Patents Issued in November 3, 2020
  • Patent number: PP32415
    Abstract: A new garden rose plant of the Floribunda class which has abundant, red and pink striped flowers and attractive foliage. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: POULSEN ROSER A/S
    Inventor: Mogens Nyegaard Olesen
  • Patent number: PP32416
    Abstract: A new and distinct southern high bush blueberry variety, ‘ZZ04062’ is described. The variety results from selection among a population of seedlings derived from the controlled crossing of the blueberry varieties ‘O'Neal’ (seed parent) (not patented) and ‘Duke’ (pollen parent) (not patented). The fruit of this new variety has very large, attractive fruit which ripens mid-season. The new variety appears suitable for the fresh fruit market.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited
    Inventors: Narandra Patel, Jessica Scalzo
  • Patent number: PP32417
    Abstract: A new and distinct Malus domestica Borkh apple tree variety named ‘CIVPEAK’, particularly characterized by a medium overall vigor, spreading habit, and easy management. The fruit has a conical shape, and regular size. The skin is flushed and mottled with a purple-red overcolor on 80-90% of a yellow background surface. The flesh is very firm, crunchy, and juicy. The taste is balanced with a good level of acidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: C.I.V.—CONSORZIO ITALIANO VIVAISTI—SOCIETA CONSORTILE A R.L.
    Inventors: Michelangelo Leis, Alessio Martinelli
  • Patent number: PP32418
    Abstract: A new cultivar of Fragaria plant named ‘Eves Delight 2’ that is characterized by its semi-upright growth habit, its conical shaped berries that are uniformly large in size, its berries with very firm skin and firm flesh, its berries that contain very high sugars and a sweet pleasant flavor, its berries that are glossy, pale red in color and retain color throughout production, and its vigorous growth with substantial fruit yields of marketable quality fruit early in season.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Edward Vinson Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Edward Vinson
  • Patent number: PP32419
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Taxus plant named ‘SMNTHDB’, characterized by its compact, overall ball-shaped plant form; freely branching habit requiring minimal pruning; dense and bushy appearance; bright green-colored leaves that maintain color throughout the seasons; and good landscape performance and hardiness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Spring Meadow Nursery Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy D. Wood
  • Patent number: PP32420
    Abstract: A new and distinct Acer palmatum dissectum tree named ‘ARJOS1’ is disclosed, characterized by young foliage colored yellow green with pink-red margins turning to white and green leaves. Trees have an outwardly spreading, arching habit. Fall color is purple-red. The new variety is a dwarf tree, typically used for outdoor garden or container use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc.
    Inventors: Johannes Marinus van Meuwen, Arie Jacobus Keijzer
  • Patent number: PP32421
    Abstract: A new cultivar of Buxus, ‘SB 300’, that is characterized by its tight, upright and very compact plant habit, its foliage that are dark green in color, and its new growth that is new growth that is fresh and vigorous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: SAUNDERS GENETICS, LLC
    Inventor: Julian Bennett Saunders
  • Patent number: PP32422
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Nandina plant named ‘ZhNan53’, characterized by a combination of compact growing form, dense foliage, red fall foliage persistent to 6 months, no seed, and no notable disease and pest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Donglin Zhang, Matthew Dirr, Jinying Dong
  • Patent number: PP32423
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Hydrangea plant named ‘H218914’, characterized by its upright and uniformly mounded plant habit; vigorous growth habit and rapid growth rate; freely branching habit with strong, thick and sturdy stems; freely and uniformly flowering habit; lacecap-type inflorescences with numerous double sterile flowers that are light red purple in color; and good postproduction longevity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Hydrangea Breeders Association B.V.
