Patents by Inventor Merlan J. Rolffs
Merlan J. Rolffs 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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Publication number: 20220159893Abstract: The use of self-powered, autonomous vehicles in agricultural and other domestic applications is provided. The vehicles include a self-propelled drive system, tracks or wheels operatively connected to the drive system, a power supply operatively connected to the drive system, an attachment mechanism for attaching equipment to the vehicle, and an intelligent control operatively connected to the drive system, power supply, and attachment mechanism. The vehicle is configured to connect to the equipment to perform agricultural operations based upon the equipment. Multiple vehicles can be used in a field at the same time. Furthermore, the invention includes the ability to move one or more of the autonomous vehicles from field to field, home to field, or from generally any first location to a second location.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2022Publication date: May 26, 2022Inventors: Robert Blackwell, Rhett Schildroth, Michael J. Myers, Merlan J. Rolffs, Derrick Becker
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Publication number: 20220159894Abstract: The use of self-powered, autonomous vehicles in agricultural and other domestic applications is provided. The vehicles include a self-propelled drive system, tracks or wheels operatively connected to the drive system, a power supply operatively connected to the drive system, an attachment mechanism for attaching equipment to the vehicle, and an intelligent control operatively connected to the drive system, power supply, and attachment mechanism. The vehicle is configured to connect to the equipment to perform agricultural operations based upon the equipment. Multiple vehicles can be used in a field at the same time. Furthermore, the invention includes the ability to move one or more of the autonomous vehicles from field to field, home to field, or from generally any first location to a second location.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2022Publication date: May 26, 2022Inventors: Robert Blackwell, Rhett Schildroth, Michael J. Myers, Merlan J. Rolffs, Derrick Becker
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Patent number: 11252853Abstract: The use of self-powered, autonomous vehicles in agricultural and other domestic applications is provided. The vehicles include a self-propelled drive system, tracks or wheels operatively connected to the drive system, a power supply operatively connected to the drive system, an attachment mechanism for attaching equipment to the vehicle, and an intelligent control operatively connected to the drive system, power supply, and attachment mechanism. The vehicle is configured to connect to the equipment to perform agricultural operations based upon the equipment. Multiple vehicles can be used in a field at the same time. Furthermore, the invention includes the ability to move one or more of the autonomous vehicles from field to field, home to field, or from generally any first location to a second location.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2020Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Robert Blackwell, Rhett Schildroth, Michael J. Myers, Merlan J. Rolffs, Derrick Becker
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Patent number: 11122733Abstract: A planter includes 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: GrantFiled: February 13, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Jon E. Kinzenbaw, Merlan J. Rolffs, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Dustan Hahn, Derrick Becker
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Publication number: 20200170169Abstract: The use of self-powered, autonomous vehicles in agricultural and other domestic applications is provided. The vehicles include a self-propelled drive system, tracks or wheels operatively connected to the drive system, a power supply operatively connected to the drive system, an attachment mechanism for attaching equipment to the vehicle, and an intelligent control operatively connected to the drive system, power supply, and attachment mechanism. The vehicle is configured to connect to the equipment to perform agricultural operations based upon the equipment. Multiple vehicles can be used in a field at the same time. Furthermore, the invention includes the ability to move one or more of the autonomous vehicles from field to field, home to field, or from generally any first location to a second location.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2020Publication date: June 4, 2020Inventors: Robert Blackwell, Rhett Schildroth, Michael J. Myers, Merlan J. Rolffs, Derrick Becker
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Patent number: 10667462Abstract: A method and system for planting one of a plurality of seed types, hybrids and/or varieties is presented. 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: GrantFiled: February 19, 2018Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Jon Kinzenbaw, Merlan J. Rolffs, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Dustan Hahn, Derrick Becker
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Patent number: 10575453Abstract: The use of self-powered, autonomous vehicles in agricultural and other domestic applications is provided. The vehicles include a self-propelled drive system, tracks or wheels operatively connected to the drive system, a power supply operatively connected to the drive system, an attachment mechanism for attaching equipment to the vehicle, and an intelligent control operatively connected to the drive system, power supply, and attachment mechanism. The vehicle is configured to connect to the equipment to perform agricultural operations based upon the equipment. Multiple vehicles can be used in a field at the same time. Furthermore, the invention includes the ability to move one or more of the autonomous vehicles from field to field, home to field, or from generally any first location to a second location.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2018Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Robert Blackwell, Rhett Schildroth, Michael J. Myers, Merlan J. Rolffs, Derrick Becker
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Publication number: 20190200518Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2019Publication date: July 4, 2019Inventors: Jon Kinzenbaw, Merlan J. Rolffs, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Dustan Hahn, Derrick Becker
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Publication number: 20190174670Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2019Publication date: June 13, 2019Inventors: Jon E. Kinzenbaw, Merlan J. Rolffs, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Dustan Hahn, Derrick Becker
