Construction Or Agricultural-type Vehicle (e.g., Crane, Forklift) Patents (Class 701/50)
  • Patent number: 11629481
    Abstract: A work machine includes an engine, a travel drive system, a work implement, an apparatus drive system with a hydraulic pump, an accelerator operating member, a work implement operating member, and a controller. The controller controls the apparatus drive system in accordance with an operating amount of the work implement operating member. The controller determines a target tractive force of the travel drive system based on an operating amount of the accelerator operating member. The controller determines an allowable acceleration of the work machine. The controller determines an upper limit of tractive force of the travel drive system based on the allowable acceleration. The controller corrects the target tractive force so as to be equal to or less than the upper limit when the target tractive force is greater than the upper limit. The controller controls the travel drive system based on the corrected target tractive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Yuita Takenaka, Kenichi Yamada
  • Patent number: 11629477
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for controlling a work implement (e.g., front-mounted blade) relative to a work vehicle to produce a desired profile in a ground surface. Chassis-mounted sensor(s) detect an actual pitch velocity and an actual pitch angle of the chassis relative to the ground. Further sensor(s) detect an actual lift position of the blade relative to the chassis. A desired profile to be produced by the blade with respect to the ground surface is determined, for example via an automated grade control system, via manually-initiated trigger(s), and/or via time-based rolling averages of detected values. A position of the implement is automatically controlled as a function of each of the actual pitch velocity, the actual pitch angle of the chassis relative to the ground, and the actual lift position of the work implement relative to the chassis, corresponding to the desired profile with respect to the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Todd F. Velde, Daniel M. Kassen
  • Patent number: 11619030
    Abstract: A shovel includes a lower traveling body, an upper turning body turnably mounted on the lower traveling body, a cab mounted on the upper turning body, an attachment including a boom attached to the upper turning body, a boom cylinder configured to drive the boom, a control device configured to control hydraulic oil flowable into the boom cylinder, and an information obtaining device configured to obtain information on the attachment. The control device is configured to increase the pressure of hydraulic oil flowable into the boom cylinder in accordance with the information on the attachment before a boom raising operation is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: SUMITOMO(S.H.I.) CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Youji Misaki
  • Patent number: 11618120
    Abstract: A control system for controlling a tool of a machine includes at least one controller and detecting means. The detecting means includes at least one range finder device for at least partly detecting and positioning an object with regards to the tool in 3D space. An operation mode of the at least one controller depends at least in part on the object. A machine and a method for controlling a tool of the machine are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Novatron Oy
    Inventor: Arto Anttila
  • Patent number: 11620619
    Abstract: A system predicts needed maintenance for an irrigation system that includes a portion of the irrigation system and a movable end gun operably associated with the portion of the irrigation system. The predictive maintenance system includes a controller and one or more sensors configured to couple to the movable end gun and configured to electrically communicate with the controller. The one or more sensors are configured to generate an electrical signal indicative of movement and/or positioning of the movable end gun relative to the portion of the irrigation system over time. The controller is configured to receive the electrical signal and determine whether the movable end gun, or one or more components thereof, requires maintenance based on the electrical signal. The signal indicative of abnormal operation includes an indication of movement and/or positioning relative to the portion of the irrigation system over a period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: HEARTLAND AG TECH, INC.
