Patents by Inventor Nathan J. Horstman

Nathan J. Horstman 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: 20240117599
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for adjusting steering angle and articulation angle in an auto steering operation of a work vehicle. The percentage of travel of an articulation joystick of the work vehicle at least partially determines an articulation desired angle change, which can be used to calculate an articulation desired angle and a steering desired angle change. The difference between the articulation desired angle and an articulation angle detected by an articulation angle sensor is used to adjust the articulation angle. The steering desired angle change can be used to calculate a steering desired angle. The difference between the steering desired angle and a steering angle detected by a steering angle sensor is used to adjust the steering angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: David A. Veasy, Nathan J. Horstman, Craig Christofferson
  • Patent number: 11926988
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting the pitch of a work implement attached to a work vehicle, wherein the work implement has adjustable wings. The system and method include moving materials with a blade having an adjustable wing located at one end of a center portion of the blade. blade operatively connected to the work vehicle is positionable with respect to the work vehicle in response to an operator command. A commanded position of the blade is identified based on a blade positioning signal received from the operator command transmitted by an operator control device. An inclined position of the adjustable wing with respect to the center portion of the blade is identified. A pitch of the blade with respect to the work vehicle based is automatically adjusted based on the identified commanded position of the blade and the identified inclined position of the adjustable wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Giovanni A. Wuisan, Jeffrey M. Stenoish, Patrick J. Mulligan, Michael R. Tigges, Ryan R. Neilson, Nathan J. Horstman, Cory J. Brant, Timothy M. Post
  • Patent number: 11891778
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for adjusting steering angle and articulation angle in an auto steering operation of a work vehicle. The percentage of travel of an articulation joystick of the work vehicle at least partially determines an articulation desired angle change, which can be used to calculate an articulation desired angle and a steering desired angle change. The difference between the articulation desired angle and an articulation angle detected by an articulation angle sensor is used to adjust the articulation angle. The steering desired angle change can be used to calculate a steering desired angle. The difference between the steering desired angle and a steering angle detected by a steering angle sensor is used to adjust the steering angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: David A. Veasy, Nathan J. Horstman, Craig Christofferson
  • Patent number: 11702818
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus includes measuring wear of a cutting edge of a blade of a work vehicle. Blade position or calibration measurements are made with or without a cutting edge. A wear condition of the cutting edge is acceptable when the blade position measurement less an acceptable wear to the cutting edge amount is less than a blade calibration measurement. A wear condition of the cutting edge is unacceptable when the blade position measurement less an acceptable wear to the cutting edge amount is greater than a blade calibration measurement. Alternatively, a wear condition of the cutting edge is unacceptable when a blade calibration measurement plus a tolerance margin is greater than the blade position measurement. The wear condition of the cutting edge is acceptable when the blade calibration measurement plus a tolerance margin is less than the blade position measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: David A. Veasy, Craig Christofferson, Michael D. Peat, Nathan J. Horstman, Joshua M. Schau
  • Patent number: 11686067
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus includes measuring wear of a cutting edge of a blade of a work vehicle. Blade position or calibration measurements are made with or without a cutting edge. A wear condition of the cutting edge is acceptable when the blade position measurement less an acceptable wear to the cutting edge amount is less than a blade calibration measurement. A wear condition of the cutting edge is unacceptable when the blade position measurement less an acceptable wear to the cutting edge amount is greater than a blade calibration measurement. Alternatively, a wear condition of the cutting edge is unacceptable when a blade calibration measurement plus a tolerance margin is greater than the blade position measurement. The wear condition of the cutting edge is acceptable when the blade calibration measurement plus a tolerance margin is less than the blade position measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: David A. Veasy, Craig Christofferson, Michael D. Peat, Nathan J. Horstman, Joshua M. Schau
  • Publication number: 20230103653
    Abstract: A crawler dozer includes a main frame having a longitudinal central axis. A push frame includes left and right push beams. A dozer blade is pivotally connected to the left and right push beams. At least one tilt cylinder is connected between the dozer blade and at least one of the left and right push beams. The tilt cylinder includes a larger cylinder portion pivotally connected to the dozer blade and a smaller piston portion pivotally connected to the at least one of the left and right push beams. The tilt cylinder includes a cylinder axis diverging laterally outward relative to the longitudinal central axis of the main frame in a forward direction by a splay angle of at least 2 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventors: Michael R. Dorman, Nathan J. Horstman, Todd R. Simms, Ryan R. Neilson, Michael R. Tigges
  • Patent number: 11519156
