Patents by Inventor Thomas L. Kennedy

Thomas L. Kennedy 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).

  • Patent number: 11952743
    Abstract: A loader for a work vehicle includes a loader arm, a mast section rotatably connected to the loader arm, an implement removably attached to the loader arm, a first actuator connected between the loader arm and the mast, a second actuator connected between the loader arm and the implement, and a first roller apparatus having a use position and a storage position. The first roller apparatus is positioned nearer a ground surface in the use position than in the storage position. The first roller apparatus is in contact with the ground surface in the use position and spaced apart from the ground surface in the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Thomas L. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 11718972
    Abstract: Method and systems for operating a work vehicle with a selectively interchangeable implement. Image data is captured by a camera (and/or other type of optical sensor) mounted on the work vehicle. The captured image data includes at least a portion of a first implement and the implement type of the first implement is identified by processing the captured image data. Operation information correspond to the identified implement type is accessed from a non-transitory computer-readable memory and an operation of the work vehicle is automatically adjusted based on the accessed operation information for the identified implement type. In some implementations, the implement type is determined by providing the captured image data as input to an artificial neural network and, in some implementations, the artificial neural network is configured to also output an indication of a current operating position of the implement based on the captured image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Thomas L. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20230123672
    Abstract: A loader for a work vehicle includes a loader arm, a mast section rotatably connected to the loader arm, an implement removably attached to the loader arm, a first actuator connected between the loader arm and the mast, a second actuator connected between the loader arm and the implement, and a first roller apparatus having a use position and a storage position. The first roller apparatus is positioned nearer a ground surface in the use position than in the storage position. The first roller apparatus is in contact with the ground surface in the use position and spaced apart from the ground surface in the storage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventor: THOMAS L. KENNEDY
  • Patent number: 11598072
    Abstract: A debris accumulation control system is provided for usage within a work vehicle including an operator station and a work vehicle compartment. In embodiments, the work vehicle debris accumulation control system includes a display device located in the operator station of the work vehicle, a three dimensional (3D) imaging device having a field of view (FOV) encompassing a debris-gathering region of the work vehicle compartment, and a controller operably coupled to the display device and to the 3D imaging device. The controller is configured to: (i) utilize 3D imaging data provided by the 3D imaging device to estimate a debris accumulation risk level within the work vehicle compartment; and (ii) generate a first visual alert on the display device when the debris accumulation risk level surpasses a first predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Thomas L. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 11565210
    Abstract: A method of removing debris from a screen cover has a first mode of operation which includes: activating first and second fans to move first and second portions of air through screen cover and into a plenum, and moving the first and second portions of air from the plenum into a heat exchanger. A second mode of operation includes: deactivating the first fan for a first time period, activating the second fan for the first time period to move a third portion of air into the plenum, moving a first part of the third portion of air from the plenum into the heat exchanger during the first time period, and moving a second part of the third portion of air from the plenum through the screen cover during the first time period such that the second part of the third portion of air removes debris from the screen cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Thomas L. Kennedy, Steven R. Sass, Sean P. West, Aaron J. Whalen
  • Patent number: 11555291
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for controlling cooling fans in a self-propelled work vehicle having a main frame supported by wheels or tracks. The cooling fans direct ambient air in accordance with at least one inlet in the main frame, and selectively operate in first and second opposing directions. A perception system is supported by the main frame and configured to provide perception data (e.g., perception data) corresponding to a field of vision which includes the at least one inlet and at least a portion of an associated working area. A controller obtains the perception data and automatically determines characteristics relating to contamination of the cooling system based at least On the perception data. The controller further generates output signals to the cooling fans based on at least one of the determined contaminant characteristics, for example a debris location, type, density, and/or quantity as relating to contamination of the cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Thomas L. Kennedy, Craig A. Conrad
  • 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: 11319962
    Abstract: A vehicle, a system, and a method for controlling air movement through the vehicle with a fan of the vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes the fan mounted to the vehicle and configured to move air at a fan end of the vehicle, an object detector mounted at the fan end of the vehicle and configured to detect an object within a detection distance from the fan end of the vehicle, and a controller configured to control actuation of the fan based on detection of the object within the detection distance at the fan end of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Thomas L. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20210388579
    Abstract: A debris accumulation control system is provided for usage within a work vehicle including an operator station and a work vehicle compartment. In embodiments, the work vehicle debris accumulation control system includes a display device located in the operator station of the work vehicle, a three dimensional (3D) imaging device having a field of view (FOV) encompassing a debris-gathering region of the work vehicle compartment, and a controller operably coupled to the display device and to the 3D imaging device. The controller is configured to: (i) utilize 3D imaging data provided by the 3D imaging device to estimate a debris accumulation risk level within the work vehicle compartment; and (ii) generate a first visual alert on the display device when the debris accumulation risk level surpasses a first predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Inventor: Thomas L. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20210381194
