Patents by Inventor Richard L. Rice
Richard L. Rice 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: 20240292778Abstract: A system for dispensing agricultural products includes at least one source of agricultural product; at least one agricultural product tube, a seed sensing device, a metering system, and a sensor assembly. At least one agricultural product tube is connected to the source of agricultural product. The seed sensing device is configured to control the delivery of the agricultural product. The metering system is coupled to at least one agricultural product tube and to the seed sensing device and is configured to synchronize the placement of agricultural product relative to the placement of seed. A sensor assembly includes a signal conditioning circuit. The signal conditioning circuit is configured to provide an output signal representing an indication of the presence of the agricultural product. At least one seed for use in determining the synchronized placement of seed and the agricultural product in correct proximity with one another in a seed furrow.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2024Publication date: September 5, 2024Applicant: AMVAC CHEMICAL CORPORATIONInventors: RICHARD L. RICE, LARRY M. CONRAD
-
Patent number: 12048265Abstract: A system for dispensing low rate agricultural products, includes a syringe-based agricultural product metering system, at least one agricultural product tube, and an agricultural product metering system. The agricultural product metering system is operably connected to a source of low rate agricultural products. The agricultural product tube is operatively connected to the agricultural product metering system. The agricultural product metering system is configured to dispense liquid low rate agricultural products at a low rate defined as below 3.7 fluid ounces per 1000 row feet.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2021Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignee: AMVAC CHEMICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Keith Woodruff, Richard L. Rice, Larry M. Conrad
-
Patent number: 11991945Abstract: A system for dispensing liquid agricultural products with seed includes a control system; a seed transport mechanism; an agricultural product supply system; and, a seed brush assembly. The seed transport mechanism is affixed to a seed planter row unit. The agricultural product supply system is configured to dispense agricultural products in response to an output signal from the control system. A brush housing structure of the seed brush assembly receives seed from the seed transport mechanism. A brush of the seed brush assembly has bristles positioned within the brush housing structure. The agricultural product supply system is configured to dispense the liquid agricultural products onto the bristles. The bristles are configured to minimize the resistance associated with the passage of seed past the wetted bristles. The liquid agricultural product is transferred from the brushes onto the seed as the seed is dispensed prior to the seed hitting the ground.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2021Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignee: AMVAC CHEMICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Richard L. Rice, Larry M. Conrad
-
Publication number: 20240099178Abstract: A system and method that automatically monitors product use, such as the type and amount of agricultural and/or horticultural product stored in and dispensed from a cartridge over time and/or by geographic location. Monitored data are stored in memory such as a tag on the cartridge and may be transmitted to a server for storage, aggregation, and analysis. The cartridge may be authenticated before being authorized for use for the benefit of a current user in dispensing the product. The cartridge may be refilled after confirmation of authorization codes on the cartridge and refilling equipment tags. The cartridge may be calibrated automatically based on the bulk density or other parameter of the product in the cartridge. Data may be aggregated from a plurality of cartridges automatically. As-applied data from individual cartridges may be used to verify, independent of operator input, treated area coverage and product application rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2023Publication date: March 28, 2024Inventors: Eric Wintemute, Richard L. Rice, Kent James, John Richardson
-
Patent number: 11864485Abstract: A system and method that automatically monitors product use, such as the type and amount of agricultural and/or horticultural product stored in and dispensed from a cartridge over time and/or by geographic location. Monitored data are stored in memory such as a tag on the cartridge and may be transmitted to a server for storage, aggregation, and analysis. The cartridge may be authenticated before being authorized for use for the benefit of a current user in dispensing the product. The cartridge may be refilled after confirmation of authorization codes on the cartridge and refilling equipment tags. The cartridge may be calibrated automatically based on the bulk density or other parameter of the product in the cartridge. Data may be aggregated from a plurality of cartridges automatically. As-applied data from individual cartridges may be used to verify, independent of operator input, treated area coverage and product application rate.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2023Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: AMVAC Chemical CorporationInventors: Eric G. Wintemute, Richard L. Rice, Kent James, John J. Richardson
-
Publication number: 20230384132Abstract: A sensor assembly for use in synchronizing seed placement and the dispensing of liquid agricultural product during planting. The sensor assembly includes a signal conditioning circuit configured to provide an output signal representing an indication of the presence of liquid agricultural product and seed for use in determining the synchronization of the seed placement with the dispensing of the liquid agricultural product. The presence of both a seed mass component and a liquid mass component of the output signal defines a package mass. The output signal has a pre-defined value and is transmitted to a controller to determine whether there is an error. The controller is configured to generate an error signal that is capable of being displayable on a remote display/user interface system that can be monitored by the system operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Applicant: AMVAC CHEMICAL CORPORATIONInventors: LARRY M. CONRAD, RICHARD L. RICE
