Patents by Inventor David A. Murray
David A. Murray 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).
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Patent number: 12575513Abstract: A stump grinder has a grinding arm that durably mounts a rotatable grinding wheel. The stump grinder includes a motor with a drive shaft that is rotatably coupled to the grinding wheel. The grinding wheel includes a stub shaft attached thereto that is received within a bearing. A control is movable to produce corresponding pivoting motion of the grinding arm. The control includes a depressible trigger for starting and stopping the operation of the grinding wheel.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2025Date of Patent: March 17, 2026Assignee: The Toro CompanyInventors: Joseph C. Knipp, Christopher J. Kost, David A. Murray, Landon M. Aldinger, John P. Azure
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Patent number: 12516492Abstract: A compact utility loader is operated by a standing operator at the rear of a frame. A loader arm assembly comprises a scissors linkage on either side of the frame nesting around the prime mover. Each scissors linkage has an upper loader arm that is pivoted at its rear end to rears ends of a pair of lower loader arms such that the pivot connections to the upper loader arm move upwardly and forwardly relative to the frame during elevation of the loader arm assembly to provide a high lift capability. The frame is self-propelled by a differential drive and steering system that is operated by dual levers. A hand grip extends between and unifies the operation of the levers to permit the operator to more easily move the levers in the ways that are needed to provide either straight motion of the frame or turns of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2024Date of Patent: January 6, 2026Assignee: The Toro CompanyInventors: John P. Azure, Joseph C. Knipp, David A. Murray
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Publication number: 20250359521Abstract: A stump grinder has a grinding arm that durably mounts a rotatable grinding wheel. The stump grinder includes a motor with a drive shaft that is rotatably coupled to the grinding wheel. The grinding wheel includes a stub shaft attached thereto that is received within a bearing. A control is movable to produce corresponding pivoting motion of the grinding arm. The control includes a depressible trigger for starting and stopping the operation of the grinding wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2025Publication date: November 27, 2025Inventors: Joseph C. KNIPP, Christopher J. KOST, David A. MURRAY, Landon M. ALDINGER, John P. AZURE
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Patent number: 12398528Abstract: A compact utility loader is operated by a standing operator at the rear of a frame. A loader arm assembly comprises a scissors linkage on either side of the frame nesting around the prime mover. Each scissors linkage has an upper loader arm that is pivoted at its rear end to rears ends of a pair of lower loader arms such that the pivot connections to the upper loader arm move upwardly and forwardly relative to the frame during elevation of the loader arm assembly to provide a high lift capability. The frame is self-propelled by a differential drive and steering system that is operated by dual levers. A hand grip extends between and unifies the operation of the levers to permit the operator to more easily move the levers in the ways that are needed to provide either straight motion of the frame or turns of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2024Date of Patent: August 26, 2025Assignee: The Toro CompanyInventors: John P. Azure, Joseph C. Knipp, David A. Murray, James A. Kuemper
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Patent number: 12376534Abstract: A stump grinder has a grinding arm that durably mounts a rotatable grinding wheel by securing the drive shaft of a motor to the grinding wheel such that a pair of bearings within the motor support one side of the grinding wheel and by supporting the other side of the grinding wheel with a stub shaft received within a third bearing. The grinding arm is laterally offset on the frame of the stump grinder to have a swing angle that is not symmetrical relative to the width of the frame, but with the swing angle starting at one side of the frame and then traversing across substantially the entire width of the frame to improve the ability of the operator to see the grinding wheel. A single joystick is movable in orthogonal directions corresponding to desired up and down and side-to-side pivoting motions of the grinding arm. The joystick includes a depressible trigger for starting and stopping the operation of the grinding wheel.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2023Date of Patent: August 5, 2025Assignee: The Toro CompanyInventors: Joseph C. Knipp, Christopher J. Kost, David A. Murray, Landon M. Aldinger, John P. Azure
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Publication number: 20250043531Abstract: A compact utility loader incorporating a boom of adjustable length. The boom may include one or more lift arm assemblies, with each lift arm assembly including a first lift arm that telescopically receives a second lift arm. Each lift arm assembly also includes a telescoping actuator adapted to telescopically extend and retract its second lift arm relative to its first lift arm. A load-sensing system may be provided and adapted to limit lift arm assembly extension based at least in part upon a tool load applied at a tool supported by the boom.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2024Publication date: February 6, 2025Inventors: John P. Azure, Jeffrey R. Frank, David A. Murray
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Publication number: 20240392529Abstract: A compact utility loader is operated by a standing operator at the rear of a frame. A loader arm assembly comprises a scissors linkage on either side of the frame nesting around the prime mover. Each scissors linkage has an upper loader arm that is pivoted at its rear end to rears ends of a pair of lower loader arms such that the pivot connections to the upper loader arm move upwardly and forwardly relative to the frame during elevation of the loader arm assembly to provide a high lift capability. The frame is self-propelled by a differential drive and steering system that is operated by dual levers. A hand grip extends between and unifies the operation of the levers to permit the operator to more easily move the levers in the ways that are needed to provide either straight motion of the frame or turns of the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2024Publication date: November 28, 2024Inventors: John P. Azure, Joseph C. Knipp, David A. Murray
