Patents Issued in July 4, 2017
  • Patent number: 9693496
    Abstract: An agricultural planting machine is described. In one example, the machine comprises a trench opener configured to open a trench, and a trench depth sensing system comprising a ground-engaging component and a trench depth sensor configured to generate a signal indicative a displacement of the ground-engaging component by directly sensing a surface of the ground engaging component. In one example, an agricultural planting machine comprising a trench opener configured to open a trench, and a trench depth sensing system comprising a ground-engaging component and a capacitive sensor comprising a transmitter element driven by an input signal to generate an electric field and a receiver element configured to generate an output signal based on a capacitive coupling between the transmitter and receiver elements, wherein the capacitive coupling changes based on movement of the ground-engaging component within the electric field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Nikolai R. Tevs, Jeffrey S. Puhalla, Elijah B. Garner, Michael L. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 9693497
    Abstract: A row unit for an agricultural planter is provided. The row unit may include a body operably coupled to the agricultural planter, a bracket secured to the body, and a chassis pivotably coupled to the bracket. The bracket may include a top wall and opposing sidewalls extending downwardly from the top wall. The chassis may be coupled to the bracket beneath the top wall of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Schaffert Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul E. Schaffert
  • Patent number: 9693498
    Abstract: A seed-double eliminator and planting unit for a seeding machine have an aperture in a seed-carrying surface of a metering member of the seeding machine. A paddle is included on the metering member, the paddle extending away from the seed-carrying surface toward a seed path. At least one seed-double projection is included on the metering member between the aperture and the paddle, the at least one seed-double projection preventing retention on the metering member of at least one seed of a seed double pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Lee E. Zumdome, Elijah B. Garner, Michael E. Friestad, Nathan A. Mariman
  • Patent number: 9693499
    Abstract: A sealing gasket made of a resilient rubber material or rubber-like material. The sealing gasket is formed as a rotationally symmetric body with a substantially constant cross-sectional profile. The cross-sectional profile includes: a first sealing part located furthest away from a center of rotation of the body and a second sealing part located radially inside the first sealing part, as viewed in the radial direction. An open space is defined by the first and second sealing parts. The second sealing part essentially curves through an angle away from the center of rotation. A seed housing can include such a seal and a seeder can include such a seed housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: VÄDERSTAD HOLDING AB
    Inventor: Gert Gilstring
  • Patent number: 9693500
    Abstract: A filament cutterhead for a brushcutter is able to be driven in a rotatable manner during operation in a rotational direction about a rotational axis. The filament cutterhead has a base body on which at least one cutting filament is retained and which has a lower face facing the ground during operation. The cutting filament extends from an outer face of the base body through an opening as far as an inner region of the base body which is open toward the lower face of the base body. In order to achieve a low degree of soiling of the filament cutterhead during operation, a shield element is provided in the inner region and the leading portion of the cutting filament in the inner region is arranged in the slipstream of the shield element relative to the rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: David Guenther, Thomas Hauber
  • Patent number: 9693501
    Abstract: A reduced weight underbelly mower has a cutting deck suspended beneath a frame by a deck height adjustment mechanism with a pivotable scissor configuration. The deck height adjustment mechanism cooperates with the mower frame so as manually or through a motorized jack to adjust the cutting height. Due to the mower's reduced weight and the scissor-like configuration of the deck height adjustment mechanism, an operator can manually lift the mower front end and swing the deck rear swinging forward, such that the mower rests stabilly on the deck rear and the deck underside is exposed for maintenance procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Shivvers Group Incorporated
    Inventor: David W Giere
  • Patent number: 9693502
    Abstract: A combine harvester with a chassis, an implement coupled to the chassis, and a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system includes plural hydraulic cylinders coupled to the chassis and operative to cause movement of the implement, and a cylinder circuit coupled to the plural hydraulic cylinders. The cylinder circuit includes an actuable valve configured to enable hydraulic fluid flow through the plural hydraulic cylinders to enable the movement of the implement and a control system. The control system includes one or more sensors, each configured to provide a signal based on a motion of the chassis, and a controller configured to receive the signals from the one or more sensors and cause actuation of the actuable valve to cause the plural hydraulic cylinders to move the implement based on the signals to counter the motion of the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Marian Gofron, Steven R. Tippery
  • Patent number: 9693503
    Abstract: A crop harvesting width of a harvester head is partitioned into a plurality of portions. At least one sensor detects a metric of a crop being harvested for each of the plurality of portions. A processing unit determines an attribute of the crop harvested for each of a plurality of portions using the detected metric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Niels Dybro, Larry L. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 9693504
    Abstract: A mower comprises a utility bed that extends at least partially over an air intake screen of an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Eric R. Slegelis, Travis Rasch, Steven J. Weber
  • Patent number: 9693505
    Abstract: A merger apparatus including a pick-up header; a conveyor with a conveyor belt; a skid shoe disposed below the pick-up header and the conveyor; and an operative connection between the pick-up header and the skid shoe that enables the merger apparatus to articulate independently of an external frame underneath the conveyor, such that loose material transported by the conveyor belt that lags beneath the return side may fall to the ground keeping the return side of the conveyor belt free from obstructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: KUHN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: William Bassett, Damion Babler, Dennis Williams, Shane Williams
