Patents by Inventor Benjamin M. Johnson

Benjamin M. Johnson 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).

  • Publication number: 20240116386
    Abstract: Utility vehicles include ground engaging members, a frame supported by the ground engaging members, a motor supported by the frame operably coupled to the ground engaging members, and a battery configured to provide electrical power to the motor. The battery may be removable and configured to be easily charged by outside power sources such as generators and external batteries. A charger may be configured to receive instructions to charge the battery using a specific charger operating characteristic. The vehicle may also include a variety of accessory ports configured to electrically couple to accessories that use AC or DC power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Yassin M. Kelay, David F. Buehler, Chiao George Liu, Aaron D. Deckard, Jacob Gerten, Benjamin R. Bauer, Akshay A. Biyani, Naval K. Agrawal, Kathryn L. Johnson, Austin A. Holt
  • Patent number: 11934212
    Abstract: A handheld computer device is configured to selectively receive a plurality of fluid output values from a paint sprayer and configured to operate in an accessible mode in which the handheld computer device is in a first location where wireless connectivity, via a continuous or near continuous communication path, to at least one of a network server or the paint sprayer is accessible or operate in an inaccessible mode in which the handheld computer device is in a second location out of range of the continuous or near continuous communication path to at least one of the network server or the paint sprayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Lange, Nicholas A. Pagano, Benjamin R. Godding, Mark T. Weinberger, Michael J. Mansheim, Nicholas H. Reath, Andrew J. Kopel, Daniel R. Johnson, Kevin C. Robb, Robert J. Gundersen
  • Patent number: 11934211
    Abstract: A handheld computer device is configured to selectively receive a plurality of fluid output values from a paint sprayer and configured to operate in an accessible mode in which the handheld computer device is in a first location where wireless connectivity, via a continuous or near continuous communication path, to at least one of a network server or the paint sprayer is accessible or operate in an inaccessible mode in which the handheld computer device is in a second location out of range of the continuous or near continuous communication path to at least one of the network server or the paint sprayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Lange, Nicholas A. Pagano, Benjamin R. Godding, Mark T. Weinberger, Michael J. Mansheim, Nicholas H. Reath, Andrew J. Kopel, Daniel R. Johnson, Kevin C. Robb, Robert J. Gundersen
  • Patent number: 11934210
    Abstract: A handheld computer device is configured to selectively receive a plurality of fluid output values from a paint sprayer and configured to operate in an accessible mode in which the handheld computer device is in a first location where wireless connectivity, via a continuous or near continuous communication path, to at least one of a network server or the paint sprayer is accessible or operate in an inaccessible mode in which the handheld computer device is in a second location out of range of the continuous or near continuous communication path to at least one of the network server or the paint sprayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Lange, Nicholas A. Pagano, Benjamin R. Godding, Mark T. Weinberger, Michael J. Mansheim, Nicholas H. Reath, Andrew J. Kopel, Daniel R. Johnson, Kevin C. Robb, Robert J. Gundersen
  • Publication number: 20200254864
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided including a frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a front frame module, a middle frame module, and a rear frame module. The front frame module is fastened to a front portion of the middle frame module. The rear frame module is fastened to a rear portion of the middle frame module. The middle frame module is interchangeable with at least one other middle frame module to change a length of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Mark P. Bergstrom, Brian T. Hertzberg, Brent D. Raske, Gary V. Owen, Benjamin M. Johnson, David D. Helgeson, Jeffrey G. Jepsen, Alyssa D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10603997
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided including a frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a front frame module, a middle frame module, and a rear frame module. The front frame module is fastened to a front portion of the middle frame module. The rear frame module is fastened to a rear portion of the middle frame module. The middle frame module is interchangeable with at least one other middle frame module to change a length of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Mark P. Bergstrom, Brian T. Hertzberg, Brent D. Raske, Gary V. Owen, Benjamin M. Johnson, David D. Helgeson, Jeffrey G. Jepsen, Alyssa D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8905629
    Abstract: A gyroscopic paint mixer having a rotatable frame with a clamp lock providing automatic transfer from an unclamping to a clamping condition, providing silent operation through the use of one way clutches, the mixer also having a vertical stop apparatus coupled to an access door for stopping and holding the rotatable frame in an upright position, the mixer also having a bail retainer supported by a carriage assembly mounted for rotation on a clamp plate with a cam urging the bail retainer to the side of the frame when the bail retainer is released from the paint container with the paint container in an upright position in the rotatable frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Red Devil Equipment Company
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Johnson, Thomas J. Midas
  • Publication number: 20130264760
    Abstract: A gyroscopic paint mixer having a rotatable frame with a clamp lock providing automatic transfer from an unclamping to a clamping condition, providing silent operation through the use of one way clutches, the mixer also having a vertical stop apparatus coupled to an access door for stopping and holding the rotatable frame in an upright position, the mixer also having a bail retainer supported by a carriage assembly mounted for rotation on a clamp plate with a cam urging the bail retainer to the side of the frame when the bail retainer is released from the paint container with the paint container in an upright position in the rotatable frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Johnson, Thomas J. Midas
  • Patent number: 8465199
    Abstract: A gyroscopic paint mixer having a rotatable frame with a clamp lock providing automatic transfer from an unclamping to a clamping condition, providing silent operation through the use of one way clutches, the mixer also having a vertical stop apparatus coupled to an access door for stopping and holding the rotatable frame in an upright position, the mixer also having a bail retainer supported by a carriage assembly mounted for rotation on a clamp plate with a cam urging the bail retainer to the side of the frame when the bail retainer is released from the paint container with the paint container in an upright position in the rotatable frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Red Devil Equipment Co.
