Patents by Inventor Todd Swanson

Todd Swanson 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: 10963029
    Abstract: Systems and methods for power analysis of a hardware device design. In various examples, a target circuit can be defined within the hardware device design. The target circuit can include a plurality of digital circuit elements linking a plurality of input nodes with a plurality of output nodes. A solver can be used to search for a transition pattern that, when applied to the input nodes, causes a number of output nodes equal to a counter to transition from a first binary value to a second binary value. If a transition pattern cannot be found, the counter is decremented and a new transition pattern is searched for. Once a transition pattern is found, it is determined whether the transition pattern satisfies a constraint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Swanson, Nishith Desai, Thomas A. Volpe, Ron Diamant
  • Publication number: 20210059100
    Abstract: A system for controlling the speed of a seed-planting implement, the system having: a furrow closing assembly including at least one ground engaging component configured to rotate relative to soil within a field as the seed-planting implement is moved across the field, the furrow closing assembly configured to close a furrow formed in the soil by the seed-planting implement; a sensor configured to capture data indicative of an operational parameter of the furrow closing assembly; and an implement-based controller supported on the seed-planting implement and being communicatively coupled to the sensor, the implement-based controller being configured to initiate control of a drive parameter of a work vehicle configured to tow the seed-planting implement based on sensor data received from the sensor in a manner that adjusts the speed of the seed-planting implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Strnad, Jeremy Hodel, Dale Koch, Todd Swanson, Dillon Sloneker
  • Publication number: 20210053048
    Abstract: A rotary analysis apparatus and related methods are disclosed. The apparatus generally includes a rotary machine operable to rotate or spin a removable disk-type analytical cartridge. The cartridge includes a plurality of fluidly isolated processing trains for processing multiple samples simultaneously. Each process train includes an extractant mixing chamber, slurry filtration chamber, supernatant collection chamber, and reagent mixing chamber in fluid communication. In one use, soil sample slurry is prepared and added to the extractant mixing chamber. The slurry is mixed with an extractant by rotating the cartridge to separate out an analyte from the mixture. A sediment filter in the filtration chamber deliquifies and traps soil particles to produce clear supernatant. A color changing reagent or fluorescent agent may be mixed with the collected supernatant for subsequent colorimetric, fluorescent, turbidimetric, or other type of analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventors: Todd Swanson, Dale Koch, Adam Vaccari
  • Publication number: 20210051839
    Abstract: An agricultural implement system having: a row unit coupled to a tool bar of an agricultural implement; an opener system coupled to the row unit and configured to engage soil to form a trench; a soil condition sensor; a closing system, configured to close the trench created by the opener system, the closing system comprises: a first disk configured to engage the soil and close the trench; a second disk configured to engage the soil and close the trench; and a controller configured to couple to the soil condition sensor and control a position or orientation of the first disk or the second disk in response to feedback from the soil condition sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Strnad, Jeremy Hodel, Dale Koch, Todd Swanson, Dillon Sloneker
  • Publication number: 20210037695
    Abstract: An agricultural implement system having: a row unit coupled to a tool bar of an agricultural implement; an opener system coupled to a chassis of the row unit and configured to engage soil to form a trench; a downforce system configured to apply a downforce to the row unit to adjust a contact force between the row unit and the soil; a soil condition sensor configured to detect a condition of the soil and/or an operational sensor configured to detect operation of the agricultural implement system; a closing system, configured to close the trench created by the opener system; and a controller coupled to the soil condition sensor and/or the operational sensor, wherein the controller is configured to control the downforce system and the closing system in response to feedback from the soil condition sensor and/or the operational sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Strnad, Jeremy Hodel, Dale Koch, Todd Swanson, Dillon Sloneker
  • Publication number: 20210016286
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a cartridge includes at least one compartment and a reagent in the at least one compartment. The reagent is a chemical composition for testing at least one of soil and vegetation for a chemical contained in the soil or vegetation. The reagent can be used in a soil and/or vegetation analysis test. The cartridge can contain an authentication chip to ensure that the reagent is the correct reagent for the analysis test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: Todd Swanson, Dale Koch
  • Publication number: 20210007269