  • Patent number: 9693506
    Abstract: A combine harvester has a driving shoe arrangement. The driving shoe includes a preparation pan and one or more sieves, coupled to a drive mechanism for driving a reciprocating movement of the pan and sieves. The stroke of the reciprocating movement of the pan and/or sieves is adjustable, through the application of a drive mechanism including one or more pivotably mounted support arms for supporting the pan or sieve, and a drive arm connected to one of the support arms through an adjustable connection link. The adjustable connection link can be a variable length actuator whose length determines the stroke of the pan or sieve. The stroke of the pan or sieve can be adjusted during a harvesting run, thereby allowing a fast adjustment to changing external conditions such as the slope of the terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Tom De Smet, Matthias Baert, Frederik Tallir, Bart M. A. Missotten, Frank R. G. Duquesne, Luc Yde, Thierry E. Devriese
  • Patent number: 9693507
    Abstract: The hedger trimming carriage and apparatus is a frame that is designed to be mounted on a vehicle. The frame of the hedger trimming carriage and apparatus is designed to carry during operation a hedger that is used to trim bushes and shrubbery while the vehicle is in motion. The hedger trimming carriage and apparatus comprises a mounting frame, a first hedger apparatus, and as second hedger apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Peter Snyder
  • Patent number: 9693508
    Abstract: A structure (20) for growing plants comprises an array (22) of containers (24), for example intermodal shipping containers, each having a floor (28) and an open end (30), and being arranged in a plurality of stacked rows (32), each row comprising a plurality of containers. The array defines a space (34) bounded on its sides by the open ends of the containers. Each container holds a plant-growing apparatus (26) of the type having a plurality of rotatable plant-growing modules (52) in which plants grow radially inwardly toward a light source (56) inside the module. The structure (20) includes means (58, 60) for moving the modules along a path within each container and means (74) for removing the modules from the containers and for placing the modules into the containers. The array of containers and the bounded space are covered by a flexible fabric (50) or rigid dome (48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Edward J. Marchildon
  • Patent number: 9693509
    Abstract: Biodegradable mulch of the type used in various agricultural applications is made by multi-layer extrusion from a mixture of two compostable biodegradable polymers that comply with the EN13432 standard and that include potato starch, a black masterbatch and biodegradable recycled polymers. The mulch self-degrades in a short period of time, becoming a compostable material that enriches the soil, avoiding the collecting and cleaning tasks that are necessary in conventional mulches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: SPHERE GROUP SPAIN, S.L.
    Inventors: Alfonso Biel Borraz, Carlos Zaragoza Larios, Alicia Cirujeda Ranzenberger, Joaquin Aibar Lete, Ana Isabel Marí León, Inmaculada Lahoz García, Juan Ignacio Macua Gonzalez, Maria Luisa Suso Martínez de Bujo, Nuria Vázquez García, Marta María Moreno Valencia, Carmen Moreno Valencia, Ramón Meco Murillo, Lluis Martín Closas, Ana María Pelacho Aja, Joan Costa Tura
  • Patent number: 9693510
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide irrigation valve control apparatuses comprising: multiple terminals coupled with a multi-wire path; a first charge storage circuitry electrically coupled with at least one of the multiple terminals, wherein the first charge storage circuitry is configured to be charged by a voltage on the multi-wire path; a control circuitry configured to determine the voltage on the multi-wire path; and a boost circuitry controlled by the control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry in response to determining that the voltage on the multi-wire path is below a threshold activates the boost circuitry to increase a voltage stored by the first charge storage circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Manuel J. Ferrer Herrera, Steven M. Lurcott, Todd K. Roper
  • Patent number: 9693511
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer program products for deploying infrastructures for variable rate water distribution systems. Embodiments of the present invention can afford users with the ability to control water distribution as well as modify existing infrastructures to meet dynamic target water distribution area demands. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may be used to provide users with accessibility to components for expedited servicing, modification, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sergio A. Bermudez Rodriguez, Hendrik F. Hamann, Levente Klein, Fernando J. Marianno
  • Patent number: 9693512
    Abstract: A hydroponic system includes a first sensor system that measures one or more characteristics of a nutrient solution, a second sensor system that measures one or more characteristics of an environment of a plant; and a network device including a communication interface to the first sensor system and a communication interface to the second sensor system. The network device may be configured to transmit measurements from the sensor systems through a wireless network to a remote device or database. The network device and the sensor systems may be implemented in a housing that fits within a collar of the hydroponic system. The collar can allow easy replacement of the sensor systems and can electrically isolate the sensor systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Aessense Technology Hong Kong Limited
    Inventors: Tianshu Chen, Wenpeng Hsueh, Huafang Zhou, Simon Wong, Kent Kernahan
  • Patent number: 9693513
    Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X08F032XR and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X08F032XR with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08F032XR through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08F032XR, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08F032XR. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08F032XR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: David Walter Whitaker
  • Patent number: 9693514
    Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01051868. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01051868. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01051868 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01051868 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: David R. Wooten, Jr., Jennifer L. Yates
