Patents by Inventor James Z. Liu
James Z. Liu 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).
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Patent number: 12127497Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a ground view sensor coupled to the frame. The ground view sensor is operable to sense the furrow and generate depth signals corresponding to actual sensed depth of the furrow. The row unit also includes a controller configured to receive the signals, and a downforce adjustment mechanism coupled to the frame and to the controller. The controller is configured to activate the downforce adjustment mechanism to adjust a downforce on the frame based on the signals received by the controller.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2021Date of Patent: October 29, 2024Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Jason D. Walter, Michael E. Frasier, Lawrence D. Green, James Z. Liu, Donald K. Landphair
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Patent number: 12004284Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for medical imaging systems. In one example, an imaging system comprises: a C-shaped gantry; an x-ray tube coupled to a first end of the C-shaped gantry; an x-ray detector coupled to a second end of the C-shaped gantry, opposite to the x-ray tube; and a controller with computer readable instructions stored on non-transitory memory that when executed, cause the controller to: identify a reference image; determine a target electrical current based on the reference image; determine a corrected electrical current based on the target electrical current; and transition an electrical current provided to the x-ray tube to the target electrical current by commanding the electrical current to the corrected electrical current while maintaining a constant voltage provided to the x-ray tube.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2021Date of Patent: June 4, 2024Assignee: GE Precision Healthcare LLCInventors: James Z. Liu, Russell Dibb, Naveen S. Chandra
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Publication number: 20230126216Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for medical imaging systems. In one example, an imaging system comprises: a C-shaped gantry; an x-ray tube coupled to a first end of the C-shaped gantry; an x-ray detector coupled to a second end of the C-shaped gantry, opposite to the x-ray tube; and a controller with computer readable instructions stored on non-transitory memory that when executed, cause the controller to: identify a reference image; determine a target electrical current based on the reference image; determine a corrected electrical current based on the target electrical current; and transition an electrical current provided to the x-ray tube to the target electrical current by commanding the electrical current to the corrected electrical current while maintaining a constant voltage provided to the x-ray tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2021Publication date: April 27, 2023Inventors: James Z. Liu, Russell Dibb, Naveen S. Chandra
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Publication number: 20220217898Abstract: A seed sensor senses seeds on a row unit and generates a seed sensor signal. A number of planting characteristics, such as a seed orientation, seed slugging, delivery system wear, and seed abnormalities, can be detected based on the seed sensor signal. The planter can be controlled based on the detected planting characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2022Publication date: July 14, 2022Inventors: Jason D. WALTER, James Z. Liu
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Publication number: 20220174859Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a ground view sensor coupled to the frame. The ground view sensor is operable to sense the furrow and generate depth signals corresponding to actual sensed depth of the furrow. The row unit also includes a controller configured to receive the signals, and a downforce adjustment mechanism coupled to the frame and to the controller. The controller is configured to activate the downforce adjustment mechanism to adjust a downforce on the frame based on the signals received by the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2021Publication date: June 9, 2022Inventors: Jason D. Walter, Michael E. Frasier, Lawrence D. Green, James Z. Liu, Donald K. Landphair
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Patent number: 11284559Abstract: A seed sensor senses seeds on a row unit and generates a seed sensor signal. A number of planting characteristics, such as a seed orientation, seed slugging, delivery system wear, and seed abnormalities, can be detected based on the seed sensor signal. The planter can be controlled based on the detected planting characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2019Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Jason D. Walter, James Z. Liu
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Patent number: 11202404Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a ground view sensor coupled to the frame. The ground view sensor is operable to sense the furrow and generate depth signals corresponding to actual sensed depth of the furrow. The row unit also includes a controller configured to receive the signals, and a downforce adjustment mechanism coupled to the frame and to the controller. The controller is configured to activate the downforce adjustment mechanism to adjust a downforce on the frame based on the signals received by the controller.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2019Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Jason D. Walter, Michael E. Frasier, Lawrence D. Green, James Z. Liu, Donald K. Landphair
