Patents by Inventor Ricky B. Theilen

Ricky B. Theilen 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: 20170112043
    Abstract: A residue detection and implement control system and method are disclosed for an agricultural implement. The system includes a source of environment data and image data of an imaged area of a crop field containing residue. The system includes a data store containing a plurality of image processing methods and at least one controller that processes the image data according to one or more image processing instruction sets. The controller selects one or more of the image processing methods based on the environment data, and processes the image data using the selected image processing instruction(s) to determine a value corresponding to residue coverage in the imaged area of the field. The controller adjusts the configuration of the agricultural implement to respond to the amount and type of residue detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventors: Ranjit Nair, Adam D. Sporrer, Kirti Balani, Ricky B. Theilen, Lucas B. Larsen, Vishal Rane, David L. Steinlage, Robert T. Casper, John M. Schweitzer, Jeremy D. Krantz
  • Patent number: 9554098
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method and a control system are described for controlling operations involving residue. The method and system include analyzing residue on an agricultural field. A first image is captured with an image sensor of an area of the field that is ahead of or behind the implement. The first image is analyzed to determine an indicator of residue coverage on the field. A subsequent operation on the field is executed, one or more aspects of which are controlled based upon the determined indicator of residue coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Robert T. Casper, Ricky B. Theilen, John M. Schweitzer
  • Publication number: 20160134844
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method and a control system are described for controlling operations involving residue. The method and system include analyzing residue on an agricultural field. A first image is captured with an image sensor of an area of the field that is ahead of or behind the implement. The first image is analyzed to determine an indicator of residue coverage on the field. A subsequent operation on the field is executed, one or more aspects of which are controlled based upon the determined indicator of residue coverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Robert T. Casper, Ricky B. Theilen, John M. Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 9282688
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method and a control system are described for controlling operations involving residue. The method includes executing a first operation on a field with an implement resulting in residue on the field. A first image is captured with a camera assembly of an area of the field that is ahead of or behind the implement. The first image is analyzed to determine an indicator of residue coverage on the field. A subsequent operation on the field is executed, one or more aspects of which are controlled based upon the determined indicator of residue coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Robert T. Casper, Ricky B. Theilen, John M. Schweitzer
  • Publication number: 20150305224
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method and a control system are described for controlling operations involving residue. The method includes executing a first operation on a field with an implement resulting in residue on the field. A first image is captured with a camera assembly of an area of the field that is ahead of or behind the implement. The first image is analyzed to determine an indicator of residue coverage on the field. A subsequent operation on the field is executed, one or more aspects of which are controlled based upon the determined indicator of residue coverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert T. Casper, Ricky B. Theilen, John M. Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 9095090
    Abstract: A control system for an agricultural implement is disclosed. The agricultural implement includes a ground-engaging tool and an adjustment device. The adjustment device is coupled to the ground-engaging tool. The control system includes a location-determining receiver. The location-determining receiver is configured for receiving positioning signals. A correction receiver is in communication with the location-determining receiver and configured for receiving correction signals and determining a corrected geographic location of the ground-engaging tool. A data storage device is configured for storing operating pressure data referenced to geographic location data of the ground-engaging tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert T. Casper, John M. Schweitzer, Ricky B. Theilen
  • Publication number: 20140067209
    Abstract: A control system for an agricultural implement is disclosed. The agricultural implement includes a ground-engaging tool and an adjustment device. The adjustment device is coupled to the ground-engaging tool. The control system includes a location-determining receiver. The location-determining receiver is configured for receiving positioning signals. A correction receiver is in communication with the location-determining receiver and configured for receiving correction signals and determining a corrected geographic location of the ground-engaging tool. A data storage device is configured for storing operating pressure data referenced to geographic location data of the ground-engaging tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: ROBERT T. CASPER, John M. Schweitzer, Ricky B. Theilen
  • Patent number: 8657023
    Abstract: A self-compensating multiple-section agricultural implement is disclosed. The agricultural implement includes a first ground-engaging tool coupled to a first frame section. A lift device in fluid communication with a hydraulic controller is coupled to the first frame section. The lift device is configured for raising and lowering the first frame section to move the first ground-engaging tool between a first ground-engaging tool transport position and a first pre-selected operating depth. A second frame section is coupled to the first frame section forward of the first ground-engaging tool. A second ground-engaging tool is coupled to the second frame section. An extendable and retractable cylinder is in fluid communication with the hydraulic controller and is coupled to the first frame section and the second frame section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Robert T. Casper, Shawn J. Becker, Jarrod R. Ruckle, Ricky B. Theilen, John O. Rumohr
  • Publication number: 20130341056
    Abstract: A self-compensating multiple-section agricultural implement is disclosed. The agricultural implement includes a first ground-engaging tool coupled to a first frame section. A lift device in fluid communication with a hydraulic controller is coupled to the first frame section. The lift device is configured for raising and lowering the first frame section to move the first ground-engaging tool between a first ground-engaging tool transport position and a first pre-selected operating depth. A second frame section is coupled to the first frame section forward of the first ground-engaging tool. A second ground-engaging tool is coupled to the second frame section. An extendable and retractable cylinder is in fluid communication with the hydraulic controller and is coupled to the first frame section and the second frame section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: ROBERT T. CASPER, Shawn J. Becker, Jarrod R. Ruckle, Ricky B. Theilen, John O. Rumohr
  • Patent number: 8573319
    Abstract: A control system for an agricultural implement is disclosed. The control system includes a position sensor configured to measure a depth indication of an actual operating depth of a ground-engaging tool and configured to generate a corresponding position signal. A pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure indication of an actual operating pressure and configured to generate a corresponding pressure signal. An implement control unit configured to receive the position signal and the pressure signal and configured to control an adjustment device so that the depth indication targets a depth set point that is indicative of the pre-selected operating depth provided that the pressure indication is within a pre-selected pressure range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Robert T. Casper, Shawn J. Becker, Jarrod R. Ruckle, Ricky B. Theilen