Patents by Inventor Nicholas L. Butts
Nicholas L. Butts 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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Patent number: 12145744Abstract: An aviation integrated optics and lighting unit for securing to a light receptacle of an aircraft. The aviation integrated optics and lighting unit comprises a housing, a light-emitting device, and an optical sensor. The light-emitting device is secured to the housing. The optical sensor is positioned in the housing and is configured to capture optical data.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2023Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: Appareo Systems, LLCInventors: Matt Dondoneau, Kristofer Garberg, Nicholas L. Butts
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Publication number: 20240034483Abstract: An aviation integrated optics and lighting unit for securing to a light receptacle of an aircraft. The aviation integrated optics and lighting unit comprises a housing, a light-emitting device, and an optical sensor. The light-emitting device is secured to the housing. The optical sensor is positioned in the housing and is configured to capture optical data.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2023Publication date: February 1, 2024Inventors: Matt Dondoneau, Kristofer Garberg, Nicholas L. Butts
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Patent number: 11858655Abstract: An aviation integrated optics and lighting unit for securing to a light receptacle of an aircraft. The aviation integrated optics and lighting unit comprises a housing, a light-emitting device, and an optical sensor. The light-emitting device is secured to the housing. The optical sensor is positioned in the housing and is configured to capture optical data.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2022Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Appareo Systems, LLCInventors: Matt Dondoneau, Kristofer Garberg, Nicholas L. Butts
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Publication number: 20230022495Abstract: An aviation integrated optics and lighting unit for securing to a light receptacle of an aircraft. The aviation integrated optics and lighting unit comprises a housing, a light-emitting device, and an optical sensor. The light-emitting device is secured to the housing. The optical sensor is positioned in the housing and is configured to capture optical data.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2022Publication date: January 26, 2023Applicant: Appareo Systems, LLCInventors: Matt Dondoneau, Kristofer Garberg, Nicholas L. Butts
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Patent number: 11250847Abstract: A wireless communication system includes a smart device configured for transcribing text-to-speech (STT) for display. The smart device interfaces with a radio communications device, for example, in an aircraft (AC). The system includes a filter for optimizing STT functions. Such functions are further optimized by restricting the databases of information, including geographic locations, aircraft identifications and carrier information, whereby the database search functions are optimized. Methods for wireless communications using smart devices and STT functionality are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2019Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: Appareo Systems, LLCInventors: Joshua N. Gelinske, Bradley R. Thurow, Jesse S. Trana, Dakota M. Smith, Nicholas L. Butts, Jeffrey L. Johnson, Derek B. Aslakson, Jaden C. Young
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Patent number: 11018754Abstract: An RF communications (COMM) system includes a COMM antenna connected to a signal processing unit including a multi-channel analog navigation/communications (NAV/COMM) transceiver and an analog COMM transmitter. The system is configured for switching between the transceiver and the transmitter, based on preprogrammed parameters including prioritizing signals based on keywords, system location and other parameters. An aircraft application is disclosed. A global navigation satellite subsystem (GNSS) subsystem can be connected to the signal processing unit for locating the telecommunications system. A method includes the steps of providing an RF communications system for aircraft and other applications.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2019Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Appareo Systems, LLCInventors: Greg M. Middlestead, Robert M. Allen, Nicholas L. Butts, Jordan M. Dahl, Joshua N. Gelinske, John Michael Zietz
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Patent number: 10890657Abstract: An ADS-B transponder system is associated with a vehicle including a transponder. The system includes a universal access transceiver (UAT) subsystem configured for detecting and responding to an interrogation signal by broadcasting a signal representing a vehicle parameter. The interrogation signal can be detected by monitoring current fluctuations in a power bus on the vehicle. The UAT subsystem is connected to a smart antenna configured for transmitting and receiving ADS-B signals. In an aircraft (A/C) application the vehicle parameter can comprise squawk code, altitude, heading vector, airspeed and other flight data.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2018Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Appareo Systems, LLCInventors: Nicholas L. Butts, Robert M. Allen, Bradley R. Thurow, Greg S. Middlestead
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Patent number: 10821460Abstract: An innovative spraying system, comprising features such as a weather station that senses environmental factors that may affect spraying operations, a system for creating and distributing droplets of a uniform and appropriate size, a flow management system that would allow the sprayer to control nozzle rate and direction individually, a high-rate flow system capable of filling the sprayer at rates of up to at least 400 gallons per minute, a modular chemical cartridge system, in which various chemicals are stored in pre-loaded, easy to install cartridges, a direct injection system, mixing chemicals and water as needed, optionally based on sensed changing conditions, electrostatic application of chemical to optimize the amount of chemical applied to plant matter.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2016Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: Intelligent Agricultural Solutions LLCInventors: David C. Batcheller, Barry D. Batcheller, Marshall T. Bremer, Bradley R. Thurow, Nicholas L. Butts, Jeffrey L. Johnson, Paul A. Nystuen, Joseph A. Heilman, Robert J. Volesky, Jonathan L. Tolstedt