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for selection of crop-input varieties. Multiple varieties of seeds may be planted with a row unit seed hopper having a plurality of compartments for receiving seed, each compartment having a seed passage through which seeds pass under gravity. A seed transfer actuator is disposed within or below the row unit seed hopper and is in communication with each of the seed passages and is configured to selectively open the seed passage of one of the plurality of compartments to permit the seeds therein to pass into the seed pool of a seed meter while closing the seed passage of other of the plurality of compartments to prevent the seeds from the other plurality of compartments passing into the seed pool of the seed meter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Todd Swanson, Luke Stuber, Timothy A. Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20210003743
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and method for monitoring weather conditions and controlling field operations based on the weather conditions. In one embodiment, a system for monitoring weather conditions for field operations includes a plurality of weather devices for monitoring weather conditions of fields with at least at one weather device in proximity to each field being monitored and at least one weather device having an electronics module for determining weather data including precipitation data. The system also includes an agricultural computer system having at least one processing unit for executing instructions for monitoring weather conditions. The at least one processing unit is configured to execute instructions to receive weather data from the plurality of weather devices for monitoring weather conditions of fields, to process the weather data, and to generate data including precipitation rate for monitoring weather conditions and operations of the plurality of weather devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Inventors: Dale Koch, Todd Swanson, Justin Koch
  • Patent number: 10874042
    Abstract: A seed trench depth sensor is adapted to mount to an agricultural implement. The trench depth sensor comprises an elongate member which drags within the seed trench and a second part which detects the distance to the elongate member within the seed trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Michael Strnad, Jeremy Hodel, Dale Koch, Todd Swanson, Dillon Sloneker
  • Publication number: 20200396893
    Abstract: Described herein are implements that include a vehicle having a system for sensing or testing soil and/or vegetation as the vehicle traverses a field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: DALE KOCH, TODD SWANSON, KENT LEVY, ADAM VACCARI, JASON STOLLER
  • Publication number: 20200375085
    Abstract: A row unit downforce system including: a downforce actuator in operational communication with the row unit and constructed and arranged to apply supplemental downforce to the row unit and opening disks; a monitoring system comprising at least one furrow depth sensor constructed and arranged to generate furrow depth values; and a control system module, wherein the control system module is constructed and arranged to generate actuator command signals in response to the furrow depth values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Strnad, Jeremy Hodel, Dale Koch, Todd Swanson, Dillon Sloneker
  • Publication number: 20200359555
    Abstract: A seed delivery apparatus having a seed meter configured to entrain seeds on a seed disc and to release said entrained seeds at a seed release location; a seed conveyor having an upper end disposed to receive released seeds from said seed meter and a lower end through which the released seeds are discharged proximate a soil surface; and a loading wheel rotatably disposed at said upper end of said seed conveyor to introduce the released seeds from said seed meter into said seed conveyor, wherein said loading wheel has a plurality of radial fingers with each of said radial fingers having a sinusoidal configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Ian Radtke, Todd Swanson
  • Publication number: 20200359559
    Abstract: A system for sensing characteristics of a trench in a soil surface during planting operations. A trench opening assembly opens a trench in the soil surface as the trench opening assembly moves in a forward direction of travel. A trench closing assembly disposed rearward of the trench opening assembly closes the opened trench with soil. One or more sensors may be disposed on an appurtenance disposed in said trench configured to provide characteristics of an area of the open trench or an area of the trench closed with soil by the trench closing assembly or a sensor may be disposed outside of said trench configured to provide characteristics of an area of the trench closed with soil or a combination of the sensors may be disposed in the trench and outside of the trench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Dale Koch, JASON STOLLER, TODD SWANSON, Michael Strnad, Matthew Morgan, IAN RADTKE, Timothy Kater, Jeremy Hodel
  • Patent number: 10820485
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for selection of crop-input varieties. In one embodiment multiple varieties of seeds may be planted utilizing a row unit seed hopper having a plurality of compartments for receiving seed, each compartment having a seed passage through which seeds pass under gravity. A seed transfer actuator is disposed within or below the row unit seed hopper and is in communication with each of the seed passages and is configured to selectively open the seed passage of one of the plurality of compartments thereby permitting the seeds therein to pass into the seed pool of a seed meter while closing the seed passage of other of the plurality of compartments preventing the seeds from the other plurality of compartments passing into the seed pool of the seed meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Todd Swanson, Luke Stuber, Timothy A. Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20200337203