  • Patent number: 9693515
    Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention relates to the seeds, plants, and plant parts of canola variety SCV239377 and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing canola variety SCV239377 with itself or with another canola variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic canola plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to canola varieties or breeding lines and plant parts derived from canola variety SCV239377, to methods for producing other canola varieties, lines or plant parts derived from canola variety SCV239377 and to the canola plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid canola seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the variety SCV239377 with another canola variety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventor: Dale R. Burns
  • Patent number: 9693516
    Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention relates to the seeds, plants, and plant parts of canola variety SCV950981 and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing canola variety SCV950981 with itself or with another canola variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic canola plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to canola varieties or breeding lines and plant parts derived from canola variety SCV950981, to methods for producing other canola varieties, lines or plant parts derived from canola variety SCV950981 and to the canola plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid canola seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the variety SCV950981 with another canola variety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventor: Yingjie Wang
  • Patent number: 9693517
    Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention relates to the seeds, plants, and plant parts of canola variety SCV649368 and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing canola variety SCV649368 with itself or with another canola variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic canola plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to canola varieties or breeding lines and plant parts derived from canola variety SCV649368, to methods for producing other canola varieties, lines or plant parts derived from canola variety SCV649368 and to the canola plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid canola seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the variety SCV649368 with another canola variety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventor: Yingjie Wang
  • Patent number: 9693518
    Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention relates to the seeds, plants, and plant parts of canola variety SCV406503 and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing canola variety SCV406503 with itself or with another canola variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic canola plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to canola varieties or breeding lines and plant parts derived from canola variety SCV406503, to methods for producing other canola varieties, lines or plant parts derived from canola variety SCV406503 and to the canola plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid canola seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the variety SCV406503 with another canola variety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Chunren Wu
  • Patent number: 9693519
    Abstract: An inbred rice line designated 133008 is disclosed. Seeds of inbred rice line 133008, plants of rice line 133008 and methods for producing a rice plant by crossing line 133008 with itself or hybrid rice by crossing with another rice line, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: RiceTec, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy Jesse Martens, Yahia Hassan Ibrahim
  • Patent number: 9693520
    Abstract: A rice cultivar designated M-209 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of rice cultivar M-209, to the plants of rice M-209 and to methods for producing a rice plant produced by crossing the cultivar M-209 with itself or another rice variety. The invention further relates to hybrid rice seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar M-209 with another rice cultivar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA COOPERATIVE RICE RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Virgilio Cedro Andaya, Kent Scheidel McKenzie, Stanley Omar P. B. Samonte, Farman Jodari
  • Patent number: 9693521
    Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 58211811 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 58211811, to the plants of soybean cultivar 58211811, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 58211811, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 58211811. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 58211811. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 58211811, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 58211811 with another soybean cultivar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignees: Monsanto Technology LLC, Stine Seed Farm, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Eby
  • Patent number: 9693522
    Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated S140153 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S140153, to the plants of soybean cultivar S140153, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S140153, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S140153. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S140153. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S140153, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar S140153 with another soybean cultivar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: M.S. Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Justin T. Mason
  • Patent number: 9693523
    Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X08H743 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X08H743 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08H743 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08H743, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08H743. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08H743.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Mario Rosario Carlone, Jr., Russell Fox, Elliot Lee Heffner, Gary Edward Henke, Michael Phillip Jines, Sara Jane Lira, Wade Eugene Odland, Luis A Verde Chifflet
  • Patent number: 9693524
    Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH25Y1 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH25Y1 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH25Y1 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH25Y1 or a locus conversion of PH25Y1 with another maize variety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Lori Lisa Carrigan
