Patents by Inventor Brian R. Funk
Brian R. Funk has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11724658Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a control system for a terrain working vehicle having an operator protection apparatus. In some aspects, the control system instructs and ceases an actuation of the operator protection apparatus to and between a raised position and a lowered position.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2021Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.Inventors: Harlan J. Bartel, Eric M. Biggs, Brian R. Funk, Ronald E. Lefevre, Royce A. Steinert, James A. Wright, Brian L. Nebel
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Publication number: 20230071515Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a stand-on terrain working vehicle having a foot-operated parking brake system. The parking brake system includes a pedal assembly having a first pedal and a second pedal, an actuator coupled to the pedal assembly, a brake configured to be actuated between a set/engaged state and a released/disengaged state, and an over-center linkage. When the first pedal of the pedal assembly is depressed, the brake is actuated to the set/engaged state, and when the second pedal of the pedal assembly is depressed, the brake is actuated to the released/disengaged state. The over-center linkage is configured to bias the brake towards one of the set/engaged state and the released/disengaged state.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2022Publication date: March 9, 2023Inventors: Brian R. FUNK, Robert C. ESAU, Brian L. NEBEL
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Publication number: 20220369550Abstract: An electric terrain working vehicle having a parking brake actuated in response to an operator presence system detecting the presence of, or the absence of, an operator in relation to the electric terrain working vehicle. The operator presence system may send a signal to a controller and the controller may command the actuation of the parking brake between an engaged stated and a disengaged state.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2022Publication date: November 24, 2022Inventors: Royce A. Steinert, Brian R. Funk
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Patent number: 11498532Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a stand-on terrain working vehicle having a foot-operated parking brake system. The parking brake system includes a pedal assembly having a first pedal and a second pedal, an actuator coupled to the pedal assembly, a brake configured to be actuated between a set/engaged state and a released/disengaged state, and an over-center linkage. When the first pedal of the pedal assembly is depressed, the brake is actuated to the set/engaged state, and when the second pedal of the pedal assembly is depressed, the brake is actuated to the released/disengaged state. The over-center linkage is configured to bias the brake towards one of the set/engaged state and the released/disengaged state.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Brian R. Funk, Robert C. Esau, Brian L. Nebel
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Publication number: 20220295702Abstract: A steering lever pivot assembly may have a two-axis polymer housing pivotally coupled to a terrain working vehicle at opposing bosses and comprising a pair of reciprocal housing portions, a steering lever pivotally coupled to the two-axis polymer housing, the steering lever having a connecting portion for coupling to a first system of the terrain working vehicle, a clasp coupled to the steering lever and the two-axis polymer housing and having a mounting portion for coupling to a first system of the terrain working vehicle, and a pair of bushings that receive one of the opposing bosses therein. In some aspects, the two-axis polymer housing provides a first axis of rotation at the pivotal coupling between the steering lever and the two-axis polymer housing and a second axis of rotation through the opposing bushings, which may be axially aligned.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2022Publication date: September 22, 2022Inventors: Brian R. Funk, James A. Wright, Tyler A. Yost
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Patent number: 11357170Abstract: A steering lever pivot assembly may have a two-axis polymer housing pivotally coupled to a terrain working vehicle at opposing bosses and comprising a pair of reciprocal housing portions, a steering lever pivotally coupled to the two-axis polymer housing, the steering lever having a connecting portion for coupling to a first system of the terrain working vehicle, a clasp coupled to the steering lever and the two-axis polymer housing and having a mounting portion for coupling to a first system of the terrain working vehicle, and a pair of bushings that receive one of the opposing bosses therein. In some aspects, the two-axis polymer housing provides a first axis of rotation at the pivotal coupling between the steering lever and the two-axis polymer housing and a second axis of rotation through the opposing bushings, which may be axially aligned.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2018Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Brian R. Funk, James A. Wright, Tyler A. Yost
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Publication number: 20220080914Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a control system for a terrain working vehicle having an operator protection apparatus. In some aspects, the control system instructs and ceases an actuation of the operator protection apparatus to and between a raised position and a lowered position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2021Publication date: March 17, 2022Inventors: Harlan J. BARTEL, ERIC M. BIGGS, BRIAN R. FUNK, RONALD E. LEFEVRE, ROYCE A. STEINERT, JAMES A. WRIGHT, BRIAN L. NEBEL
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Patent number: 11198408Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a control system for a terrain working vehicle having an operator protection apparatus. In some aspects, the control system instructs and ceases an actuation of the operator protection apparatus to and between a raised position and a lowered position.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2019Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Harlan J. Bartel, Eric M. Biggs, Brian R. Funk, Ronald E. Lefevre, Royce A. Steinert, James A. Wright, Brian L. Nebel
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Publication number: 20210309189Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a stand-on terrain working vehicle having a foot-operated parking brake system. The parking brake system includes a pedal assembly having a first pedal and a second pedal, an actuator coupled to the pedal assembly, a brake configured to be actuated between a set/engaged state and a released/disengaged state, and an over-center linkage. When the first pedal of the pedal assembly is depressed, the brake is actuated to the set/engaged state, and when the second pedal of the pedal assembly is depressed, the brake is actuated to the released/disengaged state. The over-center linkage is configured to bias the brake towards one of the set/engaged state and the released/disengaged state.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2020Publication date: October 7, 2021Inventors: Brian R. Funk, Robert C. Esau, Brian L. Nebel
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Patent number: 11071248Abstract: A mower may have a frame, a floor pan affixed to the frame, and a cutting deck suspended from the floor pan. A height of the cutting deck over a terrain surface may be adjustable with a lift system. The lift system may couple the cutting deck to the floor pan and move the cutting deck between a minimum height and a maximum height.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2018Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Brian R. Funk, James A. Wright, Tyler A. Yost
