Patents by Inventor W. Scott Monfort

W. Scott Monfort 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: 9968027
    Abstract: Methods and devices for automated adjustment of a digging implement during harvest of underground crops are described. Utilizing the devices, a digging implement, e.g., a blade, can be located and maintained at a desired depth as a harvester travels across a field. During use, the digging implement depth controls can be varied as the harvester travels within a single field under different operating conditions, e.g., different soil friability, consistency, etc., thereby preventing crop loss and improving crop yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventors: Kendall R. Kirk, J. Warren White, Joel S. Peele, W. Scott Monfort, Hunter F. Massey, James S. Thomas, Stanley A. Brantley, Andrew C. Warner
  • Patent number: 9958301
    Abstract: Yield monitoring systems for harvesting machines and methods that can provide yield monitoring of crops are described. Machines include those that pneumatically convey crop through the machine such as peanut harvesting machines. The yield monitoring system includes a force sensor that can be located in conjunction with a duct of the harvesting machine such that impact of the crop materials on an impact plate within the duct will be registered by the force sensor. This registration can be used to determine a mass flow rate for the crop, which can be correlated to yield of the crop. The systems can include additional components such as optical monitors, moisture sensors, and pressure sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventors: Kendall R. Kirk, J. Warren White, W. Scott Monfort, Hunter F. Massey, D. Hollens Free, Stanley A. Brantley, Joel S. Peele, Jacob B. Fravel, William G. Henderson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20170013773
    Abstract: Methods and devices for automated adjustment of a digging implement during harvest of underground crops are described. Utilizing the devices, a digging implement, e.g., a blade, can be located and maintained at a desired depth as a harvester travels across a field. During use, the digging implement depth controls can be varied as the harvester travels within a single field under different operating conditions, e.g., different soil friability, consistency, etc., thereby preventing crop loss and improving crop yield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Kendall R. Kirk, J. Warren White, Joel S. Peele, W. Scott Monfort, Hunter F. Massey, James S. Thomas, Stanley A. Brantley, Andrew C. Warner
  • Publication number: 20160011024
    Abstract: Yield monitoring systems for harvesting machines and methods that can provide yield monitoring of crops are described. Machines include those that pneumatically convey crop through the machine such as peanut harvesting machines. The yield monitoring system includes a force sensor that can be located in conjunction with a duct of the harvesting machine such that impact of the crop materials on an impact plate within the duct will be registered by the force sensor. This registration can be used to determine a mass flow rate for the crop, which can be correlated to yield of the crop. The systems can include additional components such as optical monitors, moisture sensors, and pressure sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Kendall R. Kirk, J. Warren White, W. Scott Monfort, Hunter F. Massey, D. Hollens Free, Stanley A. Brantley, Joel S. Peele, Jacob B. Fravel, William G. Henderson, JR.