Patents by Inventor Andrew S. Nickerson

Andrew S. Nickerson 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: 8943785
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automated high-throughput processing seed requests or orders includes an autonomous single seed counter and packager which operates by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a thresher, a spiral separator, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining segregation from subsequent seed being processed. Validation of the seed request matching the sample requested occurs prior to processing and information about the seed to process or having been processed can be derived and stored for further use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi Bred International Inc
    Inventors: Roger Blickhan, Bruce E. Cadwell, Joseph L. Glaubitz, David W. Goldsberry, Michael E. Hartman, Kent Hoeppner, James L. Hunter, Timothy P. Meyer, Andrew S. Nickerson, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Mark Spicer, Timothy J. Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 7905050
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Hunter, Andrew S. Nickerson, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Ronald D. Rushing, C. Fred Hood
  • Publication number: 20110047042
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automated high-throughput processing seed requests or orders includes an autonomous single seed counter and packager which operates by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a thresher, a spiral separator, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining segregation from subsequent seed being processed. Validation of the seed request matching the sample requested occurs prior to processing and information about the seed to process or having been processed can be derived and stored for further use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: ROGER BLICKHAN, BRUCE E. CADWELL, JOSEPH L. GLAUBITZ, DAVID W. GOLDSBERRY, MICHAEL E, HARTMAN, KENT HOEPPNER, JAMES L. HUNTER, TIMOTHY P. MEYER, ANDREW S. NICKERSON, LYNDON J. SCHROEDER, MARK SPICER, TIMOTHY J. WILHELM
  • Patent number: 7591374
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Hunter, Andrew S. Nickerson, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Ronald D. Rushing, C. Fred Hood
  • Patent number: 7588151
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Hunter, Andrew S. Nickerson, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Ronald D. Rushing, C. Fred Hood
  • Publication number: 20080179226
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: JAMES L. HUNTER, ANDREW S. NICKERSON, LYNDON J. SCHROEDER, RONALD D. RUSHING, C. FRED HOOD
  • Patent number: 7290665
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Hunter, Andrew S. Nickerson, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Ronald D. Rushing, C. Fred Hood
  • Publication number: 20040118754
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Hunter, Andrew S. Nickerson, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Ronald D. Rushing, C. Fred Hood
  • Patent number: 6706989
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Hunter, Andrew S. Nickerson, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Ronald D. Rushing, C. Fred Hood
  • Patent number: 6620064
    Abstract: A portable return net device for receiving, arresting and returning a ball to a central collection point for pitched, thrown or batted balls in a ball practice system. The return net apparatus comprises; a net supporting frame, a net for receiving a projected ball, an inclined collection tray operatively associated with the net, and an exit chute, wherein the net is hung untensioned on the supporting frame, on the diagonal, and wherein flaps extending transversely across the base of the hanging net are pivotally connected thereto. The net absorbs the impact of a ball in conjunction with the flaps which trap a ball impacting a tensile zone of the net. The tensile zone comprises that portion of the hanging net below which there is insufficient net weight to arrest a ball in a triangular portion of the net below the point of impact. The arrested ball is conveyed by the collection tray to the exit chute for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Batterup Sports Tech Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrew S. Nickerson
  • Publication number: 20030087712
    Abstract: A portable return net device for receiving, arresting and returning a ball to a central collection point for pitched, thrown or batted balls in a ball practice system. The return net apparatus comprises; a net supporting frame, a net for receiving a projected ball, an inclined collection tray operatively associated with the net, and an exit chute, wherein the net is hung untensioned on the supporting frame, on the diagonal, and wherein flaps extending transversely across the base of the hanging net are pivotally connected thereto. The net absorbs the impact of a ball in conjunction with the flaps which trap a ball impacting a tensile zone of the net. The tensile zone comprises that portion of the hanging net below which there is insufficient net weight to arrest a ball in a triangular portion of the net below the point of impact. The arrested ball is conveyed by the collection tray to the exit chute for reuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Andrew S. Nickerson
  • Publication number: 20020144458
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: James L. Hunter, Andrew S. Nickerson, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Ronald D. Rushing, C. Fred Hood
  • Patent number: 6167878
    Abstract: A ball tossing device for batting practice comprises a self-contained, pneumatically controlled and actuated mechanism. The device includes a launcher comprising a pneumatic cylinder and ball carrier and a trough type feeder for sequentially supplying balls to the carrier for tossing. The pneumatic cylinder is actuated by compressed air from a regulated source of compressed air, with timer means which controls actuation of a valve to transmit the compressed air to the cylinder. The cylinder is a single action type with a return spring. The launcher may be angularly variable for non-vertical tosses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventors: Andrew S. Nickerson, Frank Saulnier, Blair Cottreau, Stanley Ellis
  • Patent number: RE45489
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi Bred International Inc
    Inventors: James L. Hunter, Andrew S. Nickerson, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Ronald D. Rushing, C. Fred Hood