Patents by Inventor Michael L. Rhodes

Michael L. Rhodes 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: 20230392918
    Abstract: A sensing system comprises a mechanical component that is subject to an applied force. The mechanical component has an outer surface with bores. A concentrator is connected to the mechanical component via fasteners that pass through openings that align with the bores. The concentrator comprises a central neck portion with an elevated pedestal, a first extremity region extending outwardly away from the central neck portion and a second extremity region opposite the first extremity region. The second extremity region extends outwardly away from the central neck portion. A strain sensor is mounted on or coupled to the concentrator to transmit the applied force from the mechanical component via or through the concentrator to the mechanical component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Alexander M. Mork, Michael L. Rhodes, Ryan A. Stieg
  • Publication number: 20230396099
    Abstract: An assembly for transferring electrical energy comprises a stator. A rotor is separated from the stator for relative rotation with respect to the stator. An axial gap is defined between the rotor and the stator. A transmitter is associated with or on the stator, where the transmitter is configured to transmit an alternating current (AC) wireless signal. An annular clamp comprises a first semi-elliptical portion and a second semi-elliptical portion that define an opening for receipt of the rotor. The annular clamp has fasteners to secure the first semi-elliptical portion to the second semi-elliptical portion about the rotor. A receiver is associated with of the annular clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Alexander M. Mork, Michael L. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 11808014
    Abstract: Work machines, drive assemblies for work machines, and methods of measuring torque of a driven component of a work machine are disclosed herein. A work machine includes a frame structure, a rotational power source supported by the frame structure, and a driven component supported by the frame structure that is coupled to the rotational power source to receive rotational power therefrom in use of the work machine. The driven component extends between a first end and a second end arranged opposite the first end. Additionally, the work machine includes a first encoder system coupled to the first end of the driven component, a second encoder system coupled to the second end of the driven component, and a control system supported by the frame structure that includes a controller communicatively coupled to the first encoder system and the second encoder system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael L. Rhodes, Robert J. White
  • Patent number: 11719526
    Abstract: A device for detecting wear of a wear member composed of electrically resistive material. The wear member comprises at least two electrodes separated from each other, where each electrode overlies, or is embedded in, an outer surface of the electrically resistive material. One of the electrodes is connected to a resistor at a measurement node to form a resistive voltage divider. A voltage measurement device measures a change in voltage at the measurement node, where the change is voltage is indicative of the degree of removal of resistive material from a face of the wear member and where the change in voltage is continuously variable and not limited to discrete wear levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Noel W. Anderson, Michael L. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 11549797
    Abstract: A device for detecting wear of a wear member composed of electrically resistive material. The wear member comprises at least two electrodes separated from each other, where each electrode overlies, or is embedded in, an outer surface of the electrically resistive material. One of the electrodes is connected to a resistor at a measurement node to form a resistive voltage divider. A voltage measurement device measures a change in voltage at the measurement node, where the change is voltage is indicative of the degree of removal of resistive material from a face of the wear member and where the change in voltage is continuously variable and not limited to discrete wear levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Noel W. Anderson, Michael L. Rhodes
  • Publication number: 20220412717
    Abstract: A device for detecting wear of a wear member composed of electrically resistive material. The wear member comprises at least two electrodes separated from each other, where each electrode overlies, or is embedded in, an outer surface of the electrically resistive material. One of the electrodes is connected to a resistor at a measurement node to form a resistive voltage divider. A voltage measurement device measures a change in voltage at the measurement node, where the change is voltage is indicative of the degree of removal of resistive material from a face of the wear member and where the change in voltage is continuously variable and not limited to discrete wear levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: Noel W. Anderson, Michael L. Rhodes
  • Publication number: 20220112695
