Patents Assigned to Curtis International, Inc.
  • Patent number: 7419011
    Abstract: The present invention provides a small electrical motor, coupled to the snow plow of a UTV or ATV via a mechanism which allows the plow blade to move in response to unexpected spikes in load. In one embodiment, a braking system is used to absorb the load force. In a second embodiment, a set of pulleys is used in conjunction with a belt, such that the belt will slip in the presence of excessive force. In a third embodiment, a rack and pinion mechanism is used in combination with a spring element to absorb the excessive load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Curtis International, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc D. Curtis, Kenneth Ehn
  • Patent number: 6964121
    Abstract: Hitch mount assembly for snow blades or other accessories or implements for off-road vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles. The assembly includes a receiver for mounting to the vehicle chassis and an implement assembly readily removably coupled to the receiver. The configuration of the receiver and implement assembly allows for self-alignment during the mounting operation. A switching mechanism and actuator also can be used to pivot the working implement remotely. The mount assembly can be attached to the vehicle with a powered winch or manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Curtis International, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Harris
  • Patent number: 6640468
    Abstract: A snowplow control system is provided that uses the distance between the vehicle frame and the ground or wheel axle as an input to a feedback loop useable to provide increased control over the pressure exerted by the plow blade. The control system allows the plow to operate in various modes of operation including a manual mode, a float mode, and a down pressure mode. The control system interfaces with the vehicle operator by way of a controller that is preferably operable from within the cabin of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignees: M. P. Menze Research & Development Inc., Curtis International, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter C. Menze
  • Patent number: 6594924
    Abstract: Hitch mount for hydraulically driven snow blades or other accessories that includes a mount assembly for mounting to the vehicle and a hitch mount assembly readily removably coupled to the mount assembly. The mount assembly is shaped to form a trapezoidal wedge to receive and align the hitch. One or more latches can be used to engage a bar mounted on the vehicle to further secure the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Curtis International, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc D. Curtis
  • Patent number: 6557275
    Abstract: Hitch mount for hydraulically driven snow blades or other accessories that includes a mounting frame for mounting to the vehicle chassis and a one piece plow assembly and lift frame readily removably coupled to the mounting frame, the plow assembly preferably including a blade trip frame and a snow blade removably coupled to the trip frame. A optional power operated jack can be used to raise or lower the lift frame relative to the vehicle chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Curtis International, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc D. Curtis
  • Patent number: 6408546
    Abstract: Hitch mount for hydraulically driven snow blades or other accessories that includes a receiver plate for mounting to the vehicle chassis and a one piece plow assembly and lift frame readily removably coupled to the receiver plate, the plow assembly preferably including a blade trip frame and a snow blade removably coupled to the trip frame. A optional power operated jack can be used to raise or lower the lift frame relative to the vehicle chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Curtis International, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc D. Curtis
  • Patent number: 6381880
    Abstract: Hitch mount for power driven snow blades or other accessories. The hitch mount includes a receiver plate (11) for mounting to the vehicle chassis and a one piece plow assembly and lift frame (10) readily removably coupled to the receiver plate (11), the plow assembly preferably including a blade trip frame (70) and a snow blade removably coupled to the trip frame (70). An optional power operated jack (300, 310) can be used to raise or lower the lift frame relative to the vehicle chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Curtis International, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc D. Curtis
  • Patent number: 6363629
    Abstract: Hitch mount for hydraulically driven snow blades or other accessories that includes a mounting frame for mounting to the vehicle chassis and a one piece plow assembly and lift frame readily removably coupled to the mounting frame, the plow assembly preferably including a blade trip frame and a snow blade removably coupled to the trip frame. A optional power operated jack can be used to raise or lower the lift frame relative to the vehicle chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Curtis International, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc D. Curtis
  • Patent number: 6240659
    Abstract: Control system for a jack for raising and lowering a lift assembly for hydraulically driven snow blades or other utilitarian accessories. Actuation of the jack allows for proper vertical alignment of the lift assembly for engagement to a vehicle chassis. Once engaged, the jack can be actuated into an inoperative position until the lift assembly is to be removed from the chassis. The control system includes several safety features that prevent the jack from being deployed when the snow blade is raised, and that automatically retract the jack when the snow blade is raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Curtis International, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc D. Curtis, Gary Harris
  • Patent number: 6209231
    Abstract: Hitch mount for hydraulically driven snow blades or other accessories that includes a receiver plate for mounting to the vehicle chassis and a one piece plow assembly and lift frame readily removably coupled to the receiver plate, the plow assembly preferably including a blade trip frame and a snow blade removably coupled to the trip frame. A optional power operated jack can be used to raise or lower the lift frame relative to the vehicle chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Curtis International, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc D. Curtis
  • Patent number: 6151808
    Abstract: Jack for raising and lowering a lift assembly for hydraulically driven snow blades or other utilitarian accessories. Actuation of the jack allows for proper vertical alignment of the lift assembly for engagement to a vehicle chassis. Once engaged, the jack can be actuated into an inoperative position until the lift assembly is to be removed from the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Curtis International, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc D. Curtis
  • Patent number: 6145222
    Abstract: Hitch mount for hydraulically driven snow blades or other accessories that includes a receiver plate for mounting to the vehicle chassis and a one piece plow assembly and lift frame readily removably coupled to the receiver plate, the plow assembly preferably including a blade trip frame and a snow blade removably coupled to the trip frame. A optional power operated jack can be used to raise or lower the lift frame relative to the vehicle chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Curtis International, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc D. Curtis
  • Patent number: 5815956
    Abstract: A mount and lift assembly for hydraulically driven snow blades or other accessories that includes a chassis frame for mounting to the vehicle chassis; a lift frame mount readily removably coupled to the chassis frame; an A-frame mount readily removably coupled to the chassis frame, the A-frame supporting an actuator drive such as an electric/hydraulic pump to drive the snow blade; a blade trip frame coupled to the A-frame; and a snow blade removably coupled to the trip frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Curtis International , Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Lavin, Marc D. Curtis
  • Patent number: 3939456
    Abstract: A heating plant monitor system for visually signalling the presence and location of a malfunction or abnormal condition is disclosed. The system is particularly adapted for use with residential or mobile home heating systems and includes a visual display panel with indicator lights with each indicator light corresponding to a particular system condition or component to be monitored. The arrangement of the light sequence on the panel corresponds to the order in which each component should be checked by a serviceman so that the condition of the entire panel, when one or more malfunctions occurs, will indicate which component should first be checked for malfunction and which other components need not be inspected. Other household components, spaces or services can also be monitored for the presence of an operating abnormality or for water, smoke, etc., by adding monitors and indicator lights to the basic heating plant system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1974
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1976
    Assignee: Curtis International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Curtis, Roger M. Bresnahan