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Publication number: 20200322040Abstract: An RF communications (COMM) system includes a COMM antenna connected to a signal processing unit including a multi-channel analog navigation/communications (NAV/COMM) transceiver and an analog COMM transmitter. The system is configured for switching between the transceiver and the transmitter, based on preprogrammed parameters including prioritizing signals based on keywords, system location and other parameters. An aircraft application is disclosed. A global navigation satellite subsystem (GNSS) subsystem can be connected to the signal processing unit for locating the telecommunications system. A method includes the steps of providing an RF communications system for aircraft and other applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2019Publication date: October 8, 2020Inventors: Greg M. Middlestead, Robert M. Allen, Nicholas L. Butts, Jordan M. Dahl, Joshua N. Gelinske, John Michael Zietz
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Publication number: 20200027457Abstract: A wireless communication system includes a smart device configured for transcribing text-to-speech (STT) for display. The smart device interfaces with a radio communications device, for example, in an aircraft (AC). The system includes a filter for optimizing STT functions. Such functions are further optimized by restricting the databases of information, including geographic locations, aircraft identifications and carrier information, whereby the database search functions are optimized. Methods for wireless communications using smart devices and STT functionality are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2019Publication date: January 23, 2020Inventors: Joshua N. Gelinske, Bradley R. Thurow, Jesse S. Trana, Dakota M. Smith, Nicholas L. Butts, Jeffrey L. Johnson, Derek B. Aslakson, Jaden C. Young
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Patent number: 10318138Abstract: A harvesting machine capable of automatic adjustment, comprising a plurality of acoustic material flow sensors, a control system, a processor, and application software, wherein the plurality of acoustic material flow sensors are mounted internal to the harvesting machine at points of crop material flow and are capable of sensing an amount of crop material passing by them. The control system operates in a cause-and-affect mode for interactively enabling manual or automatic responses to Mass Material Distribution (MMD) information and equipment-related performance parameters. An interactive combine control method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2017Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: INTELLIGENT AGRICULTURAL SOLUTIONS LLCInventors: Flemming Schøler, Barry D. Batcheller, Marshall T. Bremer, Nicholas L. Butts, Paul A. Nystuen, Adam A. Reich, Bradley K. Schleusner, Bradley R. Thurow
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Publication number: 20190049576Abstract: An ADS-B transponder system is associated with a vehicle including a transponder. The system includes a universal access transceiver (UAT) subsystem configured for detecting and responding to an interrogation signal by broadcasting a signal representing a vehicle parameter. The interrogation signal can be detected by monitoring current fluctuations in a power bus on the vehicle. The UAT subsystem is connected to a smart antenna configured for transmitting and receiving ADS-B signals. In an aircraft (A/C) application the vehicle parameter can comprise squawk code, altitude, heading vector, airspeed and other flight data.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2018Publication date: February 14, 2019Inventors: Nicholas L. Butts, Robert M. Allen, Bradley R. Thurow, Greg S. Middlestead
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Patent number: 10085379Abstract: A grain quality sensor comprising a photosite array, an illumination source, a filter, and an electronics module, wherein the illumination source directs light onto a crop sample, wherein the filter limits passage of light into different parts of the photosite array such that certain locations on the photosite array only receive certain wavelengths of light reflected or fluoresced by the crop sample, wherein an electronics module is electrically connected to the photosite array and capable of determining which parts of the photosite array received light and the wavelengths of the light received, wherein the electronics module can analyze the optical data received by the photosite array, and wherein the analysis of the optical data is used to determine the composition of the crop sample.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2017Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: Appareo Systems, LLCInventors: Bradley K. Schleusner, Marshall T. Bremer, Nicholas L. Butts
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Publication number: 20180111148Abstract: An innovative spraying system, comprising features such as a weather station that senses environmental factors that may affect spraying operations, a system for creating and distributing droplets of a uniform and appropriate size, a flow management system that would allow the sprayer to control nozzle rate and direction individually, a high-rate flow system capable of filling the sprayer at rates of up to at least 400 gallons per minute, a modular chemical cartridge system, in which various chemicals are stored in pre-loaded, easy to install cartridges, a direct injection system, mixing chemicals and water as needed, optionally based on sensed changing conditions, electrostatic application of chemical to optimize the amount of chemical applied to plant matter.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2016Publication date: April 26, 2018Inventors: David C. Batcheller, Barry D. Batcheller, Marshall T. Bremer, Bradley R. Thurow, Nicholas L. Butts, Jeffrey L. Johnson, Paul A. Nystuen, Joseph A. Heilman, Robert J. Volesky, Jonathan L. Tolstedt
