Patents by Inventor Jeff Welsh

Jeff Welsh 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: 20240117596
    Abstract: A system comprising a work machine and an attachment removably coupled with the work machine. The attachment includes an identification module comprising a transceiver configured to communicate with a control system of the work machines so as to improve the functionality and efficiency of the attachment and of the work machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Matthew Shobe, Yuji Fukuda, Jeff Welsh
  • Publication number: 20240117605
    Abstract: A system comprising a work machine and an attachment removably coupled with the work machine. The attachment includes an identification module comprising a transceiver configured to communicate with a control system of the work machines so as to improve the functionality and efficiency of the attachment and of the work machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Toshihiko Takemura, Yuji Fukuda, Jeff Welsh
  • Publication number: 20240117595
    Abstract: A system comprising a work machine and an attachment removably coupled with the work machine. The attachment includes an identification module comprising a transceiver configured to communicate with a control system of the work machines so as to improve the functionality and efficiency of the attachment and of the work machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Toshihiko Takemura, Yuji Fukuda, Jeff Welsh
  • Publication number: 20240117608
    Abstract: A system comprising a work machine and an attachment removably coupled with the work machine. The attachment includes an identification module comprising a transceiver configured to communicate with a control system of the work machines so as to improve the functionality and efficiency of the attachment and of the work machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Matthew Shobe, Yuji Fukuda, Jeff Welsh
  • Publication number: 20240117602
    Abstract: A system comprising a work machine and an attachment removably coupled with the work machine. The attachment includes an identification module comprising a transceiver configured to communicate with a control system of the work machines so as to improve the functionality and efficiency of the attachment and of the work machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Matthew Shobe, Yuji Fukuda, Jeff Welsh
  • Publication number: 20240044100
    Abstract: A compact utility loader compact utility loader comprising a frame, a first track and a second track positioned on either side of the frame, and a pair of loader arms. The loader arms are configured to couple with an attachment via a hitch plate and a hitch pin. The compact utility loader is configured such that as the loader arms are raised and lowered, the hitch pin follows a path approximately defined by a curve ƒ(x)=4.641e0.34x. The value “x” represents a horizontal direction and the function f(x) represents a vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: Jason CARLSON, John RELPH, Matthew SHOBE, Jeff WELSH
  • Patent number: 11885095
    Abstract: A compact utility loader compact utility loader comprising a frame, a first track and a second track positioned on either side of the frame, and a pair of loader arms. The loader arms are configured to couple with an attachment via a hitch plate and a hitch pin. The compact utility loader is configured such that as the loader arms are raised and lowered, the hitch pin follows a path approximately defined by a curve ƒ(x)=4.641e0.34x The value “x” represents a horizontal direction and the function f(x) represents a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Carlson, John Relph, Matthew Shobe, Jeff Welsh
  • Patent number: 11788250
    Abstract: A compact utility loader compact utility loader comprising a frame, a first track and a second track positioned on either side of the frame, and a pair of loader arms. The loader arms are configured to couple with an attachment via a hitch plate and a hitch pin. The compact utility loader is configured such that as the loader arms are raised and lowered, the hitch pin follows a path approximately defined by a curve f(x)=4.641e0.34x The value “x” represents a horizontal direction and the function f(x) represents a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Carlson, John Relph, Matthew Shobe, Jeff Welsh
  • Patent number: 11649605
    Abstract: A compact utility loader compact utility loader comprising a frame, and a pair of loader arms supported by the frame. The frame includes a right side, a left side, and a bottom side extending between the right side and the left side. The compact utility loader additionally includes an engine mount secured to the bottom side of the frame and spaced apart from each of the left side and the right side of the frame. The compact utility loader further comprises an engine supported on the engine mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Carlson, Toshihiko Takemura, John Relph, Jeff Welsh
  • Patent number: 11224163
    Abstract: A rotary cutter for cutting grass, brush, shrubs, bushes, trees, and other vegetation, and a method of using the same. The cutter includes a bi-fold door proximate to an open front portion of the cutter's deck, which defines an open cutting area. The bi-fold door moves between a closed position where it shields the cutting area and an open position where it exposes the cutting area. The bi-fold door includes a front cover rotatably coupled to a rear cover via the first hinge, with the rear cover being rotatably coupled to the deck via the second hinge. The cutter also includes a first ramp and second ramp flanking the open front portion of the deck. Protrusions of the bi-fold door slide along inclined surfaces of the ramps as the bi-fold door moves between the closed position and the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith W. Finlayson, Dan Base, Jeff Welsh
  • Patent number: 11208786
    Abstract: A compact utility loader compact utility loader comprising a frame and a loader arm configured in a vertical-lift configuration. The compact utility loader additionally comprises a link pivotably secured to the loader arm and to the frame, and an actuator pivotably secured to the loader arm and to the frame. The compact utility loader further comprises a track assembly configured to maintain the loader arm in direct attachment to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Carlson, John Relph, Jeff Welsh
  • Publication number: 20210168993
    Abstract: A seed meter for dispensing seed. The seed meter comprises a housing at least partially enclosing an interior space. The housing includes a top surface defining a seed inlet, and further includes a seed outlet. The seed meter additionally includes a metering wheel positioned within the interior space of the housing. The metering wheel is configured to carry seed through the housing when rotating in a first direction or in a second direction. The seed meter further includes a pair of retractable seed guards positioned within the interior space of the housing. The seed guards are each configured to be selectively configured in an operating configuration and in a retracted configuration. In the operating configuration the seed guards are configured to prevent excess seed from passing through the seed meter, and in the retracted configuration the seed guards are configured to permit large obstacles to pass through the seed meter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: Keith W. Finlayson, Bruce D. Peterson, Jeff Welsh
