Patents Assigned to Ag Leader Technology
  • Patent number: 12653085
    Abstract: A steerable toolbar system including a steerable implement. The steerable implement including a toolbar in operable communication with a first end of a hitch, at least one link extending between a second end of the hitch and the toolbar, at least one actuator in communication with the at least one link, and a pivot disposed at a connection point between the hitch and the toolbar. The system also including a controller in electronic communication with the at least one actuator, where the controller is configured to adjust the angle of the toolbar relative to the hitch via actuation of the at least one actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2026
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology
    Inventors: Alan F. Barry, Loren Leusink, Jacob Christensen, Kurt Townsend
  • Patent number: 12653091
    Abstract: A seed delivery shield, comprising a shield body, a retention apparatus configured to attach the shield body to a row unit, and a spring plate shaped to be at least partially engaged with a rear portion of the shield body and extending rearward toward a seed delivery tube. The spring plate configured to protect the row unit and seed tube from damage during and prior to planting operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2026
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology
    Inventors: Alan F. Barry, Nick Schwartz
  • Patent number: 12648501
    Abstract: On-the-go monitoring and controlled feedback in supplemental downforce applications. The system provides real-time monitoring of furrow depth via contact and non-contact approaches, some of which are combined with gauge wheel feedback to calibrate and otherwise control the application of supplemental downforce to the row unit. A combination of sensor types are employed in collecting furrow depth measurements, which can be used to adjust the supplemental downforce through a control system module. A gauge wheel load sensor may be used to modify the application of supplemental downforce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2026
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology
    Inventors: Scott Eichhorn, Tony Woodcock, Brett Buehler, Steven Brown, Roger Zielke, Bob Heston
  • Patent number: 12619236
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to the system and methods for generating a guidance path for automated navigation of large agricultural equipment. Vehicle path data from leading vehicles can be recorded, stored or inputted into the system for generation of guidance paths offset from the swaths traversed by the leading vehicle. Combines, planters sprayers and other vehicles utilizing guidance system can be used to record leading vehicle data for use by the following vehicle in real time or in subsequent cycles. Enterprise systems can manage multiple grain carts and/or combines or other vehicles to maximize efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2026
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology
    Inventors: David Wilson, Adam Fett, Caleb Huitt, AJ Steenhoek, Kolton Rottink, Mitchell Freshour, Nate Mohling, Ryan Kool, Steve Schulteis, Bill Cran, Joe Holoubek, Luke Call, Mike Myers
  • Patent number: 12583509
    Abstract: The disclosure is related to an assisted steering unit. In various implementations the assisted steering unit includes a motor drive unit and a ring assembly constructed and arranged to couple to and rotate a steering wheel. The assisted steering unit may include a ring assembly where the ring assembly includes a housing, a ring gear disposed within the housing, an anti-rotation pin operatively engaged with the housing. The assisted steering unit may also include a motor drive unit (MDU) including a motor and a drive gear rotatably engaged with the motor. The ring assembly and motor drive unit are constructed and arranged to be releasably engaged to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2026
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology
    Inventor: Brett Johnson
  • Patent number: 12564117
    Abstract: Protecting open seed trenches from ingress of foreign material, such as plant residue. Preventing foreign material from entering the open seed trench during planting increases crop yield by minimizing delayed germination and late plant emergence. Various implementations of adjustable row cleaners may be used to prevent ingress of foreign material. Also, various shields may be disposed on the row units of a planter to prevent ingress of foreign material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2026
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology
    Inventors: Roger Zielke, Tony Woodcock, Scott Eichhorn, Brett Buehler, Bob Heston, Joe Holoubek, Jonathan Brand
  • Patent number: 12520746
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to fluid distribution systems. The fluid distribution systems being made up of a plurality of positive displacement pumps disposed on a fluid distribution manifold and proximate to the tank and the point of product discharge. The system optionally has a valve system for precision control of fluid discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2026
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology
    Inventors: Douglas Gilbert, Ron Farrington, John Howard
  • Patent number: 12520744
    Abstract: An on-the-go planting system utilizing soil organic matter data to prescribed seeding rate, hybrid/variety selection or soil treatment. The system weights at least two field attribute data types, such as soil organic matter data and normalized yield data to prescribe one or more outcomes. The system can also generate a yield potential value so as to prescribe the outcomes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2026
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology
    Inventors: Joe Holoubek, Chad Swindoll, Aaron Friedlein, Roger Zielke
  • Patent number: 12507611
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of dual seed meters having a metering housing having first and second seed disks with a plurality of openings arranged along a curved path of each disk, wherein the disks overlap to form a convergence region such that seed traveling along the curved paths is delivered to a single point. Certain implementations also have a vacuum chamber defined between a first wall of the metering housing and the first and second seed disks and a seed chamber defined between a second wall of the metering housing and the first and second seed disks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2025
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology
    Inventor: Brett Buehler
  • Patent number: 12507627
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various devices, systems, and methods for use in agricultural, particularly for use in harvesting agricultural crop such as corn. Various implementations relate to devices, systems, and methods for increasing yield by emitting warnings when the corn head to not at the proper height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2025
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology
    Inventor: Roger Zielke
  • Patent number: 12501848
