Patents by Inventor Lyndon J. Schroeder
Lyndon J. Schroeder 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: 9313939Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for separating a seed aliquot from a bulk sample and preparing the seed aliquot for downstream research purposes is provided. The system embodiments may comprise a counter device, which is configured to receive at least a portion of the bulk sample and to separate the seed aliquot from the portion of the bulk sample, and a packaging device, which is configured to receive the separated seed aliquot and to dispense the aliquot into an aliquot container. Other embodiments may include a conveyor system for advancing the bulk sample and/or seed aliquot along a conveyance path that may be determined from a research protocol received from an input source. Various embodiments of the present invention may maintain an identity of the seed aliquot as it is advanced along the conveyance path and may selectively subject the seed aliquot to a variety of processing steps in accordance with the research protocol with little or no manual control or supervision.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2007Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL INCInventors: C. Fred Hood, James L. Hunter, Timothy P. Meyer, Lyndon J. Schroeder
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Patent number: 9002070Abstract: An automated seed package identification apparatus is presented that may include a sensor device configured to read a machine-readable package identifier on a seed package which identifies the seed package and/or the seeds therein. A sensor positioning mechanism adjusts the position of the sensor device with respect to a seed tray assembly which is configured to retain seed packages. The sensor positioning mechanism may include a moveable track member which translates on a stationary track member, and the sensor device may translate along the moveable track member. A control unit may instruct the sensor positioning mechanism to move with respect to the seed tray assembly to thereby read the machine-readable package identifiers with the sensor device and record the positional layout of the seed packages. One or more cameras may be configured to capture one or more images of the plurality of seed packages retained in the seed tray assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Pioneer Hi Bred International IncInventors: David L. Johnson, Jacob T. Klocke, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Mark W. Spicer
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Patent number: 8943785Abstract: An apparatus and method for automated high-throughput processing seed requests or orders includes an autonomous single seed counter and packager which operates by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a thresher, a spiral separator, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining segregation from subsequent seed being processed. Validation of the seed request matching the sample requested occurs prior to processing and information about the seed to process or having been processed can be derived and stored for further use.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2009Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Pioneer Hi Bred International IncInventors: Roger Blickhan, Bruce E. Cadwell, Joseph L. Glaubitz, David W. Goldsberry, Michael E. Hartman, Kent Hoeppner, James L. Hunter, Timothy P. Meyer, Andrew S. Nickerson, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Mark Spicer, Timothy J. Wilhelm
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Patent number: 8639383Abstract: The present invention provides an automated research seed planting system, method, and apparatus. The system, method, and apparatus may include a planter configured for planting a research plot and comprising a seed package assembly handling device configured to receive a seed package assembly containing a research seed sample, and a controller configured to communicate with the seed package assembly handling device. The controller is configured to automatically control the seed package assembly handling device to release the research seed sample. In various embodiments, the research seed planter may include a positional data acquisition system configured to acquire position data associated with one or more research seed planting events.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2009Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Pioneer Hi Bred International IncInventors: Daniel M. Goldman, James L. Hunter, David L. Johnson, Timothy P. Meyer, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Timothy J. Wilhelm
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Publication number: 20120188364Abstract: An automated seed package identification apparatus is presented that may include a sensor device configured to read a machine-readable package identifier on a seed package which identifies the seed package and/or the seeds therein. A sensor positioning mechanism adjusts the position of the sensor device with respect to a seed tray assembly which is configured to retain seed packages. The sensor positioning mechanism may include a moveable track member which translates on a stationary track member, and the sensor device may translate along the moveable track member. A control unit may instruct the sensor positioning mechanism to move with respect to the seed tray assembly to thereby read the machine-readable package identifiers with the sensor device and record the positional layout of the seed packages. One or more cameras may be configured to capture one or more images of the plurality of seed packages retained in the seed tray assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2012Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: David L. Johnson, Jacob T. Klocke, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Mark W. Spicer
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Patent number: 8082809Abstract: The present invention provides a novel combine harvester and associated method configured for gathering grain test data. In general, the combine harvester includes a grain diverting assembly that is configured to selectively divert grain from a grain harvesting path to a grain testing path for the purpose of gathering the grain test data. In various embodiments, the present invention may return the tested grain to the grain harvesting path for further delivery to a primary grain hopper. The present invention may also provide a sampling cup and sample delivery system that allows a sample of the diverted grain to be automatically gathered and delivered to a combine harvester operator location.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2010Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.Inventors: Ty T. Luellen, Douglas R. Peirce, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Barry L. Stott
