Plural Bars Or Booms Patents (Class 239/161)
  • Patent number: 11966508
    Abstract: A survey system is provided which includes a surveying instrument capable of making distance and angle measurements of a target attached to a pole, and an eyewear device including an eye sensor configured to detect an eye motion, and an input unit for inputting a command corresponding to an eye motion detected by the eye sensor into the surveying instrument, and capable of displaying an image superimposed on a landscape. Measurement points are displayed on the eyewear device by being synchronized with and superimposed on a landscape of a survey site, and from the eyewear device worn by a worker, according to an eye motion, a command is input into the surveying instrument and distance and angle measurements of the target are made. A worker can perform a work while keeping a posture gripping the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: TOPCON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takeshi Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 11612159
    Abstract: A boom for an agricultural machine includes a first, second and third boom sections. The first boom section is connectable to a vehicle, and can support fluid delivery components. The second boom section operably connected to and is foldable with respect to the first boom section about a fold axis. The second boom section is further coupled to move with respect to the first boom other than about the fold axis from an extended position in response to an external force, and to return to the first extended position upon removal of the external force. The third boom section is operably connected to the second boom and having at least in an extended position. The third boom section is operably connected to move with respect to the second boom in response to a second external force, and operably connected to return to the extended position upon removal of the second external force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Exel Industries
    Inventor: Greg Long
  • Patent number: 11510750
    Abstract: A surgical system includes an XR headset and an XR headset controller. The XR headset is configured to be worn by a user during a surgical procedure and includes a see-through display screen configured to display an XR image for viewing by the user. The XR headset controller is configured to receive a plurality of two-dimensional (“2D”) image data associated with an anatomical structure of a patient. The XR headset controller is further configured to generate a first 2D image from the plurality of 2D image data based on a pose of the XR headset. The XR headset controller is further configured to generate a second 2D image from the plurality of 2D image data based on the pose of the XR headset. The XR headset controller is further configured to generate the XR image by displaying the first 2D image in a field of view of a first eye of the user and displaying the second 2D image in a field of view of a second eye of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Isaac Dulin, Thomas Calloway, Norbert Johnson
  • Patent number: 11501224
    Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to building component project management systems and methods. In an embodiment, a building component project management system is included herein having a database configured to store records regarding an installation project, an image generation system configured to render a view including a view of a building component superimposed over a view of an actual installation environment, and a user identification system configured to identify a system user and configure the data that is part of the view rendered by the image generation system according to the identified user. The system can be configured to record and store a set of physical dimensions of the actual installation environment in the database along with product selections made by a customer associated with the installation environment. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventor: Jeff Lien
  • Patent number: 11481981
    Abstract: A method of reality augmentation, including: (a) determining the identity of a container, for example chocolate spread, with a top opening; (b) acquiring an image of the container from a top thereof; (c) estimating a geometry of the filling of said container based on said identity and said image; and (d) overlaying an augmentation, for example, a coupon or a toy, on an image, based on said estimation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Inventors: Oded Melinek, Maier Fenster
  • Patent number: 11037343
    Abstract: Display of graphical maps of agricultural fields, coded with color or other indicators of values of data pertaining to agronomy at high resolution, and updated on a daily basis or on demand by recalculating agronomy models with the high-resolution data, is disclosed. Map displays may include multiple layers that relate to different agronomy metrics, and GUI widgets that are programmed to receive selection of values indicating different field properties or layers to display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: THE CLIMATE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Harish Sangireddy, Kofikuma Dzotsi, Juan Lopez Arriaza, John Gates
  • Patent number: 10987444
    Abstract: A system for disinfecting an enclosed area having an access door with an atomized disinfectant fluid may include a fogging device including a housing and an atomizing disinfectant generator carried by the housing including an atomizing nozzle in fluid communication with a disinfectant fluid reservoir, and a compressor coupled to the atomizing nozzle. The fogging device may further include a processor, and the system may further include a controller configured to selectively actuate an electronic door lock actuator to lock and unlock the access door. The processor may be configured to communicate with the controller to initiate an automated disinfection treatment cycle during which the compressor dispenses atomized disinfectant fluid into the enclosed area via the atomizing nozzle while the access door is locked, and to not dispense atomized disinfectant fluid into the enclosed area while the access door is unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: GCMG COMPANIES, LLC
    Inventor: Steven T. Grinstead
  • Patent number: 10930078
