Patents by Inventor Michael J. Myers
Michael J. Myers 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: 20240136591Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of battery stacker machines, including z-fold stacker machines, configured to provide a rolling transfer of a battery layer so as to reduce scrubbing. In some embodiments, the layer is flexed onto an arcuate surface using a vacuum or other force. The arcuate surface is then rotated to release the layer at a desired transfer location. For instance, the desired transfer location may be on top of a stack or onto another arcuate gripper surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2023Publication date: April 25, 2024Inventors: Derek Graham AQUI, Christopher E. BARNS, Scott G. BEARD, Joseba BRIT ELOLA, Brady L. BYERS, Gautam DHAR, Michael E. MYERS, William L. SCHULDT, Karl WEIBEZAHN, Alan J. SWAN
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Patent number: 11953458Abstract: A method for characterizing a process fluid comprising applying electrical power to a first resistance temperature detector (RTD) in contact with a fluid to increase the temperature of the first RTD; allowing the first RTD to cool toward a fluid equilibrium temperature; analyzing the temperature decay profile of the first RTD over time to determine thermal characteristics; applying electrical power to a second RTD in contact with the fluid to increase the temperature of the second RTD; allowing the second RTD to cool toward the fluid equilibrium temperature; analyzing the temperature decay profile of the second RTD over time to determine thermal characteristics; comparing the thermal characteristics of the first and second RTD to determining one or more characteristics of the fluid based; and performing a corrective action. The first RTD has a first coating and the second RTD has a second coating different than the first coating.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Mita Chattoraj, Michael J. Murcia, Alexander P. Mantis, Craig W. Myers
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Publication number: 20240091963Abstract: A length adjustable robotic limb comprises a first joint assembly, a second joint assembly, and a structural member extending between the first joint assembly and the second joint assembly, the structural member defining a longitudinal axis. An adjustable interface can be provided between the structural member and one of the first and second joint assemblies. The adjustable interface can facilitate adjustment of a length between the first and second joint assemblies. A rotational interface between the structural member and one of the first and second joint assemblies can facilitate relative rotation between the first joint assembly and the second joint assembly about the longitudinal axis in a degree of freedom corresponding to medial/lateral rotation of a portion of a human limb.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2022Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Fraser M. Smith, Marc X. Olivier, Michael J. Myers
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Publication number: 20240058944Abstract: A robotic joint system is provided that facilitates efficient movement of a ground-contacting robotic system, such as during a gait cycle. The robotic joint system can comprise a first support member, a second support member, and a joint assembly rotatably coupling the first support member to the second support member about an axis of rotation. The joint assembly can comprise a passive actuation system coupled between the first and second support members. The passive actuation system can comprise a passive actuator operable to store energy and to release energy to apply a torque to the joint assembly and the first and second support members, and a length adapter coupled to the passive actuator operable to selectively direct the output of the stored energy of the passive actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2023Publication date: February 22, 2024Inventors: Fraser M. Smith, Marc X. Olivier, Michael J. Myers, Chris Hirschi
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Patent number: 11826907Abstract: A robotic joint system is provided that facilitates efficient movement of a ground-contacting robotic system, such as during a gait cycle. The robotic joint system can comprise a first support member, a second support member, and a joint assembly rotatably coupling the first support member to the second support member about an axis of rotation. The joint assembly can comprise a passive actuation system coupled between the first and second support members. The passive actuation system can comprise a passive actuator operable to store energy and to release energy to apply a torque to the joint assembly and the first and second support members, and a length adapter coupled to the passive actuator operable to selectively direct the output of the stored energy of the passive actuator.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2022Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Sarcos Corp.Inventors: Fraser M. Smith, Marc X. Olivier, Michael J. Myers, Chris Hirschi
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Patent number: 11717956Abstract: A robotic joint system with integrated safety can include a first support member, a second support member, and a tunable actuator joint assembly including a joint having an axis of rotation about which the first support member and the second support member rotate. The tunable actuator joint assembly can include a primary actuator and a quasi-passive linear pneumatic actuator coupled between the first and second support members. The quasi-passive linear pneumatic actuator can comprise an active state in which the quasi-passive linear pneumatic actuator stores energy upon a first rotation of the first and second support members and releases energy upon a second rotation of the first and second support members opposite the first rotation, and an inactive state that facilitates return of the first and second support members to a default position.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2022Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Sarcos Corp.Inventors: Fraser M. Smith, Marc X. Olivier, Michael J. Myers, Chris Hirschi
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Patent number: 11558991Abstract: An agricultural planter includes systems, methods, and apparatuses for maintaining down force pressure at row units of the planter. The row units may include an electric linear actuator connected to linkages of the row units to maintain a down force pressure for the row unit. The linkage may also be removed and replaced with a strut or like mechanism to apply a direct down force pressure to components of the row unit. One or more sensors can be included to obtain information related to the ground to automatically adjust the amount of down force provided based upon a ground characteristic in order to maintain a substantially uniform furrow depth.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2019Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Courtney N. Achen, Marvin Bachman, Rhett Schildroth, Merlan Rolffs, Michael J. Myers, John Kollman, John P. Mulherin
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Patent number: 11558996Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 21, 2019Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Marvin Bachman, Dustan Hahn, Michael J. Myers, Vaughan Stevenson, Robert Blackwell, Courtney N. Achen
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Publication number: 20220232755Abstract: 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 independent of a tow vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2022Publication date: July 28, 2022Inventors: Dustan Hahn, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Susanne Veatch, Rhett Schildroth, Robert Blackwell, Michael J. Myers
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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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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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Patent number: 11324161Abstract: 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 independent of a tow vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2019Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Dustan Hahn, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Susanne Veatch, Rhett Schildroth, Robert Blackwell, Michael J. Myers
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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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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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Publication number: 20200120858Abstract: 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 independent of a tow vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2019Publication date: April 23, 2020Inventors: Dustan Hahn, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Susanne Veatch, Rhett Schildroth, Robert Blackwell, Michael J. Myers
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Publication number: 20200084957Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2019Publication date: March 19, 2020Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Marvin Bachman, Dustan Hahn, Michael J. Myers, Vaughan Stevenson, Robert Blackwell, Courtney N. Achen
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Publication number: 20200077563Abstract: An agricultural planter includes systems, methods, and apparatuses for maintaining down force pressure at row units of the planter. The row units may include an electric linear actuator connected to linkages of the row units to maintain a down force pressure for the row unit. The linkage may also be removed and replaced with a strut or like mechanism to apply a direct down force pressure to components of the row unit. One or more sensors can be included to obtain information related to the ground to automatically adjust the amount of down force provided based upon a ground characteristic in order to maintain a substantially uniform furrow depth.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2019Publication date: March 12, 2020Inventors: COURTNEY N. ACHEN, MARVIN BACHMAN, RHETT SCHILDROTH, MERLAN ROLFFS, MICHAEL J. MYERS, JOHN KOLLMAN, JOHN P. MULHERIN
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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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Patent number: 10512209Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 21, 2017Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Dustan Hahn, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Susanne Veatch, Rhett Schildroth, Robert Blackwell, Michael J. Myers
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Patent number: 10485159Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 11, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Marvin Bachman, Dustan Hahn, Michael J. Myers, Vaughan Stevenson, Robert Blackwell, Courtney N. Achen