Patents by Inventor Christopher W. Vaughn

Christopher W. Vaughn 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: 20240122101
    Abstract: A riding-type electric work machine including a vehicle body frame, an electrically driven operating unit, a swing arm swingably supported by the vehicle body frame, a traction motor held by the swing arm, a battery and a suspension coupled to the swing arm. The swing arm includes a housing base enclosing the traction motor and an arm connecting the housing base to the swing shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nathaniel Artemis Lenfert, Travis Barkey, Christopher W. Vaughn, Scott J. Kaskawitz
  • Patent number: 11737389
    Abstract: A lawn mower includes a blade housing and a height adjusting mechanism for adjusting a height of the blade housing with respect to the associated ground. The height adjusting mechanism includes rear wheel support members for supporting rear drive wheels. Each rear drive wheel includes a cover having an exterior cover part and an interior cover part. The interior cover part is directly connected to one of the support members without the use of separate associated mechanical fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Vaughn, Nathaniel A. Lenfert
  • Publication number: 20220192095
    Abstract: According to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a ride-on mower can include a main frame, a side member pivotally connected to the main frame, and a transaxle. The transaxle can include a pump portion that has a pump housing fixed on the main frame and a fluid displacement structure located in the pump housing. The transaxle can further include a motor portion including a motor housing and a fluid driven structure located in the motor housing. The motor housing can be separate from the pump housing, and the motor housing can be carried on and movable with the side member. Tubing can interconnect the pump portion and the motor portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Travis BARKEY, Christopher D. MEEKS, Nathaniel A. LENFERT, Christopher W. VAUGHN, Scott J. KASKAWITZ
  • Patent number: 11317561
    Abstract: A lawnmower is provided. The lawnmower includes a prime mover, a first pulley assembly, a second pulley assembly, a cooling fan, and a blade assembly. The prime mover includes a drive shaft. The first pulley assembly is coupled to the drive shaft. The second pulley assembly is coupled to the first pulley assembly. The blade assembly is coupled to the prime mover via the second pulley assembly. The cooling fan is coupled to the second pulley assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Vaughn, Hiroshi Hojo
  • Publication number: 20220095536
    Abstract: A lawn mower includes a blade housing and a height adjusting mechanism for adjusting a height of the blade housing with respect to the associated ground. The height adjusting mechanism includes rear wheel support members for supporting rear drive wheels. Each rear drive wheel includes a cover having an exterior cover part and an interior cover part. The interior cover part is directly connected to one of the support members without the use of separate associated mechanical fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher W. Vaughn, Nathaniel A. Lenfert
  • Publication number: 20210112712
    Abstract: A lawnmower is provided. The lawnmower includes a prime mover, a first pulley assembly, a second pulley assembly, a cooling fan, and a blade assembly. The prime mover includes a drive shaft. The first pulley assembly is coupled to the drive shaft. The second pulley assembly is coupled to the first pulley assembly. The blade assembly is coupled to the prime mover via the second pulley assembly. The cooling fan is coupled to the second pulley assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher W. Vaughn, Hiroshi Hojo
  • Patent number: 10605314
    Abstract: A transmission includes an output shaft, a first gear rotatably mounted on the output shaft, a shuttle movably axially on the output shaft, and an engagement member fixedly mounted on the output shaft. The first gear includes first dog teeth. The shuttle includes second dog teeth which engage the first dog teeth. In a drive condition, the engagement member axially moves the shuttle into engagement with the first gear, first surfaces of the first and second dog teeth engage, and, as a result, the first gear rotates in together with the output shaft. In a freewheeling condition the output shaft is stationary, an overdrive of the first gear results in engagement of second surfaces of the first and second dog teeth, and, as a result, the shuttle moves out of engagement with the first gear allowing for free rotation of the first gear about the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Vaughn, Nathaniel Lenfert
  • Patent number: 10550899
    Abstract: A transmission for a manually operated wheeled machine includes an output shaft having a close-ended axial channel. A drive gear mounted on the output shaft includes an engaging groove. A ratchet is received in the channel and is in engagement with the engaging groove. A holder mounted on the output shaft includes a relief that receives the ratchet. A friction member applies radial friction to the holder to temporarily prevent rotation of the holder with the output shaft in a drive condition of the machine moving the ratchet into engagement with the engaging groove, and in the drive condition the drive gear and holder rotate with the output shaft. In a freewheeling condition of the machine the output shaft is stationary, and an overdrive of the drive gear disengages the ratchet from the engaging groove allowing for free rotation of the drive gear about the stationary output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Vaughn, Nathaniel Lenfert