    Inventors: Russell Sanders, Jeremie Pavelski
  • Patent number: 11613872
    Abstract: In a state where a slewing stop operation is input, in a first state where a slewing command value is equal to or greater than an actual slewing speed, a drive unit stops outputting a torque command value, and a free-run state occurs. In the first state, a command value calculation unit decreases the slewing command value at a first inclination. Meanwhile, in the state where the slewing stop operation is input, in a second state where the slewing command value is less than the actual slewing speed, the command value calculation unit decreases the slewing command value at a second inclination that is gentler than the first inclination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takayuki Doi
  • Patent number: 11608613
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for use with a work machine. The work machine has a platform which supports an operator. When the operator is not on the platform, the platform moves into a first position, causing a signal generator to send a signal to a controller. The controller is configured to limit the hydraulic flow to the ground drive motor when the platform is in the first position. The controller may directly reduce operation of the engine, or may adjust a valve which diverts a portion of hydraulic flow. The limitation may be overridden when desired by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Brant Douglas Kukuk, Jacob Harman, Christopher Trimble, Monty Kyle Hawkins
  • Patent number: 11609562
    Abstract: A work machine has a backup camera that captures images of an area of a worksite behind the work machine. A controller identifies pre-defined markings in the worksite and localizes the pre-defined markings to the work machine, based on the images. A control signal generator generates control signals to automatically control the work machine based upon the localized markings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Michael G. Kean, Amy K. Jones, Brett S. Graham, Nathaniel M. Czarnecki, Gordon E. Miller, Rachel Bruflodt
  • Patent number: 11608614
    Abstract: A loading machine for loading, hauling, and dumping material about a worksite includes a lifting implement pivotally joined to a machine frame to articulate with respect to a work surface. A lift sensor is operatively configured to measure vertical articulation of the lifting mechanism. An electronic controller communicating with the lift sensor can be programmed to operate the loading machine in one of a rated performance mode and a limited performance mode depending upon the vertical articulation of the lifting implement with respect to the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew James Massey
  • Patent number: 11596964
    Abstract: A system for spraying plants comprises a location-determining receiver for estimating a position of a sprayer with respect to one or more rows of plants. A distance sensor is arranged to measure a distance between a nozzle assembly and a plant row segment. A guidance module is adapted to align the nozzle assembly with a target path between the rows of plants, such as a centered path between the rows, or offset between the rows of the plants. A first nozzle is targeted toward a first zone with respect to the plant row segment based on a first spray pattern of the first nozzle. A second nozzle is targeted toward a second zone with respect to the plant row segment based on a second spray pattern of the second nozzle. A nozzle selection module for selecting automatically a first nozzle or a second nozzle based on maximum coverage of a target zone around the plant segment based on the first zone, the second zone, and the measured distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Larry L. Hendrickson, Noel W. Anderson, Thomas G. Mueller, Richard J. Connell
  • Patent number: 11598254
    Abstract: Systems are disclosed for providing a work vehicle with a mounted auxiliary power source. The control system of the auxiliary power source may be connected to a communication network of the work vehicle to receive data from various systems of the work vehicle and control and power various systems of the work vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan Joe Jochman
  • Patent number: 11599957
    Abstract: The work state identifying unit identifies a work state of a work machine disposed in a construction site at each time point and a work state of a transport vehicle traveling at the construction site at each time point. The time chart generation unit that generates a time chart representing the work state of the work machine at each time point and a time chart representing the work state of the transport vehicle at each time point on the basis of the identified work states. The output control unit that outputs the time charts on an identical screen with a time axis as a common axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Onishi, Shinya Kanou, Kyohei Kuroda, Shota Furukawa, Naoyuki Omuro
  • Patent number: 11598073
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a work implement. A control system for the work vehicle includes a controller. The controller acquires work range data indicative of a work range. The controller determines a division distance by dividing an entire length of the work range by a predetermined number of divisions. The controller determines a plurality of starting positions so that the distance between each starting position matches the division distance in the work range. The controller generates an instruction signal to actuate the work implement from the plurality of starting positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Yukihisa Takaoka, Kazuki Kure
  • Patent number: 11599108
