Patents by Inventor Peter J. Dix
Peter J. Dix 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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Patent number: 11154008Abstract: In one aspect, a system for operating an agricultural harvester may include a sensor assembly configured to detect a parameter indicative of an operating line of the harvester. The system may also include a controller configured to monitor the operating line of the harvester based on measurement signals received from the sensor assembly when the harvester is operated in a first operating mode. The controller may also be configured to determine a differential between the operating line and a predetermined guidance line of the harvester. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to update a stored correction value based on the determined differential. Additionally, when the harvester is switched from the first operating mode to a second operating mode, the controller may be configured to adjust a location of the predetermined guidance line based on the stored correction value.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2018Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Peter J. Dix, Yaseen Suleman
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Patent number: 10820508Abstract: In one aspect, a system for operating an agricultural harvester may include a sensor assembly having a base member pivotably coupled to a first row divider of the harvester. The sensor assembly may also include first and second arms extending outwardly from the base member along opposite sides of a centerline of the first row divider. The system may further include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor assembly. The controller may be configured to monitor the distance between the first and second arms based on measurement signals received from the sensor assembly. Furthermore, the controller may be further configured to switch the harvester from a first operating mode to a second operating mode when it is determined that the monitored distance has exceeded a predetermined distance threshold.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Peter J. Dix, Brett McClelland
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Publication number: 20200053962Abstract: In one aspect, a system for operating an agricultural harvester may include a sensor assembly having a base member pivotably coupled to a first row divider of the harvester. The sensor assembly may also include first and second arms extending outwardly from the base member along opposite sides of a centerline of the first row divider. The system may further include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor assembly. The controller may be configured to monitor the distance between the first and second arms based on measurement signals received from the sensor assembly. Furthermore, the controller may be further configured to switch the harvester from a first operating mode to a second operating mode when it is determined that the monitored distance has exceeded a predetermined distance threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2018Publication date: February 20, 2020Inventors: Peter J. Dix, Brett McClelland
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Publication number: 20200053961Abstract: In one aspect, a system for operating an agricultural harvester may include a sensor assembly configured to detect a parameter indicative of an operating line of the harvester. The system may also include a controller configured to monitor the operating line of the harvester based on measurement signals received from the sensor assembly when the harvester is operated in a first operating mode. The controller may also be configured to determine a differential between the operating line and a predetermined guidance line of the harvester. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to update a stored correction value based on the determined differential. Additionally, when the harvester is switched from the first operating mode to a second operating mode, the controller may be configured to adjust a location of the predetermined guidance line based on the stored correction value.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2018Publication date: February 20, 2020Inventors: Peter J. Dix, Yaseen Suleman
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Patent number: 9750173Abstract: A method for altering a swath path of a vehicle includes the steps of: loading a base swath path and an original swath width into a memory of the vehicle; generating a plurality of swath paths from the base swath path and the original swath width, each of the generated swath paths defining at least two geographic locations; measuring a current geographic location of the vehicle; determining a difference between the current geographic location and a geographic location of a swath path nearest to the current geographic location; determining a number of swath paths that the generated swath path nearest to the current geographic location is subsequent to the base swath path; dividing the difference by the determined number of swath paths to produce a swath width remark distance; and adding the swath width remark distance to the original swath width to produce a modified swath width.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2015Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Peter J. Dix, Brian R. Ray
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Patent number: 9702417Abstract: A method of calibrating a hydraulically operated clutch in a continuously variable transmission of a vehicle, includes steps of filling the clutch as if for a shift, using a control signal value for achieving a test pressure, and determining a resulting change in a pressure condition in a hydrostatic power unit of the transmission. If the change indicates initial engagement, then a value representative of the signal value used is recorded. If greater than initial engagement is indicated, or the vehicle moved, then the clutch is emptied and tested using a lower test pressure. If initial engagement is not indicated, the clutch is emptied and refilled to a greater test pressure. An exemplary pressure condition is a difference in pressure in lines between a pump and motor of the power unit. During the calibration, the vehicle can be held stationary with a parking brake or the like.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2012Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Peter J. Dix, Garth H. Bulgrien, Robert C Prasse, Pavel Kuros
