Patents by Inventor Philip G. Staples

Philip G. Staples 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).

  • Mower with non-contact drive system interlock
    Patent number: 6056074
    Abstract: Mower drive system interlocks and methods of interlocking mower drive systems with non-contact sensors are disclosed. The mowers may include two driven ground engaging means for supporting the mower above the ground; two drive systems for driving the driven ground engaging means, one of the drive systems driving each of the driven ground engaging means independently of the other drive system and its driven ground engaging means, wherein each of the drive systems has a neutral condition in which its driven ground engaging means is not being driven by the drive system; a drive system interlock operatively connected to an engine of the mower; and two non-contact sensors operatively connected to the drive system interlock, the sensors providing a signal to the drive system interlock when both of the drive systems are in the neutral condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Karl D. Heal, Philip G. Staples, Larry W. Schmidt