Patents by Inventor Keith Rick

Keith Rick 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: 20060001313
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brake system configured to enhance control and maneuverability of a three-wheeled agricultural applicator. The brake system includes a brake pedal in fluid communication with a rear brake system and a front brake system. The front brake system includes a flow limiter in communication with a brake actuator configured to delay application of a second braking force by the front brake system relative to application of a first braking force by the rear brake system. The front brake system includes a front brake mechanism comprising a caliper assembly in combination with a disc brake configured to apply the second braking force to the at least one front wheel assembly. The caliper assembly employs a spacer combined with a series of bushings to float the caliper assembly in general alignment with movement of the disc brake caused by dynamic forces associated with operation of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Inventors: Rex Ruppert, Keith Ricke
  • Publication number: 20060000653
    Abstract: A three-wheeled agricultural applicator includes a hood assembly with enhanced maneuverability between an open and a closed position. The hood assembly includes a hood and a linkage assembly coupling the hood to a frame assembly of the agricultural applicator. The linkage assembly includes a first pivotal hood coupling assembly, a second pivotal hood coupling assembly, and a third pivotal hood coupling assembly located therebetween, attached to the hood. The linkage assembly further includes a first assist device and a second assist device each attached between the hood and frame assembly. The first and second assist devices are each configured to exert a force to assist the operator in moving the hood from the closed position toward an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Inventors: David Telford, Keith Ricke, Rex Ruppert
  • Publication number: 20060000397
    Abstract: A frame assembly is configured to enhance control and maneuverability of a three-wheeled agricultural applicator. The frame assembly includes a fork assembly mounted on a single front wheel assembly having a single front floatation tire. The front floatation tire generally includes a tread having a central crown, a first tread face extending in one direction from the crown, and a second tread face extending in a second direction from the crown opposite the first tread face. The frame assembly includes a spindle housing having an opening with a central axis aligned at an angle from vertical and configured to receive a kingpin extending upward from the fork assembly. When turning the agricultural applicator at a turn angle from a straight-forward direction of travel, the angle of the kingpin causes the vertical alignment of the crown of the front tire to roll a roll angle from vertical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Inventors: Keith Ricke, Rex Ruppert
  • Publication number: 20060000654
    Abstract: A configuration of a three-wheeled agricultural applicator is provided that enhances visibility or the field of view of an operator. The three-wheeled agricultural applicator includes a frame assembly having a fork assembly and a kingpin extending generally upward therefrom. The three-wheeled agricultural applicator further includes a steering assembly that includes a steering wheel interlinked by a left steering actuator and a right steering actuator with a steering plate attached at the top of the kingpin. This configuration allows a hood associated with a drive unit of the three-wheeled agricultural applicator to be angled in a downward direction towards the forward direction of travel, thus enhancing the operator's field of view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Inventors: Keith Ricke, Rex Ruppert
  • Patent number: D438066
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Cannon Hygiene Limited
    Inventors: Marshall Beach, Jeff Calvert, Bill Auty, John Diment, Audrey Morris, Keith Rick, Peter Payne, Russell Waite