    Inventor: Niels Arts
  • Patent number: PP32424
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Hydrangea macrophylla (Thunb.) plant named ‘BCHY-15.001’ originated as a controlled cross between varieties. The variety ‘BCHY-15.001’ has attractive inflorescences with sepalous florets with attractive sepal pigmentation and good commercial characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Bay City Flower Company
    Inventor: Harrison Higaki
  • Patent number: PP32425
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Isotoma plant named ‘Isopapi’ characterized by its broadly upright plant habit; moderately vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; purple violet-colored flowers; and good garden performance with plants flowering throughout the summer into the autumn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Elsner pac Jungpflanzen GbR
    Inventor: Elke Steffen
  • Patent number: PP32426
    Abstract: A new Dianthus plant named ‘KLEDG19308’ particularly distinguished by single flowers with a light pink flower color with a purple center, medium incisions of the margin of the petal and a light green leaf color, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Klemm+Sohn GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Nils Klemm, Lena Thiede
  • Patent number: PP32427
    Abstract: A new Dianthus plant designated ‘KLEDP19309’ particularly distinguished by dark red-purple single, round flowers and an upright habit, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Klemm+Sohn GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Nils Klemm, Lena Thiede
  • Patent number: PP32428
    Abstract: A new Dahlia plant designated ‘KLEDH18010’ particularly distinguished by red inflorescences, dark foliage, and a compact and semi-upright plant habit are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Klemm+Sohn GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Nils Klemm, Maike Boxriker
  • Patent number: PP32429
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Salvia plant named ‘White Flame’, characterized by its white-colored flowers, dark green-colored foliage, and vigorous, upright growth habit, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Ball Horticultural Company
    Inventor: Gail Shafer
  • Patent number: RE48293
    Abstract: A system for the production of ammonium sulfate granules including a pipe cross reactor (PCR) configured to contact concentrated sulfuric acid with anhydrous ammonia to produce a PCR product comprising ammonium sulfate; and a granulator fluidly connected to the PCR, whereby PCR product extracted from the PCR can be introduced into the granulator, an inlet for ammonium sulfate seed material, an ammonia sparger configured to spray liquid anhydrous ammonia onto a bed of ammonium sulfate granules within the granulator, and a granulator product outlet configured for extraction of granulator product comprising ammonium sulfate granules from the granulator. A method of producing ammonium sulfate granules is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: PCI NITROGEN, LLC
    Inventors: Praveen Jain, Santiago Gomez, Mark D. Ibsen
  • Patent number: RE48294
    Abstract: A system for delivery of payload at a precise location by autonomous delivery vehicle. A machine-readable unique identifier is laid at a place where a user wants delivery of an item. User opens a precise delivery app on smartphone, activates the scanner and standing near the unique identifier scans it. Precise delivery app reads the unique identity of the unique identifier and collects the geophysical location of the smartphone. Third party system feeds this information of the target unique identifier to the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous delivery vehicle includes a first prior art navigator and a second scanner navigator. The autonomous vehicle determines its route to the approximate location of the target unique identifier with the help of the first prior art navigator and the second scanner navigator scans every unique identifier that may be present around that location and guides the autonomous vehicle to the target unique identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Uber Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Ian Zwillinger, Ronald Douglas Hettich, John Cogliandro
  • Patent number: RE48295
    Abstract: A multimedia messaging center is arranged to receive multimedia messages addressed to a terminal. In response to the receipt of such messages, the message center transmits a notification to the terminal regarding the received message. A wireless message is transmitted, from the terminal to the message center, requesting notification messages that have not been acknowledged as received by the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Conversant Wireless Licensing S.a r.l.
    Inventors: Jussi Kuisma, Sisko Pihlajamaki
  • Patent number: RE48296
    Abstract: An apparatus for adapting hyper cells in response to changing conditions of a cellular network is disclosed. During operation, the apparatus collects data regarding network conditions of the cellular network. In accordance with the collected network condition data, the apparatus changes an association of a transmit point from a second cell ID of a second hyper cell to a first cell ID of a first hyper cell. Virtual data channels, broadcast common control channel and virtual dedicated control channel, transmit point optimization, UE-centric channel sounding and measurement, and single frequency network synchronization are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jianglei Ma, Peiying Zhu, Wen Tong
  • Patent number: RE48297
    Abstract: A method and light emitting diode (LED) illumination device comprising multiple emitter modules are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes bringing to a level insufficient to produce illumination the respective drive currents of all except one of multiple emission LED elements within respective first and second emitter modules for the duration of a measurement interval within respective first and second series of measurement intervals. The measurement intervals are interspersed with periods of illumination, and the first and second series of measurement intervals are separated by respective first and second offsets from a timing reference. An embodiment of an illumination device includes multiple emitter modules, where each emitter module includes multiple emission LED elements and one or more photodetectors. The illumination device further includes a lamp control circuit adapted to perform steps of the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Lutron Ketra, LLC
