Automatic Power Control Patents (Class 172/2)
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Patent number: 11814803Abstract: Skid-steer type power unit engageable with an implement using an attachment assembly including an attachment frame and a hitch. An arcuate frame member is located forwardly of the attachment frame and is engaged therewith in such a way that the frame member pivots about a vertical axis located forwardly of the frame member and generally centrally positioned relative to the attachment frame. The frame member pivots in response to actuation of a hydraulic cylinder. The power unit includes a system for transferring weight of the implement rearwardly onto the power unit. A belt-drive power-take off system on the power unit powers the implement's operation. An underbelly drop spreader is located between the front and rear wheels of the power unit and a brine delivery system distributes brine from nozzles located rearwardly of the rear wheels. A unique control panel permits operation of all systems on the power unit and implement.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2021Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: VENTURE PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Roscoe J. Lehman, Christopher A. Nolt, Roy I. Steiner
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Patent number: 11814802Abstract: Skid-steer type power unit engageable with an implement using an attachment assembly including an attachment frame and a hitch. An arcuate frame member is located forwardly of the attachment frame and is engaged therewith in such a way that the frame member pivots about a vertical axis located forwardly of the frame member and generally centrally positioned relative to the attachment frame. The frame member pivots in response to actuation of a hydraulic cylinder. The power unit includes a system for transferring weight of the implement rearwardly onto the power unit. A belt-drive power-take off system on the power unit powers the implement's operation. An underbelly drop spreader is located between the front and rear wheels of the power unit and a brine delivery system distributes brine from nozzles located rearwardly of the rear wheels. A unique control panel permits operation of all systems on the power unit and implement.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2021Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: VENTURE PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Roscoe J. Lehman, Christopher A. Nolt, Roy I. Steiner
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Patent number: 11788254Abstract: A system controls a work machine that loads materials onto a conveyance vehicle. The system includes a controller and a detection device. The controller controls the work machine in an automatic control mode in which work is performed automatically. The detection device detects a presence of a person in a peripheral region of the work machine. The automatic control mode includes a loading mode in which the work machine is caused to move to perform loading work for loading onto the conveyance vehicle, and an other mode other than the loading mode. The controller causes the automatic control mode to transition from the other mode to the loading mode when a predetermined transition condition is satisfied. The predetermined transition condition includes non-detection of a person by the detection device.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2019Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.Inventors: Masanori Aizawa, Kenjiro Shimada
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Patent number: 11602094Abstract: A plough comprising: a plough body; an actuator mechanism that is configured to adjust a pitch angle of the plough body; and a controller. The controller is configured to: determine an actuator-control-signal for setting the pitch angle of the plough body based on control-data; and provide the actuator-control-signal to the actuator mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2020Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLCInventors: Daniel Hertzog, Bengt Per-Inge Linderson, Per Dennis Wallin, Carl Ola Fredrik Nilsson, Robert Svensson, Rickard Karl Gustav Nåhdin
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Patent number: 11519157Abstract: There is provided a work machine that can avoid an unintended movement of a blade. A crawler dozer includes a controller. The controller controls EPC valves. A left tilt cylinder and a right tilt cylinder are asymmetrically attached to a blade. The EPC valves control direction and flow rate of supply of hydraulic oil to the right tilt cylinder. The EPC valves control direction and flow rate of supply of the hydraulic oil to the left tilt cylinder. The controller controls the EPC valves and the EPC valves to extend or contract the left tilt cylinder and the right tilt cylinder at different rates.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2021Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.Inventors: Takuya Uemura, Yusuke Yamazaki
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Patent number: 11434621Abstract: A method for determining object position information indicative of the position includes at least the horizontal position of an object that is intended to be removed using an object removal machine. The method uses a working machine that includes an implement, and that is different from the object removal machine. The method includes arranging the implement such that at a position of at least a portion thereof has a determinable relation to the position of the object; determining the position of the implement, and determining the object position information using the position of the implement.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2017Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment ABInventors: Erik Uhlin, Johan Sjöberg
