Construction Or Agricultural-type Vehicle (e.g., Crane, Forklift) Patents (Class 701/50)
  • Patent number: 10143126
    Abstract: The agricultural control system includes a base control system configured to communicate with a vehicle control system of an agricultural vehicle. The base control system is configured to plan an implement path through an agricultural field for an agricultural implement coupled to the agricultural vehicle based at least in part on at least one characteristic of the agricultural field. The base control system is configured to plan a vehicle path of the agricultural vehicle based at least in part on the planned implement path. The base control system is configured to send a first signal to the vehicle control system indicative of the vehicle path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignees: CNH Industrial America LLC, Autonomous Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Alan Foster, John Henry Posselius, Brian Robert Ray, Bret Todd Turpin, Daniel John Morwood, Nathan Eric Bunderson
  • Patent number: 10143142
    Abstract: An agricultural baler includes a main bale chamber, a plunger reciprocally movable within the main bale chamber through a compression cycle, a flywheel associated with the movement of the plunger, and a driveline associated with the flywheel and couplable with a power take-off of a traction unit. The baler has an auxiliary power system coupled with the driveline. The auxiliary power system includes a power indicator providing an output signal representing a parameter associated with power usage during the compression cycle of the plunger, a power device for at least one of receiving power from and transferring power to the driveline, and an electrical processing circuit coupled with the power indicator and the power device. The electrical processing circuit is operable for receiving the output signal(s) and controlling operation of the power device, dependent upon the output signal(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Didier Verhaeghe, Tom Coen
  • Patent number: 10143133
    Abstract: There are provided an engine controlling section for controlling a rotational speed of an engine, a horizontal posture controlling section for rendering a vehicle body frame to a horizontal posture by controlling a posture changing mechanism configured to change a posture of the vehicle body frame by an operation of an actuator utilizing power from the engine, a yield measuring section for measuring a yield of grains stored in a grain tank based on measurement result of a load cell configured to measure a weight of the grain tank, an activation operational tool for outputting an activation signal for activating yield measurement by the yield measuring section, and a yield controlling section configured to provide the engine controlling section with a high speed rotation instruction for driving the engine at a rated rotational speed in response to the activation signal and also to provide the horizontal posture controlling section with a horizontal posture instruction for rendering the vehicle body frame to th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ikeda, Hirotsugu Inoue, Tadashi Hamanishi
  • Patent number: 10144621
    Abstract: A method of operating a mobile crane with a boom includes the steps of determining maximum permissible loads for a plurality of positions in a predetermined position range of the boom, determining a load limit and/or one or more load ranges based on a suspended load and on the maximum permissible loads for the plurality of positions of the predetermined position range of the boom, and operating the mobile crane dependent upon the load limit and/or the one or more load ranges. The load limit can be a local load limit and the one or more load ranges can be one or more local load ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Terex Global GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Braun, Stefan Maass, Markus Stöhr, Matthias Roth, Heiko Heintz
  • Patent number: 10144430
    Abstract: A control system for a drive unit configured to control driving force and braking force integrally is provided. The control system comprises: a sensor that detects vehicle conditions and an operation amount of an accelerator pedal etc.; a brake device that is contacted to an input element of a differential unit or a rotary member attached to the drive motor connected to the differential unit; and a controller. The controller is configured to calculate: a target travelling condition based on the vehicle condition and the operation amount detected by the sensor; target drive torques or target braking torques to be applied to the right wheel and left wheel based on the target travelling condition; output torques of a drive motor and a differential motor based on the target driving torques; and a braking force to be established by the brake device and an output torque of the differential motor based on the target braking torques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, ALCHEMICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Isono, Nobuyoshi Sugitani, Aizoh Kubo
  • Patent number: 10123473
    Abstract: An autonomous vehicle platform system and method configured to perform various in-season management tasks, including selectively applying fertilizer, mapping growth zones and seeding cover crop within an agricultural field, while self-navigating between rows of planted crops and beneath the canopy of the planted crops on the uneven terrain of an agricultural field, allowing for an ideal in-season application of fertilizer to occur once the planted crop is well established and growing rapidly, in an effort to limit the loss of fertilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: RowBot Systems LLC
    Inventors: Kent Cavender-Bares, Charles C. Bares
  • Patent number: 10126929
    Abstract: An agricultural work machine for processing an agricultural work process, having numerous working units (1-5) and having a driver assistance system (10) for controlling the working units (1-5) according to at least one user-side specifiable work process strategy (A), which is aimed at fulfilling at least one quality criterion (Q), wherein the driver assistance system (10) comprises a memory (11) for storing data, and a computing device (12) for processing the data stored in the memory (11), wherein the driver assistance system (10) has a graphical user interface (14), via which at least a portion of the work process strategy (A) can be specified by a user. It is proposed that competing quality criteria (Q) that are weighted in relation to one another in accordance with a weighting variable (G) are entered into the work process strategy (A), and that the weighting variable (G) is visualized and can be specified by a user via a virtual operating element (16-19) of the graphical user interface (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Baumgarten, Andreas Wilken, Christoph Heitmann, Bastian Bormann, Sebastian Neu, Christoph Bussmann, Klaus Schäfer, Henner Vöcking, Arthur Berger, Stefan Terörde
