Machine Load Patents (Class 460/6)
  • Patent number: 12096716
    Abstract: Operating conditions corresponding to a harvesting operation being performed by a mobile harvesting machine are detected along with a priority of a first performance pillar metric relative to a second performance pillar metric. An operating characteristic of the mobile harvesting machine is detected and a performance pillar metric value is identified for the first performance pillar metric based on the detected operating characteristic. A performance limitation corresponding to the first performance pillar metric is identified based on the detected operating conditions and an aggressiveness setting is detected that is indicative of an operating settings change threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Sebastian Blank, Mario L. Donini
  • Patent number: 11835377
    Abstract: A system of improved weighing utilizes accelerometers to compensate for measurement dynamics and non-level sensor orientation. Fill level of remote combines can be estimated by utilizing their historical harvesting performance and elapsed time or area harvested. Failure and degradation of weight sensors is detected by testing sensor half bridges. Loading and unloading weights can be tied to specific vehicles by utilizing RF beacons. Display location diversity is enhanced utilizing a mirror located as necessary while reversing the displayed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Bitstrata Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Meier, Michael Lockerbie
  • Patent number: 11703371
    Abstract: A bin volume predictor can receive data characterizing measurements of a temperature at a plurality of temperature sensors of a temperature sensor cable that is positioned to extend along a height of the storage bin in an interior of the storage bin and data characterizing measurements of an ambient temperature of an exterior of the storage bin. The bin volume predictor identifies, based on the measured temperature for temperature sensors in the interior of the storage bin, a topmost covered temperature sensor of the temperature sensor cable. Moreover, the bin volume predictor determines, based on the identified topmost covered temperature sensor, an amount of material stored in the storage bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: DEVICESOLUTIONS
    Inventors: Keith William Anderson, Mark Adam Bednasz, Wilson Christopher Lamb, Anthony James Sammarco, Andrew Alden Spear, Robert Charles Witter
  • Patent number: 11439064
    Abstract: A work machine for harvesting crop includes a controller and an engine. The controller is configured to command operation of the engine in accordance with various power curves based on sensed factors associated with the harvested crop. The work machine stores the harvested crop in a tank to be unloaded by an unloading auger which is powered by the engine. Prior to activation of the unloading auger, the controller commands the engine to operate in accordance with a power curve associated with a reduced power level to reserve power for operation of the unloading auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Alan D. Sheidler
  • Patent number: 11307074
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a yield sensor of a harvesting machine. The yield sensor generates a grain force signal as clean grain piles are thrown by the elevator flights against the sensor surface of the yield sensor. A grain height sensor is disposed to detect a height of the clean grain pile on each passing elevator flight. Each grain height signal is associated with a corresponding grain force signal by applying a time shift to account for a time delay between the time the grain height signal is generated and the time at which the impact signal is generated. The grain force signal is corrected by multiplying the grain force signal by a correction factor. The correction factor is the sum of the grain height signals divided by the sum of the grain force signals over a predetermined period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Michael Strnad, Justin Koch
  • Patent number: 11175170
    Abstract: Methods and systems for estimating volumes of agricultural crops are provided. A geographic position sensor provides positions of a harvesting machine as it gathers an agricultural crop and places the crop on the ground in a windrow. A speed of the harvesting machine is determined using the geographic position sensor. Signals are received from a sensor system disposed at a bottom of the harvesting machine. The signals are indicative of profiles of segments of the windrow on the ground. Cross-sectional areas of the windrow are estimated using the signals. Volumes of the agricultural crop are estimated using the speed of the harvesting machine and the estimated cross-sectional areas of the windrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Francis Lange, Daniel Ramos, Uriel Aparecido Rosa, Gregory C. Best
  • Patent number: 11109535
    Abstract: A combine harvester includes a load-bearing undercarriage movable via a drivable device engaged in the ground, a threshing and separating device attached to the load-bearing undercarriage, and a feeder house attached to the load-bearing undercarriage. The feeder house includes an endless traction mechanism which circulates about a vertically movable lower deflection roller and a drivable upper deflection roller. A harvesting attachment is coupled to the feeder house for receiving or cutting off harvested crops which are lying or standing upright on a field and which are able to be supplied via the feeder house to the threshing and separating device. An actuator is actuated by an external force arranged for adjusting the vertical position of the lower deflection roller and is connected to a control device which is coupled to a sensor for determining a throughput by a transmission of a signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Christina Fries, Friedrich Lauer, Eric Loutz, Lutz Bischoff, Oliver Klein, Dirk Weichholdt
