Patents by Inventor Richard J. Connell

Richard J. Connell 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).

  • Patent number: 11945900
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an orthodontic article including the reaction product of the polymerizable composition. Further, the present disclosure provides polymerizable compositions and methods of making an orthodontic article. The method includes obtaining a polymerizable composition and selectively curing the polymerizable composition to form an orthodontic article. Further, methods are provided, including receiving, by a manufacturing device having one or more processors, a digital object comprising data specifying an orthodontic article; and generating, with the manufacturing device by an additive manufacturing process, the orthodontic article based on the digital object. A system is also provided, including a display that displays a 3D model of an orthodontic article; and one or more processors that, in response to the 3D model selected by a user, cause a 3D printer to create a physical object of an orthodontic article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas P. Klun, Zeba Parkar, John M. Riedesel, Richard J. Pokorny, Chad M. Amb, Benjamin R. Coonce, Robert S. Clough, Tianyu Wu, Saswata Chakraborty, Yongshang Lu, Benjamin C. MacMurray, Ahmed S. Abuelyaman, Karl J. L. Geisler, Jodi L. Connell, Ta-Hua Yu
  • Patent number: 11596964
    Abstract: A system for spraying plants comprises a location-determining receiver for estimating a position of a sprayer with respect to one or more rows of plants. A distance sensor is arranged to measure a distance between a nozzle assembly and a plant row segment. A guidance module is adapted to align the nozzle assembly with a target path between the rows of plants, such as a centered path between the rows, or offset between the rows of the plants. A first nozzle is targeted toward a first zone with respect to the plant row segment based on a first spray pattern of the first nozzle. A second nozzle is targeted toward a second zone with respect to the plant row segment based on a second spray pattern of the second nozzle. A nozzle selection module for selecting automatically a first nozzle or a second nozzle based on maximum coverage of a target zone around the plant segment based on the first zone, the second zone, and the measured distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Larry L. Hendrickson, Noel W. Anderson, Thomas G. Mueller, Richard J. Connell
  • Patent number: 11229152
    Abstract: A carrier adjustment assembly for coupling to a frame member of an implement includes a laterally adjustable carrier configured to be coupled to an opener and a first outlet providing at least one nutrient. The assembly further includes a plurality of lateral spacers positioned adjacent to the carrier to laterally adjust the carrier and provide a plurality of adjustment positions. The carrier adjustment assembly facilitates lateral adjustment of the carrier by removal of at least one captively held lateral spacer that sets the lateral adjustment of the carrier, a lateral adjustment of the first outlet, and an adjustment of a lateral separation between a seed row provided by a second outlet and a nutrient row provided by the first outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Richard J. Connell
  • Publication number: 20210283637
    Abstract: A system for spraying plants comprises a location-determining receiver for estimating a position of a sprayer with respect to one or more rows of plants. A distance sensor is arranged to measure a distance between a nozzle assembly and a plant row segment. A guidance module is adapted to align the nozzle assembly with a target path between the rows of plants, such as a centered path between the rows, or offset between the rows of the plants. A first nozzle is targeted toward a first zone with respect to the plant row segment based on a first spray pattern of the first nozzle. A second nozzle is targeted toward a second zone with respect to the plant row segment based on a second spray pattern of the second nozzle. A nozzle selection module for selecting automatically a first nozzle or a second nozzle based on maximum coverage of a target zone around the plant segment based on the first zone, the second zone, and the measured distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Larry L. Hendrickson, Noel W. Anderson, Thomas G. Mueller, Richard J. Connell
  • Patent number: 11032967
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle platform comprises a central body that can support one or more implement configurations, such as sprayer booms, or planting row units. A plurality of adjustable legs extends downward from the central body. Each adjustable leg has a corresponding leg actuator to adjust a respective vertical height of each adjustable leg. Each adjustable leg supports the central body. Planting row units are supported by or suspended from the central body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Connell, Michael M. Miller, Austin N. Thompson, Brandon M. McDonald, Shayne C. Rich
  • Patent number: 11033921