  • Patent number: 10119251
    Abstract: A monitoring system implemented on an electric rope shovel having a boom, a dipper, a dipper handle and a revolving frame. The system comprises a plurality of strain gauges, data acquisition unit, a processor and memory, and at least one output device. The locations of the strain gauges include locations on the boom are positioned to predict lateral bending stresses in the dipper handle. The data acquisition unit acquires real-time strain data from the strain gauges, and the processor and memory process at least the acquired real-time strain data to calculate one or more measures of actual instantaneous stress or accumulated damage in the dipper handle. At least one of the output devices provides information comparing the measures with corresponding reference values of maximum allowable stress or accumulated damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventors: Gerard Bernard Chitty, Lasha Biyanga Aponso
  • Patent number: 10111376
    Abstract: A seed depth device for an agricultural planter includes an electric motor, an actuator, a stop, a controller, and a seed depth auto-learn system. The actuator is driven by the electric motor, and is constructed and arranged to move between a home position and a full extension position. The stop is proximate to the actuator when in the home position. The controller includes a computing processor and a computer readable storage medium configured to control the electric motor. The seed depth auto-learn system is, at least in-part, stored and executed by the controller. The seed depth auto-learn system is configured to learn the home position based, at least in-part, on the actuator stalling upon the stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Addney T. Biery, II, Brian G. Maust, Timothy A. Rohn
  • Patent number: 10099706
    Abstract: A remote user can define one or more zone based driver/vehicle behavior definitions. Current vehicle location is analyzed at the vehicle or remotely to determine if the vehicle is approaching or has arrived at a location for which a zone based driver/vehicle behavior has been defined. For zone based driver behavior definitions, a display in the vehicle automatically displays the zone based driver behavior definition to the driver. In some embodiments driver compliance is tracked and non-compliance is reported to the remote user. For zone based vehicle behavior definitions, a vehicle controller at the vehicle responsible for controlling the defined behavior is reprogrammed to impose the defined behavior (no regeneration at location, max speed at location, no idle over 2 minutes at location, etc.). Once the vehicle has left the zone, the controller programming reverts to its prior state, and/or zone based driver behavior definition is no longer displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: ZONAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Bryan Hunt
  • Patent number: 10095241
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to enable a parallel work by a first work vehicle and a second work vehicle to be achieved while measuring the locations of the work vehicles utilizing cheaper satellite location measurement systems. A first satellite location measurement system is mounted on one of a first work vehicle and a second work vehicle, a second satellite location measurement system, which has lower accuracy than that of the first satellite location measurement system, is mounted on a remote control device to be carried on the other of the work vehicles, the actual locations of the first work vehicle and the second work vehicle are measured by the first satellite location measurement system and the second satellite location measurement system, and the locations of the first work vehicle and the second work vehicle are displayed on a display device in the remote control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wataru Nakagawa, Kazuhisa Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 10094093
    Abstract: A machine behavior classification system may include an electronic data collection system and an electronic data analysis system. The electronic data collection system may have an image capture apparatus that is configured to monitor a machine and the image capture apparatus may produce an image data file of the machine. Moreover, the electronic data analysis system may receive the image data file and may perform a data analysis of the image data file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Praveen Halepatali, Sang Kyum Kim, Meng Han, Nolan S. Finch, Vineet Agarwal, Neil Moloney
  • Patent number: 10096174
    Abstract: A method of controlling work machine performance includes providing a controller for controlling at least one machine function and a mobile communication link. The mobile communication link transmits a wireless network and connects to a mobile device via the wireless network when a maintenance schedule mobile application is enabled on the mobile device. The mobile application includes at least one maintenance item to be completed on the work machine before the work machine is enabled to perform the at least one machine function. The method further includes receiving by the mobile communication link a status for the at least one maintenance item, communicating the status to the controller, and determining by the controller if the at least one maintenance item is completed based on the status. The machine is enabled to perform the at least one machine function if the at least one maintenance item is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Daniel D. Watson, Joseph B. Fochs
  • Patent number: 10094704
    Abstract: A system for estimating a payload includes a torque sensor, a grade detector, and a machine acceleration sensor. A controller compares the angle of inclination to its threshold, compares the rate of change in the angle of inclination to its threshold, and compares the machine acceleration to its threshold. An estimate of the payload is determined based upon the output torque from the prime mover, the angle of inclination of the machine, and the unloaded mass but only if the angle of inclination of the machine is greater than the angle of inclination threshold, the rate of change in the angle of inclination is less than the inclination rate of change threshold, and the machine acceleration is less than the acceleration threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Balmes Tejeda, Amit Jayachandran, James W. Landes