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Patent number: 11400809Abstract: A method for operating a power take-off shaft of an agricultural tractor with an attachment hoist includes providing a power take-off shaft spatially assigned to the attachment hoist, a hoist controller and a control unit. The method also includes detecting an operating state of the power take-off shaft via a first sensor and an upper operating position of the attachment hoist via a second sensor. The method further includes restricting the upper operating position to a first maximum value by the control unit if the first sensor detects that the power take-off shaft is not operating, and restricting the upper operating position to a second maximum value by the control unit if the first sensor detects that the power take-off shaft is operating, where the second maximum value is less than the first maximum value.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2019Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventor: Abhijeet Hingne
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Patent number: 11377825Abstract: A shovel includes a lower traveling body, an upper rotating body that is rotatably mounted on the lower traveling body, an attachment attached to the upper rotating body, state detecting sensors that detect operational states of components of the shovel and include an attitude sensor that detects an attitude of the attachment, a controller that executes a preset operation based on a detection value detected by the attitude sensor, and a storage that stores detection values detected by the state detecting sensors during execution of the preset operation by the controller in association with the preset operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2019Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventor: Masato Koga
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Patent number: 11346077Abstract: An adaptor configured to move a work vehicle implement includes a work vehicle portion that includes a first receiver interface configured to couple to a work vehicle. The first receiver interface includes at least one receiver locking feature configured to non-movably couple the work vehicle portion to the first connector interface. The adaptor also includes a work implement portion moveably coupled to the work vehicle portion and a second connector interface configured to couple to a second receiver interface of the work vehicle implement. The adaptor also includes a track system comprising a slot disposed within the work vehicle portion and a slider disposed on the work implement portion, wherein the slider is configured to move along the slot, and at least one actuator configured to actuate the work implement portion with respect to the work vehicle portion along a guide path.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2020Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventor: Richard Carter Eckrote
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Patent number: 11297765Abstract: A harvesting system includes a header pivotally attached to a combine. The header includes a center section to which a left wing and right wing are pivotally attached. A suspension system of the harvesting system includes first and second engageable states that enable dynamic wing behavior and reduce structural load. The first state corresponds to a harvesting configuration of the header in which the wings are allowed to pivot to allow the header to follow changes in terrain. The second state corresponds to a configuration in which the header is elevated relative to the ground. In the second state, the ability of the wings to pivot is minimized as compared to the first state, which allows the header to be maintained in a substantially flat configuration while minimizing the amount of dynamic load imparted by the header on the combine during non-harvesting transport of the header.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2019Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Bryan R. Yanke, Duane M. Bomleny, Andrew J. Braet, Michael L. Vandeven, Paul D. Marvin
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Patent number: 11277727Abstract: Disclosed is a method of gathering data from a wireless data device that isn't connected to the internet using a mobile device like a phone, laptop, or tablet. The wireless data device signals an device monitoring application on the smartphone to connect. The device monitoring application and the wireless data device trade passwords to establish a secure wireless connection. The data is sent from the wireless data device to the smartphone and stored in memory. The device monitoring application connects wirelessly to the internet through a cell tower. If cell service is not available, the device monitoring application waits till cell service is available to connect to the internet. The device monitoring application on the smartphone establishes a secure connection to a server located on the internet and sends the data to an device monitoring application executing on the server.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2020Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.Inventor: Kenneth W. Samson
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Patent number: 11230823Abstract: A shovel includes a lower traveling body that runs; an upper rotating body that is rotatably mounted on the lower traveling body; an attachment attached to the upper rotating body; a display device; and a processor that obtains a current shape of a target ground, calculates a recommended line that is suitable to excavate, with the attachment, the target ground having the obtained current shape, and displays the current shape of the target ground and the recommended line on the display device.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2018Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: SUMITOMO(S.H.I.) CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.Inventor: Hiroyuki Tsukamoto