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Publication number: 20200390026Abstract: A seed sensor senses seeds on a row unit and generates a seed sensor signal. A number of planting characteristics, such as a seed orientation, seed slugging, delivery system wear, and seed abnormalities, can be detected based on the seed sensor signal. The planter can be controlled based on the detected planting characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2019Publication date: December 17, 2020Inventors: Jason D. Walter, James Z. Liu
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Publication number: 20200281111Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a ground view sensor coupled to the frame. The ground view sensor is operable to sense the furrow and generate depth signals corresponding to actual sensed depth of the furrow. The row unit also includes a controller configured to receive the signals, and a downforce adjustment mechanism coupled to the frame and to the controller. The controller is configured to activate the downforce adjustment mechanism to adjust a downforce on the frame based on the signals received by the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2019Publication date: September 10, 2020Inventors: Jason D. Walter, Michael E. Frasier, Lawrence D. Green, James Z. Liu, Donald K. Landphair
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Patent number: 10143128Abstract: A seeding machine includes a main frame, and a row unit coupled to the main frame. The row unit has a row unit frame, a gauge wheel coupled to the row unit frame, and a furrow opener coupled to the row unit frame, the furrow opener having a stationary or rotating surface that contacts and moves soil. The row unit also includes a furrow closer, the furrow closer having a stationary or rotating surface that contacts and presses soil. The seeding machine also includes a downforce adjustment system for adjusting an amount of downforce applied to the row unit, the downforce adjustment system including a moisture sensor, a controller configured to receive a signal from the moisture sensor, and an actuator configured to change the amount of downforce applied to the row unit based on the signal received by the controller.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2017Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Donald K. Landphair, Michael E. Frasier, James Z. Liu, Jason D. Walter, Lawrence D. Green
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Patent number: 9883626Abstract: A variable is sensed that is indicative of a performance of a machine. A rate of change of the sensed variable is determined, and a control signal is generated for controlling an agricultural vehicle, based upon the rate of change in the value of the sensed variable.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2015Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Brianna L. Heim, Charles T. Graham, James R. Peterson, Donald Landphair, James Z. Liu
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Publication number: 20170265377Abstract: A seeding machine includes a main frame, and a row unit coupled to the main frame. The row unit has a row unit frame, a gauge wheel coupled to the row unit frame, and a furrow opener coupled to the row unit frame, the furrow opener having a stationary or rotating surface that contacts and moves soil. The row unit also includes a furrow closer, the furrow closer having a stationary or rotating surface that contacts and presses soil. The seeding machine also includes a downforce adjustment system for adjusting an amount of downforce applied to the row unit, the downforce adjustment system including a moisture sensor, a controller configured to receive a signal from the moisture sensor, and an actuator configured to change the amount of downforce applied to the row unit based on the signal received by the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2017Publication date: September 21, 2017Inventors: Donald K. Landphair, Michael E. Frasier, James Z. Liu, Jason D. Walter, Lawrence D. Green
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Patent number: 9675004Abstract: A seeding machine includes a main frame, and a row unit coupled to the main frame. The row unit has a row unit frame, a gauge wheel coupled to the row unit frame, and a furrow opener coupled to the row unit frame, the furrow opener having a stationary or rotating surface that contacts and moves soil. The row unit also includes a furrow closer, the furrow closer having a stationary or rotating surface that contacts and presses soil. The seeding machine also includes a downforce adjustment system for adjusting an amount of downforce applied to the row unit, the downforce adjustment system including a moisture sensor, a controller configured to receive a signal from the moisture sensor, and an actuator configured to change the amount of downforce applied to the row unit based on the signal received by the controller.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Donald K. Landphair, Michael E. Frasier, James Z. Liu, Jason D. Walter, Lawrence D. Green
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Publication number: 20170094894Abstract: A variable is sensed that is indicative of a performance of a machine. A rate of change of the sensed variable is determined, and a control signal is generated for controlling an agricultural vehicle, based upon the rate of change in the value of the sensed variable.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2015Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventors: Brianna L. Heim, Charles T. Graham, James R. Peterson, Donald Landphair, James Z. Liu