  • Patent number: 10072388
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for dispensing a travel path applicant. For example, a computing entity can monitor the location of a maintenance vehicle and/or its travel path to dispense travel path applicants accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Nagesh Kadaba
  • Patent number: 10073457
    Abstract: A control system for an off-road vehicle configured to traverse an off-road vehicle through a field by determining whether a partial row exist or contour differences exist between opposite edges if a route of traversal is used. If a partial row or a contour difference exist adjust the route to increase overlap of rows of the off-road vehicle to distribute the width of the field evenly among the rows or incrementally adjust each row from a first contour of a first edge to a second contour of a second edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignees: CNH Industrial America LLC, Autonomous Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, Bret T. Turpin, Daniel John Morwood
  • Patent number: 10064390
    Abstract: Individual zones are defined within a multi-zone assisted guidance region by storing a zone GPS data point target width, assigning GPS data points located within a perimeter and within the target width to a second zone, allotting GPS data points located interior of and distinct from the second zone and within the target width to a first zone; and finally ascribing unassigned GPS data points located interior of and distinct from the first zone to a safe zone. If there is not enough total width between perimeter points in a region to provide all zones at the target width, a data point width of more exterior zones are preferentially electronically maintained at the target width and more interior zones are reduced or eliminated. In addition, adjacent guidance zones have unique stimulation that acts through different neurological access channels to provide behavioral guidance to an animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: GPSIP, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney P. Landers, Kevin L. Nieuwsma, Chad R. James, Michael D. Erickson, Gregory M. Anderson
  • Patent number: 10066353
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for dispensing a travel path applicant. For example, a computing entity can monitor the location of a maintenance vehicle and/or its travel path to dispense travel path applicants accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Nagesh Kadaba
  • Patent number: 10064332
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting a malfunction in a harvesting machine includes a sensor for mounting to the harvesting machine. The sensor is configured to measure a magnitude of a mechanical wave produced in the harvesting machine, and output a signal based on the magnitude. A controller receives the signal from the sensor. The controller is configured to process the signal and generate an alarm signal when a threshold is exceeded. An alarm unit is configured to receive the alarm signal from the controller when the threshold value is exceeded, and output an alarm to alert the operator of the malfunction. The malfunction can be a slipped clutch caused by a jammed condition, or other anomaly that generates a mechanical wave. The mechanical wave can be a sound wave or mechanical vibration traveling through one or more parts of the harvesting machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Travis Ohms, Dan L. Garland, Jonathan Ricketts, Thamilselvan Karuppannan
  • Patent number: 10066367
    Abstract: A system configured to be mounted to a vehicle for adjusting a position of an implement during an autonomous operation being performed by the vehicle. For example, the vehicle may monitor a height, slope angle, and/or load of an implement during an operation and adjust one or more parameters associated with the implement to achieve a desired finishing profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Robo Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Liang Wang, Linli Zhang
  • Patent number: 10048663
    Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a self-propelled irrigation system compensates for differences in expected wind drift and evaporative losses for time periods over the course of an irrigation cycle. Speed modifier values are determined for selected time periods to modify the base speed for the pivot arm assembly based on the corresponding expected wind drift and evaporative losses, with offsetting speed modifier values to modify the speed of the pivot arm assembly for other time periods, so that the period of time for completing an irrigation cycle remains unchanged. The pivot arm assembly is then controlled to move at the corresponding modified speed for each time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Precision Circle, LLC
    Inventors: Gerald L. Abts, Kevin J. Abts
  • Patent number: 10039234
    Abstract: A hybrid drive system for an auxiliary load includes a hydraulic auxiliary power storage. This hydraulic auxiliary power storage has a plurality of hydraulic power storage units. The hybrid drive system further comprises an power exchange control system that selectively connects a predetermined selection of one or more of the hydraulic power storage units to the hydraulic auxiliary power unit; and controls the power exchange of the auxiliary power unit as a function of the operating period by the predetermined selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Bart M. A. Missotten, Guy H. J. Osselaere, Karel C. F. Pauwels, Vincent B. P. Theunynck
  • Patent number: 10043133
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automated content selection and/or distribution are disclosed herein. The system can include a packet selection system including a recommendation engine. The recommendation engine can select a next data packet that can include content for delivery to a user device. The system can include a presentation system including a presenter module. The presenter module can receive an indication of the selected next data packet and send the content for delivery to the user device via an electrical communication. The system can include a response system including a response processor. The response processor can receive a response from the user device, and the response processor can determine whether the received response is a desired response. The system can include a summary model system including model engine, and a messaging bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: PEARSON EDUCATION, INC.
