Patents by Inventor Daniel J. Gindt

Daniel J. Gindt 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: 11815386
    Abstract: A fuel level circuit for dual tank configuration includes fuel level sensors in each of two tanks and a fuel level display that can display the fuel level in one tank. The tank to be displayed on the fuel level display is selected by a flow diverting valve that selects the tank from which fuel will be delivered to a prime mover. A magnetic element moves with the flow diverting valve to actuate a magnetic switch to open or close a circuit element. A fuel selection relay places the fuel level display in communication with the fuel level sensor of the selected fuel tank in response to the magnetic switch opening and closing the circuit element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Ariens Company
    Inventors: Daniel J. Gindt, Nicholas R. Schrubbe, Clayton J. Van Thiel
  • Publication number: 20230200300
    Abstract: An accessory for use with the work vehicle includes an accessory frame configured to support the accessory, a first linkage member extending downwardly from the accessory frame, and a second linkage member spaced apart from the first linkage member. The second linkage member extends downwardly from the accessory frame. A hook is coupled to an end of the first linkage member and is configured to engage the first connection point. A latch is coupled to an end of the second linkage member and is moveable between a first position, in which the latch is configured to be secured to the second connection point, and a second position, in which the latch is released from the second connection point. A cord coupled to the latch and is operable to move the latch from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Ricky A. Cracraft, Daniel J. Gindt, Trenton J. Meyer, Brent P. Berglund
  • Patent number: 11596103
    Abstract: A lawn mower includes a mower frame with a first connection point and a second connection point spaced apart from the first connection point. The lawn mower also includes a prime mover supported by the mower frame forward of the first and second connection points, a mower deck mounted to the mower frame, a cutting blade mounted below the mower deck, and an accessory releasably coupled to the mower frame. The accessory includes a first linkage member that extends from the accessory toward the first connection point, and a second linkage member that extends from the accessory toward the second connection point. A hook is coupled to an end of the first linkage member and engages the first connection point. A latch is coupled to an end of the second linkage member and is operable to engage the second connection point to selectively secure the accessory to the mower frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Ariens Company
    Inventors: Ricky A. Cracraft, Daniel J. Gindt, Trenton J. Meyer, Brent P. Berglund
  • Patent number: 11540439
    Abstract: A lawn mower includes a seat plate movably coupled to the frame. An operator seat is coupled to the seat plate. An armrest is laterally spaced from the operator seat and includes an elongated support, an arm support surface, and a control panel. The elongated support has a first end fixed to the seat plate and a second end. The arm support surface is coupled to the second end and can support a user's arm. The control panel is positioned between the arm support surface and the second end of the elongated support. The control panel is fixed to the elongated support for movement with the seat plate such that the control panel remains stationary relative to the seat plate. The control panel includes an actuator to control a function of the lawn mower. The actuator is configured to be actuated while the user's arm is on the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Ariens Company
    Inventors: Daniel J. Gindt, Andrew Donati, Christopher Forrest, Derek Mikula, Rebecca Vissers, Fredric D. Schreiner, Scott Lyman, Matthew P. Schuller-Rach
  • Patent number: 11413995
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a frame, a first ground-engaging element coupled to a first portion of the frame, a second ground-engaging element coupled to a second portion of the frame, an operator platform supported by the frame, and a suspension system coupled between the operator platform and the frame to accommodate motion of the frame relative to the operator platform. The suspension system includes a first linkage assembly coupled to the operator platform and operable to accommodate motion of the second portion of the frame relative to the operator platform and a second linkage assembly having a first end coupled to the frame to secure the suspension system to the frame and a second end coupled to the first linkage assembly. The second linkage assembly being operable independent of the first linkage assembly to accommodate motion of the first portion of the frame relative to the operator platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Ariens Company
    Inventors: Brent P. Berglund, Jeffrey M. Berchem, Daniel J. Gindt
  • Publication number: 20220169155
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a frame, a first ground-engaging element coupled to a first portion of the frame, a second ground-engaging element coupled to a second portion of the frame, an operator platform supported by the frame, and a suspension system coupled between the operator platform and the frame to accommodate motion of the frame relative to the operator platform. The suspension system includes a first linkage assembly coupled to the operator platform and operable to accommodate motion of the second portion of the frame relative to the operator platform and a second linkage assembly having a first end coupled to the frame to secure the suspension system to the frame and a second end coupled to the first linkage assembly. The second linkage assembly being operable independent of the first linkage assembly to accommodate motion of the first portion of the frame relative to the operator platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: Brent P. Berglund, Jeffrey M. Berchem, Daniel J. Gindt
