Patents by Inventor Jay E. Maggard
Jay E. Maggard 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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Publication number: 20230174154Abstract: A system and method for differential traction drive and steering axis coordination for an autonomous mower or other turf device includes initiating a steering motion based on determining a target forward speed and a steering rotational speed, calculating a left wheel speed and a right wheel speed, and applying the left and right wheel speeds, wherein the steering rotational speed is driven by a steering motor and the traction wheels associated with the autonomous mower, and the left and right wheel speeds are based on the target forward speed, a distance from a steering axle to the center of the respective wheel, and the steering rotational speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2023Publication date: June 8, 2023Inventors: Her-Jye Chang, Aaron Smith, Jay E. Maggard
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Patent number: 11565750Abstract: A system and method for differential traction drive and steering axis coordination for an autonomous mower or other turf device includes initiating a steering motion based on determining a target forward speed and a steering rotational speed, calculating a left wheel speed and a right wheel speed, and applying the left and right wheel speeds, wherein the steering rotational speed is driven by a steering motor and the traction wheels associated with the autonomous mower, and the left and right wheel speeds are based on the target forward speed, a distance from a steering axle to the center of the respective wheel, and the steering rotational speed.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2019Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: MTD PRODUCTS INCInventors: Her-Jye Chang, Aaron Smith, Jay E. Maggard
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Publication number: 20220363306Abstract: A drive-by-wire steering system for a power equipment device is provided. One example embodiment comprises a steering interface system, a power steering system, and a communication link connecting the steering interface system and power steering system. The power steering system can adjust steering angle of wheels of the power equipment device based on inputs received from the steering interface system. The steering interface system can receive user inputs and provide powered feedback and/or a simulated caster effect via a steering interface. Additional embodiments include power equipment devices and steering interface systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2022Publication date: November 17, 2022Inventors: Zachary A. Lyzen, Adam J. Woodrum, Adam Hiller, Jay E. Maggard
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Patent number: 11457560Abstract: A removably attached operator control unit for controlling operation of an outdoor power equipment machine includes an operator control unit housing, a first joystick and a second joystick extending from an upper housing portion, the first and second joysticks being configured to communicate control actions to a control circuit of the operator control unit, and at least one switch configured to communicate control actions to the control circuit, wherein the control circuit is operable to receive control actions resulting from actuations of the joysticks, and switch and to communicate utilizing an interface arranged between the operator control unit and the outdoor power equipment machine, and when secured to the outdoor power equipment machine, the operator control unit is located at a height that is within about an arm's length or less of an operator standing immediately adjacent to the outdoor power equipment machine.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2020Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: MTD PRODUCTS INCInventors: Aaron Smith, Kevin Meister, Jay E. Maggard
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Patent number: 11401975Abstract: A non-rotatable shaft/hub connection, providing a shaft having a tapered end and a bore, the tapered end having at least two angled faces; a hub having a tapered opening and an aperture, wherein the tapered opening is configured to receive the tapered end, the tapered opening provides at least two tapered portions. The non-rotatable shaft/hub connection provides an anti-backlash shaft/hub interface, having a shaft adapted to be rotatably driven about an axis of rotation, the shaft having a tapered end providing a tapered, double-D configuration; and a hub, having an opening configured to receive the double-D configuration of the tapered end.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2020Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: MTD PRODUCTS INCInventor: Jay E. Maggard
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Publication number: 20200347887Abstract: A non-rotatable shaft/hub connection, providing a shaft having a tapered end and a bore, the tapered end having at least two angled faces; a hub having a tapered opening and an aperture, wherein the tapered opening is configured to receive the tapered end, the tapered opening provides at least two tapered portions. The non-rotatable shaft/hub connection provides an anti-backlash shaft/hub interface, having a shaft adapted to be rotatably driven about an axis of rotation, the shaft having a tapered end providing a tapered, double-D configuration; and a hub, having an opening configured to receive the double-D configuration of the tapered end.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2020Publication date: November 5, 2020Inventor: Jay E. Maggard
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Publication number: 20200245550Abstract: An removably attached operator control unit for controlling operation of an outdoor power equipment machine includes an operator control unit housing, a first joystick and a second joystick extending from an upper housing portion, the first and second joysticks being configured to communicate control actions to a control circuit of the operator control unit, and at least one switch configured to communicate control actions to the control circuit, wherein the control circuit is operable to receive control actions resulting from actuations of the joysticks, and switch and to communicate utilizing an interface arranged between the operator control unit and the outdoor power equipment machine, and when secured to the outdoor power equipment machine, the operator control unit is located at a height that is within about an arm's length or less of an operator standing immediately adjacent to the outdoor power equipment machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2020Publication date: August 6, 2020Inventors: Aaron Smith, Kevin Meister, Jay E. Maggard