    Abstract: A mining machine is disclosed. The mining machine may include a mobile ranging device, a movement sensor device, and a control unit. The mobile ranging device may be configured to communicate with a location sensor device and cause the location sensor device to transmit location data relating to a location of the mining machine. The movement sensor device may be configured to transmit movement data relating to a movement of the mining machine. The control unit may be configured to receive coordinate data relating to a plurality of zones and a plurality of drawpoints of a tunnel, the location data, and the movement data. The control unit may identify an active zone, determine a machine heading, determine a machine articulation, identify an active drawpoint based on the active zone, the machine heading, or the machine articulation, and cause an action to be performed in connection with the active drawpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Smith, Tyson Phillips
  • Patent number: 11591768
    Abstract: A control method of a work machine includes: calculating a maximum flow rate of hydraulic oil discharged from a hydraulic pump; calculating a first target speed of working equipment including a bucket based on an operation amount of an operation device operated for driving a plurality of hydraulic actuators to which the hydraulic oil discharged from the hydraulic pump is supplied to drive the working equipment and a distance between the bucket and a target excavation landform; calculating a second target speed of the working equipment based on the maximum flow rate, and the operation amount of the operation device and the distance between the bucket and the target excavation landform; and outputting a control signal for controlling the hydraulic actuators based on a smaller one of the first target speed and the second target speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Toru Matsuyama, Hikaru Suzuki, Jin Kitajima
  • Patent number: 11589509
    Abstract: One or more information maps are obtained by an agricultural work machine. The one or more information maps map one or more agricultural characteristic values at different geographic locations of a field. An in-situ sensor on the agricultural work machine senses an agricultural characteristic as the agricultural work machine moves through the field. A predictive map generator generates a predictive map that predicts a predictive agricultural characteristic at different locations in the field based on a relationship between the values in the one or more information maps and the agricultural characteristic sensed by the in-situ sensor. The predictive map can be output and used in automated machine control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Nathan R. Vandike, Bhanu Kiran Reddy Palla, Noel W. Anderson
  • Patent number: 11595618
    Abstract: An enhanced visibility system for a work machine includes an image capture device, a sensor, one or more control circuits, and a display. The image capture device is configured to obtain image data of an area surrounding the work machine. The sensor is configured to obtain data regarding physical properties of the area surrounding the work machine. The control circuits are configured to receive the image data and the data regarding the physical properties, and augment the image data with the data regarding the physical properties to generate augmented image data. The display is configured to display the augmented image data to provide an enhanced view of the area surrounding the work machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley P. Krone, Joseph L. Faivre, Michael W. Bridenbaugh, Brad R. Van De Veer, Shastri Ram
  • Patent number: 11585801
    Abstract: Method, systems, and techniques for determining the age of an underground space are provided. In some embodiments, determining the age of an underground space comprises taking soil samples from a plurality of surface locations within a second underground space, analyzing the soil samples from the plurality of surface locations to determine an amount of a chemical compound for each soil sample, and determining an age of the second underground space using one or more relationships based on amounts of the chemical compound measured in a plurality of soil samples taken over a period of time in a first underground space and a baseline amount of the chemical compound at one or more locations remote from both the first underground space and the second underground space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: The MITRE Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Latham
  • Patent number: 11580731
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems may be utilized for detecting one or more properties of a plant area and generating a map of the plant area indicating at least one property of the plant area. The system comprises an inspection system associated with a transport device, the inspection system including one or more sensors configured to generate data for a plant area including to: capture at least 3D image data and 2D image data; and generate geolocational data. The datacenter is configured to: receive the 3D image data, 2D image data, and geolocational data from the inspection system; correlate the 3D image data, 2D image data, and geolocational data; and analyze the data for the plant area. A dashboard is configured to display a map with icons corresponding to the proper geolocation and image data with the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Adroit Robotics
    Inventors: Jose Angelo Gurzoni, Jr., Plinio Thomaz Aquino, Jr., Milton Perez Cortez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11576296
