Patents by Inventor Kevin Deppermann
Kevin Deppermann 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).
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Patent number: 11238393Abstract: A system for determining performance data of plants growing in a field. The system comprises a mass flow meter for generating mass data related to the mass of plant product passed through the mass flow meter, and that is communicatively connected to a computer based data processing system; a temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the air adjacent the mass flow meter or within the mass flow meter, and that communicatively connected to the computer based data processing system, and a moisture sensor for determining the moisture of air adjacent the mass flow meter or within the mass flow meter, and that is communicatively connected to the computer based data processing system. The computer based data processing system is structured and operable to utilize the mass data, the air temperature and the air moisture to determine a yield of the plants from which the plant product was harvested.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2018Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLCInventors: Jason Bull, Govind Chaudhary, Kevin Deppermann, Brian J. Forinash, Randall K. Rader, Brad White
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Publication number: 20200394580Abstract: A system for determining performance data of plants growing in a field. The system comprises a mass flow meter for generating mass data related to the mass of plant product passed through the mass flow meter, and that is communicatively connected to a computer based data processing system; a temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the air adjacent the mass flow meter or within the mass flow meter, and that communicatively connected to the computer based data processing system, and a moisture sensor for determining the moisture of air adjacent the mass flow meter or within the mass flow meter, and that is communicatively connected to the computer based data processing system. The computer based data processing system is structured and operable to utilize the mass data, the air temperature and the air moisture to determine a yield of the plants from which the plant product was harvested.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2018Publication date: December 17, 2020Inventors: Jason Bull, Govind Chaudhary, Kevin Deppermann, Brian J. Forinash, Randall K. Rader, Brad White
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Patent number: 10568316Abstract: A mobile platform structured and operable to perform: in-field phenotype and/or genotype data acquisition; image data acquisition; tissue sampling; selection and/or counting of plants growing in a plot; plant height measurement; product and treatment application to plants growing in the plot (e.g., prescriptive and localized insecticide products); sampling of soil where such plants are growing; removal of weeds in such plots; and real-time analysis of all such data and/or samples acquired/collected. Additionally, when combined with location positioning technology and path planning, such a vehicle is further structured and operable to re-enter a field numerous times throughout a season to accurately and repeatably monitor growing conditions, plant response or prescriptive application of a product.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2015Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLCInventors: Michael Gall, Edward Carter, Haitao Xiang, Kevin Deppermann, Steven J. Baldwin, Thomas W. Christian, Susan A. Macisaac, Akash D. Nakarmi, Boyan N. Peshlov, Beiyan Zeng
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Publication number: 20170223947Abstract: A mobile platform structured and operable to perform: in-field phenotype and/or genotype data acquisition; image data acquisition; tissue sampling; selection and/or counting of plants growing in a plot; plant height measurement; product and treatment application to plants growing in the plot (e.g., prescriptive and localized insecticide products); sampling of soil where such plants are growing; removal of weeds in such plots; and real-time analysis of all such data and/or samples acquired/collected. Additionally, when combined with location positioning technology and path planning, such a vehicle is further structured and operable to re-enter a field numerous times throughout a season to accurately and repeatably monitor growing conditions, plant response or prescriptive application of a product.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2015Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventors: Michael Gall, Edward Carter, Haitao Xiang, Richard Cullen, Josh Prange, Kevin Deppermann
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Patent number: 9714107Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for counting a plurality of objects and parsing the objects into groups of varying quantities. In various embodiments, the system includes a singulating and counting module operable to singulate and count a plurality of objects from a large volume of the objects. Additionally, the system includes a diverter and accumulator module operable to receive the singulated objects, parse the objects into groups of varying quantities, and direct each group into a selected one of a plurality of discharge funnels. Furthermore, the system includes an object collection module operable to position a plurality of object collection receptacles adjacent the discharge funnels such that each group of objects is deposited into a respective corresponding one of the object collection receptacles.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2017Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLCInventors: Kevin Deppermann, Elias J. Yannakakis, Allen N. Ondes, Brian J. Forinash
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Publication number: 20170158367Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for counting a plurality of objects and parsing the objects into groups of varying quantities. In various embodiments, the system includes a singulating and counting module operable to singulate and count a plurality of objects from a large volume of the objects. Additionally, the system includes a diverter and accumulator module operable to receive the singulated objects, parse the objects into groups of varying quantities, and direct each group into a selected one of a plurality of discharge funnels. Furthermore, the system includes an object collection module operable to position a plurality of object collection receptacles adjacent the discharge funnels such that each group of objects is deposited into a respective corresponding one of the object collection receptacles.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2017Publication date: June 8, 2017Inventors: Kevin Deppermann, Elias J. Yannakakis, Allen N. Ondes, Brian J. Forinash