    Abstract: An on-the-go planting system utilizing soil organic matter data to prescribed seeding rate, hybrid/variety selection or soil treatment. The system weights at least two field attribute data types, such as soil organic matter data and normalized yield data to prescribe one or more outcomes. The system can also generate a yield potential value so as to prescribe the outcomes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2024
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2025
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology
    Inventors: Joe Holoubek, Chad Swindoll, Aaron Friedlein, Roger Zielke
  • Patent number: 12495736
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method that relate to a physical stalk sensing system comprising at least one resilient member. Sensors having the resilient member or members are able to estimate the size of the stalks of row crops as they pass through a field, such as a corn field. The sensors can be mounted on a corn head and the results can be analyzed and visualized. A system for predicting crop yields in real-time or near real-time. A system for adjusting a stripper plate gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2025
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology
    Inventors: Roger Zielke, Scott Eichhorn, Alan F. Barry, Tony Woodcock
  • Patent number: 12477973
    Abstract: An agricultural row unit having a coulter assembly comprising a pair of gauge wheels and a coulter between the pair of gauge wheels, wherein the coulter is configured to penetrate soil and cut debris. The row unit also having a soil engaging assembly comprising a sweep and a seed tube, wherein the sweep is configured to open a seed channel and the seed tube is configured to deposit seeds into the seed channel. The row unit also including a closing assembly configured to replace soil displaced by the coulter and sweep. The row unit configured for independent and optionally automatic variable depth control of the seed channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2025
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology
    Inventor: Alan Barry
  • Patent number: 12477972
    Abstract: Adjustable seed meters having a first seed disk having first openings defined therein and a second seed disk having second openings defined therein adjacent to the first openings such that the first and second openings are alignable to form adjustable seed cells. Various embodiments have a plate adjustment drive system to rotate the first and second seed disks in relation to each other. Other embodiments relate to methods of automatically adjusting a seed meter during operation of the overall planting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2025
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology
    Inventors: Brett Buehler, Alex Hartogh, Scott Eichhorn
  • Patent number: 12414505
    Abstract: An electrically driven corn head and/or a corn head retrofitted with individual electric motor assemblies on each corn head. The corn head configured for row-by-row control of harvesting operations. The corn head and associated systems count and estimate size of stalks and ears. Further the system is configured to measure yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2025
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology
    Inventor: Nathan Risius
  • Patent number: 12408589
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to agricultural systems. The systems have stalk sensor assemblies and/or data visualization systems. The stalk sensor assemblies are configured for assessing the size and other characteristics about crops, such as corn and other grains entering an agricultural implement, such as a harvester. The stalk sensor assemblies may use an estimation of the stalk perimeter to establish stalk size and therefore further features about the crop. The visualization system utilizes data from the stalk sensor assemblies to calculate and display relevant information about the crop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2025
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology
    Inventors: Roger Zielke, Scott Eichhorn, Tony Woodcock, Logan Handsaker, Barry Anderson
  • Patent number: 12403950
    Abstract: An automatic steering system for an agricultural vehicle includes a controller operably coupled to a steering sensor configured to provide a feedback signal that includes vehicle steering information for automatically controlling the steering device. The controller is configured to receive the feedback signal and current steering information from the steering sensor and determine desired steering rate information based on the current steering information and a desired steering position. The controller is also configured to compare a current steering rate to the desired steering rate information and disengage automatic steering control based on comparing the current steering rate to the desired steering rate information. Automatic steering systems including assisted steering devices and methods for steering an agricultural vehicle are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2025
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology
    Inventor: Josue Calderon
  • Patent number: 12353210
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to the system and methods for generating a guidance path for automated navigation of large agricultural equipment. Vehicle path data from leading vehicles can be recorded, stored or inputted into the system for generation of guidance paths offset from the swaths traversed by the leading vehicle. Combines, planters sprayers and other vehicles utilizing guidance system can be used to record leading vehicle data for use by the following vehicle in real time or in subsequent cycles. Enterprise systems can manage multiple grain carts and/or combines or other vehicles to maximize efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2025
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology
    Inventors: David Wilson, Adam Fett, Caleb Huitt, A J Steenhoek, Kolton Rottink, Mitchell Freshour, Nate Mohling, Ryan Kool, Steve Schulteis, Bill Cran, Joe Holoubek, Luke Call, Mike Myers
  • Patent number: 12268115
    Abstract: A system for monitoring rocks in a field. The system includes at least one row unit having an opening disk, a gauge wheel, and a gauge wheel load sensor. The system further includes a processor and a storage media. In various implementations, the system evaluates gauge wheel load sensor data, vertical acceleration data, and/or down force bore pressure data to detect when a row unit strikes a rock. In some implementations, the system can detect the size of the rock, the location of the rock within the soil, and the severity of a rock strike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology
    Inventor: Brett Buehler
  • Patent number: 12144282
    Abstract: Various methods, systems, and devices for flexible and accurate seed spacing control in a seed planting system. The various embodiments receive singulated seed from a metering device and control movement of the seed toward a seed spacing device that receives the seed. The seed spacing device, which is disposed near the soil surface, independently controls the ejection of the seed from the device and thus the spacing of the seed in the furrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology
    Inventors: Travis Campbell, Kurt Townsend, Loren Leusink, Richard K. Kaufman, Alan F. Barry, Douglas Gilbert