    Abstract: In one embodiment, techniques are provided for improving perception of representations of subsurface features (e.g., virtual paint markings) in augmented reality. An input image of a terrain surface is accessed. An augmentation stencil image aligned with the input image is created and represented utilizing HSL color space. The input image is converted to the HSL color space. The technique creates and displays an augmented image that, for each pixel that falls outside of the representation subsurface features, has pixel values based on a hue value, a saturation value and a lightness value of the input image and for each pixel that coincides with the representation subsurface features has pixel values based on a hue value and a saturation value of the augmentation stencil image and a lightness value based on the input image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Bentley Systems, Incorporated
    Inventors: Stéphane Côté, Jade Marcoux-Ouellet
  • Patent number: 10806074
    Abstract: The invention provides a system that provides simple and efficient automated evaluation of plant stands that opens up tremendous potential in terms of removal, fertilization, protection, and individual plant yield estimation. The system provides automated evaluation of size and placement of plants and may be incorporated into or mounted on a post-emergent vehicle such as a spray boom as a tool that greatly benefits farmers. A farmer could detect, measure, visualize, count, characterize, calculate, estimate, assess, track, and optimize the stand throughout the growing season and even through harvest. An augmented reality visualization of the plant stands can be compared to a prescription map to allow an operator of an implement to select changes in treatment of the field as the implement traverses the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Zemenchik
  • Patent number: 10667474
    Abstract: In an embodiment, computer processes are programmed to determine planting plans based on planting characteristics data received for an agricultural field and a plurality of management zone delineation options defined for the agricultural field. Each of the planting plans specifies different planting recommendations for the agricultural field. A first graphical representation of the planting plans, and an interactive object is generated and displayed on a computing device. The interactive object is configured to receive input specifying a relative importance ratio between the planting plans for determining a new planting plan for the agricultural field. A particular relative importance ratio is received via the interactive object, and is used to determine the new planting plan, which specifies new planting recommendations for the agricultural field. Information about the new planting plan is displayed on the computer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: THE CLIMATE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Emily Rowan, Tracey Ewart, Stephen Crampton, Alex Wimbush
  • Patent number: 10503249
    Abstract: A system for displaying information to an operator of a machine comprises a head tracking system and a projection system. One system for displaying information uses a projection system and a see-through display to present two-dimensional images to an operator. One system uses a projection system and a see-through display to present three-dimensional images to an operator. One system uses a pair of smart glasses to display information to a user based a direction a user is looking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniele Pagliani, Nicola Finardi, Richard Jackson, Ivan Di Federico
  • Patent number: 10343585
    Abstract: The invention relates to an agricultural machine for spraying a phytosanitary liquid over cultivated land, said machine comprising means for moving the machine, a spray boom having at least one arm, a mechanism for inclining the boom and/or at least one of the arms in relation to a frame of the machine and vertically when the machine is on a flat and horizontal surface, and a mechanism for raising/lowering the boom along an axis fixed in relation to the frame of the machine. At least one of the arms is provided with at least one sensor, each sensor measuring a distance between the surface of the land and said sensor or, if necessary, between the crop and the sensor. The control unit is connected to each sensor, provided with a memory for storing information provided by each sensor, and able to control the raising/lowering mechanism according to information stored in the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: EXEL INDUSTRIES
    Inventor: Patrick Ballu
  • Patent number: 10255886
    Abstract: An inspection record apparatus includes: a display unit; a memory unit configured to store inspection record data including image information concerning a subject and information concerning a damaged state of the subject, and information indicating whether the information concerning the damaged state is in a confirmed status or not; a display control unit configured to read the inspection record data to develop the information concerning the damaged state on an image corresponding to the image information, and display the resultant image onto the display unit; a detection unit configured to detect an operation for the information concerning the damaged state; a storage unit configured to store the information indicating that the information concerning the damaged state is in the confirmed status into the memory unit; and a changing unit configured to change a display manner of the information concerning the damaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Shingo Ito, Koki Tateishi, Masumi Nomura, Tatsuya Sakai
  • Patent number: 10241098
    Abstract: A modeling framework for estimating crop growth and development over the course of an entire growing season generates a continuing profile of crop development from any point prior to and during a growing season until a crop maturity date is reached. The modeling framework applies extended range weather forecasts and remotely-sensed imagery to improve crop growth and development estimation, validation and projection. Output from the profile of crop development profile generates a combination of data for use in auxiliary farm management applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: CLEARAG, INC.
