Patents by Inventor Charles W. Formwalt, Jr.

Charles W. Formwalt, Jr. 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).

  • Patent number: 5498929
    Abstract: An implement lighting system providing enhanced turn signal warning with standard or enhanced tractor turn and warning lighting systems. The implement lighting system includes left and right brake lamps for connecting electrically to the ungrounded sides of the corresponding towing vehicle turn signal lamps. The implement lighting system also includes a control circuit which includes a plurality of diodes and a relay. If necessary for timing purposes, the control circuit may include a resistor and a capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Charles W. Formwalt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5251733
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle powershift transmission includes a set of electrical connectors which in a normal mode, permit electrical power to be transmitted to microprocessor-controlled valve drivers for the transmission clutch control valves. These connectors may be swapped, in a limp-home mode, to permit power to be transmitted directly to the transmission clutch control valves. In both modes, a start-in-gear protection circuit including a pair of relays and switches coupled to the shift lever prevents the vehicle from being started up with a gear engaged. In the limp-home mode, a limp-home relay and a clutch disengaged switch prevents gear engagement until the operator has depressed and then released the clutch pedal, and the clutch pedal may be operated to modulate and control gear engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Peter L. Falck, Charles W. Formwalt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4757249
    Abstract: A vehicle electrical system includes dual alternator/battery sets separately connected to separate non-critical electrical loads, and both connected through a diode circuit to a critical electrical load. A starter switch connects both batteries to the engine starter motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Arnold S. Farber, Charles W. Formwalt, Jr., Kenneth D. Baxter, Donald K. Pfundstein
  • Patent number: 4638720
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control system includes a plurality of two-position control valves, each controlling fluid flow into and out of a corresponding one of a plurality of hydraulic functions. First and second pressure responsive servo actuators associated with each control valve operate to move each control valve to first and second positions, respectively. A two-position, solenoid-operated, pilot valve controls fluid flow into and out of a pilot circuit. The pilot circuit communicates fluid to and from the second servo actuator of each control valve and to and from a plurality of two-position, soleniod-operated, pilot valves. Each pilot valve controls fluid flow into and out of the first servo actuator of a corresponding one of the control valves. A detent mechanism holds each control valve in either its first or its second position in the absence of fluid pressure in the servo actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Kevin D. McKee, Charles W. Formwalt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4317232
    Abstract: A circuit for both transmitting and receiving information in the form of light energy using a single light-emitting diode. Signals are received by the diode from a fiber optic light pipe or bundle and are converted into electrical energy. A transmission section in the same circuit converts electrical energy into light energy in the diode to transmit information. The system, therefore, requires only one diode and one optical connector at each end of the light pipe or bundle for two-way communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1982
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Terence D. Pickett, Charles W. Formwalt, Jr.