  • Patent number: 9693525
    Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2G36 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2G36 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2G36 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2G36 or a locus conversion of PH2G36 with another maize variety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Martin Arbelbide
  • Patent number: 9693526
    Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2DP2 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2DP2 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2DP2 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2DP2 or a locus conversion of PH2DP2 with another maize variety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Dina Elijah Severns, David Walter Whitaker
  • Patent number: 9693527
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH889066. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH889066, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH889066 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH889066.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Gregory J. Holland, Brett A. Ochs, Gary R. Stangland
  • Patent number: 9693528
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH356548. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH356548, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH356548 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH356548.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Allen C. Faue, Rafael A. Mateo
  • Patent number: 9693529
    Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01063878. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01063878. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01063878 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01063878 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Craig K. Moots, David R. Wooten, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9693530
    Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01063884. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01063884. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01063884 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01063884 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Craig K. Moots, David R. Wooten, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9693531
    Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH25S9 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH25S9 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH25S9 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH25S9 or a locus conversion of PH25S9 with another maize variety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Wade Eugene Odland
  • Patent number: 9693532
    Abstract: The present invention relates to lettuce plants and heads that are resistant to Nasonovia ribisnigri biotype 1 (also called herein Nr:1) as well as to progeny of the plants and propagation material for producing the plants. The invention further relates to a source of the resistance for use in breeding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Rijk Zwaan Zaadteelt En Zaadhandel B.V.
    Inventors: Arnaud Paul Pierre Thabuis, Korstiaan Cornelis Teekens, Zeger Otto van Herwijnen
  • Patent number: 9693533
    Abstract: A scooping pan having a rear dumping feature that can be configured to scoop up general refuse, pet refuse, urine clumps, etc. from the ground, a litter box, etc. The scooping pan can optionally include one or more openings or slots that enable litter to pass through the openings or slots when the pet refuse, urine clumps, etc. are removed from the litter box. The rear of the scooping pan includes an openable flap that enables the general refuse, pet refuse, urine clumps, etc. in the scooping pan to be dumped out of the rear of the scooping pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Process4, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Taylor, Matthew Hanson, David Hudak
  • Patent number: 9693534
    Abstract: A calf creep feeder includes a panel fence positioned at each side of a feed enclosure. Each of the panel fences are selectively movable between a lower creep feeder position to an upper stowed position. At least one coil spring is secured to each of the panel fences to assist in raising the panel fence from its lower creep feeder position to its upper stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: GLOBAL EQUIPMENT COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Doug Stevens, Scott Stevens
  • Patent number: 9693535
    Abstract: The system for uniquely identifying subjects from a target population operates to acquire, process and analyze images to create data which contains indicia sufficient to uniquely identify an individual in a population of interest. This system implements an automated, image-based process that captures data indicative of a selected set of external characteristics for subjects that are members of a target population of a predetermined species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Biopar, LLC
    Inventor: Paul A. Skvorc, II
  • Patent number: 9693536
    Abstract: A pet-related system with a first dog collar operably configured to determine if the first dog collar is at or outside of a first user-selected geofence boundary; and a mobile electronic device communicatively coupled to the first dog collar. The mobile electronic device is operably configured to display a user interface of a first instance of a pet-related social network application associated with a first social network identity; receive a user input selecting the first user-selected geofence boundary of the first dog collar; communicate the first user-selected geofence boundary to the first dog collar; and receive a proximity notification of the mobile electronic device's proximity to a second mobile electronic device communicatively coupled to a second dog collar and operably configured to execute instructions of a second instance of the pet-related social network application associated with a second social network identity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Sean P. Dana
  • Patent number: 9693537
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a pump in an aquaculture system including a water tank that houses aquatic life. The method includes monitoring a dissolved oxygen level in the culture tank, determining a flow rate threshold based on the dissolved oxygen level, and changing a speed of the pump to maintain a current flow rate through the culture tank above the flow rate threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Dennis P. Delong
  • Patent number: 9693538
