Patents Examined by Christopher J. Novosad
  • Patent number: 12004441
    Abstract: This is an approach to the prediction of soil density and subsoil crop growth. The approach may include subsoil sensor which can monitor changes in soil pressure and moisture conditions. The sensor data can be sent to a computer module which can process the data using a machine learning model predicting the soil density around a subsoil crop and the yield of the subsoil crop. A soil maintenance plan can be generated from the soil density prediction and/or the crop yield prediction. The soil maintenance plan can be sent to soil management robots, which can execute the soil maintenance plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sasikanth Eda, Sarbajit K. Rakshit, Sachin Chandrakant Punadikar, Sandeep Ramesh Patil
  • Patent number: 12008447
    Abstract: A computing system includes a processor and a memory having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the computing system to: determine a geographic field boundary, obtain topographic data, generate a digital elevation model including derivative data, determine critical level data and generate soil nutrients recommendations data. A method includes determining a geographic field boundary, obtaining topographic data, generating a digital elevation model including derivative data, determining critical level data; and generating the soil nutrients recommendations data. obtaining, by one or more processors, topographic data within an area of land.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Inventors: Jon J. Fridgen, William Kess Berg, Aaron W. Gault
  • Patent number: 12004443
    Abstract: Computer vision and autonomous identification of objects are used for the application of a treatment to an object. Robotics and mobility technologies navigate a delivery system which is configured to identify and apply an agricultural treatment to an identified agricultural object. The delivery system identifies a subset of payloads to provide one or more actions based on data representing a policy for one or more subsets of agricultural objects. The delivery system causes one or more cartridges to be charged based on the subset of payloads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Verdant Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel Thurston Sibley, Curtis Dale Garner, Andre Robert Daniel Michelin, Lorenzo Ibarria, Patrick Christopher Leger, Benjamin Rewis, Shi Yan
  • Patent number: 12004445
    Abstract: A system for dispensing agricultural products includes an agricultural product container having a memory circuit associated therewith for storing data, the stored data including data unique to the container and the quantity of material dispensed including specific rates of application. An application rate meter device is operatively connected to the agricultural product container and is configured to dispense the agricultural product from the agricultural product container. Precision placement equipment includes a placement tube assembly operatively connected to the application rate meter device to place the agricultural products in the desired locations for efficient activity of the agricultural product. Each placement tube assembly is mounted between depth wheels of a depth control wheel assembly of a planter for placement of product in-furrow between the depth wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: AMVAC CHEMICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Larry M. Conrad, Rex A Rysdam, Nathaniel R. Claussen, Richard M. Porter
  • Patent number: 11997940
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for agricultural planting including selecting and varying agricultural input types during an in-field operation. In one embodiment, a method calculates a partial addition of seed to a seed pool during planting to minimize or eliminate seeds in the seed pool as a boundary is crossed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Justin Vollmer, Luke Stuber
  • Patent number: 11997941
    Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a metering system comprising one or more meters configured to meter particulate material into a first material distribution line and a second material distribution line, a first sensor configured to generate a first sensor signal indicative of a first measure of a flow of the particulate material in the first material distribution line, a second sensor configured to generate a second sensor signal indicative of a second measure of the flow of the particulate material in the first material distribution line, and a control system. The control system is configured to receive an indication of a sensed flow rate of the particulate material in the second material distribution line, obtain an adjusted flow rate indication by applying, to the sensed flow rate, a rate offset based on the first and second sensor signals, and control the metering system based on the adjusted flow rate indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Terry L. Snipes, Robert T. Casper, William C. Hughes, Gerald E. Rains, Jason D. Walter, Elijah B. Garner, Matt D. Bartelson, Sahil C. Desai, Andrew J. Scholl
  • Patent number: 12000163
    Abstract: A post setting attachment for a utility vehicle includes a base having a first side mountable to the utility vehicle, the base having a second side opposing the first side of the base. The post setting attachment can include a column coupled to the second side of the base and have a length extending vertically. The post setting attachment can further include a pair of clamps attached at separate lengths along the column and configured to grasp a post. The post setting attachment can include a controller that rotates and translates the column to adjust a position of the post. Furthermore, the post setting attachment can include a gravel hopper coupled to the second side of the base that is controlled by the controller to discharge gravel after the controller adjusts the position of the post to secure the post in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Inventor: Merlie Schwartz