  • Publication number: 20190301544
    Abstract: A transmission includes an output shaft, a first gear rotatably mounted on the output shaft, a shuttle movably axially on the output shaft, and an engagement member fixedly mounted on the output shaft. The first gear includes first dog teeth. The shuttle includes second dog teeth which engage the first dog teeth. In a drive condition, the engagement member axially moves the shuttle into engagement with the first gear, first surfaces of the first and second dog teeth engage, and, as a result, the first gear rotates in together with the output shaft. In a freewheeling condition the output shaft is stationary, an overdrive of the first gear results in engagement of second surfaces of the first and second dog teeth, and, as a result, the shuttle moves out of engagement with the first gear allowing for free rotation of the first gear about the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher W. Vaughn, Nathaniel Lenfert
  • Publication number: 20190301543
    Abstract: A transmission for a manually operated wheeled machine includes an output shaft having a close-ended axial channel. A drive gear mounted on the output shaft includes an engaging groove. A ratchet is received in the channel and is in engagement with the engaging groove. A holder mounted on the output shaft includes a relief that receives the ratchet. A friction member applies radial friction to the holder to temporarily prevent rotation of the holder with the output shaft in a drive condition of the machine moving the ratchet into engagement with the engaging groove, and in the drive condition the drive gear and holder rotate with the output shaft. In a freewheeling condition of the machine the output shaft is stationary, and an overdrive of the drive gear disengages the ratchet from the engaging groove allowing for free rotation of the drive gear about the stationary output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher W. Vaughn, Nathaniel Lenfert
  • Patent number: 9512774
    Abstract: A cooling device for use with an engine is provided. The cooling device includes a flow control portion that includes a base and an opening defined therein. The flow control portion also includes a plurality of blades that extend from at least a portion of the base. The cooling device also includes a grid portion having an opening defined therein, said grid portion opening is substantially concentrically aligned with the base opening. An attachment portion is configured to couple the cooling device to at least one rotatable component of the engine. Each of the flow control portion, the grid portion, and the attachment portion are formed integrally together such that the cooling device is a single component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Vaughn, Jeffrey A. Wians
  • Patent number: 9470137
    Abstract: A cooling device for use with an engine is provided. The cooling device includes a flow control portion that includes a base and an opening defined therein. The flow control portion also includes a plurality of blades that extend from at least a portion of the base. The cooling device also includes a grid portion having an opening defined therein, said grid portion opening is substantially concentrically aligned with the base opening. An attachment portion is configured to couple the cooling device to at least one rotatable component of the engine. Each of the flow control portion, the grid portion, and the attachment portion are formed integrally together such that the cooling device is a single component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Vaughn, Jeffrey A. Wians
  • Patent number: 9109470
    Abstract: Systems and methods for mounting a timing belt pulley to a crankshaft can include a crankshaft rotatable about a center longitudinal axis, the crankshaft including a pin assembly configured for connection to a reciprocating piston. A timing belt pulley can be positioned against the pin assembly and configured for engaging the pin assembly such that the timing belt pulley is coupled to the crankshaft for rotation about the center longitudinal axis. For example, the pin assembly can include a slot formed on an exterior surface thereof, and the timing belt pulley can include a key extending towards the pin assembly and configured for engaging the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Vaughn, Brian C. Doklovic, Nathaniel Artemis Lenfert
  • Publication number: 20140109863
    Abstract: Systems and methods for mounting a timing belt pulley to a crankshaft can include a crankshaft rotatable about a center longitudinal axis, the crankshaft including a pin assembly configured for connection to a reciprocating piston. A timing belt pulley can be positioned against the pin assembly and configured for engaging the pin assembly such that the timing belt pulley is coupled to the crankshaft for rotation about the center longitudinal axis. For example, the pin assembly can include a slot formed on an exterior surface thereof, and the timing belt pulley can include a key extending towards the pin assembly and configured for engaging the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Vaughn, Brian C. Doklovic, Nathaniel Artemis Lenfert
  • Publication number: 20140056703
