Patents by Inventor Sam Eathington

Sam Eathington 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).

  • Patent number: 9003696
    Abstract: A seed sampling system is provided having an automated seed loading assembly including a seed bin and being operable to singulate seeds from a plurality of seeds within the seed bin. The system also includes an automated seed sampling assembly operable to remove tissue samples from the singulated seeds, and an automated seed transport assembly operable to transfer the singulated seeds from the seed loading assembly to the seed sampling assembly. The seed transport assembly includes multiple retention members. Each of the retention members is movable relative to the seed loading assembly and to the seed sampling assembly. The seed transport assembly is operable to position one of the multiple retention members adjacent to the seed loading assembly for engaging one of the singulated seeds, while positioning another of the retention members adjacent to the seed sampling assembly for presenting another of the singulated seeds to the seed sampling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Kevin L. Deppermann, Michael W. Petersen, Allen N. Ondes, David W. Finley, William M. Fischer, John M. Jensen, David Butruille, Stanton Dotson, Sam Eathington, Heather M. Forbes, Bruce Schnicker, John Tamulonis
  • Patent number: 8959833
    Abstract: The present invention provides for novel methods to facilitate germplasm improvement activities through the use of high throughput, nondestructive sampling of seeds. A method of evaluating seeds for a desired trait, for example, for facilitating germplasm improvement activities, etc., generally includes removing tissue samples from individual seeds using an automated seed sampler without affecting germination viability of the seeds, analyzing the tissue samples for one or more characteristics indicative of a desired trait, and selecting the sampled seeds that include the desired trait.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Kevin L. Deppermann, Michael W. Petersen, David Butruille, Stanton Dotson, Sam Eathington, Heather Forbes, Bruce Schnicker, John Tamulonis
  • Publication number: 20140255922
    Abstract: Polymorphic cotton DNA loci useful for genotyping between at least two varieties of cotton. Sequences of the loci are useful for providing the basis for designing primers and probe oligonucleotides for detecting polymorphisms in cotton DNA. Polymorphisms are useful for genotyping applications in cotton. The polymorphic markers are useful to establish marker/trait associations, e.g. in linkage disequilibrium mapping and association studies, positional cloning and transgenic applications, marker-aided breeding and marker-assisted selection, hybrid prediction and identity by descent studies. The polymorphic markers are also useful in mapping libraries of DNA clones, e.g. for cotton QTLs and genes linked to polymorphisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Kunsheng Wu, John LeDeaux, David Butruille, Anju Gupta, Richard Johnson, Sam Eathington, Jason Bull, Marlin Edwards, Jinhua Xiao, Shaolin Liu, Paul McLaird
  • Publication number: 20140259221
    Abstract: The present invention provides breeding methods and compositions to enhance the germplasm of a plant. The methods describe the identification and accumulation of transgenes and favorable haplotype genomic regions in the germplasm of a breeding population of crop plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Jason Bull, David Butruille, Sam Eathington, Marlin Edwards, Anju Gupta, Richard Johnson, Wayne Kennard, Jennifer Rinehart, Kunsheng Wu
  • Patent number: 8754289
    Abstract: The present invention provides breeding methods and compositions to enhance the germplasm of a plant. The methods describe the identification and accumulation of transgenes and favorable haplotype genomic regions in the germplasm of a breeding population of crop plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Jason Bull, David Butruille, Sam Eathington, Marlin Edwards, Anju Gupta, Richard Johnson, Wayne Kennard, Jennifer Rinehart, Kunsheng Wu
  • Publication number: 20140038845
    Abstract: Polymorphic corn DNA loci useful for genotyping between at least two varieties of corn. Sequences of the loci are useful for providing the basis for designing primers and probe oligonucleotides for detecting polymorphisms in maize DNA. Polymorphisms are useful for genotyping applications in corn. The polymorphic markers are useful to establish marker/trait associations, e.g. in linkage disequilibrium mapping and association studies, positional cloning and transgenic applications, marker-aided breeding and marker-assisted selection, hybrid prediction and identity by descent studies. The polymorphic markers are also useful in mapping libraries of DNA clones, e.g. for corn QTLs and genes linked to polymorphisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: KUNSHENG WU, JOHN LEDEAUX, DAVID BUTRUILLE, ANJU GUPTA, RICHARD JOHNSON, SAM EATHINGTON, JASON BULL, MARLIN EDWARDS
  • Publication number: 20130276173
    Abstract: The present invention relates to breeding methods to enhance the germplasm of a plant. The methods describe the identification and accumulation of preferred haplotype genomic regions in the germplasm of breeding populations of maize (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max). The invention also relates to maize and soybean plants comprising preferred haplotypes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Jason BULL, David BUTRUILLE, Sam EATHINGTON, Marlin EDWARDS, Anju GUPTA, G. Richard JOHNSON, Robert S. REITER
