Patents by Inventor Timothy J. Ofenloch

Timothy J. Ofenloch 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: 20230192182
    Abstract: A steering system for controlling a direction of travel of a work machine includes a steering device controllable by an operator of the work machine. The steering device is coupled to an axle of the work machine for controlling an angular orientation of the wheels. A brake is coupled to the steering device and is controllably applied to apply a first amount of resistance to the steering device. A motor is coupled to the steering device and is controllably activated to apply a second amount of resistance to the steering device. A controller controls the steering system of the work machine in at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, the controller controls the brake between an applied position and an unapplied position, whereas in the second operating mode, the controller controls the motor between an active position and a de-activated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2022
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Lowell D. Stutzman, Nathanael K. Rehn, Timothy J. Ofenloch, Jeffrey M. Tott, Suresh Putta, Douglas M. Van Meter, Jordan L. Tagtow, Jacyn R. Goebel
  • Publication number: 20230192093
    Abstract: A steering system for controlling a direction of travel of a work machine includes a steering device controllable by an operator of the work machine. The steering device is coupled to an axle of the work machine for controlling an angular orientation of the wheels. A brake is coupled to the steering device and is controllably applied to apply a first amount of resistance to the steering device. A motor is coupled to the steering device and is controllably activated to apply a second amount of resistance to the steering device. A controller controls the steering system of the work machine in at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, the controller controls the brake between an applied position and an unapplied position, whereas in the second operating mode, the controller controls the motor between an active position and a de-activated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2022
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Lowell D. Stutzman, Nathanael K. Rehn, Timothy J. Ofenloch, Jeffrey M. Tott, Suresh Putta, Douglas M. Van Meter, Jordan L. Tagtow, Jacyn R. Goebel
  • Patent number: 11167641
    Abstract: A method for reconfiguring operator controls of a work vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises providing a user interface operatively coupled to a control device. Displaying one or more displays of an apparatus configuration on a display screen of the user interface, each of the one or more displays including graphics associated with a function of the apparatus. Associating a control output of a control unit of the control device with the function of the apparatus; and dynamically adjusting, by a controller, the control output of the control unit to reconfigure operator controls of the work vehicle in response to a change in the graphics or a change in the relative arrangement of the one or more displays on the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Mark Catron, Timothy J Ofenloch, Joshua D. Hoffman, Ryan G. Brown, Mario L. Donini
  • Patent number: 11068015
    Abstract: A variable track joystick device includes a support housing, a joystick movable with respect to the support housing, and a joystick guidance mechanism controllable to selectively confine joystick movement to a predetermined track pattern. During operation of the variable joystick device, a controller determines when the variable track joystick device is placed in a selected one of (i) a first mode in which joystick movement controls the first work vehicle function and (ii) a second mode in which joystick movement controls the second work vehicle function. The controller further commands the joystick guidance mechanism to restrict joystick movement to the predetermined track pattern when the joystick device is placed in the first mode, while permitting joystick movement outside of the predetermined track pattern when the joystick device is placed in the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Timothy J. Ofenloch, Joshua D. Hoffman, Ryan G. Brown, Kevin A. Wolff, Mario L. Donini
  • Publication number: 20210155093
    Abstract: A method for reconfiguring operator controls of a work vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises providing a user interface operatively coupled to a control device. Displaying one or more displays of an apparatus configuration on a display screen of the user interface, each of the one or more displays including graphics associated with a function of the apparatus. Associating a control output of a control unit of the control device with the function of the apparatus; and dynamically adjusting, by a controller, the control output of the control unit to reconfigure operator controls of the work vehicle in response to a change in the graphics or a change in the relative arrangement of the one or more displays on the display screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventors: Mark Catron, Timothy J Ofenloch, Joshua D. Hoffman, Ryan G. Brown, Mario L. Donini
  • Publication number: 20200348714
    Abstract: A variable track joystick device includes a support housing, a joystick movable with respect to the support housing, and a joystick guidance mechanism controllable to selectively confine joystick movement to a predetermined track pattern. During operation of the variable joystick device, a controller determines when the variable track joystick device is placed in a selected one of (i) a first mode in which joystick movement controls the first work vehicle function and (ii) a second mode in which joystick movement controls the second work vehicle function. The controller further commands the joystick guidance mechanism to restrict joystick movement to the predetermined track pattern when the joystick device is placed in the first mode, while permitting joystick movement outside of the predetermined track pattern when the joystick device is placed in the second mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Timothy J. Ofenloch, Joshua D. Hoffman, Ryan G. Brown, Kevin A. Wolff, Mario L. Donini
  • Patent number: D1008287
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Mario L. Donini, Timothy J. Ofenloch, Kent S. Brown, Stephen R. Corban, Luke Sturgeon, Daniel Quinn
  • Patent number: D1008288
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Mario L. Donini, Timothy J. Ofenloch, Kent S. Brown, Stephen R. Corban, Luke Sturgeon, Daniel Quinn
  • Patent number: D1008311
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Mario L. Donini, Timothy J. Ofenloch, Kent S. Brown, Stephen R. Corban, Luke Sturgeon, Daniel Quinn