Patents by Inventor David A. Straka
David A. Straka 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: 11606898Abstract: A hydraulic leak detection system includes a leak detection switch responsive to a level of hydraulic fluid in a tank used by a hydraulic mowing circuit and a lift and lower circuit of a grass mowing machine. The system includes a controller that activates a warning indicator if the leak detection switch indicates the level of hydraulic fluid in the tank is low, but allows the hydraulic mowing circuit and the lift and lower circuit to continue operating until the lift and lower circuit reaches a fully raised position. A solenoid valve may control the level of hydraulic fluid in the tank based on temperature of the hydraulic fluid.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2020Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Paul R. Heide, Bradley P. Aldridge, Brent G. Rinholm, David A. Straka
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Patent number: 11363755Abstract: A riding greensmower clean-up pass speed control system reduces the maximum ground speed if a clean-up pass control is actuated. The reduced maximum ground speed is adjustable using a display. The maximum ground speed is increased to the previous ground speed each time the plurality of grass cutting reels are raised after the clean-up pass.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2020Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Bradley P. Aldridge, Ukaku A. Kalu, David A. Straka
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Publication number: 20210289694Abstract: A riding greensmower clean-up pass speed control system reduces the maximum ground speed if a clean-up pass control is actuated. The reduced maximum ground speed is adjustable using a display. The maximum ground speed is increased to the previous ground speed each time the plurality of grass cutting reels are raised after the clean-up pass.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2020Publication date: September 23, 2021Inventors: BRADLEY P. ALDRIDGE, UKAKU A. KALU, DAVID A. STRAKA
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Publication number: 20210259151Abstract: A hydraulic leak detection system includes a leak detection switch responsive to a level of hydraulic fluid in a tank used by a hydraulic mowing circuit and a lift and lower circuit of a grass mowing machine. The system includes a controller that activates a warning indicator if the leak detection switch indicates the level of hydraulic fluid in the tank is low, but allows the hydraulic mowing circuit and the lift and lower circuit to continue operating until the lift and lower circuit reaches a fully raised position. A solenoid valve may control the level of hydraulic fluid in the tank based on temperature of the hydraulic fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2020Publication date: August 26, 2021Inventors: PAUL R. HEIDE, BRADLEY P. ALDRIDGE, BRENT G. RINHOLM, DAVID A. STRAKA
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Patent number: 9556846Abstract: An engine ignition shutdown module includes a voltage regulator circuit connected to a key switch, and a pair of isolated MOSFET driver circuits connected to the voltage regulator circuit. Each MOSFET driver circuit charges a capacitor while the key switch is in a run position and the interlock switches are closed, and each capacitor discharges through a resistor for a time delay period once the key switch is moved from the run position to an off position or at least one of the interlock switches are opened. A pair of high voltage output MOSFET transistors are switched on while the capacitors discharge and provide an output to a magneto ignition for the time delay period.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: David A. Straka, Quintin D. Rigert, Jason D. Raabe, Allan D. Narveson
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Patent number: 9179596Abstract: An end of cut speed control system includes a vehicle controller that commands a traction drive system to a reduced ground speed based on the setting of a control to a preset end of cut mode ground speed as a percentage of the mow mode ground speed. The vehicle controller changes the speed from the mow mode to the end of cut mode when a proximity sensor indicates the cutting units are raised to a cross cut position.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2013Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: David L. Phillips, Richard F. Percy, David A. Straka, Clint W. Lampley, Paul R. Heide
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Publication number: 20140331630Abstract: An end of cut speed control system includes a vehicle controller that commands a traction drive system to a reduced ground speed based on the setting of a control to a preset end of cut mode ground speed as a percentage of the mow mode ground speed. The vehicle controller changes the speed from the mow mode to the end of cut mode when a proximity sensor indicates the cutting units are raised to a cross cut position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2013Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: Deere & CompanyInventors: David L. Phillips, Richard F. Percy, David A. Straka, Clint W. Lampley, Paul R. Heide
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Publication number: 20140251271Abstract: An engine ignition shutdown module includes a voltage regulator circuit connected to a key switch, and a pair of isolated MOSFET driver circuits connected to the voltage regulator circuit. Each MOSFET driver circuit charges a capacitor while the key switch is in a run position and the interlock switches are closed, and each capacitor discharges through a resistor for a time delay period once the key switch is moved from the run position to an off position or at least one of the interlock switches are opened. A pair of high voltage output MOSFET transistors are switched on while the capacitors discharge and provide an output to a magneto ignition for the time delay period.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2013Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: David A. Straka, Quintin D. Rigert, Jason D. Raabe, Allan D. Narveson
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Patent number: 8080905Abstract: A control system for an electrical device includes a controller that outputs an AC device enable system when one or more monitored sensors are in a proper state for operation of the electrical device. The control system may also include a sensor signal integrity checking circuit that outputs a validation signal when the sensor is one of a discrete set of acceptable sensor states. The control system may also include a current monitor that monitors the current draw of the electrical device and compares the current draw to a range of acceptable current draw levels and durations and disables operation of the electrical device when the current draw falls outside of the range.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2008Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.Inventor: David A. Straka
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Patent number: 7812473Abstract: A controller including a controller input coupled to an engine magneto for monitoring tractor engine operation by monitoring a change in magneto signal thereby determining if the engine is running. A power output circuit coupled to an output from the controller draws current from a tractor battery for powering an auxiliary component when the tractor engine is running and disrupts power to the auxiliary component when the tractor engine is not running to conserve battery life.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2007Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.Inventors: Scott Larsen, Dennis Davis, David A. Straka
