Patents by Inventor Shayne C. Rich

Shayne C. Rich 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: 11105624
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to track a blade are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a blade that is pivotable, first and second optical targets operatively coupled to the blade, and a first camera for collecting first imaging data of the first optical target within a first field of view. The example apparatus also includes a second camera for collecting second imaging data of the second optical target within a second field of view. The example apparatus also includes a selector to select at least one of the first or second imaging data, and a processor to determine an orientation of the blade based on the selected imaging data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Sara Meghan Beery, Tarik Loukili, Justin Borgstadt, Shayne C. Rich, Michio Kise, Travis J. Davis
  • 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: 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: 10813263
    Abstract: 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. An arm assembly has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is pivotably coupled the central body and the second end coupled to a support beam. A plurality of nozzle assemblies is supported from the support beam. An arm actuator is arranged to control a transverse position of the support beam and the nozzle assemblies with respect to a reference point on the central body, such that each nozzle assembly may be aligned with a row of seeds or plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Richard Connell, Shayne C. Rich, Brandon M. McDonald, Newton L. Lingenfelter, Michael M. Miller, Austin N. Thompson
  • 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: 20200217660
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to track a blade are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a blade that is pivotable, first and second optical targets operatively coupled to the blade, and a first camera for collecting first imaging data of the first optical target within a first field of view. The example apparatus also includes a second camera for collecting second imaging data of the second optical target within a second field of view. The example apparatus also includes a selector to select at least one of the first or second imaging data, and a processor to determine an orientation of the blade based on the selected imaging data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventors: Sara Meghan Beery, Tarik Loukili, Justin Borgstadt, Shayne C. Rich, Michio Kise, Travis J. Davis
  • 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: 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: 10634492
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to track a blade are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a blade that is pivotable, first and second optical targets operatively coupled to the blade, and a first camera for collecting first imaging data of the first optical target within a first field of view. The example apparatus also includes a second camera for collecting second imaging data of the second optical target within a second field of view. The example apparatus also includes a selector to select at least one of the first or second imaging data, and a processor to determine an orientation of the blade based on the selected imaging data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Sara Meghan Beery, Tarik Loukili, Justin Borgstadt, Shayne C. Rich, Michio Kise, Travis J. Davis
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20190133022
    Abstract: 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. An arm assembly has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is pivotably coupled the central body and the second end coupled to a support beam. A plurality of nozzle assemblies is supported from the support beam. An arm actuator is arranged to control a transverse position of the support beam and the nozzle assemblies with respect to a reference point on the central body, such that each nozzle assembly may be aligned with a row of seeds or plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Richard Connell, Shayne C. Rich, Brandon M. McDonald, Newton L. Lingenfelter, Michael M. Miller, Austin N. Thompson
  • Patent number: 10172274
    Abstract: 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. An arm assembly has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is pivotably coupled the central body and the second end coupled to a support beam. A plurality of nozzle assemblies is supported from the support beam. An arm actuator is arranged to control a transverse position of the support beam and the nozzle assemblies with respect to a reference point on the central body, such that each nozzle assembly may be aligned with a row of seeds or plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Connell, Shayne C. Rich, Brandon M. McDonald, Newton L. Lingenfelter, Michael M. Miller, Austin N. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20180338413
    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: September 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Richard J. Connell, Michael M. Miller, Austin N. Thompson, Brandon M. McDonald, Shayne C. Rich
  • Publication number: 20180338405
    Abstract: 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. An arm assembly has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is pivotably coupled the central body and the second end coupled to a support beam. A plurality of nozzle assemblies is supported from the support beam. An arm actuator is arranged to control a transverse position of the support beam and the nozzle assemblies with respect to a reference point on the central body, such that each nozzle assembly may be aligned with a row of seeds or plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Richard J. Connell, Shayne C. Rich, Brandon M. McDonald, Newton L. Lingenfelter, Michael M. Miller, Austin N. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20180242517
    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: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    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: 20180243772
    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: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    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: 20180243771
    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: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    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: 20180243773
    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: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    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