Patents by Inventor Michael E. Frasier

Michael E. Frasier 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).

  • Patent number: 11950526
    Abstract: A product on demand nozzle assembly includes a chamber at least partially defined by an external wall and an array of vertically spaced nozzles. Each nozzle has an air inlet, an air and entrained product outlet extending from the external wall, and an entrainment zone between the air inlet and the air and entrained product outlet to receive a product therein to be distributed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Stanley R. Borkgren, William D. Graham, Terry L. Snipes, Elijah B. Garner, Robert T. Casper, Scott C. McCartney, Michael E. Frasier
  • Patent number: 11925137
    Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a frame supporting a gauge wheel and a seed meter. A depth stop assembly includes a stop setting an upward travel limit of the gauge wheel with respect to the frame, and a handle that is lockable and releasable to move the stop to select among seeding depths. A downforce actuator is operable to generate downforce to be applied through a gauge wheel arm and the gauge wheel to the soil. A downforce sensor is incorporated into the depth stop assembly and movable therewith. The depth stop assembly includes a multi-piece body having a first piece receiving the handle, and a second piece defining a pivot. The first piece of the multipiece body includes a handle-receiving receptacle portion, a fastening portion for fastening to the second body piece adjacent the pivot, and a portion therebetween forming a housing of the downforce sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Jacob D. Salowitz, Michael E. Frasier, Pranay Bajjuri, Matt Bartelson
  • Patent number: 11895944
    Abstract: A brush belt including a base member having a first side with a traction surface and a second side opposite the first side defining a mounting surface presenting a first edge and a second edge and having a longitudinal axis therebetween and parallel thereto and a plurality of bristles coupled to the mounting surface and arranged in a first section of bristles and a second section of bristles, the bristles of the first section each having a first diameter and the bristles of the second section each having a second diameter that is different than the first diameter. The first section abuts the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Elijah B. Garner, Michael E. Frasier, Michael E. Friestad
  • Patent number: 11770997
    Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a seed reservoir and a seed meter assembly having a metering member with a seed side facing the seed reservoir and a non-seed side opposite the seed side. The metering member is operable to selectively move seeds from the seed reservoir. A pump provides a pressure differential between the seed side and the non-seed side for adhering the seeds to the metering member. A conveyor has an inlet for receiving the seeds and an outlet configured to discharge the seeds from the seeding machine. The conveyor includes a belt movable from the inlet to the outlet. A pneumatic seed displacer includes a nozzle disposed adjacent the metering member for concentrating air. The nozzle is configured to eject the air towards the metering member for directing the seeds from the metering member to the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Elijah B. Garner, Stanley R. Borkgren, Cary S. Hubner, Beth A. Wolfs, Michael E. Frasier, Joseph W. Migliorini, Kriss Helmick, Keith L. Felton, Kamalakannan Natarajan
  • Patent number: 11730078
    Abstract: A row unit for a work vehicle includes a row unit frame with a closer frame. The closer frame defines a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. The closer frame is supported for rotational movement about a substantially vertical steering axis to vary a turning angle between the longitudinal axis the vehicle longitudinal axis. The row unit includes a closer implement assembly with first and second closer implements and a walking beam construction. The first and second closer implements are attached to opposite areas of the walking beam construction. The walking beam construction is rotationally attached to the closer frame to support rotation of the closer implement assembly about the transverse axis. The first and second closer implements are configured to move ground material into a ground opening from opposites sides as the work vehicle moves across the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark E. Barker, Cole L. Murray, Grant J. Wonderlich, Michael E. Frasier, Nathan A. Mariman
  • Publication number: 20230068227
    Abstract: A commodity debris guard for a commodity delivery apparatus may comprise a debris guard configured to mitigate debris from engaging with an endless member. The debris guard may comprise a first debris guard operably connected to a housing. The first debris guard may comprise a base and upwardly extending side portions. The first debris guard may be configured to mitigate debris from contacting an endless member positioned at least partially within the housing. A second debris guard may be operably connected to the housing and disposed forward and below the first debris guard. The second debris guard may be configured to mitigate debris from contacting the endless member comprising. The second debris guard may comprise a base, upwardly extending side portions, and an extension portion configured to channel commodity as it exits the extension member to an associated furrow of an underlying surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Lee E. Zumdome, Michael E. Frasier, Matt Arnold
  • Publication number: 20220287226
    Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a seed reservoir and a seed meter assembly having a metering member with a seed side facing the seed reservoir and a non-seed side opposite the seed side. The metering member is operable to selectively move seeds from the seed reservoir. A pump provides a pressure differential between the seed side and the non-seed side for adhering the seeds to the metering member. A conveyor has an inlet for receiving the seeds and an outlet configured to discharge the seeds from the seeding machine. The conveyor includes a belt movable from the inlet to the outlet. A pneumatic seed displacer includes a nozzle disposed adjacent the metering member for concentrating air. The nozzle is configured to eject the air towards the metering member for directing the seeds from the metering member to the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: Elijah B. Garner, Stanley R. Borkgren, Cary S. Hubner, Beth A. Wolfs, Michael E. Frasier, Joseph W. Migliorini, Kriss Helmick, Keith L. Felton, Kamalakannan Natarajan
  • Publication number: 20220287225
    Abstract: A row unit has a seed meter and a seed delivery system. A target seed population is obtained and a motor that drives at least one of the seed meter and the seed delivery system is intermittently pulsed to plant seeds in groupings based on machine speed and target seed population.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2021
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: Lee E. ZUMDOME, Michael E. Frasier, Elijah B. Garner, Cary S. Hubner
  • Publication number: 20220174859
    Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a ground view sensor coupled to the frame. The ground view sensor is operable to sense the furrow and generate depth signals corresponding to actual sensed depth of the furrow. The row unit also includes a controller configured to receive the signals, and a downforce adjustment mechanism coupled to the frame and to the controller. The controller is configured to activate the downforce adjustment mechanism to adjust a downforce on the frame based on the signals received by the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Jason D. Walter, Michael E. Frasier, Lawrence D. Green, James Z. Liu, Donald K. Landphair
  • Patent number: 11297762
    Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a seed reservoir and a seed meter having a metering member with a seed side facing the seed reservoir, a non-seed side opposite the seed side, and a plurality of apertures. The seed meter is operable by pressure differential between the non-seed side and the seed side to adhere seeds to the seed side and move seeds from the seed reservoir. A conduit has a venturi with a throat disposed adjacent the metering member. The throat presents an opening directed toward the seed side and the plurality of apertures. The opening is configured to receive a seed adhered to one aperture of the plurality of apertures. An air pressure source is configured to provide greater than atmospheric air pressure on the non-seed side such that during operation of the row unit an air stream passes through the one aperture toward the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Elijah B. Garner, Stanley R. Borkgren, Cary S. Hubner, Beth A. Wolfs, Michael E. Frasier, Joseph W. Migliorini
  • Publication number: 20220022366
    Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a frame supporting a gauge wheel and a seed meter. A depth stop assembly includes a stop setting an upward travel limit of the gauge wheel with respect to the frame, and a handle that is lockable and releasable to move the stop to select among seeding depths. A downforce actuator is operable to generate downforce to be applied through a gauge wheel arm and the gauge wheel to the soil. A downforce sensor is incorporated into the depth stop assembly and movable therewith. The depth stop assembly includes a multi-piece body having a first piece receiving the handle, and a second piece defining a pivot. The first piece of the multipiece body includes a handle-receiving receptacle portion, a fastening portion for fastening to the second body piece adjacent the pivot, and a portion therebetween forming a housing of the downforce sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: Jacob D. Salowitz, Michael E. Frasier, Pranay Bajjuri, Matt Bartelson
  • Patent number: 11202404
    Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a ground view sensor coupled to the frame. The ground view sensor is operable to sense the furrow and generate depth signals corresponding to actual sensed depth of the furrow. The row unit also includes a controller configured to receive the signals, and a downforce adjustment mechanism coupled to the frame and to the controller. The controller is configured to activate the downforce adjustment mechanism to adjust a downforce on the frame based on the signals received by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Jason D. Walter, Michael E. Frasier, Lawrence D. Green, James Z. Liu, Donald K. Landphair
  • Patent number: 11140811
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a commodity container and an actuator system with a plurality of actuators. The work vehicle includes a delivery system with a plurality of tubes. Furthermore, the work vehicle includes a metering system with a plurality of metering rollers that are configured to be individually actuated by respective ones of the plurality of actuators to meter out a commodity from the commodity container to respective ones of the plurality of tubes. The plurality of metering rollers are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The plurality of metering rollers are disposed in a staggered arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Andrew W. Harmon, Michael E. Frasier, Robert T. Casper, William Douglas Graham
  • Publication number: 20210307239
    Abstract: A brush belt including a base member having a first side with a traction surface and a second side opposite the first side defining a mounting surface presenting a first edge and a second edge and having a longitudinal axis therebetween and parallel thereto and a plurality of bristles coupled to the mounting surface and arranged in a first section of bristles and a second section of bristles, the bristles of the first section each having a first diameter and the bristles of the second section each having a second diameter that is different than the first diameter. The first section abuts the second section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Elijah B. Garner, Michael E. Frasier, Michael E. Friestad