    Inventors: Leon F. Osborne, Brent L. Shaw, John J. Mewes, Dustin M. Salentiny
  • Patent number: 10154661
    Abstract: An improvement to a roadside sprayer fixates spray nozzles on a registration plate. The registration plate may include integral tabs depending on the application. Inclination of the tabs is adjustable to place streams and droplets in a desired swath coverage. With the nozzles rigidly mounted onto the plate, the entire plate is nutated. The use of the registration plate in a spray unit creates a uniform nutation among the nozzles, thereby reducing variability in droplet placement, and providing a more predictable spray from the nozzles. In other embodiments, the spray unit is utilized in a spray system adaptable to service vehicles, and may be utilized in conjunction with a vegetation engagement device, such as a cutter to engage multiple zones of a roadway right-of-way. Additionally, an improved spray unit includes an electromagnetic field and an attractor to generate plate motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Inventor: Johnny Lee Kubacak
  • Patent number: 10146194
    Abstract: An augmented reality (AR) system, device, and method for reducing energy usage by monitoring and determining optimal control settings for conditions within a building. Sensors embedded in AR devices worn by workers performing job duties are utilized to detect and measure physical conditions such as visible light intensity and air temperature. Location, time/date, and worker occupancy data is also provided to the AR system. A time- and location-based data profile of environmental conditions within the building is created and regularly updated to track changes in environmental conditions over time. Algorithms running on a processor calculate and provide optimal control settings to building lighting and climate control systems. Optimal control settings take into account energy reduction goals, worker comfort, and regulatory compliance. The system utilizes the data profile to determine initial, reduced-energy control settings based on expected physical conditions within the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Todeschini, Mehul Patel, Kent Norton
  • Patent number: 9842173
    Abstract: A tool (systems, apparatus, methodology, application, user interface, etc.) for accessing content, such as webpages hosted over a network such as the internet, and more particularly, a tool for accessing the content of a webpage and further displaying a grid view superimposed over the content of the webpage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventor: Derek Knox
  • Patent number: 9756773
    Abstract: An agricultural material application management system includes an automated agricultural data collection vehicle including a location sensor. The automated agricultural data collection vehicle includes a receiver that receives sensor data including crop information, a memory that stores the plurality of locations and the sensor data, and a processor that generates a mapping correlating the crop information with the plurality of locations in the agricultural area, and generates an agricultural material application recommendation for each of the plurality of locations based on the mapping. The agricultural material application management system includes an agricultural vehicle including an interface unit that interfaces with the automated agricultural data collection vehicle and receives the agricultural material application recommendations from the agricultural data collection vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Luciano De Andrade Barbosa, Matthias Kormaksson, Cicero Nogueira Dos Santos, Marcelo Nery Dos Santos, Bianca Zadrozny
  • Patent number: 9715008
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an augmented reality application generates an augmented reality view that displays three-dimensional (3-D) ground penetrating radar (GPR) data on boundary surfaces of a virtual excavation. The augmented reality application calculates an intersection of the one or more boundary surfaces of the virtual excavation and the 3-D GPR data, and extracts data items of the 3-D GPR data that intersect the one or more boundary surfaces of the virtual excavation. The augmented reality application then projects two-dimensional (2-D) images based on the extracted data items onto the one or more boundary surfaces of the virtual excavation to show subsurface features in the augmented reality view that can be manipulated (e.g., moved, rotated, scaled, have its depth changed, etc) by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Bentley Systems, Incorporated
    Inventors: Stéphane Cõté, Renaud Gervais
  • Patent number: 9658069
    Abstract: A method for determining a reference position as the basis for a starting position for an inertial navigation system which is designed to determine the location of a vehicle on the basis of the starting position and a change in the relative position of the vehicle, the method including the steps of: detecting an ambient condition around the vehicle, determining a position of the vehicle at the location of the detected ambient condition, and assigning the determined position to the detected ambient condition as a reference position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Ulrich Stählin, Klaus Rink, Marc Menzel, Michael Zalewski
  • Patent number: 9576329
    Abstract: A method, performed by a server, for supporting equipment service at a site includes receiving, from Head Mounted Equipment (HME) associated with an installer at a site, data relating to an inventory and location of equipment at the site, wherein the data is collected by the HME during equipment service, wherein the equipment includes one or more of a circuit pack, a line module, a cable and power equipment; and checking the equipment service based on the received data and at least one of plans associated with the site and configuration rules of the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ciena Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Y. Frankel, Joseph Berthold