  • Patent number: 10973164
    Abstract: A seed meter for dispensing seed. The seed meter comprises a housing at least partially enclosing an interior space. The housing includes a top surface defining a seed inlet, and further includes a seed outlet. The seed meter additionally includes a metering wheel positioned within the interior space of the housing. The metering wheel is configured to carry seed through the housing when rotating in a first direction or in a second direction. The seed meter further includes a pair of retractable seed guards positioned within the interior space of the housing. The seed guards are each configured to be selectively configured in an operating configuration and in a retracted configuration. In the operating configuration the seed guards are configured to prevent excess seed from passing through the seed meter, and in the retracted configuration the seed guards are configured to permit large obstacles to pass through the seed meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith W. Finlayson, Bruce D. Peterson, Jeff Welsh
  • Publication number: 20210032847
    Abstract: A compact utility loader compact utility loader comprising a frame, a first track and a second track positioned on either side of the frame, and a pair of loader arms. The loader arms are configured to couple with an attachment via a hitch plate and a hitch pin. The compact utility loader is configured such that as the loader arms are raised and lowered, the hitch pin follows a path approximately defined by a curve f(x)=4.641e0.34x The value “x” represents a horizontal direction and the function f(x) represents a vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Jason CARLSON, John RELPH, Matthew SHOBE, Jeff WELSH
  • Publication number: 20210031845
    Abstract: A compact utility loader compact utility loader comprising a frame, and a pair of loader arms supported by the frame. The frame includes a right side, a left side, and a bottom side extending between the right side and the left side. The compact utility loader additionally includes an engine mount secured to the bottom side of the frame and spaced apart from each of the left side and the right side of the frame. The compact utility loader further comprises an engine supported on the engine mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Jason CARLSON, Toshihiko TAKEMURA, John RELPH, Jeff WELSH
  • Publication number: 20210032836
    Abstract: A compact utility loader comprising a frame, an engine, a pair of loader arms, and an attachment secured to ends of the loader arms. The compact utility loader additionally includes a first track or wheel and a second track or wheel positioned on either side of the frame. The compact utility loader additionally comprises a control interface including a graphic display configured to present operational information to an operator. The graphic display is configured to present a login screen prompting the operator for a passcode. The engine is prevented from being started until a valid passcode is entered via the control interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Jason CARLSON, Toshihiko TAKEMURA, John RELPH, Matthew SHOBE, Jeff WELSH
  • Publication number: 20210032835
    Abstract: A compact utility loader compact utility loader comprising a frame and a loader arm configured in a vertical-lift configuration. The compact utility loader additionally comprises a link pivotably secured to the loader arm and to the frame, and an actuator pivotably secured to the loader arm and to the frame. The compact utility loader further comprises a track assembly configured to maintain the loader arm in direct attachment to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Jason CARLSON, John RELPH, Jeff WELSH
  • Publication number: 20190387665
    Abstract: A seed meter for dispensing seed. The seed meter comprises a housing at least partially enclosing an interior space. The housing includes a top surface defining a seed inlet, and further includes a seed outlet. The seed meter additionally includes a metering wheel positioned within the interior space of the housing. The metering wheel is configured to carry seed through the housing when rotating in a first direction or in a second direction. The seed meter further includes a pair of retractable seed guards positioned within the interior space of the housing. The seed guards are each configured to be selectively configured in an operating configuration and in a retracted configuration. In the operating configuration the seed guards are configured to prevent excess seed from passing through the seed meter, and in the retracted configuration the seed guards are configured to permit large obstacles to pass through the seed meter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Keith W. Finlayson, Bruce D. Peterson, Jeff Welsh
  • Publication number: 20190387675
    Abstract: A rotary cutter for cutting grass, brush, shrubs, bushes, trees, and other vegetation, and a method of using the same. The cutter includes a bi-fold door proximate to an open front portion of the cutter's deck, which defines an open cutting area. The bi-fold door moves between a closed position where it shields the cutting area and an open position where it exposes the cutting area. The bi-fold door includes a front cover rotatably coupled to a rear cover via the first hinge, with the rear cover being rotatably coupled to the deck via the second hinge. The cutter also includes a first ramp and second ramp flanking the open front portion of the deck. Protrusions of the bi-fold door slide along inclined surfaces of the ramps as the bi-fold door moves between the closed position and the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Keith W. Finlayson, Dan Base, Jeff Welsh
  • Patent number: 10433481
    Abstract: A protection system for a rotary cutter, with the rotary cutter including a deck and one or more blade assemblies extending below the deck for cutting vegetation. The protection system comprises a protection annulus associated with one of the blade assemblies, with the protection annulus secured to a bottom surface of the deck and positioned between the deck and the blade assembly. The protection annulus has a width extending from an inner radius of the protection annulus to an outer radius of the protection annulus. The protection annulus has a height extending vertically downward from the bottom surface of the deck. The width of the protection annulus is greater than the height of the protection annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Welsh, Erik Thorsell