Patents by Inventor Michael Christopher Conboy

Michael Christopher Conboy 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: 20240000005
    Abstract: A system for a row unit of a planting implement includes a frame and a closing sensor assembly configured to capture data indicative of a position of a component of a closing assembly relative to the frame. A computing system is communicatively coupled to the closing sensor assembly. The computing system is configured to receive the data from the closing sensor assembly, determine a press wheel height relative to the frame, determine a height variance between the opening disk and the press wheel height, and generate a control action based on the variance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Trevor Stanhope, Michael Christopher Conboy
  • Publication number: 20230380317
    Abstract: A system for a row unit of a planting implement includes a frame operably coupled with a toolbar. One or more ground-engaging tools can be operably coupled with the frame. A depth adjustment system includes one or more actuators and a sensor system configured to capture data indicative of a soil characteristic. A computing system is communicatively coupled to the one or more actuators and the sensor system. The computing system is configured to receive the data indicative of the soil characteristic, determine a probability of a penetration variation of the one or more ground-engaging tools relative to a respective depth range for each of the one or more ground-engaging tools, and perform a control action based at least in part on the probability deviating from a defined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2022
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Trevor Stanhope, Michael Christopher Conboy
  • Publication number: 20230354732
    Abstract: A seed-planting implement includes a fluid-driven actuator coupled between a row unit frame and a row cleaner arm such that the actuator is configured to adjust a force being applied to the arm. The actuator, in turn, includes a cylinder and a piston moveable relative to the cylinder, with the cylinder and the piston collectively defining a lift chamber and a down chamber within the actuator. A first valve or pressure regulator is configured to control the flow of fluid into the lift chamber such that the fluid within the lift chamber is maintained at a first non-zero pressure value during a seed-planting operation. A computing system is configured to determine a second pressure value to which the down chamber is to be pressurized and control the operation of a second valve such that the fluid within the down chamber is pressurized to the second value during the seed-planting operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Trevor Stanhope, Michael Christopher Conboy
  • Publication number: 20230337570
    Abstract: A system for a row unit of a planting implement can include a frame and a disk opener rotatably coupled to the frame. The disk opener can be configured to form a furrow within a field across which the planting implement is traveling. An actuator can be operably coupled with the disk opener and can be configured to alter a position of the disk opener relative to the frame. A depth sensor can be configured to capture data indicative of a detected furrow depth of the furrow. A computing system can be communicatively coupled to the actuator. The computing system can be configured to receive the data indicative of the detected furrow depth of the furrow and activate the actuator to alter the position of the disk opener relative to the frame based on a deviation of the detected furrow depth of the furrow from a defined furrow depth range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Christopher Conboy, Trevor Stanhope
  • Publication number: 20230337576
    Abstract: A row unit for a seed-planting implement includes a frame, a gauge wheel arm pivotably coupled to the frame and a gauge wheel rotatably coupled to the gauge wheel arm. Additionally, the row unit includes a wobble bracket configured to engage the gauge wheel arm and a linkage arm coupled to the wobble bracket. Moreover, the row unit includes an actuator, a gearbox coupled to the actuator, a threaded shaft coupled to the gearbox, and a handle coupled to the threaded shaft. In addition, the row unit includes an actuation assembly such that the actuation assembly transmits rotation of the threaded shaft into linear motion of the linkage arm. The actuation assembly includes a hook arm having a first end forming a hook that directly couples to the linkage arm. Furthermore, the actuation assembly includes a collar threadingly coupled to the threaded shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Christopher Conboy, Trevor Stanhope
  • Publication number: 20230337569
    Abstract: A row unit for a seed-planting implement includes a frame and a disk opener supported relative to the frame and configured to form a furrow within a field. The row unit further includes a gauge wheel arm supported relative to the frame, and a gauge wheel coupled to the gauge wheel arm. Additionally, the row unit includes a sensor assembly having a rotational sensor, a first sensor arm, and a second sensor arm. A proximal end of the first sensor arm is coupled to the rotational sensor, a proximal end of the second sensor arm is coupled to a distal end of the first sensor arm, and a distal end of the second sensor arm is coupled to the gauge wheel arm. The rotational sensor is configured to generate data indicative of a position of the gauge wheel arm based on movement of the first sensor arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2022
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Trevor Stanhope, Michael Christopher Conboy
  • Publication number: 20230337574