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Patent number: 11221629Abstract: A vacuum cleaner that can achieve efficient and accurate autonomous traveling. An obstacle detection part detects an object corresponding to an obstacle outside a main casing. A map generation part generates a map indicating information on an area having been traveled by the main casing, based on detection of the object by the obstacle detection part and a self-position estimated by a self-position estimation part during traveling of the main casing. A controller controls an operation of a driving wheel to make the main casing autonomously travel. The controller includes a traveling mode for controlling the operation of the driving wheel so as to make the main casing autonomously travel along a traveling route set based on the map. The controller determines whether or not to change the traveling route for next time based on the obstacle detected by the obstacle detection part during the traveling mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2017Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: TOSHIBA LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS & SERVICES CORPORATIONInventors: Kota Watanabe, Hirokazu Izawa, Yuuki Marutani
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Patent number: 11206754Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a frame, an arm pivotally coupled to the frame at a first end of the arm, and a target element on the first end of the arm. The target element is configured to rotate with the arm, and includes an outer surface and a projection extending away from the outer surface. The agricultural machine also includes a first sensor fixed to the frame. The first sensor is configured to detect the outer surface. The agricultural machine also includes a second sensor fixed to the frame. The second sensor is configured to detect the projection.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2018Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventor: Michael Rhodes
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Patent number: 11206753Abstract: A system for controlling an implement during a tillage operation may include a frame and a ground-engaging tool pivotally coupled to the frame and movable relative to the frame between a retracted position and an extended position. An actuator may be configured to bias the ground-engaging tool towards the extended position during the tillage operation. An adjustable valve may be configured to permit flow out of the actuator when a fluid pressure of the actuator exceeds a reset pressure such that the actuator allows the ground-engaging tool to pivot towards the retracted position. A controller may be configured to determine at least one of an actuator position or a load value indicative of a force applied by the ground-engaging tool against the soil during the tillage operation and adjust the reset pressure based on the at least one of the actuator position or the load value.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2019Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Kevin M. Smith, John H. Posselius, Christopher A. Foster, Joshua David Harmon, Bruce Anderson
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Patent number: 11203287Abstract: In some embodiments of the present disclosure, techniques are provided for automatic turn signal deactivation in a vehicle with a trailer. The vehicle includes a camera monitoring system that provides video images for display devices that replace traditional side view mirrors. In some embodiments, video information is obtained from the camera monitoring system and is used to determine an angle of the trailer. Upon activation of a turn signal indicator, the video information is used to detect departure of the trailer angle from a centered region and the subsequent return of the trailer angle to the centered region in order to automatically deactivate the turn signal indicator.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2018Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: PACCAR IncInventor: Josef Lotz
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Patent number: 11185008Abstract: A tool assembly for a planter row unit resides at the forward end of the row unit beneath the tool bar. The assembly includes a bracket assembly connected to the row unit, with a ground engaging tool removably mounted on the bracket assembly for movement between raised and lowered positions. A linear actuator controls the position of the tool. The tool may also include a depth control mechanism. Different tools can be interchanged on the bracket assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2019Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Harvest International, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey Alan Sivinski
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Patent number: 11180903Abstract: A control system for a work vehicle includes a storage device and a controller in communication with the storage device. The storage device stores target parameter data defining a relationship between a movement distance of the work vehicle and a target parameter related to a target digging amount of a work implement of the work vehicle. The target parameter data includes digging time data defining a relationship between the movement distance of the work vehicle within a predetermined digging area and the target parameter. The controller determines a target return distance from a distance of the digging area defined in the target parameter data, and determines a position returned from a predetermined reference position by the target return distance as a recommended digging start position.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2018Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.Inventor: Kazuhiro Hashimoto
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Patent number: 11176117Abstract: In an embodiment, a server computer receives, over a digital communication network, agricultural data records comprising a plurality of planting and harvesting data values. Each of the planting and harvesting data values include geo-location coordinates and corresponding timestamps. The server generates a plurality of planting datasets by aggregating planting data values based on geo-location coordinates and timestamps. The server generates a plurality of harvesting datasets by aggregating harvesting data values based on geo-location coordinates and timestamps. The server determines a dataset of planting-to-harvesting matching pairs based upon nearest proximities between geo-location coordinates of planting datasets and geo-location coordinates of harvesting datasets. The server determines geo-location error values representing offsets of between geo-locations of corresponding planting-to-harvesting matching pairs. The server presents the geo-location error values on a display screen of a client computer.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2019Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: THE CLIMATE CORPORATIONInventors: Wayne Tai Lee, Markus Huber
