Patents by Inventor Harlin James Trefz

Harlin James Trefz 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: 7631478
    Abstract: An electric implement lift system for mower cutting units may include an electric motor having a rotatable output shaft with a pivot bracket mounted thereto, a lift link or a pair of lift links, each lift link having a first end connected to the pivot bracket and a second end connected to a lift arm, the output shaft rotatable in a first direction to raise the mower cutting unit and in a second direction to lower the mower cutting unit. The output shaft may be rotatable in the first direction to move the cutting unit to a top/center position and rotatable further in the first direction to move the cutting unit to a raised/transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Robert Alan Henson, Harlin James Trefz, Thomas Gregory Bartlett
  • Patent number: 7347037
    Abstract: Transport brackets are welded onto the top surface of the mower deck, each transport bracket having vertical plates with holes extending transversely through the plates. Pins extend through at least one hole in the plates and are secured to a rear mounted hitch of a tractor. The mower deck may be lifted and transported in a raised position behind the tractor, and also may be pivoted to a position for servicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: John David Sundberg, Christopher Scott Thorman, Robert Neil Fox, Harlin James Trefz
  • Patent number: 7278502
    Abstract: A quick attaching coupler is mounted to a tractor three point hitch, with a first actuator linked to latches on both sides of the hitch. The first actuator may be moved by a seated operator between a first position wherein both latches are unlatched and a second position wherein both latches are latched. A quick PTO coupler is mounted to the quick attaching coupler, and has a sleeve carrying a first end of a tractor PTO shaft. The sleeve pivots independently of the latches between a first PTO disengaged position and a second PTO engaged position. A second actuator linked to the sleeve may be moved by the seated operator between a first position wherein the PTO is disengaged and a second position wherein the PTO is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Harlin James Trefz, David Orrin Ross, Brian Richard Clement, Kenneth Edward Hunt
  • Patent number: 7240470
    Abstract: A drive over mower deck has a top surface with downwardly depending surfaces defining a front edge, a back edge, and left and right side edges, at least one belt shield over the top surface, a first pair of gauge wheels mounted adjacent the front edge the deck, and a second pair of gauge wheels mounted adjacent the back edge of the deck. Each pair of gauge wheels is movable vertically to at least one position above the ground surface such that the mower deck is supported by the front edge, back edge, and left and right side edge. Each gauge wheel being releasably lockable at a plurality of different positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Brian Richard Clement, Thomas John Deves, Robert Neil Fox, Harlin James Trefz
  • Patent number: 7104036
    Abstract: A reverse implement option for a tractor or mowing vehicle is activated by moving the reverse foot pedal to an intermediate position. An arm linked to the reverse foot pedal pivots in response to movement of the reverse foot pedal to the intermediate position to actuate a reverse sensing switch. The reverse sensing switch is actuated before a transmission control rod, which links the reverse foot pedal to a hydrostatic transmission swash plate, enables reverse travel of the tractor or vehicle. The PTO operates during reverse travel of the tractor if both the hand operated bypass switch and the reverse sensing switch are actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Harlin James Trefz
  • Patent number: 5669211
    Abstract: A detachable and swingable blower is provided for use with rotary mower decks. The blower is slidably and pivotally mountable on the deck, allowing it to quickly be swung open. A hand activated quick release latch mechanism serves to secure the blower with the mower deck and facilitates quick and easy access to the blower inlet for cleanout and/or service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Curtis Reinhard Bening, Harlin James Trefz
  • Patent number: 5669212
    Abstract: A belt driven auxiliary blower is provided for use with rotary mower decks used in wet and difficult cutting conditions. The blower is pivotally and slidably attachable to the deck for ease of installation and removal. It includes a quick release latch mechanism that allows it to swing open for cleanout or service. A lockable tensioner is provided that permits clean out of the impeller, quick replacement of the belt or removal of the blower when its use is not desired. The blower impeller also rotates in a direction that complements the flow of the cut material being discharged to minimize blockages in the impeller chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Curtis Reinhard Bening, Harlin James Trefz