Patents by Inventor Donald J. Macdonald

Donald J. Macdonald 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).

  • Publication number: 20080035045
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting a vessel is provided. The apparatus includes: a base which is attachable to the vessel; and a wheel rotatably mountable to the base such that the apparatus is operable at the wheel to support the vessel substantially midway beneath the vessel when the apparatus is configured in a transport configuration. A pair of parallel, spaced apart cross rails extending between a pair of parallel, spaced apart side bars form a frame of the base. The wheel is mountable between wheel supports attached to the frame. A pair of support arms are slidably and rotatably connected to the cross rails. A support structure is connectable to one of the side bars. The apparatus is collapsible from the transport configuration to a generally planar collapsed configuration. A kit may include the apparatus and attachment means for attaching the apparatus to the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Donald J. MacDonald, David J. Moore
  • Patent number: 5020324
    Abstract: A charge flow distribution valve routes all charge pump flow into a main pump until the main pump has sufficient inlet pressure. The valve opens to a first stage which routes excess charge flow to lubrication circuits. At a slightly higher main pump inlet pressure, it also routes oil to an inlet of the charge pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Donald J. MacDonald, James A. Miller, Derek M. Eagles
  • Patent number: 4997344
    Abstract: A radial piston pump is provided with a plurality of valve/piston cartridges. Each cartridge includes the piston and at least one of the valves connecting the piston to the inlet and outlet passages of the pump. The bearings for the main rotor are pre-loaded using a threadedly adjustable end guill. Once adjusted, the end quill is held in location by a pin or the like. The rotor itself is provided with counterweights to balance the eccentric cam surface. These features allow construction of a pump housing which is substantially a single unit, rather than two pump halves. A significant reduction in the number of machined bores also is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Roger J. Nelson, Donald J. MacDonald, Arlen W. Koelling, William L. Snyder
  • Patent number: 4915595
    Abstract: A radial piston pump is provided with a plurality of valve/piston cartridges. Each cartridge includes the piston and at least one of the valves connecting the piston to the inlet and outlet passages of the pump. The bearings for the main rotor are pre-loaded using a threadedly adjustable end quill. Once adjusted, the end guill is held in location by a pin or the like. The rotor itself is provided with counterweights to balance the eccentric cam surface. These features allow construction of a pump housing which is substantially a single unit, rather than two pump halves. A significant reduction in the number of machined bores also is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Roger J. Nelson, Donald J. Macdonald, Arlen W. Koelling, William L. Snyder