US 11,950,529 B2
Stalk sensor apparatus, systems, and methods
Timothy A. Sauder, Tremont, IL (US); Derek A. Sauder, Tremont, IL (US); Justin L. Koch, Deer Creek, IL (US); Troy L. Plattner, Goodfield, IL (US); and David Huber, Bloomington, IL (US)
Assigned to CLIMATE LLC, Saint Louis, MO (US)
Filed by Climate LLC, Saint Louis, MO (US)
Filed on Nov. 7, 2019, as Appl. No. 16/677,102.
Application 16/677,102 is a continuation of application No. 15/853,371, filed on Dec. 22, 2017, granted, now 10,537,060.
Application 15/853,371 is a continuation of application No. 15/137,989, filed on Apr. 25, 2016, granted, now 9,894,835, issued on Feb. 20, 2018.
Application 15/137,989 is a continuation of application No. 14/360,209, granted, now 9,322,629, issued on Apr. 26, 2016, previously published as PCT/US2012/066279, filed on Nov. 21, 2012.
Claims priority of provisional application 61/562,932, filed on Nov. 22, 2011.
Prior Publication US 2020/0068803 A1, Mar. 5, 2020
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. A01D 41/127 (2006.01); A01B 79/00 (2006.01); A01D 43/00 (2006.01); A01D 45/02 (2006.01); A01D 75/00 (2006.01); G01B 5/10 (2006.01); G01B 21/10 (2006.01); G01N 33/00 (2006.01); G01S 19/42 (2010.01)
CPC A01D 41/127 (2013.01) [A01B 79/005 (2013.01); A01D 43/00 (2013.01); A01D 45/021 (2013.01); A01D 75/00 (2013.01); G01B 5/10 (2013.01); G01B 21/10 (2013.01); G01N 33/0098 (2013.01); G01S 19/42 (2013.01); G01B 2210/00 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for providing improvements in agricultural science by determining yield values based on stalk-specific measurements collected by an agricultural combine harvester while traversing a field, the method comprising:
receiving, from a first stalk sensor associated with a first combine row unit of an agricultural combine harvester, a first signal that indicates a position of the first stalk sensor relative to a first stalk;
in response to receiving the first signal:
contacting the first stalk from a first side with a first feeler, the first feeler rotatably mounted to the first stalk sensor;
contacting the first stalk from a second side with a second feeler, the second feeler rotatably mounted to the first stalk sensor;
measuring a first displacement of the first feeler;
measuring a second displacement of the second feeler; and
determining a first stalk diameter based on the first displacement and the second displacement; and
generating, and displaying using a computer display device, a first yield map that depicts associations between the first stalk diameter and the position of the first stalk.