Patents by Inventor Martin J. Roberge

Martin J. Roberge 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: 20240090376
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a cut-crop laying in a field or during a cutting process, the method includes: receiving a sensing signal from a cut-crop sensor positioned on a mobile agricultural machine, wherein the sensing signal is representative of a sensed gaseous composition associated with the cut-crop; estimating a condition of the cut-crop based on the sensing signal; and outputting cut-crop state data including the condition of the cut-crop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicants: CNH Industrial Belgium N.V., CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bart M.A. Missotten, Martin J. Roberge
  • Patent number: 11889801
    Abstract: A container for growing plants includes a bottom wall, a first side wall extending perpendicular to the bottom wall, and a second side wall extending perpendicular to the bottom wall and parallel to the first side wall such that the bottom wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall at least partially define a plant growing chamber. Furthermore, the container includes a lid configured to selectively occlude access to the plant growing chamber. Additionally, one of the bottom wall, the first or second side walls, or the lid includes a rail and another of the bottom wall, the first or second side walls, or the lid defines a groove such that the rail of the container is configured to be received within a groove of a first adjacent container and the groove of the container is configured to receive a rail of a second adjacent container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Martin J. Roberge
  • Patent number: 11885424
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for equalizing airflow in lines delivering product-conveying air to boom sections of an agricultural machine by controlling valves, such as electronically, in each air distribution line to induce additional pressure drops in lines which would cause imbalance in the system. Such valves can include, but are not limited to: ball valves, butterfly valves, gate valves, globe valves, diaphragm valves, pinch valves and/or plug valves. With the proposed system, the lines of least pressure drop can be induced with additional pressure drop by particular valves in order to bring the lines back to a balanced state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Rex Ruppert, Martin J. Roberge, Joel Denis
  • Patent number: 11839186
    Abstract: A container for growing plants includes a bottom wall, a first side wall extending perpendicular to the bottom wall, and a second side wall extending perpendicular to the bottom wall and parallel to the first side wall such that the bottom wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall at least partially define a plant growing chamber. Furthermore, the container includes a lid configured to selectively occlude access to the plant growing chamber. Additionally, the container includes a carrier assembly positioned with the plant growing chamber and movably coupled to the first side wall and the second side wall. Moreover, the container includes a tool coupled to the carrier assembly such that movement of the carrier assembly relative to the first side wall and the second side wall moves the tool within the plant growing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: CNH INDUSTRIAL CANADA, LTD.
    Inventor: Martin J. Roberge
  • Publication number: 20230201397
    Abstract: A health system for a work vehicle includes a controller having a memory and a processor. The controller is configured to receive a first sensor signal indicative of a body temperature of an operator positioned outside a cab of the work vehicle. The controller is also configured to determine whether the body temperature of the operator is above a threshold body temperature. Furthermore, the controller is configured to output a first control signal to an interlock system indicative of instructions to lock a door of the cab of the work vehicle in response to determining the body temperature of the operator is above the threshold body temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2021
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventor: Martin J. Roberge
  • Publication number: 20230172117
    Abstract: A container for growing plants includes a bottom wall, a first side wall extending perpendicular to the bottom wall, and a second side wall extending perpendicular to the bottom wall and parallel to the first side wall such that the bottom wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall at least partially define a plant growing chamber. Furthermore, the container includes a lid configured to selectively occlude access to the plant growing chamber. Additionally, the container includes a carrier assembly positioned with the plant growing chamber and movably coupled to the first side wall and the second side wall. Moreover, the container includes a tool coupled to the carrier assembly such that movement of the carrier assembly relative to the first side wall and the second side wall moves the tool within the plant growing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventor: Martin J. Roberge
  • Publication number: 20230165197
