Kenneth L Mcconnell

US Patent:

6646405, Nov 11, 2003

Filed:

Mar 12, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/803046

Inventors:

Kenneth G. McConnell - Ames IA
Chad E. Bouton - Delaware OH

Assignee:

Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc. - Ames IA

International Classification:

G05B 1904

US Classification:

3185682

Abstract:

A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a control system (and corresponding method) which monitors and controls both joint torque and arm position during operation of a device such as a manipulator, whereby oscillation is rapidly removed when the system is disturbed by either movement, stopping of the system after completing a movement, by disturbance from external forces, or any other disturbance. Furthermore, the system can achieve rapid motion over a wide manipulator payload range. This is achieved in a preferred embodiment by providing control of torque and thereby allowing control of the arm deflection. In this illustrative arrangement, the joint torque takes on high levels (below the arms elastic limit), allowing rapid motion without causing arm oscillation. It has been found that the arm can be transformed from a cantilever-type structure to a pin-free-type structure. The invention allows for high joint torque levels with low frequency content, thereby enabling rapid arm movement without induced oscillation.

US Patent:

47591854, Jul 26, 1988

Filed:

Sep 18, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/098163

Inventors:

Kenneth C. McConnell - Ankeny IA
Steve H. McBee - Ankeny IA
Bruce L. Hubbard - Ankeny IA

Assignee:

Deere & Company - Moline IL

International Classification:

F16D 3102

US Classification:

60444

Abstract:

A control system for terminating the power input to the picking units of a cotton harvester after a short delay by automatically causing a hydrostatic drive to return to neutral. A seat switch and a delay timer electrically connected to a solenoid valve on a servo control system of the hydrostatic pump deactivates the servo system and returns the pump swashplate to a neutral position to stop the unit movement when the operator leaves his seat. Another switch connected in parallel with the operator seat switch is activable when the unit drive is in neutral making the system effective only when the picking units are engaged. A service bypass circuit is provided which, when the hydrostatic lever is in a special low speed position and when the main ground drive of the transmission is in neutral, permits the units to be operated at a relatively slow speed by depressing a remotely located switch.

US Patent:

57032947, Dec 30, 1997

Filed:

Dec 29, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/578167

Inventors:

Kenneth G. McConnell - Ames IA
Guy M. Houser - Bainbridge Isl. WA

Assignee:

Iowa State University Research Foundation - Ames IA

International Classification:

A63B 5300

US Classification:

73579

Abstract:

A method of evaluating the vibration characteristics of a golf club comprises identifying the natural frequencies of vibration of the golf club through a pseudorandom vibrational excitation of the club. The club is then excited at least at some of the identified natural frequencies and the club head is observed under a strobe light to identify and locate on the face of the club head the node lines corresponding to the vibrational mode shape for these natural frequencies. The intersection pattern of the node lines as observed and mapped on the club face and the offset of this pattern from the presumed sweet spot provides important information as to the likely feel this particular golf club will have. In addition, a method of impacting a golf club at the sweet spot with a predetermined force is disclosed to simulate the impact of the club with a golf ball. The frequency response curve represented by the vibration levels as a function of frequency is a useful indicator of the gross or absolute levels of vibration of the club.

US Patent:

48545414, Aug 8, 1989

Filed:

Aug 8, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/229310

Inventors:

Kenneth G. McConnell - Ames IA

Assignee:

Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc. - Ames IA

International Classification:

H02G 714
F16L 300

US Classification:

248565

Abstract:

The power line support of the present invention comprises a support tower having a lower end supported on the ground and having an upper end. A power line energy absorber is attached to the upper end of the support tower and comprises a housing attached to the support tower, a reciprocating piston within the housing and pneumatic damping chambers within the housing on opposite sides of the piston for yieldably resisting reciprocating movement of the piston within the housing. A cable is connected to the piston and extends over a pulley downwardly to the electrical insulator which connects to the power line where it supports the power line above the ground. Dynamic energy from the power line is transferred upwardly through the cable to the piston and is absorbed by virtue of the compression and expansion of the air within the chambers on opposite sides of the piston.

