Patents by Inventor Michael J. Connor

Michael J. Connor 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: 20230320258
    Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a fertilizer section. The fertilizer section includes a first interface configured to engage a three-point hitch, and a second interface configured to engage an interface of a planter section. Further, the interface of the planter section is configured to engage the three-point hitch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Johnathon Raymond Dienst, Michael J. Connors, Brian John Anderson, Nathan Folger, Clayton J. Hamilton
  • Publication number: 20230026107
    Abstract: An agricultural planting implement includes a first wing toolbar configured to support a first set of row units. The first wing toolbar is configured to pivotally couple to a main frame of the agricultural planting implement. The agricultural planting implement also includes a second wing toolbar configured to support a second set of row units. In addition, the agricultural planting implement includes a connection assembly having at least one arm pivotally coupling the second wing toolbar to the first wing toolbar. The at least one arm is pivotally coupled to the first wing toolbar and non-pivotally coupled to the second wing toolbar. Furthermore, the connection assembly includes an actuator configured to drive the second wing toolbar to rotate relative to the first wing toolbar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Publication date: January 26, 2023
    Inventors: Johnathon Raymond Dienst, Monte Lee DeKam, Jacob Allan Weis, Brandon James Kuboushek, Mayur Kishorchandra Joshi, Chad Michael Johnson, Michael J. Connors, Brian John Anderson
  • Patent number: 11516955
    Abstract: A wheel assembly of an agricultural implement includes a wheel and a wheel frame supporting the wheel. The wheel frame is configured to pivotally couple to a toolbar of the agricultural implement, and the wheel frame is configured to rotate between a lowered position and a raised position. The wheel assembly also includes a mount configured to fixedly couple to the toolbar. In addition, the wheel assembly includes a linkage assembly configured to control rotation of the wheel frame between the raised position and the lowered position. The wheel assembly also includes a fastener configured to selectively engage the mount and the linkage assembly while the wheel frame is in the lowered position to block rotation of the wheel frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Connors, Brian John Anderson
  • Patent number: 11432457
    Abstract: A multiple variety planter has a direct vacuum system that allows for planting multiple varieties of seed while reducing occurrences of mis-planting events or planting inconsistencies such as multiples and skips by providing highly controllable seed meter vacuum performance characteristics that are controllable on a row-by-row basis. The direct vacuum system may include a vacuum unit at each row unit of the planter to apply a vacuum pressure to a seed meter at the row unit. Each vacuum unit may be individually and variably controlled to apply different vacuum pressures based on which seed variety is being planted with the respective seed meter at a given time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Johnathon Dienst, Marvin A. Prickel, Grant MacDonald, Jason T. Czapka, Michael J. Connors, Christopher Schoeny
  • Patent number: 11425854
    Abstract: A multiple variety planter has a direct vacuum system that allows for planting multiple varieties of seed while reducing occurrences of mis-planting events or planting inconsistencies such as multiples and skips by providing highly controllable seed meter vacuum performance characteristics that are controllable on a row-by-row basis. The direct vacuum system may include a vacuum unit at each row unit of the planter to apply a vacuum pressure to a seed meter at the row unit. Each vacuum unit may be individually and variably controlled to apply different vacuum pressures based on which seed variety is being planted with the respective seed meter at a given time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Johnathon Dienst, Marvin A. Prickel, Grant MacDonald, Jason T. Czapka, Michael J. Connors, Christopher Schoeny
  • Patent number: 11382256
    Abstract: A planting implement including a first hollow support frame member having a first end and a first end plate connected to the first end. The first end plate has a first hole disposed therein. The planting implement also includes a second hollow support frame member configured for coupling to the first hollow support frame member. The second hollow support frame member has a second end and a second end plate connected to the second end. The second end plate has a second hole disposed therein. The planting implement further includes at least one spacer and at least one seal having an aperture. The at least one seal is configured to seal a connection between the first hollow support frame member and the second hollow support frame member such that a pneumatic pathway is established between the first hollow support frame member and the second hollow support frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Connors, Brian J. Anderson, Marvin A. Prickel
  • Patent number: 10834866
    Abstract: A seed tank assembly for an agricultural implement including an exhaust opening configured to exhaust seeds from the seed tank assembly, in which at least one webbing extends across the exhaust opening forming a plurality of apertures, the at least one webbing is integrally molded into the seed tank assembly, and the at least one webbing is configured to provide structural support to the seed tank assembly and to reduce seed head pressure into an inductor box positioned beneath the exhaust opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Scott A. Long, Joshua J. Roszman, Marvin A. Prickel, Grant T. MacDonald, Michael J. Connors
  • Publication number: 20200329623
    Abstract: A wheel assembly of an agricultural implement includes a wheel and a wheel frame supporting the wheel. The wheel frame is configured to pivotally couple to a toolbar of the agricultural implement, and the wheel frame is configured to rotate between a lowered position and a raised position. The wheel assembly also includes a mount configured to fixedly couple to the toolbar. In addition, the wheel assembly includes a linkage assembly configured to control rotation of the wheel frame between the raised position and the lowered position. The wheel assembly also includes a fastener configured to selectively engage the mount and the linkage assembly while the wheel frame is in the lowered position to block rotation of the wheel frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: Michael J. Connors, Brain John Anderson
  • Patent number: 10757855
    Abstract: A particulate material delivery system for an agricultural implement including, an inductor box configured to receive particulate material from a tank, the inductor box including, an inductor segment comprising a particulate material supply chamber configured to guide the particulate material toward a fluidization chamber, and an air supply chamber configured to receive airflow from an airflow supply, wherein the inductor box is configured to direct the airflow from the air supply chamber to the particulate material supply chamber through a first airflow path and through a second airflow path remote from the first air path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Marvin A. Prickel, Grant T. MacDonald, Michael J. Connors