  • Publication number: 20220065684
    Abstract: A fuel level circuit for dual tank configuration includes fuel level sensors in each of two tanks and a fuel level display that can display the fuel level in one tank. The tank to be displayed on the fuel level display is selected by a flow diverting valve that selects the tank from which fuel will be delivered to a prime mover. A magnetic element moves with the flow diverting valve to actuate a magnetic switch to open or close a circuit element. A fuel selection relay places the fuel level display in communication with the fuel level sensor of the selected fuel tank in response to the magnetic switch opening and closing the circuit element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Daniel J. Gindt, Nicholas R. Schrubbe, Clayton J. Van Thiel
  • Patent number: 10791672
    Abstract: A lawn mower includes a discharge baffle assembly coupled to a cutting deck pan adjacent an opening. The discharge baffle assembly includes a discharge chute extending outwardly from the cutting deck pan. The discharge baffle assembly also includes a baffle plate movable within a gap between the discharge chute and the cutting deck pan. The baffle plate is movable between a first position, in which the baffle plate substantially covers the opening of the cutting deck pan, and a second position, in which the baffle plate is spaced apart from the opening of the cutting deck pan. The discharge baffle assembly further includes an actuator coupled to the baffle plate. The actuator is operable to move the baffle plate relative to the opening of the cutting deck pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Ariens Company
    Inventors: Brent P. Berglund, Kevin A. Spatchek, Daniel J. Gindt
  • Publication number: 20200022303
    Abstract: A lawn mower includes a seat plate movably coupled to the frame. An operator seat is coupled to the seat plate. An armrest is laterally spaced from the operator seat and includes an elongated support, an arm support surface, and a control panel. The elongated support has a first end fixed to the seat plate and a second end. The arm support surface is coupled to the second end and can support a user's arm. The control panel is positioned between the arm support surface and the second end of the elongated support. The control panel is fixed to the elongated support for movement with the seat plate such that the control panel remains stationary relative to the seat plate. The control panel includes an actuator to control a function of the lawn mower. The actuator is configured to be actuated while the user's arm is on the support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel J. Gindt, Andrew Donati, Christopher Forrest, Derek Mikula, Rebecca Vissers, Fredric D. Schreiner, Scott Lyman, Matthew P. Schuller-Rach
  • Publication number: 20190223380
    Abstract: A lawn mower includes a mower frame with a first connection point and a second connection point spaced apart from the first connection point. The lawn mower also includes a prime mover supported by the mower frame forward of the first and second connection points, a mower deck mounted to the mower frame, a cutting blade mounted below the mower deck, and an accessory releasably coupled to the mower frame. The accessory includes a first linkage member that extends from the accessory toward the first connection point, and a second linkage member that extends from the accessory toward the second connection point. A hook is coupled to an end of the first linkage member and engages the first connection point. A latch is coupled to an end of the second linkage member and is operable to engage the second connection point to selectively secure the accessory to the mower frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventors: Ricky A. Cracraft, Daniel J. Gindt, Trenton J. Meyer, Brent P. Berglund
  • Patent number: 10292328
    Abstract: A lawn mower includes a mower frame, a prime mover supported by the mower frame, a mower deck mounted to the mower frame, a cutting blade mounted below the mower deck to cut vegetation under the mower deck, and a bagger assembly releasably coupled to the mower frame. The bagger assembly includes a receptacle for collecting cut vegetation. The receptacle has a lid. The bagger assembly also includes a latch supported by the receptacle and operable to engage the mower frame. The latch is moveable between a first position, in which the latch is secured to the mower frame, and a second position, in which the latch is released from the mower frame. The bagger assembly further includes a cord positioned on the lid and coupled to the latch. The cord is operable to move the latch from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Ariens Company
    Inventors: Ricky A. Cracraft, Daniel J. Gindt, Trenton J. Meyer, Brent P. Berglund
  • Publication number: 20170127613
