Patents by Inventor John M. Schweitzer

John M. Schweitzer 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: 11933651
    Abstract: A seeding system includes a commodity tank configured to store a commodity, the commodity tank having an outlet. A meter has a meter inlet at the outlet of the commodity tank, a meter outlet, and a metering device between the meter inlet and the meter outlet. A manifold has a commodity inlet at the meter outlet, a first shoot having a first air inlet and a first manifold outlet, and a second shoot having a second air inlet and a second manifold outlet. A valve is positioned upstream of the first and second air inlets and configured to selectively direct an airflow to the first air inlet and to selectively direct the airflow to the second air inlet. Each of the first shoot and the second shoot are in selective communication with the commodity inlet to receive the commodity therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Peter R. Nedved, Terry L. Snipes, John M. Schweitzer
  • Publication number: 20220183206
    Abstract: A residue detection and implement control system and method are disclosed for an agricultural implement. The system includes a source of environment data and image data of an imaged area of a crop field containing residue. The system includes a data store containing a plurality of image processing methods and at least one controller that processes the image data according to one or more image processing instruction sets. The controller selects one or more of the image processing methods based on the environment data, and processes the image data using the selected image processing instruction(s) to determine a value corresponding to residue coverage in the imaged area of the field. The controller adjusts the configuration of the agricultural implement to respond to the amount and type of residue detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Ranjit Nair, Adam D. Sporrer, Kirti Balani, Ricky B. Theilen, Lucas B. Larsen, Vishal Rane, David L. Steinlage, Robert T. Casper, John M. Schweitzer, Jeremy D. Krantz
  • Patent number: 11266056
    Abstract: A residue detection and implement control system and method are disclosed for an agricultural implement. The system includes a source of environment data and image data of an imaged area of a crop field containing residue. The system includes a data store containing a plurality of image processing methods and at least one controller that processes the image data according to one or more image processing instruction sets. The controller selects one or more of the image processing methods based on the environment data, and processes the image data using the selected image processing instruction(s) to determine a value corresponding to residue coverage in the imaged area of the field. The controller adjusts the configuration of the agricultural implement to respond to the amount and type of residue detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Ranjit Nair, Adam D. Sporrer, Kirti Balani, Ricky B. Theilen, Lucas B. Larsen, Vishal Rane, David L. Steinlage, Robert T. Casper, John M. Schweitzer, Jeremy D. Krantz
  • Patent number: 11234432
    Abstract: Folding spray implements and agricultural work vehicle equipped with folding spray implements are provided. In embodiments, the folding spray implement includes a centerframe assembly, boom assemblies mounted to opposing sides of the centerframe assembly, and an actuation system coupled to the centerframe and boom assemblies. The boom assemblies include, in turn, inner wings pivotally joined to the centerframe assembly for rotation about frame-to-wing fold joints, as well as outer wings pivotally joined to the inner wings for rotation about wing-to-wing fold joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas G. Bartlett, Daniel J. Koenen, Garry E. Baxter, John M. Schweitzer, Kody A. Sjoblom, Alejandro P. Lynch, Jeffrey J. Ringwald
  • Publication number: 20210190567
    Abstract: A seeding system includes a commodity tank configured to store a commodity, the commodity tank having an outlet. A meter has a meter inlet at the outlet of the commodity tank, a meter outlet, and a metering device between the meter inlet and the meter outlet. A manifold has a commodity inlet at the meter outlet, a first shoot having a first air inlet and a first manifold outlet, and a second shoot having a second air inlet and a second manifold outlet. A valve is positioned upstream of the first and second air inlets and configured to selectively direct an airflow to the first air inlet and to selectively direct the airflow to the second air inlet. Each of the first shoot and the second shoot are in selective communication with the commodity inlet to receive the commodity therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Peter R. Nedved, Terry L. Snipes, John M. Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 10942053
    Abstract: A seeding system includes a commodity tank configured to store a commodity. The commodity tank has a first outlet and a second outlet. A volumetric meter has a meter inlet at the first outlet of the commodity tank, a meter outlet, and a metering device between the meter inlet and the meter outlet. A manifold has a commodity inlet at the outlet of the volumetric meter, an air inlet, and a manifold outlet. A first dispersion device has a plurality of outlets and an inlet in communication with the manifold outlet. A second dispersion device has a plurality of outlets and an inlet in communication with the second outlet of the commodity tank. The second outlet of the commodity tank bypasses the volumetric meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Peter R. Nedved, Terry L. Snipes, John M. Schweitzer
