Patents by Inventor Dale Koch

Dale Koch 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: 20180153093
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for selecting an agricultural input. First and second seed meters selectively meter seed from first and second sources, respectively, into a common planting trench. In some embodiments the seed meters are selectively operated by electric motors controlled with reference to a seed type prescription. In some embodiments the first and second seed meters deposit seeds along a common plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Dale Koch, Todd Swanson
  • Publication number: 20180124992
    Abstract: Described herein are implements that include a vehicle having a system for sensing or testing soil and/or vegetation as the vehicle traverses a field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: DALE KOCH, TODD SWANSON, KENT LEVY, ADAM VACCARI, JASON STOLLER
  • Publication number: 20180125002
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring soil properties and applying fertilizer during a planting operation. Various sensors are disposed in ground engaging components for monitoring soil properties. The ground engaging components may have structure for opening a side trench in the sidewalls of the seed trench and may include liquid application conduits for injecting liquid into the sidewalls of the resulting side trenches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Jason Stoller, Justin Koch, Brian McMahon, Derek Sauder, Ian Radtke, Michael Strnad, Dale Koch, Matthew Morgan, Tracy Leman, Paul Wildermuth
  • Publication number: 20180128933
    Abstract: A soil imaging system having a work layer sensor disposed on an agricultural implement to generate an electromagnetic field through a soil area of interest as the agricultural implement traverses a field. A monitor in communication with the work layer sensor is adapted to generate a work layer image of the soil layer of interest based on the generated electromagnetic field. The work layer sensor may also generate a reference image by generating an electromagnetic field through undisturbed soil. The monitor may compare at least one characteristic of the reference image with at least one characteristic of the work layer image to generate a characterized image of the work layer of interest. The monitor may display operator feedback and may affect operational control of the agricultural implement based on the characterized image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Dale Koch, Dexter Travis, Todd Swanson, Dillon Sloneker
  • Publication number: 20180114305
    Abstract: A soil imaging system having a work layer sensor disposed on an agricultural implement to generate an electromagnetic field through a soil area of interest as the agricultural implement traverses a field. A monitor in communication with the work layer sensor is adapted to generate a work layer image of the soil layer of interest based on the generated electromagnetic field. The work layer sensor may also generate a reference image by generating an electromagnetic field through undisturbed soil. The monitor may compare at least one characteristic of the reference image with at least one characteristic of the work layer image to generate a characterized image of the work layer of interest. The monitor may display operator feedback and may effect operational control of the agricultural implement based on the characterized image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Strnad, Roger Koch, Dale Koch
  • Patent number: 9883625
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for selecting an agricultural input. First and second seed meters selectively meter seed from first and second sources, respectively, into a common planting trench. In some embodiments the seed meters are selectively operated by electric motors controlled with reference to a seed type prescription. In some embodiments the first and second seed meters deposit seeds along a common plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Dale Koch, Todd Swanson
  • Publication number: 20180024271
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and method for monitoring weather conditions and controlling field operations based on the weather conditions. In one embodiment, a system for monitoring weather conditions for field operations includes a plurality of weather devices for monitoring weather conditions of fields with at least at one weather device in proximity to each field being monitored and at least one weather device having an electronics module for determining weather data including precipitation data. The system also includes an agricultural computer system having at least one processing unit for executing instructions for monitoring weather conditions. The at least one processing unit is configured to execute instructions to receive weather data from the plurality of weather devices for monitoring weather conditions of fields, to process the weather data, and to generate data including precipitation rate for monitoring weather conditions and operations of the plurality of weather devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Dale Koch, Todd Swanson, Justin Koch
  • Publication number: 20170049044
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring soil properties and applying fertilizer during a planting operation. Various sensors are disposed in ground engaging components for monitoring soil properties. The ground engaging components may have structure for opening a side trench in the sidewalls of the seed trench and may include liquid application conduits for injecting liquid into the sidewalls of the resulting side trenches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Jason Stoller, Justin Koch, Brian McMahon, Derek Sauder, Ian Radtke, Michael Strnad, Dale Koch, Matthew Morgan, Tracy Leman, Paul Wildermuth
  • Patent number: 9474200
    Abstract: A toolbar is provided having a field position and a transport position. The toolbar includes a first bar section and a second bar section. A flexible line is retained partially adjacent to a pin pivotally joining the first bar section and the second bar section. The flexible line folds from the transport position to the working position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventor: Dale Koch
  • Publication number: 20160234996
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for planting seed. A system includes a row unit configured to open a planting trench. A first seed meter has a first coding scheme and receives a first seed type from a first hopper having the first coding scheme. A second meter has a second coding scheme and receives a second seed type from a second hopper having the second coding scheme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Derek SAUDER, Dale KOCH, Doug SAUDER
  • Publication number: 20160135363
