Patents by Inventor Derek Sauder

Derek Sauder 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).

  • Variable pressure control system for dual acting actuators
    Patent number: 10309427
    Abstract: A variable pressure control system for varying pressures in the fluid circuits of a dual acting actuator over a range of pressures. The variable pressure control system includes a controller that cooperates with pressure regulators for regulating the desired pressure in the fluid circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Derek A. Sauder, Jeremy J. Hodel
  • Seed meter
    Patent number: 10299425
    Abstract: A seed meter for an agricultural planter in which the seed disc is rotatably mounted within a seed meter housing. As the seed disc rotates, the apertures in the disc rotate along a seed aperture path through a horizontally adjacent seed pool area. The seed disc includes cavities disposed along the seed aperture path to agitate the seeds in the seed pool area. A singulator having multiple co-planar singulator surfaces is biased against the seed side surface of the seed disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Derek Sauder, Tim Schaefer
  • SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS FOR AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT TRENCH DEPTH CONTROL AND SOIL MONITORING
    Publication number: 20190150355
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring soil properties including soil moisture and soil temperature during an agricultural input application. Embodiments include a soil moisture sensor and/or a soil temperature sensor mounted to a seed firmer for measuring moisture and temperature in a planting trench. Additionally, systems, methods and apparatus are provided for adjusting depth based on the monitored soil properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Derek Sauder, Jason Stoller, Troy Plattner
  • Apparatus, systems and methods for row unit downforce control
    Patent number: 10238023
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for controlling the downforce applied to a row unit of an agricultural implement having multiple row units. A downpressure control device in fluid communication with a down chamber of the least one actuator maintains as a selected downpressure, any one of a continuous range of pressures in the downpressure chamber. A lift pressure control device in fluid communication with a lift chamber of the at least one actuator for controlling pressure in the lift chamber maintains as a selected lift pressure, any one of a continuous range of pressures in the lift chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Derek A. Sauder, Ian R. Radtke, Jason J. Stoller
  • Systems, methods, and apparatus for soil and seed monitoring
    Patent number: 10219431
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring soil properties and applying fertilizer during a planting operation. Various sensors are disposed in ground engaging components for monitoring soil properties. The ground engaging components may have structure for opening a side trench in the sidewalls of the seed trench and may include liquid application conduits for injecting liquid into the sidewalls of the resulting side trenches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: The Climate Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Stoller, Justin Koch, Brian McMahon, Derek Sauder, Ian Radtke, Michael Strnad, Dale Koch, Matthew Morgan, Tracy Leman, Paul Wildermuth
  • PLOT PLACEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20180303025
    Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing a plot in a field based on the location of a marker placed in an application prescription map prior to a crop input application operation are disclosed. The plot defines a plot region. The plot region is defined during the crop input application operation based on the marker location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Derek Sauder, Doug Sauder, Phil Baurer, Timothy Sauder
  • AGRICULTURAL INPUT SELECTION SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20180263175
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for selecting an agricultural input. First and second inputs are in communication with a seed meter. A selection apparatus constrains the seed meter to deposit only one of the input sources such that the seed meter is enabled to alternate between depositing the first and second inputs. Processing circuitry controls the selection apparatus to alternate between the first and second inputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: Derek Sauder, Todd Swanson, Troy Plattner
  • APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ROW UNIT DOWNFORCE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20180242510
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for controlling the downforce applied to a row unit of an agricultural implement having multiple row units. A downpressure control device in fluid communication with a down chamber of the least one actuator maintains as a selected downpressure, any one of a continuous range of pressures in the downpressure chamber. A lift pressure control device in fluid communication with a lift chamber of the at least one actuator for controlling pressure in the lift chamber maintains as a selected lift pressure, any one of a continuous range of pressures in the lift chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: Derek A. Sauder, Ian R. Radtke, Jason J. Stoller
  • SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS FOR AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT TRENCH DEPTH CONTORL AND SOIL MONITORING
    Publication number: 20180184576
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring soil properties including soil moisture and soil temperature during an agricultural input application. Embodiments include a soil moisture sensor and/or a soil temperature sensor mounted to a seed firmer for measuring moisture and temperature in a planting trench. Additionally, systems, methods and apparatus are provided for adjusting depth based on the monitored soil properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Derek Sauder, Jason Stoller, Troy Plattner
  • Systems, methods and apparatus for multi-row agricultural implement control and monitoring
    Patent number: 9999175
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring and controlling an agricultural implement, including seed planting implements. Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for detecting seeds being conveyed by seed conveyor. Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring and controlling deposition of secondary crop inputs such as fertilizer and insecticide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Phil Baurer, Tim Sauder, Jason Stoller, Derek Sauder, Jeremy Hodel, Doug Sauder
  • SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MULTI-ROW AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT CONTROL AND MONITORING
    Publication number: 20180139893
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring and controlling an agricultural implement, including seed planting implements. Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for detecting seeds being conveyed by seed conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Inventors: Phil Baurer, Timothy Sauder, Jason Stoller, Derek Sauder, Jeremy Hodel
  • Agricultural input selection systems, methods and apparatus
    Patent number: 9974230
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for selecting an agricultural input. First and second inputs are in communication with a seed meter. A selection apparatus constrains the seed meter to deposit only one of the input sources such that the seed meter is enabled to alternate between depositing the first and second inputs. Processing circuitry controls the selection apparatus to alternate between the first and second inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Derek Sauder, Todd Swanson, Troy Plattner
  • DYNAMIC SUPPLEMENTAL DOWNFORCE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR PLANTER ROW UNITS
    Publication number: 20180132414
    Abstract: A dynamic supplemental downforce control system for a planter row unit. The system includes closed-loop feedback circuit that cooperates with a downforce actuator to dynamically control fluid flow to the downforce actuator to maintain balance between the actual gauge wheel downforce and a desired gauge wheel downforce during planting operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Derek A. Sauder, Jeremy J. Hodel
  • SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS FOR SOIL AND SEED MONITORING
    Publication number: 20180125002
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring soil properties and applying fertilizer during a planting operation. Various sensors are disposed in ground engaging components for monitoring soil properties. The ground engaging components may have structure for opening a side trench in the sidewalls of the seed trench and may include liquid application conduits for injecting liquid into the sidewalls of the resulting side trenches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Jason Stoller, Justin Koch, Brian McMahon, Derek Sauder, Ian Radtke, Michael Strnad, Dale Koch, Matthew Morgan, Tracy Leman, Paul Wildermuth
  • AGRICULTURAL TRENCH CLOSING SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20180116100
    Abstract: A closing wheel assembly is provided for a row unit agricultural planter. The planter is configured to open a trench in the soil and the closing wheel assembly is configured to close the trench. A resilient flap is provided for firming and leveling the soil returned to the trench by the closing wheel assembly. Pivotally mounted offset closing wheels are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Derek Sauder, Jeremy Hodel, Cory Muhlbauer
  • STALK SENSOR APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20180116113
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for detecting stalks processed by a combine harvester, for measuring stalk diameters, and for displaying harvest metrics and yield data to a user based on stalk locations and stalk diameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Timothy A. Sauder, Derek A. Sauder, Justin L. Koch, Troy L. Plattner, David Huber
  • Apparatus, systems and methods for row unit downforce control
    Patent number: 9955623
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for controlling the downforce applied to a row unit of an agricultural implement having multiple row units. A downpressure control device in fluid communication with a down chamber of the least one actuator maintains as a selected downpressure, any one of a continuous range of pressures in the downpressure chamber. A lift pressure control device in fluid communication with a lift chamber of the at least one actuator for controlling pressure in the lift chamber maintains as a selected lift pressure, any one of a continuous range of pressures in the lift chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Derek A. Sauder, Ian R. Radtke, Jason J. Stoller
  • Systems, methods, and apparatus for agricultural implement trench depth control and soil monitoring
    Patent number: 9943027
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring soil properties including soil moisture and soil temperature during an agricultural input application. Embodiments include a soil moisture sensor and/or a soil temperature sensor mounted to a seed firmer for measuring moisture and temperature in a planting trench. Additionally, systems, methods and apparatus are provided for adjusting depth based on the monitored soil properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Derek Sauder, Jason Stoller, Troy Plattner
  • Method of retrofitting a pneumatic on-demand seed delivery system and an improved pneumatic on-demand seed delivery system
    Patent number: RE46730
    Abstract: A pneumatic on-demand seed delivery system wherein seed from the auxiliary hopper enters the seed meter through an opening beginning rearward of the vertical axis of the seed meter. And a retrofit kit for existing on-demand seed delivery systems, and method of retrofitting such existing pneumatic on-demand seed delivery systems, so as to provide an auxiliary hopper that communicates seed to the seed meter through an opening beginning rearward of the vertical axis of the seed meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Derek A. Sauder, Chad E. Plattner
  • Seed singulator
    Patent number: RE47447
    Abstract: A seed singulator for use with a vacuum disk having a seed face and a shoulder. The seed singulator has a first member and a second member supported by biasing members. The first member has upper lobes disposed at a radius of curvature slightly less than the outside radius of a row of apertures on a seed plane of the vacuum disk. The seed member has lower lobes disposed at a radius of curvature slightly greater than the inside radius than the row of apradius. The biasing members permit the lobes to move with the seed plane and the shoulder as the vacuum disk rotates thereby maintaining their position with respect to the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Gregg A. Sauder, Derek A. Sauder, Justin L. Koch, Chad E. Plattner