Patents by Inventor Lester L. Nighswonger

Lester L. Nighswonger 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).

  • Differential lock control system responsive to steering and/or braking action to unlock differential
    Patent number: 4570509
    Abstract: A farm tractor includes differentials interposed in the front and rear axles of an agricultural vehicle. The differentials include hydraulically-operated locks each controlled by a solenoid-operated valve. The solenoid valves are controlled by a control circuit which includes a latching relay, a normally open manual switch operable only to close the relay and lock the differential and a pair of series-connected, normally closed switches which are operable only to unlock the differential in response to vehicle steering or braking operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Lester L. Nighswonger