    Abstract: Work machines, drive assemblies for work machines, and methods of measuring torque of a driven component of a work machine are disclosed herein. A work machine includes a frame structure, a rotational power source supported by the frame structure, and a driven component supported by the frame structure that is coupled to the rotational power source to receive rotational power therefrom in use of the work machine. The driven component extends between a first end and a second end arranged opposite the first end. Additionally, the work machine includes a first encoder system coupled to the first end of the driven component, a second encoder system coupled to the second end of the driven component, and a control system supported by the frame structure that includes a controller communicatively coupled to the first encoder system and the second encoder system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventors: Michael L. Rhodes, Robert J. White
  • Publication number: 20220039310
    Abstract: A first source of an electromagnetic signal is configured to illuminate or radiate the evaluation channel through which a series of particular seeds pass. For example, the electromagnetic signal comprises a pulse with at a primary reference phase and primary reference magnitude. A first receiver of the electromagnetic signal comprises a detector to determine or identify a first seed-related characteristic (e.g., first seed characteristic) based on an observed primary phase and an observed primary magnitude. For instance, a seed treatment device is configured to treat or spray discharged particular seed with a seed treatment based on the estimated characteristic, or to reject non-conforming seeds that do not meet seed specifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Inventors: Scott C. Johnson, Michael L. Rhodes, Matt D. Bartelson
  • Patent number: 11029275
    Abstract: A first conductor is embedded in the first dielectric layer to a first wear depth, where the first wear depth is associated with a first threshold wear level. A second dielectric layer overlies the first dielectric layer to a second wear depth. The second wear depth is associated with a second threshold wear level greater than the first threshold wear level. A second conductor is embedded in the second dielectric layer and separate from the first conductor. An indicator is adapted to indicate whether the wear plate is the first threshold wear level or the second threshold wear level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael L. Rhodes, Kevin P. Cowles
  • Patent number: 10952366
    Abstract: A seed positioning device, a seed dispensing system, and a method of positioning a plurality of seeds may include an axially extending housing member having an upper portion and a lower portion. The seed positioning device further includes a seed positioning member extending axially through the housing member and being configured to transfer a plurality of seeds between the upper portion of the housing member and the lower portion of the housing member and position the plurality of seeds by centrifugal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Rhodes, Kevin P. Cowles
  • Patent number: 10918012
    Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine. The row unit includes a frame, a furrow opener coupled to the frame, and a position sensor assembly having a position sensor configured to detect wear of the furrow opener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Michael L. Rhodes
  • Publication number: 20210000011
    Abstract: A monitoring device for monitoring crop yield is disclosed. The monitoring device is mounted to a housing of a grain elevator of an agricultural work machine proximate a crop conveyor assembly arranged in the housing and has at least one aperture formed therein. A material engagement member is arranged on the mounting structure and is pivotal with respect to the mounting structure about a pivot point. The material engagement member can comprise first end and a second end opposite of the first end. At least one rotational sensor is arranged in the monitoring device and is configured to detect spatial movement or position of the material engagement member. A processing device is coupled to the at least one rotational sensor and is configured to determine an aggregate crop yield based on the detected rotational magnitude of the displacement of the first end or second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Inventors: Gurmukh H. Advani, Noel W. Anderson, Kevin P. Cowles, Michael L. Rhodes
  • Publication number: 20200344943
    Abstract: A system for distributing seeds includes a storage tank operable to store a plurality of seeds. A seed-on-demand distribution system is operable to transfer at least some seeds of the plurality of seeds from the storage tank to a distribution system outlet. A dispersion unit has an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The inlet is in communication with the distribution system outlet. The first outlet is in communication with a first secondary conduit. The second outlet is in communication with a second secondary conduit. A first volumetric meter is operable to volumetrically meter at least some seeds of the plurality of seeds from the first secondary conduit. A second volumetric meter is operable to volumetrically meter at least some seeds of the plurality of seeds from the secondary conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Elijah B. Garner, Michael L. Rhodes, Jeffrey S. Puhalla, Nikolai R. Tevs
  • Patent number: 10820503
