Patents by Inventor Matthew J. Wilhelmi

Matthew J. Wilhelmi 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: 20200084957
    Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a number of row units. The row units include one or more seed meters for receiving, singulating, and dispensing seed to the ground such that preferred spacing of subsequent seed is attained. Seed delivery systems are included to aid in transporting the seed from the seed meter to the ground in a controlled manner to mitigate skips and to aid in controlling the spacing of the seeds, which can be based upon the ground speed of the implement as it moves through the field. The seed delivery systems can control the transport of the seed to a furrow in the field such that the seed can experience zero or near zero relative velocity so that the seed will have little to no movement once positioned in the furrow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Marvin Bachman, Dustan Hahn, Michael J. Myers, Vaughan Stevenson, Robert Blackwell, Courtney N. Achen
  • Patent number: 10512209
    Abstract: A planting unit includes a seed meter for singulating and dispensing seed. Opening wheels or discs are included to create an opening in the field, such as a furrow. The unit includes one or more continuous tracks for supporting the row unit as it moves through the field. The tracks can be positioned on opposite sides. The tracks reduce compaction around the created furrow and provide better control of seed depth placement. One or more motors are included to operate the tracks to move the planting unit through a field for planting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Dustan Hahn, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Susanne Veatch, Rhett Schildroth, Robert Blackwell, Michael J. Myers
  • Patent number: 10485159
    Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a number of row units. The row units include one or more seed meters for receiving, singulating, and dispensing seed to the ground such that preferred spacing of subsequent seed is attained. Seed delivery systems are included to aid in transporting the seed from the seed meter to the ground in a controlled manner to mitigate skips and to aid in controlling the spacing of the seeds, which can be based upon the ground speed of the implement as it moves through the field. The seed delivery systems can control the transport of the seed to a furrow in the field such that the seed can experience zero or near zero relative velocity so that the seed will have little to no movement once positioned in the furrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Marvin Bachman, Dustan Hahn, Michael J. Myers, Vaughan Stevenson, Robert Blackwell, Courtney N. Achen
  • Publication number: 20190200518
    Abstract: A method and system for planting one of a plurality of seed types, hybrids and/or varieties includes a planter and a plurality of row units. The row units include dynamic metering systems, which can include multiple seed meters at a particular row unit. The metering systems including more than one seed meters are configured such that the seed meters will plant a different seed types or varieties. The operation of one or more of the seed meters at a time will provide for the planting of a particular seed variety. When the invention provides for on-the-go changing of a seed being planted by changing the operation of one or more of the seed meters at each of the row units and provides for almost infinite variation among the row units for planting particular seed varieties or not planting at all.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventors: Jon Kinzenbaw, Merlan J. Rolffs, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Dustan Hahn, Derrick Becker
  • Publication number: 20190174670
    Abstract: A method and system for planting one of a plurality of seed types, hybrids and/or varieties is provided. A planter is provided with a plurality of row units. The row units include metering systems, which can include multiple seed meters at a particular row unit, as well as a queuing system. The metering systems including more than one seed meters are configured such that the seed meters will plant a different seed types or varieties. The operation of one or more of the seed meters at a time will provide for the planting of a particular seed variety. The invention provides for on-the-go changing of a seed being planted by changing the operation of one or more of the seed meters at each of the row units and provides for almost infinite variation among the row units for planting particular seed varieties or not planting at all.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: Jon E. Kinzenbaw, Merlan J. Rolffs, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Dustan Hahn, Derrick Becker
  • Publication number: 20190166755
    Abstract: An agricultural planter includes a plurality of row units attached to a toolbar. The row units include seed meters in seed meter housings for receiving, singulating, and dispensing seed or other particulate. The seed meters include a circular seed disc with a seed path for receiving the seed in the seed meter housing. Integrated with the seed meter, such as at the housing, is an electric pressure source dedicated to create a pressure differential for the seed meter or meters at a particular location on the planter. The pressure source can be positive or negative to temporarily adhere seed to the seed disc of the meter. A single pressure source can provide the pressure differential to a single meter or to multiple meters or discs at a row unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Inventors: Dustan Hahn, Matthew J. Wilhelmi
  • Patent number: 10257975
    Abstract: A method and system for planting one of a plurality of seed types, hybrids and/or varieties includes planter with a plurality of row units. The row units include metering systems, which can include multiple seed meters at a particular row unit, as well as a queuing system. The metering systems including more than one seed meters are configured such that the seed meters will plant a different seed types or varieties. The operation of one or more of the seed meters at a time will provide for the planting of a particular seed variety. The invention provides for on-the-go changing of a seed being planted by changing the operation of one or more of the seed meters at each of the row units and provides for almost infinite variation among the row units for planting particular seed varieties or not planting at all.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon E. Kinzenbaw, Merlan J. Rolffs, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Dustan Hahn, Derrick Becker