    Abstract: A cooling device for use with an engine is provided. The cooling device includes a flow control portion that includes a base and an opening defined therein. The flow control portion also includes a plurality of blades that extend from at least a portion of the base. The cooling device also includes a grid portion having an opening defined therein, said grid portion opening is substantially concentrically aligned with the base opening. An attachment portion is configured to couple the cooling device to at least one rotatable component of the engine. Each of the flow control portion, the grid portion, and the attachment portion are formed integrally together such that the cooling device is a single component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher W. Vaughn, Jeffrey A. Wians
  • Patent number: 8567371
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for automatically adjusting a speed of an engine in response to the loading on the engine. In particular, an automatic idle system and method can comprise a governor linkage with a first end for connection to the rotatable shaft of an engine governor and a second end for connection to a throttle control of the engine, and an actuator connected to the second end of the governor linkage. The actuator can be movable in response to a load on the engine to move the governor linkage from a base position to an adjusted position. In this arrangement, when the engine is in a low-load state, the governor linkage can be moved toward a throttle-closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Vaughn, Jeffrey A. Wians
  • Patent number: 8377227
    Abstract: A utensil holder for use in a dishwasher includes a basket including front, rear, bottom and opposing side walls, as well as an upper opening. The rear wall has a height greater than the front wall. A lid member, having a support surface across which are arrayed a plurality of openings, is secured across the upper opening. The plurality of openings receive and arrange utensils to be exposed to a washing operation. A handle member, including first and second upstanding portions interconnected through a cross bar portion, extends from the basket. The cross bar portion includes angled sections that enable a gripping section to be offset. The utensil holder is designed to mount in various configurations to an inner liner of a dishwasher door, or alternatively be supported on a rack in the dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Debra L. Bengston, Mark Britton, Heather Hagans, Scott D. Raches, Wayne M. VanLandingham, Christopher W. Vaughn, Karl R. C. Wendt
  • Patent number: 8281914
    Abstract: An auger brake clutch and drive assembly and related methods for a power equipment device such as a snowblower are provided. In use with a snowblower, the auger brake clutch assembly and related methods can be used for driving both the auger and driven wheels of a snowblower. The auger brake clutch can include a transmission wheel rotatably movable for rotating at least one wheel with the transmission wheel having a contact surface. A drive pulley can be provided that has a drive surface. The drive pulley is rotatable and configured for causing the transmission wheel to rotate when the drive surface and the contact surface of the transmission wheel are in contact. An actuation plate is movable to move the drive pulley in and out of contact with the contact surface of the transmission wheel. A friction member can be provided to be selectively rotated by the drive pulley and configured to transfer the rotation to an output shaft, which can attach for example to at least one of an auger or blower blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Wians, Kevin D. King, Christopher W. Vaughn
  • Patent number: 8168006
    Abstract: A utensil holder assembly for a dishwasher includes multiple utensil baskets that can be mounted in various different configurations in the dishwasher to provide a consumer with the flexibility to construct diverse arrangements of dishware, cookware, utensils and the like for a washing operation. In a first configuration, two utensil baskets are interconnected to form an elongated basket which can be mounted to an inner liner of a dishwasher door. In a second configuration, one basket is mounted to the inner liner and the other basket is supported on a rack in the dishwasher. In a third configuration, both of the baskets are supported on the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Debra L. Bengston, Mark Britton, Heather Hagans, Scott D. Raches, Wayne M. VanLandingham, Christopher W. Vaughn, Karl R. C. Wendt
  • Patent number: 8015785
    Abstract: A combination grass discharge and mulch plug insert apparatus and method are provided where the insert can include a first end configured for communication with a discharge opening of a lawnmower and a second end also configured for communication with the discharge opening. The first end can be configured for preventing discharge of grass clippings from the lawnmower, whereas the second end can be configured for allowing discharge of grass clippings through the second end. Further, the insert can be reversible such that it can be oriented in either a first position in which the first end is inserted into the discharge opening or a second position in which the second end is attached to the discharge opening. As a result, the lawnmower can be easily converted between mulching and side- or rear-discharge modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher T. Walker, Christopher W. Vaughn, Vincent Andrew Prinzo