Patents by Inventor Ben L. Schlipf

Ben L. Schlipf 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: 11971029
    Abstract: A system (100) for testing an agricultural implement includes a frame (106) configured to receive a device (104) to be tested. The frame carries a filter (108), a pump (112), a pressure relief valve (116) in fluid communication with the pump outlet, a frame output tube (122) to deliver the flow of fluid from the pump outlet to the device to be tested, a frame return tube (124) to receive the flow of fluid from the device to be tested, and a recycle flow outlet (128). A method of testing includes connecting a device to the frame output tube and the frame return tube, pumping a fluid from the frame output tube to the frame return tube through the device, and measuring a flow rate of the fluid through the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Ben L. Schlipf, Matthew Klopfenstein
  • Publication number: 20240094181
    Abstract: Seed sensors for determining seed placement in a furrow to then target at least one of fluid and solid application with respect to the seed are described herein. Plant sensors for determining location of plants within a field and then targeting at least one of fluid and solid application with respect to the plant are also described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Jason Stoller, Ben L. Schlipf, Justin McMenamy
  • Publication number: 20240094182
    Abstract: Seed sensors for determining seed placement in a furrow to then target at least one of fluid and solid application with respect to the seed are described herein. Plant sensors for determining location of plants within a field and then targeting at least one of fluid and solid application with respect to the plant are also described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Ben L. Schlipf, Justin McMenamy
  • Publication number: 20240094184
    Abstract: Seed sensors for determining seed placement in a furrow to then target at least one of fluid and solid application with respect to the seed are described herein. Plant sensors for determining location of plants within a field and then targeting at least one of fluid and solid application with respect to the plant are also described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Ben L. Schlipf, Justin McMenamy
  • Publication number: 20240094180
    Abstract: Seed sensors for determining seed placement in a furrow to then target at least one of fluid and solid application with respect to the seed are described herein. Plant sensors for determining location of plants within a field and then targeting at least one of fluid and solid application with respect to the plant are also described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Jason Stoller, Ben L. Schlipf, Justin McMenamy
  • Publication number: 20240008394
    Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the depth of a trench opened by a row unit (10) of an agricultural planter. The row unit (10) includes a trench depth adjustment assembly (90) configured to modify the trench depth. The trench depth adjustment assembly (90) includes a depth adjustment body (94) pivotally connected via a pivot (92) to a frame member (14) of the row unit (10). An electric motor (3030) is operable to cause rotation of a shaft (3034) operably coupled with the depth adjustment body (94), whereby rotation of the shaft (3034) causes the depth adjustment body (94) to pivotally move about the pivot (92) thereby changing a position of contact of the depth adjustment body (94) with a gauge wheel arm (54), thus changing the amount of upward travel of the gauge wheel (52) with respect to a trench opening disc (62) and thus the depth of the trench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Inventors: Dillon Sloneker, Jeremy J. Hodel, Ben L. Schlipf
  • Patent number: 11864487
    Abstract: Seed sensors are present for determining seed placement in a furrow to then target at least one of fluid and solid application with respect to the seed. Plant sensors are present for determining location of plants within a field and then targeting at least one of fluid and solid application with respect to the plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Ben L. Schlipf, Justin McMenamy
  • Publication number: 20230417727
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and implements for sensing, analyzing, and displaying different soil parameters. A soil sensing system includes a mechanical component of an agricultural implement and at least one sensor disposed on the mechanical component. The sensor generates an electromagnetic field through a region of soil as the agricultural implement traverses a field. The sensor comprises at least one radar transmitter and at least one radar receiver and the sensor measures different soil parameters including a soil dielectric constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Jason J. Stoller, Ben L. Schlipf
  • Publication number: 20230417726
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and implements for sensing, analyzing, and displaying different soil parameters. A soil sensing system includes a mechanical component of an agricultural implement and at least one sensor disposed on the mechanical component. The sensor generates an electromagnetic field through a region of soil as the agricultural implement traverses a field. The sensor comprises at least one radar transmitter and at least one radar receiver and the sensor measures different soil parameters including a soil dielectric constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Jason J. Stoller, Ben L. Schlipf
