Patents by Inventor Eric A. Metheny

Eric A. Metheny 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: 20100228455
    Abstract: An exemplary system includes at least one valve configured to control fluid flow in a dual-clutch transmission system. A solenoid is operably connected to the at least one valve and configured to move the valve to a plurality of positions. A primary processing unit is in communication with the solenoid and configured to determine an intended position of the valve. A controller is configured to receive the intended position of the valve from the primary processing unit and generate a primary control signal associated with the intended position of the valve. The solenoid is configured to move the valve to the intended position based on the primary control signal. A secondary processing unit is configured to receive information from the primary processing unit and prevent the primary control signal from controlling the solenoid if the primary processing unit is unable to control the solenoid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Kerfegar K. Katrak, Jeffrey P. Hawarden, Steven H. Lapointe, Eric A. Metheny, Todd W. Fritz, John K. Vandervoort
  • Patent number: 7610975
    Abstract: An electric drive mower includes an electric traction drive as well as electric drive to the cutting units carried on the mower. A hybrid electric drive system supplies electric power to these motors. The electric drive system includes a genset (an internal combustion engine driving an electrical power generating device such as an alternator) and a battery pack which supply the electric power to the electric motors either individually or jointly. A switch may be provided to permit all battery operation of the mower. A steering system having a non-powered pump is used to effect steering of the steerable wheel(s) of the mower to avoid having a heated oil damage the turf in the event of a leak. A crankshaft driven by a single electric drive motor is linked to all the cutting units through various crankarm and connecting rod linkages to lift and lower the cutting units in a timed manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Jackie R. Gust, Eric A. Metheny, Dana R. Lonn, Heinrich F. Tetzlaff, Dennis J. Pavlik, Mark S. Anderson