  • Patent number: 11083135
    Abstract: A combine harvester has at least one header for cutting plants to be harvested with the aid of the combine harvester, a feeder for conveying the cut plants in the direction of a threshing mechanism, and a threshing mechanism, with the aid of which fruits can be removed from the cut plants in such a way that the fruits are then present separately from plant residue of the plants. The feeder comprises a revolvingly driveable conveying unit and a conveyor channel within which the cut plants can be conveyed with the conveying unit. The feeder interacts with a measuring unit in the form of a sensor unit that contactlessly detects material feed height of plants conveyed with the aid of the feeder in the conveyor channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Dennis Neitemeier, Frédéric Fischer, Daniel Sprigade, Markus Brune, Boris Kettelhoit, Andreas Arnold, Philipp Grossegesse
  • Patent number: 11064653
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to agricultural systems. The systems have stalk sensor assemblies and/or data visualization systems. The stalk sensor assemblies are configured for assessing the size and other characteristics about crops, such as corn and other grains entering an agricultural implement, such as a harvester. The stalk sensor assemblies may use an estimation of the stalk perimeter to establish stalk size and therefore further features about the crop. The visualization system utilizes data from the stalk sensor assemblies to calculate and display relevant information about the crop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology
    Inventors: Roger Zielke, Scott Eichhorn, Tony Woodcock, Logan Handsaker, Barry Anderson
  • Patent number: 10980166
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method for pre-emptively adjusting machine parameters based on predicted field conditions may include monitoring an operating parameter of as the agricultural machine makes a first pass across a field. The method may also include initiating active adjustments of the travel speed of the machine based on the operating parameter as the machine makes the first pass. Furthermore, the method may include generating a map based on the travel speed and the operating parameter that included efficiency zones associated with one or more travel speeds. Moreover, the method may include determining predicted efficiency zones for an adjacent second swath within the field based on efficiency zones of the first swath within the field map. Additionally, the method may include pre-emptively initiating adjustments of the travel speed as the machine makes a second pass across the field based on the efficiency parameter for each predicted efficiency zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Trevor Stanhope, Christopher Schoeny, Kevin M. Smith
  • Patent number: 10906551
    Abstract: A traveling work vehicle includes: a vehicle speed control portion configured to control the vehicle speed; a number-of-revolutions calculation portion configured to calculate, as an actual number of revolutions, a number of revolutions of a single rotary power source per unit time; a number-of-revolutions command generation portion configured to generate a number-of-revolutions command using a requested number of revolutions; a requested vehicle speed input portion configured to input a requested vehicle speed that is based on a user operation; a requested vehicle speed calculation portion configured to calculate a computed requested vehicle speed using a deviation between the requested number of revolutions and the actual number of revolutions, and the requested vehicle speed; and a vehicle speed command generation portion configured to give the vehicle speed control portion a vehicle speed command that is generated using the computed requested vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventor: David Spitz
  • Patent number: 10694670
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement for control of the speed of a baler includes detection and mapping of one or more of a crop property and data derived therefrom during the harvesting of a field by a combine harvester. Crop residues are deposited in a windrow in the field. The method and arrangement control the speed of the baler in the pickup of the windrow while taking into account one or more of the mapped crop property and the data derived from the crop property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Valentin Gresch, Benedikt Jung
  • Patent number: 10588258
    Abstract: An arrangement for the control of an actuator (48) for the adjustment of an adjustable element (16) of an agricultural work machine (10) is equipped with a control unit (50) to produce adjustment signals for the adjustable element (16) in the sense of moving to a theoretical position, a control arrangement (62) of the actuator (48), coupled with the adjustable element (16), which receives the adjustment signals of the control unit (50), and a determination device (54) to make available at least one parameter (?), determined with the aid of recorded vibration characteristics of the system consisting of the adjustable element (16) and the work machine (10). The determination device (54) can be operated so as to determine at least one parameter (?) at the successively following time points and to supply it to the control unit (50). The parameter (?) serves to optimize the regulating behavior of the control unit (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Benedikt Jung, Byron K. Miller, Philipp Muench
  • Patent number: 10426087
