Patents Assigned to Delta Systems, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8575480
    Abstract: A connection assembly for securing electrical components used with power equipment comprises a housing and connector cover forming an upper arrangement of the connection assembly. The housing and connector cover form a cavity therebetween for supporting electronics disposed within the cavity. The connection assembly also comprises a lower arrangement used to secure the connection assembly to a surface of a power equipment device and a hinge assembly that forms a rotational connection between the upper arrangement and the lower arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis R. Young
  • Patent number: 8434809
    Abstract: A dash cluster system and a method for securing and/or interconnecting a dash cluster to power equipment. The dash cluster system includes a housing having a connecting assembly including at least one peripheral connector positioned along a peripheral surface of the housing. The dash cluster system further comprises a bezel having a front side and a rear side. The bezel also comprises a connecting arrangement formed from at least one extending connector, extending from the rear side. The dash cluster system also comprises a securing connection formed between the housing and the bezel by the interlocking of the peripheral connector of the connecting assembly with the extending connector of the connecting arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis R. Young, Michael Eric Liedtke, Ernest Richard-Dean Buehman
  • Patent number: 8352116
    Abstract: A tilt or acceleration sensing apparatus and method that allows a tilt or acceleration sensing device of a vehicle to determine: 1) a maximum fall angle of the vehicle, regardless of the orientation of the vehicle and the vehicle's tilt sensor(s) to the incline; or 2) the downward acceleration of the vehicle. In one embodiment, a method of determining a maximum fall angle of a vehicle includes sensing tilt angles of two sensing axes of the vehicle relative to a horizontal reference plane and calculating the maximum fall angle of the vehicle based on the tilt angles. The apparatus and method may also include comparing the maximum fall angle to predetermined values and generating output signals when the maximum fall angle exceeds the predetermined values. In another embodiment, a method of determining when a vehicle is sliding downhill includes sensing the accelerations of three sensing axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford H. Boylston, Arthur James Harvey, Nicholas Schragal
  • Patent number: 8256197
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling reverse mow condition in a tractor comprises a switch assembly having an ignition switch that is rotatable through a plurality of positions, a housing for supporting the ignition switch, and an actuator movably located in the housing. The enabling of a reverse mow condition is achieved by displacing the actuator from a rest position to two separate and distinct positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher A. Kahnert
  • Patent number: 8165759
    Abstract: A tilt sensor arrangement and method that allows a tilt angle sensor of a vehicle to be tested without tilting the vehicle. In one embodiment, a tilt angle sensor of a vehicle is tested when the vehicle is positioned in a generally horizontal position. The tilt angle sensor is rotated from an operating position to a test position while the vehicle remains in the generally horizontal position and the tilt angle sensor is tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford H. Boylston, Dennis R. Young, Arthur James Harvey
  • Patent number: 8080905
    Abstract: A control system for an electrical device includes a controller that outputs an AC device enable system when one or more monitored sensors are in a proper state for operation of the electrical device. The control system may also include a sensor signal integrity checking circuit that outputs a validation signal when the sensor is one of a discrete set of acceptable sensor states. The control system may also include a current monitor that monitors the current draw of the electrical device and compares the current draw to a range of acceptable current draw levels and durations and disables operation of the electrical device when the current draw falls outside of the range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Straka
  • Patent number: 7891448
    Abstract: Control circuits for a riding lawn mower providing an override condition for selectively allowing the cutting blades of the lawn mower to operate when the vehicle is traveling in reverse. The circuits incorporate a multi-position ignition switch, an override switch, a vehicle reverse switch, a PTO switch and a park brake switch. In one aspect of the invention, the control circuits disable the engine when the vehicle is placed in reverse with the PTO engaged and without the override condition having been established. In another aspect of the invention, an electric PTO clutch is disabled when the vehicle is placed in reverse with the PTO engaged and without the override condition having been established. The override condition is terminated when the ignition switch is moved away from the override position, or when the operator activates the park brake switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignees: MTD Products Inc, Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Onderko, Michael W. Miller, Scott C. Bly, Theodore G. Wetzel
  • Patent number: 7812473
    Abstract: A controller including a controller input coupled to an engine magneto for monitoring tractor engine operation by monitoring a change in magneto signal thereby determining if the engine is running. A power output circuit coupled to an output from the controller draws current from a tractor battery for powering an auxiliary component when the tractor engine is running and disrupts power to the auxiliary component when the tractor engine is not running to conserve battery life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Larsen, Dennis Davis, David A. Straka
  • Patent number: 7777639
    Abstract: An indicator display module includes a display face for informing an operator of a monitored condition and a housing having first and second ends. The display face is attached to the first end. The housing provides support to electrical components located within the housing. A cover is fixedly attached to the housing and engages the second end of the housing. A seal is positioned within the housing, forming a sealed cavity around the electrical components stored within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis R. Young, David A. Straka
  • Publication number: 20100044194
