Patents by Inventor Todd A. Porter

Todd A. Porter 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: 10306831
    Abstract: A walk power mower has a traction drive system that includes a front transmission powering a pair of front wheels and a rear transmission powering a pair of rear wheels. A first one of the transmissions provides forward motion of the mower when it is active and a second one of the transmissions provides rearward motion of the mower when it is active. A slidable handle grip on the handle having a cross bar long enough to be gripped by both hands of the user activates the first one of the transmission when it is slid downwardly on a handle out of a neutral position thereof. The slidable handle grip activates the second one of the transmissions when it is slid upwardly on the handle out of the neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Todd A. Porter, Chadwick A. Shaffer, Chris A. Wadzinski, Jackie R. Gust
  • Publication number: 20180368316
    Abstract: A walk power mower having a cutting deck supported upon the ground by a front and rear wheel(s). The mower includes a traction drive system incorporating a bidirectional transmission adapted to propel the mower alternatively in both forward and reverse directions. In some embodiments, the mower may include a single bidirectional transmission (e.g., powering only rear wheel(s) or only front wheel(s) of the mower), while in other embodiments, two bidirectional transmissions may be provided to power both the front and the rear wheel(s). In other embodiments, the mower may include a bidirectional transmission powering the rear wheel(s), while the front wheel(s) may be attached to the deck via a caster assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Chadwick A. Shaffer, Todd A. Porter
  • Publication number: 20180343796
    Abstract: A walk power mower has a traction drive system that includes a front transmission powering a pair of front wheels and a rear transmission powering a pair of rear wheels. A first one of the transmissions provides forward motion of the mower when it is active and a second one of the transmissions provides rearward motion of the mower when it is active. A slidable handle grip on the handle having a cross bar long enough to be gripped by both hands of the user activates the first one of the transmission when it is slid downwardly on a handle out of a neutral position thereof. The slidable handle grip activates the second one of the transmissions when it is slid upwardly on the handle out of the neutral position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Todd A. Porter, Chadwick A. Shaffer, Chris A. Wadzinski, Jackie R. Gust
  • Patent number: 10123478
    Abstract: A walk power mower having a cutting deck supported upon the ground by front and rear wheels. The mower includes a biased handle that permits the handle to be pivotally displaced downwardly, against an upward bias force, during operation. The bias force may be provided by a resilient member that compresses as the handle is displaced downwardly. The compression of the resilient member allows downward movement of the handle without initially producing corresponding upward movement of the front wheels of the mower during rearward pulling of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: THE TORO COMPANY
    Inventors: Chadwick A. Shaffer, Todd A. Porter
  • Patent number: 10111381
    Abstract: A walk power mower having a cutting deck supported upon the ground by a front and rear wheel(s). The mower includes a traction drive system incorporating a bidirectional transmission adapted to propel the mower alternatively in both forward and reverse directions. In some embodiments, the mower may include a single bidirectional transmission (e.g., powering only rear wheel(s) or only front wheel(s) of the mower), while in other embodiments, two bidirectional transmissions may be provided to power both the front and the rear wheel(s). In other embodiments, the mower may include a bidirectional transmission powering the rear wheel(s), while the front wheel(s) may be attached to the deck via a caster assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: THE TORO COMPANY
    Inventors: Chadwick A. Shaffer, Todd A. Porter
  • Publication number: 20180284819
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for environmental control management. In response to a controller, sensors and effectors throughout a physical site operate to maintain the temperature, humidity, and/or peak energy usage of the physical site within parameters selected for occupant comfort and economical operation while accommodating changing occupancy patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: Wesley O. McDaniel, Todd A. Porter, Kimberly J. Hornback
  • Publication number: 20180049368
    Abstract: An assist handle for assisting an operator with climbing on to, or off of, a ground maintenance vehicle such as a mower, and a ground maintenance vehicle incorporating the same. The assist handle includes, in one embodiment, a grip portion movable between a deployed position, wherein the grip portion is positioned at a deployed elevation configured to assist the operator with ingress to, or egress from, a platform such as a seat; and a stowed position, wherein the grip portion is positioned at a stowed elevation lower than the deployed elevation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Dale A. Stover, Todd A. Porter
