Patents by Inventor Richard J. Connell
Richard J. Connell 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: 20240220780Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed to determine field access readiness to receive in a neural network a field metric, receive in the neural network a first field operating decision, generate from the neural network a field condition at a time of operation based on the field metric, generate a first probability that a field may be accessed given the field condition at the time of operation based on the first field operating decision and the field condition at the time of operation; and apply the first probability to the field, or subset areas of the field by the field metric.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2022Publication date: July 4, 2024Inventors: Richard J. Connell, John P. Just, Erik A. Sorensen
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Patent number: 11596964Abstract: A system for spraying plants comprises a location-determining receiver for estimating a position of a sprayer with respect to one or more rows of plants. A distance sensor is arranged to measure a distance between a nozzle assembly and a plant row segment. A guidance module is adapted to align the nozzle assembly with a target path between the rows of plants, such as a centered path between the rows, or offset between the rows of the plants. A first nozzle is targeted toward a first zone with respect to the plant row segment based on a first spray pattern of the first nozzle. A second nozzle is targeted toward a second zone with respect to the plant row segment based on a second spray pattern of the second nozzle. A nozzle selection module for selecting automatically a first nozzle or a second nozzle based on maximum coverage of a target zone around the plant segment based on the first zone, the second zone, and the measured distance.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2021Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Larry L. Hendrickson, Noel W. Anderson, Thomas G. Mueller, Richard J. Connell
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Patent number: 11229152Abstract: A carrier adjustment assembly for coupling to a frame member of an implement includes a laterally adjustable carrier configured to be coupled to an opener and a first outlet providing at least one nutrient. The assembly further includes a plurality of lateral spacers positioned adjacent to the carrier to laterally adjust the carrier and provide a plurality of adjustment positions. The carrier adjustment assembly facilitates lateral adjustment of the carrier by removal of at least one captively held lateral spacer that sets the lateral adjustment of the carrier, a lateral adjustment of the first outlet, and an adjustment of a lateral separation between a seed row provided by a second outlet and a nutrient row provided by the first outlet.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2018Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventor: Richard J. Connell
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Publication number: 20210283637Abstract: A system for spraying plants comprises a location-determining receiver for estimating a position of a sprayer with respect to one or more rows of plants. A distance sensor is arranged to measure a distance between a nozzle assembly and a plant row segment. A guidance module is adapted to align the nozzle assembly with a target path between the rows of plants, such as a centered path between the rows, or offset between the rows of the plants. A first nozzle is targeted toward a first zone with respect to the plant row segment based on a first spray pattern of the first nozzle. A second nozzle is targeted toward a second zone with respect to the plant row segment based on a second spray pattern of the second nozzle. A nozzle selection module for selecting automatically a first nozzle or a second nozzle based on maximum coverage of a target zone around the plant segment based on the first zone, the second zone, and the measured distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2021Publication date: September 16, 2021Inventors: Larry L. Hendrickson, Noel W. Anderson, Thomas G. Mueller, Richard J. Connell
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Patent number: 11032967Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle platform comprises a central body that can support one or more implement configurations, such as sprayer booms, or planting row units. A plurality of adjustable legs extends downward from the central body. Each adjustable leg has a corresponding leg actuator to adjust a respective vertical height of each adjustable leg. Each adjustable leg supports the central body. Planting row units are supported by or suspended from the central body.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2019Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Richard J. Connell, Michael M. Miller, Austin N. Thompson, Brandon M. McDonald, Shayne C. Rich
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Patent number: 11033921Abstract: A system for spraying plants comprises a location-determining receiver for estimating a position of a sprayer with respect to one or more rows of plants. A distance sensor is arranged to measure a distance between a nozzle assembly and a plant row segment. A guidance module is adapted to align the nozzle assembly with a target path between the rows of plants, such as a centered path between the rows, or offset between the rows of the plants. A first nozzle is targeted toward a first zone with respect to the plant row segment based on a first spray pattern of the first nozzle. A second nozzle is targeted toward a second zone with respect to the plant row segment based on a second spray pattern of the second nozzle. A nozzle selection module for selecting automatically a first nozzle or a second nozzle based on maximum coverage of a target zone around the plant segment based on the first zone, the second zone, and the measured distance.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2017Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Larry L. Hendrickson, Noel W. Anderson, Thomas G. Mueller, Richard J. Connell
