Patents by Inventor Michael A. Vig

Michael A. Vig 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: 5570991
    Abstract: The present invention provides a control apparatus for controlling movement of an implement. The implement is mounted to a subframe that in turn is joined to a frame portion of the vehicle. The subframe is moveable between the working position, where the implement is operable to perform work, and a second position. The implement has a hydraulic actuator for selectively moving a portion of the implement to perform work using controlled hydraulic fluid present in a hydraulic line connected to the hydraulic actuator. The control apparatus inhibits or allows hydraulic fluid flow in the hydraulic line as a function of the position of the subframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Larry E. Swenson, Michael A. Vig, Thomas M. Sagaser, Troy D. Kraft
  • Patent number: 4522373
    Abstract: A detent mechanism for a hydraulic control valve, having a detent position in which a detent member is in engagement with a groove and a spring urges the detent member into the groove so that a predetermined force is required to move the detent member out of the groove. A second spring loaded detent member is provided which requires the application of another predetermined force in order to move the mechanism into the detent position. The springs for both of the detent members can be readily changed to adjust the forces required to operate them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: William C. Shelbourn, Patrick Kuhn, Michael A. Vig
  • Patent number: 4388980
    Abstract: A front end loader in the form of a skid-steer loader which includes a power operated working implement and control apparatus that has a plurality of operative positions for supplying power to the working implement and at least one neutral position where power cannot be supplied to the working implement. The control apparatus is capable of being manipulated by the operator of the loader to place the control apparatus in any one of the selected operative positions or the neutral position. An operator restraint member has two ends and is pivotally mounted on the skid-steer loader at one of its ends. The restraint member is swingably movable between an engaged position for securing the operator to the operator position during rough ride conditions and a disengaged position to permit the operator to enter or leave the loader. A latch is provided to selectively secure the restraint bar in the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1983
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Vig, Donald K. Schmidt
  • Patent number: D312467
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: William D. Long, Michael A. Vig, Donald K. Schmidt