  • Publication number: 20130123113
    Abstract: The present invention provides breeding methods and compositions to enhance the germplasm of a plant by the use of direct nucleic acid sequence information. The methods describe the identification and accumulation of preferred nucleic acid sequences in the germplasm of a breeding population of plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Nengbing Tao, Zoe McCuddin, Stanton Dotson, Fenggao Dong, Frederic Achard, Sam Eathington
  • Patent number: 8312672
    Abstract: The present invention provides for novel methods to facilitate germplasm improvement activities through the use of high throughput, nondestructive sampling of seeds. A method for analyzing a population of haploid seeds generally includes providing a population of seeds comprising haploid seeds, removing tissue samples from a plurality of the seeds in the population using an automated seed sampler system while preserving the germination viability of the sampled seeds, and analyzing the tissue samples for the presence or absence of one or more characteristics indicative of at least one genetic or chemical trait.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Kevin L. Deppermann, Michael W. Petersen, David Butruille, Stanton Dotson, Sam Eathington, Heather Forbes, Bruce Schnicker, John Tamulonis
  • Publication number: 20120117865
    Abstract: A seed sampling system is provided having an automated seed loading assembly including a seed bin and being operable to singulate seeds from a plurality of seeds within the seed bin. The system also includes an automated seed sampling assembly operable to remove tissue samples from the singulated seeds, and an automated seed transport assembly operable to transfer the singulated seeds from the seed loading assembly to the seed sampling assembly. The seed transport assembly includes multiple retention members. Each of the retention members is movable relative to the seed loading assembly and to the seed sampling assembly. The seed transport assembly is operable to position one of the multiple retention members adjacent to the seed loading assembly for engaging one of the singulated seeds, while positioning another of the retention members adjacent to the seed sampling assembly for presenting another of the singulated seeds to the seed sampling assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Kevin L. Deppermann, Michael W. Petersen, Allen N. Ondes, David W. Finley, William M. Fischer, John M. Jensen, David Butruille, Stanton Dotson, Sam Eathington, Heather M. Forbes, Bruce Schnicker, John Tamulonis
  • Publication number: 20120060233
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and compositions for the identification and selection of loci modulating transgene performance and expression in plant breeding. In addition, methods are provided for screening germplasm entries for the performance and expression of at least one transgene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Wayne Kennard, Arnold Rosielle, David Butruille, Sam Eathington, Kevin Cook, Trevor Hohls
  • Publication number: 20110217700
    Abstract: The present invention provides for novel methods to facilitate germplasm improvement activities through the use of high throughput, nondestructive sampling of seeds. A method for analyzing a population of haploid seeds generally includes providing a population of seeds comprising haploid seeds, removing tissue samples from a plurality of the seeds in the population using an automated seed sampler system while preserving the germination viability of the sampled seeds, and analyzing the tissue samples for the presence or absence of one or more characteristics indicative of at least one genetic or chemical trait.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Kevin L. Deppermann, Michael W. Petersen, David Butruille, Stanton Dotson, Sam Eathington, Heather Forbes, Bruce Schnicker, John Tamulonis
  • Patent number: 7941969
    Abstract: The present invention provides for novel methods to facilitate germplasm improvement activities through the use of high throughput, nondestructive sampling of seeds. A method for analyzing a population of haploid seeds generally includes providing a population of seeds comprising haploid seeds, removing tissue samples from a plurality of the seeds in the population using an automated seed sampler system while preserving the germination viability of the sampled seeds, and analyzing the tissue samples for the presence or absence of one or more characteristics indicative of at least one genetic or chemical trait.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Kevin L. Deppermann, Michael W. Petersen, David Butruille, Stanton Dotson, Sam Eathington, Heather Forbes, Bruce Schnicker, John Tamulonis
  • Publication number: 20110105347
