Patents by Inventor Robert Blackwell
Robert Blackwell 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: 20260137022Abstract: An agricultural implement, such as an agricultural seed planter, includes a number of ground engaging row units. The row units receive seed and/or other particulates and deposit the seed or particulates to the ground. The row unit can include row cleaners to aid in allowing a coulter or disk to create a furrow in a field. The seed is metered via a seed metering system and deposited in the furrow. A closing system closes the furrow after the seed has been deposited. To aid in access and mounting of the seed meter, it can be connected without connection to side components of a frame. In addition, the row cleaner and closing system can include mounting systems that allow better results and easier access to the same and other portions of the row units.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2026Publication date: May 21, 2026Inventors: Robert Blackwell, Dean Martin, Dalton McDowell
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Publication number: 20260043638Abstract: An explosives detonator is configured to be moved across land by a vehicle platform to detonate explosives positioned on or in the land. The explosives detonator includes a frame and a plurality of rollers coupled to the frame. The plurality of rollers are configured to engage and roll along the land relative to the frame about respective roller axes as the vehicle travels along the land. The rollers are weighted to exert pressure on the land and activate any pressure-sensitive explosives, such as mines.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2025Publication date: February 12, 2026Inventors: Howard G. Buffett, Robert Blackwell
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Publication number: 20260043639Abstract: An explosives detonator is configured to be moved across land by a vehicle platform to detonate explosives positioned on or in the land. The explosives detonator includes a frame and a plurality of rollers coupled to the frame. The plurality of rollers are configured to engage and roll along the land relative to the frame about respective roller axes as the vehicle travels along the land. The rollers are weighted to exert pressure on the land and activate any pressure-sensitive explosives, such as mines.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2025Publication date: February 12, 2026Inventors: Howard G. Buffett, Robert Blackwell
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Patent number: 12543630Abstract: An agricultural implement, such as an agricultural seed planter, includes a number of ground engaging row units. The row units receive seed and/or other particulates and deposit the seed or particulates to the ground. The row unit can include row cleaners to aid in allowing a coulter or disk to create a furrow in a field. The seed is metered via a seed metering system and deposited in the furrow. A closing system closes the furrow after the seed has been deposited. To aid in access and mounting of the seed meter, it can be connected without connection to side components of a frame. In addition, the row cleaner and closing system can include mounting systems that allow better results and easier access to the same and other portions of the row units.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2022Date of Patent: February 10, 2026Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Robert Blackwell, Dean Martin, Dalton McDowell
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Patent number: 12329057Abstract: A planting unit includes a seed meter for singulating and dispensing seed. Opening wheels or discs are included to create an opening in the field, such as a furrow. The unit includes one or more continuous tracks for supporting the row unit as it moves through the field. The tracks can be positioned on opposite sides. The tracks reduce compaction around the created furrow and provide better control of seed depth placement. One or more motors are included to operate the tracks to move the planting unit through a field for planting independent of a tow vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2022Date of Patent: June 17, 2025Assignee: KINZE Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Dustan Hahn, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Susanne Veatch, Rhett Schildroth, Robert Blackwell, Michael J. Myers
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Publication number: 20240196784Abstract: A planter includes a seed a delivery system for delivering seed from one or more hoppers to one or more row units of the planter. The seed delivery system includes a number of seed entrainers. The seed entrainers receive seed from the one or more hoppers. The seed is combined with a fluid, such as air, which moves the seed through the seed entrainer and towards one or more row units of the planter. The entrainer includes one or more outlets, with the outlets corresponding to different row units, and the outlets can be varied based upon the need of seed delivery for the planter.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2024Publication date: June 20, 2024Inventors: Robert Blackwell, Dan Killpack, Dalton McDowell, Matthew Wilhelmi
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Patent number: 11937533Abstract: A planter includes a seed a delivery system for delivering seed from one or more hoppers to one or more row units of the planter. The seed delivery system includes a number of seed entrainers. The seed entrainers receive seed from the one or more hoppers. The seed is combined with a fluid, such as air, which moves the seed through the seed entrainer and towards one or more row units of the planter. The entrainer includes one or more outlets, with the outlets corresponding to different row units, and the outlets can be varied based upon the need of seed delivery for the planter.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2021Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Robert Blackwell, Dan Killpack, Dalton McDowell, Matthew Wilhelmi
