Patents by Inventor Chad M. Johnson

Chad M. Johnson 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).

  • Publication number: 20240093514
    Abstract: A base for use with scaffolding. The base includes side support members and cross members. The side support members have scaffold receiving members provided at ends thereof. The cross members extend between the side support members and are rotatably mounted to the side support members. Wheels are mounted to the cross members. As the cross members are rotated from a first position to a second position, the wheels are moved from an initial position in which the wheels are spaced from a ground or floor surface to a second position in which the wheels are positioned in engagement with the ground or floor surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2022
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: Aqua Conscience Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Marcus A. MAZZA, Brian M. KELLY, Chad PHILLIPS, Bartley J. ECKHARDT, Bret W. JOHNSON, Jorge TORRES, Christopher C. FOGARTY, Christopher ROCHE
  • Patent number: 11882785
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling the operation of a residue removal device of a seed-planting implement may include a residue removal device configured to remove residue from a path of the seed-planting implement. The system may also include a sensor configured to capture data indicative of a residue characteristic associated with a portion of the field within a detection zone positioned forward of the residue removal device relative to a direction of travel of the seed-planting implement. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. As such, the controller may be configured to monitor the residue characteristic associated with the portion of the field within the detection zone based on data received from the sensor. Additionally, the controller may be further configured to control the operation of the residue removal device based on the monitored residue characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Trevor Stanhope, Christopher Schoeny
  • Publication number: 20230354732
    Abstract: A seed-planting implement includes a fluid-driven actuator coupled between a row unit frame and a row cleaner arm such that the actuator is configured to adjust a force being applied to the arm. The actuator, in turn, includes a cylinder and a piston moveable relative to the cylinder, with the cylinder and the piston collectively defining a lift chamber and a down chamber within the actuator. A first valve or pressure regulator is configured to control the flow of fluid into the lift chamber such that the fluid within the lift chamber is maintained at a first non-zero pressure value during a seed-planting operation. A computing system is configured to determine a second pressure value to which the down chamber is to be pressurized and control the operation of a second valve such that the fluid within the down chamber is pressurized to the second value during the seed-planting operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Trevor Stanhope, Michael Christopher Conboy
  • Publication number: 20230166296
    Abstract: A plant product extraction apparatus or extractor is provided for separating or grading fine particles from a larger portion of material, such as separating trichomes from a stalk or flower of a plant. The apparatus imparts a plurality modes or patterns of oscillations and vibrations to a particle separator or sieve that holds the plant matter. A motor drives a back and forth motion to a support platform supporting a sieve. The sieve is constrained by a retention tray that is supported by the support platform. One or more vibratory motors provide rapid shaking vibration through the retention tray to the sieve. A haptic transducer or mechanical agitators may be provided to increase throughput of the apparatus. The various motors and locomotion patterns facilitate the separation of finer plant materials from a larger portion of a plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2023
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Inventor: Chad M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11602096
    Abstract: In one aspect, a calibration method for a seed meter may include controlling an air pressure source to apply an initial air pressure to a seed transport member of the seed meter defining a plurality of seed cells. The method may further include controlling the seed meter to rotate the seed transport member relative to a seed chamber of the seed meter containing a plurality of seeds. The method may additionally include performing a calibration cycle for the seed meter, which may include monitoring a first parameter indicative of a number of empty seed cells as the seed transport member rotates, iteratively adjusting the air pressure from the initial air pressure as the first parameter is being monitored, and when the first parameter crosses a first threshold, recording the associated air pressure as a minimum air pressure for the seed meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Schoeny, Chad M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11570945
    Abstract: In one aspect, a calibration method for a seed meter may include controlling an operation of a singulator to apply an initial aggressiveness setting for the singulator. The method may further include controlling the seed meter to rotate a seed transport member of the seed meter relative to a seed chamber of the seed meter containing a plurality of seeds. The method may additionally include performing a calibration cycle, which may include monitoring a first parameter indicative of a number of occurrences of seed multiples as the seed transport member rotates, iteratively adjusting the aggressiveness setting from the initial aggressiveness setting as the first parameter is being monitored, and when the first parameter crosses a first threshold, recording the associated aggressiveness setting as a minimum aggressiveness setting for the singulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Schoeny, Chad M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11559828