    Abstract: A container for growing plants includes a bottom wall, a first side wall extending perpendicular to the bottom wall, and a second side wall extending perpendicular to the bottom wall and parallel to the first side wall such that the bottom wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall at least partially define a plant growing chamber. Furthermore, the container includes a lid configured to selectively occlude access to the plant growing chamber. Additionally, one of the bottom wall, the first or second side walls, or the lid includes a rail and another of the bottom wall, the first or second side walls, or the lid defines a groove such that the rail of the container is configured to be received within a groove of a first adjacent container and the groove of the container is configured to receive a rail of a second adjacent container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Inventor: Martin J. Roberge
  • Publication number: 20230069948
    Abstract: An agricultural system includes a baling system configured to form a bale of crop material and an accumulator positioned laterally outward from the baling system. The accumulator is adjustable between an open position and a closed position, and the baling system is configured to receive the crop material from the accumulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Martin J. Roberge, Jonathan E. Ricketts, Jason D.M. Cousins
  • Publication number: 20220272904
    Abstract: A bale wrapping system that includes a belt that rotates to form and drive rotation of a bale of an agricultural product. The bale is configured to be wrapped with a wrapping layer of a bale wrap while rotating on the belt. A first portion of the wrapping layer overlaps a second portion of the wrapping layer while disposed on the belt. A glue system sprays a layer of glue onto the wrapping layer. The layer of glue enables the first portion of the wrapping layer to couple to the second portion of the wrapping layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Inventors: Martin J. Roberge, Jonathan E. Ricketts, Jason Douglas McAuley Cousins
  • Publication number: 20220264804
    Abstract: A wrapping system of an agricultural baling system includes a wrap directing system configured to direct a wrapping material to cover an entire periphery of a bale of crop material, such that a first portion of the wrapping material overlaps a second portion of the wrapping material. The wrapping system further includes a fastening system configured to secure the first portion of the wrapping material to the second portion of the wrapping material and a sewing system configured to sew the first portion and the second portion to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Martin J. Roberge, Jonathan E. Ricketts, Zachary Harmon, Dan L. Garland
  • Publication number: 20220256773
    Abstract: A bale wrap includes a wrapping layer configured to wrap around a bale of agricultural product, such that a first portion of the wrapping layer overlaps a second portion of the wrapping layer. Additionally, the bale wrap includes an adhesive layer embedded on or in the wrapping layer and configured to be activated by an adhesive activation mechanism. Activation of the adhesive layer enables the adhesive layer to bond the first portion of the wrapping layer to the second portion of the wrapping layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Ricketts, Martin J. Roberge
  • Publication number: 20220248609
    Abstract: A bale wrapping system includes a bale chamber configured to receive agricultural product and a belt configured to be disposed within the bale chamber. The belt is configured to be positioned between a bale wrap and an interior surface of the bale chamber while the belt is disposed within the bale chamber. Additionally, the belt is configured to support the bale wrap and to move into the bale chamber due to a weight of the agricultural product on the bale wrap. Further, the belt is configured to compact the agricultural product within the bale wrap, such that a bale of the agricultural product at least partially surrounded by the bale wrap is formed within the bale chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Inventors: Martin J. Roberge, Jonathan E. Ricketts, Jason D.M. Cousins
  • Patent number: 11310955
    Abstract: The invention provides a pneumatic conveying system for an agricultural product applicator, which system comprises multiple fans configured to serve separate boom sections of the applicator to more efficiently conduct airflow with respect to each section. In aspects of the invention, multiple centrifugal fans of the same or similar size can be used, or multiple centrifugal fans of various sizes can be used, such as one or more larger fans and one or more smaller fans. Exemplar aspects could include three small or medium sized centrifugal fans, four small or medium sized centrifugal fans, and five small or medium sized centrifugal fans, thereby allowing the system to raise outlet air pressure at an elevated flow. Another aspect of the invention could include configuring one fan to supercharge another fan, in series, also allowing the system to raise outlet air pressure at an elevated flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Rex Ruppert, Joel Denis, Martin J. Roberge
  • Patent number: 11266064