    Abstract: An agricultural mowing system includes: a driving vehicle having a steerable axle and a pivotable tongue and defining a travel axis; a first mower coupled to the driving vehicle; a second mower coupled to the tongue; a tongue actuator configured to pivot the tongue; a tongue angle sensor configured to output signals corresponding to a tongue angle of the tongue; and a controller operatively coupled to the tongue actuator and the tongue angle sensor. The controller is configured to: determine a lateral overlap or underlap of the mowers exceeds a threshold value based at least partially on the tongue angle and a steering angle of the steerable axle; determine a correction angle needed for the tongue to pivot such that the lateral overlap or underlap no longer exceeds the threshold value; and output a correction signal to the tongue actuator to pivot the tongue by the correction angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Edward H. Priepke, John H. Posselius
  • Patent number: 11575249
    Abstract: The present application relates to a cable laying device (100). The cable laying device is used for laying a cable, and comprises: a cable laying part (10) comprising a base section (11) and an extension section (12); a turnover mechanism (20) and a positioning adjustment mechanism (30), wherein, the base section (11) and the extension section (12) are connected rotatably relative to each other at their longitudinal ends; the positioning adjustment mechanism (30) is connected to the base section and comprises a rotating assembly (31), wherein the rotating assembly (31) drives the cable laying part to rotate; and the turnover mechanism (20) connects the extension section (12) and the base section (11), and drives the extension section (12) to turn over relative to the base section (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Yantai Jereh Petroleum Equipment & Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiaolei Ji, Shouzhe Li, Liang Lv, Chunqiang Lan, Sheng Chang, Shuzhen Cui, Yipeng Wu, Xincheng Li
  • Patent number: 11571723
    Abstract: Systems, devices, apparatus and methods for cleaning contaminated tanks without introducing large amounts of free water or liquefier into the tanks. A gathering arm assembly and a bucket assembly is used to remove and break up waste debris from a contaminated tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: AGI Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Alex G. Innes
  • Patent number: 11572671
    Abstract: A machine includes a frame, a plurality of traction devices supporting the frame, an engine and an operator cab mounted to the frame, an implement system configured to move the work tool to a desired position, position sensors, a tilt-rotate system to move the work tool to a desired orientation, orientation sensors, an operator interface, and a control module. The control module is configured to receive a model of the work tool, receive boundary inputs defining a virtual boundary, receive signals from the position sensors and the orientation sensors, receive implement control inputs from the operator interface, determine a position and orientation of the work tool based on the signals and the model, determine whether the work tool is approaching the virtual boundary based on the position and orientation, the boundary inputs, and the implement control inputs, and automatically prevent the work tool from crossing the virtual boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar SARL
    Inventors: Michael Aron Viergutz, Kensuke Tanaka, Yozo Nakamoto, Carsten Thees, Kiesuke Shirani
  • Patent number: 11573554
    Abstract: A drive system (10), in particular for process automation, includes: a trajectory planning unit (3), which is adapted to provide a trajectory signal (xd) on the basis of a setpoint signal (xs), and an actuator unit (2) having an actuator member (1), in particular a valve member, which actuator unit (2) is adapted to control and/or regulate a position of the actuator member (1) on the basis of the trajectory signal (xd). The trajectory planning unit (3) is adapted to provide the trajectory signal (xd) with a first signal section (s1) and a second signal section (s2), the first signal section (s1) having a straight signal form and the second signal section (s2) having a signal form asymptotic to the setpoint signal (xs).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Festo SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rainer Nitsche, Matthias Joachimsthaler, Fabian Wiek
  • Patent number: 11572262
    Abstract: A machine includes a base, a lift assembly, a first wireless transceiver, a plurality of second wireless transceivers, and a processing circuit. The lift assembly is coupled to and repositionable relative to the base. The first wireless transceiver is coupled to a portion or component of the lift assembly. The first wireless transceiver is configured to transmit a first wireless signal. The plurality of second wireless transceivers are coupled to the base. The plurality of second wireless transceivers are configured to detect the first wireless signal and transmit a plurality of second wireless signals in response to detecting the first wireless signal. The first wireless transceiver is configured to detect the plurality of second wireless signals. The processing circuit is communicably coupled to the first wireless transceiver. The processing circuit is configured to determine a position of the portion or component based on information acquired from the first wireless transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Korry D. Kobel, Stefan Eshleman, Robert S. Messina
  • Patent number: 11567498
    Abstract: An agriculture support device includes a traveling creator to create a scheduled traveling route of an agricultural machine in an agricultural field, a display controller to display on an external terminal a virtual traveling status of the agricultural machine to travel on the scheduled traveling route created by the traveling creator, and a correction permitting controller to permit correction of the scheduled traveling route created by the traveling creator when the external terminal requests the correction. The display controller displays, on the external terminal, the virtual traveling status and a result traveling status of the agricultural machine that has traveled on the scheduled traveling route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akinori Unesaki, Izuru Shimamoto, Hirokazu Sasamoto, Yoshiharu Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 11561542
