Patents by Inventor Donald F. Cotton

Donald F. Cotton 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: 6318059
    Abstract: A foliage mowing apparatus and mowing reel assemblies include a plurality of helically shaped blades which are mounted circumferentially with respect to each other. Each blade has a chevron-type junction or apex lying within a radially extending plain which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the reel. Apexes of adjacent blades do not lie along the same radial plane. Instead, each apex is axially spaced from each of its adjacent apexes. With this structure, if a piece or blade of grass passes uncut through an apex area, a straight blade section follows immediately in order to cut or trim this piece or blade of grass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Bush Hog, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Donald F. Cotton
  • Patent number: 5477666
    Abstract: A mechanism for use in a reel type lawn mower for maintaining a controlled constant uniform pressure between V-shaped reel blades and a bedknife. The blades are arranged to maintain continuous contact with the bedknife on both sides of the center of the reel. A biasing unit acts between the reel unit and the bedknife unit to apply a regulated pressure on both sides of the reel center in response to a feedback signal such as a temperature signal at the reel/bedknife interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: T.I. International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald F. Cotton
  • Patent number: 5291724
    Abstract: A mechanism for use in a reel type lawn mower for maintaining a constant uniform pressure between V-shaped reel blades and a bedknife. The blades are arranged to maintain continuous contact with the bedknife on both sides of the center of the reel. A biasing unit acts between the reel unit and the bedknife unit to apply a regulated pressure on both sides of the reel center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: T.I. International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald F. Cotton