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for selecting an agricultural input. First and second seed meters selectively meter seed from first and second sources, respectively, into a common planting trench. In some embodiments the seed meters are selectively operated by electric motors controlled with reference to a seed type prescription. In some embodiments the first and second seed meters deposit seeds along a common plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Derek Sauder, Dale Koch, Troy Plattner
  • Publication number: 20160050842
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for selecting an agricultural input. First and second seed meters selectively meter seed from first and second sources, respectively, into a common planting trench. In some embodiments the seed meters are selectively operated by electric motors controlled with reference to a seed type prescription. In some embodiments the first and second seed meters deposit seeds along a common plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Derek Sauder, Dale Koch, Troy Plattner, Todd Swanson
  • Patent number: 9237687
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for selecting an agricultural input. First and second seed meters selectively meter seed from first and second sources, respectively, into a common planting trench. In some embodiments the seed meters are selectively operated by electric motors controlled with reference to a seed type prescription. In some embodiments the first and second seed meters deposit seeds along a common plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Derek Sauder, Dale Koch, Troy Plattner
  • Publication number: 20150327429
    Abstract: A toolbar is provided having a field position and a transport position. The toolbar includes a first bar section and a second bar section. A flexible line is retained partially adjacent to a pin pivotally joining the first bar section and the second bar section. The flexible line folds from the transport position to the working position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventor: Dale Koch
  • Publication number: 20150237794
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for selecting an agricultural input. First and second seed meters selectively meter seed from first and second sources, respectively, into a common planting trench. In some embodiments the seed meters are selectively operated by electric motors controlled with reference to a seed type prescription. In some embodiments the first and second seed meters deposit seeds along a common plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Derek Sauder, Dale Koch, Troy Plattner
  • Patent number: 8428790
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a machine comprise receiving information indicative of an occurrence of a prospective event and providing an event initiation signal to one or more machines. The event initiation signal may be configured to cause a controller of the one or more machines to control movement of the one or more machines based at least on a location of the machine relative to a designated area surrounding a location at which the prospective event is to occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Dale Koch, James Decker Humphrey
  • Patent number: 8244438
    Abstract: A tool control system is disclosed. The control system may have a first actuator configured to control a first linkage. The control system may further have a second actuator configured to control a second linkage. The control system may also have a third actuator configured to control a work tool, wherein the second linkage is connected to the work tool and movably connected to the first linkage. The control system may still further have a plurality of operator input devices configured to provide operator control of the first, second, and third actuators. The control system may also have a controller in communication with the first, second, and third actuators and the plurality of operator input devices. The controller may be configured to receive a desired tool path for the work tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Dale Koch, Daniel Francis Stanek
  • Patent number: 8073609
    Abstract: A slippage condition response system for a machine is disclosed. The response system may have a sensing system configured to sense a parameter indicative of a slippage condition of the machine. Additionally, the response system may have a locator configured to sense a parameter indicative of a location of the machine. The response system may also have a map configured to store at least one known slippage condition location. Each known slippage condition location may have a slippage condition position and a modified speed limit. In addition, the response system may have a controller, which may be in communication with the sensing system, the locator, and the map. The controller may be configured to monitor the location of the machine, monitor the parameter indicative of a slippage condition of the machine, and update the map, based on the monitored parameter and the monitored location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Dale Koch
  • Patent number: 7975410
    Abstract: A control system for use with an excavation machine is disclosed. The control system may have a boom member, a linear actuator connected to pivot the boom member in a first direction, a rotary actuator connected to swing the boom member in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction, and an operator input device configured to generate a command signal indicative of a desired movement of the boom member. The control system may also have a tilt sensor configured to detect an inclination of the excavation machine, and a controller in communication with the rotary actuator, the operator input device, and the tilt sensor. The controller may be configured to receive a swing end stop for the boom member, to control the rotary actuator to move the boom member based on the command signal, and to modify the command signal to inhibit movement of the boom member past the swing end stop based on the detected inclination of the excavation machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Leo Faivre, Roger Dale Koch, Brahmaramba Tallapragada
  • Publication number: 20110153117
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a machine comprise receiving information indicative of an occurrence of a prospective event and providing an event initiation signal to one or more machines. The event initiation signal may be configured to cause a controller of the one or more machines to control movement of the one or more machines based at least on a location of the machine relative to a designated area surrounding a location at which the prospective event is to occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Roger Dale KOCH, James Decker Humphrey