    Inventors: Horace C. Ho, Rebecca Frank
  • Patent number: RE48298
    Abstract: A method and illumination device are provided for interference-resistant compensation in light emitting diode (LED) illumination devices. In one embodiment, the method includes bringing to a level insufficient to produce illumination the respective drive current of all except one of multiple emission LED elements for the duration of a first measurement interval and a later-occurring second measurement interval. The first and second measurement intervals are within respective first and second series of measurement intervals interspersed with periods of illumination, and the first and second series of measurement intervals are separated by respective first and second offsets from a timing reference. An embodiment of an illumination device includes multiple emission LED elements, one or more photodetectors, and a lamp control circuit, where the lamp control circuit is adapted to perform steps of the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Lutron Ketra, LLC
    Inventors: Horace C. Ho, Rebecca Frank
  • Patent number: RE48299
    Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing illumination in a manner that is energy efficient and intelligent. In particular, the present invention uses distributed processing across a network of illuminators to control the illumination for a given environment. The network controls the illumination level and pattern in response to light, sound, and motion. The network may also be trained according to uploaded software behavior modules, and subsets of the network may be organized into groups for illumination control and maintenance reporting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: IDEAL Industries Lighting LLC
    Inventor: W. Olin Sibert
  • Patent number: 10820462
    Abstract: A system and method cuts and increases surface area of surface stubble material while contemporaneously mulching, tiling and aerating the soil. A discoidal coulter blade is configured with sharpened areas at the circumference for cutting the surface stubble as well as reducing the downward pressure required for the blade to enter the type and depth of soil desired. The sharpened areas include a first long bevel, a second shorter bevel and an optional opposite counter bevel. The first and second bevels aid in coulter blade lifespan ensuring a self-sharpened blade while the counter-bevel allows mating with a second coulter blade at a sharpened point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Prescription Tillage Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard L. Christie, Ryan J. K. Christie, John D. Nance
  • Patent number: 10820463
    Abstract: An earth cutting apparatus comprising a plurality of articulated elements including at least a first element having a mounting structure thereon and an adjacent second element hingedly connected to the first element. An earth cutting member is provided including a proximal end which is pivotally mounted to the mounting structure of the first element and an earth cutting end. The earth cutting member is slidably connected to the adjacent second element and moveable between an extended position and a retracted position, such that hinged movement of the adjacent second element relative to the first element causes the earth cutting member to slidably extend from the adjacent second element to the extended position for operatively cutting earth. Hinged movement of the adjacent second element in an opposite direction causes the earth cutting member to slidably retract to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Agrirevolution
    Inventors: Jacobus du Toit Stofberg, Lodewyk Christoffel De Lange
  • Patent number: 10820464
    Abstract: A seed planting unit of an agricultural implement may include a wheel support arm having an upper portion and a lower portion. A wheel may be rotatably supported by the lower portion of the wheel support arm, the wheel configured to contact the soil surface to define a penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool relative to the soil surface. A depth stop member may be provided in operative association with one of the support structure or the wheel support arm. A depth adjustment member may be selectively movable relative to the other of the support structure or the wheel support arm to vary a relative distance between an abutment portion of the depth adjustment member configured to abut against the depth stop member and the other of the support structure or the wheel support arm to set the penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Trevor L. Kowalchuk, Gordon Anthony Engel
  • Patent number: 10820465
    Abstract: A seed planting unit of an agricultural implement may include a wheel support arm having an upper portion and a lower portion. A wheel may be rotatably supported by the lower portion of the wheel support arm, the wheel configured to contact the soil surface to define a penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool relative to the soil surface. A depth stop member may be provided in operative association with one of the support structure or the wheel support arm. A depth adjustment member may be selectively axially movable relative to the other of the support structure or the wheel support arm to vary a relative distance between an abutment portion of the depth adjustment member configured to abut against the depth stop member and the other of the support structure or the wheel support arm to set the penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Trevor L. Kowalchuk, Gordon Anthony Engel
  • Patent number: 10820466
    Abstract: A wing locking system for a harvesting header is provided. The wing locking system includes an accumulator, a fluid cylinder operably attached to a wing of the harvesting header, a hose fluidly connecting the accumulator and the fluid cylinder, and a valve operably disposed between the accumulator and the fluid cylinder. The valve includes a first selectable position configured to permit a first fluid flow rate between the accumulator and the fluid cylinder and a second selectable position configured to permit a second fluid flow rate from the accumulator to the fluid cylinder. The first fluid flow rate is greater than the second fluid flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Alex Brimeyer, Paul D. Marvin, Alison E. Bergmann, David Eric Renner