    Abstract: A machine control system receives sensor signals indicative of sensed variables on a mobile machine and calculates performance metric values for the mobile machine based upon the sensed variables. The machine control system displays information indicative of the performance metric value for the mobile machine on a time continuous user interface display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Aaron J. Bruns, Timothy S. Hunt, Brian J. Gilmore
  • Patent number: 10278329
    Abstract: A grain management system includes a combine and a management server. The combine includes a grain measurer for outputting a measured value related to a component of harvested grains supplied to a grain tank, and a data transmitter for transmitting the measured value and field identification information for specifying the field to the management server via a communication line. The management server includes a receiver for receiving the field identification information and the measured value from the combine, a table manager for determining a measured value-grain component value table for deriving a grain component value using the measured value based on the field identification information, and a grain component value computer for obtaining the grain component value based on the measured value, using the measured value-grain component value table that is determined by the table manager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Takahara, Mao Ueda
  • Patent number: 10111379
    Abstract: A control system and method for adjusting a rotational speed of a header on an agricultural vehicle based on ground speed of the agricultural vehicle. The header may include a plurality of cutters rotatably actuated with a header actuator. The control system may have a processor that compares a ground speed of the agricultural vehicle with a threshold ground speed. If the ground speed of the agricultural vehicle is below the threshold ground speed, the processor may command the header actuator to rotate the cutters at a constant predetermined rotational speed. If the ground speed of the agricultural vehicle is above the threshold ground speed, the processor may command the header actuator to increase rotational speed of the cutters in proportion to the ground speed of the agricultural vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Brendon Nafziger, Daniel James Soldan
  • Patent number: 10104840
    Abstract: A cleaning section of an agricultural harvester. The cleaning section including a sieve, a plurality of load sensors, and a sieve slope compensating system. The sieve is positioned in the harvester to receive crop material from a threshing section. The plurality of load sensors are coupled to the sieve. The load sensors are configured to produce signals representative of a distributed load of the crop material on the sieve. The sieve slope compensating system is configured to tilt or side shake the sieve dependent upon the signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Frank R. G. Duquesne, Bart M. A. Missotten, Glenn Aesaert, Dré W. J. Jongmans, Thomas Mahieu, Frederik Tallir, Karel M. C. Viaene
  • Patent number: 10091934
    Abstract: A control system for a harvester having a crop cleaner for cleaning a cut crop. The control system includes a processor, a memory, and a human-machine interface. The processor is configured to receive an input corresponding to a desired cleaning level of the crop, monitor the actual cleaning level, and control the crop cleaner based on feedback from monitoring the actual cleaning level to move the cleaning level of the crop towards the desired cleaning level of the crop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Bryan E. Dugas, Peter Johnson
  • Patent number: 10004178
    Abstract: A rectangular baler having a bale-forming chamber, a piston that is reciprocatable in the bale-forming chamber for compressing biomass to form bales. The dimensions of part of the interior of the bale-forming chamber are adjustable under the influence of at least one actuator the energization of which is controllable. A controller for controlling the energization of the at least one actuator is adapted for generating a least a first control signal in accordance with a target pressure mode of the baler, a second control signal in accordance with a target force mode of the baler, and a third control signal in accordance with a target weight mode of the baler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Robrecht M. K. Dumarey, Didier O. M. Verhaeghe
  • Patent number: 9949441
    Abstract: A sensor detects a characteristic of accumulated crop material and a controller manipulates the speed of a baling chamber in response thereto. The speed of a baling chamber of a variable speed baler is manipulated in response to a characteristic of an accumulated crop material. For example, the height of accumulated crop material in an accumulation area may be detected and the speed of the baling chamber manipulated in response thereto. The rate of growth of the bale may also be determined and used in manipulating the speed of the baling chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Olander, Maynard Herron
  • Patent number: 9894836
    Abstract: A machine is controlled to operate according to a first control configuration. Enhancement criteria values, that are indicative of an enhancement metric, are evaluated based on operation in the first control configuration. The machine is then controlled to operate according to a second control configuration, and the enhancement criteria are again evaluated. The machine is iteratively switched between operating in the first and second control configurations until a signal-to-background-variation-ratio with respect to the evaluated enhancement criteria is sufficient. One of the first and second control configurations are then identified as corresponding to a best enhancement criteria value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Michael S. Garton
  • Patent number: 9857785