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Patent number: 10257975Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 23, 2017Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Jon E. Kinzenbaw, Merlan J. Rolffs, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Dustan Hahn, Derrick Becker
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Patent number: 10244674Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 1, 2017Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Jon E. Kinzenbaw, Merlan J. Rolffs, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Dustan Hahn, Derrick Becker
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Patent number: 10225977Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 7, 2017Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Jon Kinzenbaw, Merlan J. Rolffs, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Dustan Hahn, Derrick Becker
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Patent number: 10130022Abstract: The use of self-powered, autonomous vehicles in agricultural and other domestic applications is provided. The vehicles include a self-propelled drive system, tracks or wheels operatively connected to the drive system, a power supply operatively connected to the drive system, an attachment mechanism for attaching equipment to the vehicle, and an intelligent control operatively connected to the drive system, power supply, and attachment mechanism. The vehicle is configured to connect to the equipment to perform agricultural operations based upon the equipment. Multiple vehicles can be used in a field at the same time. Furthermore, the invention includes the ability to move one or more of the autonomous vehicles from field to field, home to field, or from generally any first location to a second location.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Robert Blackwell, Rhett Schlidroth, Michael J. Myers, Merlan J. Rolffs, Derrick Becker
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Publication number: 20180325009Abstract: The use of self-powered, autonomous vehicles in agricultural and other domestic applications is provided. The vehicles include a self-propelled drive system, tracks or wheels operatively connected to the drive system, a power supply operatively connected to the drive system, an attachment mechanism for attaching equipment to the vehicle, and an intelligent control operatively connected to the drive system, power supply, and attachment mechanism. The vehicle is configured to connect to the equipment to perform agricultural operations based upon the equipment. Multiple vehicles can be used in a field at the same time. Furthermore, the invention includes the ability to move one or more of the autonomous vehicles from field to field, home to field, or from generally any first location to a second location.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2018Publication date: November 15, 2018Inventors: ROBERT BLACKWELL, RHETT SCHILDROTH, MICHAEL J. MYERS, MERLAN J. ROLFFS, DERRICK BECKER
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Patent number: 10111373Abstract: The use of self-powered, autonomous vehicles in agricultural and other domestic applications is provided. The vehicles include a self-propelled drive system, tracks or wheels operatively connected to the drive system, a power supply operatively connected to the drive system, an attachment mechanism for attaching equipment to the vehicle, and an intelligent control operatively connected to the drive system, power supply, and attachment mechanism. The vehicle is configured to connect to the equipment to perform agricultural operations based upon the equipment. Multiple vehicles can be used in a field at the same time. Furthermore, the invention includes the ability to move one or more of the autonomous vehicles from field to field, home to field, or from generally any first location to a second location.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Robert Blackwell, Rhett Schildroth, Michael J. Myers, Merlan J. Rolffs, Derrick Becker
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Patent number: 10104824Abstract: The use of self-powered, autonomous vehicles in agricultural and other domestic applications is provided. The vehicles include a self-propelled drive system, tracks or wheels operatively connected to the drive system, a power supply operatively connected to the drive system, an attachment mechanism for attaching equipment to the vehicle, and an intelligent control operatively connected to the drive system, power supply, and attachment mechanism. The vehicle is configured to connect to the equipment to perform agricultural operations based upon the equipment. Multiple vehicles can be used in a field at the same time. Furthermore, the invention includes the ability to move one or more of the autonomous vehicles from field to field, home to field, or from generally any first location to a second location.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Robert Blackwell, Rhett Schildroth, Michael J. Myers, Merlan J. Rolffs, Derrick Becker
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Patent number: 10080321Abstract: The use of self-powered, autonomous vehicles in agricultural and other domestic applications is provided. The vehicles include a self-propelled drive system, tracks or wheels operatively connected to the drive system, a power supply operatively connected to the drive system, an attachment mechanism for attaching equipment to the vehicle, and an intelligent control operatively connected to the drive system, power supply, and attachment mechanism. The vehicle is configured to connect to the equipment to perform agricultural operations based upon the equipment. Multiple vehicles can be used in a field at the same time. Furthermore, the invention includes the ability to move one or more of the autonomous vehicles from field to field, home to field, or from generally any first location to a second location.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Robert Blackwell, Rhett Schildroth, Michael J. Myers, Merlan J. Rolffs, Derrick Becker
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Publication number: 20180168095Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2018Publication date: June 21, 2018Inventors: JON KINZENBAW, MERLAN J. ROLFFS, MATTHEW J. WILHELMI, DUSTAN HAHN, DERRICK BECKER
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Patent number: 9901026Abstract: A method and system for planting one of a plurality of seed types, hybrids and/or varieties includes a planter 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: GrantFiled: September 5, 2014Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Jon Kinzenbaw, Merlan J. Rolffs, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Dustan Hahn, Derrick Becker
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Publication number: 20170359952Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: JON E. KINZENBAW, MERLAN J. ROLFFS, MATTHEW J. WILHELMI, DUSTAN HAHN, DERRICK BECKER