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Patent number: 11149410Abstract: A work machine capable of driving each actuator more speedily and more accurately by ensuring high operability in a case of operator's manual operation, while accurately supplying a hydraulic fluid at a target flow rate to the actuator without depending on a load fluctuation in a case of automatic control over a machine body in response to a command input from a controller is provided. The controller controls a plurality of auxiliary flow controllers in such a manner that supply flow rates to a plurality of directional control valves from hydraulic pumps either fluctuate in response to load fluctuations of a plurality of hydraulic actuators when an area limiting control function invalidation instruction is issued, or do not fluctuate in response to the load fluctuations of the plurality of hydraulic actuators when an area limiting control function validation instruction is issued.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2019Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kento Kumagai, Shinya Imura, Genroku Sugiyama, Katsuaki Kodaka, Yasutaka Tsuruga, Takaaki Chiba
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Patent number: 11134606Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a frame supporting a gauge wheel and a seed meter. A depth stop assembly includes a stop setting an upward travel limit of the gauge wheel with respect to the frame, and a handle that is lockable and releasable to move the stop to select among seeding depths. A downforce actuator is operable to generate downforce to be applied through a gauge wheel arm and the gauge wheel to the soil. A downforce sensor is incorporated into the depth stop assembly and movable therewith. The depth stop assembly includes a multi-piece body having a first piece receiving the handle, and a second piece defining a pivot. The first piece of the multi-piece body includes a handle-receiving receptacle portion, a fastening portion for fastening to the second body piece adjacent the pivot, and a portion therebetween forming a housing of the downforce sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2019Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Jacob D. Salowitz, Michael E. Frasier, Pranay Bajjuri, Matt Bartelson
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Patent number: 11135915Abstract: In one aspect, a system for providing implement-based speed control for a work vehicle may include a planter controller provided in operative association with a planter towed by the work vehicle and a vehicle controller provided in operative association with the work vehicle. The planter controller may be configured to access an input associated with at least one predetermined threshold value for an operating parameter of the planter and monitor the operating parameter relative to the predetermined threshold value(s) as the planter is being towed at a current ground speed of the work vehicle. In addition, when the operating parameter differs from the predetermined threshold value(s), the planter controller may be configured to adjust a speed control request transmitted to the vehicle controller to cause the current ground speed of the work vehicle to be automatically increased or decreased between predetermined maximum and minimum speed values set for the work vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2019Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Jason T. Czapka, Kevin D. McKee, Kevin M. Smith, Robert J. Longua, Keith W. Wendte, Marvin A. Prickel
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Patent number: 11122726Abstract: An agricultural implement includes at least one row unit having a plurality of support members, each of which is pivotably coupled to an attachment frame or another of the support members to permit vertical pivoting vertical movement of the support members, and a plurality of soil-engaging tools, each of which is coupled to at least one of the support members. A plurality of hydraulic cylinders are coupled to the support members for urging the support members downwardly toward the soil. A plurality of controllable pressure control valves are coupled to the hydraulic cylinders for controlling the pressure of hydraulic fluid supplied to the cylinders. A plurality of sensors produce electrical signals corresponding to predetermined conditions, and a controller is coupled to the sensor and the controllable pressure control valves. The controller receives the electrical signals from the sensors and produces control signals for controlling the pressure control valves.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Dawn Equipment CompanyInventor: Joseph D. Bassett
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Patent number: 11116126Abstract: A row unit has a frame with an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has a parallel linkage and the lower portion is coupled to plural gauge wheels. A first sensor is configured to provide an output signal and a controllable device is coupled to the upper portion and configured to provide an adjustable down force. A dampening device is coupled to the upper portion and configured to provide adjustable dampening of the row unit based on the output signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2019Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: AGCO CorporationInventor: Kevin J Hamilton