    Abstract: Method and systems for operating a work vehicle with a selectively interchangeable implement. Image data is captured by a camera (and/or other type of optical sensor) mounted on the work vehicle. The captured image data includes at least a portion of a first implement and the implement type of the first implement is identified by processing the captured image data. Operation information correspond to the identified implement type is accessed from a non-transitory computer-readable memory and an operation of the work vehicle is automatically adjusted based on the accessed operation information for the identified implement type. In some implementations, the implement type is determined by providing the captured image data as input to an artificial neural network and, in some implementations, the artificial neural network is configured to also output an indication of a current operating position of the implement based on the captured image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventor: Thomas L. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20210310215
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for controlling cooling fans in a self-propelled work vehicle having a main frame supported by wheels or tracks. The cooling fans direct ambient air in accordance with at least one inlet in the main frame, and selectively operate in first and second opposing directions. A perception system is supported by the main frame and configured to provide perception data (e.g., perception data) corresponding to a field of vision which includes the at least one inlet and at least a portion of an associated working area. A controller obtains the perception data and automatically determines characteristics relating to contamination of the cooling system based at least On the perception data. The controller further generates output signals to the cooling fans based on at least one of the determined contaminant characteristics, for example a debris location, type, density, and/or quantity as relating to contamination of the cooling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas L. Kennedy, Craig A. Conrad
  • 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
  • Patent number: 11073074
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes an engine, a compressor used to compress an air toward the engine, a charge air cooler, a sensor, and a control unit. The charge air cooler comprising or coupled to a fan. The fan can rotate in a first direction to remove a heat of the air and to rotate in a second direction reverse to the first direction so as to blow a debris. The control unit is electrically coupled to the engine and to the fan. The control unit predicts whether a temperature of the air exceeds a threshold based on a signal received from the sensor. When the temperature of the air is below the threshold, the fan can rotate in the second direction. When the temperature of the air is equal to or above the threshold, the fan is inhibited from rotating in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas L. Kennedy, Steven R. Sass, Mark Ritter
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20210115934
    Abstract: A vehicle, a system, and a method for controlling air movement through the vehicle with a fan of the vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes the fan mounted to the vehicle and configured to move air at a fan end of the vehicle, an object detector mounted at the fan end of the vehicle and configured to detect an object within a detection distance from the fan end of the vehicle, and a controller configured to control actuation of the fan based on detection of the object within the detection distance at the fan end of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventor: THOMAS L. KENNEDY
  • Patent number: 10829911
    Abstract: A work machine includes a frame and a set of ground engaging elements movably supported by the frame and driven by an engine to drive movement of the machine in a worksite. The machine includes a location sensor configured to generate a machine location sensor signal indicative of a location of the machine. The machine includes a communication component that communicates with a worksite server and retrieves object location data. The machine also includes virtual model generator logic that determines the object is within a field of view of an operator of the machine, based on the machine location sensor signal and object location data, and generates an augmentation indication indicative of the determination. The machine includes augmentation logic that generates and displays an augmented reality overlay, based on the augmentation indication, and displays an indication of the object proximate the object within the field of view of the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Thomas L. Kennedy, David J. Myers
  • Patent number: 10706519
    Abstract: A vehicle detection system and method is disclosed. The vehicle detection system can comprise an imaging device arranged on a vehicle and at least one light source that is configured to illuminate a target area arranged beneath the vehicle to excite at least one reactive agent contained within a fluid sample disposed at the target area. A detection device is coupled to the imaging device and configured to detect an intensity of light reflected from the target area and generate an output signal indicative of a color characteristic of the at least one reactive agent. An electronic data processor is communicatively coupled to the imaging device, light source, and detection device, and is configured to associate the detected color characteristic of the at least one reactive agent with a fluid system of the vehicle, and display a location of the fluid system on an operator interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas L. Kennedy, David J. Meyers
  • Publication number: 20200104989
    Abstract: A vehicle detection system and method is disclosed. The vehicle detection system can comprise an imaging device arranged on a vehicle and at least one light source that is configured to illuminate a target area arranged beneath the vehicle to excite at least one reactive agent contained within a fluid sample disposed at the target area. A detection device is coupled to the imaging device and configured to detect an intensity of light reflected from the target area and generate an output signal indicative of a color characteristic of the at least one reactive agent. An electronic data processor is communicatively coupled to the imaging device, light source, and detection device, and is configured to associate the detected color characteristic of the at least one reactive agent with a fluid system of the vehicle, and display a location of the fluid system on an operator interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas L. Kennedy, David J. Meyers
  • Publication number: 20200071912
    Abstract: A work machine includes a frame and a set of ground engaging elements movably supported by the frame and driven by an engine to drive movement of the machine in a worksite. The machine includes a location sensor configured to generate a machine location sensor signal indicative of a location of the mobile work machine. The machine includes a communication component that communicates with a worksite server and retrieves object location data. The machine also includes virtual model generator logic that determines the object is within a field of view of an operator of the machine, based on the machine location sensor signal and object location data, and generates an augmentation indication indicative of the determination. The machine includes augmentation logic that generates and displays an augmented reality overlay, based on the augmentation indication, and displays an indication of the object proximate the object within the field of view of the operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas L. Kennedy, David J. MYERS