Patents by Inventor Chris Pfoltner

Chris Pfoltner 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: 11612115
    Abstract: A stump cutter includes a cutter wheel rotatable about a cutter wheel axis, the cutter wheel supported by a boom for sweep movements about a vertical cutter wheel sweep axis, and the cutter wheel is supported by the boom for tilt movements about a horizontal cutter wheel tilt axis. A prime mover is configured to drive the cutter wheel about the cutter wheel axis. A mechanical driveline provides power transmission from the prime mover to the cutter wheel, the mechanical driveline including a final drive cutter wheel gearbox positioned along the cutter wheel axis, and a swivel gearbox assembly including two right angle gearboxes joined with a swivel joint therebetween. The swivel joint between the two right angle gearboxes forms a driveline swivel axis. A downstream one of the two right angle gearboxes includes an output shaft connected to an input shaft of the final drive cutter wheel gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Chris Pfoltner, David Alexander, Jesse Munk, Scott Rempe
  • Patent number: 11612114
    Abstract: A stump cutter includes a mainframe and a cutter wheel supported by a boom and rotatable about a cutter wheel axis spaced from the mainframe. A two-axis gimbal set supports the boom from the mainframe, the two-axis gimbal set supporting the boom for sweep movements of the cutter wheel about a vertical cutter wheel sweep axis and for tilt movements of the cutter wheel about a horizontal cutter wheel tilt axis. A prime mover on the mainframe is configured to drive the cutter wheel about the cutter wheel axis. A mechanical driveline is configured to provide power transmission from the prime mover to the cutter wheel, the mechanical driveline including a constant velocity joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Chris Pfoltner, David Alexander
  • Publication number: 20210321579
    Abstract: A stump cutter includes a cutter wheel rotatable about a cutter wheel axis, the cutter wheel supported by a boom for sweep movements about a vertical cutter wheel sweep axis, and the cutter wheel is supported by the boom for tilt movements about a horizontal cutter wheel tilt axis. A prime mover is configured to drive the cutter wheel about the cutter wheel axis. A mechanical driveline provides power transmission from the prime mover to the cutter wheel, the mechanical driveline including a final drive cutter wheel gearbox positioned along the cutter wheel axis, and a swivel gearbox assembly including two right angle gearboxes joined with a swivel joint therebetween. The swivel joint between the two right angle gearboxes forms a driveline swivel axis. A downstream one of the two right angle gearboxes includes an output shaft connected to an input shaft of the final drive cutter wheel gearbox.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Chris Pfoltner, David Alexander, Jesse Munk, Scott Rempe
  • Publication number: 20210321578
    Abstract: A stump cutter includes a mainframe and a cutter wheel supported by a boom and rotatable about a cutter wheel axis spaced from the mainframe. A two-axis gimbal set supports the boom from the mainframe, the two-axis gimbal set supporting the boom for sweep movements of the cutter wheel about a vertical cutter wheel sweep axis and for tilt movements of the cutter wheel about a horizontal cutter wheel tilt axis. A prime mover on the mainframe is configured to drive the cutter wheel about the cutter wheel axis. A mechanical driveline is configured to provide power transmission from the prime mover to the cutter wheel, the mechanical driveline including a constant velocity joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Chris Pfoltner, David Alexander
  • Patent number: 9751089
    Abstract: Apparatus for mulching organic matter such as brush and trees are disclosed. The apparatus have cutting teeth that include cladding for increasing the wear-resistance of the teeth. Cutting heads and vehicles that incorporate such teeth are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: VERMEER MANUFACUTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Chris Pfoltner, Clint Weinberg, John Maher, Steve Van Zee
  • Publication number: 20150014458
    Abstract: Apparatus for mulching organic matter such as brush and trees are disclosed. The apparatus have cutting teeth that include cladding for increasing the wear-resistance of the teeth. Cutting heads and vehicles that incorporate such teeth are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: VERMEER MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Chris Pfoltner, Clint Weinberg, John Maher, Steve Van Zee