Patents by Inventor Rick D. McGee

Rick D. McGee 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).

  • System and method for use of 3D visual sensors on mechanized irrigation machinery
    Patent number: 10728523
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for using a 3D scanner to define a path for an irrigation machine to follow using terrain, markings, or other identifiers (natural or manmade). According to a preferred embodiment, identifiers can be programmed into the control computer to recognize location and define steering inputs. The 3D sensors can also identify if a foreign object is present in the path to create notifications and change machine operating parameters (increased safety for collision avoidance). Accordingly, the system of the present invention uses 3D sensor input to modify a predefined path and/or other system parameters in response to detected image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Rick D. McGee