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for adjusting steering angle and articulation angle in an auto articulation operation of a work vehicle. The percentage of travel of a steering joystick of the work vehicle at least partially determines a steering desired angle change, which can be used to calculate a steering desired angle and an articulation desired angle change. The difference between the steering desired angle and a steering angle detected by a steering angle sensor is used to adjust the steering angle. The articulation desired angle change can be used to calculate an articulation desired angle. The difference between the articulation desired angle and an articulation angle detected by an articulation angle sensor is used to adjust the articulation angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David A. Veasy, Nathan J. Horstman, Craig Christofferson
  • Patent number: 11346079
    Abstract: A work machine that has a blade that is positionable at a plurality of angles relative to the work machine, a positioning system coupled to the blade to transition the blade to any one of the plurality of angles, a user interface providing a user input, and a controller in communication with the positioning system and the user input. Wherein, when the controller receives a first user input signal from the user interface, the controller positions the blade in a first preset position with the positioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Craig Christofferson, David A. Veasy, Nathan J. Horstman
  • Publication number: 20220090349
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting the pitch of a work implement attached to a work vehicle, wherein the work implement has adjustable wings. The system and method include moving materials with a blade having an adjustable wing located at one end of a center portion of the blade, wherein the blade is operatively connected to the work vehicle and is positionable with respect to the work vehicle in response to an operator command. A commanded position of the blade is identified based on a blade positioning signal received from the operator command transmitted by an operator control device. An inclined position of the adjustable wing with respect to the center portion of the blade is identified. A pitch of the blade with respect to the work vehicle based is automatically adjusted based on the identified commanded position of the blade and the identified inclined position of the adjustable wing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Giovanni A. Wuisan, Jeffrey M. Stenoish, Patrick J. Mulligan, Michael R. Tigges, Ryan R. Neilson, Nathan J. Horstman, Cory J. Brant, Timothy M. Post
  • Publication number: 20220090350
    Abstract: A blade for a work machine includes a body having a main portion including a top edge, a bottom edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A wing portion is pivotally coupled to the body about a pivot axis. The first lateral edge includes a curved edge extending outwardly towards the wing portion, where the curved edge forms an apex between the top edge and the bottom edge. A first axis is defined through a first intersection point and a second intersection point, the first intersection point located at an intersection of the top edge and the first lateral edge and the second intersection point located at an intersection of the bottom edge and the first lateral edge. A second axis is defined through the apex and is parallel to the first axis. The pivot axis is located between the first axis and the second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Patrick J. Mulligan, Giovanni A. Wuisan, Michael R. Tigges, Ryan R. Neilson, Nathan J. Horstman, Cory J. Brant, Timothy M. Post, Prasad Nigdikar, Antony R. Maria
  • Publication number: 20210404142
    Abstract: A machine is configured to travel on a ground surface. The machine includes a frame and a support coupled to the frame. The support is configured to be raised or lowered relative to the frame. The machine also includes an implement movably coupled to the support. The implement is configured to engage the ground surface. The machine further includes a control processor configured to move the implement in response to movement of the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Bradley C. Dauderman, Cory J. Brant, Nathan J. Horstman
  • Publication number: 20200362542
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus includes measuring wear of a cutting edge of a blade of a work vehicle. Blade position or calibration measurements are made with or without a cutting edge. A wear condition of the cutting edge is acceptable when the blade position measurement less an acceptable wear to the cutting edge amount is less than a blade calibration measurement. A wear condition of the cutting edge is unacceptable when the blade position measurement less an acceptable wear to the cutting edge amount is greater than a blade calibration measurement. Alternatively, a wear condition of the cutting edge is unacceptable when a blade calibration measurement plus a tolerance margin is greater than the blade position measurement. The wear condition of the cutting edge is acceptable when the blade calibration measurement plus a tolerance margin is less than the blade position measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: David A. Veasy, Craig Christofferson, Michael D. Peat, Nathan J. Horstman, Joshua M. Schau
  • Publication number: 20200362535
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus includes measuring wear of a cutting edge of a blade of a work vehicle. Blade position or calibration measurements are made with or without a cutting edge. A wear condition of the cutting edge is acceptable when the blade position measurement less an acceptable wear to the cutting edge amount is less than a blade calibration measurement. A wear condition of the cutting edge is unacceptable when the blade position measurement less an acceptable wear to the cutting edge amount is greater than a blade calibration measurement. Alternatively, a wear condition of the cutting edge is unacceptable when a blade calibration measurement plus a tolerance margin is greater than the blade position measurement. The wear condition of the cutting edge is acceptable when the blade calibration measurement plus a tolerance margin is less than the blade position measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: David A. Veasy, Craig Christofferson, Michael D. Peat, Nathan J. Horstman, Joshua M. Schau