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Patent number: 7777639Abstract: An indicator display module includes a display face for informing an operator of a monitored condition and a housing having first and second ends. The display face is attached to the first end. The housing provides support to electrical components located within the housing. A cover is fixedly attached to the housing and engages the second end of the housing. A seal is positioned within the housing, forming a sealed cavity around the electrical components stored within the housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.Inventors: Dennis R. Young, David A. Straka
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Publication number: 20090153314Abstract: An indicator display module includes a display face for informing an operator of a monitored condition and a housing having first and second ends. The display face is attached to the first end. The housing provides support to electrical components located within the housing. A cover is fixedly attached to the housing and engages the second end of the housing. A seal is positioned within the housing, forming a sealed cavity around the electrical components stored within the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2007Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: Delta Systems, Inc.Inventors: Dennis R. Young, David A. Straka
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Publication number: 20090121545Abstract: A controller including a controller input coupled to an engine magneto for monitoring tractor engine operation by monitoring a change in magneto signal thereby determining if the engine is running. A power output circuit coupled to an output from the controller draws current from a tractor battery for powering an auxiliary component when the tractor engine is running and disrupts power to the auxiliary component when the tractor engine is not running to conserve battery life.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2007Publication date: May 14, 2009Applicant: Delta Systems, Inc.Inventors: Scott Larsen, Dennis Davis, David A. Straka
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Patent number: 7520264Abstract: An ignition circuit causes a magneto to continue to provide spark to an engine for a delay period after the ignition switch is switched off. After the delay period, the ignition circuit routes energy from the magneto to actuate a magneto disable switch to provide a path to ground for the magneto.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2007Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.Inventor: David A. Straka
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Patent number: 7513322Abstract: A control circuit for a lawn tractor having an engine and a power take off driven implement. The control circuit includes an inhibit circuit component for preventing operation of a power take off driven implement with the tractor in reverse. Two versions of the inhibit circuit are disclosed, one grounds an engine magneto and a second disables an electric clutch for coupling the power take off to the driven element. The circuit includes first and second override switches and an override circuit component that allows operation of a power take off driven implement while the lawn tractor is in reverse after the first and second override switches are activated in a proper order by a tractor operator.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2008Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.Inventors: David A. Straka, Arthur James Harvey, Ted Wetzel
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Publication number: 20080218002Abstract: A control system for an electrical device includes a controller that outputs an AC device enable system when one or more monitored sensors are in a proper state for operation of the electrical device. The control system may also include a sensor signal integrity checking circuit that outputs a validation signal when the sensor is one of a discrete set of acceptable sensor states. The control system may also include a current monitor that monitors the current draw of the electrical device and compares the current draw to a range of acceptable current draw levels and durations and disables operation of the electrical device when the current draw falls outside of the range.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: DELTA SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: David A. STRAKA
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Patent number: 7422078Abstract: A control circuit for a lawn tractor having an engine and a power take off driven implement. The control circuit includes an inhibit circuit component for preventing operation of a power take off driven implement with the tractor in reverse. Two versions of the inhibit circuit are disclosed, one grounds an engine magneto and a second disables an electric clutch for coupling the power take off to the driven element. The circuit includes first and second override switches and an override circuit component that allows operation of a power take off driven implement while the lawn tractor is in reverse after the first and second override switches are activated in a proper order by a tractor operator.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2007Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.Inventors: David A. Straka, Arthur James Harvey, Ted Wetzel
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Publication number: 20080143193Abstract: A control circuit for a lawn tractor having an engine and a power take off driven implement. The control circuit includes an inhibit circuit component for preventing operation of a power take off driven implement with the tractor in reverse. Two versions of the inhibit circuit are disclosed, one grounds an engine magneto and a second disables an electric clutch for coupling the power take off to the driven element. The circuit includes first and second override switches and an override circuit component that allows operation of a power take off driven implement while the lawn tractor is in reverse after the first and second override switches are activated in a proper order by a tractor operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2008Publication date: June 19, 2008Applicant: Delta Systems, Inc.Inventors: David A. Straka, Arthur James Harvey, Ted Wetzel
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Publication number: 20080022971Abstract: An ignition circuit causes a magneto to continue to provide spark to an engine for a delay period after the ignition switch is switched off. After the delay period, the ignition circuit routes energy from the magneto to actuate a magneto disable switch to provide a path to ground for the magneto.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2007Publication date: January 31, 2008Applicant: DELTA SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: David A. STRAKA
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Publication number: 20070251737Abstract: A control circuit for a lawn tractor having an engine and a power take off driven implement. The control circuit includes an inhibit circuit component for preventing operation of a power take off driven implement with the tractor in reverse. Two versions of the inhibit circuit are disclosed, one grounds an engine magneto and a second disables an electric clutch for coupling the power take off to the driven element. The circuit includes first and second override switches and an override circuit component that allows operation of a power take off driven implement while the lawn tractor is in reverse after the first and second override switches are activated in a proper order by a tractor operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2007Publication date: November 1, 2007Applicant: Delta Systems, Inc.Inventors: David Straka, Arthur Harvey, Ted Wetzel