    Abstract: An agricultural planting system for controlling the depth of an opener device comprising: an agricultural planter; an opener device mounted on the agricultural planter for engaging the ground of a field; a gauge wheel mounted on the agricultural planter for rotating on the ground of the field; a GPS device coupled to the agricultural planter, the GPS device configured to determine a location of the agricultural planter in the field; and a controller in electrical communication with the agricultural planter and the GPS device, the controller having predetermined settings associated with a map of the field, the controller being configured to select a relative elevation of the opener device and the gauge wheel based at least in part on the location determined by the GPS device, and produce, based on the location, a signal for adjusting the depth of engagement into the ground of the opener device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Jason Stoller, Todd Swanson
  • Publication number: 20200296877
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for adjusting the depth of a trench opened by a row unit of an agricultural planter. The row unit includes a trench depth adjustment assembly configured to modify the furrow depth. In one embodiment, the depth adjustment assembly may include a gear box having one or more gears which engage with a gear rack. The gear box may be pivotally connected to a depth adjustment body supporting a rocker that adjusts upward travel of gauge wheel arms. In another embodiment, the depth adjustment assembly may include a depth adjustment arm having a screw receiver that cooperates with a driven screw that adjusts the position of the depth adjustment arm acting on the gauge wheels to adjust trench depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: Dillon Sloneker, Todd Swanson, Dale Koch
  • Patent number: 10768340
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and method for monitoring weather conditions and controlling field operations based on the weather conditions. In one embodiment, a system for monitoring weather conditions for field operations includes a plurality of weather devices for monitoring weather conditions of fields with at least at one weather device in proximity to each field being monitored and at least one weather device having an electronics module for determining weather data including precipitation data. The system also includes an agricultural computer system having at least one processing unit for executing instructions for monitoring weather conditions. The at least one processing unit is configured to execute instructions to receive weather data from the plurality of weather devices for monitoring weather conditions of fields, to process the weather data, and to generate data including precipitation rate for monitoring weather conditions and operations of the plurality of weather devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: THE CLIMATE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dale Koch, Todd Swanson, Justin Koch
  • Patent number: 10768331
    Abstract: A soil imaging system having a work layer sensor disposed on an agricultural implement to generate an electromagnetic field through a soil area of interest as the agricultural implement traverses a field. A monitor in communication with the work layer sensor is adapted to generate a work layer image of the soil layer of interest based on the generated electromagnetic field. The work layer sensor may also generate a reference image by generating an electromagnetic field through undisturbed soil. The monitor may compare at least one characteristic of the reference image with at least one characteristic of the work layer image to generate a characterized image of the work layer of interest. The monitor may display operator feedback and may affect operational control of the agricultural implement based on the characterized image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: The Climate Corporation
    Inventors: Dale Koch, Dexter Travis, Todd Swanson, Dillon Sloneker
  • Patent number: 10765057
    Abstract: A seed delivery apparatus and methods in which a seed conveyor delivers seed from a metering device to a trench in a controlled manner to maintain seed placement accuracy within the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Ian Radtke, Todd Swanson
  • Patent number: 10743455
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for adjusting the depth of a trench opened by a row unit of an agricultural planter. The row unit includes a trench depth adjustment assembly configured to modify the furrow depth. In one embodiment, the depth adjustment assembly may include a gear box having one or more gears which engage with a gear rack. The gear box may be pivotally connected to a depth adjustment body supporting a rocker that adjusts upward travel of gauge wheel arms. In another embodiment, the depth adjustment assembly may include a depth adjustment arm having a screw receiver that cooperates with a driven screw that adjusts the position of the depth adjustment arm acting on the gauge wheels to adjust trench depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Dillon Sloneker, Todd Swanson, Dale Koch