    Abstract: A navigational system for a host vehicle may comprise at least one processing device. The processing device may be programmed to receive a first output and a second output associated with the host vehicle; identify a representation of a target object in the first output; and determine whether a characteristic of the target object triggers a navigational constraint. If the navigational constraint is not triggered, the processing device may verify the identification of the representation of the target object based on a combination of the first output and the second output. If the navigational constraint is triggered, the processing device may verify the identification of the representation of the target object based on the first output; and in response to the verification, cause at least one navigational change to the host vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Mobileye Vision Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Amnon Shashua, Shai Shalev-Shwartz, Shaked Shammah
  • Patent number: 11553636
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling robotic actions for agricultural tasks are disclosed which use a spacing-aware plant detection model. A disclosed method, in which all steps are computer-implemented, includes receiving, using an imager moving along a crop row, at least one image of at least a portion of the crop row. The method also includes using the at least one image, a plant detection model, and an average inter-crop spacing for the crop row to generate an output from the plant detection model. The plant detection model is spacing aware in that the output of the plant detection model is altered or overridden based on the average inter-crop spacing. The method also includes outputting a control signal for the robotic action based on the output from the biased plant detection model. The method also includes conducting the robotic action for the agricultural task in response to the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: FarmWise Labs Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Palomares, Michael Javault, Matthew Condino, Yu Nung Ma
  • Patent number: 11549240
    Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking a heading of an excavator are provided. An initial heading of the excavator platform is obtained and a current azimuthal orientation of the excavator platform is associated with the initial heading. Coordinates of a measurement center of the GNSS device are obtained. Coordinates of a center of rotation of the excavator platform are determined using the initial heading of the excavator platform, the coordinates of the measurement center, and a known spatial relationship between the measurement center of the GNSS device and the center of rotation of the excavator platform. Rotation of the excavator platform is tracked from the initial heading to a first heading using rotation measurements from a swing sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Ennis, Christopher Corwin
  • Patent number: 11548368
    Abstract: A hybrid power drive system, including a power battery device, a range extender system, and a motor drive system. The power battery device is configured to supply power to the motor drive system. The range extender system includes an engine and a generator. The generator is able to generate power under the driving of the engine to supply the power to the motor drive system and/or charge the power battery device. The hybrid power drive system further includes a vehicle control unit configured to control the engine and/or generator of the range extender system to generate a driving force. The range extender system is mechanically connected to a main coupling mechanism to transmit the generated driving force to a main drive axle of a vehicle by means of the main coupling mechanism to drive wheels on both sides of the axle to rotate. Also provided is a vehicle having the hybrid power drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignees: ZHEJIANG GEELY HOLDING GROUP CO., LTD, ZHEJIANG GEELY NEW ENERGY COMMERCIAL VEHICLES CO., LTD
    Inventors: Shufu Li, Wenyuan Cai, Hongxing Hu, Jianlin Wei, Yuanze Lin
  • Patent number: 11544657
    Abstract: A system and method for analyzing the effectiveness of road maintenance efforts within a district is provided. Data obtained from roadway weather information stations and a traffic data monitoring system is gathered to determine when weather events begin and end based upon weather conditions and traffic information. The effectiveness of roadway maintenance efforts after the end of such weather event is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: State of Ohio, Department of Transportation
    Inventors: John A. MacAdam, David L. Holstein, Thomas M. Lyden, Sonja R. Simpson, Scott E. Lucas
  • Patent number: 11542126
    Abstract: This crane is provided with: a boom; a wire rope suspended down from a leading end section of the boom; a suspender that is fixed to a lower end of the wire rope and is for suspending a slinging tool for hanging a load; a calculation unit that calculates a first load, which is the weight of a member that is suspended down from the suspender; a slinging tool database unit that stores information pertaining to the slinging tool corresponding to the first load; a determination unit that determines whether a load is being suspended from the suspender; and a control unit that acquires the information pertaining to the slinging tool corresponding to the first load from the slinging tool database unit if the load is being suspended, and sets the vertical length of the slinging tool on the basis of the acquired information pertaining to the slinging tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: TADANO LTD.