    Abstract: A row unit for a seed-planting implement includes a frame, a gauge wheel arm pivotably coupled to the frame, and a gauge wheel rotatably coupled to the gauge wheel arm. Additionally, the row unit includes a wobble bracket configured to engage the gauge wheel arm and a linkage arm coupled to the wobble bracket. Moreover, the row unit includes an actuator, a gearbox coupled to the actuator, and a threaded shaft coupled to the gearbox. In addition, the row unit includes an actuation arm having a first end and a second end opposed to the first end, with the first end forming a hook that directly couples to the linkage arm and the second end coupled to the threaded shaft such that the actuation arm transmits rotation of the threaded shaft into linear motion of the linkage arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Christopher Conboy, Trevor Stanhope
  • Publication number: 20230337573
    Abstract: A seed-planting implement includes a row cleaner assembly having a row cleaner arm pivotably coupled to a row unit frame of the seed-planting implement. The row cleaner assembly also includes a row cleaner wheel rotatably coupled to the row cleaner arm such that the row cleaner wheel is configured to roll relative to a field. Additionally, the implement includes a computing system configured to receive an input indicative of a depth of the furrow being formed within the field and determine a position of the row cleaner wheel relative to a soil surface of the field based on the received input. In addition, the computing system is configured to control an operation of an actuator configured to adjust a position of the row cleaner arm relative to the frame based on the determined position of the row cleaner wheel relative to the soil surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Trevor Stanhope, Michael Christopher Conboy
  • Publication number: 20230337565
    Abstract: A row unit for a seed-planting implement includes a frame, a gauge wheel arm pivotably coupled to the frame, and a gauge wheel rotatably coupled to the gauge wheel arm. Additionally, the row unit includes a wobble bracket configured to engage the gauge wheel arm, a linkage arm coupled to the wobble bracket, and a pivot coupled to the linkage arm and pivotably coupled to the frame. Moreover, the row unit includes an actuator and a threaded shaft. Furthermore, the row unit includes an actuation arm having a first end defining a cavity receiving at least a portion of a stem of the pivot arm such that the first end directly engages the stem and a second end of coupled to the threaded shaft such that the actuation arm transmits rotation of the threaded shaft into linear motion of the linkage arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Christopher Conboy, Trevor Stanhope
  • Publication number: 20230337575
    Abstract: A row unit for a seed-planting implement includes a frame, a gauge wheel arm pivotably coupled to the frame and a gauge wheel rotatably coupled to the gauge wheel arm. Additionally, the row unit includes a wobble bracket configured to engage the gauge wheel arm and a linkage arm coupled to the wobble bracket. Moreover, the row unit includes an actuator, a gearbox coupled to the actuator, and a threaded shaft coupled to the gearbox. In addition, the row unit includes an actuation assembly such that the actuation assembly transmits rotation of the threaded shaft into linear motion of the linkage arm. The actuation assembly includes a hook arm having a first end forming a hook that directly couples to the linkage arm and a second end pivotably coupled to the frame. Furthermore, the actuation assembly includes a collar threadingly coupled to the threaded shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Christopher Conboy, Trevor Stanhope
  • Publication number: 20230292649
    Abstract: A system for monitoring seed placement within the ground during the performance of a planting operation includes a row unit configured to create a furrow in the soil for depositing seeds and to close the furrow after the seeds have been deposited therein, where the seeds deposited within the soil include both real seeds and artificial seeds. The system may further include a seed sensor supported relative to the row unit and configured to generate data indicative of the artificial seeds as planted underneath a surface of the soil according to a dielectric property of the artificial seeds. Additionally, the system may include a computing system configured to receive the data generated by the seed sensor, and to determine a seed-related parameter associated with the artificial seeds as planted underneath the surface of the soil based at least in part on the data generated by the seed sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2022
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Christopher Conboy, Trevor Stanhope
  • Publication number: 20230172094
    Abstract: In one aspect, a wheel assembly configured for use with an agricultural implement. The wheel assembly includes a wheel comprising an outer ground-engaging element and an inner hub extending radially inwardly from the outer ground-engaging element. The wheel defines an internal cavity radially inwardly relative to the outer ground-engaging element. The wheel assembly further includes a sensor positioned within the internal cavity of the press wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Trevor Stanhope, Michael Christopher Conboy
  • Publication number: 20230140374
