Patents by Inventor Chad Fick

Chad Fick 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: 10684305
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to determining cross track error between a stored planted location and the actual physical location of plants. An array of active light sensors is mounted on a vehicle for travel above the plants. The array of active light sensors generate an electrical signal from each sensor corresponding to the reflected light from the sensor. A computer system generates a reflectance curve from the array of sensors to determine the location of a plant below the array of sensors and also generates the cross track error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology
    Inventors: Roger Zielke, Chad Fick
  • Publication number: 20190204351
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to determining cross track error between a stored planted location and the actual physical location of plants. An array of active light sensors is mounted on a vehicle for travel above the plants. The array of active light sensors generate an electrical signal from each sensor corresponding to the reflected light from the sensor. A computer system generates a reflectance curve from the array of sensors to determine the location of a plant below the array of sensors and also generates the cross track error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventors: Roger Zielke, Chad Fick
  • Patent number: 10267820
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to determining cross track error between a stored planted location and the actual physical location of plants. An array of active light sensors is mounted on a vehicle for travel above the plants. The array of active light sensors generate an electrical signal from each sensor corresponding to the reflected light from the sensor. A computer system generates a reflectance curve from the array of sensors to determine the location of a plant below the array of sensors and also generates the cross track error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology
    Inventors: Roger Zielke, Chad Fick
  • Publication number: 20180252742
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to determining cross track error between a stored planted location and the actual physical location of plants. An array of active light sensors is mounted on a vehicle for travel above the plants. The array of active light sensors generate an electrical signal from each sensor corresponding to the reflected light from the sensor. A computer system generates a reflectance curve from the array of sensors to determine the location of a plant below the array of sensors and also generates the cross track error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: Roger Zielke, Chad Fick
  • Patent number: 9964559
    Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for determining cross track error between a stored planted location and the actual physical location of plants. An array of active light sensors is mounted on a vehicle for travel above the plants. The array of active light sensors generate an electrical signal from each sensor corresponding to the reflected light from the sensor. A computer system generates a reflectance curve from the array of sensors to determine the location of a plant below the array of sensors and also generates the cross track error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology
    Inventors: Roger Zielke, Chad Fick
  • Patent number: 9417120
    Abstract: A method of quantifying growing plants in an area is disclosed wherein the area is scanned with an active light sensor which provides a data signal when a plant is present that is distinct from the data signal provided when a plant is not present. The data signal is analyzed to determine at least plant population densities, the spacing of plants, the number of emerged plants versus planted seeds, the size of the area that has unproductive plants or an estimate economic and/or yield loss. Overlapping sample areas can be used to improve the accurate quantification of plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology
    Inventors: Roger Zielke, Chad Fick
  • Publication number: 20160041263
    Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for determining cross track error between a stored planted location and the actual physical location of plants. An array of active light sensors is mounted on a vehicle for travel above the plants. The array of active light sensors generate an electrical signal from each sensor corresponding to the reflected light from the sensor. A computer system generates a reflectance curve from the array of sensors to determine the location of a plant below the array of sensors and also generates the cross track error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Roger Zielke, Chad Fick
  • Publication number: 20140299749
    Abstract: A method of quantifying growing plants in an area is disclosed wherein the area is scanned with an active light sensor which provides a data signal when a plant is present that is distinct from the data signal provided when a plant is not present. The data signal is analyzed to determine at least plant population densities, the spacing of plants, the number of emerged plants versus planted seeds, the size of the area that has unproductive plants or an estimate economic and/or yield loss. Overlapping sample areas can be used to improve the accurate quantification of plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: AG Leader Technology
    Inventors: Roger Zielke, Chad Fick