US Patent:

49302973, Jun 5, 1990

Filed:

Oct 11, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/255937

Inventors:

Francis E. Schlueter - Des Moines IA
Kenneth C. McConnell - Ankeny IA
Steve A. Junge - Johnston IA
Steve H. McBee - Ankeny IA

Assignee:

Deere & Company - Moline IL

International Classification:

A01D 8500
A01D 8700
A01D 9000

US Classification:

56 166

Abstract:

Cotton harvester basket structure including an upper basket portion telescopingly received within a lower basket portion and first hydraulic actuators for moving the basket between harvesting and dump positions and second actuators for telescoping the basket portions between a retracted storage position and an extended field-working position. An unloading conveyor and compacting augers are connected to and movable with the upper basket portion, and the compacting augers also serve to meter cotton during the dump cycle. Telescoping cotton conveying ducts are movable with the upper basket portion between retracted transport and raised field-working positions. Hydraulic circuitry includes valves for selectively controlling the basket telescoping and dump functions and the conveyor and compacting auger operations.

US Patent:

6039532, Mar 21, 2000

Filed:

Jul 17, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/895726

Inventors:

Kenneth G. McConnell - Ames IA

Assignee:

Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc. - Ames IA

International Classification:

F01D 510

US Classification:

415119

Abstract:

An blower of the squirrel cage type that includes a baffle extending from the cut-off area between the impeller and the air outlet for providing a gradual decrease in air flow area between the impeller and the housing. The baffle decreases in width with a leading edge that follows a linear or non-linear curve to effect the gradual change in air flow area. This gradual change in the air flow area reduces the pressure pulse at the cut-off area and thereby reduces noise and vibration and improves the efficiency of the blower.

US Patent:

43064035, Dec 22, 1981

Filed:

Oct 17, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/197838

Inventors:

Arthur L. Hubbard - Ankeny IA
Kenneth C. McConnell - Ankeny IA

Assignee:

Deere & Company - Moline IL

International Classification:

A01D 7518

US Classification:

56 103

Abstract:

A device for sensing the loading on an input drive of a cotton harvesting unit and providing a warning when an overload of the drive occurs. Normal tension in the belt drive to the unit input shaft is balanced by an adjustable spring load. Overload of the input shaft overcomes the spring load to activate an electrical switch that alerts the operator by lighting a warning lamp. The input drive includes a slip clutch, and the spring load is adjusted so that a warning is provided before the drive load reaches the loading which would cause the clutch to begin to slip.

US Patent:

54067790, Apr 18, 1995

Filed:

Aug 3, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/101206

Inventors:

Timothy A. Deutsch - Newton IA
Jeffrey S. Wigdahl - Ames IA
Kenneth C. McConnell - Ankeny IA
Gary L. Warnsholz - Des Moines IA
Jeffery D. Behan - Ankeny IA

Assignee:

Deere & Company - Moline IL

International Classification:

A01D 4608

US Classification:

56 32

Abstract:

Cotton harvester structure including centrally located, transversely mounted engine, rear mounted water and fuel tanks, and transversely centered conveyor fan having an upper, forwardly extending outlet located just below the level of the cab floor for improved weight distribution, air hose routing and air flow. The fan rotates about a transversely extending axis parallel to the engine crankshaft axis. The crankshaft and fan are connected by a belt and sheave assembly having an electric clutch mounted on a shaft assembly and located outside of the frame. The shaft assembly provides fan support, separates the fan inlet from the clutch, reduces lubrication requirements, and enhances accessibility. Two variable displacement hydraulic pumps connected to the row unit drive and ground drive motors, respectively, are driven in tandem from the crankshaft at one side of the engine and are adjustable to vary the ratio of row unit speed to harvester ground speed over a range of ratios, including a ratio that synchronizes ground speed and row unit speed. A side mounted radiator with a rotary cleaner is located on the opposite side of the frame between the front and rear wheels.