Patents by Inventor Jeffery R. Kucera

Jeffery R. Kucera 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: 6945133
    Abstract: A speed control system and method of assembling such a system for a power equipment vehicle such as a lawn mower. The speed control system comprises a speed control bail that pivots with respect to the vehicle handle bar, a pivot rod, and a cover. In order to increase the speed of the vehicle the operator pushes the speed control bail in the forward direction and in order to decrease the speed of the vehicle the operator pulls the bail in the backward direction. Assembly of the system on to the vehicle handle bar does not require the use of hand held or power tools thereby reducing manufacturing time and ultimately reducing production costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Rush, Jeffery R. Kucera, Dennis Fowler
  • Patent number: 6782582
    Abstract: A vacuum unit used to vacuum lawn debris includes a vacuum unit body having at least first and second inlet openings and at least one flap that can be adjusted to selectively cover and open the second opening. The vacuum unit body includes a flap adjustment member that is located within the second opening and that includes a contact surface that contacts the flap. Preferably, the flap adjustment member has one end that is adapted to receive a vacuum hose. The flap adjustment member can be placed into a first position where it causes the flap to open the second opening and a second position where it permits the flap to cover the second opening. The vacuum hose has a handle that can be attached to the vacuum unit handle permitting the vacuum hose to remain permanently attached to the vacuum unit even when the vacuum hose is not being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventors: Usman Firdaus, John Dawson, Philip B. Smith, Jeffery R. Kucera
  • Publication number: 20030126697
    Abstract: A vacuum unit used to vacuum lawn debris includes a vacuum unit body having at least first and second inlet openings and at least one flap that can be adjusted to selectively cover and open the second opening. The vacuum unit body includes a flap adjustment member that is located within the second opening and that includes a contact surface that contacts the flap. Preferably, the flap adjustment member has one end that is adapted to receive a vacuum hose. The flap adjustment member can be placed into a first position where it causes the flap to open the second opening and a second position where it permits the flap to cover the second opening. The vacuum hose has a handle that can be attached to the vacuum unit handle permitting the vacuum hose to remain permanently attached to the vacuum unit even when the vacuum hose is not being used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: MTD Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Usman Firdaus, John Dawson, Philip B. Smith, Jeffery R. Kucera
  • Publication number: 20030084655
    Abstract: A speed control system and method of assembling such a system for a power equipment vehicle such as a lawn mower. The speed control system comprises a speed control bail that pivots with respect to the vehicle handle bar, a pivot rod, and a cover. In order to increase the speed of the vehicle the operator pushes the speed control bail in the forward direction and in order to decrease the speed of the vehicle the operator pulls the bail in the backward direction. Assembly of the system on to the vehicle handle bar does not require the use of hand held or power tools thereby reducing manufacturing time and ultimately reducing production costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: MTD Products Inc:
    Inventors: Bob Rush, Jeffery R. Kucera, Dennis Fowler
  • Patent number: 6519805
    Abstract: A vacuum unit used to vacuum lawn debris includes a vacuum unit body having at least first and second inlet openings and at least one flap that can be adjusted to selectively cover and open the second opening. The vacuum unit body includes a flap adjustment member that is located within the second opening and that includes a contact surface that contacts the flap. Preferably, the flap adjustment member has one end that is adapted to receive a vacuum hose. The flap adjustment member can be placed into a first position where it causes the flap to open the second opening and a second position where it permits the flap to cover the second opening. The vacuum hose has a handle that can be attached to the vacuum unit handle permitting the vacuum hose to remain permanently attached to the vacuum unit even when the vacuum hose is not being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventors: Usman Firdaus, John Dawson, Philip B. Smith, Jeffery R. Kucera
  • Publication number: 20010029642
    Abstract: A vacuum unit used to vacuum lawn debris includes a vacuum unit body having at least first and second inlet openings and at least one flap that can be adjusted to selectively cover and open the second opening. The vacuum unit body includes a flap adjustment member that is located within the second opening and that includes a contact surface that contacts the flap. Preferably, the flap adjustment member has one end that is adapted to receive a vacuum hose. The flap adjustment member can be placed into a first position where it causes the flap to open the second opening and a second position where it permits the flap to cover the second opening. The vacuum hose has a handle that can be attached to the vacuum unit handle permitting the vacuum hose to remain permanently attached to the vacuum unit even when the vacuum hose is not being used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Usman Firdaus, John Dawson, Philip B. Smith, Jeffery R. Kucera