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Patent number: 10912251Abstract: A method for treating plants comprises estimating a growth state or maturity state of a plant based on a planting date, a current date and the crop type of the plant. A root zone estimator or data processor estimating a size, diameter or radius of a root zone of the plant based on the determined growth state or maturity state. The data processor adjusts a lateral offset of a distribution pattern of a crop input or nutrient from at least one nutrient knife based on the size, diameter or radius of the root zone and safety zone about the root zone, where the at least one nutrient knife tracks a path outside of or bounded by the root zone.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2018Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Terence D. Pickett, Richard J. Connell, Larry L. Hendrickson, Frederick W. Nelson, Brandon M. McDonald, Noel W. Anderson
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Patent number: 10882065Abstract: An agricultural vehicle comprises a left frame and a right frame. A left wheel is rotatable with respect to the left frame and a right wheel is rotatable with respect to the right frame. A first leg extends upward from the left frame and a second leg extends upward from the right frame to connect the legs to the beam. A data processor estimates a reference point on or below the vehicle and an angular orientation or attitude of the beam relative to the reference point based on positions of location-determining receivers associated with the beam. An upper carriage is laterally movable along the beam. A lower carriage is suspended from the upper carriage by a plurality of vertical supports, such that a target lateral position of the upper carriage establishes an actual lateral position of the lower carriage.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2017Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Travis J. Davis, Joshua T. Lawson, Curtis A. Maeder, Jesse D. Haecker, Richard J. Connell, Shayne C. Rich, Anthony E. Eggers, Curtis D. Carlson
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Patent number: 10830751Abstract: A method for treating plants with respect to estimated root zones comprises estimating a growth state or maturity state of a plant based on a planting date, a current date and the crop type of the plant. A root zone estimator or data processor estimating a size, diameter or radius of a root zone of the plant based on the determined growth state or maturity state. The data processor or nozzle control module adjusts a lateral offset of a spray pattern of a nozzle assembly of one or more nozzles based on the size, diameter or radius to target alignment or maximization of overlap area of a crop input directed to a strip or zone with respect to the corresponding root zone.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2017Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Terence D. Pickett, Richard J. Connell, Larry L. Hendrickson, Frederick W. Nelson, Brandon M. McDonald, Noel W. Anderson
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Patent number: 10799903Abstract: A first leg extends upward from the left frame and a second leg extends upward from the right frame to connect the legs to the beam. One or more satellite navigation receivers are associated with beam to determine a position and an attitude of the beam. One or more row units are suspended from the beam, each row unit having a first nozzle and a second nozzle, wherein the first nozzle and the second nozzle are associated with an adjustable reference position in one or more dimensions with respect to the beam.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2017Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Travis J. Davis, Joshua T. Lawson, Curtis A. Maeder, Jesse D. Haecker, Richard J. Connell, Shayne C. Rich, Anthony E. Eggers, Curtis D. Carlson
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Patent number: 10694734Abstract: A first leg extends upward from the left frame and a second leg extends upward from the right frame to connect the legs to the beam. One or more satellite navigation receivers are associated with beam to determine a position and an attitude of the beam. One or more row units are suspended from the beam, such that the position of nozzle or nozzles on each row unit can be adjusted simultaneously and dynamically in multiple dimensions to maintain a target spacing between the nozzle and ground and the nozzle and a plant or row of plants.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2017Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Travis J. Davis, Joshua T. Lawson, Curtis A. Maeder, Jesse D. Haecker, Richard J. Connell, Shayne C. Rich, Anthony E. Eggers, Curtis D. Carlson
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Patent number: 10681860Abstract: An automated farming system includes a frame. The frame includes a fixed base, a beam, and a support. A farming implement support extends from the beam and moves up and down in relation to the beam. The farming implement support moves along a length of the beam. The movable support includes a propulsion system and is configured to rotate around the fixed base. Movement of the farming implement support and the movable support allows for high density planting of crops in hexagonal patterns and/or a continuous spiral pattern.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2016Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Nathan C. Heinrich, Richard J. Connell, Travis Newton, Jeremy B. Thompson, Ray M. Scheufler, Jesse D. Haecker