    Inventors: Tomokazu Goto, Shinsuke Kanda, Kazuma Mizuki
  • Patent number: 11536572
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of a method and system that uses a vertical or upward facing imaging sensor to compute vehicle attitude, orientation, or heading and combines the computed vehicle attitude, orientation, or heading with range bearing measurements from an imaging sensor, LiDAR, sonar, etc., to features in the vicinity of the vehicle to compute accurate position and map estimates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Saurav Agarwal, Suman Chakravorty
  • Patent number: 11533836
    Abstract: An articulated tractor comprises a front frame, a rear frame articulated to the front frame by a central articulation, and a pivotable hitch carried by one of the front frame and the rear frame. The hitch is pivoted during steering. Front wheels are offset from the rear part of the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Alessandro Benevelli, Francesco Paolini
  • Patent number: 11537144
    Abstract: A display control device includes an image receiving unit that receives an image captured by an imaging device included in a work machine and a display control unit that processes the image based on a movement amount of the work machine in receipt delay time of the image, and generates a display signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Minagawa, Jun Morinaga, Yasuhiro Ohyama, Qi Ding
  • Patent number: 11537123
    Abstract: A system is configured for confirming a mobile cooperative target being automatically tracked and measured by a total station or theodolite in order to automatically control a machine operation of a construction site machine. The system includes at least one total station or theodolite with a UWBST anchor-module having an anchor-ID, and a cooperative target associated with a UWBST tag-module having a tag-identifier (tag-ID) and being used for automatically controlling a machine operation of the construction site machine. The system can include a machine control unit associated with the construction site machine configured for controlling machine operations based on tracking and continuously measuring cooperative targets carried out by the total station or theodolite, and an ultra-wide band (UWB) distance meter associated with the UWBST anchor-module configured for measuring a distance (UWB-distance) between the UWBST anchor-module and the UWBST tag-module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Tommi Juhani Kauppinen, Damien Dusha
  • Patent number: 11531345
    Abstract: A path controller for guiding an autonomous vehicle along a desired path may include an input module that may receive input signals such as, a normal error signal that indicates an off-path deviation of the autonomous vehicle relative to a desired path, a heading signal, and a curvature signal associated with the autonomous vehicle. The path controller may also include a curvature rate module that calculates a curvature rate output signal to guide the autonomous vehicle along the desired path and a communication module that communicates the curvature rate output signal to a steering control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Autonomous Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew D. Berkemeier
  • Patent number: 11532162
    Abstract: A vehicle recognition unit of an information presenting device specifies a position of each of a plurality of vehicles, based on images captured by a plurality of imaging devices installed at a construction site. A vehicle designating unit receives designation of a designated vehicle, among the plurality of specified vehicles. A display control unit outputs a signal for displaying in an overlapping manner a proximity plot representing a position of another vehicle whose distance from the designated vehicle is less than a threshold on an overhead image of the construction site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanobu Seki, Shunsuke Miyamoto, Kaoru Yasuda
  • Patent number: 11532184
    Abstract: A surveying device is operated to measure a surface profile of a terrain of a worksite and generate surface profile data indicative of the surface profile. A work machine is operated to move along a route over the terrain in accordance with an operating parameter and generates machine operational data indicative of the operating parameter. A navigation system determines the route and generates route data. A processing unit processes the route data, machine operational data and surface profile data to generate monitored operating condition data indicative of a monitored operating condition of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar SARL
    Inventors: David Wisley, Alan Todd, Michael Looney, John Percival
  • Patent number: 11528840