    Inventor: Greg McFall
  • Patent number: 10033643
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automated content selection and/or distribution are disclosed herein. The system can include a packet selection system including a recommendation engine. The recommendation engine can select a next data packet that can include content for delivery to a user device. The system can include a presentation system including a presenter module. The presenter module can receive an indication of the selected next data packet and send the content for delivery to the user device via an electrical communication. The system can include a response system including a response processor. The response processor can receive a response from the user device, and the response processor can determine whether the received response is a desired response. The system can include a summary model system including model engine, and a messaging bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: PEARSON EDUCATION, INC.
    Inventor: Greg McFall
  • Patent number: 10027505
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for retrofitting a vehicle are presented. The method relates to a vehicle with a factory-installed first apparatus which communicates with a factory-installed second apparatus through a vehicle data bus using a first message. The method includes electrically disconnecting the vehicle data bus between the first apparatus and the second apparatus and electrically connecting a retrofit apparatus to the vehicle data bus. The method further includes transmitting a second message from the retrofit apparatus to the first apparatus which is indistinguishable from the first message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Sucxess LLC
    Inventor: Axel Nix
  • Patent number: 10017913
    Abstract: A construction machine control system includes: a target construction ground shape generation unit which generates a target construction ground shape indicating a target shape of an excavation target; a working device control instruction determination unit which outputs an instruction for driving the working device in a working device operation plane orthogonal to at least one of a boom axis, an arm axis, and a bucket axis based on an operation state of at least one of an arm and a bucket and a distance between the bucket and the target construction ground shape; and a tilting control instruction determination unit which outputs an instruction for performing a tilting control of the bucket about a tilting axis based on a tilting state of the bucket and the distance between the bucket and the target construction ground shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Iwamura, Jin Kitajima, Yoshiro Iwasaki, Yuto Fujii, Takashi Yokoo
  • Patent number: 10013159
    Abstract: A driving support information display device includes a status display area controller, a menu display area controller, and a status information controller. The status display area controller manages a status display area having a plurality of status display sections arranged vertically in one side area of a display screen. The menu display area controller manages an upper menu display area having a plurality of selection button sections arranged side by side in an upper area of the display screen and a lower menu display area having a plurality of selection button sections arranged side by side in a lower area of the display screen. The status information controller displays status information in the status display section by providing to the status display area controller status information relating to a functional module assigned to the selection button section that has been touch input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keiji Takahashi, Susumu Umemoto, Eiji Nishi, Yoshihiro Kushita
  • Patent number: 10013658
    Abstract: A control device in a vehicle includes a unit for calculating, during operation of the vehicle, on the basis of at least one input variable ascertained during operation, at least one output variable for a control system of functions of the vehicle. The control device performs the calculation of the output variables using a Bayesian regression of training values ascertained, before operation, for the output variable and the input variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Felix Streichert, Tobias Lang, Heiner Markert, Axel Aue, Thomas Kruse, Volker Imhof, Thomas Richardsen, Ulrich Schulmeister, Nico Bannow, Rene Diener, Ernst Kloppenburg, Michael Saetzler, Holger Ulmer
  • Patent number: 9989426
    Abstract: Embodiments of an integrated rail efficiency and safety support system and method are shown comprising a server operable to receive a plurality of sets of collected information, each of the sets of collected information comprising a consist physical location and weather conditions and rail temperatures in an area of the respective consist and to process a predictive rail temperature algorithm for predicting a rail temperature and/or a trend in rail temperature for a selected section of track; and wherein the predictive rail temperature algorithm factors the information provided to it and provides a predicted rail temperature and/or trend in rail temperature for the selected section of track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Concaten, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin K. Groeneweg, Christopher J. Rennie
  • Patent number: 9976279
