Patents by Inventor Craig Wigness

Craig Wigness 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: 7926266
    Abstract: A cylinder block brake for a hydrostatic transmission or transaxle is provided. A braking member is located in a housing adjacent to a motor cylinder block and has a first position where it is not engaged to the motor cylinder block and a second, braking position where it is engaged to the motor cylinder block. A brake actuation shaft is located in the housing and has a cam portion located along its longitudinal axis. The cam portion is positioned to engage the braking member so that rotation of the brake actuation shaft moves the braking member between the engaged and disengaged positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Craig Wigness, Thomas J. Langenfeld, Shane A. Deters
  • Patent number: 7487636
    Abstract: In a hydraulic drive apparatus such as a transaxle, a rotatable hydraulic pump and rotatable hydraulic motor are disposed in a housing forming a sump. A hydraulic mounting member such as a center section is disposed in the sump and includes a pump mounting surface for the pump and a motor mounting surface for the motor, with hydraulic porting formed in the center section for connecting the mounting surfaces. The center section includes a channel formed on an external surface thereof, and at least one of the housing members is engaged to the center section to close the channel and form a fluid passage in the center section. This engagement is either direct, such as through sealant, or indirect through a cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Craig Wigness, Thomas J. Langenfeld, Shane A. Deters
  • Patent number: 6244137
    Abstract: A transmission casing design including externally mounted protrusions or devices on the casing for creating a durable, visible coding system. The casing may include a plurality of housing sections for mounting a hydrostatic transmission or other type of transmission. The protrusions may be machined or otherwise durably marked to create an information code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Craig Wigness
  • Patent number: 6122996
    Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission design including externally mounted protrusions or devices for creating a durable, visible coding system. A clip means is also disclosed for securing to the ends of the axle horns to protect the casing from contact with vehicle wheels. The transmission also includes a friction pack for improved control of the transmission, having a control arm which is not secured directly to the external housing of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Raymond Hauser, Craig Wigness, Thomas Langenfeld, William Herbert Ward