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method for monitoring seed placement within the ground during the performance of a planting operation includes receiving, with a computing device, a timing signal associated with a detection of a seed to be deposited within soil by a row unit as the row unit is actively depositing seeds within the soil, and identifying, with the computing device, a time associated with when the seed will pass through a detection zone of a seed placement sensor supported relative to the row unit based on the timing signal, the seed placement sensor configured to detect the seed as planted underneath a surface of the soil. In addition, the method includes evaluating, with the computing device, data collected by the seed placement sensor during the identified time to determine a seed placement parameter associated with seed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Christopher Conboy, Trevor Stanhope
  • Publication number: 20220361394
    Abstract: A system for adjusting actuator pressure on an agricultural implement includes a fluid-driven actuator configured to adjust a position of a tool of the implement relative to the implement frame, with the fluid-driven actuator defining a fluid chamber. Furthermore, the system includes a valve configured to control a flow of a fluid to the fluid-driven actuator. In addition, the system includes a fluid conduit fluidly coupled between the valve and the fluid chamber. Moreover, the system includes a computing system is configured to determine the current position of the tool relative to the implement frame based on the data captured by a position sensor. Additionally, the computing system is configured to determine a current volume of the fluid chamber and the fluid conduit based on the determined current position. Furthermore, the computing system is configured to control the operation of the valve based on the determined current volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Trevor Stanhope, Christopher Joel Huber, Michael Christopher Conboy
  • Publication number: 20220346300
    Abstract: A control system for a double-acting air cylinder of an agricultural implement includes a valve assembly configured to control a base end air pressure and a rod end air pressure of the double-acting air cylinder. The control system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the valve assembly. The controller is configured to determine a target base end air pressure and a target rod end air pressure based on a target force of the double-acting air cylinder and a target damping factor of the double-acting air cylinder. The controller is also configured to control the valve assembly such that a first difference between the base end air pressure and the target base end air pressure is less than a first threshold value and a second difference between the rod end air pressure and the target rod end air pressure is less than a second threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Chad Michael Johnson, Trevor Phillip Stanhope, Michael Christopher Conboy, Grant Thomas Macdonald
  • Publication number: 20220287222
    Abstract: A system for controlling an operation of a seed-planting implement includes a row unit frame and a residue removal device pivotably coupled to the row unit frame. Furthermore, the system includes a first sensor configured to capture data indicative of a position of the residue removal device relative to the row unit frame. Additionally, the system includes a computing system communicatively coupled to the first sensor, with the computing system configured to determine the position of the residue removal device relative to the row unit frame based on the data captured by the first sensor. Moreover, the computing system is configured to determine a field condition of a field across which the seed-planting implement is traveling based on the determined position of the residue removal device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Trevor Stanhope, Michael Christopher Conboy
  • Publication number: 20220264783
    Abstract: An agricultural implement may include a frame and a row unit supported by the frame, where the row unit works a field as the implement is moved across the field. The row unit includes a first frame member coupled to a support structure of the row unit, a second frame member rotatable relative to the first frame member, and at least one cleaning wheel rotatable relative to the second frame member. Additionally, the row unit includes a depth stop member movably coupled to the first frame member, where the depth stop member is configured to set a lower height limit for the at least one cleaning wheel, with the second frame member being configured to abut against the depth stop member when the at least one cleaning wheel is disposed at the lower height limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Trevor Stanhope, Michael Christopher Conboy
  • Patent number: 9605760
    Abstract: A gear case seal is provided for use with a traction motor. The seal may have an arcuate body with an outer annular layer forming a centrally located channel extending along its length, and an inner annular layer bonded to the outer annular layer along opposing axial edges so as to close off the centrally located channel. The body may also have a middle layer disposed within the centrally located channel and made from a material different than a material of the inner and outer layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: Saket Ashokkumar Mishra, Michael Christopher Conboy, III
  • Publication number: 20150047462
    Abstract: A gear case seal is provided for use with a traction motor. The seal may have an arcuate body with an outer annular layer forming a centrally located channel extending along its length, and an inner annular layer bonded to the outer annular layer along opposing axial edges so as to close off the centrally located channel. The body may also have a middle layer disposed within the centrally located channel and made from a material different than a material of the inner and outer layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: Saket Ashokkumar MISHRA, Michael Christopher CONBOY, III