    Abstract: An excavator comprises a chassis, an implement, and an assembly comprising a boom, a stick, and a coupling. The assembly is configured to define a heading {circumflex over (N)} and to swing with, or relative to, the chassis about a swing axis S. The stick is configured to curl relative to the boom about a curl axis C. The implement is coupled to a stick terminal point G via the coupling and is configured to rotate about a rotary axis R such that a leading edge of the implement defines a heading Î. An excavator control architecture comprises sensors and machine readable instructions to generate signals representative of {circumflex over (N)}, an assembly swing rate ?S about S, and a stick curl rate ?C about C, generate a signal representing a terminal point heading ? based on {circumflex over (N)}, ?S, and ?C, and rotate the implement about R such that Î approximates ?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Christopher A. Padilla
  • Patent number: 9974222
    Abstract: This machine includes a tool (30) actuated by an actuating module (32); a dual-frequency satellite positioning module (40) able to take into account corrections relative to the disruptions affecting the propagation of radio navigation signals emitted by each of the visible radio navigation satellites and that are caused by the ionosphere, so as to determine an absolute position of the machine, and consequently of the tool, which is precise to within a centimeter; and a computer (50) able to compare the instantaneous absolute position of the tool and an absolute position of a current revisiting point, selected from among the revisiting points of a revisiting plan, the computer then being able to command the actuation module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: CENTRE NATIONAL D'ETUDES SPATIALES
    Inventor: Denis Laurichesse
  • Patent number: 9975739
    Abstract: One three-phase transformer (71A) out of two paired three-phase transformers among three-phase transformers provided for respective feeder lines outputs, as operating power, first three-phase AC power of the same voltage phase as that of power-supply power. The other three-phase transformer (71B) out of the two paired three-phase transformers outputs, as the operating power, second three-phase AC power of a voltage phase shifted by ?/6 from that of the power-supply power. The power storage device (4) of a crane apparatus (10) stores DC power supplied from a three-phase full-wave rectifier (1) to a common bus (B), and supplies the stored power to the common bus (B) upon reduction of the DC power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUI ENGINEERING & SHIPBUILDING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaharu Kawaguchi, Soshi Sato, Koji Ohi
  • Patent number: 9970180
    Abstract: A control system for controlling the movement of a machine element of a construction machine may include a camera support, a plurality of video cameras, a processor responsive to the cameras, and a control for providing control signals. The camera support is adapted for attachment to a movable construction machine. The plurality of video cameras are mounted in a row on the camera support, with the cameras being directed downward to define overlapping fields of view beneath the row. The processor determines the relative position of a point of interest on a surface in the overlapping fields of view of at least two adjacent cameras. The control provides control signals for controlling the movement of the construction machine in dependence upon the relative position of the point of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Bruce Wayne Enix
  • Patent number: 9970179
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a frame assembly and an attachment assembly. The attachment assembly has an attachment end pivotally connected to the frame assembly and a distal end configured for receiving a variable load. At least one force sensor senses at least one force associated with the attachment end. The at least one force sensor provides an output signal representing the sensed at least one force. An inclination sensor senses an inclination associated with the frame assembly and provides an output signal representing the sensed inclination. An electrical processing circuit is configured for receiving the output signal from the at least one force sensor, determining a value of a couple at the frame assembly which is associated with the sensed at least one force, comparing the couple with a threshold value which is dependent on the sensed inclination, and controlling the controllable output dependent on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Richard K. Lafrenier
  • Patent number: 9968031
    Abstract: A variable speed control system and method for a walk-behind working machine includes a control system base, a control lever selectively movable with respect to the control system base between two operating positions, a mode actuator positioned on the control system base for toggling between a plurality of control modes, and a control unit in communication with the control lever, the mode actuator, and a machine component. The control unit selectively controls the operation of the machine component between a minimum operating speed and a variable maximum operating speed. The control unit applies a different acceleration profile to accelerate from the minimum operating speed to the variable maximum operating speed depending on the control mode selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrew E. Bejcek, Vincent A. Prinzo
  • Patent number: 9960984
    Abstract: A computing device performance monitor may be configured to collect performance metric information regarding one or more monitored computing devices, and may assign condition point values to each metric. The performance monitor may generate a total of the condition point values, and use the total to determine an appropriate response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
    Inventors: David Leach, James Russell, Timothy Parol, David Eng, Mark Anderson, Dante Burks
  • Patent number: 9952115
