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: 20170034995
    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: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Dustan Hahn
  • Publication number: 20160338260
    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: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Dustan Hahn, Matthew J. Wilhelmi
  • Patent number: 9474201
    Abstract: An agricultural planter includes a plurality of row units attached to a toolbar. The row units include seed meters 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 disc is a motor that is housed within the seed meter housing and that includes a rotatable portion being attached to the circular disc such that the two rotate in tandem. The integrated motor can be positioned within an interior portion of the circular seed disc such that the width of the disc and motor combination is kept to a minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Merlan Rolffs, Dustan Hahn, John P. Mulherin, Courtney N. Achen, Michael J. Myers, Ryan Legge, Rhett Schildroth, Marvin Bachman, Todd E. Kniffen
  • Publication number: 20160192579
    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 15, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Kale J. Brockmann
  • Publication number: 20160150720
    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: February 8, 2016
    Publication date: June 2, 2016
    Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Kale J. Brockmann
  • Publication number: 20160150722
    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: February 8, 2016
    Publication date: June 2, 2016
    Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Kale J. Brockmann
  • Publication number: 20160143210
    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: January 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Kale J. Brockmann
  • Publication number: 20160131294
    Abstract: A pneumatic coupler and method for coupling a hose to a surface of an agricultural implement is provided. The pneumatic coupler includes a hollow tube with a radially extending flange. The flange has one or more cutouts to permit the flange to pass through an aperture containing one or more protrusions. The flange has one or more recesses to mate with the one or more protrusions to mitigate rotation of the pneumatic coupler relative to the surface. A nut connects to the hollow tube and at least partially surrounds the hollow tube. A sealing member disposed between the flange and the nut provides a seal at the aperture of the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Riley Lind, Matthew J. Wilhelmi
  • Publication number: 20160106027
    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: December 30, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: MATTHEW J. WILHELMI, KENNETH E. SHOUP, DANIEL KOOP
  • Patent number: 9313942
    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: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Kale J. Brockmann
  • Patent number: 9282691
    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: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Kale J. Brockmann
  • Patent number: 9282692
    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: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Kale J. Brockmann
  • Patent number: 9277688
    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: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Kale J. Brockmann
  • Publication number: 20150373904
    Abstract: An agricultural planter is provided that includes a plurality of row units attached thereto for planting seed in a field. The row units include 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 row unit can include one or more continuous tracks for supporting the row unit as it moves through the field. The tracks reduce compaction around the created furrow and provide better control of seed depth placement. Furthermore, one or more cylinders may be provided that control the depth of furrow being created to also control the depth at which the seed is deposited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Dustan Hahn, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Susanne Veatch, Rhett Schildroth, Robert Blackwell, Michael J. Myers
  • Publication number: 20150282422
    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 for providing 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: April 6, 2015
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Inventors: Dustan Hahn, Matthew J. Wilhelmi
  • Publication number: 20150223392
    Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that 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: February 11, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Marvin Bachman, Dustan Hahn, Michael J. Myers, Vaughan Stevenson, Robert Blackwell, Courtney N. Achen
  • Publication number: 20150189826
    Abstract: An agricultural planter includes a plurality of row units attached to a toolbar. The row units include seed meters 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 disc is a motor that is housed within the seed meter housing and that includes a rotatable portion being attached to the circular disc such that the two rotate in tandem. The integrated motor can be positioned within an interior portion of the circular seed disc such that the width of the disc and motor combination is kept to a minimum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Publication date: July 9, 2015
    Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Merlan Rolffs, Dustan Hahn, John P. Mulherin, Courtney N. Achen, Michael J. Myers, Ryan Legge, Rhett Schildroth, Marvin Bachman, Todd E. Kniffen
  • Publication number: 20150059629
    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: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Jon Kinzenbaw, Merlan J. Rolffs, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Dustan Hahn, Derrick Becker
  • Publication number: 20150059627
    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: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Jon Kinzenbaw, Merlan J. Rolffs, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Dustan Hahn, Derrick Becker
  • Publication number: 20150059628
    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 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: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Jon Kinzenbaw, Merlan J. Rolffs, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Dustan Hahn, Derrick Becker