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Patent number: 10728432Abstract: An optical sensor housing includes a sensor housing body including an enclosure wall upstanding from a bottom portion and a substantially open top portion defining a cavity in which the optical sensor assembly is located, one or more apertures, and one or more engaging parts projecting orthogonally from an outside surface of the sensor housing body, a sensor housing cover including an open central portion, one or more integrally molded compliant flanges configured to engage the sensor housing body engaging part and to secure the sensor housing cover to the sensor housing body, and longitudinal ridges extending outwardly and disposed substantially along the length of the sensor housing cover. The sensor housing engaging parts and flanges can provide a quick-lock mechanism operable to secure the sensor housing cover to the sensor housing body without the use of tools or fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2019Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: MTD PRODUCTS INCInventors: Jay E. Maggard, Gregory Gorsage, Aaron D. Smith
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Patent number: 10694085Abstract: An optical sensor housing includes a sensor housing body including an enclosure wall upstanding from a bottom portion and a substantially open top portion defining a cavity in which the optical sensor assembly is located, at least one aperture, and at least one engaging part projecting orthogonally from an outside surface of the sensor housing body, a sensor housing cover including an open central portion, at least one integrally molded compliant flange configured to engage the sensor housing body engaging part and to secure the sensor housing cover to the sensor housing body, and longitudinal ridges extending outwardly and disposed substantially along the length of the sensor housing cover. The sensor housing engaging parts and flanges can provide a quick-lock mechanism operable to secure the sensor housing cover to the sensor housing body without the use of tools or fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2018Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: MTD PRODUCTS INCInventors: Jay E. Maggard, Gregory Gorsage, Aaron D. Smith
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Publication number: 20200172166Abstract: A system and method for differential traction drive and steering axis coordination for an autonomous mower or other turf device includes initiating a steering motion based on determining a target forward speed and a steering rotational speed, calculating a left wheel speed and a right wheel speed, and applying the left and right wheel speeds, wherein the steering rotational speed is driven by a steering motor and the traction wheels associated with the autonomous mower, and the left and right wheel speeds are based on the target forward speed, a distance from a steering axle to the center of the respective wheel, and the steering rotational speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2019Publication date: June 4, 2020Inventors: Her-Jye Chang, Aaron Smith, Jay E. Maggard
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Publication number: 20190373144Abstract: An optical sensor housing includes a sensor housing body including an enclosure wall upstanding from a bottom portion and a substantially open top portion defining a cavity in which the optical sensor assembly is located, one or more apertures, and one or more engaging parts projecting orthogonally from an outside surface of the sensor housing body, a sensor housing cover including an open central portion, one or more integrally molded compliant flanges configured to engage the sensor housing body engaging part and to secure the sensor housing cover to the sensor housing body, and longitudinal ridges extending outwardly and disposed substantially along the length of the sensor housing cover. The sensor housing engaging parts and flanges can provide a quick-lock mechanism operable to secure the sensor housing cover to the sensor housing body without the use of tools or fasteners.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2019Publication date: December 5, 2019Inventors: Jay E. Maggard, Gregory Gorsage, Aaron D. Smith
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Publication number: 20190075225Abstract: An optical sensor housing includes a sensor housing body including an enclosure wall upstanding from a bottom portion and a substantially open top portion defining a cavity in which the optical sensor assembly is located, at least one aperture, and at least one engaging part projecting orthogonally from an outside surface of the sensor housing body, a sensor housing cover including an open central portion, at least one integrally molded compliant flange configured to engage the sensor housing body engaging part and to secure the sensor housing cover to the sensor housing body, and longitudinal ridges extending outwardly and disposed substantially along the length of the sensor housing cover. The sensor housing engaging parts and flanges can provide a quick-lock mechanism operable to secure the sensor housing cover to the sensor housing body without the use of tools or fasteners.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2018Publication date: March 7, 2019Inventors: Jay E. Maggard, Gregory Gorsage, Aaron D. Smith
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Patent number: D760649Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: MTD Products IncInventors: Ryan Cmich, Michael E. Harrison, Jay E. Maggard, Ryan W. Maibach
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Patent number: D776054Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2016Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: MTD PRODUCTS INCInventors: Ryan Cmich, Michael E. Harrison, Jay E. Maggard, Ryan W. Maibach
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Patent number: D826849Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2016Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: MTD PRODUCTS INCInventors: Ryan W. Maibach, Jay E. Maggard
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Patent number: D850964Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2017Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: MTD PRODUCTS INCInventors: Jay E. Maggard, Gregory Gorsage, Aaron D. Smith
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Patent number: D889517Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2019Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: MTD PRODUCTS INCInventors: Jonathan Prybor, Jay E. Maggard
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Patent number: D892187Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: MTD PRODUCTS INCInventor: Jay E. Maggard