  • Patent number: 11832544
    Abstract: A row unit (10) of an agricultural planter with an apparatus for adjusting the depth of a trench opened by the row unit (10). The row unit (10) includes a trench depth adjustment assembly (90T) configured to modify the trench depth. The trench depth adjustment assembly (90T) includes a depth adjustment body (5044) pivotally connected via a pivot to a frame member (14) of the row unit (10). An electric motor (5030) is operable to cause rotation of a shaft (5038) operably coupled with the depth adjustment body (5044), whereby rotation of the shaft (5038) causes the depth adjustment body (5044) to pivotally move about the pivot (92) thereby changing a position of contact of the depth adjustment body (5044) with a gauge wheel arm (54), thus changing the amount of upward ravel of the gauge wheel (52) with respect to a trench opening disc (62) and thus the depth of the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Dillon Sloneker, Jeremy J. Hodel, Ben L. Schlipf
  • Patent number: 11774434
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and implements for sensing, analyzing, and displaying different soil parameters. A soil sensing system includes a mechanical component of an agricultural implement and at least one sensor disposed on the mechanical component. The sensor generates an electromagnetic field through a region of soil as the agricultural implement traverses a field. The sensor comprises at least one radar transmitter and at least one radar receiver and the sensor measures different soil parameters including a soil dielectric constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Jason Stoller, Ben L. Schlipf
  • Publication number: 20230225235
    Abstract: A row unit (10) of an agricultural planter with an apparatus for adjusting the depth of a trench opened by the row unit (10). The row unit (10) includes a trench depth adjustment assembly (90T) configured to modify the trench depth. The trench depth adjustment assembly (90T) includes a depth adjustment body (5044) pivotally connected via a pivot to a frame member (14) of the row unit (10). An electric motor (5030) is operable to cause rotation of a shaft (5038) operably coupled with the depth adjustment body (5044), whereby rotation of the shaft (5038) causes the depth adjustment body (5044) to pivotally move about the pivot (92) thereby changing a position of contact of the depth adjustment body (5044) with a gauge wheel arm (54), thus changing the amount of upward ravel of the gauge wheel (52) with respect to a trench opening disc (62) and thus the depth of the trench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Inventors: Dillon Sloneker, Jeremy J. Hodel, Ben L. Schlipf
  • Patent number: 11678598
    Abstract: System for adjusting the depth of a trench opened by a row unit (10) of an agricultural planter. The row unit (10) includes a trench depth adjustment assembly (90R) configured to modify the trench depth. The trench depth adjustment assembly (90R) includes a depth adjustment body (3044) pivotally connected via a pivot (92) to a frame member (14) of the row unit (10). An electric motor (3030) is operable to cause rotation of a shaft (3034) operably coupled with the depth adjustment body (3044), whereby rotation of the shaft (3034) causes the depth adjustment body (3044) to pivotally move about the pivot (92) thereby changing a position of contact of the depth adjustment body (3044) with a gauge wheel arm (54), thus changing the amount of upward travel of the gauge wheel (50) with respect to a trench opening disc (62) and thus the depth of the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Dillon Sloneker, Jeremy J. Hodel, Ben L. Schlipf
  • Patent number: 11592276
    Abstract: A system for obtaining spatial measurements between objects such as crops in an agricultural field. The system includes a measurement device including a motorized reel containing a wound length of measuring line, and electronic encoder with shaft rotated in opposing directions by dispensing or retrieving measuring line. A pivotably movable spring-biased tension arm maintains tension in the line when being rewound. The tension arm is responsive to changes in line tension and configured to automatically start the motor to rewind the line onto the reel based on angular position of the arm. A gear train includes a translatable shuttle gear which selectively couples the reel to the motor based on movement of the tension arm. The encoder converts rotary motion of its shaft into linear field measurements. In one implementation, the tension arm comprises an inboard arm and outboard arm with translatable pulley coupled thereto by an articulated joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Jared Benckendorf, Ben L Schlipf
  • Publication number: 20230009710