  • Publication number: 20170367259
    Abstract: A walk power mower having a cutting deck supported upon the ground by a front and rear wheel(s). The mower includes a traction drive system incorporating a bidirectional transmission adapted to propel the mower alternatively in both forward and reverse directions. In some embodiments, the mower may include a single bidirectional transmission (e.g., powering only rear wheel(s) or only front wheel(s) of the mower), while in other embodiments, two bidirectional transmissions may be provided to power both the front and the rear wheel(s). In other embodiments, the mower may include a bidirectional transmission powering the rear wheel(s), while the front wheel(s) may be attached to the deck via a caster assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Chadwick A. Shaffer, Todd A. Porter
  • Publication number: 20170367265
    Abstract: A walk power mower has a traction drive system that includes a front transmission powering a pair of front wheels and a rear transmission powering a pair of rear wheels. A first one of the transmissions provides forward motion of the mower when it is active and a second one of the transmissions provides rearward motion of the mower when it is active. A slidable handle grip on the handle having a cross bar long enough to be gripped by both hands of the user activates the first one of the transmission when it is slid downwardly on a handle out of a neutral position thereof. The slidable handle grip activates the second one of the transmissions when it is slid upwardly on the handle out of the neutral position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Chris A. Wadzinski, Chadwick A. Shaffer, Todd A. Porter, Jackie R. Gust
  • Publication number: 20170367258
    Abstract: A walk power mower having a cutting deck supported upon the ground by front and rear wheels. The mower includes a biased handle that permits the handle to be pivotally displaced downwardly, against an upward bias force, during operation. The bias force may be provided by a resilient member that compresses as the handle is displaced downwardly. The compression of the resilient member allows downward movement of the handle without initially producing corresponding upward movement of the front wheels of the mower during rearward pulling of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Chadwick A. Shaffer, Todd A. Porter
  • Patent number: 9839179
    Abstract: An assist handle for assisting an operator with climbing on to, or off of, a ground maintenance vehicle such as a mower, and a ground maintenance vehicle incorporating the same. The assist handle includes, in one embodiment, a grip portion movable between a deployed position, wherein the grip portion is positioned at a deployed elevation configured to assist the operator with ingress to, or egress from, a platform such as a seat; and a stowed position, wherein the grip portion is positioned at a stowed elevation lower than the deployed elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: THE TORO COMPANY
    Inventors: Dale A. Stover, Todd A. Porter
  • Publication number: 20160355186
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a grounds maintenance vehicle are disclosed. The grounds maintenance vehicle can include an electronic control unit (ECU) in electrical communication with a transmission control input, clutch, parking brake, and OP switch of the vehicle. In response to a pre-defined operator activity, the ECU is adapted to manipulate the clutch from an engaged state to a disengaged state, while an engine of the vehicle remains in an operative state, when the transmission control input is in a neutral state and the OP switch changes from an on state to an off state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Allan Dale Kanitz, Tanner Lee Erickson, Dale A. Stover, Todd A. Porter
  • Publication number: 20150332401
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, are described for performance attribution for an investment fund. A server determines a selected asset allocation for a primary investment fund based upon a manager-selected weight and asset class exposures. The server determines a first rate of return based upon the selected asset allocation. The server generates a comparison investment fund. The server determines a second rate of return for the comparison investment fund. The server compares the second rate of return and a third rate of return for the primary investment fund to generate a fund selection contribution value. The server compares the first rate of return and the second rate of return to generate an opportunity set contribution value. The server determines a level of performance attributable to a manager of the primary investment fund based upon the fund selection contribution value and the opportunity set contribution value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: Transamerica Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Porter, Maciej Kowara, Nazar Suschko
  • Publication number: 20140290201
