Patents by Inventor Randall A. Maro
Randall A. Maro 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: 11002245Abstract: A hydraulic motor assembly includes a flow controller, a displacement controller and a hydraulic motor. The flow controller controls the flow of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic motor and the displacement controller controls motor displacement. The hydraulic motor converts the pressure and flow into angular displacement of a drive shaft. An electrical generator is connected to the motor drive shaft and provides electrical power to accommodate a varying electrical load. As the electrical load varies, the flow controller and displacement controller vary the flow and displacement of the hydraulic motor to vary the torque applied to the generator by the drive shaft so that the drive shaft rotates at a desired speed.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2017Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Inventors: Eric R. Funk, Randall A. Maro, David J. Rylander
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Patent number: 10993367Abstract: A work vehicle includes a delivery system with a run. The run includes an upstream flow structure having an inlet that is configured to receive metered commodity and a suction generator structure with a flow passage that is in fluid communication with the inlet. The flow passage includes a venturi profile with a restricting section and an expanding section. Furthermore, the run includes a downstream flow structure configured to receive the metered commodity via the flow passage and an airstream that conveys the metered commodity in a downstream direction through the downstream flow structure. A compressed air source is configured to provide pressurized air through the flow passage to create suction to suck the metered commodity away from the metering system and toward the downstream flow structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2018Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventor: Randall A. Maro
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Patent number: 10918004Abstract: An implement includes a mechanical coupling component configured to removably couple the implement to a support machine, a hydraulic fluid supply line configured to receive a supply flow of hydraulic fluid under pressure from a hydraulic system associated with the support machine, and a hydraulically-powered component configured to be actuated using the hydraulic fluid. The implement also includes a hydraulic fluid recovery system comprising a hydraulic fluid return line configured to fluidically couple to the hydraulic system associated with the support machine and provide a return flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic system. A hydraulic fluid reservoir is configured to, when the hydraulic fluid return line is decoupled from the hydraulic system associated with the support machine, receive a portion of the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid return line when a fluid pressure in the hydraulic fluid return line increases to a pressure threshold.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2018Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Michael M. Whitney, Randall A. Maro
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Patent number: 10920805Abstract: A system for detecting a connector failure associated with an agricultural apparatus is disclosed. The system comprises a first supply source that is configured to supply a quantity of air at a first pressure into the hydraulic fluid line arranged on the agricultural apparatus. A second supply source is configured to supply a quantity hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic fluid line at a second pressure that is less than the first pressure. A protection device is coupled to the hydraulic fluid line and is configured to inhibit flow of the hydraulic fluid supplied by the second supply source when a pressure differential across an inlet of the protection device exceeds a predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2018Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventor: Randall A. Maro
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Publication number: 20210022281Abstract: An implement includes a mechanical coupling component configured to removably couple the implement to a support machine, a hydraulic fluid supply line configured to receive a supply flow of hydraulic fluid under pressure from a hydraulic system associated with the support machine, and a hydraulically-powered component configured to be actuated using the hydraulic fluid. The implement also includes a hydraulic fluid recovery system comprising a hydraulic fluid return line configured to fluidically couple to the hydraulic system associated with the support machine and provide a return flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic system. A hydraulic fluid reservoir is configured to, when the hydraulic fluid return line is decoupled from the hydraulic system associated with the support machine, receive a portion of the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid return line when a fluid pressure in the hydraulic fluid return line increases to a pressure threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2020Publication date: January 28, 2021Inventors: MICHAEL M. WHITNEY, RANDALL A. MARO
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Publication number: 20200337205Abstract: An implement for traversing a field includes a main frame section and a frame wing section pivotally coupled to the main frame section. The frame wing section includes a wing wheel assembly for supporting the frame wing section. A hydraulic control system includes a pressure source, a control valve fluidly coupled with the pressure source, and an actuator assembly fluidly coupled to the control valve. The implement further includes a controller electrically coupled with the control valve. A wheel force sensor is configured to detect an amount of force on the wing wheel assembly and communicate the amount of force to the controller. The actuator assembly is coupled between the main frame section and the frame wing section. The controller operably controls movement of the control valve to actuate the actuator assembly and adjust the amount of force on the wing wheel assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2019Publication date: October 29, 2020Inventor: Randall A. Maro
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Patent number: 10806066Abstract: A work vehicle multi-coupler assembly having a controlled breakaway feature include a pair of coupling elements that mate along a coupling axis. A shear pin is carried by one of the coupling elements. A coupler mechanism connected to the second coupling element and configured to engage the shear pin to bring the first coupling element into mating engagement with the second coupling element. The coupler mechanism is configured to shear the shear pin to permit movement of the first coupling element away from the second coupling element along the coupling axis during a breakaway event.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2018Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventor: Randall A. Maro
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Publication number: 20200068791Abstract: A work vehicle includes a delivery system with a run. The run includes an upstream flow structure having an inlet that is configured to receive metered commodity and a suction generator structure with a flow passage that is in fluid communication with the inlet. The flow passage includes a venturi profile with a restricting section and an expanding section. Furthermore, the run includes a downstream flow structure configured to receive the metered commodity via the flow passage and an airstream that conveys the metered commodity in a downstream direction through the downstream flow structure. A compressed air source is configured to provide pressurized air through the flow passage to create suction to suck the metered commodity away from the metering system and toward the downstream flow structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2018Publication date: March 5, 2020Inventor: Randall A. Maro