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Patent number: 11118517Abstract: Provided is a construction machine configured so as to prevent wasteful fuel consumption by preventing an engine stall by means of the injection of an appropriate amount of fuel. A backhoe which is a construction machine in which a hydraulic pump is driven by power from an engine is configured so that the output torque characteristics of the engine is set on the basis of the atmospheric pressure detected by an atmospheric pressure sensor which is an atmospheric pressure detection means, and so that a rotational speed is set so that the maximum torque of the engine at a low idle rotational speed is greater than the maximum absorption torque of the hydraulic pump.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2014Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: YANMAR POWER TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Katashi Tanaka, Kenji Miyakawa
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Patent number: 11105066Abstract: Target speeds of an arm cylinder and a boom cylinder are computed in response to a distance D between a bucket tip end and a target surface in such a manner that an operating range of a work device is limited on and above the target surface at a time of operating an operation device. A second flow control valve that supplies a hydraulic operating fluid from a second hydraulic pump to the boom cylinder is controlled on the basis of the target speed of the boom cylinder while a first flow control valve that supplies a hydraulic operating fluid from a first hydraulic pump to the arm cylinder and a third flow control valve that supplies the hydraulic operating fluid from the second hydraulic pump to the arm cylinder are controlled on the basis of the target speed of the arm cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2018Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.Inventors: Takaaki Chiba, Hiroaki Tanaka, Hisami Nakano, Hiroshi Sakamoto, Yusuke Suzuki
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Patent number: 11089727Abstract: In a harvesting machine having an agricultural header which is adjustable in height, a computer controller includes programming instructions to allow an operator to associate a plurality of different harvester functions with a single programmable input button providing single-touch actuation. The input button is programmable to return the header height to a preset height value in addition to controlling position of one or more additional accessories such as a double windrow attachment, a deck shifting set of drapers of the header, and/or a crop compressor attachment, etc. Programming of the input button uses navigational inputs to select which functions of the machine are associated with the button, followed by a press-and-hold actuation to set the preset value of all associated functions based on the current operating condition.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2018Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: MacDon IndustriesInventors: John Baldwin, Younes Rakhshani Fatmehsari, Benjamin Foster, Leonard Bergman
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Patent number: 11065977Abstract: A method for receiving an update from a remote source may comprise a step of connecting wirelessly to a transceiver. The method may comprise a step of communicating with a remote database via the transceiver. The method may comprise a step of providing operational parameter data to the remote database. The method may comprise a step of receiving updated operational parameters from the database based on a comparison of the operational parameter data to a latest version of the operational parameter data performed by the remote database. The method may comprise a step of updating one or more components of a vehicle using the updated operational parameters. The remote database may be configured to determine a status of the components of the vehicle and provide the updated operational parameters to keep software used by the vehicle to a latest version.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2017Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: INVENTLY AUTOMOTIVE INC.Inventors: Martin Koebler, Nicole G. Goldstein, Stephen J. Brown, Jason H. Harper
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Patent number: 11064651Abstract: A disc opener unit for an agricultural implement has a down pressure adjustment device that automatically adjusts the amount of down pressure applied on a furrowing disc based on strain measurements taken by a strain gauge or load cell. The strain gauge, which may be mounted to an arm that is used to set the position of a depth setting gauge wheel, provides feedback to a processor that in turn controls the amount of hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic cylinder to adjust the down force applied on the disc. The amount of down pressure is therefore adjusted in substantially real-time in response to changes in field conditions, which improves furrow depth consistency and reduces wear on the gauge wheel and its components.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2020Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.Inventors: Trevor Kowalchuk, Robin B. Schilling, Jack Turner
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Patent number: 11064645Abstract: A system for controlling work vehicles used for towing agricultural implements across a field includes an implement controller supported on and configured to control an operation of an agricultural implement, and at least one sensor communicatively coupled to the implement controller. The sensor(s) is configured to provide an indication of a location of the agricultural implement within the field. The implement controller is configured to: access a field map; anticipate a change in loading of one or more of the ground-engaging tools of the implement based on the location of the implement relative to the field map; and transmit a request instructing a vehicle controller of a work vehicle towing the agricultural implement to initiate a control action associated with adjusting at least one vehicle-related operational parameter to accommodate the anticipated change.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2018Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Scott Shearer, Andrew Klopfenstein, Brittany Schroeder