  • Publication number: 20210007345
    Abstract: Folding spray implements and agricultural work vehicle equipped with folding spray implements are provided. In embodiments, the folding spray implement includes a centerframe assembly, boom assemblies mounted to opposing sides of the centerframe assembly, and an actuation system coupled to the centerframe and boom assemblies. The boom assemblies include, in turn, inner wings pivotally joined to the centerframe assembly for rotation about frame-to-wing fold joints, as well as outer wings pivotally joined to the inner wings for rotation about wing-to-wing fold joints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: THOMAS G. BARTLETT, DANIEL J. KOENEN, GARRY E. BAXTER, JOHN M. SCHWEITZER, KODY A. SJOBLOM, ALEJANDRO P. LYNCH, JEFFREY J. RINGWALD
  • Publication number: 20190346302
    Abstract: A seeding system includes a commodity tank configured to store a commodity. The commodity tank has a first outlet and a second outlet. A volumetric meter has a meter inlet at the first outlet of the commodity tank, a meter outlet, and a metering device between the meter inlet and the meter outlet. A manifold has a commodity inlet at the outlet of the volumetric meter, an air inlet, and a manifold outlet. A first dispersion device has a plurality of outlets and an inlet in communication with the manifold outlet. A second dispersion device has a plurality of outlets and an inlet in communication with the second outlet of the commodity tank. The second outlet of the commodity tank bypasses the volumetric meter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Peter R. Nedved, Terry L. Snipes, John M. Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 10285325
    Abstract: A seeding apparatus and a method is disclosed in which a seed spacing variability value is determined and displayed to the operator during a planting operation. Any method of determining variability among a set of data can be used to determine the seed spacing variability value. Three examples are shown: standard deviation; coefficient of variation; and coefficient of uniformity. Data can be stored for later comparison with harvest yield data to determine the effects of seed spacing on yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: John M. Schweitzer, Jason D. Walter, James R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 10231373
    Abstract: A drawbar apparatus is provided for coupling an earth-working tool to a frame of an agricultural implement. The drawbar apparatus comprises a drawbar. The drawbar comprises a first portion coupled to the frame and a second portion. A joint comprises a first bracket comprising a protrusion. The protrusion defines a first aperture. The first bracket is coupled to one of the second portion of the drawbar and the earth-working tool. A second bracket defines a channel configured to receive the protrusion. The channel defines a second aperture on a first side of the channel and a third aperture on a second side of the channel. The second bracket is coupled to the other of the second portion of the drawbar and the earth-working tool. A fastener is positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture. The protrusion is configured to move laterally in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Robert T. Casper, Bryan D. Blauwet, Richard J. Connell, Jeremy D. Krantz, John M. Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 9949427
    Abstract: A system for distributing a plurality of seeds includes a storage tank operable to store the plurality of seeds. A first meter is downstream of the storage tank. A second meter is downstream of the first meter and is operable to individually meter the plurality of seeds. An outlet conduit is located downstream of the second meter. The first meter is configured to adjust the flow of the plurality of seeds in response to a signal from a sensor located between the first meter and the outlet conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: John M. Schweitzer, Peter R. Nedved
  • Patent number: 9769974
    Abstract: A C-spring contains an inner spring that is spaced apart from the outer primary spring. In one example usage, the upper and lower legs of the C-spring have rear regions respectively configured for being mounted to a tubular frame tool frame member of a ground working implement, such as a disk, and to a bearing housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Jacob W. Cross, Luc Janelle, Adam D. Sporrer, Anthony Sikora, Mark D. Beeck, Richard J. Connell, Robert T. Casper, John M. Schweitzer, Dolly Y. Wu
  • Publication number: 20170112043