    Abstract: A rollover prevention system for a machine is disclosed. The rollover prevention system may include an inertial measurement unit (IMU) configured to detect a discharge event of a payload material from the machine and measure a body angle of the machine. The rollover prevention system may further include a controller in communication with the IMU. The controller may be configured to determine an angle of repose of the machine based on the detected discharge event and the measured body angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James Landes, Timothy Schwartz
  • Patent number: 9944210
    Abstract: A method and system to control movement of a dump bin for a dump vehicle having a frame. The dump bin is configured to move through a range of angular positions with respect to the frame, wherein the range of angular positions includes a bin down position at one end of the range and a bin up position at the other. An angular sensor generates angular position information throughout the range of angular positions. An automatic calibration is made at the bin down position and at the bin up position to account for changes to the system caused by sensor drift or mechanical deformation of the dump vehicle and its various parts. By continuous adjustment of the bin positions using the calibrated positions, false positives of the bin alarm are reduced, bin height restrictions are avoided, engine derating is reduced, and float mode is more accurately controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Codie J. Cobb, Shawn W. Faris, Jose M. Martinez
  • Patent number: 9909284
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of responding to a missed cut during a pass made along a planned cut profile using an implement is provided. The computer-implemented method may include identifying the missed cut based at least partially on an implement position and a target cut point, predicting a performance value of the pass based at least partially on the missed cut and an implement load, and restarting the pass if the performance value is less than a minimum performance threshold and the implement load is less than a minimum load threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James H. DeVore, Thandava K. Edara, Mo Wei, Michael A. Taylor, Kenneth L. Stratton
  • Patent number: 9880559
    Abstract: A method of and arrangement for monitoring the collection of plant material includes the following steps and apparatus for executing these steps, respectively: collecting plant location and attribute data with respect to plant material, before and/or during and/or after harvesting the plant material, providing the plant location and attribute data on a collecting vehicle adapted to collect the harvested plant material, moving the collecting vehicle to the harvested plant material based on the plant location data, collecting the harvested plant material, sensing attribute data of the harvested plant material before and/or during and/or after the collecting, and comparing the sensed attribute data with the plant attribute data and generating an output dependent on the result of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Aki Juha Antero Putkonen, Johannes Kaarnametsä, Vesa Siltanen
  • Patent number: 9868438
    Abstract: An arrangement for damping a possible pitching oscillation of a working vehicle supported on the ground by elastic elements is equipped with means to detect an expected and/or existing pitching oscillation of the working vehicle, and a control device, which is connected to the means and to an actuator to influence the propulsion rate of the working vehicle and which can be operated to control the actuator so as to damp the pitching oscillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Benedikt Jung, Guenther Wolf, Philipp Muench
  • Patent number: 9870654
    Abstract: A work device that performs work using a work unit while traveling, or a management system in which the work device is incorporated includes: a travel information generation unit that, over time, generates travel information indicating a travel state; a work information generation unit that, over time, generates work information indicating a work state for the work unit; a travel evaluation unit that, based on the travel information and the work information, divides the traveling of the work device into non-work traveling and actual work traveling; and a data visualization unit that generates visual data according to which the result of the division performed by the travel evaluation unit is made visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Aya Tanabe, Kazuhiro Takahara, Kazunori Matsufuji, Hirotsugu Inoue
  • Patent number: 9871968
    Abstract: An imaging system for a machine having an implement includes at least two cameras mounted on the machine at opposing sides of the implement and configured to generate at least two camera views of an environment of the machine, and a processing device in communication with the at least two cameras. The processing device is configured to obtain the at least two camera views, obtain at least one of a position or an angle of the implement, determine at least one of a position or an angle of a stitching line according to the at least one of the position or the angle of the implement, and generate a stitched surround view based on the at least two camera views and the stitching line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Jay Husted, Peter Joseph Petrany, Simon Richard Conway
  • Patent number: 9863118