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Patent number: 11035101Abstract: A controller obtains dumping area data indicative the shape of an edge of a dumping area. The controller obtains material data indicative the shape of material in the dumping area. The controller decides, based on the material data, a plurality of segments into which the material is divided. The controller decides dumping positions of the dumping work according to combinations of the plurality of segments and the plurality of dumping candidate positions.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2017Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.Inventors: Masami Hirayama, Mark Whitty, Jayantha Katupitiya, Jose Guivant
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Patent number: 11036242Abstract: A calibration data generation apparatus includes a flow rate sensor that measures the flow rate of a fluid flowing through a fluid control valve; a differential pressure control mechanism; a temperature control mechanism; and a control unit that when the fluid passing has sound velocity, uses the temperature control mechanism to change the temperature from a reference temperature to comparative temperature. In addition, the control unit includes a valve opening control part that controls the fluid control valve so that at the comparative temperature, an output value outputted from one of the position sensor and the flow rate sensor becomes equal to the reference output value of the one; and a calibration data generation part that generates the calibration data on the basis of a calibration data generation output value outputted from the other one of the position sensor and the flow rate sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2018Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: HORIBA STEC, Co., Ltd.Inventors: Thomas Hoke, Patrick Lowery, Bill White, John Dick, Tadahiro Yasuda, Tomohiro Yoshida
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Patent number: 10961686Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing a machine control system within a construction machine. The machine control system may include a chassis orientation sensor configured to be mounted to a chassis of the construction machine for detecting a chassis pitch angle. The machine control system may also include an implement orientation sensor configured to be mounted to an implement of the construction machine for detecting an implement pitch angle. The machine control system may further include one or more processors configured to perform operations including receiving, from the chassis orientation sensor, the chassis pitch angle, receiving, from the implement orientation sensor, the implement pitch angle, determining a target pitch angle of the implement based on the chassis pitch angle and the implement pitch angle, and causing movement of one or more implement arms so as to set a pitch angle of the implement to the target pitch angle.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLCInventors: Francisco Green, Bruce Wiewel
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Patent number: 10918006Abstract: A method for reducing material accumulation relative to ground-engaging tools of a tillage implement includes receiving measurement signals from at least one accumulation sensor mounted to the tillage implement during a tillage operation. The measurement signals include a three-dimensional (3D) representation of an environment containing material accumulation relative to a plurality ground-engaging tools. The method also includes estimating an amount of material accumulation relative to the plurality of ground-engaging tools based on the 3D representation. Further, the method includes comparing the amount of material accumulation to an accumulation threshold. The material accumulation threshold is indicative of a given degree of material accumulation relative to the plurality of ground-engaging tools.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2018Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.Inventors: Scott Shearer, Andrew Klopfenstein, Brittany Schroeder, Philip Root
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Patent number: 10919514Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for controlling/regulating the travel speed of a utility vehicle comprising at least one drive motor, at least one hydraulic pump, at least one control slide valve, at least one hydraulic travel motor, at least one further hydraulic drive, as well as at least one controller. In accordance with the present disclosure, the travel speed of the at least one hydraulic travel motor is controlled/regulated via at least the speed of the drive motor, while the at least one further hydraulic drive does not provide any drive power.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: Liebherr-Hydraulikbagger GmbHInventors: Johannes Lang, Bernhard Meitinger
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Patent number: 10912255Abstract: A forming shield arrangement configured for a windrowing work vehicle is supported for movement by a support structure. The forming shield arrangement is configured to at least partly shape a windrow of a crop material. A method of operating the forming shield arrangement includes receiving, by a processor of a control system from a memory element, a stored position setting that corresponds to a position of the forming shield arrangement relative to the support structure. The method also includes processing, by the processor, a positioning control signal based, at least in part, on the stored position setting. Moreover, the method includes changing, with an actuator, the position of the forming shield arrangement according to the positioning control signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2018Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: David V. Rotole, Mitchell R. Usasz, Ethan C. Conrad