    Abstract: A distribution and leveling system for a particulate material storage compartment includes an auger configured to be disposed within the particulate material storage compartment. The auger is configured to move particulate material across the particulate material storage compartment via rotation of the auger about a first rotational axis. The distribution and leveling system also includes an agitator positioned below the auger. The agitator is configured to agitate the particulate material via rotation of the agitator about a second rotational axis. In addition, the first rotational axis is substantially parallel to the second rotational axis, rotation of the auger and rotation of the agitator are independently controllable, and the first rotational axis and the second rotational axis are substantially aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis of the particulate material storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robin Bruno Schilling, Martin J. Roberge
  • Patent number: 11185002
    Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement has a vertical tillage section and an aerating section behind the vertical tillage section, each extending substantially perpendicular to the pull direction of the implement. Individual vertical tillage elements, such as disc blades, can be indexed with individual rotary tine assemblies of the aerator section so that discrete holes formed by the aerator section are positioned between substantially continuous slits formed by the vertical tillage section. A ground deposit system deposits a component on the ground and may be configured for conducting and depositing a granular component, such as seeds, fertilizers, minerals or the like, or liquid components, such as liquid manure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Martin J. Roberge
  • Publication number: 20210352836
    Abstract: A system includes an agricultural raking vehicle, including a motor drive and raking members mechanically coupled to the motor drive. The raking members rake agricultural product via rotation about an axis substantially orthogonal to a field on which the agricultural vehicle travels. The system also includes a sensor assembly that outputs a signal indicative of a determined windrow quality of the agricultural product raked by the raking members. The system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the motor drive and to the sensor assembly. The controller receives the signal and controls an angular speed of the motor drive, a ground speed of the agricultural vehicle, and/or a height of the raking members or tines above the field, based on a comparison of the determined windrow quality to a target windrow quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Inventors: Martin J. Roberge, David M. DeChristopher
  • Patent number: 11140827
    Abstract: A bale accumulator for a round baler including a frame configured for being located behind the bale chamber of the round baler and a plurality of bale holders configured for receiving and temporarily holding the bales. Each bale holder is pivotally and rotatably connected to the frame such that each bale holder is configured for rolling the bales by pivoting relative to the frame and realigning the bales by rotating relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Martin J. Roberge
  • Publication number: 20210285558
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for equalizing airflow in lines delivering product-conveying air to boom sections of an agricultural machine by controlling valves, such as electronically, in each air distribution line to induce additional pressure drops in lines which would cause imbalance in the system. Such valves can include, but are not limited to: ball valves, butterfly valves, gate valves, globe valves, diaphragm valves, pinch valves and/or plug valves. With the proposed system, the lines of least pressure drop can be induced with additional pressure drop by particular valves in order to bring the lines back to a balanced state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Rex Ruppert, Martin J. Roberge, Joel Denis
  • Publication number: 20210219496
    Abstract: A bale accumulator for a round baler including a frame configured for being located behind the bale chamber of the round baler and a plurality of bale holders configured for receiving and temporarily holding the bales. Each bale holder is pivotally and rotatably connected to the frame such that each bale holder is configured for rolling the bales by pivoting relative to the frame and realigning the bales by rotating relative to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Applicant: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Martin J. Roberge
  • Patent number: RE49494
    Abstract: A system processes seeds that are present in crop material. The system includes a first shearing surface, a second shearing surface arranged opposite the first shearing surface, and a clearance between the first shearing surface and the second shearing surface. The system passes crop material between the first and second shearing surfaces, where the crop material contacts the shearing surfaces as it passes through the shearing surfaces. Contact with the first and second shearing surfaces damages seeds that are present in the crop material. The system can be installed in an agricultural harvester to damage seeds that are present in crop residue to prevent the seeds from germinating after the crop residue is discharged from the agricultural harvester back into the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Blue Leaf I.P., Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan E. Isaac, Martin J. Roberge, Jim Henry, Mark Dilts