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Patent number: 9598191Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for counting a plurality of objects and parsing the objects into groups of varying quantities. In various embodiments, the system includes a singulating and counting module operable to singulate and count a plurality of objects from a large volume of the objects. Additionally, the system includes a diverter and accumulator module operable to receive the singulated objects, parse the objects into groups of varying quantities, and direct each group into a selected one of a plurality of discharge funnels. Furthermore, the system includes an object collection module operable to sequentially position each one of a plurality of object collection receptacles adjacent the discharge funnels such that each group of objects is deposited into a respective corresponding one of the object collection receptacles.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLCInventors: Kevin Deppermann, Elias J. Yannakakis, Allen N. Ondes, Brian J. Forinash
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Patent number: 9423249Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of generating crop biometric information in field conditions that includes scanning top surfaces of various plant crown structures of a plurality of plants in one or more rows of plants within a field to collect scan data of the crown structures. Additionally, the method includes converting the scan data into a high spatial resolution 3-dimensional field contour map that illustrates an aggregate 3-dimensional field contour of the scanned plants. The method further includes extracting, from the high spatial resolution 3-dimensional field contour map, biometric information relating to the plants in each of one or more selected rows of the scanned rows of plants.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2010Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLCInventors: Kevin Deppermann, Susan Macisaac, Haitao Xiang, Travis Frey
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Publication number: 20150075946Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for counting a plurality of objects and parsing the objects into groups of varying quantities. In various embodiments, the system includes a singulating and counting module operable to singulate and count a plurality of objects from a large volume of the objects. Additionally, the system includes a diverter and accumulator module operable to receive the singulated objects, parse the objects into groups of varying quantities, and direct each group into a selected one of a plurality of discharge funnels. Furthermore, the system includes an object collection module operable to sequentially position each one of a plurality of object collection receptacles adjacent the discharge funnels such that each group of objects is deposited into a respective corresponding one of the object collection receptacles.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventors: Kevin Deppermann, Elias J. Yannakakis, Allen N. Ondes, Brian J. Forinash
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Patent number: 8925762Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for counting a plurality of objects and parsing the objects into groups of varying quantities. In various embodiments, the system includes a singulating and counting module operable to singulate and count a plurality of objects from a large volume of the objects. Additionally, the system includes a diverter and accumulator module operable to receive the singulated objects, parse the objects into groups of varying quantities, and direct each group into a selected one of a plurality of discharge funnels. Furthermore, the system includes an object collection module operable to sequentially position each one of a plurality of object collection receptacles adjacent the discharge funnels such that each group of objects is deposited into a respective corresponding one of the object collection receptacles.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2009Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLCInventors: Kevin Deppermann, Elias J. Yannakakis, Allen N. Ondes, Brian J. Forinash
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Publication number: 20120113225Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of generating crop biometric information in field conditions that includes scanning top surfaces of various plant crown structures of a plurality of plants in one or more rows of plants within a field to collect scan data of the crown structures. Additionally, the method includes converting the scan data into a high spatial resolution 3-dimensional field contour map that illustrates an aggregate 3-dimensional field contour of the scanned plants. The method further includes extracting, from the high spatial resolution 3-dimensional field contour map, biometric information relating to the plants in each of one or more selected rows of the scanned rows of plants.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2010Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLCInventors: Kevin Deppermann, Susan Macisaac, Haitao Xiang, Travis Frey
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Patent number: 8076076Abstract: The present disclosure provides for systems and method for producing hybrid seed. In various embodiments, the disclosure provides a system for the high-throughput, nondestructive sampling of seeds. In another embodiment, a high-throughput, nondestructive method for producing hybrid seeds comprises removing a sample from a plurality of seeds in the population while preserving the germination viability of the seed and analyzing the sample for the presence or absence of one or more genetic markers indicative of a male-sterile gene.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLCInventors: Thomas C. Osborn, Paul Chung, Joseph J. King, Kevin Deppermann, Jamaine R. Hubbard
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Publication number: 20110296930Abstract: A method is provided for removing tissue samples from seeds. The method generally includes orienting the seeds in a desired orientation and removing tissue samples from the oriented seeds. The method may also include orienting the seeds in the desired orientation using an actuator, where the actuator is configured to position the seed in a desired orientation. In addition, the method may include orienting the seeds together in a seed transport and removing tissue samples from the oriented seeds while the oriented seeds are in the seed transport. Further, various operations of the method may be automated as desired, for example, to permit greater sampling throughput than was previously practical.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLCInventors: Kevin Deppermann, Jennifer Listello, Phillip Rahn, Angela Koestel
