Patents by Inventor Justin L. Koch

Justin L. Koch 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).

  • 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
  • Patent number: 9922405
    Abstract: A method for agronomic and agricultural monitoring includes designating an area for imaging, determining a flight path above the designated area, operating an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) along the flight path, acquiring images of the area using a camera system attached to the UAV, and processing the acquired images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: The Climate Corporation
    Inventors: Doug Sauder, Justin L. Koch, Troy L. Plattner, Phil Baurer
  • Patent number: 9894835
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: The Climate Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy A. Sauder, Derek A. Sauder, Justin L. Koch, Troy L. Plattner, David Huber
  • Publication number: 20170265391
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring yield while harvesting. In one embodiment a mass flow rate sensor measures the mass flow rate of the harvested grain. A weight sensor measures the weight of the harvested grain. The measured mass flow rate is correlated with the weight of the harvested grain. Processing circuitry calculates any error in the measured mass flow rate using the measured weight. The calculated error is used to correct any inaccuracy in the measured mass flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Justin L. Koch, Derek A. Sauder
  • Patent number: 9668411
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring yield while harvesting. In one embodiment a mass flow rate sensor measures the mass flow rate of the harvested grain. A weight sensor measures the weight of the harvested grain. The measured mass flow rate is correlated with the weight of the harvested grain. Processing circuitry calculates any error in the measured mass flow rate using the measured weight. The calculated error is used to correct any inaccuracy in the measured mass flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Justin L. Koch, Derek A. Sauder
  • Publication number: 20170074700
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for monitoring yield while harvesting grain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Michael D. Strnad, Justin L. Koch
  • Patent number: 9506786
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for monitoring yield while harvesting grain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Strnad, Justin L. Koch
  • Patent number: 9481294
    Abstract: A planter monitor system and method that provides an operator with near real-time data concerning yield robbing events and the economic cost associated with such yield robbing events so as to motivate the operator to take prompt corrective action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Precision Plating LLC
    Inventors: Gregg A. Sauder, Justin L. Koch
  • Publication number: 20160235002
    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: April 25, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Timothy A. Sauder, Derek A. Sauder, Justin L. Koch, Troy L. Plattner, Davd Huber
  • Patent number: 9322629
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Timothy A. Sauder, Derek A. Sauder, Justin L. Koch, Troy L. Plattner, David Huber
  • Publication number: 20160050840
    Abstract: A method for agronomic and agricultural monitoring includes designating an area for imaging, determining a flight path above the designated area, operating an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) along the flight path, acquiring images of the area using a camera system attached to the UAV, and processing the acquired images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: DOUG SAUDER, JUSTIN L. KOCH, TROY L. PLATTNER, PHIL BAURER
  • Publication number: 20160037720
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring yield while harvesting. In one embodiment a mass flow rate sensor measures the mass flow rate of the harvested grain. A weight sensor measures the weight of the harvested grain. The measured mass flow rate is correlated with the weight of the harvested grain. Processing circuitry calculates any error in the measured mass flow rate using the measured weight. The calculated error is used to correct any inaccuracy in the measured mass flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Justin L. Koch, Derek A. Sauder (deceased)
  • Patent number: 9173339
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the appropriate downforce on an agricultural planter row unit that minimizes soil compaction while maintaining desired furrow depth. A load sensor is disposed to generate a load signal corresponding to loading on a depth regulation member of the row unit. In one method a load margin is calculated based on a minimum detected load value. In another method, a load margin is derived through a statistical analysis of the detected load values. The load margin calculated or derived by any of the methods is indicative of the amount of supplemental down force that should be increased or decreased to bring the load margin toward zero. A ground contact parameter may also be used in connection with the load margin to provide further confidence on the proper amount of downforce required to ensure furrow depth while minimizing soil compaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Derek A. Sauder, Tim A. Sauder, Justin L. Koch, Phil D. Baurer
  • Publication number: 20140331631
    Abstract: Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts through-out the several views, FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art agricultural combine 10 which is supported and propelled by ground engaging wheels 14. Although the combine 10 is illustrated as being supported and propelled on ground engaging wheels 14 it can also be supported and propelled by full tracks or half tracks. A harvesting assembly 16 is used to gather crop and to conduct it to a feederhouse 18. The crop is conducted by the feederhouse 18 to a beater 20. The beater 20 guides the crop upwardly through an intake transition region 22 to a rotary threshing and separating assembly 24. In addition to rotary type combines such as that illustrated in FIG. 1, the prior art includes conventional combines having a transverse threshing cylinder and straw walkers or combines having a transverse threshing cylinder and rotary separator rotors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Timothy A. Sauder, Derek A. Sauder, Justin L. Koch, Troy L. Plattner, David Huber
  • Publication number: 20140297242
    Abstract: Systems and methods and apparatus for placing a plot in an agricultural field. Systems and methods are also provided for selecting a plot location based on primary and secondary parameters, for selecting a plot location based on user-defined parameters, and for allowing a user to accept or reject proposed plot placement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: PRECISION PLANTING LLC
    Inventors: Timothy A. Sauder, Justin L. Koch
  • Publication number: 20140174199
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for monitoring yield while harvesting grain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: PRECISION PLANTING LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Strnad, Justin L. Koch
  • Patent number: 8738243
    Abstract: A planter monitor system and method that provides an operator with near real-time data concerning yield robbing events and the economic cost associated with such yield robbing events so as to motivate the operator to take prompt corrective action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Gregg A. Sauder, Justin L. Koch
  • Publication number: 20130317696
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring yield while harvesting. In one embodiment a mass flow rate sensor measures the mass flow rate of the harvested grain. A weight sensor measures the weight of the harvested grain. The measured mass flow rate is correlated with the weight of the harvested grain. Processing circuitry calculates any error in the measured mass flow rate using the measured weight. The calculated error is used to correct any inaccuracy in the measured mass flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: PRECISION PLANTING LLC
    Inventors: Justin L. Koch, Derek A. Sauder
  • Patent number: 8561472
    Abstract: A load sensing pin disposed to receive a load applied in a direction substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the pin. A load sensor is substantially fixedly oriented with respect to the applied load or alternatively with respect to the pin which is rotationally restrained with respect to a support structure. The load sensor is disposed to generate a load signal corresponding to strain of the pin resulting from the applied load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Gregg A. Sauder, Derek A. Sauder, Justin L. Koch
  • Patent number: RE46461
    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: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Gregg A. Sauder, Derek A. Sauder, Justin L. Koch, Chad E. Plattner