  • Patent number: 11134606
    Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a frame supporting a gauge wheel and a seed meter. A depth stop assembly includes a stop setting an upward travel limit of the gauge wheel with respect to the frame, and a handle that is lockable and releasable to move the stop to select among seeding depths. A downforce actuator is operable to generate downforce to be applied through a gauge wheel arm and the gauge wheel to the soil. A downforce sensor is incorporated into the depth stop assembly and movable therewith. The depth stop assembly includes a multi-piece body having a first piece receiving the handle, and a second piece defining a pivot. The first piece of the multi-piece body includes a handle-receiving receptacle portion, a fastening portion for fastening to the second body piece adjacent the pivot, and a portion therebetween forming a housing of the downforce sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Jacob D. Salowitz, Michael E. Frasier, Pranay Bajjuri, Matt Bartelson
  • Publication number: 20210204466
    Abstract: A row unit for a work vehicle includes a row unit frame with a closer frame. The closer frame defines a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. The closer frame is supported for rotational movement about a substantially vertical steering axis to vary a turning angle between the longitudinal axis the vehicle longitudinal axis. The row unit includes a closer implement assembly with first and second closer implements and a walking beam construction. The first and second closer implements are attached to opposite areas of the walking beam construction. The walking beam construction is rotationally attached to the closer frame to support rotation of the closer implement assembly about the transverse axis. The first and second closer implements are configured to move ground material into a ground opening from opposites sides as the work vehicle moves across the field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Mark E. Barker, Cole L. Murray, Grant J. Wonderlich, Michael E. Frasier, Nathan A. Mariman
  • Patent number: 10966364
    Abstract: A row unit for a work vehicle includes a row unit frame with a closer frame. The closer frame defines a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. The closer frame is supported for rotational movement about a substantially vertical steering axis to vary a turning angle between the longitudinal axis the vehicle longitudinal axis. The row unit includes a closer implement assembly with first and second closer implements and a walking beam construction. The first and second closer implements are attached to opposite areas of the walking beam construction. The walking beam construction is rotationally attached to the closer frame to support rotation of the closer implement assembly about the transverse axis. The first and second closer implements are configured to move ground material into a ground opening from opposites sides as the work vehicle moves across the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark E. Barker, Cole L. Murray, Grant J. Wonderlich, Michael E. Frasier, Nathan A. Mariman
  • Patent number: 10820489
    Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a seed reservoir and a seed meter having a metering member configured to rotate about an axis. The metering member has a seed side facing the seed reservoir, a non-seed side opposite the seed side, and a plurality of apertures. The axis is normal to a surface of the seed side. The seed meter is operable by pressure differential between the non-seed side and the seed side to adhere seeds to the seed side and move seeds from the seed reservoir. The row unit also includes a positive pressure air source and an air outlet fluidly coupled to the positive pressure air source. The air outlet is disposed on the seed side and aimed to discharge an air stream towards one aperture of the plurality of apertures. The dischargeable air stream has a directional component parallel to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Elijah B. Garner, Stanley R. Borkgren, Cary S. Hubner, Beth A. Wolfs, Michael E. Frasier, Joseph W. Migliorini
  • Publication number: 20200281111
    Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a ground view sensor coupled to the frame. The ground view sensor is operable to sense the furrow and generate depth signals corresponding to actual sensed depth of the furrow. The row unit also includes a controller configured to receive the signals, and a downforce adjustment mechanism coupled to the frame and to the controller. The controller is configured to activate the downforce adjustment mechanism to adjust a downforce on the frame based on the signals received by the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Jason D. Walter, Michael E. Frasier, Lawrence D. Green, James Z. Liu, Donald K. Landphair
  • Publication number: 20200281112
    Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a frame supporting a gauge wheel and a seed meter. A depth stop assembly includes a stop setting an upward travel limit of the gauge wheel with respect to the frame, and a handle that is lockable and releasable to move the stop to select among seeding depths. A downforce actuator is operable to generate downforce to be applied through a gauge wheel arm and the gauge wheel to the soil. A downforce sensor is incorporated into the depth stop assembly and movable therewith. The depth stop assembly includes a multi-piece body having a first piece receiving the handle, and a second piece defining a pivot. The first piece of the multi-piece body includes a handle-receiving receptacle portion, a fastening portion for fastening to the second body piece adjacent the pivot, and a portion therebetween forming a housing of the downforce sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Jacob D. Salowitz, Michael E. Frasier, Pranay Bajjuri, Matt Bartelson