  • Patent number: 11991945
    Abstract: A system for dispensing liquid agricultural products with seed includes a control system; a seed transport mechanism; an agricultural product supply system; and, a seed brush assembly. The seed transport mechanism is affixed to a seed planter row unit. The agricultural product supply system is configured to dispense agricultural products in response to an output signal from the control system. A brush housing structure of the seed brush assembly receives seed from the seed transport mechanism. A brush of the seed brush assembly has bristles positioned within the brush housing structure. The agricultural product supply system is configured to dispense the liquid agricultural products onto the bristles. The bristles are configured to minimize the resistance associated with the passage of seed past the wetted bristles. The liquid agricultural product is transferred from the brushes onto the seed as the seed is dispensed prior to the seed hitting the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: AMVAC CHEMICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard L. Rice, Larry M. Conrad
  • Patent number: 11985917
    Abstract: A sowing device changes a depth of wheat sowing includes an external skeleton, where one side of the external skeleton is fixedly connected with a connection part for articulated with a tractor; a main board slidably connected to an interior of the external skeleton and a seeding unit below the main board; a support frame fixedly connected to the main board; a plow blade for slotting land rotatably connected to a bottom of the support frame; a rotary roller below the external skeleton and rotationally connected thereto. The main board is moved downwards to drive a straight toothed plate fixedly connected to the main board to move downwards; the straight toothed plate is moved upwards through a meshing effect of a gear to cause L-shaped toothed plate to move upwards to squeeze a horizontal plate to move upwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Anhui Agricultural University
    Inventors: Haipeng Zhang, Wenjin Ding, Zhaoliang He, Han Zheng, Lijuan Zhou
  • Patent number: 11974517
    Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a seeding system having a seed meter configured to meter seed, a seed meter sensor configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of movement of the seed meter, and an assistive seed transport mechanism configured to receive the metered seed from the seed meter and to transport the metered seed along a delivery path. A control system is configured to determine a position of the seed in the assistive seed transport mechanism based on the sensor signal, and generate a control signal to control the agricultural machine based on the determined position of the seed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Grant J. Wonderlich, Cary S. Hubner
  • Patent number: 11968920
    Abstract: A system for multi-channel data acquisition and precision irrigation and fertilizer application control of crops involving the following steps: obtaining a soil moisture content and a plant status parameter for plants within each homogeneous area; calculating a required soil moisture content for plants within the homogeneous area based on a difference between the required soil moisture content for plants within the planting area and the soil moisture content for plants within the homogeneous area; obtaining types and quality of required fertilizers for plants within the homogeneous area based on the plant status parameter for plants within the homogeneous area; blending an irrigation water and fertilizer solution required by plants within the homogeneous area; and irrigating plants within each homogeneous area according to the irrigation water and fertilizer solution required by plants within the homogeneous area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, CAAS
    Inventors: Daozhi Gong, Lili Gao, Xurong Mei, Weiping Hao, Haoru Li, Xuemin Hou, Xiaojie Li
  • Patent number: 11944030
    Abstract: Metering devices for an agricultural implement apply a field input, for example, pneumatically delivered granular product including seed or fertilizer or sprayed liquid product including fertilizer and the like, to an agricultural field. In the applying of the field input, the rate of application of the dispensers of one section of the implement can be collectively varied in relation to the rate of application of the dispensers of a different section of the implement frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Raven Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanislaus Montgomery Shivak, Jared Ernest Kocer
  • Patent number: 11944025
    Abstract: A ground engaging agricultural blade, coulter, or disc having a central opening adapted to be attached to an implement for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation; the coulter or disc have an outer periphery; and plurality of step plane notches disposed in the outer periphery. The blade can be used with a hub disposed around the central opening or a spacer spool on a shaft extending through the central openings of adjacent blades, the spacer spools extending radially outwardly by a distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Osmundson Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Douglas G. Bruce
  • Patent number: 11937531
    Abstract: Locations of seeds in a field can be identified using event-based processing or frequency-based processing. A material is applied to the field, based upon the seed locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Cary S. Hubner, Elijah B. Garner, Grant J. Wonderlich
  • Patent number: 11930733
