Patents by Inventor Chad M. Johnson

Chad M. Johnson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10736259
    Abstract: An inductor box for an agricultural implement having compression limiters. One inductor box includes a housing having a first side configured to receive an agricultural product from a tank. The first side has a sealable surface, and the sealable surface has plates attached thereto. The inductor box includes a first gasket disposed on the sealable surface and configured to establish a seal between the sealable surface and a corresponding surface of the tank. The plates are configured to extend through respective openings in the gasket, and to block compression of the first gasket beyond a desired compression limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Connors, Chad M. Johnson, Marvin A. Prickel
  • Patent number: 10709057
    Abstract: A particulate material delivery system for an agricultural implement includes an inductor box configured to receive particulate material from a tank. The inductor box includes an inductor segment comprising a particulate material supply chamber configured to guide the particulate material toward a fluidization chamber, and an air supply chamber configured to receive airflow from an airflow supply. The inductor box is configured to direct the airflow from the air supply chamber to the particulate material supply chamber through a first airflow path and through a second airflow path remote from the first air path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Marvin A. Prickel, Grant T. MacDonald, Michael J. Connors
  • Patent number: 10709056
    Abstract: A particulate material delivery system for an agricultural implement includes an inductor box configured to receive particulate material from a tank. The inductor box includes an inductor segment comprising a particulate material supply chamber configured to guide the particulate material toward a fluidization chamber, and an air supply chamber configured to receive airflow from an airflow supply. The inductor box is configured to direct the airflow from the air supply chamber to the particulate material supply chamber through a first airflow path and through a second airflow path remote from the first air path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Marvin A. Prickel, Grant T. MacDonald, Michael J. Connors
  • Patent number: 10674656
    Abstract: When performing a seed planting operation, a variety change distance may be calculated that corresponds to the distance from a variety zone boundary of a prescription map that a row unit of a planter must be located prior to initiating a variety change procedure for switching seed types. Once the row unit reaches a variety change boundary spaced apart from the variety zone boundary by the calculated variety change distance, a system controller may initiate the variety change procedure to allow the seed type being planted to be efficiently and effectively switched as the planter makes a planting pass across the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Schoeny, Chad M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20200170178
    Abstract: A multiple variety planter is provided that has a direct vacuum system that allows for planting multiple varieties of seed while reducing occurrences of mis-planting events or planting inconsistencies such as multiples and skips by providing highly controllable seed meter vacuum performance characteristics that are controllable on a row-by-row basis. The direct vacuum system may include a vacuum unit at each row unit of the planter to apply a vacuum pressure to a seed meter at the row unit. Each vacuum unit may be individually and variably controlled to apply different vacuum pressures based on which seed variety is being planted with the respective seed meter at a given time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Johnathon Dienst, Marvin A. Prickel, Grant MacDonald, Jason T. Czapka, Michael J. Connors, Christopher Schoeny
  • Publication number: 20200170177
    Abstract: A multiple variety planter is provided that has a direct vacuum system that allows for planting multiple varieties of seed while reducing occurrences of mis-planting events or planting inconsistencies such as multiples and skips by providing highly controllable seed meter vacuum performance characteristics that are controllable on a row-by-row basis. The direct vacuum system may include a vacuum unit at each row unit of the planter to apply a vacuum pressure to a seed meter at the row unit. Each vacuum unit may be individually and variably controlled to apply different vacuum pressures based on which seed variety is being planted with the respective seed meter at a given time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Johnathon Dienst, Marvin A. Prickel, Grant MacDonald, Jason T. Czapka, Michael J. Connors, Christopher Schoeny
  • Patent number: 10660263
    Abstract: A system includes an inductor assembly of an agricultural implement having an inductor box with a wall configured to separate an interior of the inductor box from an exterior of the inductor box, an inductor segment, and a mounting clip. The wall includes an inner surface in the interior and an outer surface on the exterior. The inductor segment includes a mixing portion and a delivery portion, wherein the mixing portion interfaces with the inner surface and is configured to mix agricultural product and airflow into a mixture. The delivery portion is configured to convey the mixture through the wall. The mounting clip is configured to form a seal between the interior and the exterior of the inductor box, and to interface with the outer surface and the delivery portion in an installed position to couple the inductor segment to the inductor box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Connors, Chad M. Johnson, Marvin A. Prickel
  • Patent number: 10660261
    Abstract: A multiple variety planter has a direct vacuum system that allows for planting multiple varieties of seed while reducing occurrences of mis-planting events or planting inconsistencies such as multiples and skips by providing highly controllable seed meter vacuum performance characteristics that are controllable on a row-by-row basis. The direct vacuum system may include a vacuum unit at each row unit of the planter to apply a vacuum pressure to a seed meter at the row unit. Each vacuum unit may be individually and variably controlled to apply different vacuum pressures based on which seed variety is being planted with the respective seed meter at a given time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Johnathon Dienst, Marvin A. Prickel, Grant MacDonald, Jason T. Czapka, Michael J. Connors, Christopher Schoeny
  • Patent number: 10649473
    Abstract: A pre-metering system for feeding different types of seed into a seed meter of a planter includes separate feeder wheels that are selectively rotated to deliver different types of seed from on-row storage into the seed meter at a given time. The feeder wheels may be supported by a feeder wheel carrier that may also support various wall and ramped structures, such as upright divider walls and sloped walls that maintain separation between the different types of seeds in the on-row storage and direct the different types of seed toward the individual feeder wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Schoeny, Chad M. Johnson, Jason T. Czapka, Darian E. Landolt
  • Patent number: 10649474
    Abstract: A pre-metering system for feeding different types of seed into a seed meter of a planter includes separate feeder wheels that are selectively rotated to deliver different types of seed from on-row storage into the seed meter at a given time. The feeder wheels may be supported by a feeder wheel carrier that may also support various wall and ramped structures, such as upright divider walls and sloped walls that maintain separation between the different types of seeds in the on-row storage and direct the different types of seed toward the individual feeder wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Schoeny, Chad M. Johnson, Jason T. Czapka, Darlan E. Landolt