    Abstract: A lawn mower includes a mower frame, a prime mover supported by the mower frame, a mower deck mounted to the mower frame, a cutting blade mounted below the mower deck to cut vegetation under the mower deck, and a bagger assembly releasably coupled to the mower frame. The bagger assembly includes a receptacle for collecting cut vegetation. The receptacle has a lid. The bagger assembly also includes a latch supported by the receptacle and operable to engage the mower frame. The latch is moveable between a first position, in which the latch is secured to the mower frame, and a second position, in which the latch is released from the mower frame. The bagger assembly further includes a cord positioned on the lid and coupled to the latch. The cord is operable to move the latch from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Ricky A. Cracraft, Daniel J. Gindt, Trenton J. Meyer, Brent P. Berglund
  • Patent number: 9066468
    Abstract: A pivotable operator support platform is provided for a standing lawn mower. The pivotable operator support platform is part of a platform assembly. A deck lift foot lever is actuable by the foot of an operator on the support platform to raise the cutting deck of the lawn mower. The deck lift foot lever is pivotable with the operator support platform, and about the same pivot axis, between an operating position and a stored position. A latching assembly automatically deflects as the operator support platform is moved into the stored position, and is biased to engage a latch pin to retain the operator support platform in the stored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Ariens Company
    Inventors: Brian Zwieg, Paul Ferrier, Daniel J. Gindt
  • Patent number: 9021776
    Abstract: A deck lifting and height of cut assembly for a lawn mower, in which the deck lifting assembly includes at least one movable component and the height of cut assembly includes a height adjustment mechanism having a plurality of stop surfaces. A prop extends between the movable component of the deck lifting assembly and a first stop surface of the height adjustment mechanism to prevent the cutting deck assembly from lowering below a first height. The height adjustment mechanism is adjustable to place a second stop surface in engagement with the prop so that the cutting deck assembly is prevented from lowering below a second height different from the first height. The prop may also be used to maintain the cutting deck assembly in the full-up position during travel of the lawn mower between work areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Ariens Company
    Inventors: Brian Zwieg, Kariann Kalista, Daniel J. Gindt
  • Publication number: 20040261387
    Abstract: A lawnmower comprising a chassis and a mower deck movable with respect to the chassis. A cylinder assembly is mounted to said chassis, and includes an actuating cylinder, and a piston shaft selectively extendable and retractable with respect to the cylinder under the influence of fluid pressure within the cylinder. A deck lift assembly is interconnected to the chassis and the mower deck for adjusting the height of the mower deck with respect to the chassis. The deck lift assembly includes a pivot member pivotally connected to the chassis. A jack is removably coupled to the pivot member, such that the chassis is raised and lowered in response to movement of the piston shaft with respect to the cylinder. The jack utilizes the existing hydraulic system and cylinder assembly of the lawnmower to raise the lawnmower with respect to the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Ariens Company
    Inventors: Kari Ann Kalista, Daniel J. Gindt, Brian K. Gloudemans, John Porter, Robert Busse, Paul A. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 6786031
    Abstract: A lawnmower comprising a chassis and a mower deck movable with respect to the chassis. A cylinder assembly is mounted to the chassis, and includes an actuating cylinder, and a piston shaft selectively extendable and retractable with respect to the cylinder under the influence of fluid pressure within the cylinder. A deck lift assembly is interconnected to the chassis and the mower deck for adjusting the height of the mower deck with respect to the chassis. The deck lift assembly includes a pivot member pivotally connected to the chassis. A jack is removably coupled to the pivot member, such that the chassis is raised and lowered in response to movement of the piston shaft with respect to the cylinder. The jack utilizes the existing hydraulic system and cylinder assembly of the lawnmower to raise the lawnmower with respect to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Ariens Company
    Inventors: Kari Ann Kalista, Daniel J. Gindt, Brian K. Gloudemans, John Porter, Robert Busse, Paul A. Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20040065071
    Abstract: A lawnmower comprising a chassis and a mower deck movable with respect to the chassis. A cylinder assembly is mounted to said chassis, and includes an actuating cylinder, and a piston shaft selectively extendable and retractable with respect to the cylinder under the influence of fluid pressure within the cylinder. A deck lift assembly is interconnected to the chassis and the mower deck for adjusting the height of the mower deck with respect to the chassis. The deck lift assembly includes a pivot member pivotally connected to the chassis. A jack is removably coupled to the pivot member, such that the chassis is raised and lowered in response to movement of the piston shaft with respect to the cylinder. The jack utilizes the existing hydraulic system and cylinder assembly of the lawnmower to raise the lawnmower with respect to the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Ariens Company
    Inventors: Kari Ann Kalista, Daniel J. Gindt, Brian K. Gloudemans, John Porter, Robert Busse, Paul A. Schroeder