    Abstract: A method and control system are disclosed for adjusting orientations of knockdown rollers for sugarcane harvesters. An upper knockdown roller may be moved along a first adjustment path using a first actuator. A lower knockdown roller may be moved along a second adjustment path using a second actuator. A substantially tangential alignment may be maintained for an outer diameter of the upper knockdown roller and an outer diameter of the lower knockdown roller with respect to a reference point along a cutting path of the base cutter assembly, during or after movement of the upper and lower knockdown rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Eric P. Richard
  • Patent number: 9826682
    Abstract: A system for detecting an operating state of a work machine (100), comprises at least two sensors (160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 178b, 178c, 178e, 178f, 178g, 172a, 172b, 174, 178a, 178d) for sensing parameters affecting an operation state of the machine (100) and an operating state evaluation circuit (228) having an output for an operating state signal value (232). The operating state evaluation circuit (228determines the operating state signal value (232) based upon fused signals from the sensors and a sensor reliability signal from a weighing function evaluator (240).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Sebastian Blank, Cameron R Mott
  • Patent number: 9788480
    Abstract: A control system and method for adjusting a rotational speed of a header on an agricultural vehicle based on ground speed of the agricultural vehicle. The header may include a plurality of cutters rotatably actuated with a header actuator. The control system may have a processor that compares a ground speed of the agricultural vehicle with a threshold ground speed. If the ground speed of the agricultural vehicle is below the threshold ground speed, the processor may command the header actuator to rotate the cutters at a constant predetermined rotational speed. If the ground speed of the agricultural vehicle is above the threshold ground speed, the processor may command the header actuator to increase rotational speed of the cutters in proportion to the ground speed of the agricultural vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Brendon Nafziger, Daniel James Soldan
  • Patent number: 9723780
    Abstract: An agricultural harvester has a controller operationally connected to at least the drive mechanism of header and the drive mechanism of the feedrolls to control these drive mechanisms. The controller successively executes a primary and a secondary synchronization procedure, wherein the primary synchronization procedure controls the header and feedroll drive mechanisms such that the header rotating speed and feedroll rotating speed are in a first predetermined ratio range; and the secondary synchronization procedure controls the header and feedroll drive mechanisms such that the header load and the feedroll load approach a second predetermined ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Ward M. R. Byttebier
  • Patent number: 9668419
    Abstract: A windrower has a hydrostatic header drive system with a header drive pump and one or more header drive motors. The windrower also has a chassis with wheels coupled thereto, an engine, and a ground drive system coupled to the wheels and the engine. A control system has plural sensors having first, second, and third sensors, wherein the first sensor monitors engine load, the second sensor monitors hydrostatic header drive pressure, and the third sensor monitors ground speed. The control system has one or more controllers configured to receive input from the plural sensors, compare the input with respective target values for engine load, header drive pressure, and ground speed throughout a range of ground speeds defined based on an operator configured maximum ground speed, and automatically adjust the ground speed based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Soldan, Brendon C. Nafziger, Shane Bollinger
  • Patent number: 9521805
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for the speed control of a harvester, in which the density of a crop planting on the field is predictively determined and a speed specification signal for the harvester is planned, in the sense of a continued maintenance of a desired throughput of the harvester, wherein with the predictive planning of the speed specification signal, the accelerations of the harvester are limited to an extent that is comfortable for an operator of the harvester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Phillip Muench, Habib Ribess Bianda Seunou, Benedikt Jung
  • Patent number: 9516812
    Abstract: A combine harvester includes a driver assistance system that regulates a spreading on the ground of a crop flow exiting the combine harvester. The driver assistance system includes spreading strategies that can be selected in order to regulate the spreading of the crop flow exiting the combine harvester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntenmaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Baumgarten, Andreas Wilken, Christoph Heitmann, Joern Brinkmann, Christopher Vieregge
  • Patent number: 9468147
    Abstract: A combination of a towing vehicle, such as a tractor, and an agricultural harvesting machine drawn thereby, such as a baler or a self-loading forage wagon, operates to detect whether the harvesting machine is in a harvesting situation (S1) or in a field-end situation (S2) by use of a control device. The control device is operated to specify at least one parameter setting for at least one functional device, by which the combination is operated in a harvesting configuration (K1) or in a field-end configuration (K2), depending on the situation (S1, S2) that is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: USINES CLAAS FRANCE S.A.S.