  • Patent number: 10638655
    Abstract: A vacuum seed meter includes a vacuum channel and a seed transport member having seed cells defined as openings through a perimeter region of the seed transport member, which rotates through the vacuum channel. The seed meter includes a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors targeting a different location within the seed meter. Each of the plurality of sensors connected to send signals to a controller that evaluates whether each seed cell passing through these locations is filled or empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Schoeny, Chad M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10609855
    Abstract: An implement for an agricultural vehicle including a toolbar and a pair of marking devices pivotally connected to the toolbar. Each marking device includes at least one arm configured for pivoting between a stored position and an operational position, and a retention device supported by the toolbar and configured for providing a magnetic retention force which magnetically retains the at least one arm in the stored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Johnathon R. Dienst, Patrick Dinnon, Michael J. Connors, Brent Elwing, Brian J. Anderson, Chad M. Johnson, Travis L. Harnetiaux
  • Publication number: 20200084956
    Abstract: A purging system is provided for a multiple variety seed meter of a multi-variety planter. The purging system includes seed return valves that may be arranged for receiving seed that was removed from the seed meter. The seed return valves return the removed seed into corresponding appropriate seed storage compartments to allow a new seed variety to be delivered to the seed meter while reducing seed variety mixing in the seed meter. A pipe with a purge passage may extend from the seed meter to a purging hose that delivers the removed seed to the seed return valve(s). Each seed return valve may be a vacuum-actuated piston airlock valve assembly with a valve plunger that reciprocates to define seed collecting and releasing states of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher Schoeny, Chad M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10575456
    Abstract: A purging system for a multiple variety seed meter of a multi-variety planter includes seed return valves that may be arranged for receiving seed that was removed from the seed meter. The seed return valves return the removed seed into corresponding appropriate seed storage compartments to allow a new seed variety to be delivered to the seed meter while reducing seed variety mixing in the seed meter. A pipe with a purge passage may extend from the seed meter to a purging hose that delivers the removed seed to the seed return valve(s). Each seed return valve may be a vacuum-actuated piston airlock valve assembly with a valve plunger that reciprocates to define seed collecting and releasing states of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Schoeny, Chad M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20200037493
    Abstract: A dual-disk seed meter for a planter may include a housing defining a first seed chamber configured to receive first seeds of a first seed type and a second seed chamber configured to receive second seeds of a second seed type. The seed meter may also include a first seed disk rotatable within the housing to convey the first seeds from the first seed chamber, a second seed disk rotatable within the housing to convey the second seeds from the second seed chamber, and a drive assembly configured to simultaneously rotate the first and second seed disks. In addition, the seed meter may include a seed deflector movable relative to the first seed disk and/or the second seed disk to control which of the seed types is discharged from the housing based on a selected seed type to be delivered by the seed meter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher Schoeny, Brian Anderson, Chad M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20200037494
    Abstract: A dual-disk seed meter for a planter may include a housing defining a first seed chamber configured to receive first seeds of a first seed type and a second seed chamber configured to receive second seeds of a second seed type. The seed meter may also include a first seed disk rotatable within the housing to convey the first seeds from the first seed chamber, a second seed disk rotatable within the housing to convey the second seeds from the second seed chamber, and a drive assembly configured to simultaneously rotate the first and second seed disks. In addition, the seed meter may include a seed deflector movable relative to the first seed disk and/or the second seed disk to control which of the seed types is discharged from the housing based on a selected seed type to be delivered by the seed meter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher Schoeny, Brian Anderson, Chad M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20200029491
    Abstract: A vacuum seed meter includes a vacuum channel and a seed disc having seed cells defined as openings through a perimeter region of the seed disc, which rotates through the vacuum channel. The seed meter includes a sensor that addresses the seed cells in a way that enables prediction of imminent seed starvation of the seed meter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher Schoeny, Chad M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20200029492
    Abstract: A vacuum seed meter includes a vacuum channel and a seed disc having seed cells defined as openings through a perimeter region of the seed disc, which rotates through the vacuum channel. The seed meter includes a sensor that addresses the seed cells in a way that enables prediction of imminent seed starvation of the seed meter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher Schoeny, Chad M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10524410
    Abstract: A multiple variety seed meter for multi-variety row crop planting incorporates a segmented feed pipe system that may include a feed pipe with multiple passages that can be rotated to present one of multiple variety openings toward a seed pool in the seed meter to deliver a specific seed variety into the seed meter. The feed pipe may be an inner selector pipe concentrically nested for rotation in an outer sleeve that extends into the seed meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Schoeny, Chad M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20190387656
    Abstract: An implement for an agricultural vehicle including a toolbar and a pair of marking devices pivotally connected to the toolbar. Each marking device includes a first arm, a second arm, and a first attachment bracket pivotally connecting the first arm to the distal end of the second arm. The first and second arms are configured for pivoting between a stored position in which the first and second arms are folded relative to one another and an operational position in which the first and second arms are unfolded relative to one another. Each marking device further includes a second attachment bracket, a kick out link, and a biasing member connected to the kick out link and configured for providing a biasing force acting on the kick out link to retain the first arm relative to the second arm in the stored position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Brent Elwing, Brian J. Anderson, Chad M. Johnson, Travis L. Harnetiaux, Johnathon R. Dienst, Patrick Dinnon, Michael J. Connors