Patents by Inventor Ronald Zeelen

Ronald Zeelen 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: 20240245005
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for separating crop parts from crop (11), the device comprising a carrier (10) with gripping and cutting means (100). The gripping means comprise rotatable elements disposed opposite one another, between which a passage (P) is delimited for receiving the crop part. The rotatable elements comprise a pair of elongated rotors (3a, 3b) parallel to one another. Each rotor is provided with a screw profile (39) along its length and is coupled at a first longitudinal end (31) to a drive (27) for rotating the rotors when in operation. A capturing opening in the direction parallel to the rotation axes (A1, A2) at a second end (32) of the rotors. The screw profiles comprise a capturing zone portion (37) and a cutting zone portion (35). The cutting means (9) are arranged stationary adjacent to the cutting zone portion (35).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2022
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Inventors: Ronald ZEELEN, Edwin Bastiaan LORSHEIJD
  • Patent number: 8666552
    Abstract: Method and device for the removal of a part of a crop, such as a leaf (14). To this end, the crop is approached from a low position with vision techniques and the stem (12) and the parts protruding therefrom are observed from beneath. Based upon the number of images observed, an arm is controlled and moved towards the relevant stalk (13). This movement is primarily parallel to the stalk and is performed from a low proximity position. When the stalk (13) is approached, the stalk (13) is positioned within an opening between two rotating parts (3). The stalk is grasped by way of rotation and the stalk is moved in respect of the arm so that the cutting point of the stalk is manipulated towards the arm. The stalk (13) is subsequently cut through and the leaf is disposed of.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald Zeelen
  • Patent number: 8641495
    Abstract: Device and method for the separation of a part of a crop. The crop part is gripped with the use of a construction including the separation elements, such as cutting blades. The gripping of the crop part is performed with the use of two rollers between which the crop part is received. The crop part is subsequently gripped between the rollers and this construction moves along the crop part to an optimal position for the separation of the crop part from the rest of the crop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Prigrow Tomation B.V.
    Inventors: Job Leonardus Kneppers, Richard Patrick Versluijs, Robert Alexander Schouten, Ronald Zeelen
  • Publication number: 20110053670
    Abstract: Device and method for the separation of a part of a crop. The crop part is gripped with the use of a construction including the separation elements, such as cutting blades. The gripping of the crop part is performed with the use of two rollers between which the crop part is received. The crop part is subsequently gripped between the rollers and this construction moves along the crop part to an optimal position for the separation of the crop part from the rest of the crop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: PRIGROW TOMATION B.V.
    Inventors: Job Leonardus Kneppers, Richard Patrick Versluijs, Robert Alexander Schouten, Ronald Zeelen
  • Publication number: 20110046785
    Abstract: Method and device for the removal of a part of a crop, such as a leaf (14). To this end, the crop is approached from a low position with vision techniques and the stem (12) and the parts protruding therefrom are observed from beneath. Based upon the number of images observed, an arm is controlled and moved towards the relevant stalk (13). This movement is primarily parallel to the stalk and is performed from a low proximity position. When the stalk (13) is approached, the stalk (13) is positioned within an opening between two rotating parts (3). The stalk is grasped by way of rotation and the stalk is moved in respect of the arm so that the cutting point of the stalk is manipulated towards the arm. The stalk (13) is subsequently cut through and the leaf is disposed of.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Ronald Zeelen
  • Publication number: 20100215222
    Abstract: Method and system for removing undesired plant parts (9). A first cap (7) and means (13) are provided for lowering that cap over the supposed plant parts location, pushing downwards any leafs (8) etc. Around the supposed plant parts location. Means (15) are provided for making at least one image of the supposed plant parts location from several sides through the cap. Processing means (3) process the image(s) of the supposed plant parts location and localize any plant part to be removed. Means (16) are provided for excising any plant part through the first cap under control of said processing means (3). A second cap (14) may be provided extending outside and arranged co-movable with the first cap (7). The means for making at least one image of the supposed plant parts location and the means for excising any plant part to be removed reside inside the gap between the first cap and the second cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast- natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Ronald Zeelen, Erwin John van Zwet
  • Publication number: 20100061595
    Abstract: The location of objects in a building is recorded in the inventory management system. The objects are moved through the building with a vehicle. The vehicle transmits wireless messages indicating actions of the vehicle, such as loading or unloading of objects. A camera captures images of an area in which the vehicle moves. Positions of the vehicle are automatically detected from the captured images. The information about locations of objects is updated using the detected positions at time points indicated by the messages. In an embodiment the actions of the vehicle are signalled with light signals and picked up via the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: NEDERLANDSE ORGANISATIE VOOR TOEGEPASTNATUURWETENS
    Inventors: Jan Baan, Ronald Zeelen