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Patent number: 7998669Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides an automated seed sampler system that includes a milling station for removing at least a portion of seed coat material from a seed and a sampling station for extracting a sample of seed material from the seed where the seed coat has been removed. A seed transport subsystem conveys the seed between the milling station and the sampling station and a seed deposit subsystem conveys the seed from the seed transport subsystem to a selected well in a seed tray after the seed has been sampled.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLCInventors: Kevin Deppermann, Jennifer Listello, Phillip Rahn, Angela Koestel
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Publication number: 20110195866Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for analyzing a plurality of samples of small objects. In various other embodiments, the system (10) includes a staging console (18) for supporting a plurality of sample trays (12). The system (10) additionally includes a plurality of workstations (22) that each includes a robotic container transfer subsystem (30) for sequentially removing and replacing each of a plurality of sample containers (14) arrayed in the sample trays (12), each sample container (14) containing a sample of small objects. Each workstation (22) additionally includes an automated analysis subsystem (34) for sequentially receiving each container (14) from the transfer subsystem (30), removing each sample from the respective container (14), acquiring data of each sample and returning each sample to the respective container (14). The system (10) further includes a tray shuttle robot (26) that distributes and retrieves the sample trays (12) to and from the workstations (22).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2009Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLCInventors: Kevin Deppermann, Ping Feng, Matthew J. Weis
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Patent number: 7909276Abstract: In various embodiments, an agricultural sample grinding system is provided. The system includes a grinder unit for grinding and uniformly mixing an agricultural sample. The system additionally includes a collection chamber connected to a transfer spout extending from a side of the grinder unit. The collection chamber is for collecting the ground and uniformly mixed agricultural sample dispensed from the grinder unit via the transfer spout. The system deposits the ground and uniformly mixed agricultural sample into the collection chamber such that the uniform mixture of the sample is maintained.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLCInventors: Kevin Deppermann, Angela Koestel, Tavis Aholt
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Patent number: 7807446Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a high throughput system, apparatus, and methods useful for efficiently analyzing experimental liquid formulations applied to plants. In various embodiments, the high throughput system includes a liquid formulation dispensing subsystem (LFDS). The LFDS includes an automated moveable sample plate platform for holding at least one sample plate. Each sample plate includes a plurality of wells containing plant specimens. The LFDS is operable to sequentially position select ones of the wells at a well target location. Once a selected well is positioned at the target location, a micro-sprayer assembly, including at least one liquid formulation applicator, applies discrete amounts of a liquid formulation to the plant specimens within each selected well.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2007Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLCInventors: Susan MacIsaac, Timothy Ottens, Kevin Deppermann, Angela Koestel
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Patent number: 7673572Abstract: A method of planting test plots of different seeds in a field includes loading a multi-row planter with a first seed, and traversing the field and planting a test plot of the test plot of the first seed in a portion of the test field; automatically removing the first seed from the multi-row planter and loading a second seed into the multi-row planter, and traversing the field and planting a test plot of the test plot of the second seed in the field.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLCInventors: Kevin Deppermann, Sam Stehling
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Publication number: 20070294994Abstract: An apparatus for measuring stalk strength and/or root strength of a plant is provided. In accordance with various embodiments, the apparatus includes a conveyer operably connected to a motor for circulatorily driving the conveyer around at least one guide device. At least one pulling finger is coupled to the conveyer. Each pulling finger is structured such that, when the apparatus is positioned adjacent the plant stalk and the conveyor is driven around the guide device, each pulling finger will contact and pull a plant stalk as each pulling finger travels around the guide device. The apparatus additionally includes a force sensor for measuring resistive force encountered by the motor as each pulling finger pulls the plant stalk.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2007Publication date: December 27, 2007Inventors: Kevin Deppermann, Mike Bohnert, Jason Bull, Jeremy Conry, Kevin Cook, Sam Eathington, Travis Frey, Jeff Hartsook, Bruce Schnicker, Jeremy Nefzger
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Publication number: 20070207485Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides an automated seed sampler system that includes a milling station for removing at least a portion of seed coat material from a seed and a sampling station for extracting a sample of seed material from the seed where the seed coat has been removed. A seed transport subsystem conveys the seed between the milling station and the sampling station and a seed deposit subsystem conveys the seed from the seed transport subsystem to a selected well in a seed tray after the seed has been sampled.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2007Publication date: September 6, 2007Inventors: Kevin Deppermann, Jennifer Listello, Phillip Rahn, Angela Koestel