    Abstract: A system to meter multiple agricultural products according to an independently prescribed rate for each in a variable-ratio blend of the agricultural products from a single opener in a plurality of such systems and openers across an applicator such as a drill. Bulk storage compartments associated with the applicator deliver multiple agricultural products to metering assemblies mounted in clusters or pods across the applicator. The agricultural products are fed from the metering assemblies, via a flow re-director, into a manifold, and then into a corresponding single opener having conduits to transport the agricultural product into the soil. Controllers independently regulate metering by the metering assemblies. The flow re-director and manifold provide blending of combinations of the agricultural products for each opener according to a field prescription.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Clean Seed Agricultural Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Colin Mark Rosengren, Robert Sydney Ruff, Charles Joseph Schembri, Gordon Blair Wilson
  • Patent number: 11530526
    Abstract: A system for performing an earthmoving operation may include a work vehicle having an articulable implement and a soil composition sensor supported on the work vehicle. The soil composition sensor may generate data indicative of a soil composition below a surface of a worksite. The system may additionally include a computing system communicatively coupled to the soil composition sensor and the work vehicle. The computing system may receive an input associated with a target profile of the worksite. The computing system may further receive the data indicative of the soil composition of the worksite. Additionally, the computing system may generate an earthmoving prescription map based at least in part on the target profile of the worksite and the soil composition of the worksite, where the earthmoving prescription map indicates soil composition layers between the surface of the worksite and the target profile of the worksite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Scott A. Elkins
  • Patent number: 11525244
    Abstract: A display device for a shovel that includes an attachment including a boom, an arm, and an end attachment includes an operation analysis start input part and an operation analysis check input part. The operation analysis start input part is configured to be operated to start an operation analysis of the shovel and store the history of the operation analysis. The operation analysis check input part is configured to be operated to display the result of the operation analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: SUMITOMO (S.H.I.) CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Youji Misaki
  • Patent number: 11525238
    Abstract: A work machine includes a mechanical arm. A work implement is coupled to the mechanical arm to receive a load. A hydraulic actuator moves the arm between a lower position and an upper position, wherein a distance between the lower position and the upper position is a travel distance of the mechanical arm. A sensor unit is configured to sense the load in the work implement. A valve is in fluid communication with the hydraulic actuator for supplying a fluid output to the hydraulic actuator. A controller is in communication with the valve and the sensor unit. The controller is configured to transmit a control signal to the valve to adjust the fluid output to the hydraulic actuator. The controller is also configured to adjust the upper position to reduce the travel distance in response to the load being at or above a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: David J. Myers, Doug M. Lehmann
  • Patent number: 11521151
    Abstract: The overall quality of a workforce is analyzed, scored and presented using an analysis engine that performs a multi-domain analysis on enterprise data. The analysis engine presents key information about the performance of a workforce across a range of hardware devices so as to inform different users in their unique contexts and roles within a business organization as to workforce performance. The analysis engine associates a customizable performance profile with each workforce member. Each performance profile is comprised of a plurality of performance measures. Each performance measure in turn, represents a performance metric that measures some aspect of the job duties performed by the associated workforce member, e.g., an industrial vehicle operator. The scores are aggregated into an overall performance profile score. To compute the scores, data is considered across multiple domains, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Sergio Schulte de Oliveira, Robert J. Kelley, Benjamin J. Purrenhage, Philip W. Swift
  • Patent number: 11519158
    Abstract: A shovel according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a lower traveling body, an upper turning body rotatably mounted on the lower traveling body, an operator's compartment provided to the upper turning body, a display device provided in the operator's compartment, and an input device provided in the operator's compartment. The display device is capable of displaying a setting screen for a construction support system using information and communication technology, and a function to switch a screen displayed on the display device to the setting screen is assigned to the input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: SUMITOMO(S.H.I.) CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takaaki Morimoto, Yuho Nishimagi, Takeya Izumikawa