  • Publication number: 20200115884
    Abstract: A work machine that has a blade that is positionable at a plurality of angles relative to the work machine, a positioning system coupled to the blade to transition the blade to any one of the plurality of angles, a user interface providing a user input, and a controller in communication with the positioning system and the user input. Wherein, when the controller receives a first user input signal from the user interface, the controller positions the blade in a first preset position with the positioning system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Craig Christofferson, David A. Veasy, Nathan J. Horstman
  • Publication number: 20200056348
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for adjusting steering angle and articulation angle in an auto steering operation of a work vehicle. The percentage of travel of an articulation joystick of the work vehicle at least partially determines an articulation desired angle change, which can be used to calculate an articulation desired angle and a steering desired angle change. The difference between the articulation desired angle and an articulation angle detected by an articulation angle sensor is used to adjust the articulation angle. The steering desired angle change can be used to calculate a steering desired angle. The difference between the steering desired angle and a steering angle detected by a steering angle sensor is used to adjust the steering angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: David A. Veasy, Nathan J. Horstman, Craig Christofferson
  • Publication number: 20200055544
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for adjusting steering angle and articulation angle in an auto articulation operation of a work vehicle. The percentage of travel of a steering joystick of the work vehicle at least partially determines a steering desired angle change, which can be used to calculate a steering desired angle and an articulation desired angle change. The difference between the steering desired angle and a steering angle detected by a steering angle sensor is used to adjust the steering angle. The articulation desired angle change can be used to calculate an articulation desired angle. The difference between the articulation desired angle and an articulation angle detected by an articulation angle sensor is used to adjust the articulation angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: David A. Veasy, Nathan J. Horstman, Craig Christofferson
  • Patent number: 10400425
    Abstract: A control system for a work vehicle has at least one controller and at least one operator control with one or more control inputs configured to send control signals to the controller. The controller is configured to output a plurality of control commands corresponding to one or more control signals from a single activation event of the one or more control inputs. The control commands are configured to effect movement of multiple work implements into stowed orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Nathan J. Horstman, David A. Veasy, Daniel D. Watson
  • Publication number: 20180334979
    Abstract: An auto-start system for a work vehicle includes a data store containing first start and stop initiation conditions; sensors configured to detect information indicative of at least a first parameter; and a controller including at least a start module and a monitoring module and operating in at least a monitoring mode or a cycling mode. In the monitoring mode, the monitoring module evaluates the first start initiation condition in view of the first parameter. In the monitoring mode, the start module generates a start command when the first parameter satisfies the first start initiation condition. Upon generating the start command, the controller operates in the cycling mode. In the cycling mode, the monitoring module evaluates the first stop initiation condition. In the cycling mode, the start module generates a stop command when the first stop initiation condition is satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel D. Watson, Nathan J. Horstman
  • Patent number: 10132259
    Abstract: An auto-start system for a work vehicle includes a data store containing first start and stop initiation conditions; sensors configured to detect information indicative of at least a first parameter; and a controller including at least a start module and a monitoring module and operating in at least a monitoring mode or a cycling mode. In the monitoring mode, the monitoring module evaluates the first start initiation condition in view of the first parameter. In the monitoring mode, the start module generates a start command when the first parameter satisfies the first start initiation condition. Upon generating the start command, the controller operates in the cycling mode. In the cycling mode, the monitoring module evaluates the first stop initiation condition. In the cycling mode, the start module generates a stop command when the first stop initiation condition is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Daniel D. Watson, Nathan J. Horstman
  • Patent number: 10112615
    Abstract: A vehicle traction control system for a vehicle having a prime mover, at least one wheel for providing tractive effort on a support surface and being capable of slipping, and a transmission having an input side operably coupled to the prime mover and an output side operably coupled to the at least one wheel. The traction control system includes a controller operable to react to wheel slip by automatically activating a plurality of reactions for reducing wheel slip, wherein the plurality of reactions are tiered such that the controller activates each reaction sequentially in a predetermined order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Hertel, Clayton G. Janasek, Nathan J. Horstman