    Abstract: A system for spraying plants comprises a location-determining receiver for estimating a position of a sprayer with respect to one or more rows of plants. A distance sensor is arranged to measure a distance between a nozzle assembly and a plant row segment. A guidance module is adapted to align the nozzle assembly with a target path between the rows of plants, such as a centered path between the rows, or offset between the rows of the plants. A first nozzle is targeted toward a first zone with respect to the plant row segment based on a first spray pattern of the first nozzle. A second nozzle is targeted toward a second zone with respect to the plant row segment based on a second spray pattern of the second nozzle. A nozzle selection module for selecting automatically a first nozzle or a second nozzle based on maximum coverage of a target zone around the plant segment based on the first zone, the second zone, and the measured distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Larry L. Hendrickson, Noel W. Anderson, Thomas G. Mueller, Richard J. Connell
  • Patent number: 10912251
    Abstract: A method for treating plants comprises estimating a growth state or maturity state of a plant based on a planting date, a current date and the crop type of the plant. A root zone estimator or data processor estimating a size, diameter or radius of a root zone of the plant based on the determined growth state or maturity state. The data processor adjusts a lateral offset of a distribution pattern of a crop input or nutrient from at least one nutrient knife based on the size, diameter or radius of the root zone and safety zone about the root zone, where the at least one nutrient knife tracks a path outside of or bounded by the root zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Terence D. Pickett, Richard J. Connell, Larry L. Hendrickson, Frederick W. Nelson, Brandon M. McDonald, Noel W. Anderson
  • Patent number: 10882065
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle comprises a left frame and a right frame. A left wheel is rotatable with respect to the left frame and a right wheel is rotatable with respect to the right frame. A first leg extends upward from the left frame and a second leg extends upward from the right frame to connect the legs to the beam. A data processor estimates a reference point on or below the vehicle and an angular orientation or attitude of the beam relative to the reference point based on positions of location-determining receivers associated with the beam. An upper carriage is laterally movable along the beam. A lower carriage is suspended from the upper carriage by a plurality of vertical supports, such that a target lateral position of the upper carriage establishes an actual lateral position of the lower carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Travis J. Davis, Joshua T. Lawson, Curtis A. Maeder, Jesse D. Haecker, Richard J. Connell, Shayne C. Rich, Anthony E. Eggers, Curtis D. Carlson
  • Patent number: 10830751
    Abstract: A method for treating plants with respect to estimated root zones comprises estimating a growth state or maturity state of a plant based on a planting date, a current date and the crop type of the plant. A root zone estimator or data processor estimating a size, diameter or radius of a root zone of the plant based on the determined growth state or maturity state. The data processor or nozzle control module adjusts a lateral offset of a spray pattern of a nozzle assembly of one or more nozzles based on the size, diameter or radius to target alignment or maximization of overlap area of a crop input directed to a strip or zone with respect to the corresponding root zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Terence D. Pickett, Richard J. Connell, Larry L. Hendrickson, Frederick W. Nelson, Brandon M. McDonald, Noel W. Anderson
  • Patent number: 10799903
    Abstract: A first leg extends upward from the left frame and a second leg extends upward from the right frame to connect the legs to the beam. One or more satellite navigation receivers are associated with beam to determine a position and an attitude of the beam. One or more row units are suspended from the beam, each row unit having a first nozzle and a second nozzle, wherein the first nozzle and the second nozzle are associated with an adjustable reference position in one or more dimensions with respect to the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Travis J. Davis, Joshua T. Lawson, Curtis A. Maeder, Jesse D. Haecker, Richard J. Connell, Shayne C. Rich, Anthony E. Eggers, Curtis D. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20200267892
    Abstract: An automated farming system includes a frame. The frame includes a fixed base, a beam, and a support. A farming implement support extends from the beam and moves up and down in relation to the beam. The farming implement support moves along a length of the beam. The movable support includes a propulsion system and is configured to rotate around the fixed base. Movement of the farming implement support and the movable support allows for high density planting of crops in hexagonal patterns and/or a continuous spiral pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Nathan C. HEINRICH, Richard J. CONNELL, Travis NEWTON, Jeremy B. THOMPSON, Ray M. SCHEUFLER, Jesse D. HAECKER
  • Patent number: 10694734
    Abstract: A first leg extends upward from the left frame and a second leg extends upward from the right frame to connect the legs to the beam. One or more satellite navigation receivers are associated with beam to determine a position and an attitude of the beam. One or more row units are suspended from the beam, such that the position of nozzle or nozzles on each row unit can be adjusted simultaneously and dynamically in multiple dimensions to maintain a target spacing between the nozzle and ground and the nozzle and a plant or row of plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Travis J. Davis, Joshua T. Lawson, Curtis A. Maeder, Jesse D. Haecker, Richard J. Connell, Shayne C. Rich, Anthony E. Eggers, Curtis D. Carlson