    Inventors: Julien Waechter, Frederic Chesnier
  • Patent number: 9073701
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a control system for bulk material reclaimers that comprises an automated control of turning speed and translation step variables, the turning speed being controlled by estimating the reclaiming flow and the translation step being adjusted in function of distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: VALE S.A.
    Inventor: Bruno Eduardo Lopes
  • Patent number: 9043956
    Abstract: A method for operating an agricultural working machine that is configured with working assemblies, a control/regulating unit having a display unit and at least one interface for communication in order to control and/or regulate the working assemblies. In the method, an emotional state of an operator is recognized during an interaction with the working machine via the at least one interface and the operating mode of the working machine is adapted to the emotional state of the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Baumgarten, Sebastian Neu, Andreas Wilken, Christoph Heitmann
  • Patent number: 8981949
    Abstract: A harvester grain bin monitoring system is disclosed. The system includes a sensor that monitors the perimeter of the bin proximate to the top rim to provide a warning to an operator when the grain level reaches approaches the bin rim. The sensor may be optical or mechanical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Ricketts, Brandon E. Ricketts, Wade L. Klennert
  • Patent number: 8973342
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a load on an agricultural harvester (100) comprising a first sensor (124, 126, 128, 130) to sense a first load, a second sensor (132, 134, 136, 138) to sense a second load, an electronic control unit (200) coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor, the electronic control unit (200) being configured to determine a difference between the first load and the second load, and to either (a) raise a harvesting head (102) or (b) stop the agricultural harvester (100), or (c) both, when the difference exceeds a threshold load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Aaron S Ritter, John A Schraeder, Bruce A Coers
  • Patent number: 8636569
    Abstract: A threshing element includes a structure having an outside surface for threshing a crop material, and an inside surface. A body is operatively connected to a sensor. The body is secured to the inside surface of the structure, the body having a connecting feature for securing at least the body and the structure to each other. The structure is securable to a rotatable threshing rotor of a harvester threshing system. In response to operation of the threshing rotor of the harvester threshing system, the sensor outputs a signal corresponding to forces generated by contact between the outside surface of the structure and the crop material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Wayne T. Flickinger, Martin J. Roberge, Herbert M. Farley, Herman A. Cease
  • Publication number: 20120302299
    Abstract: A harvesting system includes a self-propelled harvesting machine and a drivable collecting container equipped with a drive unit, which can be positioned relative to the harvesting machine and moved in parallel therewith. Crop is fed directly or indirectly to the collecting container during harvesting operation from the harvesting machine using a feed pipe equipped with an outlet chute. The collecting container is equipped with a device for loading it with crop in a uniform manner. The collecting container is moved in a constant position relative to the harvesting machine by way of a control device while the crop is being conveyed. The collecting container is preferably a filling device, by way of which uniform distribution of the crop in the collecting container (8) can be attained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Willi Behnke, Norbert Diekhans, Jochen Huster, Thilo Krause, Bastian Kriebel, Frank Claussen, Markus Brune
  • Publication number: 20120238335
    Abstract: A method of unplugging hay and forage equipment, including the steps of identifying a plug, activating unplugging devices, unplugging the equipment, and returning the unplugging devices to position of normal operation. The identifying step includes identifying a plug in the equipment caused by the material entering the equipment. The activating step includes activating substantially simultaneously a plurality of unplugging devices. The returning step includes returning the plurality of unplugging devices to their normal operating positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel E. Derscheid
  • Patent number: 8209095
    Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a first power unit and a second power unit. The first power unit is couplable with a first primary load, including a threshing system load. A first temperature sensor associated with the first power unit provides a first output signal. A second temperature sensor associated with the second power unit provides a second output signal. A first motor/generator is mechanically coupled with the first power unit, and a second motor/generator is mechanically coupled with the second power unit. The second motor/generator and the first motor/generator are electrically coupled together. At least one electrical processing circuit is coupled with the first temperature sensor, second temperature sensor, first motor/generator and second motor/generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Ryan Patrick Mackin, Alan David Sheidler
