Patents by Inventor Brad A. Hoffman

Brad A. Hoffman 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).

  • Return to neutral control mechanism for zero turning radius mower
    Patent number: 8235151
    Abstract: A return to neutral control mechanism for a zero turning radius mower is disclosed. The return to neutral control mechanism includes a pair of control levers pivotable between forward, neutral and reverse positions. A brake pedal is moveable between a disengaged position to an engaged position. In response to engagement of the brake pedal, a control pivot attached to each control lever moves each control lever to the neutral position. The return to neutral control mechanism may include a cam that rotates in response to engagement of the brake pedal, and a control pivot that follows the cam during engagement of the brake pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Dimitri Nunez, Franklin Patrick Lewis, Damon C. Green, Brad A. Hoffman, John W. Wall, Michael David, Curtis Ayers, Thomas G. Bartlett, William B. Lambeth, Jr.
  • RETURN TO NEUTRAL CONTROL MECHANISM FOR ZERO TURNING RADIUS MOWER
    Publication number: 20090044506
    Abstract: A return to neutral control mechanism for a zero turning radius mower is disclosed. The return to neutral control mechanism includes a pair of control levers pivotable between forward, neutral and reverse positions. A brake pedal is moveable between a disengaged position to an engaged position. In response to engagement of the brake pedal, a control pivot attached to each control lever moves each control lever to the neutral position. The return to neutral control mechanism may include a cam that rotates in response to engagement of the brake pedal, and a control pivot that follows the cam during engagement of the brake pedal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Dimitri Nunez, Franklin Patrick Lewis, Damon C. Green, Brad A. Hoffman, John W. Wall, Michael David, Curtis Ayers, Thomas G. Bartlett, William B. Lambeth, JR.