    Abstract: A computing system includes a processor and a memory having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the computing system to: receive yield data for a field and a spatial data set; process the yield data and the spatial data to generate a nitrogen loss spatial map layer; and generate a prescription. A computer-implemented method includes receiving yield data for a field and a spatial data set; processing the yield data and the spatial data to generate a nitrogen loss spatial map layer; and generating a digital agricultural prescription. A non-transitory computer readable medium includes program instructions that when executed by one or more processors, cause a computer to: receive yield data for a field and a spatial data set; process the yield data and the spatial data to generate a nitrogen loss spatial map layer; and generate a prescription.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: ADVANCED AGRIL YTICS HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Jon J. Fridgen, William Kess Berg
  • Patent number: 11933651
    Abstract: A seeding system includes a commodity tank configured to store a commodity, the commodity tank having an outlet. A meter has a meter inlet at the outlet of the commodity tank, a meter outlet, and a metering device between the meter inlet and the meter outlet. A manifold has a commodity inlet at the meter outlet, a first shoot having a first air inlet and a first manifold outlet, and a second shoot having a second air inlet and a second manifold outlet. A valve is positioned upstream of the first and second air inlets and configured to selectively direct an airflow to the first air inlet and to selectively direct the airflow to the second air inlet. Each of the first shoot and the second shoot are in selective communication with the commodity inlet to receive the commodity therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Peter R. Nedved, Terry L. Snipes, John M. Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 11930732
    Abstract: An agricultural machine system for performing agricultural tasks in a field on which plants are planted or will be planted in a pattern, the system comprising: a prime mover; a tool bar connected to the prime mover; a plurality of units attached to the tool bar, the units configured to perform at least one agricultural tasks and wherein at least two of the units are disposed in an offset relationship from each other with respect to a forward direction of travel of the agricultural machine about the tool bar; and a control unit in communication with the prime mover and the plurality of units, the control unit configured to determine a selective location corresponding to the pattern in which plants are planted or will be planted and activate the units at the selective location to perform the at least one agricultural task as the agricultural machine system travels along a plurality of rows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Inventors: Kilian Wolff, Roland Werner, Richard A. Humpal, Wolfram Haiges
  • Patent number: 11930734
    Abstract: An agricultural implement for applying fertilizer beneath the surface of the soil. The implement has a main frame for connecting the agricultural implement to agricultural equipment. A swing arm is pivotally connected to the main frame. An adjustable actuator interconnects the swing arm to the main frame to control the movement of the swing arm with respect to the main frame. A pair of discs are mounted to the free end of the swing arm for rotation with respect to the swing arm. The discs are offset mounted with respect to one another and are angled outwardly with respect to the direction of travel of the implement. The discs form grooves for receipt of fertilizer. Fertilizer tubes are mounted adjacent the discs and terminate behind the discs with respect to the direction of travel. The fertilizer tubes deposit fertilizer in the grooves formed by the discs. A furrow closer is attached to the main frame to close the groove opened by the discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: AG FOCUS LLC
    Inventors: Bruce W. Freed, Brian E. Freed
  • Patent number: 11925136
    Abstract: A spreading machine, in particular a precision seed drill, includes at least one seed hopper, at least one fertilizer tank, and a several spreading units. Each of the spreading units includes at least one pneumatically operated separating device, to or from which a separation air flow is suppliable or dischargeable, and a fertilizer application device. The spreading machine includes a conveying air-driven seed feeding device for providing seed from the seed hopper to the spreading units, and an energy-powered fertilizer supply device for providing fertilizer to the fertilizer application devices. To refine a spreading machine that includes a plurality of consumers, the spreading machine includes at least two separate energy suppliers, in particular blowers or pumps, for providing the separation air flows to the separating devices, the conveying air to the seed feeding device, and the energy to the fertilizer supply device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: AMAZONEN-WERKE H. DREYER SE & CO. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Wien, Jan-Eike Lübben, Roland Arnold
  • Patent number: 11925137
    Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a frame supporting a gauge wheel and a seed meter. A depth stop assembly includes a stop setting an upward travel limit of the gauge wheel with respect to the frame, and a handle that is lockable and releasable to move the stop to select among seeding depths. A downforce actuator is operable to generate downforce to be applied through a gauge wheel arm and the gauge wheel to the soil. A downforce sensor is incorporated into the depth stop assembly and movable therewith. The depth stop assembly includes a multi-piece body having a first piece receiving the handle, and a second piece defining a pivot. The first piece of the multipiece body includes a handle-receiving receptacle portion, a fastening portion for fastening to the second body piece adjacent the pivot, and a portion therebetween forming a housing of the downforce sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Jacob D. Salowitz, Michael E. Frasier, Pranay Bajjuri, Matt Bartelson