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Publication number: 20240384495Abstract: A compact utility loader is operated by a standing operator at the rear of a frame. A loader arm assembly comprises a scissors linkage on either side of the frame nesting around the prime mover. Each scissors linkage has an upper loader arm that is pivoted at its rear end to rears ends of a pair of lower loader arms such that the pivot connections to the upper loader arm move upwardly and forwardly relative to the frame during elevation of the loader arm assembly to provide a high lift capability. The frame is self-propelled by a differential drive and steering system that is operated by dual levers. A hand grip extends between and unifies the operation of the levers to permit the operator to more easily move the levers in the ways that are needed to provide either straight motion of the frame or turns of the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2024Publication date: November 21, 2024Inventors: John P. Azure, Joseph C. Knipp, David A. Murray, James A. Kuemper
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Patent number: 12146287Abstract: A compact utility loader incorporating a boom of adjustable length. The boom may include one or more lift arm assemblies, with each lift arm assembly including a first lift arm that telescopically receives a second lift arm. Each lift arm assembly also includes a telescoping actuator adapted to telescopically extend and retract its second lift arm relative to its first lift arm. A load-sensing system may be provided and adapted to limit lift arm assembly extension based at least in part upon a tool load applied at a tool supported by the boom.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2021Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: THE TORO COMPANYInventors: John P. Azure, Jeffrey R. Frank, David A. Murray
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Publication number: 20240016105Abstract: A stump grinder has a grinding arm that durably mounts a rotatable grinding wheel by securing the drive shaft of a motor to the grinding wheel such that a pair of bearings within the motor support one side of the grinding wheel and by supporting the other side of the grinding wheel with a stub shaft received within a third bearing. The grinding arm is laterally offset on the frame of the stump grinder to have a swing angle that is not symmetrical relative to the width of the frame, but with the swing angle starting at one side of the frame and then traversing across substantially the entire width of the frame to improve the ability of the operator to see the grinding wheel. A single joystick is movable in orthogonal directions corresponding to desired up and down and side-to-side pivoting motions of the grinding arm. The joystick includes a depressible trigger for starting and stopping the operation of the grinding wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2023Publication date: January 18, 2024Inventors: Joseph C. KNIPP, Christopher J. KOST, David A. MURRAY, Landon M. ALDINGER, John P. AZURE
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Patent number: 11672210Abstract: A stump grinder has a grinding arm that durably mounts a rotatable grinding wheel by securing the drive shaft of a motor to the grinding wheel such that a pair of bearings within the motor support one side of the grinding wheel and by supporting the other side of the grinding wheel with a stub shaft received within a third bearing. The grinding arm is laterally offset on the frame of the stump grinder to have a swing angle that is not symmetrical relative to the width of the frame, but with the swing angle starting at one side of the frame and then traversing across substantially the entire width of the frame to improve the ability of the operator to see the grinding wheel. A single joystick is movable in orthogonal directions corresponding to desired up and down and side-to-side pivoting motions of the grinding arm. The joystick includes a depressible trigger for starting and stopping the operation of the grinding wheel.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: The Toro CompanyInventors: Joseph C. Knipp, Christopher J. Kost, David A. Murray, Landon M. Aldinger, John P. Azure
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Publication number: 20220098820Abstract: A compact utility loader incorporating a boom of adjustable length. The boom may include one or more lift arm assemblies, with each lift arm assembly including a first lift arm that telescopically receives a second lift arm. Each lift arm assembly also includes a telescoping actuator adapted to telescopically extend and retract its second lift arm relative to its first lift arm. A load-sensing system may be provided and adapted to limit lift arm assembly extension based at least in part upon a tool load applied at a tool supported by the boom.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2021Publication date: March 31, 2022Inventors: John P. Azure, Jeffrey R. Frank, David A. Murray
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Publication number: 20210378188Abstract: A stump grinder has a grinding arm that durably mounts a rotatable grinding wheel by securing the drive shaft of a motor to the grinding wheel such that a pair of bearings within the motor support one side of the grinding wheel and by supporting the other side of the grinding wheel with a stub shaft received within a third bearing. The grinding arm is laterally offset on the frame of the stump grinder to have a swing angle that is not symmetrical relative to the width of the frame, but with the swing angle starting at one side of the frame and then traversing across substantially the entire width of the frame to improve the ability of the operator to see the grinding wheel. A single joystick is movable in orthogonal directions corresponding to desired up and down and side-to-side pivoting motions of the grinding arm. The joystick includes a depressible trigger for starting and stopping the operation of the grinding wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2021Publication date: December 9, 2021Inventors: Joseph C. Knipp, Christopher J. Kost, David A. Murray, Landon M. Aldinger, John P. Azure
