Patents by Inventor Jeffrey L. Stern

Jeffrey L. Stern 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: 20240138294
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a cutting deck assembly and a grounds maintenance vehicle that includes such assembly are disclosed. The assembly includes a top surface and a sidewall extending from the top surface. The top surface and the sidewall partially surround a first cutting chamber and a second cutting chamber. The assembly further includes a channel disposed adjacent a rear portion of the sidewall and extending along a channel axis between a first end and a second end of the channel, where the first end of the channel is connected to an outlet of the first cutting chamber; and a ramp disposed at least partially within the channel and adjacent the second end of the channel. The ramp includes a directing surface that is adapted to deflect at least a portion of clippings that enter the channel from the outlet of the first cutting chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Robert L. Anderson, Jeffrey W. Stern, Curtis E. Wersal
  • Patent number: 11910748
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a cutting deck assembly and a grounds maintenance vehicle that includes such assembly. The assembly includes a top surface and a sidewall extending from the top surface. The top surface and the sidewall partially surround a first cutting chamber and a second cutting chamber. The assembly further includes a channel disposed adjacent a rear portion of the sidewall and extending along a channel axis between a first end and a second end of the channel, where the first end of the channel is connected to an outlet of the first cutting chamber; and a ramp disposed at least partially within the channel and adjacent the second end of the channel. The ramp includes a directing surface that is adapted to deflect at least a portion of clippings that enter the channel from the outlet of the first cutting chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: THE TORO COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert L. Anderson, Jeffrey W. Stern, Curtis E. Wersal
  • Patent number: 11352767
    Abstract: A work machine includes an engine power management system. The work machine includes an engine, a hydraulic temperature sensor, and a coolant temperature sensor. The hydraulic temperature sensor is configured to monitor and transmit a hydraulic fluid temperature, and the coolant temperature sensor is configured to monitor and transmit a coolant fluid temperature. The work machine also includes an engine controller and a machine controller. The engine controller includes a processor, and is operatively associated with the engine and the coolant fluid temperature sensor. The machine controller includes a processor, and is operatively associated with the hydraulic fluid temperature sensor and the engine controller. The machine controller is configured to transmit a torque limit command to the engine controller when the hydraulic fluid temperature or the coolant fluid temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle David Hendricks, Jeffrey L. Stern
  • Publication number: 20210324610
    Abstract: A work machine includes an engine power management system. The work machine includes an engine, a hydraulic temperature sensor, and a coolant temperature sensor. The hydraulic temperature sensor is configured to monitor and transmit a hydraulic fluid temperature, and the coolant temperature sensor is configured to monitor and transmit a coolant fluid temperature. The work machine also includes an engine controller and a machine controller. The engine controller includes a processor, and is operatively associated with the engine and the coolant fluid temperature sensor. The machine controller includes a processor, and is operatively associated with the hydraulic fluid temperature sensor and the engine controller. The machine controller is configured to transmit a torque limit command to the engine controller when the hydraulic fluid temperature or the coolant fluid temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle David Hendricks, Jeffrey L. Stern
  • Publication number: 20200087870
    Abstract: An eccentric weight system for a vibratory mechanism is provided. The eccentric weight system includes a first shaft rotatably supported at a first end by a first shaft support and rotatably supported at a second end by a second shaft support. The first and second shaft supports define a first axis of rotation of the shaft. An eccentric weight is supported by the first shaft and has a center of mass that is offset from the first axis of rotation. The eccentric weight is supported so as to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation relative to the first shaft with the second axis of rotation being offset from the first axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stern, Matthew A. Loecken
  • Patent number: 10577757
    Abstract: An eccentric weight system includes a first shaft rotatably supported at a first end by a first shaft support and rotatably supported at a second end by a second shaft support. The first and second shaft supports define a first axis of rotation of the shaft. An eccentric weight is supported by the first shaft and has a center of mass that is offset from the first axis of rotation. The eccentric weight is supported so as to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation relative to the first shaft with the second axis of rotation being offset from the first axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stern, Matthew A. Loecken
  • Patent number: D538828
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Stern