  • Patent number: 10244674
    Abstract: A method and system for planting one of a plurality of seed types, hybrids and/or varieties is provided. A planter is provided with a plurality of row units. The row units include metering systems, which can include a drum meter capable of metering multiple types of seed at the single drum. The metering system including the drum is configured such that the seed meter will plant different seed types or varieties. The operation the drum meter will provide for the planting of a particular seed variety. The invention provides for on-the-go changing of a seed being planted by the operation of the drum seed meter at each of the row units and provides for almost infinite variation among the row units for planting particular seed varieties or not planting at all.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon E. Kinzenbaw, Merlan J. Rolffs, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Dustan Hahn, Derrick Becker
  • Patent number: 10225977
    Abstract: A method and system for planting one of a plurality of seed types, hybrids and/or varieties includes a planter and a plurality of row units. The row units include dynamic metering systems, which can include multiple seed meters at a particular row unit. The metering systems including more than one seed meters are configured such that the seed meters will plant a different seed types or varieties. The operation of one or more of the seed meters at a time will provide for the planting of a particular seed variety. When the invention provides for on-the-go changing of a seed being planted by changing the operation of one or more of the seed meters at each of the row units and provides for almost infinite variation among the row units for planting particular seed varieties or not planting at all.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Kinzenbaw, Merlan J. Rolffs, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Dustan Hahn, Derrick Becker
  • Patent number: 10206327
    Abstract: An agricultural planter includes a plurality of row units attached to a toolbar. The row units include seed meters in seed meter housings for receiving, singulating, and dispensing seed or other particulate. The seed meters include a circular seed disc with a seed path for receiving the seed in the seed meter housing. Integrated with the seed meter, such as at the housing, is an electric pressure source dedicated to create a pressure differential for the seed meter or meters at a particular location on the planter. The pressure source can be positive or negative to temporarily adhere seed to the seed disc of the meter. A single pressure source can provide the pressure differential to a single meter or to multiple meters or discs at a row unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Dustan Hahn, Matthew J. Wilhelmi
  • Patent number: 10188027
    Abstract: A row unit for use with an agricultural implement is provided. The row unit includes a frame, a winged shank opener operatively connected to the frame, a depth-setting member operatively connected to the frame such that at least a portion of the winged shank extends below the depth-setting member to form a furrow and the depth-setting member at least partially controls the depth of said furrow, and a seed meter for planting seed in the depth formed by the winged shank opener. The depth setting member can be a ski, one or more gage wheels, or a combination of the same. A depth control mechanism can also be included to aid in controlling the depth of the furrow created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Dustan Hahn, Matthew J. Wilhelmi
  • Patent number: 10154623
    Abstract: A seed metering system, for use on a row crop planter, selects individual seeds from a seed reservoir and dispenses the seeds singularly at a controlled rate. A direct drive seed metering system includes a seed disc having a plurality of suction apertures with a recessed pocket adjacent to an aperture. The recessed pockets act to agitate seeds in the seed reservoir and to direct seed flow towards the apertures. A seed path relief system allows the placement of the seeds such that they are released from an outer edge of the seed disc. An adjustable seed singulator is mounted adjacent to the face of the seed disc where inner and outer blades are adjusted radially to compensate for the singulation of various seed sizes and shapes. The seed disc is driven via engagement of an internal gear with the external gear of an independent drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Kale J. Brockmann
  • Patent number: 10104832
    Abstract: A seed metering system, for use on a row crop planter, selects individual seeds from a seed reservoir and dispenses the seeds singularly at a controlled rate. A direct drive seed metering system includes a seed disc having a plurality of suction apertures with a recessed pocket adjacent to an aperture. The recessed pockets act to agitate seeds in the seed reservoir and to direct seed flow towards the apertures. A seed path relief system provides for allowing the placement of the seeds such that they are released from an outer edge of the seed disc. An adjustable seed singulator is mounted adjacent to the face of the seed disc where inner and outer blades are adjusted radially to compensate for the singulation of various seed sizes and shapes. The seed disc is driven via engagement of an internal gear with the external gear of an independent drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Kale J. Brockmann
  • Publication number: 20180271007