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Patent number: 11632894Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a toolbar that extends transverse to a tongue when in a field use configuration. The toolbar can be lifted and/or rotated relative to the tongue to transition between a field use and a transport use. A lifting assembly includes one or more actuators and linkage systems to lift the toolbar attached thereto in an arced manner in moving from a field use configuration to a transport configuration. A rotating mechanism can also include one or more actuators to rotate the toolbar about a pivot member. An anti-rotation link includes a member is connected to the toolbar and can be positioned at least partially within a groove to mitigate rotation of the toolbar, such as during the lifting of the toolbar.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2018Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Jon Kinzenbaw, Robert Blackwell, Riley Lind
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Publication number: 20230022522Abstract: An agricultural implement, such as an agricultural seed planter, includes a number of ground engaging row units. The row units receive seed and/or other particulates and deposit the seed or particulates to the ground. The row unit can include row cleaners to aid in allowing a coulter or disk to create a furrow in a field. The seed is metered via a seed metering system and deposited in the furrow. A closing system closes the furrow after the seed has been deposited. To aid in access and mounting of the seed meter, it can be connected without connection to side components of a frame. In addition, the row cleaner and closing system can include mounting systems that allow better results and easier access to the same and other portions of the row units.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2022Publication date: January 26, 2023Inventors: Robert Blackwell, Dean Martin, Dalton McDowell
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Patent number: 11558996Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a number of row units. The row units include one or more seed meters for receiving, singulating, and dispensing seed to the ground such that preferred spacing of subsequent seed is attained. Seed delivery systems are included to aid in transporting the seed from the seed meter to the ground in a controlled manner to mitigate skips and to aid in controlling the spacing of the seeds, which can be based upon the ground speed of the implement as it moves through the field. The seed delivery systems can control the transport of the seed to a furrow in the field such that the seed can experience zero or near zero relative velocity so that the seed will have little to no movement once positioned in the furrow.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2019Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Marvin Bachman, Dustan Hahn, Michael J. Myers, Vaughan Stevenson, Robert Blackwell, Courtney N. Achen
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Publication number: 20220232755Abstract: A planting unit includes a seed meter for singulating and dispensing seed. Opening wheels or discs are included to create an opening in the field, such as a furrow. The unit includes one or more continuous tracks for supporting the row unit as it moves through the field. The tracks can be positioned on opposite sides. The tracks reduce compaction around the created furrow and provide better control of seed depth placement. One or more motors are included to operate the tracks to move the planting unit through a field for planting independent of a tow vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2022Publication date: July 28, 2022Inventors: Dustan Hahn, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Susanne Veatch, Rhett Schildroth, Robert Blackwell, Michael J. Myers
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Publication number: 20220159893Abstract: The use of self-powered, autonomous vehicles in agricultural and other domestic applications is provided. The vehicles include a self-propelled drive system, tracks or wheels operatively connected to the drive system, a power supply operatively connected to the drive system, an attachment mechanism for attaching equipment to the vehicle, and an intelligent control operatively connected to the drive system, power supply, and attachment mechanism. The vehicle is configured to connect to the equipment to perform agricultural operations based upon the equipment. Multiple vehicles can be used in a field at the same time. Furthermore, the invention includes the ability to move one or more of the autonomous vehicles from field to field, home to field, or from generally any first location to a second location.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2022Publication date: May 26, 2022Inventors: Robert Blackwell, Rhett Schildroth, Michael J. Myers, Merlan J. Rolffs, Derrick Becker
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Publication number: 20220159894Abstract: The use of self-powered, autonomous vehicles in agricultural and other domestic applications is provided. The vehicles include a self-propelled drive system, tracks or wheels operatively connected to the drive system, a power supply operatively connected to the drive system, an attachment mechanism for attaching equipment to the vehicle, and an intelligent control operatively connected to the drive system, power supply, and attachment mechanism. The vehicle is configured to connect to the equipment to perform agricultural operations based upon the equipment. Multiple vehicles can be used in a field at the same time. Furthermore, the invention includes the ability to move one or more of the autonomous vehicles from field to field, home to field, or from generally any first location to a second location.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2022Publication date: May 26, 2022Inventors: Robert Blackwell, Rhett Schildroth, Michael J. Myers, Merlan J. Rolffs, Derrick Becker