    Abstract: An assist handle for assisting an operator with climbing on to, or off of, a ground maintenance vehicle such as a mower, and a ground maintenance vehicle incorporating the same. The assist handle includes, in one embodiment, a grip portion movable between a deployed position, wherein the grip portion is positioned at a deployed elevation configured to assist the operator with ingress to, or egress from, a platform such as a seat; and a stowed position, wherein the grip portion is positioned at a stowed elevation lower than the deployed elevation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Dale A. Stover, Todd A. Porter
  • Publication number: 20140237969
    Abstract: An assist handle for assisting an operator with climbing on to, or off of, a ground maintenance vehicle such as a mower, and a ground maintenance vehicle incorporating the same. The assist handle includes, in one embodiment, a grip portion movable between a deployed position, wherein the grip portion is positioned at a deployed elevation configured to assist the operator with ingress to, or egress from, a platform such as a seat; and a stowed position, wherein the grip portion is positioned at a stowed elevation lower than the deployed elevation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: THE TORO COMPANY
    Inventors: Dale A. Stover, Todd A. Porter
  • Patent number: 8794660
    Abstract: An assist handle for assisting an operator with climbing on to, or off of, a ground maintenance vehicle such as a mower, and a ground maintenance vehicle incorporating the same. The assist handle includes, in one embodiment, a grip portion movable between a deployed position, wherein the grip portion is positioned at a deployed elevation configured to assist the operator with ingress to, or egress from, a platform such as a seat; and a stowed position, wherein the grip portion is positioned at a stowed elevation lower than the deployed elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Dale A. Stover, Todd A. Porter
  • Patent number: 7600363
    Abstract: A rotary cutting deck is suspended from the frame of a lawn mower to hang beneath the frame of the mower between the front and rear ground engaging wheels of the mower. A single front pull arm is pinned by a pivot pin to the front of the cutting deck. This pivot pin can be easily released and pulled by removing a single hairclip pin or cotter pin. The rear of the cutting deck is hung by two downwardly facing suspension hooks onto the cross rod of a pivotal hanger. After the front pull arm is disconnected from the front of the cutting deck, the operator lifts up the rear of the cutting deck to unhook the suspension hooks, pulls the cutting deck slightly rearwardly, and then lowers the cutting deck to the ground to allow the cutting deck to be slid out from underneath the mower after also removing any deck drive belt or similar cutting blade drive system. This can be easily and quickly done.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Todd A. Porter, Gregory L. Dineen
  • Publication number: 20080295477
    Abstract: A rotary cutting deck is suspended from the frame of a lawn mower to hang beneath the frame of the mower between the front and rear ground engaging wheels of the mower. A single front pull arm is pinned by a pivot pin to the front of the cutting deck. This pivot pin can be easily released and pulled by removing a single hairclip pin or cotter pin. The rear of the cutting deck is hung by two downwardly facing suspension hooks onto the cross rod of a pivotal hanger. After the front pull arm is disconnected from the front of the cutting deck, the operator lifts up the rear of the cutting deck to unhook the suspension hooks, pulls the cutting deck slightly rearwardly, and then lowers the cutting deck to the ground to allow the cutting deck to be slid out from underneath the mower after also removing any deck drive belt or similar cutting blade drive system. This can be easily and quickly done.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Todd A. Porter, Gregory L. Dineen
  • Patent number: 7213890
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hub assembly and a hub fastener anti-rotate apparatus for securing a wheel of vehicle (e.g., a zero-radius-turning lawn mower) to a vehicle drive axle. The anti-rotate apparatus may assist in preventing or substantially limiting loosening of a hub fastener used to secure the hub assembly to the drive axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Steven R. Porter, Todd A. Porter, Dale A. Stover
  • Publication number: 20070073766
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium for mobile media management is provided. A user may capture media content on a media device. The captured media content may automatically be uploaded to a management server. Other users may access the uploaded media content from a variety of media devices. The media content may be automatically deleted from the device used to acquire the media content thereby freeing memory capacity on the acquiring device. The user of the device used to acquire the media content may access the uploaded media content from any of a variety of media devices. Distribution of media content acquired by a media device may be made to other users that have been designated as authorized to view the user's media content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: DIVERSIFIED MULTIMEDIA, LLC
    Inventor: Todd PORTER