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).

  • CROP INPUT VARIETY SELECTION SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20200245530
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for selecting an agricultural input. First and second seed meters selectively meter seed from first and second sources, respectively, into a common planting trench. In some embodiments, the seed meters are selectively operated by electric motors controlled with reference to a seed type prescription.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Inventors: Dale Koch, Todd Swanson
  • AGRICULTURAL TRENCH DEPTH SENSING SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20200232792
    Abstract: An agricultural trench depth sensing system having a trench implement adapted to be disposed in a soil trench opened in a soil surface. In one embodiment an ultrasonic sensor detects a distance to an upper surface of said trench implement or a target disposed thereon. In another embodiment, said trench implement includes one or more fingers which rotate with respect to said trench implement to detect the soil surface relative to said trench implement. In another embodiment, said trench implement includes side sensors for detecting the sidewall of the soil trench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: Todd SWANSON, Dale KOCH, Adam VACCARI, Dexter TRAVIS, Reid HARMAN, Michael STRNAD, Jeremy HODEL
  • Agricultural trench depth systems, methods, and apparatus
    Patent number: 10701853
    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. A first depth adjustment sub-assembly is configured to select one of a plurality of pre-selected furrow depths. A second adjustment sub-assembly is configured to modify at least one of a plurality of the pre-selected furrow depths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Todd Swanson, Chad Plattner, Jason Stoller, Dale Koch, Dillon Sloneker
  • Agricultural implements for soil and vegetation analysis
    Patent number: 10701856
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: The Climate Corporation
    Inventors: Dale Koch, Todd Swanson, Kent Levy, Adam Vaccari, Jason Stoller
  • Agricultural input selection systems, methods and apparatus
    Patent number: 10694659
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for selecting an agricultural input. First and second inputs are in communication with a seed meter. A selection apparatus constrains the seed meter to deposit only one of the input sources such that the seed meter alternates between depositing the first and second inputs. Processing circuitry controls the selection apparatus to alternate between the first and second inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Derek Sauder, Todd Swanson, Troy Plattner
  • Crop input variety selection systems, methods, and apparatus
    Patent number: 10667460
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for selecting an agricultural input include first and second seed meters, which selectively meter seed from first and second sources, respectively, into a common planting trench. In some embodiments, the seed meters are selectively operated by electric motors controlled with reference to a seed type prescription. In some embodiments, the first and second seed meters deposit seeds along a common plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Dale Koch, Todd Swanson
  • SEED INJECTOR
    Publication number: 20200128724
    Abstract: A seed unit for placing seeds into soil is described herein. A seed unit includes a seed meter for singulating seeds, a shaft to deliver the seeds into soil during operation, and an actuator coupled to the shaft. The actuator moves the shaft during operation and the shaft delivers seeds into the soil without a continuous seed trench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Jason Stoller, Todd SWANSON, Jeremy HODEL, Kent Levy, Ian Radtke
  • SEED TRENCH DEPTH DETECTION SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20200068783
    Abstract: A seed trench depth sensor is adapted to mount to an agricultural implement. The trench depth sensor determining the difference between a distance measured to a bottom of the seed trench by a first sensor and a distance measured to a surface of the soil by a second sensor disposed rearward of the first sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Strnad, Jeremy Hodel, Dale Koch, Todd Swanson, Dillon Sloneker
  • Flow divider
    Patent number: 10578221
    Abstract: Described herein is a flow divider that has two chambers defined by two diaphragms and a spool disposed through the diaphragms. The spool has two tapered nozzles that extend into outlets from each chamber. Within the spool are orifices for providing fluid communication from an inlet to each chamber and dividing the flow. The flow divider generally maintains consistent flow to each outlet even when there is downstream backpressure by being able to move away from the outlet with the increased pressure to further drive the opposite nozzle into the other outlet to reduce the flow at the other outlet to balance the pressure at each outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Chris Roseman, Jason Stoller, Todd Swanson, Ian Radtke
  • SEED FIRMER
    Publication number: 20200015411
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a seed firmer having a resilient portion and a firming portion that are molded together into a unitary part with each portion being a different material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventors: Brian MCMAHON, Todd SWANSON, Michael STRNAD
  • Integrated implement downforce control systems, methods, and apparatus
    Patent number: 10443631
    Abstract: A downforce controller for an agricultural implement having a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder is configured to be coupled to an agricultural row unit and an agricultural toolbar for transmitting a net downforce between the agricultural toolbar and the agricultural row unit. A first pressure in the first chamber of the cylinder and a second pressure in the second chamber of the cylinder having counteracting effects on the net downforce. A manifold coupled to the cylinder is in fluid communication with the first chamber. A pressure control valve supported by the manifold is in fluid communication with the manifold and the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Jason Stoller, Kent Levy, Todd Swanson