  • Patent number: 9336629
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method, a system, and a mobile device that incorporate augmented reality technology into land surveying, 3D laser scanning, and digital modeling processes. By incorporating the augmented reality technology, the mobile device can display an augmented reality image comprising a real view of a physical structure in the real environment and a 3D digital model of an unbuilt design element overlaid on top of the physical structure at its intended tie-in location. In an embodiment, a marker can be placed at predetermined set of coordinates at or around the tie-in location, determined by surveying equipment, on that the 3D digital model of the unbuilt design element can be visualized in a geometrically correct orientation with respect to the physical structure. Embodiments of the present invention can also be applied to a scaled down 3D printed object representing the physical structure if visiting the project site is not possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: F3 & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Finn, Carlo Caparas, Eric Horbatiuk, Mike Heitman
  • Patent number: 9022048
    Abstract: Device for cleaning solar modules, of both the photovoltaic and solar thermal type, by projection of a cleaning liquid onto the surface of said modules in the form of spray, is described. The device is of the towed type, for mounting on a tractor vehicle or similar, and is implemented based on an articulated unit which comprises a coupled parallelogram structure, having the possibility of pivoting around a support structure solidarily joined to the carrier vehicle, joined by the opposite end to a telescopic arm which articulately includes a projection bar on its distal end, with variable positioning, integrating a multiplicity of nozzles for projecting cleaning liquid. The projection bar includes mechanical sensors for positioning thereof on the surface. The different movements are carried out in a controlled manner by actuation of hydraulic cylinders and the articulated joint between the projection bar and the telescopic bar includes a means for adjusting the maximum inclination angle of the projection bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Rafael Ma Mendez De La Cuesta
  • Patent number: 8942893
    Abstract: A boom is attached to an application vehicle for applying a product during an agricultural application. The boom includes one or more sections that can be dynamically adjusted to satisfy one or more adjustment criteria. A boom controller communicates actuation commands to a boom adjustment system to dynamically adjust the shape of the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Uriel Rosa, Arthur F. Lange, John William Peake, Gurcan Aral, Gregory Daniel Chiocco
  • Patent number: 8864048
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a breakaway hinge for an expandable boom on an agricultural vehicle. The boom includes of a first and a second section combined in a manner to allow the second section to move with respect to the first section when the second section encounters an obstruction. A breakaway hinge is provided between the first and the second section, and includes a first pivot member attached to the first section at an angle ? with respect to a vertical line and a second pivot member attached to the second section at an angle ? with respect to the vertical line. A connecting member holds the first pivot member with respect to the second pivot member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: 4-L Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Light
  • Patent number: 8827180
    Abstract: An agricultural sprayer boom assembly is provided that includes a center section having a first frame configured to support left and right wing sections of the agricultural sprayer boom assembly. The agricultural sprayer boom assembly also includes a mast having a second frame coupled to the first frame, and configured to support the first frame during operation and transport. The first and second frames are aligned with one another along a direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: John Paul Honermann, Dane Kallevig, Scott David Reese
  • Patent number: 8464967
    Abstract: A tilting boom applicator broadly includes a laterally-extending applicator boom a lift, and a tilt frame. The lift includes upper and lower lift arms that support the applicator boom and are operable to vertically shift the applicator boom. The tilt frame interconnects the applicator boom and lift and includes a fixed section mounted to upper lift arms and a swinging section mounted to the applicator boom. The frame sections are attached to each other at a frame pivot joint that defines a longitudinal tilt axis, with the frame pivot joint permitting tilting movement of the applicator boom relative to the lift about the longitudinal tilt axis. Lower lift arms are directly attached to the swinging section to limit movement of the applicator boom relative to the lift about a lateral pitch axis while permitting the tilting movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: John Kuphal, Steve Suebert
  • Patent number: 8333333