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling reverse mow condition in a tractor comprises a switch assembly having an ignition switch that is rotatable through a plurality of positions, a housing for supporting the ignition switch, and an actuator movably located in the housing. The enabling of a reverse mow condition is achieved by displacing the actuator from a rest position to two separate and distinct positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher A. Kahnert
  • Patent number: 7629543
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling reverse mow condition in a tractor comprises a switch assembly having an ignition switch that is rotatable through a plurality of positions, a housing for supporting the ignition switch, and an actuator movably located in the housing. The enabling of a reverse mow condition is achieved by displacing the actuator from a rest position to two separate and distinct positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher A. Kahnert
  • Publication number: 20090153314
    Abstract: An indicator display module includes a display face for informing an operator of a monitored condition and a housing having first and second ends. The display face is attached to the first end. The housing provides support to electrical components located within the housing. A cover is fixedly attached to the housing and engages the second end of the housing. A seal is positioned within the housing, forming a sealed cavity around the electrical components stored within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis R. Young, David A. Straka
  • Publication number: 20090121545
    Abstract: A controller including a controller input coupled to an engine magneto for monitoring tractor engine operation by monitoring a change in magneto signal thereby determining if the engine is running. A power output circuit coupled to an output from the controller draws current from a tractor battery for powering an auxiliary component when the tractor engine is running and disrupts power to the auxiliary component when the tractor engine is not running to conserve battery life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Larsen, Dennis Davis, David A. Straka
  • Patent number: 7520264
    Abstract: An ignition circuit causes a magneto to continue to provide spark to an engine for a delay period after the ignition switch is switched off. After the delay period, the ignition circuit routes energy from the magneto to actuate a magneto disable switch to provide a path to ground for the magneto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Straka
  • Patent number: 7513322
    Abstract: A control circuit for a lawn tractor having an engine and a power take off driven implement. The control circuit includes an inhibit circuit component for preventing operation of a power take off driven implement with the tractor in reverse. Two versions of the inhibit circuit are disclosed, one grounds an engine magneto and a second disables an electric clutch for coupling the power take off to the driven element. The circuit includes first and second override switches and an override circuit component that allows operation of a power take off driven implement while the lawn tractor is in reverse after the first and second override switches are activated in a proper order by a tractor operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Straka, Arthur James Harvey, Ted Wetzel
  • Patent number: 7488914
    Abstract: A switch is disclosed having a switch housing defining a housing interior and an access opening that extends through a wall of the housing to the housing exterior. An actuator assembly including a shaft constrained by said housing moves along a path from a normal position to an actuated position as well as a momentary position. The shaft has an actuating portion which extends outwardly from the housing interior through the access opening. A shaft body inside the housing including a generally planar contact support that supports a number of switch contacts. A housing base positions a number of terminals having conductive surfaces for biased engagement with selected switch contacts to form an electrical path between terminals when the actuator assembly is in one of either the normal, actuated or momentary positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kahnert, Muni Polavaram
  • Publication number: 20080257631
    Abstract: Control circuits for a riding lawn mower providing an override condition for selectively allowing the cutting blades of the lawn mower to operate when the vehicle is traveling in reverse. The circuits incorporate a multi-position ignition switch, an override switch, a vehicle reverse switch, a PTO switch and a park brake switch. In one aspect of the invention, the control circuits disable the engine when the vehicle is placed in reverse with the PTO engaged and without the override condition having been established. In another aspect of the invention, an electric PTO clutch is disabled when the vehicle is placed in reverse with the PTO engaged and without the override condition having been established. The override condition is terminated when the ignition switch is moved away from the override position, or when the operator activates the park brake switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicants: MTD Products Inc, Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Onderko, Michael W. Miller, Scott C. Bly, Theodore G. Wetzel
  • Patent number: 7422078
    Abstract: A control circuit for a lawn tractor having an engine and a power take off driven implement. The control circuit includes an inhibit circuit component for preventing operation of a power take off driven implement with the tractor in reverse. Two versions of the inhibit circuit are disclosed, one grounds an engine magneto and a second disables an electric clutch for coupling the power take off to the driven element. The circuit includes first and second override switches and an override circuit component that allows operation of a power take off driven implement while the lawn tractor is in reverse after the first and second override switches are activated in a proper order by a tractor operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Straka, Arthur James Harvey, Ted Wetzel
  • Publication number: 20080143193
    Abstract: A control circuit for a lawn tractor having an engine and a power take off driven implement. The control circuit includes an inhibit circuit component for preventing operation of a power take off driven implement with the tractor in reverse. Two versions of the inhibit circuit are disclosed, one grounds an engine magneto and a second disables an electric clutch for coupling the power take off to the driven element. The circuit includes first and second override switches and an override circuit component that allows operation of a power take off driven implement while the lawn tractor is in reverse after the first and second override switches are activated in a proper order by a tractor operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Straka, Arthur James Harvey, Ted Wetzel
  • Patent number: D597962
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Albrecht