Patents by Inventor Steven Michael Becker

Steven Michael Becker 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: 20140054184
    Abstract: A seed handling tool includes a handle connected to a working body. The working body includes a working surface, which further includes a plurality of seed retention points. A seed retention source is provided to allow the seed handling tool to pick up and retain seeds at the seed retention points. In some embodiments, the seeds may also be released from the seed retention points. A method for retaining a plurality of seeds by the seed handling tool includes moving the seed handling tool to a position where the working surface is adjacent to a plurality of seeds, and picking up and retaining seeds at a plurality of seed retention points fixed at the working surface. In some embodiments, the method may also include releasing the plurality of seeds from the seed retention points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Pioneer Hi Bred International Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Michael Becker, Bruce E. Cadwell, Jason Michael Cope, Gary L. Jaehnel, David Dallinger Kurth
  • Patent number: 8286387
    Abstract: An apparatuses, methods and systems for creating, handling and collecting seed portions are highly beneficial. The apparatus includes a carrier having one or more carrying positions adapted to carry a seed. The carrying positions having a seed orienter adapted to orient the seed relative to the carrying position in the carrier for creating seed portions therefrom. The method includes taking a carrier having one or more carrying positions, orienting a seed relative to the carrying position in the carrier, ablating the seed with a seed ablation device, and communicating seed portions through a manifold into a compartment layer. The system includes a seed manifold adapted to dock thereon a seed carrier having pre-positioned and pre-oriented seed therein. Seed and seed portions removed from the seed in the carrier are communicated into a collector and compartment layer respectively using the seed manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Michael Becker, Jason Cope, David Kurth, Joshua L. Mongan, Bruce E. Cadwell
  • Patent number: 8221968
    Abstract: An apparatuses, methods and systems for creating, handling and collecting seed portions are highly beneficial. The apparatus includes a carrier having one or more carrying positions adapted to carry a seed. The carrying positions having a seed orienter adapted to orient the seed relative to the carrying position in the carrier for creating seed portions therefrom. The method includes taking a carrier having one or more carrying positions, orienting a seed relative to the carrying position in the carrier, ablating the seed with a seed ablation device, and communicating seed portions through a manifold into a compartment layer. The system includes a seed manifold adapted to dock thereon a seed carrier having pre-positioned and pre-oriented seed therein. Seed and seed portions removed from the seed in the carrier are communicated into a collector and compartment layer respectively using the seed manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Michael Becker, Jason Cope, David Kurth, Joshua L Mongan
  • Publication number: 20120073416
    Abstract: An apparatuses, methods and systems for creating, handling and collecting seed portions are highly beneficial. The apparatus includes a carrier having one or more carrying positions adapted to carry a seed. The carrying positions having a seed orienter adapted to orient the seed relative to the carrying position in the carrier for creating seed portions therefrom. The method includes taking a carrier having one or more carrying positions, orienting a seed relative to the carrying position in the carrier, ablating the seed with a seed ablation device, and communicating seed portions through a manifold into a compartment layer. The system includes a seed manifold adapted to dock thereon a seed carrier having pre-positioned and pre-oriented seed therein. Seed and seed portions removed from the seed in the carrier are communicated into a collector and compartment layer respectively using the seed manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Steven Michael Becker, Jason Cope, David Kurth, Joshua L. Mongan
  • Publication number: 20090155878
    Abstract: An apparatuses, methods and systems for creating, handling and collecting seed portions are highly beneficial. The apparatus includes a carrier having one or more carrying positions adapted to carry a seed. The carrying positions having a seed orienter adapted to orient the seed relative to the carrying position in the carrier for creating seed portions therefrom. The method includes taking a carrier having one or more carrying positions, orienting a seed relative to the carrying position in the carrier, ablating the seed with a seed ablation device, and communicating seed portions through a manifold into a compartment layer. The system includes a seed manifold adapted to dock thereon a seed carrier having pre-positioned and pre-oriented seed therein. Seed and seed portions removed from the seed in the carrier are communicated into a collector and compartment layer respectively using the seed manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: STEVEN MICHAEL BECKER, JASON COPE, DAVID KURTH, JOSHUA L. MONGAN