    Inventors: Aaron Curtis, Stephen J. Carlson, Charles Ringhofer, Benjamin M. Johnson, Brent Thomas Harrold, Thomas J. Midas
  • Publication number: 20120201093
    Abstract: A gyroscopic paint mixer having a rotatable frame with a clamp lock providing automatic transfer from an unclamping to a clamping condition, providing silent operation through the use of one way clutches, the mixer also having a vertical stop apparatus coupled to an access door for stopping and holding the rotatable frame in an upright position, the mixer also having a bail retainer supported by a carriage assembly mounted for rotation on a clamp plate with a cam urging the bail retainer to the side of the frame when the bail retainer is released from the paint container with the paint container in an upright position in the rotatable frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Red Devil Equipment Company
    Inventors: Aaron Curtis, Stephen J. Carlson, Charles Ringhofer, Benjamin M. Johnson, Brent Thomas Harrold, Thomas J. Midas
  • Patent number: 8157436
    Abstract: A gyroscopic paint mixer having a rotatable frame with a clamp lock providing automatic transfer from an unclamping to a clamping condition, providing silent operation through the use of one way clutches, the mixer also having a vertical stop apparatus coupled to an access door for stopping and holding the rotatable frame in an upright position, the mixer also having a bail retainer supported by a carriage assembly mounted for rotation on a clamp plate with a cam urging the bail retainer to the side of the frame when the bail retainer is released from the paint container with the paint container in an upright position in the rotatable frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Red Devil Equipment Company
    Inventors: Aaron Curtis, Stephen J. Carlson, Charles Ringhofer, Benjamin M. Johnson, Brent Thomas Harrold, Thomas J. Midas
  • Patent number: 7942571
    Abstract: A mixer for combining ingredients using a composite shaking and tumbling motion. The mixer includes a base carrier rotating about a primary axis and supporting a container carrier assembly having a clamp retaining a container to be mixed. The container carrier assembly is coupled to the base carrier to oscillate in an eccentric manner with respect to the rotating base carrier. The container carrier assembly also rotates with the base carrier rotation. The composite resulting motion includes shaking and tumbling components of the motion to mix the ingredients. The clamp has a first housing portion receiving the container, and a second housing portion movable with respect to the first portion to retain the container. A latch selectively retains the first and second housing portions together in a closed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Red Devil Equipment Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Midas, Benjamin M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7780339
    Abstract: A vortex motion paint mixing machine having a paint container holder spinning and orbiting in a paint mixing assembly pivotally connected to a base, one or more viscoelastic polymer dampers and a control arm. A method of damping vibration in a paint mixing machine by: a) providing a receptacle for receiving one of a cylindrical or a non-cylindrical paint container on a mixing assembly; b) pivotally mounting the mixing assembly on a base; c) providing one or more viscoelastic vibration dampers between the mixing assembly and the base; d) connecting the mixing assembly and the base with a control arm; e) rotating a paint container in the receptacle in a spinning motion about an axis of the receptacle and in an orbiting motion about an axis separate from the axis of the receptacle; and f) damping vibration between the mixing assembly and the base using the viscoelastic vibration damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Red Devil Equipment Company
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Johnson, Aaron Curtis
  • Publication number: 20090207690
    Abstract: A gyroscopic paint mixer having a rotatable frame with a clamp lock providing automatic transfer from an unclamping to a clamping condition, providing silent operation through the use of one way clutches, the mixer also having a vertical stop apparatus coupled to an access door for stopping and holding the rotatable frame in an upright position, the mixer also having a bail retainer supported by a carriage assembly mounted for rotation on a clamp plate with a cam urging the bail retainer to the side of the frame when the bail retainer is released from the paint container with the paint container in an upright position in the rotatable frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Red Devil Equipment Company
    Inventors: Aaron Curtis, Stephen J. Carlson, Charles Ringhofer, Benjamin M. Johnson, Brent Thomas Harrold, Thomas J. Midas
  • Patent number: 7497348
    Abstract: This invention provides an adapter for holding small paint containers in a paint mixer sized to hold a large paint container. The adapter has first and second shells or members that are attached to each other by a hinge. The adapter is opened to hold a small paint container inside the two shells and the shells are held together with a spring clip when the shells of the adapter are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Red Devil Equipment Company
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Johnson, Aaron Curtis, Thomas J. Midas
  • Patent number: 4524728
    Abstract: An apparatus for condensing steam is disclosed herein. This apparatus includes a group of individually removable modules, each of which uses a series of spaced-apart confronting plates to define passageways for the steam to be condensed and ammonia which serves as the condensing medium. As the steam moves in one direction through designated passageways, liquid ammonia moves in the opposite direction in other designated passageways. The liquid ammonia causes the steam to condense which, in turn, causes the liquid ammonia to be reduced to a vapor which itself is condensed at a remote location for repeating the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin M. Johnson