    Abstract: A dust-control apparatus may be used in combination with tilling, cultivating, harvesting, construction machinery, and other mobile soil treatment implements. The apparatus applies mist to dust particles where the mist is created by pumping water or other liquid through nozzles. Because the apparatus is used in combination with the operation of the dust-generating machinery, the dust suppressing mist is applied nearly simultaneously to the generation of the dust by the agitation of the soil by the machinery. In one embodiment of the device, the operation of the pump or valves which control liquid flow to the nozzles is automatically activated by a optical sensor. The optical sensors cause either the starting of a pump or opening of a valve thereby increasing or decreasing the pressure and/or volume of the liquid upon the dust level reaching a preset trigger point as detected by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Lynn Embry
  • Patent number: 7823803
    Abstract: An integrated breakaway cylinder for controlling a boom of a self-propelled sprayer and method for constructing a boom assembly is disclosed in the present application. The integrated breakaway cylinder is constructed from a first stage cylinder and a second stage cylinder. The first stage cylinder is configured in a rod and barrel arrangement. The second stage cylinder is also configured in a rod and barrel arrangement, with the barrel of the first stage cylinder serving as the rod of the second stage cylinder. The first stage cylinder operates to extend and retract a boom. The second stage cylinder operates to absorb shock from inertia or the boom impacting an object. The design of various embodiments of the present invention couples the operation of maneuvering a boom with shock absorption into a single integrated cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: John Peterson, Kevin Mcilravy, Paul Hitzemann
  • Patent number: 7703699
    Abstract: A beam (16) such as a spray bar of an agricultural sprayer (10) is pivotable about an axis (22) into an operating position. In the operating position, the bar is in contact with a stop (28) located on a two-legged lever (30), one leg (42) of which is acted upon by the beam (16) and the other leg (44) of which is acted upon by a energy storing mechanism (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: John Deere Fabriek Horst B. V.
    Inventor: Joris Hiddema
  • Patent number: 7686234
    Abstract: An irrigation assembly has a main pipeline supported at intervals by mobile towers, a plurality of drop tube assemblies at spaced intervals along the pipeline and a collector positioned to receive water from the drop tube assembly. A plurality of targets are positioned on the ground in the paths of motion defined by the movement of the collectors. The targets may be dishes. Each dish preferably has a perforated drain that penetrates beneath the surface of the ground. Interaction between the collector and the target causes the water stored within the collector to be released into the target. The irrigation assembly may provide for underground irrigation without a collector where a dish or trough receives water from the drop tube assembly and underground drains allow for water to be dispersed below the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Lindsay Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Richard W. Parod, Charles H. Meis
  • Patent number: 7669784
    Abstract: An agricultural sprayer implement which includes a wheeled main body and a cantilevered boom. The cantilevered boom has a plurality of sections which fold with respect to one another and place significant torsional stress on one or more of the boom sections. The interior boom sections have a cylindrical tube as a lower member and preferably a square tube as an upper member with a plurality of braces extending between them. The cylindrical tube resists the torsional stress which is maximized during folding of the boom. The square tube resists particularly an upward/downward bending moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Summers Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Sobolik
  • Patent number: 7488138
    Abstract: In a road finisher having a spraying assembly for a bitumen emulsion, the spraying assembly has a plurality of spraying modules and one of the spraying modules has at least one pivotable spraying ramp at each side in the area of the carriage of the road finisher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Joseph Voegele AG
    Inventor: Martin Buschmann
  • Patent number: 7152811
    Abstract: A boom assembly includes a frame, a boom, a boom stabilization cylinder, and a feedback cylinder. The boom is rotatably mounted to the frame to rotate about a first axis. The boom stabilization cylinder is coupled to the boom to resist rotational deflection of the boom about the first axis. The feedback cylinder is coupled to a counterbalancing weight. The feedback cylinder is hydraulically coupled to the boom stabilization cylinder. Movement of the boom stabilization cylinder to resist deflection of the boom causes corresponding movement of the feedback cylinder to lift the counterbalancing weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Matthew W. Gunlogson, Aaron Robert Tollefsrud
  • Patent number: 7140563
    Abstract: A linear water feed apparatus for use in agricultural irrigation includes a linear-move machine with a mobile truss assembly supporting a plurality of individual sprinklers and adapted for movement in a specified direction across a field to be irrigated. The truss assembly is oriented transverse to the specified direction, and a supply pipe is arranged in the specified direction along or within the field to be irrigated. The supply pipe mounts a plurality of water supply hydrants at spaced locations along the pipe, each of the hydrants enclosing a water supply valve. A docking station is supported at one end of the truss assembly closest to the supply pipe, and is adapted to engage and open successive ones of the water supply valves in the plurality of hydrants. The docking station assembly includes a docking station that is suspended from a frame for floating movement about at least three mutually perpendicular axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph D. Sinden, Rex D. Ness, Chad D. Leinweber, Richard J. Berrier, Craig Nelson, Robert Rupar