    Abstract: A mining machine such as a mining shovel includes a digging assembly having an upward extending boom and a dipper assembly generally horizontally supported by the boom and configured to crowd toward and retract from a vertical bank at a mine site. To determine if the dipper assembly strikes the bank, an electronic controller can calculate a calculated crowd force based in part on a crowd motor torque associated with a crowd motor, a crowd speed of the dipper assembly, and an inertia parameter. If the calculated crowd force exceeds a predetermined first crowd threshold, the electronic controller can register an impact event. In further aspects, the electronic controller can execute a force modification function to modify the crowding forces and a speed reduction function to reduce the crowd speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
    Inventors: Michael Brandt, James Giesfeldt, Robert Hamann
  • Patent number: 9864957
    Abstract: Selected types of information are collected from various sources and a portion thereof transmitted to a remote server. The remote server dynamically compiles and processes this data with information from other similar and separate sources and provides useful and relevant information, such as vehicle and location specific road maintenance radar, forecasts and treatment recommendations, and then transmits the data back to the vehicles in the field for one or more of the appropriate deployment of equipment, instructions and the automated or manual application of materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Concaten, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Rennie, Kevin K. Groeneweg
  • Patent number: 9858376
    Abstract: A method is provided for designing and implementing a circuit comprising an integrated circuit (IC) including a number of analog and digital circuit elements for which operating parameters can be set. In one embodiment the method includes entering in a circuit design tool embodied in a computer readable medium on a server specified requirements for a circuit, the specified requirements including physical properties to be sensed by the circuit. The circuit is automatically modeled by the circuit design tool based on the specified requirements and resources available on the IC, the modeling including translating the specified requirements into parameter settings of the number of the analog and digital circuit elements. The circuit is then built, the building including setting parameters of at least one of the analog and digital circuit elements of the IC using the circuit design tool based on the modeling of the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Antonio Visconti, David LeHoty
  • Patent number: 9854407
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the technical monitoring of objects, in particular of vehicles, by a mobile radio network is provided. The method for operating a mobile radio network having one or a plurality of mobile radio base stations for monitoring the object includes a first network access device for the mobile radio network communicating with at least one of mobile radio base station, including the acts of receiving first data from the first network access device via the at least one mobile radio base station, detecting a physical position or a change of physical position of the object based on the first data, checking whether the detected position or position change meets a predetermined criterion, and, if the predetermined criterion is met, outputting a predetermined signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Sebastian Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 9834908
    Abstract: A control method for a work machine, includes: detecting a posture of a working unit driven by a hydraulic cylinder in a movable range; determining whether the working unit at a stop position of the movable range has started moving based on an operation of the working unit; setting a deceleration section including an end position of the movable range and a deceleration ratio of the working unit in the deceleration section, based on the posture of the working unit in a stopped state at the stop position, and a threshold determined in advance; and outputting a command signal to a control valve, which is capable of adjusting an amount of a working oil supplied to the hydraulic cylinder, such that the working unit moves from the stop position to the end position based on the deceleration section and the deceleration ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiro Iwasaki, Masashi Ichihara
  • Patent number: 9820436
    Abstract: A combine that can accurately measure the weight of grain retained in a grain tank is provided. When a weight measurement signal is output from a measurement switch 66, a weight measurement decision unit 75 instructs a working state determination unit 71 to perform working state determination. If it is determined that the combine is in the working state, the weight measurement decision unit 75 does not instruct a load cell 39 to perform weight measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Hirotsugu Inoue, Kazuhiro Takahara, Hiroshi Ikeda, Kazunori Matsufuji, Katsuhide Kato
  • Patent number: 9816249
    Abstract: An excavator comprises a chassis, an implement, and an assembly comprising a boom, a stick, and a coupling. The assembly is configured to define a heading {circumflex over (N)} and to swing with, or relative to, the chassis about a swing axis S. The stick is configured to curl relative to the boom about a curl axis C. The implement is coupled to a stick terminal point G via the coupling and is configured to rotate about a rotary axis R such that a leading edge of the implement defines a heading Î. An excavator control architecture comprises sensors and machine readable instructions to generate signals representative of {circumflex over (N)}, an assembly swing rate ?S about S, and a stick curl rate ?C about C, generate a signal representing a terminal point heading ? based on {circumflex over (N)}, ?S, and ?C, and rotate the implement about R such that Î approximates ?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Christopher A. Padilla