Patents by Inventor Trevor L. Kowalchuk

Trevor L. Kowalchuk 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: 20200015412
    Abstract: A seed planting unit of an agricultural implement may include a depth adjustment assembly having a cam member and a depth adjustment gear rotatably coupled to the cam member. The cam member may be configured to be rotated to adjust a vertical position of a wheel of the unit relative to a ground engaging tool of the unit. The seed planting unit may also include an actuating member configured to rotationally drive the depth adjustment gear. The depth adjustment gear and the actuating member include interlocking engagement elements, such that when the actuating member is rotated, the cam member is rotated relative to the support structure to vary the penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventors: Trevor L. Kowalchuk, Russell Altman
  • Publication number: 20200015404
    Abstract: A seed planting unit of an agricultural implement may include a wheel support arm having an upper portion and a lower portion. A wheel may be rotatably supported by the lower portion of the wheel support arm, the wheel configured to contact the soil surface to define a penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool relative to the soil surface. A depth stop member may be provided in operative association with one of the support structure or the wheel support arm. A depth adjustment member may be selectively axially movable relative to the other of the support structure or the wheel support arm to vary a relative distance between an abutment portion of the depth adjustment member configured to abut against the depth stop member and the other of the support structure or the wheel support arm to set the penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventors: Trevor L. Kowalchuk, Gordon Anthony Engel
  • Publication number: 20200015405
    Abstract: A system for adjusting penetration depth settings of seed planting units of an agricultural implement, the system may include a plurality of seed planting units and a common drive assembly. Each of the seed planting units may have a depth adjustment assembly. The common drive assembly may be configured to drive the depth adjustment assemblies of the plurality of seed planting units so as to simultaneously adjust a penetration depth setting of each respective seed planting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventors: Trevor L. Kowalchuk, Russell Altman
  • Publication number: 20200000003
    Abstract: A seed planting unit of an agricultural implement may include a wheel support arm having an upper portion and a lower portion. A wheel may be rotatably supported by the lower portion of the wheel support arm, the wheel configured to contact the soil surface to define a penetration depth setting for a ground engaging tool relative to the soil surface. A depth stop member may be provided in operative association with one of the support structure or the wheel support arm. A depth adjustment member may be selectively movable relative to the other of the support structure or the wheel support arm to vary a relative position between the depth adjustment member and the depth stop member. The depth stop member may selectively abut one of the plurality of steps when the wheel is contacting the soil surface to set the penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventor: Trevor L. Kowalchuk
  • Publication number: 20190307053
    Abstract: A depth adjustment assembly for seed planting unit of an agricultural implement may include a cam member rotatable to adjust a vertical position of a wheel of the unit relative to a ground engaging tool of the unit. The cam member may include a first engagement element. The depth adjustment assembly may also include a locking member having a second engagement element and a biasing member configured to bias the cam and locking members together to engage the first and second engagement elements and maintain a rotational position of the cam member relative to the locking member. When the first and second engagement elements are disengaged, the cam member is rotatable relative to the locking member to vary the penetration depth setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: GRAHAM DOUGLAS STUART, TREVOR L. KOWALCHUK, NICHOLAS GEORGE ALFRED RYDER
  • Publication number: 20190289768
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for adjusting down pressure loads on a disc opener of a seeder may include a depth adjustment assembly having a gauge wheel and a gauge wheel arm coupled between the disc opener and the gauge wheel. The system may also include an actuator configured to apply a down pressure load on the disc opener. Moreover, the system may include a sensor provided in operative association with the gauge wheel or a component coupled between the gauge wheel and the gauge wheel arm. The sensor may be configured to detect a parameter indicative of the down pressure load applied on the disc opener. Additionally, a controller of the system may be configured to control an operation of the actuator based on measurement signals received from the sensor to regulate the down pressure load applied on the disc opener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventor: Trevor L. Kowalchuk
  • Publication number: 20190059204