  • Patent number: 7063276
    Abstract: A system for uniformly dispensing agricultural chemicals in soil comprises a holding reservoir for the liquid agrichemicals, at least one multi-port uniform dispersing manifold or splitter, and a number of dispensing delivery tubes for dispensing the chemicals proximate openings or slits in the soil during various functions such as planting. The liquid agricultural chemicals, within the system, flow, under pressure, from the reservoir to the exit orifice of each delivery conduit. The multi-port, uniform liquid dispersing manifold passively equally and uniformly, divides the incoming fluid stream to provide separate, but substantially equal, divided fluid streams exiting the manifold to individual delivery conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Agri-Inject, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary D. Newton
  • Patent number: 6837446
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a sprayer boom and is incorporated in a spraying apparatus which includes a vehicle, a tank, hoses connected to nozzles, and the sprayer boom. The sprayer boom includes a number of wing sections each including at least one single-piece component cut from a sheet of metal to form a web or truss structure which replaces the usual rods and welds support provided to sprayer booms of this nature. Obtaining the single-piece component by cutting it from a sheet of metal rather than constructing the truss-structure by use of many rods reduces material and labor costs. Spaced apart rungs or tabs on the bottom of the sprayer boom provide openings through which sprayer nozzles are aimed while the nozzles, hoses and connectors remain mostly recessed within the boom which provides physical protection from wind and other damage and still allows easy access for repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Sprayer Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Lynn Jesse
  • Patent number: 6789553
    Abstract: A coatings removal head assembly for mounting on a self-propelled apparatus and for connection to one or more fluid supplies and one or more vacuum containment systems. A spring mounting assembly maintains a constant nozzle stand-off distance from a surface to be cleaned. A positively driven rotary spray bar assembly is employed to control the nozzle pass rate in conjunction with the movement of the self-propelled apparatus. A specifically configured exhaust is provided to enhance collection and containment of waste fluid and removed material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Hammelmann Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Phillip Harris, Dennis Lynn Mesarvey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6789746
    Abstract: A connecting device connecting a spray boom to a chassis of an agricultural sprayer, said connecting device is noteworthy in that it consists of a single quadrilateral arranged in a plane which is substantially vertical and substantially parallel to a longitudinal plane of said sprayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Kuhn-Nodet S.A.
    Inventor: Alain Guesdon
  • Patent number: 6702200
    Abstract: A nozzle attitude controller for use in connection with a farming apparatus for precision farming, the apparatus comprising an applicator vehicle, a boom supported by and extending across the rear of the vehicle, a manifold rotatably supported by the boom, a plurality of nozzles disposed from the manifold and oriented in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the vehicle, but disposed at an angle with respect to the horizontal, the attitude controller including a linear actuator operated by a stepper motor and a radar sensor which connects to the stepper motor and which measures the speed of the vehicle such that pulses from the radar sensor to the stepper motor moves the linear actuator to change the angle of the nozzle so that the horizontal component of its velocity is equal and opposite to the speed of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: The Board of Regents for Oklahoma State University
    Inventors: John B. Solie, Marvin L. Stone, Stewart D. Reed
  • Patent number: 6651903
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a unique tank and ring system for transporting and circulating high specific gravity soluble fluid on board a vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: VT Halter Marine, Inc.
    Inventor: W. Philip Nuss
  • Patent number: 6454183
    Abstract: A sprayer boom on a vehicle serves for by means of a number of liquid nozzles spraying a carriageway with a liquid fed under pressure to the nozzles from a storage container via a feed pipe. The nozzles are divided into sets with each their valve arrangement for selectively shutting off and opening for liquid supply to the respective set. The sprayer boom is suitable for tasks where the same amount of liquid per area unit must be sprayed across the area the vehicle passes irrespective of the speed of the vehicle, in as much as the nozzle sets can be regulated quickly and easily to optimum functioning at a given speed and a corresponding liquid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Albert Hedegaard
  • Publication number: 20020113137
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a spray boom. The method comprises the steps of forming flat two ladders, each ladder consisting of an upper beam connected to a lower beam by girders, producing lower crossbeams, assembling the two ladders and the lower crossbeams to form a three-dimensional structure. The present invention advantageously makes it possible to reduce the cost of manufacturing a spray boom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: KUHN-NODET S. A.