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Publication number: 20180000011Abstract: A grain quality sensor comprising a photosite array, an illumination source, a filter, and an electronics module, wherein the illumination source directs light onto a crop sample, wherein the filter limits passage of light into different parts of the photosite array such that certain locations on the photosite array only receive certain wavelengths of light reflected or fluoresced by the crop sample, wherein an electronics module is electrically connected to the photosite array and capable of determining which parts of the photosite array received light and the wavelengths of the light received, wherein the electronics module can analyze the optical data received by the photosite array, and wherein the analysis of the optical data is used to determine the composition of the crop sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2017Publication date: January 4, 2018Inventors: Bradley K. Schleusner, Marshall T. Bremer, Nicholas L. Butts
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Patent number: 9775290Abstract: A crop mass predictive sensor, comprising an imaging device, a laser-based device such as a LIDAR, a first radar emitting a frequency of energy that is absorbed by plant mass, and a second radar emitting a frequency of energy that passes through plant mass without being absorbed, wherein the imaging device, laser-based device, first radar, and second radar are focused on the crop material in front of an agricultural vehicle, and the information gathered from the imaging device, laser-based device, first radar, and second radar is used to calculate an estimated mass for the crop material that is about to enter the agricultural vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Intelligent Agricultural Solutions, LLCInventors: Bradley K. Schleusner, Marshall T. Bremer, Nicholas L. Butts, Flemming Schøler
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Patent number: 9756785Abstract: A grain quality sensor comprising a lens, a filter, a photosite array, an illumination source, and an electronics module, wherein the illumination source directs light containing a known set of wavelengths onto a crop sample, wherein the lens picks up light reflected by the crop sample and directs it into the filter, which allows light to pass into different parts of the photosite array such that certain locations on the photosite array only get certain frequencies of the reflected light, wherein the electronics module is electrically connected to the photosite array and capable of determining which parts of the photosite array received light and what frequency the light received was, wherein the electronics module can analyze the optical data received by the photosite array, and wherein the analysis of the optical data is used to determine the composition of different parts of the crop sample.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Appareo Systems, LLCInventors: Nicholas L. Butts, Marshall T. Bremer, Jonathan L. Tolstedt
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Publication number: 20170235471Abstract: A harvesting machine capable of automatic adjustment, comprising a plurality of acoustic material flow sensors, a control system, a processor, and application software, wherein the plurality of acoustic material flow sensors are mounted internal to the harvesting machine at points of crop material flow and are capable of sensing an amount of crop material passing by them. The control system operates in a cause-and-affect mode for interactively enabling manual or automatic responses to Mass Material Distribution (MMD) information and equipment-related performance parameters. An interactive combine control method is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2017Publication date: August 17, 2017Inventors: Flemming Schøler, Barry D. Batcheller, Marshall T. Bremer, Nicholas L. Butts, Paul A. Nystuen, Adam A. Reich, Bradley K. Schleusner, Bradley R. Thurow
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Patent number: 9723784Abstract: A crop quality sensor, comprising an illumination source, an imaging device, and a processor executing application software. The illumination source is shone onto a crop sample, and an image is taken with the imaging device of the illuminated crop sample. The software executing on the processor is used to analyze the image to identify the outlines of individual kernels and to identify which of those outlines contain a specular highlight, indicative that the kernel is whole and unbroken, while the absence of such a specular highlight is indicative of a broken kernel.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2015Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: Appareo Systems, LLCInventors: Marshall T. Bremer, Nicholas L. Butts
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Patent number: 9629308Abstract: A harvesting machine capable of automatic adjustment, comprising a plurality of acoustic material flow sensors, a control system, a processor, and application software, wherein the plurality of acoustic material flow sensors are mounted internal to the harvesting machine at points of crop material flow and are capable of sensing an amount of crop material passing by them, wherein the control system is capable of adjusting a plurality of internal elements of the harvesting machine, wherein the software is hosted on the processor, and the processor is operatively coupled to the control system and the acoustic material flow sensors, wherein the software uses information sensed by the acoustic material flow sensors to determine if the internal elements of the harvesting machine are set for optimal machine performance, and the software sends commands to the internal elements of the harvesting machine in order to improve the machine performance.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2015Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Intelligent Agricultural Solutions, LLCInventors: Flemming Schøler, Barry D. Batcheller, Marshall T. Bremer, Nicholas L. Butts, Paul A. Nystuen, Adam A. Reich, Bradley K. Schleusner, Bradley R Thurow