-
Patent number: 11825763Abstract: A system and method that automatically monitors product use, such as the type and amount of agricultural and/or horticultural product stored in and dispensed from a cartridge over time and/or by geographic location. Monitored data are stored in memory such as a tag on the cartridge and may be transmitted to a server for storage, aggregation, and analysis. The cartridge may be authenticated before being authorized for use for the benefit of a current user in dispensing the product. The cartridge may be refilled after confirmation of authorization codes on the cartridge and refilling equipment tags. The cartridge may be calibrated automatically based on the bulk density or other parameter of the product in the cartridge. Data may be aggregated from a plurality of cartridges automatically. As-applied data from individual cartridges may be used to verify, independent of operator input, treated area coverage and product application rate.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2023Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: AMVAC Chemical CorporationInventors: Eric G. Wintemute, Richard L. Rice, Kent James, John J. Richardson
-
Patent number: 11793102Abstract: A system and method that automatically monitors product use, such as the type and amount of agricultural and/or horticultural product stored in and dispensed from a cartridge over time and/or by geographic location. Monitored data are stored in memory such as a tag on the cartridge and may be transmitted to a server for storage, aggregation, and analysis. The cartridge may be authenticated before being authorized for use for the benefit of a current user in dispensing the product. The cartridge may be refilled after confirmation of authorization codes on the cartridge and refilling equipment tags. The cartridge may be calibrated automatically based on the bulk density or other parameter of the product in the cartridge. Data may be aggregated from a plurality of cartridges automatically. As-applied data from individual cartridges may be used to verify, independent of operator input, treated area coverage and product application rate.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2022Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: AMVAC Chemical CorporationInventors: Eric G. Wintemute, Richard L. Rice, Kent James, John J. Richardson
-
Patent number: 11740111Abstract: A supply tube assembly for measuring a liquid agricultural product application rate. An upstream portion of a supply tube has an upstream portion outlet end. A downstream portion has a downstream portion inlet end. The sensor body assembly includes a sensor body, a first sensing plate, and a second sensing plate. The sensor body has a sensor inlet end positioned to receive an inlet flow of the liquid agricultural product from the upstream portion and a sensor outlet end positioned to receive an outlet flow of the liquid agricultural product. The sensor body is an enclosure having a cross sectional area larger than the cross sectional area of the upstream portion of the supply tube and the downstream portion of the supply tube. Electronic components are configured to measure the liquid agricultural product application rate between the first sensing plate and the second sensing plate.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2022Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: AMVAC CHEMICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Larry M. Conrad, Richard L. Rice
-
Publication number: 20230247930Abstract: A system and method that automatically monitors product use, such as the type and amount of agricultural and/or horticultural product stored in and dispensed from a cartridge over time and/or by geographic location. Monitored data are stored in memory such as a tag on the cartridge and may be transmitted to a server for storage, aggregation, and analysis. The cartridge may be authenticated before being authorized for use for the benefit of a current user in dispensing the product. The cartridge may be refilled after confirmation of authorization codes on the cartridge and refilling equipment tags. The cartridge may be calibrated automatically based on the bulk density or other parameter of the product in the cartridge. Data may be aggregated from a plurality of cartridges automatically. As-applied data from individual cartridges may be used to verify, independent of operator input, treated area coverage and product application rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2023Publication date: August 10, 2023Inventors: Eric G. Wintemute, Richard L. Rice, Kent James, John J. Richardson
-
Publication number: 20230247929Abstract: A system and method that automatically monitors product use, such as the type and amount of agricultural and/or horticultural product stored in and dispensed from a cartridge over time and/or by geographic location. Monitored data are stored in memory such as a tag on the cartridge and may be transmitted to a server for storage, aggregation, and analysis. The cartridge may be authenticated before being authorized for use for the benefit of a current user in dispensing the product. The cartridge may be refilled after confirmation of authorization codes on the cartridge and refilling equipment tags. The cartridge may be calibrated automatically based on the bulk density or other parameter of the product in the cartridge. Data may be aggregated from a plurality of cartridges automatically. As-applied data from individual cartridges may be used to verify, independent of operator input, treated area coverage and product application rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2023Publication date: August 10, 2023Inventors: Eric G. Wintemute, Richard L. Rice, Kent James, John J. Richardson
-