    Inventor: Alain Guesdon
  • Patent number: 6422483
    Abstract: A vehicle-borne spray boom apparatus has multiple articulated sections that are foldable and individually supported with respect to the ground to maintain a consistent and optimal distance between the boom sections and the ground on hilly and uneven terrain. A center section of the boom is mounted on a forward facing frame element of the vehicle, and boom arms extending from either end of the center section each comprise at least first and second sections, each supported by a ground-engaging wheel. Each first section is coupled at one end to the center section to permit vertical inclination with respect to the center section, and each second section is coupled at one end to a respective first section to permit vertical inclination with respect to such first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Yocom L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ross E. Yocom, Roger E. Yocom
  • Patent number: 6382523
    Abstract: A road brine spreader serving for driving along a road or a similar carriageway and within the roadsides, under pressure spreading out brine over the road via a number of liquid nozzles. The nozzles are arranged to send out the water in the form of jets. The spreader has a control system comprising a regulation mechanism for altering the water pressure and/or quantity and/or the angular position of at least some of the nozzles, and an actuating mechanism for actuating the regulation mechanism. The brine can with this device be spread evenly and uniformly over an iced up and/or snowed up roadway without passing the roadsides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Albert Hedegard
  • Patent number: 6315218
    Abstract: A suspension device for a boom of a product spraying agricultural appliance includes elements for mounting the boom on a chassis of the appliance. The suspension device further includes elements to damp a boom movements and adjusting members capable of acting on the boom mounting elements so as to vary a position of a boom instantaneous center of rotation relative to a center of gravity thereof, preferably by modifying a spacing between the center of gravity and the instantaneous center of rotation located higher than the center of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Kuhn-Nodet, S.A.
    Inventor: Alain Guesdon
  • Publication number: 20010022322
    Abstract: A connecting device connecting a spray boom to a chassis of an agricultural sprayer, said connecting device is noteworthy in that it consists of a single quadrilateral arranged in a plane which is substantially vertical and substantially parallel to a longitudinal plane of said sprayer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: KUHN-NODET S.A.
    Inventor: Alain Guesdon
  • Patent number: 6285938
    Abstract: A primer system for agricultural product distribution machines, such as an agricultural air seeder, a precision planter, a sprayer, or the like, includes a tank or a bin for holding the product, a distribution system for conveying and distributing the product from the tank and a driving mechanism for driving the product from the tank into the distribution system at a certain rate. The driving mechanism can run automatically or can be selectively operated, based on commands received from a microcontroller. The microcontroller may receive signals from a user interface and from sensing equipment, such as a ground speed detector, a pressure sensor, a flow metre, or the like. In a regular mode of operation, the controller runs the driving mechanism automatically at a rate calculated based on the signals received from the above mentioned systems. Most agricultural machines have the automated mode of operation of the driving mechanism, conditioned by the ground speed of the tractor being higher than a minimum speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventors: Francis G. Lang, Robert K. Benneweis, Shane C. Durant, Paul G. Weisberg, Blake R. Neudorf, David R. Hundeby, Dean J. Mayerle
  • Patent number: 6202941
    Abstract: An agricultural/viticultural sprayer including a pair of curved arms to partially encircle a row of crops such as vines to be sprayed. Each arm carries a plurality of fan spray heads, and each arm is mounted on a support arm rotatable about a vertical pivot, whereby each of the curved arms can be rotated from a transport position to a spread operating position while remaining symmetrical about a plane generally normal to the path of travel when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Bent Baek
  • Patent number: 6126088
    Abstract: A nozzle mounting and control system for use in sprayers comprising multiple sets of nozzles mounted in the operating position on a sprayer boom. Control valves are operable to select which sets of nozzles are operating at any given time. The valves may be remote controlled and may further incorporate a rate controller to maintain a chosen application rate as speed varies. This application rate may be varied conveniently. The rate controller may be a present rate controller such as measures the speed and total fluid volume delivered and then adjusts the pressure to maintain the application rate, or may be a novel rate controller which measures the speed and fluid pressure and then adjusts the pressure to maintain the application rate. Either rate controller would operate the control valves to select the proper combination of operating nozzles in addition to adjusting the pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventors: Wilfred H. Wilger, Mark Bartel