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Publication number: 20170112045Abstract: A method for altering a swath path of a vehicle includes the steps of: loading a base swath path and an original swath width into a memory of the vehicle; generating a plurality of swath paths from the base swath path and the original swath width, each of the generated swath paths defining at least two geographic locations; measuring a current geographic location of the vehicle; determining a difference between the current geographic location and a geographic location of a swath path nearest to the current geographic location; determining a number of swath paths that the generated swath path nearest to the current geographic location is subsequent to the base swath path; dividing the difference by the determined number of swath paths to produce a swath width remark distance; and adding the swath width remark distance to the original swath width to produce a modified swath width.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2015Publication date: April 27, 2017Applicant: CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLCInventors: Peter J. Dix, Brian R. Ray
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System and method for preventing centrifugal clutch lock-ups within a transmission of a work vehicle
Patent number: 9618064Abstract: In one aspect, a computer-implemented method for preventing centrifugal clutch lock-ups within a work vehicle transmission may generally include transmitting a signal associated with disengaging a clutch of the transmission, wherein the clutch includes a hydraulic actuator having a pressure relief valve. The method may also include monitoring a pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the actuator relative to a predetermined pressure threshold and monitoring a rotational speed of a clutch can associated with the clutch relative to a predetermined speed threshold, wherein the speed threshold is defined relative to a lock-up speed associated with the clutch can. In addition, the method may include transmitting a lock-up signal associated with limiting the rotational speed of the clutch can and/or providing an indication that a clutch lock-up is likely to occur when the pressure exceeds the pressure threshold and the rotational speed exceeds the speed threshold.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2014Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Pawel Kuros, Peter J. Dix -
Patent number: 9555806Abstract: A method for controlling rollback of a work vehicle may include receiving a signal indicating that a pedal of the work vehicle has been depressed, wherein the work vehicle is initially traveling in a first direction up an inclined surface such that at least one clutch of the transmission is engaged. In addition, the method may include reducing a pressure within the at least one clutch after receiving the signal in order to decelerate the work vehicle in the first direction and engaging a parking brake of the work vehicle as the work vehicle reverses direction and travels in a second direction down the inclined surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2012Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Garth Harvey Bulgrien, Peter J. Dix, Pawel Kuros
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Patent number: 9550490Abstract: A swash plate angle for a hydrostatic power unit of a continuously variable hydromechanical transmission is determined using a feedforward compensation term, to reduce reliance on closed loop control. The feedforward term is based on knowledge of the hydrostatic power unit determined as a function of knowledge of certain parameters, including, but not limited to, hydrostatic power unit pressure, swash plate angle, desired hydrostatic power unit ratio, and pump speed.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Haibo Guo, Peter J. Dix, Garth H. Bulgrien, Brian A. Hartman, Robert C. Prasse, Cecil A. Weeramantry, Brian E. Felsing
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Patent number: 9421958Abstract: A braking system for a work vehicle may generally include a hydraulically actuated brake, a tank containing hydraulic fluid and a brake valve fluidly connected between the tank and the hydraulically actuated brake. The brake valve may be movable between an on position and an off position for controlling a flow of the hydraulic fluid from the tank to the hydraulically actuated brake. The brake valve may include a first solenoid coil and a second solenoid coil, with each of the solenoid coils being configured to be independently energized and de-energized for moving the brake valve between the on and off positions. The system may also include a first control device electrically connected to the first solenoid coil for energizing and de-energizing the first solenoid coil and a separate second control device electrically connected to the second solenoid coil for energizing and de-energizing the second solenoid coil.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2014Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Peter J. Dix, Pawel Kuros
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System and Method for Preventing Centrifugal Clutch Lock-Ups Within a Transmission of a Work Vehicle
Publication number: 20160169304Abstract: In one aspect, a computer-implemented method for preventing centrifugal clutch lock-ups within a work vehicle transmission may generally include transmitting a signal associated with disengaging a clutch of the transmission, wherein the clutch includes a hydraulic actuator having a pressure relief valve. The method may also include monitoring a pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the actuator relative to a predetermined pressure threshold and monitoring a rotational speed of a clutch can associated with the clutch relative to a predetermined speed threshold, wherein the speed threshold is defined relative to a lock-up speed associated with the clutch can. In addition, the method may include transmitting a lock-up signal associated with limiting the rotational speed of the clutch can and/or providing an indication that a clutch lock-up is likely to occur when the pressure exceeds the pressure threshold and the rotational speed exceeds the speed threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2014Publication date: June 16, 2016Inventors: Pawel Kuros, Peter J. Dix -
Patent number: 9242632Abstract: A method of calibrating a hydraulically operated park brake of a continuously variable transmission of a vehicle. With the vehicle moving at a set, slow speed within a specified range, and the park brake off, a search technique is used, wherein the brake hydraulic pressure is reduced by application of a control signal of a selected test value to apply the brake. When the selected test value is reached, it is held constant, and a condition in a HSU of the transmission is monitored for a change indicative of engagement of the park brake. This will expectedly be in the form of a pressure change and more particularly an increase indicating initial contact between the plates of the brake, and if the HSU change is not detected, the step will time out and another control signal value will be tested.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Peter J. Dix, Garth H. Bulgrien, Robert C Prasse, Pavel Kuros