  • SYSTEMS, IMPLEMENTS, AND METHODS FOR SEED ORIENTATION WITHIN AGRICULTURAL FIELDS USING A SEED FIRMER
    Publication number: 20190289778
    Abstract: Described herein are systems, implements, and methods for seed orientation during planting operations of agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, a seed firmer includes a base support to be positioned in operation in proximity to a trench for planting seed in the trench, a vision system coupled to the base support in operation to determine seed orientation data for a first seed in a pre-orientation position, and an actuator coupled to the base support. The actuator adjusts an orientation of a second seed to a desired seed orientation within the trench if desired based on the pre-orientation data for the first seed in the pre-orientation position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Applicant: PRECISION PLANTING LLC
    Inventors: Dale KOCH, Jeremy HODEL, Todd SWANSON, Ian RADTKE
  • SYSTEMS, IMPLEMENTS, AND METHODS FOR PASSIVE SEED ORIENTATION WITHIN AGRICULTURAL FIELDS
    Publication number: 20190289779
    Abstract: Described herein are systems, implements, and methods for seed orientation during planting operations of agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, a seed firmer includes a base support to be positioned in operation in proximity to a trench for planting seed in the trench and a lower member integrated with the base support or coupled to the base support. The lower member includes a non-planar ground contacting lower surface to adjust an orientation of the seed to a desired seed orientation within the trench and to position the seed within the trench at a desired depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Applicant: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Dale KOCH, Jeremy HODEL, Todd SWANSON, Ian RADTKE
  • SYSTEMS, IMPLEMENTS, AND METHODS FOR SEED ORIENTATION WITH ADJUSTABLE SINGULATORS DURING PLANTING
    Publication number: 20190230846
    Abstract: Described herein are systems, implements, and methods for seed orientation during planting operations of agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, a system for seed orientation includes a seed disk capable of rotation in operation and having at least one singulator to adjust an orientation of seed to a desired seed orientation for placement within a furrow during planting. A vision system in proximity to the seed disk determines seed orientation data for seed on the seed disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Applicant: PRECISION PLANTING LLC
    Inventors: Dale KOCH, Jeremy HODEL, Todd SWANSON, Ian RADTKE
  • SYSTEMS, IMPLEMENTS, AND METHODS FOR SEED ORIENTATION WITHIN AGRICULTURAL FIELDS
    Publication number: 20190223372
    Abstract: Described herein are systems, implements, and methods for seed orientation during planting operations of agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, a system for seed orientation includes a vision system positioned in proximity to a seed disk. The vision system determines seed orientation data for seed on the seed disk. A seed belt receives seed from the seed disk and the seed belt adjusts an orientation of the seed from the seed disk to a desired seed orientation with a furrow during planting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Applicant: PRECISION PLANTING LLC
    Inventors: Dale KOCH, Jeremy HODEL, Todd SWANSON, Ian RADTKE
  • Integrated implement downforce control systems, methods, and apparatus
    Patent number: 10359062
    Abstract: A downforce controller for an agricultural implement having a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder is configured to be coupled to an agricultural row unit and an agricultural toolbar for transmitting a net downforce between the agricultural toolbar and the agricultural row unit. A first pressure in a first chamber of the cylinder and a second pressure in a second chamber of the cylinder have counteracting effects on the net downforce. A manifold coupled to the cylinder is in fluid communication with the first chamber. A pressure control valve coupled to the manifold is in fluid communication with the manifold and the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Jason Stoller, Kent Levy, Todd Swanson
  • AGRICULTURAL INPUT PLACEMENT SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20190159398
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for modifying a position of crop input application. In some embodiments, a positioning control actuator modifies a position of liquid application relative to a seed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Inventors: Justin McMenamy, Dale Koch, Todd Swanson, Ben Schlipf
  • SEED TRENCH DEPTH DETECTION SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20190075710
    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: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Strnad, Jeremy Hodel, Dale Koch, Todd Swanson, Dillon Sloneker
  • Agricultural trench depth systems, methods, and apparatus
    Publication number: 20190014714
    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. A first depth adjustment sub-assembly is configured to select one of a plurality of pre-selected furrow depths. A second adjustment sub-assembly is configured to modify at least one of a plurality of the pre-selected furrow depths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Todd Swanson, Chad Plattner, Jason Stoller, Dale Koch, Dillon Sloneker
  • Agricultural trench depth systems, methods, and apparatus
    Publication number: 20190000004
    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: August 20, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Dillon Sloneker, Todd Swanson, Dale Koch