  • Patent number: 10820467
    Abstract: A suspension for a mower includes a stationary part, a movable part, and at least one cutting unit. The moveable part is connected to the stationary part via a hydraulic actuator such that an actuation of the hydraulic actuator displaces the movable part in relation to the stationary part. Displacement of the movable part includes a vertical component of displacement of the movable part. At least one cutting unit is mechanically connected to the movable part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Launy Luckmann
  • Patent number: 10820468
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for determining soil roughness of a field across which an agricultural implement is being moved may include a tool configured to perform a tillage operation on soil within the field as the agricultural implement is moved across the field. The system may also include a sensor configured to detect a parameter associated with an acceleration of the tool. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor, with the controller configured to determine a soil roughness characteristic of the soil based on measurement signals received from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: James W. Henry
  • Patent number: 10820469
    Abstract: A seed planting unit of an agricultural implement may include a wheel support arm having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion defining a depth adjustment slot. A wheel may be rotatably supported by the lower portion of the wheel support arm, the wheel configured to contact the soil surface to define a penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool relative to the soil surface. A depth adjustment lever is selectively movable relative to the wheel support arm to vary the penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool. The lever may include a guide pin that is configured to be received within the depth adjustment slot, the guide pin configured to move within the depth adjustment slot as the depth adjustment lever is moved relative to the wheel support arm to adjust a vertical position of the wheel relative to the ground engaging tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Dennis W. Chahley, Jared S. Wright
  • Patent number: 10820470
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a supply line, at least one implement-based control valve, an implement-based pressure regulating valve, and a load sensing circuit. The implement-based control valve(s) is fluidly coupled to the supply line and configured to regulate a flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid supplied through at least one downstream actuator line to at least one hydraulic actuator of the implement. The implement-based pressure regulating valve is fluidly coupled to the supply line upstream of the control valve(s) and configured to regulate a fluid pressure to be equal to or greater than a minimum fluid pressure. The load sensing circuit is fluidly coupled to the pressure regulating valve and provides a line or load pressure to the pressure regulating valve. The pressure regulating valve is configured to regulate the supply of the pressurized hydraulic fluid based on the line pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Duqiang Wu, John C. Endsley, Michael Glennon, Kevin D. McKee
  • Patent number: 10820471
    Abstract: A hydraulic system including a supply line, an implement-based control valve, an override valve supported by the implement, and a bypass line. The control valve is fluidly coupled to the supply line and configured to regulate a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid supplied through a downstream actuator line to a hydraulic actuator of the implement. The override valve is fluidly coupled to the actuator line downstream of the control valve and includes a supply position at which the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid from the control valve passes through the override valve to the hydraulic actuator. The override valve is actuatable to at least one override position at which the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid from the control valve is cut-off. The bypass line is fluidly coupled between the supply line and the override valve such that a portion of the pressurized hydraulic fluid flows to the hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Duqiang Wu, John C. Endsley, Michael Glennon, Kevin D. McKee
  • Patent number: 10820472
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for determining soil parameters of a field across which an agricultural implement is being moved may include a sensor mounted on a ground engaging member. As such, the sensor may be configured to capture data indicative of a soil parameter of soil within the field. Furthermore, the system may include a controller configured to receive an input indicative of a selected planting depth for the field. Moreover, the controller may be configured to control an operation of an actuator in a manner that adjusts the penetration depth of the ground engaging member such that the sensor is positioned at the selected planting depth. Additionally, the controller may be configured to determine the soil parameter of the soil within the field at the selected planting depth based on the data received from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Trevor Stanhope, Christopher Barrick
  • Patent number: 10820473
    Abstract: A work vehicle control system including a steering control system that controls steering of a work vehicle. A controller including a processor and memory, wherein the controller receives a signal indicative of a probability of an operator being outside of a cab of the work vehicle, and wherein the controller disables the steering control system in response to the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Eran Salzman
  • Patent number: 10820474