    Abstract: A monitoring device for monitoring crop yield is disclosed. The monitoring device is mounted to a housing of a grain elevator of an agricultural work machine proximate a crop conveyor assembly arranged in the housing and has at least one aperture formed therein. A material engagement member is arranged on the mounting structure and is pivotal with respect to the mounting structure about a pivot point. The material engagement member can comprise first end and a second end opposite of the first end. At least one rotational sensor is arranged in the monitoring device and is configured to detect spatial movement or position of the material engagement member. A processing device is coupled to the at least one rotational sensor and is configured to determine an aggregate crop yield based on the detected rotational magnitude of the displacement of the first end or second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Gurmukh H. Advani, Noel W. Anderson, Kevin P. Cowles, Michael L. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 10716256
    Abstract: A sensor system for determining crop yield. The sensor system comprises a mounting structure mounted to a housing of a grain elevator of an agricultural work machine and has at least one aperture formed therein. A fulcrum assembly is arranged on the mounting structure. A rocker arm is pivotal about a pivot axis of the fulcrum assembly and extends between a first end and a second end. An engagement member is coupled to the second end of the rocker arm and extends through the at least one aperture of the mounting structure. At least one gap distance sensor is mounted to the fulcrum assembly and is configured to detect an inclination of the rocker arm relative to the fulcrum assembly. A processing device is coupled to the gap distance sensor and is configured to correlate the detected inclination of the rocker arm to an applied force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael L. Rhodes, Kevin P. Cowles, Noel W. Anderson, Gurmukh H. Advani
  • Patent number: 10687457
    Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine. The row unit includes a frame, a gauge wheel arm pivotally coupled to the frame, a gauge wheel coupled to the gauge wheel arm, a position sensor assembly having a position sensor configured to detect a rotational position of the gauge wheel arm, and a controller coupled to the position sensor. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the position sensor and to provide an alert based on the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Cary S. Hubner, Michael L. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 10687456
    Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine. The row unit includes a frame, a first gauge wheel arm pivotally coupled to the frame, a first gauge wheel coupled to the first gauge wheel arm, a second gauge wheel arm pivotally coupled to the frame, a second gauge wheel coupled to the second gauge wheel arm, and a position sensor assembly having a position sensor at least partially disposed between the first gauge wheel arm and the second gauge wheel arm such that the position sensor is at least partially concealed from view between the first and second gauge wheels when viewing the row unit along an axis of rotation of the first gauge wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Elijah B. Garner, Michael L. Rhodes, Nikolai R. Tevs, Dnyanesh Dhobale, Cary S. Hubner
  • Patent number: 10681859
    Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine. The row unit includes a frame, a gauge wheel arm pivotally coupled to the frame, a gauge wheel coupled to the gauge wheel arm, and a position sensor assembly configured to detect a gap corresponding to a rotational position of the gauge wheel arm. The position sensor assembly includes a sensing target surface. The sensing target surface is at least one of an eccentric surface or a cam surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael L. Rhodes, Cary S. Hubner, Andrew Schefter, Dnyanesh Dhobale
  • Publication number: 20200132431
    Abstract: A device for detecting wear of a wear member composed of electrically resistive material. The wear member comprises at least two electrodes separated from each other, where each electrode overlies, or is embedded in, an outer surface of the electrically resistive material. One of the electrodes is connected to a resistor at a measurement node to form a resistive voltage divider. A voltage measurement device measures a change in voltage at the measurement node, where the change is voltage is indicative of the degree of removal of resistive material from a face of the wear member and where the change in voltage is continuously variable and not limited to discrete wear levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Noel W. Anderson, Michael L. Rhodes
  • Publication number: 20200128725
    Abstract: A seed positioning device, a seed dispensing system, and a method of positioning a plurality of seeds are provided. The seed positioning device includes an axially extending housing member having an upper portion and a lower portion. The seed positioning device further includes a seed positioning member extending axially through the housing member and being configured to transfer a plurality of seeds between the upper portion of the housing member and the lower portion of the housing member and position the plurality of seeds by centrifugal force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: MICHAEL L. RHODES, KEVIN P. COWLES