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Publication number: 20200025320Abstract: A female fluid adapter assembly that has a receiving end that receives a fluid device, a female quick connect end coupled to the receiving end, and a through hole defined between the receiving end and the female quick connect end to allow fluid to flow therebetween. Wherein, the female quick connect end has a first cylindrical opening having a first diameter, a second cylindrical opening having a second diameter, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter, a female transition profile defined between the first cylindrical opening and the second cylindrical opening, the female transition profile providing a transition from the first diameter of the first cylindrical opening to the second diameter of the second cylindrical opening. Wherein, the female quick connect end is coupleable to a male quick connect end having a male transition profile, the female transition profile being different from the male transition profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2019Publication date: January 23, 2020Inventor: Randall A. Maro
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Publication number: 20190350118Abstract: A work vehicle multi-coupler assembly having a controlled breakaway feature include a pair of coupling elements that mate along a coupling axis. A shear pin is carried by one of the coupling elements. A coupler mechanism connected to the second coupling element and configured to engage the shear pin to bring the first coupling element into mating engagement with the second coupling element. The coupler mechanism is configured to shear the shear pin to permit movement of the first coupling element away from the second coupling element along the coupling axis during a breakaway event.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2018Publication date: November 21, 2019Inventor: Randall A. Maro
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Publication number: 20190343033Abstract: An implement includes a mechanical coupling component configured to removably couple the implement to a support machine, a hydraulic fluid supply line configured to receive a supply flow of hydraulic fluid under pressure from a hydraulic system associated with the support machine, and a hydraulically-powered component configured to be actuated using the hydraulic fluid. The implement also includes a hydraulic fluid recovery system comprising a hydraulic fluid return line configured to fluidically couple to the hydraulic system associated with the support machine and provide a return flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic system. A hydraulic fluid reservoir is configured to, when the hydraulic fluid return line is decoupled from the hydraulic system associated with the support machine, receive a portion of the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid return line when a fluid pressure in the hydraulic fluid return line increases to a pressure threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2018Publication date: November 14, 2019Inventors: MICHAEL M. WHITNEY, Randall A. Maro
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Publication number: 20190162164Abstract: A hydraulic motor assembly includes a flow controller, a displacement controller and a hydraulic motor. The flow controller controls the flow of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic motor and the displacement controller controls motor displacement. The hydraulic motor converts the pressure and flow into angular displacement of a drive shaft. An electrical generator is connected to the motor drive shaft and provides electrical power to accommodate a varying electrical load. As the electrical load varies, the flow controller and displacement controller vary the flow and displacement of the hydraulic motor to vary the torque applied to the generator by the drive shaft so that the drive shaft rotates at a desired speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2017Publication date: May 30, 2019Inventors: Eric R. Funk, Randall A. Maro, David J. Rylander
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Publication number: 20190128293Abstract: A system for detecting a connector failure associated with an agricultural apparatus is disclosed. The system comprises a first supply source that is configured to supply a quantity of air at a first pressure into the hydraulic fluid line arranged on the agricultural apparatus. A second supply source is configured to supply a quantity hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic fluid line at a second pressure that is less than the first pressure. A protection device is coupled to the hydraulic fluid line and is configured to inhibit flow of the hydraulic fluid supplied by the second supply source when a pressure differential across an inlet of the protection device exceeds a predetermined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2018Publication date: May 2, 2019Inventor: Randall A. Maro
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Patent number: 10091926Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a force sensor that senses a force characteristic indicative of a force applied by a portion of the agricultural machine to ground. An acceleration sensor also senses accelerations on that portion of the machine, and an applied downforce is corrected for the forces contributed by the sensed acceleration. An action signal is generated to control the agricultural machine based upon the corrected downforce signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2016Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Randall A. Maro
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Patent number: 9964124Abstract: A cylinder rod is disposed within a cylinder that defines a cylinder volume. An accumulator defines an accumulator volume that is disposed generally annularly about the cylinder rod. The accumulator volume is separated from the cylinder volume by an accumulator piston.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2015Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Randall A. Maro
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Publication number: 20180042171Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a force sensor that senses a force characteristic indicative of a force applied by a portion of the agricultural machine to ground. An acceleration sensor also senses accelerations on that portion of the machine, and an applied downforce is corrected for the forces contributed by the sensed acceleration. An action signal is generated to control the agricultural machine based upon the corrected downforce signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2016Publication date: February 15, 2018Inventor: Randall A. Maro
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Publication number: 20170058918Abstract: A cylinder rod is disposed within a cylinder that defines a cylinder volume. An accumulator defines an accumulator volume that is disposed generally annularly about the cylinder rod. The accumulator volume is separated from the cylinder volume by an accumulator piston.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventor: Randall A. Maro
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Patent number: 9200649Abstract: A manifold actuator assembly is provided with a manifold comprising a block, and a hydraulic actuator connected to a solenoid valve within the block. The solenoid valve controls hydraulic, linear movement of a rod of the hydraulic actuator. The manifold actuator assembly may be used in a metering system to open and close movable gates disposed downstream from a meter roller before product enters a distribution system. The manifold actuator assembly may also be used as a locking apparatus to lock and unlock members in a wide variety of applications.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2013Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventor: Randall A. Maro
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Patent number: 9200644Abstract: A folding implement frame having seven sections in a use position and nine sections when folded. The frame design allows a frame having a width of greater than 27 meters to be folded into a transport position having a width of less than eight meters and a height of less than six meters. The hydraulic system transfers weight to the center frame section during folding and unfolding to enhance stability. The hydraulic system uses accumulators to minimize the amount of oil reduction in the tractor reservoir resulting from extension of the hydraulic cylinders of the implement. Implement raise and lower cycle times are minimized by a helper cylinder to lift the frame main section when the entire implement weight is on the main section and allowing a smaller cylinder to lift the frame main section in the use position for shorter cycle times to raise and lower the implement.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2012Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Aaron L. Barfels, Randall A. Maro
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Patent number: D799714Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Dale H. Killen, Ling Z. Zeng, Robert L. Day, Peter R. Nedved, Garrett M. Stroot, Randall A. Maro