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for estimating field conditions may include an agricultural machine having a tire configured to engage soil within a field. The system may also include an image capture device configured to capture one or more images of the tire as the agricultural machine is moved across the field. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the image capture device. As such, the controller may be configured to estimate a parameter associated with a soil condition of the soil within the field based on the one or more images captured by the image capture device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Barry M. Pomedli
  • Patent number: 10820475
    Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a chassis and a shank or shanks carried by the chassis. The shank or shanks include an on-the-go nitrate-N sensor or sensors. Nitrate-N conditions are determined for at least first and second zones at different soil depths, either by multiple sensors carried on one or multiple shanks during a single pass of the agricultural implement, a single sensor carried first at the first depth and thereafter at the second depth during multiple passes of the agricultural implement, or a sensor moved between the first and second zones during a single pass of the agricultural implement. Rates for applying additional nitrogen can be calculated from the determined conditions, and the application rates and determined conditions can be mapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Zemenchik, Matthew Huenemann
  • Patent number: 10820476
    Abstract: A tillage implement comprising a frame operably supporting tillage tools, and a soil monitoring system comprising instrumentation operably supported from the frame and disposed to detect soil criteria before, after, or before and after the soil is tilled by the tillage tools. The soil criteria detected is at least one of surface residue criteria, soil clod size criteria and soil shatter criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Jason Stoller, Justin McMenamy, Matthew Morgan, Dale Koch
  • Patent number: 10820477
    Abstract: A control system for a work vehicle of a work vehicle system is provided that includes at least one controller including a memory and a processor. The at least one controller is configured to determine an attitude of a working surface of an implement relative to a field. In addition, the at least one controller is configured to generate evenly spaced swaths of the field, each swath having a center line. Further, the at least one controller is configured to determine target altitudes for points along the center line for a respective swath. Even further, the at least one controller is configured to adjust a depth of the working surface of the implement relative to the field to meet the target altitudes at respective points while the work vehicle moves along the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Peter John Dix
  • Patent number: 10820478
    Abstract: A system for providing a visual indication of field surface conditions during the performance of an agricultural operation by an agricultural implement includes a user interface, an imaging device provided in operative association with the agricultural implement, and a controller. The imaging device has a field of view directed towards a portion of a surface of a field. The controller is configured to receive image data from the imaging device representing surface features located at the portion of the surface of the field, transmit the image data for display on the user interface, and control the user interface to display at least one digital reference object in association with the image data. The at least one digital reference object provides a visual reference for assessing a characteristic of the surface features displayed on the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Luca Ferrari, Robert A. Zemenchik
  • Patent number: 10820479
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for seed ablation. In accordance with the method of seed ablation, the apparatus is adapted to expose a heat source to a plurality of seeds while the seeds are in motion. Exposing of the heat source to the moving seed allows ablation of the seeds for de-awning and removing of the appendages of the seeds. In a particular arrangement the seeds are exposed to rotational movement within a centrifugal drum to form a rotating stream of seeds. A torch which reaches into the drum provides a flame directed to the stream of seeds for exposing the seeds to the flame. This allows the ablation of the seed awns and appendages over time as seeds enter into contact with the flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
    Inventors: King Ling, Andrew Louis Guzzomi, Todd Erickson, David Merritt, Kingsley Wayne Dixon
  • Patent number: 10820480
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes row units. The row units each include an air pressure device configured to generate a pressure differential for retaining a commodity against a metering element to singulate and meter a commodity. The air pressure device includes an exhaust structure with a passage configured to direct an exhaust substance to the ground as the row unit travels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Cary S. Hubner
  • Patent number: 10820481
    Abstract: A seed selector assembly for a pneumatic meter employed in agricultural seeding equipment may include a seed selector assembly connected to a multi-functional coupler, in which the seed selector assembly is made up of a rotating disk with a central hole and a gear profile, the disk being enclosed by a front ring and a rear ring, and the multi-functional coupler having two interfaces for connecting motor or driven devices. A pinion may be connected to an end of an axis, the opposite end of which is connected to a crown, the pinion being fitted into the cavity of the rear ring and the circular bore of the front ring, with a housed bearing support. The pinion may interact with the gear profile in order to rotate the disk when at least one of the interfaces is connected to a motor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Jose Roberto do Amaral Assy
    Inventor: Jose Roberto do Amaral Assy
  • Patent number: 10820482
