. Huenink, Michael R. Gratton
  • Patent number: 11299085
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20210402914
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Nathan R. Demski, Brian M. Huenink, Eric A. Keen, Michael R. Gratton
  • Publication number: 20210354618
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Inventors: 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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: 20210131072
    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: 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, William Staidl
  • Patent number: D936114
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: D943007
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Sushanta Das, Michael R. Gratton, Thorsten Hagner, Austin L. Begg, Doyle Friederich, Felix Nagelin, Alberto Mantilla, Anthony J. Baxter, Sebastian Himpel
  • Patent number: D943010
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Sushanta Das, Michael R. Gratton, Thorsten Hagner, Austin L. Begg, Doyle Friederich, Felix Nagelin, Alberto Mantilla, Anthony J. Baxter, Sebastian Himpel