    Abstract: Polymorphic corn DNA loci useful for genotyping between at least two varieties of corn. Sequences of the loci are useful for providing the basis for designing primers and probe oligonucleotides for detecting polymorphisms in maize DNA. Polymorphisms are useful for genotyping applications in corn. The polymorphic markers are useful to establish marker/trait associations, e.g. in linkage disequilibrium mapping and association studies, positional cloning and transgenic applications, marker-aided breeding and marker-assisted selection, hybrid prediction and identity by descent studies. The polymorphic markers are also useful in mapping libraries of DNA clones, e.g. for corn QTLs and genes linked to polymorphisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Kunsheng Wu, John LeDeaux, David Butruille, Anju Gupta, Richard Johnson, Sam Eathington, Jason Bull, Marlin Edwards
  • Publication number: 20110010102
    Abstract: The present invention provides breeding methods and compositions to enhance the germplasm of a plant by the use of direct nucleic acid sequence information. The methods describe the identification and accumulation of preferred nucleic acid sequences in the germplasm of a breeding population of plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Nengbing Tao, Zoe McCuddin, Stanton Dotson, Sam Eathington, Frederic Achard, Fenggao Dong
  • Publication number: 20110008793
    Abstract: Polymorphic maize DNA loci useful for genotyping between at least two varieties of maize. Sequences of the loci are useful for designing primers and probe oligonucleotides for detecting polymorphisms in maize DNA. Polymorphisms are useful for genotyping applications in maize. The polymorphic markers are useful to establish marker/trait associations, e.g. in linkage disequilibrium mapping and association studies, positional cloning and transgenic applications, marker-aided breeding and marker-assisted selection, hybrid prediction and identity by descent studies. The polymorphic markers are also useful in mapping libraries of DNA clones, e.g. for maize QTLs and genes linked to polymorphisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: David Butruille, Cathy Laurie, Anju Gupta, Dick Johnson, Sam Eathington, Jason Bull, Marlin Edwards
  • Publication number: 20100275286
    Abstract: Polymorphic soybean DNA loci useful for genotyping between at least two varieties of soybean. Sequences of the loci are useful for providing the basis for designing primers and probe oligonucleotides for detecting polymorphisms in soybean DNA. Polymorphisms are useful for genotyping applications in soybean. The polymorphic markers are useful to establish marker/trait associations, e.g. in linkage disequilibrium mapping and association studies, positional cloning and transgenic applications, marker-aided breeding and marker-assisted selection, hybrid prediction and identity by descent studies. The polymorphic markers are also useful in mapping libraries of DNA clones, e.g. for soybean QTLs and genes linked to polymorphisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Kunsheng Wu, John LeDeaux, David Butruille, Anju Gupta, Richard Johnson, Sam Eathington, Jason Bull, Marlin Edwards, Paul McLaird
  • Publication number: 20100263087
    Abstract: The present invention provides for novel methods to facilitate germplasm improvement activities through the use of high throughput, nondestructive sampling of seeds. A method for analyzing a population of haploid seeds generally includes providing a population of seeds comprising haploid seeds, removing tissue samples from a plurality of the seeds in the population using an automated seed sampler system while preserving the germination viability of the sampled seeds, and analyzing the tissue samples for the presence or absence of one or more characteristics indicative of at least one genetic or chemical trait.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Deppermann, Michael W. Petersen, David Butruille, Stanton Dotson, Sam Eathington, Heather Forbes, Bruce Schnicker, John Tamulonis
  • Publication number: 20100240061
    Abstract: Polymorphic soybean DNA loci useful for genotyping between at least two varieties of soybean. Sequences of the loci are useful for designing primers and probe oligonucleotides for detecting polymorphisms in soybean DNA. Polymorphisms are useful for genotyping applications in soybean. The polymorphic markers are useful to establish marker/trait associations, e.g. in linkage disequilibrium mapping and association studies, positional cloning and transgenic applications, marker-aided breeding and marker-assisted selection, and identity by descent studies. The polymorphic markers are also useful in mapping libraries of DNA clones, e.g. for soybean QTLs and genes linked to polymorphisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: David Butruille, Kunsheng Wu, Anju Gupta, Dick Johnson, Sam Eathington, Jason Bull, Marlin Edwards
  • Publication number: 20100223293
    Abstract: Polymorphic corn DNA loci useful for genotyping between at least two varieties of corn. Sequences of the loci are useful for designing primers and probe oligonucleotides for detecting polymorphisms in corn DNA. Polymorphisms are useful for genotyping applications in corn. The polymorphic markers are useful to establish marker/trait associations, e.g. in linkage disequilibrium mapping and association studies, positional cloning and transgenic applications, marker-aided breeding and marker-assisted selection, and identity by descent studies. The polymorphic markers are also useful in mapping libraries of DNA clones, e.g. for corn QTLs and genes linked to polymorphisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: David Butruille, Kunsheng Wu, Anju Gupta, Dick Johnson, Sam Eathington, Jason Bull, Marlin Edwards