    Abstract: A seed delivery device including a frame defining at least one seed chamber. The frame includes a sidewall and an air permeable floor. Seed can be received and deposited on the air permeable floor through an input port. An air input channel is utilized to introduce an air stream into the seed chamber and direct it through the air permeable floor such that seed is lifted from the air permeable floor to an outlet port. An air bypass channel is configured to separate the air stream into a first stream that is directed through the air permeable floor and a second stream that is directed through the bypass channel and recombined with the first stream, at a point prior to the output port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Kenneth Shoup, Daniel Koop
  • Publication number: 20180271008
    Abstract: A seed metering system, for use on a row crop planter, selects individual seeds from a seed reservoir and dispenses the seeds singularly at a controlled rate. A direct drive seed metering system includes a seed disc having a plurality of suction apertures with a recessed pocket adjacent to an aperture. The recessed pockets act to agitate seeds in the seed reservoir and to direct seed flow towards the apertures. A seed path relief system provides for allowing the placement of the seeds such that they are released from an outer edge of the seed disc. An adjustable seed singulator is mounted adjacent to the face of the seed disc where inner and outer blades are adjusted radially to compensate for the singulation of various seed sizes and shapes. The seed disc is driven via engagement of an internal gear with the external gear of an independent drive motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: MATTHEW J. WILHELMI, KALE J. BROCKMANN
  • Patent number: 10051782
    Abstract: A row unit for use with a planter includes a furrow creator and an apparatus for controlling the depth of furrow created. The furrow creator can be a blade and shank. A seed meter, for example, a positive pressure meter, can be included that provides precision planting of one or more particulates. The seed meter can be a single meter or can include more than one meter at each row unit, such as to provide for multi-hybrid or multi-particulate planting. The positive pressure can then be used to delivering the seed via a seed to ground device to plant the one or more particulates in the created furrow. The row unit as provided will be a more precise planting for both seed spacing and depth, as well as other planting characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Dustan Hahn
  • Publication number: 20180206398
    Abstract: A seed metering system, for use on a row crop planter, selects individual seeds from a seed reservoir and dispenses the seeds singularly at a controlled rate. A direct drive seed metering system includes a seed disc having a plurality of suction apertures with a recessed pocket adjacent to an aperture. The recessed pockets act to agitate seeds in the seed reservoir and to direct seed flow towards the apertures. A seed path relief system provides for allowing the placement of the seeds such that they are released from an outer edge of the seed disc. An adjustable seed singulator is mounted adjacent to the face of the seed disc where inner and outer blades are adjusted radially to compensate for the singulation of various seed sizes and shapes. The seed disc is driven via engagement of an internal gear with the external gear of an independent drive motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Kale J. Brockmann
  • Publication number: 20180206397
    Abstract: A seed metering system, for use on a row crop planter, selects individual seeds from a seed reservoir and dispenses the seeds singularly at a controlled rate. A direct drive seed metering system includes a seed disc having a plurality of suction apertures with a recessed pocket adjacent to an aperture. The recessed pockets act to agitate seeds in the seed reservoir and to direct seed flow towards the apertures. A seed path relief system provides for allowing the placement of the seeds such that they are released from an outer edge of the seed disc. An adjustable seed singulator is mounted adjacent to the face of the seed disc where inner and outer blades are adjusted radially to compensate for the singulation of various seed sizes and shapes. The seed disc is driven via engagement of an internal gear with the external gear of an independent drive motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: MATTHEW J. WILHELMI, KALE J. BROCKMANN
  • Publication number: 20180168095
    Abstract: A method and system for planting one of a plurality of seed types, hybrids and/or varieties is provided. A planter is provided with a plurality of row units. The row units include substantially static metering systems, which can include multiple seed meters at a particular row unit. The metering systems including more than one seed meters are configured such that the seed meters will plant a different seed types or varieties. The operation of one or more of the seed meters at a time will provide for the planting of a particular seed variety. When the invention provides for on-the-go changing of a seed being planted by changing the operation of one or more of the seed meters at each of the row units and provides for almost infinite variation among the row units for planting particular seed varieties or not planting at all.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: JON KINZENBAW, MERLAN J. ROLFFS, MATTHEW J. WILHELMI, DUSTAN HAHN, DERRICK BECKER
  • Patent number: 9980425
    Abstract: A seed delivery device including a frame defining at least one seed chamber. The frame includes a sidewall and an air permeable floor. Seed can be received and deposited on the air permeable floor through an input port. An air input channel is utilized to introduce an air stream into the seed chamber and direct it through the air permeable floor such that seed is lifted from the air permeable floor to an outlet port. An air bypass channel is configured to separate the air stream into a first stream that is directed through the air permeable floor and a second stream that is directed through the bypass channel and recombined with the first stream, at a point prior to the output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Kenneth E. Shoup, Daniel Koop