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for spraying a fluid onto or near seeds may include a planter having a seed meter configured to dispense seeds from a hopper, a seed tube extending from the seed meter toward a furrow, and a rotationally-driven belt positioned within the seed tube. The belt may be configured for conveying the seeds from the seed meter through the seed tube to the furrow. The planter also includes a sprayer assembly having a nozzle configured to spray a fluid on or near the seeds dispensed from the seed meter. The system may further include a controller configured to determine a current speed of the belt relative to the seed tube and control the sprayer assembly based on the current speed of the belt such that the nozzle sprays the fluid at least one of onto or near each of the seeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventor: TREVOR L. KOWALCHUK
  • Patent number: 9974221
    Abstract: A singulation-style seeding system includes planter row units arranged on a drill that may have a front rank and a back rank. The planter units may singulate and deliver seeds from a first segment of the drill, which may correspond to one of the front and back ranks. A high-volume fertilizer may be delivered from a second segment of the drill, which may correspond to the other one of the front and back ranks and may be delivered at a relatively high delivery rate. A starter fertilizer may be delivered at a relatively lower delivery rate at or near seed furrows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Trevor L. Kowalchuk
  • Patent number: 9730377
    Abstract: A planter is provided with onboard seed treatment for treating seeds on the go during row-crop planting of an agricultural field. The seed treatment system of the planter allows for selective planting of specific zones of a field with treated seed, which may include planting different zones of the field with seeds having different treatments. The planter may store untreated seed in bulk and include a seed treatment system that selectively and precisely treat the untreated seeds during treatment events by way of an injection or spray nozzle system that applies liquid treatment to the seeds traveling along a tightly defined travel path, such as within pockets of a belt that carries the seeds through a seed tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Trevor L. Kowalchuk
  • Publication number: 20160374260
    Abstract: A planter is provided with onboard seed treatment for treating seeds on the go during row-crop planting of an agricultural field. The seed treatment system of the planter allows for selective planting of specific zones of a field with treated seed, which may include planting different zones of the field with seeds having different treatments. The planter may store untreated seed in bulk and include a seed treatment system that selectively and precisely treat the untreated seeds during treatment events by way of an injection or spray nozzle system that applies liquid treatment to the seeds traveling along a tightly defined travel path, such as within pockets of a belt that carries the seeds through a seed tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Trevor L. Kowalchuk
  • Publication number: 20160324062
    Abstract: A singulation-style seeding system is provided that may include planter row units arranged on a drill that may have a front rank and a back rank. The planter units may singulate and deliver seeds from a first segment of the drill, which may correspond to one of the front and back ranks. A high-volume fertilizer may be delivered from a second segment of the drill, which may correspond to the other one of the front and back ranks and may be delivered at a relatively high delivery rate. A starter fertilizer may be delivered at a relatively lower delivery rate at or near seed furrows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventor: Trevor L. Kowalchuk
  • Patent number: 8974170
    Abstract: A position adjustment assembly for an agricultural product conveyor, which delivers a product to a storage system, such as an air cart, includes an inner arm having a first end rotatably coupled to the air cart and a second end. An outer arm has a first end and a second end. The second end of the inner arm is rotatably coupled to the outer arm proximate to the first end of the outer arm. An intermediate link has a lateral positioning assembly to vary the length of the intermediate link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nicholas G. A. Ryder, Trevor L. Kowalchuk, Ethan C. S. Bent
  • Patent number: 8224534
    Abstract: The system and method automatically controls the position of at least one deck plate of a harvesting unit of a corn header so as to increase the width of a stalk receiving channel or reduce pinching forces between the plates when entering a stand of corn to facilitate alignment with the corn rows, and to change the position after a suitable time period or other condition or event, to narrow the channel width and/or increase pinching force, to reduce kernel loss while also monitoring forces exerted against the plates by the stalks and responsively adjusting the plate position for maintaining a desired force on the stalks or width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Trevor L. Kowalchuk
  • Publication number: 20120029757