    Abstract: A system for obtaining spatial measurements between objects such as crops in an agricultural field. The system includes a measurement device including a motorized reel containing a wound length of measuring line, and electronic encoder with shaft rotated in opposing directions by dispensing or retrieving measuring line. A pivotably movable spring-biased tension arm maintains tension in the line when being rewound. The tension arm is responsive to changes in line tension and configured to automatically start the motor to rewind the line onto the reel based on angular position of the arm. A gear train includes a translatable shuttle gear which selectively couples the reel to the motor based on movement of the tension arm. The encoder converts rotary motion of its shaft into linear field measurements. In one implementation, the tension arm comprises an inboard arm and outboard arm with translatable pulley coupled thereto by an articulated joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Jared Benckendorf, Ben L Schlipf
  • Publication number: 20220361391
    Abstract: System for adjusting the depth of a trench opened by a row unit (10) of an agricultural planter. The row unit (10) includes a trench depth adjustment assembly (90R) configured to modify the trench depth. The trench depth adjustment assembly (90R) includes a depth adjustment body (3044) pivotally connected via a pivot (92) to a frame member (14) of the row unit (10). An electric motor (3030) is operable to cause rotation of a shaft (3034) operably coupled with the depth adjustment body (3044), whereby rotation of the shaft (3034) causes the depth adjustment body (3044) to pivotally move about the pivot (92) thereby changing a position of contact of the depth adjustment body (3044) with a gauge wheel arm (54), thus changing the amount of upward travel of the gauge wheel (50) with respect to a trench opening disc (62) and thus the depth of the trench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Dillon Sloneker, Jeremy J. Hodel, Ben L. Schlipf
  • Publication number: 20220364958
    Abstract: A portable system for testing or demonstrating an agricultural implement includes a case (104) carrying a power supply (206), a plurality of electrical couplers (120) configured to receive wiring harnesses associated with test devices, a simulator module (214) configured to simulate at least one operating parameter of the agricultural implement on which test devices are carried, and a control system. The control system includes a graphical user interface (110) and processing circuitry operably electrically coupled to the graphical user interface (110) and to the wiring harnesses. The processing circuitry is configured to monitor and display information pertaining to operation of the test devices. A method for testing or demonstrating an agricultural implement includes connecting a test device an electrical coupler of the portable system, sending a control signal to the test device, and monitoring performance of the test device with the control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: BEN L SCHLIPF, MATTHEW KLOPFENSTEIN
  • Patent number: 11493395
    Abstract: A module for measuring and monitoring an inlet and outlet pressure is described herein. The module includes an inlet pressure port for fluid communication to a fluid line before a filter and the inlet pressure port comprising a first pressure sensor. The module includes an outlet pressure port for fluid communication to a fluid line after the filter and the outlet pressure port comprising a second pressure sensor. At least one signal port is disposed in the module. The first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor during operation are in signal communication with the at least one signal port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Precision Planting, LLC
    Inventors: Ben L. Schlipf, Brent Wiegand
  • Publication number: 20220341421
    Abstract: A system (100) for testing an agricultural implement includes a frame (106) configured to receive a device (104) to be tested. The frame carries a filter (108), a pump (112), a pressure relief valve (116) in fluid communication with the pump outlet, a frame output tube (122) to deliver the flow of fluid from the pump outlet to the device to be tested, a frame return tube (124) to receive the flow of fluid from the device to be tested, and a recycle flow outlet (128). A method of testing includes connecting a device to the frame output tube and the frame return tube, pumping a fluid from the frame output tube to the frame return tube through the device, and measuring a flow rate of the fluid through the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Ben L. Schlipf, Matthew Klopfenstein
  • Publication number: 20210325868
    Abstract: Described herein are expandable network architectures with communication systems having multiple networks for communications between machines and implements for field operations including planting and harvesting operations. In one embodiment, a communication system includes a first communication module including at least one port of a first network, at least one input port and at least one output port of a second network, and a first network gateway to translate between a first protocol for the first network and a second protocol for the second network. A second communication module is communicatively coupled to tike first communication module. The second communication module includes at least one port of the first network, and at least at least one input port and at least one output port of the second network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicant: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Allgaier, Ben L. Schlipf