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Patent number: 10939616Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a mower having a first portion and a second portion that is movable relative to the first portion to adjust a cutting height of the mower. The adjustment of the second portion may be facilitated, for example, by a height adjustment mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2017Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Brian R. Funk, Brian Lee Nebel, Robert C. Esau
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Patent number: 10640030Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a translating cargo assembly for a vehicle. The translating cargo assembly may include a translation mechanism, which may be affixed to a cargo frame of the vehicle. The translating cargo assembly may also include a carrier frame that is coupled with the translation mechanism and configured to mate with cargo implements. A drive mechanism, such as a rotary actuator, may be coupled with the translation mechanism. The rotary actuator may be effective to translate the carrier frame through a range of positions including a transport position, in which the carrier frame may be adjacent to the cargo frame, and a loading position, in which the carrier frame may be proximate ground level.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2017Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Royce A. Steinert, Brian R. Funk, David L. Marshall
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Patent number: 10631459Abstract: A stand-on mower may have a deck with at least one deck wing. The mower may include a stand-on operator platform, a rear wheel axis positioned forward of the stand-on operator platform, a main deck having main deck blades with rotational axes positioned forward of the rear wheel axis, one or more deck wings, and front wheels positioned forward of the rotational axes of the main deck blades.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Paul W. Mullet, Brian R. Funk, Robert C. Esau
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Publication number: 20200101920Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a control system for a terrain working vehicle having an operator protection apparatus. In some aspects, the control system instructs and ceases an actuation of the operator protection apparatus to and between a raised position and a lowered position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2019Publication date: April 2, 2020Inventors: HARLAN J. BARTEL, ERIC M. BIGGS, BRIAN R. FUNK, RONALD E. LEFEVRE, ROYCE A. STEINERT, JAMES A. WRIGHT, BRIAN L. NEBEL
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Publication number: 20180249630Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a stand-on mower having a deck with at least one deck wing. The mower may include a stand-on operator platform, a rear wheel axis positioned forward of the stand-on operator platform, a main deck having main deck blades with rotational axes positioned forward of the rear wheel axis, one or more deck wings, and front wheels positioned forward of the rotational axes of the main deck blades.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2018Publication date: September 6, 2018Inventors: PAUL W. MULLET, BRIAN R. FUNK, ROBERT C. ESAU
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Patent number: 10051786Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a stand-on mower having a deck with at least one deck wing. The mower may include a stand-on operator platform, a rear wheel axis positioned forward of the stand-on operator platform, a main deck having main deck blades with rotational axes positioned forward of the rear wheel axis, one or more deck wings, and front wheels positioned forward of the rotational axes of the main deck blades.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2016Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.Inventors: Paul W. Mullet, Brian R. Funk, Robert C. Esau
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Publication number: 20180043812Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a translating cargo assembly for a vehicle. The translating cargo assembly may include a translation mechanism, which may be affixed to a cargo frame of the vehicle. The translating cargo assembly may also include a carrier frame that is coupled with the translation mechanism and configured to mate with cargo implements. A drive mechanism, such as a rotary actuator, may be coupled with the translation mechanism. The rotary actuator may be effective to translate the carrier frame through a range of positions including a transport position, in which the carrier frame may be adjacent to the cargo frame, and a loading position, in which the carrier frame may be proximate ground level.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2017Publication date: February 15, 2018Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Royce A. Steinert, Brian R. Funk
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Publication number: 20180014460Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a stand-on mower having a deck with at least one deck wing. The mower may include a stand-on operator platform, a rear wheel axis positioned forward of the stand-on operator platform, a main deck having main deck blades with rotational axes positioned forward of the rear wheel axis, one or more deck wings, and front wheels positioned forward of the rotational axes of the main deck blades.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2016Publication date: January 18, 2018Inventors: PAUL W. MULLET, BRIAN R. FUNK, Robert C. ESAU
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Patent number: 8240420Abstract: A steering lever mechanism for a mower vehicle includes a lever assembly and a base which is fixed to the mower vehicle for mounting the lever assembly to the mower. The lever assembly includes a pivot assembly and a lever portion. The lever portion is pivotably mounted to the pivot assembly for rotation about a longitudinal axis between an inboard position and an outboard position. The pivot assembly is also pivotably mounted to the base for rotation of the pivot bracket portion and the lever portion about a transverse axis between a rear position, an intermediate neutral position and a forward position. A rotation measuring device is associated with the base and the pivot assembly for measuring the forward and rear rotation of the lever assembly. A sensor for activating parking breaks is also associated with the base for sensing the lever assembly when it is in the outboard position.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.Inventors: Harlan J. Bartel, Brian R. Funk
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Patent number: 7856799Abstract: A lawn mower drive arrangement delivers power to a mower deck of a lawn mower vehicle. The drive arrangement includes a prime mover and a drive sheave, at least one mower deck sheave for powering at least one cutting blade and an endless engaging the drive sheave and at least one mower deck sheave. The drive sheave is oriented such that its axis of rotation is generally transverse. Guide pulleys engage the tension side and the slack side of the endless belt between the drive sheave and at least one mower deck sheave. The guide pulleys are positioned such that the endless belt twists by an acute angle substantially less than 60 degrees between the drive sheave and the guide pulleys.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2010Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Inventors: Brian R. Funk, Darrin S. Hiebert