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Patent number: 10890499Abstract: A machine includes a frame, an engine supported on the frame, ground-engaging elements supported on the frame and driven by the engine to propel the machine, a machine light structure supported on the frame, a multiple-axis accelerometer positioned to generate an acceleration signal relative to a base of the machine light structure, and a controller. The controller is programmed to receive the acceleration signal, partition the acceleration signal into overlapped window periods, transform the acceleration signal of each overlapped window period into a power spectral density, and pass the power spectral densities of each overlapped window period through a strain power spectral densities prediction model to generate predicted strain power spectral densities of the machine light structure. A health monitor receives the predicted strain power spectral densities and is configured to generate a notification responsive to the predicted strain power spectral densities.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Benjamin John Hodel, David Andres Villero
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Patent number: 10883437Abstract: A horsepower on demand system is presented that facilitates a user to purchase additional power from a third party provider. The system includes a vehicle with an engine, a control system, a microprocessor, memory and software and a wireless communications module. The system also includes a third party provider having a module, a database, software, and an interface. When a user purchases additional power from the third party provider, the third party provider transmits a control signal over a wireless communications network to the vehicle and the vehicle's control system modifies the operational characteristics of the motor thereby increasing the power output.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2018Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Inventor: Doug Abolt
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Patent number: 10883235Abstract: A winch and plow control system is disclosed. The winch and plow control system enables automatic control of a plow attached to a vehicle in order to raise and lower the plow based upon a vehicle parameter. The vehicle parameter can be a gear input that is monitored to automatically raise and lower the plow depending upon the gear selected. Wireless and remote control of the winch is also available, as well as a back-dragging automatic plow mode and a normal automatic plow mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2019Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Timothy P. Norstad, Joseph P. Nuxoll, Elaine M. Scott
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Patent number: 10875404Abstract: A work vehicle includes a display, communication circuitry, and circuitry. The display is to display information. The communication circuitry is configured to communicate with a cooperative work vehicle that is configured to work cooperatively with the work vehicle. The circuitry is configured to acquire from the cooperative work vehicle through the communication circuitry traveling work parameters manually set via operation tools provided on an operation panel in the cooperative work vehicle. The circuitry is configured to display in the display a setting confirmation screen based on the traveling work parameters acquired through the communication circuitry, the setting confirmation screen showing the operation panel in the cooperative work vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2017Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATIONInventors: Atsushi Shinkai, Kazuo Sakaguchi, Izuru Shimamoto, Kenji Tamatani, Megumi Suzukawa
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Patent number: 10869422Abstract: A work machine, with a frame member, a ground engaging mechanism coupled to the frame member and configured to at least partially contact an underlying surface, a sensor coupled to the ground engaging mechanism, the sensor positioned to identify a displacement of the ground engaging mechanism relative to the frame, a controller in communication with the sensor, and a location system in communication with the controller. Wherein, the controller marks a location that corresponds with the position of the ground engaging mechanism, the location being identified by the location system when the sensor identifies the displacement of the ground engaging mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2017Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventor: Byron N. Manternach
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Patent number: 10870968Abstract: A control system and a method of synchronously operating a plurality of actuators of a work vehicle in a coordinated operation to move an implement. The method includes determining an acceleration parameter for the actuators based at least partly on a control effort associated with the control commands sent to the actuators.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2018Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventor: Michael G. Kean
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Patent number: 10867377Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling earth moving equipment are described. In some embodiments, a stream of images may be captured using at least one imaging system. At least one state of soil may be determined in real time relative to the earth moving equipment based on the captured stream of images. At least one aspect of the earth moving equipment's operation may then be controlled based on the determined at least one state of the soil.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Haruhiko Harry Asada, Filippos Edward Sotiropoulos
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Patent number: 10842067Abstract: An automated implement control system includes one or more distance sensors configured for coupling with an agricultural implement. The one or more distance sensors are configured to measure a ground distance and a canopy distance from the one or more sensors to the ground and crop canopy, respectively. An implement control module is in communication with the one or more distance sensors. The implement control module controls movement of the agricultural implement. The implement control module includes a confidence module configured to determine a ground confidence value based on the measured ground distance and a canopy confidence value based on the measured canopy distance. A target selection module of the implement control module is configured to select one of the measured ground or canopy distances as a control basis for controlling movement of the agricultural implement based on the comparison of confidence values.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2019Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Raven Industries, Inc.Inventors: Alex Weidenbach, John D. Preheim