  • Patent number: 10750659
    Abstract: An agricultural product distribution system includes an inductor box configured to receive agricultural product and conveyed air to combine the conveyed air and the agricultural product. The conveyed air is configured to direct the agricultural product through ports to multiple distribution units. Moreover the inductor box includes a baffle retention channel configured to receive a removable baffle. Furthermore, the removable baffle includes at least one opening configured to control an amount of conveyed air directed through the ports to the multiple distribution units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Michael J. Connors, Marvin A. Prickel
  • Patent number: 10750660
    Abstract: An agricultural product distribution system includes an inductor box configured to receive agricultural product and conveyed air to combine the conveyed air and the agricultural product. The conveyed air is configured to direct the agricultural product through ports to multiple distribution units. Moreover the inductor box includes a baffle retention channel configured to receive a removable baffle. Furthermore, the removable baffle includes at least one opening configured to control an amount of conveyed air directed through the ports to the multiple distribution units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Michael J. Connors, Marvin A. Prickel
  • Patent number: 10736259
    Abstract: An inductor box for an agricultural implement having compression limiters. One inductor box includes a housing having a first side configured to receive an agricultural product from a tank. The first side has a sealable surface, and the sealable surface has plates attached thereto. The inductor box includes a first gasket disposed on the sealable surface and configured to establish a seal between the sealable surface and a corresponding surface of the tank. The plates are configured to extend through respective openings in the gasket, and to block compression of the first gasket beyond a desired compression limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Connors, Chad M. Johnson, Marvin A. Prickel
  • Patent number: 10709057
    Abstract: A particulate material delivery system for an agricultural implement includes an inductor box configured to receive particulate material from a tank. The inductor box includes an inductor segment comprising a particulate material supply chamber configured to guide the particulate material toward a fluidization chamber, and an air supply chamber configured to receive airflow from an airflow supply. The inductor box is configured to direct the airflow from the air supply chamber to the particulate material supply chamber through a first airflow path and through a second airflow path remote from the first air path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Marvin A. Prickel, Grant T. MacDonald, Michael J. Connors
  • Patent number: 10709056
    Abstract: A particulate material delivery system for an agricultural implement includes an inductor box configured to receive particulate material from a tank. The inductor box includes an inductor segment comprising a particulate material supply chamber configured to guide the particulate material toward a fluidization chamber, and an air supply chamber configured to receive airflow from an airflow supply. The inductor box is configured to direct the airflow from the air supply chamber to the particulate material supply chamber through a first airflow path and through a second airflow path remote from the first air path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Marvin A. Prickel, Grant T. MacDonald, Michael J. Connors
  • Publication number: 20200170178
    Abstract: A multiple variety planter is provided that has a direct vacuum system that allows for planting multiple varieties of seed while reducing occurrences of mis-planting events or planting inconsistencies such as multiples and skips by providing highly controllable seed meter vacuum performance characteristics that are controllable on a row-by-row basis. The direct vacuum system may include a vacuum unit at each row unit of the planter to apply a vacuum pressure to a seed meter at the row unit. Each vacuum unit may be individually and variably controlled to apply different vacuum pressures based on which seed variety is being planted with the respective seed meter at a given time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Johnathon Dienst, Marvin A. Prickel, Grant MacDonald, Jason T. Czapka, Michael J. Connors, Christopher Schoeny
  • Publication number: 20200170177
    Abstract: A multiple variety planter is provided that has a direct vacuum system that allows for planting multiple varieties of seed while reducing occurrences of mis-planting events or planting inconsistencies such as multiples and skips by providing highly controllable seed meter vacuum performance characteristics that are controllable on a row-by-row basis. The direct vacuum system may include a vacuum unit at each row unit of the planter to apply a vacuum pressure to a seed meter at the row unit. Each vacuum unit may be individually and variably controlled to apply different vacuum pressures based on which seed variety is being planted with the respective seed meter at a given time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Johnathon Dienst, Marvin A. Prickel, Grant MacDonald, Jason T. Czapka, Michael J. Connors, Christopher Schoeny
  • Patent number: 10660261
    Abstract: A multiple variety planter has a direct vacuum system that allows for planting multiple varieties of seed while reducing occurrences of mis-planting events or planting inconsistencies such as multiples and skips by providing highly controllable seed meter vacuum performance characteristics that are controllable on a row-by-row basis. The direct vacuum system may include a vacuum unit at each row unit of the planter to apply a vacuum pressure to a seed meter at the row unit. Each vacuum unit may be individually and variably controlled to apply different vacuum pressures based on which seed variety is being planted with the respective seed meter at a given time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Johnathon Dienst, Marvin A. Prickel, Grant MacDonald, Jason T. Czapka, Michael J. Connors, Christopher Schoeny
  • Patent number: D980877
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Johnathon Raymond Dienst, Monte Lee DeKam, Jacob Allan Weis, Brandon James Kuboushek, Mayur Kishorchandra Joshi, Chad Michael Johnson, Michael J. Connors, Brian John Anderson
  • Patent number: D980878
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Johnathon Raymond Dienst, Monte Lee DeKam, Jacob Allan Weis, Brandon James Kuboushek, Mayur Kishorchandra Joshi, Chad Michael Johnson, Michael J. Connors, Brian John Anderson
  • Patent number: D980879
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Johnathon Raymond Dienst, Monte Lee DeKam, Jacob Allan Weis, Brandon James Kuboushek, Mayur Kishorchandra Joshi, Chad Michael Johnson, Michael J. Connors, Brian John Anderson