Patents by Inventor Bryce E. Steenburg

Bryce E. Steenburg 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: 9181958
    Abstract: A hydrostatic apparatus is disclosed. The hydrostatic apparatus comprises a pump, an input shaft, a fan and a fan shroud. The pump comprises a housing, an end cap, a first end and a second end. The input shaft extending from the first end and the second end of the pump. The fan is attached to one end of the input shaft. The fan shroud is also attached to the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Thomas Kopel, Thomas A. Roth, Thomas P. Gavin, B. Keith Harshman, Bryce E. Steenburg, Raymond Hauser, Lonnie E. Holder
  • Patent number: 8950520
    Abstract: A front steering module adapted for integration with the subframe of a zero-turn radius vehicle incorporating an electronic steering apparatus. The module provides both front wheel steering and corresponding control inputs for the electronic steering apparatus. The module has a frame member having a pair of steered wheel assemblies mounted thereto and a mounting member for attachment to the vehicle. The module further comprises a steering mechanism and a steering position sensor for providing input to the electronic steering apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Raymond Hauser, Michael L. Bennett, Douglas W. Bell, Bryce E. Steenburg
  • Patent number: 8858198
    Abstract: A hydrostatic apparatus is disclosed. The hydrostatic apparatus comprises a pump, an input shaft, a fan and a fan shroud. The pump comprises a housing, an end cap, a first end and a second end. The input shaft extending from the first end and the second end of the pump. The fan is attached to one end of the input shaft. The fan shroud is also attached to the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Thomas Kopel, Thomas A. Roth, Thomas P. Gavin, B. Keith Harshman, Bryce E. Steenburg, Raymond Hauser, Lonnie E. Holder
  • Patent number: 8262109
    Abstract: A steering apparatus for a zero-turn radius vehicle using a steering mechanism coupled to a first set of wheel assemblies by a plurality of cables. User input to the steering mechanism causes the cables to turn the first set of wheel assemblies about a vertical axis. Specifically, the cables link the steering mechanism to cam mechanisms that are attached to each wheel assembly. The design of the cam mechanism, which preferably includes two cams of varying radii, enables the two wheel assemblies to rotate about their vertical axes at varied degrees of rotation and greater than ninety degrees from the forward facing position, thereby resulting in zero-turn radius capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Douglas W. Bell, Bryce E. Steenburg
  • Patent number: 8152183
    Abstract: A steering apparatus for a zero-turn radius vehicle using a steering mechanism coupled to a first set of wheel assemblies by a plurality of cables. User input to the steering mechanism causes the cables to turn the first set of wheel assemblies about a vertical axis. Specifically, the cables link the steering mechanism to cam mechanisms that are attached to each wheel assembly. The design of the cam mechanism, which preferably includes two cams of varying radii, enables the two wheel assemblies to rotate about their vertical axes at varied degrees of rotation and greater than ninety degrees from the forward facing position, thereby resulting in zero-turn radius capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Douglas W. Bell, Bryce E. Steenburg
  • Patent number: 8011678
    Abstract: A steering apparatus for a zero-turn radius vehicle using a steering mechanism coupled to a first set of wheel assemblies by a plurality of cables. User input to the steering mechanism causes the cables to turn the first set of wheel assemblies about a vertical axis. Specifically, the cables link the steering mechanism to cam mechanisms that are attached to each wheel assembly. The design of the cam mechanism, which preferably includes two cams of varying radii, enables the two wheel assemblies to rotate about their vertical axes at varied degrees of rotation and greater than ninety degrees from the forward facing position, thereby resulting in zero-turn radius capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Douglas W. Bell, Bryce E. Steenburg
  • Publication number: 20080277188
    Abstract: A front steering module adapted for integration with the subframe of a zero-turn radius vehicle incorporating an electronic steering apparatus. The module provides both front wheel steering and corresponding control inputs for the electronic steering apparatus. The module has a frame member having a pair of steered wheel assemblies mounted thereto and a mounting member for attachment to the vehicle. The module further comprises a steering mechanism and a steering position sensor for providing input to the electronic steering apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Raymond Hauser, Michael L. Bennett, Douglas W. Bell, Bryce E. Steenburg
  • Patent number: 6923092
    Abstract: A control mechanism for a transmission such as a hydrostatic transmission or transaxle which simplifies construction and enables the user to change the orientation of the transmission in a vehicle. A first linkage member is rotatably mounted on a support rod and has first and second oppositely extending arms mounted thereon. The arms of the first linkage member are attached to the vehicle drive control and the transmission control arm. A second linkage member is rotatably mounted on the first linkage member and also has two arms oppositely extending therefrom which are connected to a vehicle brake control and the transmission brake mechanism. This second arm of the second linkage member may be engaged to a return arm that is connected to a transmission brake arm by a spring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Thomas Wiley, Bryce E. Steenburg