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide a recirculating aquaculture system for aquatic life. The system includes a culture tank, a sensor configured to measure a carbon dioxide concentration in the culture tank, a variable speed pump configured to circulate water through the culture tank, and a controller in communication with the sensor and the variable speed pump. The controller is configured to retrieve a maximum carbon dioxide concentration in the culture tank, retrieve a current carbon dioxide concentration, and compare the current carbon dioxide concentration to the maximum carbon dioxide concentration. When the current carbon dioxide concentration is greater than the maximum carbon dioxide concentration, the controller is configured to automatically increase the current water flow rate or automatically increase the current air flow rate based on the current gas to liquid ratio in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Dennis P. DeLong, Thomas Losordo
  • Patent number: 9693539
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to transgenic non-human animals capable of producing heterologous antibodies, transgenes used to produce such transgenic animals, transgenes capable of functionally rearranging a heterologous D gene in V-D-J recombination, immortalized B-cells capable of producing heterologous antibodies, methods and transgenes for producing heterologous antibodies of multiple isotypes, methods and transgenes for producing heterologous antibodies wherein a variable region sequence comprises somatic mutation as compared to germline rearranged variable region sequences, transgenic nonhuman animals which produce antibodies having a human primary sequence and which bind to human antigens, hybridomas made from B cells of such transgenic animals, and monoclonal antibodies expressed by such hybridomas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: E. R. SQUIBB & SONS, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Daniel K. Rohrer, Nancy Amelia Black, Nils Lonberg
  • Patent number: 9693540
    Abstract: The present invention in general relates to the field of biological crop protection by use of phytoseiid predatory mites. More particularly the present invention relates to a system for releasing a phytoseiid predatory mite in a crop and novel uses of host mites in such phytoseiid predatory mite releasing system. The phytoseiid predatory mite releasing system according to the invention and the uses according to the invention are characterised by the selection a host mite species having an intrinsic growth rate (rm) of <0.28.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Koppert B.V.
    Inventors: Karel Jozef Florent Bolckmans, Yvonne Maria Van Houten, Adelmar Emmanuel Van Baal, Arno Theodoor Stam
  • Patent number: 9693541
    Abstract: A fishing pole system includes a shaft having a hollow interior with a cap connected to its upper end and a point connected to its lower end. A slide is positioned within the hollow interior and an internal lead is connected to the slide at its lower end, the internal lead extends through the cap and connects to a swivel at its upper end. The slide includes a locking mechanism which engages a locking mechanism connected to the point. In use, the cap end of the fishing pole is banged on the ground which releases the slide from the point and the internal lead is paid-out from the hollow interior. To store the fishing pole, the slide is withdrawn within the hollow interior by gravity. When fully withdrawn, the point is banged into the ground causing the slide to lock to the point and the fishing pole is stored away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Mudbum, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jeff Kipling, William Blaine Garrett, II
  • Patent number: 9693542
    Abstract: A fishing reel with a deco trim and a drain includes: a frame; a shaft mounted on the frame; a spool fitted on the shaft to wind a fishing line; a first side cover disposed on a side of the frame; and a second side cover disposed on the opposite side to the first side cover, coupled to the frame, and capable of opening to separate the spool. The fishing reel further includes a mounting portion formed at one or both of the first side and second side covers, a deco trim coupled to the mounting portion, and a drain formed on the first side cover, the second side cover, the deco trim, or the frame to discharge water between the deco trim and the first side cover or the second side cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: DOYO ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kang Ho Hyun
  • Patent number: 9693543
    Abstract: A reel body of a double bearing reel according to the invention has a left side plate that has a circular shape as viewed laterally and is situated further from a handle. An outer diameter of a right frame body that serves as another side plate situated closer to the handle is larger than an outer diameter of the left side plate. The reel body includes one or more connecting members that connect the left side plate and the right frame body. Among the connecting members, at least the connecting member that connects the side plates in front of the spool has a planar outer surface facing away from the spool and a curved inner surface facing the spool. The inner surface is formed to be convex outward, and the connecting member is connected to the left side plate through an arc-like bowed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: GLOBERIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Masayuki Nogami, Hiroshi Toma, Mikiharu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9693544
    Abstract: The drag device is a device that regulates the relative rotation between a drive gear that interlocks with a spool and a drive shaft. The drag device includes a first drag member, a star drag, and a sound unit. The first drag member is configured to be integrally rotatable with the drive shaft, includes a pressing side configured to be pressed against the drive gear, and has a sound generating part on the pressing side. The star drag is configured to adjust a pressing force of the first drag member. The sound unit is configured to interlock with the drive gear, is disposed so as to face the sound generating part, and is configured to generate sound by interfering with the sound generating part by relative rotation between the drive gear and the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kunio Takechi
  • Patent number: 9693545
    Abstract: This invention removes fishing line from any type of reel, cleans it, dries it, and then by reversing the process, treats the line, tensions it as it is counted and rewinds it back on the reel. The entire apparatus is portable using either direct or alternating current. All fishermen, world wide, would like this invention because it would keep his equipment clean, avoid worry or a guilt trip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Walter Blaine McIntyre