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Publication number: 20110086684Abstract: The present invention provides a novel combine harvester and associated method configured for gathering grain test data. In general, the combine harvester includes a grain diverting assembly that is configured to selectively divert grain from a grain harvesting path to a grain testing path for the purpose of gathering the grain test data. In various embodiments, the present invention may return the tested grain to the grain harvesting path for further delivery to a primary grain hopper. The present invention may also provide a sampling cup and sample delivery system that allows a sample of the diverted grain to be automatically gathered and delivered to a combine harvester operator location.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventors: Ty T. Luellen, Douglas R. Peirce, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Barry L. Stott
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Patent number: 7905050Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2007Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.Inventors: James L. Hunter, Andrew S. Nickerson, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Ronald D. Rushing, C. Fred Hood
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Publication number: 20110047042Abstract: An apparatus and method for automated high-throughput processing seed requests or orders includes an autonomous single seed counter and packager which operates by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a thresher, a spiral separator, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining segregation from subsequent seed being processed. Validation of the seed request matching the sample requested occurs prior to processing and information about the seed to process or having been processed can be derived and stored for further use.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2009Publication date: February 24, 2011Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: ROGER BLICKHAN, BRUCE E. CADWELL, JOSEPH L. GLAUBITZ, DAVID W. GOLDSBERRY, MICHAEL E, HARTMAN, KENT HOEPPNER, JAMES L. HUNTER, TIMOTHY P. MEYER, ANDREW S. NICKERSON, LYNDON J. SCHROEDER, MARK SPICER, TIMOTHY J. WILHELM
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Publication number: 20100070072Abstract: The present invention provides an automated research seed planting system, method, and apparatus. The system, method, and apparatus may include a planter configured for planting a research plot and comprising a seed package assembly handling device configured to receive a seed package assembly containing a research seed sample, and a controller configured to communicate with the seed package assembly handling device. The controller is configured to automatically control the seed package assembly handling device to release the research seed sample. In various embodiments, the research seed planter may include a positional data acquisition system configured to acquire position data associated with one or more research seed planting events.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventors: Daniel M. Goldman, James L. Hunter, David L. Johnson, Timothy P. Meyer, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Timothy J. Wilhelm
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Patent number: 7591374Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2007Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.Inventors: James L. Hunter, Andrew S. Nickerson, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Ronald D. Rushing, C. Fred Hood
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Patent number: 7588151Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2007Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.Inventors: James L. Hunter, Andrew S. Nickerson, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Ronald D. Rushing, C. Fred Hood
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Publication number: 20080179226Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: JAMES L. HUNTER, ANDREW S. NICKERSON, LYNDON J. SCHROEDER, RONALD D. RUSHING, C. FRED HOOD
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Publication number: 20080009962Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for separating a seed aliquot from a bulk sample and preparing the seed aliquot for downstream research purposes is provided. The system embodiments may comprise a counter device, which is configured to receive at least a portion of the bulk sample and to separate the seed aliquot from the portion of the bulk sample, and a packaging device, which is configured to receive the separated seed aliquot and to dispense the aliquot into an aliquot container. Other embodiments may include a conveyor system for advancing the bulk sample and/or seed aliquot along a conveyance path that may be determined from a research protocol received from an input source. Various embodiments of the present invention may maintain an identity of the seed aliquot as it is advanced along the conveyance path and may selectively subject the seed aliquot to a variety of processing steps in accordance with the research protocol with little or no manual control or supervision.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2007Publication date: January 10, 2008Inventors: C. Fred Hood, James L. Hunter, Timothy P. Meyer, Lyndon J. Schroeder
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Patent number: 7290665Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2003Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.Inventors: James L. Hunter, Andrew S. Nickerson, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Ronald D. Rushing, C. Fred Hood
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Publication number: 20040118754Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.Inventors: James L. Hunter, Andrew S. Nickerson, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Ronald D. Rushing, C. Fred Hood
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Patent number: 6706989Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Pioneer Hi-bred International, Inc.Inventors: James L. Hunter, Andrew S. Nickerson, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Ronald D. Rushing, C. Fred Hood
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Publication number: 20020144458Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2001Publication date: October 10, 2002Inventors: James L. Hunter, Andrew S. Nickerson, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Ronald D. Rushing, C. Fred Hood
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Patent number: RE45489Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Pioneer Hi Bred International IncInventors: James L. Hunter, Andrew S. Nickerson, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Ronald D. Rushing, C. Fred Hood