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Publication number: 20150367827Abstract: A braking system for a work vehicle may generally include a hydraulically actuated brake, a tank containing hydraulic fluid and a brake valve fluidly connected between the tank and the hydraulically actuated brake. The brake valve may be movable between an on position and an off position for controlling a flow of the hydraulic fluid from the tank to the hydraulically actuated brake. The brake valve may include a first solenoid coil and a second solenoid coil, with each of the solenoid coils being configured to be independently energized and de-energized for moving the brake valve between the on and off positions. The system may also include a first control device electrically connected to the first solenoid coil for energizing and de-energizing the first solenoid coil and a separate second control device electrically connected to the second solenoid coil for energizing and de-energizing the second solenoid coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2014Publication date: December 24, 2015Inventors: PETER J. DIX, PAWEL KUROS
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Publication number: 20150329116Abstract: In one aspect, a method for controlling the operation of a work vehicle including a power shift transmission is disclosed. The method may include receiving, with a controller, a speed command signal from an input device instructing the controller to reduce a vehicle speed of the work vehicle to zero, controlling at least one clutch of the power shift transmission in order to initially reduce the vehicle speed and proportionally applying a parking brake of the work vehicle to reduce the vehicle speed to zero.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2013Publication date: November 19, 2015Applicant: CNH Industrial America, LLCInventors: Garth Harvey Bulgrien, Pawel Kuros, Peter J. Dix
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Patent number: 9140345Abstract: A method for controlling a continuously variable transmission of a work machine during a shuttle shift is disclosed. The method may generally include initiating a directional swap by disengaging an off-going directional clutch of the continuously variable transmission and slipping an on-coming directional clutch of the continuously variable transmission to decelerate the work machine in an off-going direction. In addition, the method may include estimating a total amount of energy to be dissipated in the on-coming directional clutch during the shuttle shift, comparing the total amount of energy to a predetermined energy threshold and, if the total amount of energy is equal to or exceeds the predetermined energy threshold, performing the reversion action to complete the shuttle shift, wherein the reversion action corresponds to an action taken to engage one of the off-going directional clutch or the on-coming directional clutch so as to permit the shuttle shift to be completed using ratio changing.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2012Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Peter J. Dix, Garth H. Bulgrien, Pawel Kuros, Rocco Petrigliano
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System and method for automatically calibrating the clutches within a transmission of a work vehicle
Patent number: 9115772Abstract: In one aspect, a computer-implemented method for automatically calibrating clutches within a transmission of a work vehicle may include determining, with a computing device, whether a plurality of predetermined conditions are satisfied for performing a clutch calibration on a clutch of the transmission. The predetermined conditions may require that the work vehicle be in park and that a predetermined time period has elapsed since a previous clutch calibration was performed on the clutch. In addition, the method may include automatically initiating the clutch calibration without requiring operator input when the predetermined conditions are satisfied and performing the clutch calibration in order to calibrate the clutch.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2013Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Peter J. Dix, Pawel Kuros -
Patent number: 9097342Abstract: The method of estimating and controlling driveline torque in a continuously variable hydro-mechanical transmission uses pressure data and other metrics of a hydrostatic power unit of the transmission in lieu of actual driveline torque data. A mechanical efficiency of the transmission is determined as a function of whether the power unit is operating in a power generation or regeneration mode, and the torque output of the power unit is estimated from that and other hydrostatic parameters. This is used to estimate a torque output of a planetary power unit of the transmission, and the torque on an output member of the driveline is then estimated using that value, and appropriate corrective action taken.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2010Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Peter J. Dix, Garth H. Bulgrien, Robert C. Prasse, Cecil A. Weeramantry, Haibo Guo
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Patent number: 9086127Abstract: A method for performing a shuttle shift with a continuously variable transmission of a work machine is disclosed. The method may generally include adjusting a swash plate angle of a hydrostatic power unit of the transmission in a first direction to reduce a travel speed of the work machine in an off-going direction, initiating a directional swap between an off-going directional clutch of the continuously variable transmission and an on-coming directional clutch of the continuously variable transmission while the work machine is traveling in the off-going direction and adjusting the swash plate angle of the hydrostatic unit in a second direction after the initiation of the directional swap to reduce slippage across the on-coming directional clutch, wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2012Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Rocco Petrigliano, Garth Harvey Bulgrien, Peter J. Dix, Pawel Kuros
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Publication number: 20150158492Abstract: A method for controlling rollback of a work vehicle is disclosed. The method may include receiving a signal indicating that a pedal of the work vehicle has been depressed, wherein the work vehicle is initially traveling in a first direction up an inclined surface such that at least one clutch of the transmission is engaged. In addition, the method may include reducing a pressure within the at least one clutch after receiving the signal in order to decelerate the work vehicle in the first direction and engaging a parking brake of the work vehicle as the work vehicle reverses direction and travels in a second direction down the inclined surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2012Publication date: June 11, 2015Applicant: CNH Industrial America, LLCInventors: Garth Harvey Bulgrien, Peter J. Dix, Pawel Kuros