    Abstract: A system for pressurizing a tank of an agricultural air distribution system includes an air source configured to supply pressurized air and a plenum having an inlet fluidly coupled to the air source and configured to receive a flow of pressurized air. The plenum includes a face element positioned opposite from the inlet relative to a direction of flow of the pressurized air through the plenum. Moreover, the face element includes a pressurization port configured to direct the flow of pressurized air to the tank and at least one outlet port configured to couple to at least one hose to supply the pressurized air to an agricultural implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ka Po Catherine Hui, Martin J. Roberge, Dennis George Thompson
  • Patent number: 10820483
    Abstract: A pressure gradient or differential in a product distribution line for conveying granular particulate material, including at least one of seed or fertilizer, in an air flow to an agricultural field consistently decreases as air speed and velocity in the product distribution line decreases until a critical air speed is reached. Below the critical air speed, the particulate material may become susceptible to falling out of the air flow to potentially cause a blockage in the system. Accordingly, pressure sensors arranged in the product distribution line can be used to generate an air flow at an optimum velocity above the critical air speed yet below a maximum air speed associated with inefficient operation. The air flow can be adjusted to maintain the optimum velocity despite changes in at least one of a type of particulate material or a rate at which the particulate material is metered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Joel Gervais, Ian Paulson
  • Patent number: 10820484
    Abstract: A pressure gradient or differential in a product distribution line for conveying granular particulate material, including at least one of seed or fertilizer, in an air flow to an agricultural field consistently decreases as air speed and velocity in the product distribution line decreases until a critical air speed is reached. Below the critical air speed, the particulate material is susceptible to falling out of the air flow to cause a blockage in the system. Pressure sensors arranged in the product distribution line are monitored for effectively controlling an air source producing the air flow. A diameter of the product distribution line increases between upstream and downstream locations for monitoring with greater sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Joel Gervais, Ian Paulson, Lav Mittal, Scott Noble
  • 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
  • Patent number: 10820486
    Abstract: A pressure gradient or differential in a product distribution line for conveying granular particulate material, including at least one of seed or fertilizer, in an air flow to an agricultural field consistently decreases as air speed and velocity in the product distribution line decreases until a critical air speed is reached. Below the critical air speed, the particulate material is susceptible to falling out of the air flow to cause a blockage in the system. A control system efficiently determines an optimum operating velocity for an air flow that is above the critical air speed yet below a maximum air speed associated with inefficient operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Joel Gervais, Ian Paulson, Lav Mittal, Scott Noble
  • Patent number: 10820487
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an applicator having an agricultural product conveying system which transfers particulate material from one or more source containers to application equipment on demand, and meters the material at the application equipment. The conveying system includes an inline metering system including a number of metering devices associated with each compartment of a particulate material tank on the applicator to meter the particulate material disposed within each compartment. The individual metering devices include gates to initially enable the particulate material from a compartment to enter the metering device, and a rotary metering shaft to meter the flow of the particulate material into the conduits while limiting the passage of pressurized air through the metering device and into the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin J. Roberge, Joel Denis, Rex L. Ruppert, Guillaume C. Boily
  • Patent number: 10820488
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method for monitoring seed meter operation may include operating a seed meter such that seeds are transported by a seed transport member of the seed meter from a seed acquisition region to a separate location for subsequent discharge from the seed meter. In addition, the method may include receiving an index signal from a sensor located within a portion of the seed meter across which an air pressure differential exists to allow seeds to be transported by the seed transport member and receiving a timing signal associated with an extent to which the seed transport member has been rotated within the seed meter following receipt of the index signal. The method may also include evaluating data from the sensor based on the timing signal to identify at least one of the presence or absence of a seed within the one or more seeds cells of the seed transport member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Schoeny, Chad M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10820489
    Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a seed reservoir and a seed meter having a metering member configured to rotate about an axis. The metering member has a seed side facing the seed reservoir, a non-seed side opposite the seed side, and a plurality of apertures. The axis is normal to a surface of the seed side. The seed meter is operable by pressure differential between the non-seed side and the seed side to adhere seeds to the seed side and move seeds from the seed reservoir. The row unit also includes a positive pressure air source and an air outlet fluidly coupled to the positive pressure air source. The air outlet is disposed on the seed side and aimed to discharge an air stream towards one aperture of the plurality of apertures. The dischargeable air stream has a directional component parallel to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Elijah B. Garner, Stanley R. Borkgren, Cary S. Hubner, Beth A. Wolfs, Michael E. Frasier, Joseph W. Migliorini