  • Patent number: 10681860
    Abstract: An automated farming system includes a frame. The frame includes a fixed base, a beam, and a support. A farming implement support extends from the beam and moves up and down in relation to the beam. The farming implement support moves along a length of the beam. The movable support includes a propulsion system and is configured to rotate around the fixed base. Movement of the farming implement support and the movable support allows for high density planting of crops in hexagonal patterns and/or a continuous spiral pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Nathan C. Heinrich, Richard J. Connell, Travis Newton, Jeremy B. Thompson, Ray M. Scheufler, Jesse D. Haecker
  • Patent number: 10654063
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a row unit for an agricultural vehicle comprises an upper carriage that is movable or slidable with respect to a generally horizontal beam of the vehicle. The row unit has vertical supports, where each vertical support has an upper end connected to the upper carriage and a lower end opposite the upper end. The row unit further comprises a lower carriage that is connected to the lower end of the vertical supports, such that the upper carriage determines a lateral position of the lower carriage with respect to the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Travis J. Davis, Joshua T. Lawson, Curtis A. Maeder, Jesse D. Haecker, Richard J. Connell, Shayne C. Rich, Anthony E. Eggers, Curtis D. Carlson
  • Patent number: 10617057
    Abstract: A laterally movable carrier is associated with a row frame. The carrier is connected to a frame member, an opener, a first outlet and a second outlet to allow for dynamically variable adjustment of the lateral separation between a first row of planted seed and a second row of planted seed, where the first row of seed is adjacent to the second row of seed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Connell, Brandon M. McDonald, Larry L. Hendrickson
  • Publication number: 20200107495
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle platform comprises a central body that can support one or more implement configurations, such as sprayer booms, or planting row units. A plurality of adjustable legs extends downward from the central body. Each adjustable leg has a corresponding leg actuator to adjust a respective vertical height of each adjustable leg. Each adjustable leg supports the central body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Connell, Michael M. Miller, Austin N. Thompson, Brandon M. McDonald, Shayne C. Rich
  • Patent number: 10575460
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle comprises a left frame and a right frame. A first leg extends upward from the left frame and a second leg extends upward from the right frame to connect the legs to the beam. One or more satellite navigation receivers are associated with beam to determine a position and an attitude of the beam. In on configuration, at least one row unit suspended from the beam, where each row unit has a respective planting device with an adjustable position in one or more dimensions with respect to the beam for precise application or variable application of seeds within the rows or field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Travis J. Davis, Joshua T. Lawson, Curtis A. Maeder, Jesse D. Haecker, Richard J. Connell, Shayne C. Rich, Anthony E. Eggers, Curtis D. Carlson
  • Patent number: 10542666
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle platform comprises a central body that can support one or more implement configurations, such as sprayer booms, or planting row units. A plurality of adjustable legs extends downward from the central body. Each adjustable leg has a corresponding leg actuator to adjust a respective vertical height of each adjustable leg. Each adjustable leg supports the central body. Planting row units are supported by or suspended from the central body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Connell, Michael M. Miller, Austin N. Thompson, Brandon M. McDonald, Shayne C. Rich
  • Patent number: 10492360
    Abstract: A row frame is coupled to the rear member. A first opener is configured to open the soil; the first opener is supported by or from a first support extending downward from the frame member. A first outlet is configured to dispense or apply a nutrient strip. A laterally movable carrier is associated with the row frame. The carrier supports the first opener and the first outlet. A second outlet can dispense or plant seed, wherein the first outlet and the second outlet have a lateral separation that is dynamically adjustable during the simultaneous application of seed and the nutrient strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard J. Connell, Brandon M. McDonald, Larry L. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 10485154
    Abstract: A data processor determines whether a draft force on the implement is unbalanced based on an error between the observed implement angle and a target implement heading exceeding a threshold deviation. The data processor is adapted to generate a control signal to compensate for the imbalance in the draft force by adjusting the first lateral position via the first actuator, or by adjusting the second lateral position via the second actuator, the first actuator and the second actuator being positioned on opposite lateral sides of the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard J. Connell, Brandon M. McDonald, Larry L. Hendrickson