Patents by Inventor D. Hollens Free

D. Hollens Free 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).

  • Impact mass flow sensor for monitoring peanut harvest yields
    Patent number: 9958301
    Abstract: Yield monitoring systems for harvesting machines and methods that can provide yield monitoring of crops are described. Machines include those that pneumatically convey crop through the machine such as peanut harvesting machines. The yield monitoring system includes a force sensor that can be located in conjunction with a duct of the harvesting machine such that impact of the crop materials on an impact plate within the duct will be registered by the force sensor. This registration can be used to determine a mass flow rate for the crop, which can be correlated to yield of the crop. The systems can include additional components such as optical monitors, moisture sensors, and pressure sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventors: Kendall R. Kirk, J. Warren White, W. Scott Monfort, Hunter F. Massey, D. Hollens Free, Stanley A. Brantley, Joel S. Peele, Jacob B. Fravel, William G. Henderson, Jr.
  • Impact Mass Flow Sensor For Monitoring Peanut Harvest Yields
    Publication number: 20160011024
    Abstract: Yield monitoring systems for harvesting machines and methods that can provide yield monitoring of crops are described. Machines include those that pneumatically convey crop through the machine such as peanut harvesting machines. The yield monitoring system includes a force sensor that can be located in conjunction with a duct of the harvesting machine such that impact of the crop materials on an impact plate within the duct will be registered by the force sensor. This registration can be used to determine a mass flow rate for the crop, which can be correlated to yield of the crop. The systems can include additional components such as optical monitors, moisture sensors, and pressure sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Kendall R. Kirk, J. Warren White, W. Scott Monfort, Hunter F. Massey, D. Hollens Free, Stanley A. Brantley, Joel S. Peele, Jacob B. Fravel, William G. Henderson, JR.