SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AgJunction Inc. (TSX: AJX), the Autosteering Company™ ("AgJunction"), announces three new patent allowances in the U.S. and Europe.
The first allowed patent describes an invention where position sensors (such as GNSS and IMU) are used to accurately locate a farm implement (such as a spray boom) with reference to the ground, standing crop, or other field features. Real time compute engine processes control algorithms to compare sensor data with spatial data logged from a previous operation, or terrain model, to make control decisions which maintain desired implement height. Work order management systems and methods can be combined with the machine control functions of the invention to further automate operations, including agricultural operations involving multiple machines operating at multiple locations and sharing data with each other and with centralized data facilities.
The second patent, issued on August 20th, U.S. patent no. 10,384,709 describes an invention for a steering wheel actuator mechanism that more easily allows for the retrofitting of steering control systems in tractors and other farm machinery. Some steering control systems may not fit in vehicles with certain console arrangements. Other steering control systems may obstruct the vehicle operator from normal hand placement on the steering wheel. This invention solves these issues for farmers wanting to add aftermarket autosteering to their farm machines.
Finally, the European Patent Office has issued a notice of allowance for a new AgJunction patent that describes using in-device thermal stabilization to solve low-frequency measurement instability in commercially-available IMUs. This invention offers an affordable solution to measurement errors for IMUs at the lower end of the price spectrum.
“We’re excited to bring innovative solutions to precision agriculture that expand the market and use,” said Jeff Morris, chief marketing officer of AgJunction. “And, through these innovations, providing farmers greater autonomy to be more productive.”
Bob Barjesteh, vice president, M&A, IP and general counsel for AgJunction commented, “We continue to invest heavily in R&D churning out strong patents in the precision farming space. We remain dedicated to sustaining and improving upon the most comprehensive patent portfolio in the space, protecting products sold to our OEM and VAR partners along with our sales directly to the farmer through handsfreefarm.com.”
Since 2016 alone, AgJunction has added 75 new patent matters with 16 new patents issued. The company currently holds approximately 200 precision agriculture patents and pending patents worldwide.
About AgJunction
AgJunction Inc., the Autosteering Company™ is a global leader of advanced guidance and autosteering solutions for precision agriculture applications. Its technologies are critical components in over 30 of the world’s leading precision Ag manufacturers and solution providers and it holds approximately 200 patents and patents pending. AgJunction markets its solutions under leading brand names including Novariant®, Wheelman™, Whirl™ and Handsfreefarm® and is committed to advancing its vision by bringing affordable hands-free farming to every farm, regardless of terrain or size. AgJunction is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol “AJX.” For more information, please go to AgJunction.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws and is based on the expectations, estimates and projections of management of AgJunction as of the date of this news release, unless otherwise stated. The use of any of the words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "ongoing", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information. These statements are only predictions and actual events or results may differ materially. Although the Company’s management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievement since such expectations are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and political uncertainties and contingencies. In particular, forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to statements with respect to: the Company’s vision with respect to autosteering for farmers and the expectation that regular updates will be pushed out to the app ensuring farmers can always operate their Wheelman products with the most up-to-date technology. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking information contained in this press release.
In respect of the forward-looking information, AgJunction has provided such information in reliance on certain assumptions that it believes are reasonable at this time, including, but not limited to, the sufficiency of budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out planned activities; that AgJunction's future results of operations will be consistent with management expectations in relation thereto; availability of key supplies, components, services, networks and developments; the impact of increasing competition; conditions in general economic, agricultural and financial markets; demand for the Company's products; and the continuity of existing business relationships.
Since forward-looking information addresses future events and conditions, such information by its very nature involves inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to the risks associated with the industries in which AgJunction operates; competition; inability to introduce new technology and new products in a timely manner; legal claims for the infringement of intellectual property and other claims; negative conditions in general economic, agricultural and financial markets; and reduced demand for the Company's products. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.
Additional information on other factors that could affect the Company's operations or financial results, are included in reports of AgJunction on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities, including but not limited to, AgJunction's Annual Information Form which may be accessed on its SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof and AgJunction undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.
Contact:
Media
Jeff Morris, Corporate Communications, AgJunction
+1-510-933-4808
jmorris@agjunction.com
Investor Relations
Gateway Investor Relations
Cody Slach, Managing Director
+1-949-574-3860
AJX@gatewayir.com