    Abstract: A plant product extraction apparatus or extractor is provided for separating or grading fine particles from a larger portion of material, such as separating trichomes from a stalk or flower of a plant. The apparatus imparts a plurality modes or patterns of oscillations and vibrations to a particle separator or sieve that holds the plant matter. A motor drives a back and forth motion to a support platform supporting a sieve. The sieve is constrained by a retention tray that is supported by the support platform. Vibratory motors provide rapid shaking vibration through the retention tray to the sieve. Agitators may be placed inside of the sieve to facilitate the separation of the plant materials. The various motors and locomotion patterns facilitate the separation of finer plant materials from a larger portion of a plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Inventor: Chad M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20220361394
    Abstract: A system for adjusting actuator pressure on an agricultural implement includes a fluid-driven actuator configured to adjust a position of a tool of the implement relative to the implement frame, with the fluid-driven actuator defining a fluid chamber. Furthermore, the system includes a valve configured to control a flow of a fluid to the fluid-driven actuator. In addition, the system includes a fluid conduit fluidly coupled between the valve and the fluid chamber. Moreover, the system includes a computing system is configured to determine the current position of the tool relative to the implement frame based on the data captured by a position sensor. Additionally, the computing system is configured to determine a current volume of the fluid chamber and the fluid conduit based on the determined current position. Furthermore, the computing system is configured to control the operation of the valve based on the determined current volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Trevor Stanhope, Christopher Joel Huber, Michael Christopher Conboy
  • Patent number: 11464155
    Abstract: A purging system for a multiple variety seed meter of a multi-variety planter. The purging system includes seed return valves that may be arranged for receiving seed that was removed from the seed meter. The seed return valves return the removed seed into corresponding appropriate seed storage compartments to allow a new seed variety to be delivered to the seed meter while reducing seed variety mixing in the seed meter. A pipe with a purge passage may extend from the seed meter to a purging hose that delivers the removed seed to the seed return valve(s). Each seed return valve may be a vacuum-actuated piston airlock valve assembly with a valve plunger that reciprocates to define seed collecting and releasing states of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Schoeny, Chad M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20220287222
    Abstract: A system for controlling an operation of a seed-planting implement includes a row unit frame and a residue removal device pivotably coupled to the row unit frame. Furthermore, the system includes a first sensor configured to capture data indicative of a position of the residue removal device relative to the row unit frame. Additionally, the system includes a computing system communicatively coupled to the first sensor, with the computing system configured to determine the position of the residue removal device relative to the row unit frame based on the data captured by the first sensor. Moreover, the computing system is configured to determine a field condition of a field across which the seed-planting implement is traveling based on the determined position of the residue removal device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Trevor Stanhope, Michael Christopher Conboy
  • Publication number: 20220279697
    Abstract: A system for adjusting a force acting on a row cleaner of a row unit for an agricultural implement may include a first frame member, a second frame member pivotably coupled to the first frame member, at least one cleaning wheel rotatable relative to the second frame member, a biasing member configured to apply a force against the second frame member along a line of action, an actuator configured to actuate the biasing member to adjust an orientation of the line of action of the force, and a controller configured to selectively control an operation of the actuator. The biasing member extends between first and second biasing ends, with the first biasing end being pivotably coupled to the second frame member. The actuator extends between first and second actuator ends, with the second actuator end being pivotably coupled to the second biasing end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Trevor Stanhope
  • Patent number: 11432458
    Abstract: A dual-disk seed meter for a planter may include a housing defining a first seed chamber configured to receive first seeds of a first seed type and a second seed chamber configured to receive second seeds of a second seed type. The seed meter may also include a first seed disk rotatable within the housing to convey the first seeds from the first seed chamber, a second seed disk rotatable within the housing to convey the second seeds from the second seed chamber, and a drive assembly configured to simultaneously rotate the first and second seed disks. In addition, the seed meter may include a seed deflector movable relative to the first seed disk and/or the second seed disk to control which of the seed types is discharged from the housing based on a selected seed type to be delivered by the seed meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Schoeny, Brian Anderson, Chad M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11432457
    Abstract: A multiple variety planter has a direct vacuum system that allows for planting multiple varieties of seed while reducing occurrences of mis-planting events or planting inconsistencies such as multiples and skips by providing highly controllable seed meter vacuum performance characteristics that are controllable on a row-by-row basis. The direct vacuum system may include a vacuum unit at each row unit of the planter to apply a vacuum pressure to a seed meter at the row unit. Each vacuum unit may be individually and variably controlled to apply different vacuum pressures based on which seed variety is being planted with the respective seed meter at a given time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Johnathon Dienst, Marvin A. Prickel, Grant MacDonald, Jason T. Czapka, Michael J. Connors, Christopher Schoeny