    Abstract: A residue detection and implement control system and method are disclosed for an agricultural implement. The system includes a source of environment data and image data of an imaged area of a crop field containing residue. The system includes a data store containing a plurality of image processing methods and at least one controller that processes the image data according to one or more image processing instruction sets. The controller selects one or more of the image processing methods based on the environment data, and processes the image data using the selected image processing instruction(s) to determine a value corresponding to residue coverage in the imaged area of the field. The controller adjusts the configuration of the agricultural implement to respond to the amount and type of residue detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventors: Ranjit Nair, Adam D. Sporrer, Kirti Balani, Ricky B. Theilen, Lucas B. Larsen, Vishal Rane, David L. Steinlage, Robert T. Casper, John M. Schweitzer, Jeremy D. Krantz
  • Publication number: 20170086356
    Abstract: A system for distributing a plurality of seeds includes a storage tank operable to store the plurality of seeds. A first meter is downstream of the storage tank. A second meter is downstream of the first meter and is operable to individually meter the plurality of seeds. An outlet conduit is located downstream of the second meter. The first meter is configured to adjust the flow of the plurality of seeds in response to a signal from a sensor located between the first meter and the outlet conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: John M. Schweitzer, Peter R. Nedved
  • Publication number: 20170034990
    Abstract: A drawbar apparatus is provided for coupling an earth-working tool to a frame of an agricultural implement. The drawbar apparatus comprises a drawbar. The drawbar comprises a first portion coupled to the frame and a second portion. A joint comprises a first bracket comprising a protrusion. The protrusion defines a first aperture. The first bracket is coupled to one of the second portion of the drawbar and the earth-working tool. A second bracket defines a channel configured to receive the protrusion. The channel defines a second aperture on a first side of the channel and a third aperture on a second side of the channel. The second bracket is coupled to the other of the second portion of the drawbar and the earth-working tool. A fastener is positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture. The protrusion is configured to move laterally in the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Inventors: Robert T. CASPER, Bryan D. BLAUWET, Richard J. CONNELL, Jeremy D. KRANTZ, John M. SCHWEITZER
  • Patent number: 9554098
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method and a control system are described for controlling operations involving residue. The method and system include analyzing residue on an agricultural field. A first image is captured with an image sensor of an area of the field that is ahead of or behind the implement. The first image is analyzed to determine an indicator of residue coverage on the field. A subsequent operation on the field is executed, one or more aspects of which are controlled based upon the determined indicator of residue coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Robert T. Casper, Ricky B. Theilen, John M. Schweitzer
  • Publication number: 20160134844
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method and a control system are described for controlling operations involving residue. The method and system include analyzing residue on an agricultural field. A first image is captured with an image sensor of an area of the field that is ahead of or behind the implement. The first image is analyzed to determine an indicator of residue coverage on the field. A subsequent operation on the field is executed, one or more aspects of which are controlled based upon the determined indicator of residue coverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Robert T. Casper, Ricky B. Theilen, John M. Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 9282688
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method and a control system are described for controlling operations involving residue. The method includes executing a first operation on a field with an implement resulting in residue on the field. A first image is captured with a camera assembly of an area of the field that is ahead of or behind the implement. The first image is analyzed to determine an indicator of residue coverage on the field. A subsequent operation on the field is executed, one or more aspects of which are controlled based upon the determined indicator of residue coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Robert T. Casper, Ricky B. Theilen, John M. Schweitzer
  • Publication number: 20160029547
    Abstract: A soil distribution indicator is generated, and indicates a soil distribution. An action signal is automatically generated based on the soil distribution indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Thomas Casper, Rick B. Theilen, John M. Schweitzer, Victor Saul Sierra, Noel Wayne Anderson
  • Publication number: 20150366125
    Abstract: A C-spring contains an inner spring that is spaced apart from the outer primary spring. In one example usage, the upper and lower legs of the C-spring have rear regions respectively configured for being mounted to a tubular frame tool frame member of a ground working implement, such as a disk, and to a bearing housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Jacob W. Cross, Luc Janelle, Adam D. Sporrer, Anthony Sikora, Mark D. Beeck, Richard J. Connell, Robert T. Casper, John M. Schweitzer, Dolly Y. Wu