  • Patent number: 8074433
    Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a primary power unit which is couplable with at least one primary load. The at least one primary load includes a threshing system load. An auxiliary power unit is mechanically independent from the primary power unit, and is couplable with at least one biomass processor, independent from the threshing system load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Alan Sheidler, Benjamin E. Ramp
  • Patent number: 7992370
    Abstract: A work machine includes a primary power unit having a rated primary output. The primary power unit is couplable with at least one primary load, including a propulsion load. An auxiliary power unit is mechanically independent from the primary power unit, and has a rated auxiliary output which is smaller than the primary output. The auxiliary power unit is couplable with at least one external load, including an operator initiated load. At least one electrical processing circuit is configured for selectively coupling the primary power unit with one or more primary loads, and for selectively coupling the auxiliary power unit with one or more external loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Alan Sheidler, Benjamin E. Ramp
  • Patent number: 7976369
    Abstract: A biomass cleaner, of a harvesting machine, includes at least a first sieve for sieving biomass and having one or more first sieve apertures that are openable and closeable in dependence on control commands. The biomass cleaner also includes an air fan, the speed of which is adjustable in dependence on control commands. The biomass cleaner has one or more control devices that generate the control commands. The first sieve defines a support for biomass that is sieveable via the sieve, and the biomass cleaner includes one or more pressure sensors for generating one or more signals that are related to the pressure of air in the vicinity of the biomass. At least one pressure sensor is operatively connected to supply the signals to a control device that derives therefrom further estimates of the sieve losses and/or the MOG content of the biomass, as defined herein, during operation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Geert J. Craessaerts, Bart M. A. Missotten
  • Patent number: 7872587
    Abstract: A control system for a combine harvester having a crop processing system with a control panel for enabling an operator of the combine harvester to set a plurality of operating parameters of the crop processing system that affect the harvesting performance, and a plurality of sensors for determining prevailing values of crop quality parameters. The control system includes a data processor having a display for communicating information visually to the operator and acts to determine when a crop quality parameter exceeds an unacceptability threshold. Following such determination, the control system displays to the operator an operating parameter of which adjustment is recommended in order to restore the crop quality parameter to an acceptable value. The recommended operating parameter is derived from data stored in a look-up table within the data processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Kris Hindryckx, Bart M. A. Missotten, Dries M. J. Depreitere
  • Patent number: 7846013
    Abstract: The invention relates to a combine with a cleaning device (1), having a screening device (2) with at least one screen (2A, 2B) in which the harvested products conveyed to the thresher and to the separation device are cleaned and at least one adjustable blower (3) for exposing the screening device (3) to an air flow. The width of the openings of the sifting device (2) and the revolutions of the blower (3) can be mechanically regulated by at least one regulation organ. According to the invention, at least one sensor (4) is provided whose measuring signal (S/4) directly or indirectly indicates a quantity of harvested products loaded on the combine, especially on the cleaning device. Optimal regulation of the cleaning device, especially the width of the openings of the screen, is performed by an adjusting organ (20A, 20B) depending on the signal (S/4) of the sensor (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Claas Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Diekhans
  • Patent number: 7713115
    Abstract: The process and device for controlling at least one operating condition parameter (54) of working parts (45) of a combine harvester (1) has at least one sensing device (36, 40) for monitoring a crop tailings stream (31) and for generating a grain tailings signal (X) and a tailings flow rate signal (Y) for control of the operating condition parameters (54), such as blower speed, upper sieve mesh, lower sieve mesh, so that changes in the crop harvesting conditions can be reacted to rapidly and efficiently. The device includes an evaluating and display unit (39), which includes a controller (53) for automatically controlling operating condition parameters or for displaying control information produced by control algorithms (56 to 58), so that the operating condition parameters can be optimized according to the grain tailings signal (X) and tailings flow rate signal (Y).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Willi Behnke, Joachim Baumgarten, Werner Fitzner