  • Patent number: 11432459
    Abstract: A dual-disk seed meter for a planter may include a housing defining a first seed chamber configured to receive first seeds of a first seed type and a second seed chamber configured to receive second seeds of a second seed type. The seed meter may also include a first seed disk rotatable within the housing to convey the first seeds from the first seed chamber, a second seed disk rotatable within the housing to convey the second seeds from the second seed chamber, and a drive assembly configured to simultaneously rotate the first and second seed disks. In addition, the seed meter may include a seed deflector movable relative to the first seed disk and/or the second seed disk to control which of the seed types is discharged from the housing based on a selected seed type to be delivered by the seed meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Schoeny, Brian Anderson, Chad M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11425854
    Abstract: A multiple variety planter has a direct vacuum system that allows for planting multiple varieties of seed while reducing occurrences of mis-planting events or planting inconsistencies such as multiples and skips by providing highly controllable seed meter vacuum performance characteristics that are controllable on a row-by-row basis. The direct vacuum system may include a vacuum unit at each row unit of the planter to apply a vacuum pressure to a seed meter at the row unit. Each vacuum unit may be individually and variably controlled to apply different vacuum pressures based on which seed variety is being planted with the respective seed meter at a given time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Johnathon Dienst, Marvin A. Prickel, Grant MacDonald, Jason T. Czapka, Michael J. Connors, Christopher Schoeny
  • Publication number: 20220264783
    Abstract: An agricultural implement may include a frame and a row unit supported by the frame, where the row unit works a field as the implement is moved across the field. The row unit includes a first frame member coupled to a support structure of the row unit, a second frame member rotatable relative to the first frame member, and at least one cleaning wheel rotatable relative to the second frame member. Additionally, the row unit includes a depth stop member movably coupled to the first frame member, where the depth stop member is configured to set a lower height limit for the at least one cleaning wheel, with the second frame member being configured to abut against the depth stop member when the at least one cleaning wheel is disposed at the lower height limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Trevor Stanhope, Michael Christopher Conboy
  • Patent number: 11375655
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for dispensing agricultural products into a field using an agricultural machine may include a metering device configured to control a rate at which an agricultural product is dispensed into the field. Furthermore, the system may include a controller configured to determine a density of a cover crop present within the field as the agricultural machine is moved across the field. Moreover, the controller may be configured to determine an adjustment to be made to the rate at which the agricultural product is being dispensed for use in growing a primary crop within the field based on the determined density. Additionally, the controller may be configured to control the operation of the metering device to execute the adjustment of the rate at which the agricultural product is being dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Schoeny, Chad M. Johnson, Trevor Stanhope, Darian Landolt
  • Publication number: 20220142040
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling the operation of a residue removal device of a seed-planting implement may include a residue removal device configured to remove residue from a path of the seed-planting implement. The system may also include a sensor configured to capture data indicative of a residue characteristic associated with a portion of the field within a detection zone positioned forward of the residue removal device relative to a direction of travel of the seed-planting implement. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. As such, the controller may be configured to monitor the residue characteristic associated with the portion of the field within the detection zone based on data received from the sensor. Additionally, the controller may be further configured to control the operation of the residue removal device based on the monitored residue characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Trevor Stanhope, Christopher Schoeny
  • Patent number: 11297759
    Abstract: A vacuum seed meter includes a vacuum channel and a seed disc having seed cells defined as openings through a perimeter region of the seed disc, which rotates through the vacuum channel. The seed meter includes a sensor that addresses the seed cells in a way that enables prediction of imminent seed starvation of the seed meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Schoeny, Chad M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11266060
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling the operation of a seed-planting implement may include a ground-engaging tool and an actuator configured to adjust an operating parameter of the ground-engaging tool. Furthermore, the system may include a controller configured to control the operation of the seed-planting implement such that a primary crop is planted in a field as the seed-planting implement is being moved across the field. Additionally, the controller may be configured to determine a density of a cover crop present within the field. Moreover, the controller may be configured to determine an adjustment to be made to the operating parameter of the ground-engaging tool based on the determined density. In addition, the controller may be configured to control the operation of the actuator to execute the adjustment of the operating parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Schoeny, Chad M. Johnson, Trevor Stanhope, Darian E. Landolt