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Publication number: 20170086361Abstract: A seeding machine includes a main frame, and a row unit coupled to the main frame. The row unit has a row unit frame, a gauge wheel coupled to the row unit frame, and a furrow opener coupled to the row unit frame, the furrow opener having a stationary or rotating surface that contacts and moves soil. The row unit also includes a furrow closer, the furrow closer having a stationary or rotating surface that contacts and presses soil. The seeding machine also includes a downforce adjustment system for adjusting an amount of downforce applied to the row unit, the downforce adjustment system including a moisture sensor, a controller configured to receive a signal from the moisture sensor, and an actuator configured to change the amount of downforce applied to the row unit based on the signal received by the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2015Publication date: March 30, 2017Inventors: Donald K. Landphair, Michael E. Frasier, James Z. Liu, Jason D. Walter, Lawrence D. Green
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Patent number: 9043949Abstract: A system and method of calibrating a meter of a product distribution machine, such as an agricultural air seeder is shown. The system uses one or both of optical and mass flow sensors to measure the product flow rate. The sensors are used to measure mass flow rate during a calibration process while the machine is in use. To improve sensor accuracy during the calibration process, the meter speed is changed to change the product flow rate to a rate at which the sensor accuracy is increased.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: James Z. Liu, Donald K. Landphair
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Patent number: 8941070Abstract: An imaging system is provided. In one embodiment, an imaging system includes a radiation source and a digital detector. The imaging system may also include first and second structures, each configured to receive the digital detector. Further, the imaging system may include system control circuitry configured to control exposure of the digital detector by the radiation source and to acquire image data from the digital detector. Additionally, the digital detector may be configured to communicate its location to the system control circuitry based on receipt of the digital detector by the first or second receiving structures. Additional systems, methods, and devices are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2008Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Scott W. Petrick, Alan D. Blomeyer, James Z. Liu, Emad Abu Tabanjeh
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Patent number: 8695396Abstract: A product distribution apparatus, shown in the form of an agricultural air seeder is disclosed having sensors to measure the mass flow through the distribution system, sensors to weigh the tank and the product therein, and sensors to measure the quantity of product in the tank. The sensors are used to measure the change in the quantity of product in the tank during a calibration process where the apparatus is operated over an area and the number of rotations of the meter are recorded. The data is then used to determine a mass flow rate per revolution of the meter. A monitoring method is also disclosed in which an ‘area to empty’ and ‘product needed’ to complete a field or task is displayed to the operator.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Donald K Landphair, James Z. Liu, Lawrence D. Green, James J. Phelan, Samuel Santiago
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Patent number: 8618465Abstract: A seed sensor system determines the position of the seed relative to the seed tube as the seed passes the sensor. The position of the seed as well as the speed of the planter and the position of the seed tube above the planting furrow are used to calculate trajectory of the seed into the furrow from which the seed spacing is predicated. By sensing the seed in both X and Y directions in the seed tube, the sensor is better able to determine multiple seeds as well providing more precision to the seed population.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Nikolai R. Tevs, James Z. Liu, Noel W. Anderson
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Patent number: 8504310Abstract: An impact sensor is located in a distribution tower which divides the seed and/or nutrient flow into individual rows, and a second sensor provides a compensation signal dependent upon one or more variables such as the velocity of the air in the conveying system, implement vibrations. As the seed/fertilizer bounces off of the impact sensor and flows into the individual row air streams, the impact sensor provides a force signal to a processor which calculates the total particulate mass flow rate from the force signal and the air velocity signal. To determine individual seed and fertilizer rates, a rate controller temporarily changes the metering rate of one of the materials, and the processor then calculates the desired information from the mass flow change and meter speed change. Another embodiment includes seed sensor structure at the meter output for achieving or confirming accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2009Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Donald K. Landphair, James J. Phelan, James Z. Liu