  • Patent number: 11518368
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method, computer system, and computer program product for preventing tipping of a load during transport by a vehicle is provided. The present invention may include retrieving a tipping point of the load, based on a center of gravity of the load, a speed of the vehicle, and a turning radius of the vehicle, wherein the tipping point is based on a simulation utilizing finite element analysis; and responsive to determining that the center of gravity of the load is within a threshold distance of the tipping point, taking a corrective action which may include controlling the speed or turning radius of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Budy Notohardjono, Suraush Khambati, Shawn Canfield, Richard M. Ecker
  • Patent number: 11512447
    Abstract: A work machine includes systems and methods for stability control based on operating values. The work machine includes a control system having a sensor system with a load sensor, an arm position sensor, and an articulation angle sensor. A controller is in communication with the sensor system. The controller is configured to receive a movement command and to receive a set of values from the sensor system. The controller is configured to determine an operational window for normal operation of the work vehicle based on the received set of values, determine a movement limit based on the received set of values, and limit movement of a component beyond the movement limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: David Myers, Doug Lehmann
  • Patent number: 11510539
    Abstract: An auto clean machine comprising: a chassis; an internal light source, located inside the chassis, for emitting internal light; an external light source, located outside the chassis, for emitting external light; an optical sensor, configured to sense optical data generated according to the external light or according to the internal light; and a control circuit, configured to analyze optical information of the optical data. If the internal light source is activated, the external light source is de-activated and the control circuit determines variation of the optical information is larger than a variation threshold, the control circuit changes the internal light source to be non-activated and the external light source to be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: PixArt Imaging Inc.
    Inventors: Muan Sian Ng, Wan Piang Lim, Hui-Hsuan Chen
  • Patent number: 11512446
    Abstract: Embodiments of a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device having a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick position sensor monitoring movement of the joystick relative to the base housing. An MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary a joystick stiffness resisting movement of the joystick relative to the base housing in at least one degree of freedom. A controller architecture is coupled to the joystick position sensor and to the MRF joystick resistance mechanism. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to increase the joystick stiffness when the joystick is moved into a first predetermined detent position to generate a first MRF detent; and (ii) selectively activate a first detent-triggered function of the work vehicle based, at least in part, on joystick movement relative to the first MRF detent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark E. Breutzman, Amy K. Jones, Madeline T. Oglesby, Erik W. McWethy
  • Patent number: 11510357
    Abstract: A plurality of different controllers on an agricultural machine are time synchronized. A positioning system detects a geographic location and a timestamp, which is indicative of a time when the geographic location was sensed, is applied to the geographic location. A first controller, that identifies an action to be taken based upon a location of the agricultural machine and a speed of the agricultural machine, and also based on a geographic location of where the action is to be taken, generates a future timestamp indicating a future time at which the action is to be taken. An action identifier (that identifies the action) and the future timestamp is sent to an actuator controller that controls an actuator to take the action. The actuator controller identifies an actuator delay corresponding to the actuator and controls the actuator to take the action at a time identified in the future timestamp based upon the future timestamp, a current time, and the actuator delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Pradeep Kale, Jason D. Walter, Omkar Joshi