Patents by Inventor Ryan Herbon

Ryan Herbon 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).

  • AUTOMATED MACHINE FOR SELECTIVE IN SITU MANIPULATION OF PLANTS
    Publication number: 20140180549
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems for identifying a plant in a field with pixel-level precision and taking an action on the identified plant, also with pixel level precision. The disclosed systems can include multiple implements, enabling the performance of multiple tasks on an identified plant or associated area of soil. Methods of using the described systems for automated thinning, weeding and spot spraying crops are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: The Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of the University of Arizona
    Inventors: Mark C. Siemens, Ronald R. Gayler, Kurt D. Nolte, Ryan Herbon
  • Crop thinning apparatus and method
    Patent number: 7032369
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for mechanically thinning crops, particularly those planted in rows. One or more crop thinning units are connected to the back of a tractor or other vehicle. Each of the units has the ability to sense plants and activate an arm which has a blade disposed thereon. An electronic control system enables data from several sensors to be evaluated such that plants may be selectively removed based on pre-established criteria. Sensors differentiate between weeds and plants, and maintain the cutting units above the crop rows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Arrowhead Center, Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley Eaton, Ryan Herbon, Vince Hernandez