    Abstract: The system and method automatically controls the position of at least one deck plate of a harvesting unit of a corn header so as to increase the width of a stalk receiving channel or reduce pinching forces between the plates when entering a stand of corn to facilitate alignment with the corn rows, and to change the position after a suitable time period or other condition or event, to narrow the channel width and/or increase pinching force, to reduce kernel loss while also monitoring forces exerted against the plates by the stalks and responsively adjusting the plate position for maintaining a desired force on the stalks or width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Trevor L. Kowalchuk
  • Patent number: 7686096
    Abstract: A surface brake system for a detachable agricultural implement towed by a tow vehicle is provided. The detachable agricultural implement includes a frame connected by a telescoping tongue assembly at the tow vehicle. The frame and tongue assembly are movably supported by at least one wheel assembly having a circumferential tread surface. The brake system includes a pivot linkage pivotally connected at the frame of the detachable agricultural implement, and a horizontal aligned brake arm attached at the pivot linkage. The brake system further includes an actuator cylinder interconnected between the pivot linkage and the frame. Movement of the actuator cylinder causes the brake arm to engage a brake pad assembly against the outer circumferential tread surface of the wheel assembly so as to restrain movement of the wheel assembly and frame of the agricultural implement as the tow vehicle extends and retracts the telescoping tongue assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nicholas G. Ryder, Trevor L. Kowalchuk, Calvin K. Greenstein, Trent W. Reimer
  • Patent number: 7395770
    Abstract: A ground working apparatus for dispensing an agricultural additive to the soil is provided. The apparatus is mounted to a tool bar that is operable to be towed across an agricultural field. The apparatus includes a coulter blade in combination with a knife element, and a conduit attached thereto operable to dispense the agricultural additive in the soil. The knife element and the coulter blade characterize a gap therebetween. The gap is defined by a forward edge of the knife element having a radius of curvature that is less than a radius of curvature of the coulter blade. The conduit in interchangeably attached by at least one conduit mount plate at the knife element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Blake R Neudorf, Trevor L Kowalchuk
  • Patent number: 7264423
    Abstract: A restraint apparatus configured to selectively attach a flexible hose at an outlet structure of a manifold of an air conveyance system is provided. The restraint apparatus includes a restraint member having a flat, planar shape. The restraint member includes a first opening located at a first end and a second opening located at a second end opposite the first end. The first and second ends of the restraint member are configured to be biased toward each other such that the first opening is operable to receive the outlet port therethrough and the second opening is operable to receive the hose therethrough. Upon release of the first and second ends of the restraint member, the first and second ends are operable to exert a bias force against the outlet structure and the hose, respectively, in a manner that resists removal of the hose from the outlet structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Trevor L. Kowalchuk
  • Patent number: 7213523
    Abstract: A ground working apparatus for dispensing an agricultural additive to the soil is provided. The apparatus is mounted to a tool bar that is operable to be towed across an agricultural field. The apparatus includes a coulter blade in combination with a knife element, and a conduit attached thereto operable to dispense the agricultural additive in the soil. The knife element and the coulter blade characterize a gap therebetween. The gap is defined by a forward edge of the knife element having a radius of curvature that is less than a radius of curvature of the coulter blade. The conduit in interchangeably attached by at least one conduit mount plate at the knife element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Blake R. Neudorf, Trevor L. Kowalchuk
  • Patent number: 6899042
    Abstract: A planting implement is configured with a cleanup system for the removal of product associated with operation of the planting implement. The planting implement generally includes a fluid pressure source in combination with at least one planting unit configured to deposit the product at a controlled rate in an agricultural field. The cleanup system generally includes a product separator with an inlet line and a collection line. The inlet line communicates the vacuum pressure generated by the pressure source to the product separator. The collection line communicates the vacuum pressure at the product separator to a location of the product on the planting implement. The vacuum pressure at the collection line is operable to entrain the product in a combined product and forced air stream that is conveyed by the collection line for removal at the product separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Trevor L. Kowalchuk