Publication number: 20220240434Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method to collect and store data related to product stored in a container. In response to filling the container with the product, the following data are stored in at least one first record in an external database (such as a distributed ledger, e.g., blockchain): a product type of the first product; an amount of the first product filled into the first container; a unique identity of the first container; and a unique identity of a first user of the first container at the time of filling the first container with the first product. Data representing a unique identity of a container data module on the container are stored in the container data module. As the container moves, dispenses product, and undergoes changes in possession and ownership, data representing such events are stored in the distributed ledger and/or the container data module. As a result, a verifiable application/consumption record of the product within the container is generated.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2022Publication date: August 4, 2022Inventors: Richard L. Rice, Ulrich G. Trogele, Kent W. James
-
Patent number: 11382261Abstract: A method and system for stacking containers each container of a type having a front face having a truncated trapezoidal shape, a rear face having a truncated trapezoidal shape, a top base, a bottom base, a first vertical side adjacent to the top base, a second vertical side adjacent to the top base, a first sloped side between the first vertical side and the bottom base, a second sloped side between the second vertical side and the bottom base. A discharge valve projects from the bottom base where the first vertical side defines a platform for supporting an RFID tag. The containers are configured to be stackable in a manner to provide simultaneous reading of the multiple RFID tags on the platforms.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2021Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: AMVAC CHEMICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Richard L. Rice, Keith Woodruff, Brian Kaltner
-
Publication number: 20220183217Abstract: A system for dispensing liquid agricultural products with seed includes an agricultural product supply system configured to dispense agricultural products. The system includes a seed tube for introducing seed. A tube-mounted nozzle is positioned on the seed tube for introducing liquid agricultural product into the seed tube. A gaseous fluid line is in fluid connection to a source of gaseous fluid. A gaseous fluid bubble generation assembly is in fluid communication with the gaseous fluid line. The gaseous fluid bubble generation assembly is configured to generate bubbles. The gaseous fluid bubble generation assembly is arranged and constructed so that when the gaseous fluid from the gaseous fluid line is passed therethrough bubbles are generated and agglomerated when the gaseous fluid encounters the liquid agricultural product within the seed tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2022Publication date: June 16, 2022Applicant: AMVAC CHEMICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Richard L. Rice, KYLE CECIL, LARRY M. CONRAD, WILLIAM C. MARTIN, MATTHEW T. MILLER, JONATHAN E. STURM, TRAVIS M. SWEHLA
-
Patent number: 11330756Abstract: A system and method that automatically monitors product use, such as the type and amount of agricultural and/or horticultural product stored in and dispensed from a cartridge over time and/or by geographic location. Monitored data are stored in memory such as a tag on the cartridge and may be transmitted to a server for storage, aggregation, and analysis. The cartridge may be authenticated before being authorized for use for the benefit of a current user in dispensing the product. The cartridge may be refilled after confirmation of authorization codes on the cartridge and refilling equipment tags. The cartridge may be calibrated automatically based on the bulk density or other parameter of the product in the cartridge. Data may be aggregated from a plurality of cartridges automatically. As-applied data from individual cartridges may be used to verify, independent of operator input, treated area coverage and product application rate.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2020Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: AMVAC Chemical CorporationInventors: Eric G. Wintemute, Richard L. Rice, Kent James, John J. Richardson
-
Publication number: 20220142066Abstract: A supply tube assembly for measuring a liquid agricultural product application rate. An upstream portion of a supply tube has an upstream portion outlet end. A downstream portion has a downstream portion inlet end. The sensor body assembly includes a sensor body, a first sensing plate, and a second sensing plate. The sensor body has a sensor inlet end positioned to receive an inlet flow of the liquid agricultural product from the upstream portion and a sensor outlet end positioned to receive an outlet flow of the liquid agricultural product. The sensor body is an enclosure having a cross sectional area larger than the cross sectional area of the upstream portion of the supply tube and the downstream portion of the supply tube. Electronic components are configured to measure the liquid agricultural product application rate between the first sensing plate and the second sensing plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2022Publication date: May 12, 2022Applicant: AMVAC CHEMICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Larry M. Conrad, RICHARD L. RICE
-
Patent number: D968019Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2022Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: AMVAC CHEMICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Keith Woodruff, Brian Kaltner, Richard L. Rice
-
Patent number: D985393Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2021Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: AMVAC CHEMICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Keith Woodruff, Brian Kaltner, Richard L. Rice
-
Patent number: D999446Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2022Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: AMVAC CHEMICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Keith Woodruff, Brian Kaltner, Richard L. Rice
-
Patent number: D1010457Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2023Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: AMVAC CHEMICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Keith Woodruff, Brian Kaltner, Richard L. Rice