  • Patent number: 7645190
    Abstract: A method and a system for varying the rotational fan speed of a combine cleaning system in response to the amount of crop entering the combine cleaning system. Increases and decreases in crop material entering the cleaning system are sensed prior to their arrival at the cleaning system, and cleaning fan speed is adjusted appropriately and contemporaneously with the crop material's presence in the cleaning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Kevin S. Schwinn, J. Bradley Lukac
  • Publication number: 20090325658
    Abstract: A level sensor, associated with a bin, detects a particular reference level of an agricultural product in the bin and generates a calibration indicator. An input sensor determines an input rate of the agricultural product into the bin. A conveyer is capable of transporting the agricultural product out of the bin. An output sensor provides a status indicator that indicates whether the conveyer is in an active state or in an inactive state during one or more evaluation time windows. A data processor determines an output rate of the agricultural product based on the status indicator. The data processor comprises a level estimator for estimating an estimated bin level of the bin based on the input rate and an output rate. The data processor comprises a calibrator for calibrating the estimated bin level with reference to the particular reference level in response to the calibration indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: James Joseph Phelan, Tyler Schleicher
  • Patent number: 7632179
    Abstract: A system to sense incipient slugging of a rotor by sensing a rotor speed signal, an engine speed signal and a first hydraulic motor speed signal, combining the rotor speed signal and the engine speed signal to provide a second hydraulic motor speed signal, and determining incipient slugging based upon the first and second speed signals, and thereby preventing potential damage to threshing components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: John G. Brome, Yun Ren Ho, Nicholas Laufenberg
  • Patent number: 7544125
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting a condition indicative of onset of plugging or actual plugging of a discharge of an agricultural combine, utilizing a pressure sensor disposed at a location within the combine spaced from the discharge and operable for sensing an air pressure condition relating to a flow indicative of a reduced crop residue flow condition toward or in the discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Dwayne B. Smith
  • Patent number: 7520806
    Abstract: A deslugging method and system for an agricultural combine, providing several semi- and fully automated operating modes or routines for removing or dislodging a slug of crop and/or other material from the threshing system and/or a feeder of the combine for conveying crop material to the threshing system. The routines can include reciprocating, agitating and jogging routines, which can be automatically altered during execution responsive to sensed or changing conditions, as processed by a suitable filter such as a simplified Kalman type signal filter, for generating a real time estimation and prediction of the various states of the threshing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: John E. Bundy, John G. Brome, Yun-Ren Ho, Richard E. McMillen
  • Patent number: 7452267
    Abstract: A deslugging method and system for an agricultural combine, providing several semi- and fully automated operating modes or routines for removing or dislodging a slug of crop and/or other material from the threshing system and/or a feeder of the combine for conveying crop material to the threshing system. The routines can include reciprocating, agitating and jogging routines, which can be automatically altered during execution responsive to sensed or changing conditions, as processed by a suitable filter such as a simplified Kalman type signal filter, for generating a real time estimation and prediction of the various states of the threshing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: John E. Bundy, John G. Brome, Yun-Ren Ho, Richard E. McMillen
  • Publication number: 20080234017
    Abstract: A deslugging method and system for an agricultural combine, providing several semi- and fully automated operating modes or routines for removing or dislodging a slug of crop and/or other material from the threshing system and/or a feeder of the combine for conveying crop material to the threshing system. The routines can include reciprocating, agitating and jogging routines, which can be automatically altered during execution responsive to sensed or changing conditions, as processed by a suitable filter such as a simplified Kalman type signal filter, for generating a real time estimation and prediction of the various states of the threshing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: John E. Bundy, John G. Brome, Yun-Ren Ho, Richard E. McMillen