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Patent number: 11324161Abstract: A planting unit includes a seed meter for singulating and dispensing seed. Opening wheels or discs are included to create an opening in the field, such as a furrow. The unit includes one or more continuous tracks for supporting the row unit as it moves through the field. The tracks can be positioned on opposite sides. The tracks reduce compaction around the created furrow and provide better control of seed depth placement. One or more motors are included to operate the tracks to move the planting unit through a field for planting independent of a tow vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2019Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Dustan Hahn, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Susanne Veatch, Rhett Schildroth, Robert Blackwell, Michael J. Myers
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Publication number: 20220087095Abstract: A planter includes a seed a delivery system for delivering seed from one or more hoppers to one or more row units of the planter. The seed delivery system includes a number of seed entrainers. The seed entrainers receive seed from the one or more hoppers. The seed is combined with a fluid, such as air, which moves the seed through the seed entrainer and towards one or more row units of the planter. The entrainer includes one or more outlets, with the outlets corresponding to different row units, and the outlets can be varied based upon the need of seed delivery for the planter.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2021Publication date: March 24, 2022Inventors: Robert Blackwell, Dan Killpack, Dalton McDowell, Matthew Wilhelmi
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Patent number: 11252853Abstract: The use of self-powered, autonomous vehicles in agricultural and other domestic applications is provided. The vehicles include a self-propelled drive system, tracks or wheels operatively connected to the drive system, a power supply operatively connected to the drive system, an attachment mechanism for attaching equipment to the vehicle, and an intelligent control operatively connected to the drive system, power supply, and attachment mechanism. The vehicle is configured to connect to the equipment to perform agricultural operations based upon the equipment. Multiple vehicles can be used in a field at the same time. Furthermore, the invention includes the ability to move one or more of the autonomous vehicles from field to field, home to field, or from generally any first location to a second location.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2020Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Robert Blackwell, Rhett Schildroth, Michael J. Myers, Merlan J. Rolffs, Derrick Becker
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Patent number: 11224153Abstract: Agricultural planting implements, as well as other ground-engaging implements, can utilize supplemental force assemblies to provide up and/or down force at the row or rows of the implements. The force can be used to overcome changing field conditions, obstructions, as well as changing particulate amounts and weights carried by the rows of the implements, and the implement itself. The up force can be set at system pressure, or can include control valves at each of the row units to control the amount of up force provided. The down force can be controlled by control valves at each of the row units, and can be used to overcome the up pressure or provide a designated amount of down force to the row.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2018Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Scott W. Leimkuehler, Steve Nolte, Robert Blackwell, Matthew Wilhelmi, David Schulte, Paul Zinnel
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Patent number: 11212957Abstract: A planter includes a seed a delivery system for delivering seed from one or more hoppers to one or more row units of the planter. The seed delivery system includes a number of seed entrainers. The seed entrainers receive seed from the one or more hoppers. The seed is combined with a fluid, such as air, which moves the seed through the seed entrainer and towards one or more row units of the planter. The entrainer includes one or more outlets, with the outlets corresponding to different row units, and the outlets can be varied based upon the need of seed delivery for the planter.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2019Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Robert Blackwell, Dan Killpack, Dalton McDowell, Matthew Wilhelmi
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Patent number: 10888044Abstract: A lift and rotate style agricultural implement with forward folding wings is provided. The agricultural implement includes a center frame that may be operatively configured to be lifted and rotated approximately 90 degrees when switching between a field configuration and a transport configuration. Furthermore, the wings may include an inner portion and an outer portion, wherein the outer portion may be operatively configured to be rotated or pivoted approximately 180 degrees relative to the inner wing portion when switching between a field configuration and a transport configuration. The inner and outer wing portions may be connected by a hinge and the outer wing may be pivoted about the inner wing portion by a cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2018Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Jon E. Kinzenbaw, Robert Blackwell
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Patent number: 10813268Abstract: A system and apparatus for attaching ground engaging tools proximate to the pivot point of an agricultural implement is provided. The system includes a flex apparatus configured to be operatively attached proximate to the pivot point of an agricultural implement by a pin. The flex apparatus may be configured to rotate as the pivot point of the agricultural implement flexes. The flex apparatus may include tracks, slots, or the like, configured to dampen the rotation of the flex apparatus relative to the flex of the pivot point of the agricultural implement. The size, location and orientation of the tracks, slots, or the like, may be configured to provide varying amounts of rotation of the flex apparatus relative to the flex of the pivot point of the agricultural implement. Furthermore, the flex apparatus includes holes, slots, grooves, or the like, configured for attaching a ground engaging tool to the flex apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2018Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Robert Blackwell