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Patent number: 10654063Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a row unit for an agricultural vehicle comprises an upper carriage that is movable or slidable with respect to a generally horizontal beam of the vehicle. The row unit has vertical supports, where each vertical support has an upper end connected to the upper carriage and a lower end opposite the upper end. The row unit further comprises a lower carriage that is connected to the lower end of the vertical supports, such that the upper carriage determines a lateral position of the lower carriage with respect to the beam.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2017Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Travis J. Davis, Joshua T. Lawson, Curtis A. Maeder, Jesse D. Haecker, Richard J. Connell, Shayne C. Rich, Anthony E. Eggers, Curtis D. Carlson
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Patent number: 10617057Abstract: A laterally movable carrier is associated with a row frame. The carrier is connected to a frame member, an opener, a first outlet and a second outlet to allow for dynamically variable adjustment of the lateral separation between a first row of planted seed and a second row of planted seed, where the first row of seed is adjacent to the second row of seed.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2017Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Richard J. Connell, Brandon M. McDonald, Larry L. Hendrickson
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Publication number: 20200107495Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle platform comprises a central body that can support one or more implement configurations, such as sprayer booms, or planting row units. A plurality of adjustable legs extends downward from the central body. Each adjustable leg has a corresponding leg actuator to adjust a respective vertical height of each adjustable leg. Each adjustable leg supports the central body.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2019Publication date: April 9, 2020Applicant: Deere & CompanyInventors: Richard J. Connell, Michael M. Miller, Austin N. Thompson, Brandon M. McDonald, Shayne C. Rich
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Patent number: 10575460Abstract: An agricultural vehicle comprises a left frame and a right frame. A first leg extends upward from the left frame and a second leg extends upward from the right frame to connect the legs to the beam. One or more satellite navigation receivers are associated with beam to determine a position and an attitude of the beam. In on configuration, at least one row unit suspended from the beam, where each row unit has a respective planting device with an adjustable position in one or more dimensions with respect to the beam for precise application or variable application of seeds within the rows or field.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2017Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Travis J. Davis, Joshua T. Lawson, Curtis A. Maeder, Jesse D. Haecker, Richard J. Connell, Shayne C. Rich, Anthony E. Eggers, Curtis D. Carlson
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Patent number: 10542666Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle platform comprises a central body that can support one or more implement configurations, such as sprayer booms, or planting row units. A plurality of adjustable legs extends downward from the central body. Each adjustable leg has a corresponding leg actuator to adjust a respective vertical height of each adjustable leg. Each adjustable leg supports the central body. Planting row units are supported by or suspended from the central body.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2017Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Richard J. Connell, Michael M. Miller, Austin N. Thompson, Brandon M. McDonald, Shayne C. Rich
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Patent number: 10492360Abstract: A row frame is coupled to the rear member. A first opener is configured to open the soil; the first opener is supported by or from a first support extending downward from the frame member. A first outlet is configured to dispense or apply a nutrient strip. A laterally movable carrier is associated with the row frame. The carrier supports the first opener and the first outlet. A second outlet can dispense or plant seed, wherein the first outlet and the second outlet have a lateral separation that is dynamically adjustable during the simultaneous application of seed and the nutrient strip.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2017Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Richard J. Connell, Brandon M. McDonald, Larry L. Hendrickson
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Patent number: 10485154Abstract: A data processor determines whether a draft force on the implement is unbalanced based on an error between the observed implement angle and a target implement heading exceeding a threshold deviation. The data processor is adapted to generate a control signal to compensate for the imbalance in the draft force by adjusting the first lateral position via the first actuator, or by adjusting the second lateral position via the second actuator, the first actuator and the second actuator being positioned on opposite lateral sides of the implement.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Richard J. Connell, Brandon M. McDonald, Larry L. Hendrickson
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Patent number: 10485161Abstract: A first rear member is spaced apart from the front member and positioned generally parallel to the front member. A first pair of first pivotable arms are generally parallel to each other. The first pair of first pivotable arms are rotatably connected to the front member at two front pivot points. The first pair of first pivotable arms are rotatably connected to the rear member at two rear pivot points. At least one first opener (e.g., nutrient knife or projecting, ground-engaging member) extends downward from or with respect to the first rear member.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Richard J. Connell, Brandon M. McDonald, Larry L. Hendrickson