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Patent number: 11109542Abstract: A stump grinder has a grinding arm that durably mounts a rotatable grinding wheel by securing the drive shaft of a motor to the grinding wheel such that a pair of bearings within the motor support one side of the grinding wheel and by supporting the other side of the grinding wheel with a stub shaft received within a third bearing. The grinding arm is laterally offset on the frame of the stump grinder to have a swing angle that is not symmetrical relative to the width of the frame, but with the swing angle starting at one side of the frame and then traversing across substantially the entire width of the frame to improve the ability of the operator to see the grinding wheel. A single joystick is movable in orthogonal directions corresponding to desired up and down and side-to-side pivoting motions of the grinding arm. The joystick includes a depressible trigger for starting and stopping the operation of the grinding wheel.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2019Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: The Toro CompanyInventors: Joseph C. Knipp, Christopher J. Kost, David A. Murray, Landon M. Aldinger
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Publication number: 20210198864Abstract: A utility loader incorporating a boom of adjustable length. The boom may include either or both of a left and right lift arm assembly, with each lift arm assembly including a rear lift arm that telescopically receives a front lift arm. Each lift arm assembly also includes an extension actuator adapted to telescopically extend and retract its front lift arm relative to its rear lift arm. A detection system may be provided and adapted to limit lift arm assembly extension based at least in part upon a load applied at a tool supported by the boom and a relative telescopic location of a front lift arm relative to its associated rear lift arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2021Publication date: July 1, 2021Inventors: Joseph P. Hager, Timothy J. Berg, David A. Murray, Caleb A. Olson, Scott T. Hoffman, Jeffrey R. Frank
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Patent number: 10975543Abstract: A utility loader incorporating a boom of adjustable length. The boom may include either or both of a left and right lift arm assembly, with each lift arm assembly including a rear lift arm that telescopically receives a front lift arm. Each lift arm assembly also includes an extension actuator adapted to telescopically extend and retract its front lift arm relative to its rear lift arm. A detection system may be provided and adapted to limit lift arm assembly extension based at least in part upon a load applied at a tool supported by the boom and a relative telescopic location of a front lift arm relative to its associated rear lift arm.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2020Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: THE TORO COMPANYInventors: Joseph P. Hager, Timothy J. Berg, David A. Murray, Caleb A. Olson, Scott T. Hoffman, Jeffrey R. Frank
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Publication number: 20200308801Abstract: A utility loader incorporating a boom of adjustable length. The boom may include either or both of a left and right lift arm assembly, with each lift arm assembly including a rear lift arm that telescopically receives a front lift arm. Each lift arm assembly also includes an extension actuator adapted to telescopically extend and retract its front lift arm relative to its rear lift arm. A detection system may be provided and adapted to limit lift arm assembly extension based at least in part upon a load applied at a tool supported by the boom and a relative telescopic location of a front lift arm relative to its associated rear lift arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2020Publication date: October 1, 2020Inventors: Joseph P. Hager, Timothy J. Berg, David A. Murray, Caleb A. Olson, Scott T. Hoffman, Jeffrey R. Frank
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Patent number: 10718098Abstract: A utility loader incorporating a boom of adjustable length. The boom may include either or both of a left and right lift arm assembly, with each lift arm assembly including a rear lift arm that telescopically receives a front lift arm. Each lift arm assembly also includes an extension actuator adapted to telescopically extend and retract its front lift arm relative to its rear lift arm. A detection system may be provided and adapted to limit lift arm assembly extension based at least in part upon a load applied at a tool supported by the boom and a relative telescopic location of a front lift arm relative to its associated rear lift arm.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2017Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: THE TORO COMPANYInventors: Joseph P. Hager, Timothy J. Berg, David A. Murray, Caleb A. Olson, Scott T. Hoffman, Jeffrey R. Frank
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Publication number: 20190350143Abstract: A stump grinder has a grinding arm that durably mounts a rotatable grinding wheel by securing the drive shaft of a motor to the grinding wheel such that a pair of bearings within the motor support one side of the grinding wheel and by supporting the other side of the grinding wheel with a stub shaft received within a third bearing. The grinding arm is laterally offset on the frame of the stump grinder to have a swing angle that is not symmetrical relative to the width of the frame, but with the swing angle starting at one side of the frame and then traversing across substantially the entire width of the frame to improve the ability of the operator to see the grinding wheel. A single joystick is movable in orthogonal directions corresponding to desired up and down and side-to-side pivoting motions of the grinding arm. The joystick includes a depressible trigger for starting and stopping the operation of the grinding wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2019Publication date: November 21, 2019Inventors: Joseph C. Knipp, Christopher J. Kost, David A. Murray, Landon M. Aldinger
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Patent number: D1100988Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2024Date of Patent: November 4, 2025Assignee: THE TORO COMPANYInventors: John P. Azure, Joseph C. Knipp, David A. Murray