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Patent number: 10837767Abstract: Provided is an angle detection system including: a target unit including a reflection target and an encoder pattern showing an angle of the target unit; and a surveying instrument including a survey unit configured to measure a distance and angle to the reflection target, an encoder pattern reading unit configured to read a bit pattern of the encoder pattern from an image of the encoder pattern, a display unit, and an arithmetic control unit. The surveying instrument includes at least one imaging unit changeable in focal length, and is configured to calculate a distance and angle to the reflection target, to set an imaging magnification of the imaging unit, to set a cutout region of the encoder pattern by using the image displayed on the display unit, to determine success of identification of the encoder pattern and, in the case of success, to calculate an encoder pattern read angle.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2019Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: TOPCON CORPORATIONInventors: Satoshi Yasutomi, Yuji Takano
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Patent number: 10802496Abstract: A remote tractor control system with a hand held remote control unit having an enable button that when actuated sends signals from a plurality of command buttons on the hand held remote control unit to a three point hitch controller, a transmission controller and an engine controller on a tractor. When not actuated, a rear switch module may be used to raise and lower the three point hitch or creep in forward or reverse, while the hand held remote control unit may display information about tractor condition from the engine controller.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2018Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Clint W. Lampley, Harry K. Voelp, IV, Christopher T. McCord, Chris S. McCormick
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Patent number: 10794037Abstract: A positioning system and a method of positioning a construction machine on a work site include at least one reference point on the work site. Position data of the reference point is determined in a work site coordinate system and input to a control unit of the construction machine. A tool is calibration positioned in accordance with the reference point in order to connect a machine coordinate system to the work coordinate system.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2015Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: NOVATRON OYInventors: Visa Hokkanen, Mikko Vesanen, Tomi Vittinki, Jarkko Leppanen
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Patent number: 10788835Abstract: A framework for safely operating autonomous machinery, such as vehicles and other heavy equipment, in an in-field or off-road environment, includes detecting, identifying, classifying and tracking objects and/or terrain characteristics from on-board sensors that capture images in front and around the autonomous machinery as it performs agricultural or other activities. The framework generates commands for navigational control of the autonomous machinery in response to perceived objects and terrain impacting safe operation. The framework processes image data and range data in multiple fields of view around the autonomous equipment to discern objects and terrain, and applies artificial intelligence techniques in one or more neural networks to accurately interpret this data for enabling such safe operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2018Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: Raven Industries, Inc.Inventors: Colin Josh Hurd, Rahul Ramakrishnan, Mark William Barglof, Quincy Calvin Milloy, Thomas Antony
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Patent number: 10774506Abstract: A system for moving material with a ground engaging work implement determines a topography of the work surface, a maximum cutting capacity for a cutting operation, and a maximum carrying capacity for a carrying operation. A first double cut location is determined based upon the maximum carrying capacity and the topography of the work surface and a second double cut location is determined based upon the maximum carrying capacity and a modified topography of the work surface. Individually, the amount of material from each of the first and second double cut locations is less than the maximum cutting capacity, and combined is less than the maximum carrying capacity. A first forward double cut command moves the first double cut material to an intermediate position and a second forward double cut command moves the first double cut material and the second double cut amount of material to a dump location.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Mo Wei
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Patent number: 10757854Abstract: In one aspect, a system for determining forces exerted on rolling ground engaging components of an agricultural implement may a ground engaging component configured to roll relative to soil within a field as the agricultural implement is moved across the field. A controller of the disclosed system may be configured to control an operation of a braking device such that a braking force is applied to the rolling ground engaging component. When the braking force is being applied to the rolling ground engaging component, the controller may be configured to monitor a rotational speed of the rolling ground engaging component based on measurement signals received from a sensor. Moreover, the controller may be configured to determine a force exerted on the rolling ground engaging component by the soil within the field based on the applied braking force and the monitored rotational speed.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventor: Trevor P. Stanhope