Patents by Inventor Kenneth E. Hunt
Kenneth E. Hunt 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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Patent number: 8255126Abstract: An aerator having a flexible frame for use on sloped or undulating ground surfaces of golf courses and other turf. The aerator includes a pair of frame sections linked together at a horizontal pivot axis, one of the frame section supporting a coring head. A ground sensor is pivotably attached to one of the frame sections so that the ground sensor may pivot in response to changes in ground slope and provide output relating to the magnitude of the change. Based on the output, a flex frame actuator pivots the pair of frame sections with respect to each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2010Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Kenneth E. Hunt, Shane D. Simon, Troy W. Harris, III, Harlin J. Trefz, Ronald L. Reichen, John L. Bocksnick, Bradley P. Aldridge
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Publication number: 20110213530Abstract: An aerator having a flexible frame for use on sloped or undulating ground surfaces of golf courses and other turf. The aerator includes a pair of frame sections linked together at a horizontal pivot axis, one of the frame section supporting a coring head. A ground sensor is pivotably attached to one of the frame sections so that the ground sensor may pivot in response to changes in ground slope and provide output relating to the magnitude of the change. Based on the output, a flex frame actuator pivots the pair of frame sections with respect to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2010Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventors: Kenneth E. Hunt, Shane D. Simon, Troy W. Harris, III, Harlin J. Trefz, Ronald L. Reichen, John L. Bocksnick, Bradley P. Aldridge
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Patent number: 6813557Abstract: A method and system for controlling a vehicle comprises planning a path of a vehicle based on operator input. In a first mode, the vehicle may be guided based on the planned path. In a second mode, an operator of the vehicle commands or activates at least one of a propulsion system, a braking system, a steering system, and an implement system of the vehicle to guide the vehicle. In a third mode, the presence of an obstacle is detected, where the obstacle obstructs the planned path of the vehicle. The vehicle is guided in a third mode based upon the planned path and the detection of the presence of the obstacle. At least one of said first mode, second mode, and third mode is selected based upon the operator input.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Mark Alvin Schmidt, Kenneth E. Hunt
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Publication number: 20040193363Abstract: A method and system for controlling a vehicle comprises planning a path of a vehicle based on operator input. In a first mode, the vehicle may be guided based on the planned path. In a second mode, an operator of the vehicle commands or activates at least one of a propulsion system, a braking system, a steering system, and an implement system of the vehicle to guide the vehicle. In a third mode, the presence of an obstacle is detected, where the obstacle obstructs the planned path of the vehicle. The vehicle is guided in a third mode based upon the planned path and the detection of the presence of the obstacle. At least one of said first mode, second mode, and third mode is selected based upon the operator input.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: Mark Alvin Schmidt, Kenneth E. Hunt
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Patent number: 5052511Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission pressure release valve control mechanism is provided to enable an operator to quickly release the transmission pressure and manually move the vehicle when the engine is not operating. The pressure release mechanism, which permits vehicle movement for repairs, maintenance and similar activities, is automatically deactivated to restore transmission pressure as the vehicle brake is depressed in preparation for restarting the engine.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1990Date of Patent: October 1, 1991Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Kenneth E. Hunt
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Patent number: 5048638Abstract: An improved system for controlling the ground speed and direction of an off-road vehicle having systems for establishing and returning a variable speed transmission to the neutral position, an improved pedal system interconnected to the neutral location and return system for driving the vehicle in either the forward or the reverse direction. The pedal system includes a forward and a reverse pedal which are positioned on the vehicle so that an operator moves the toe of his foot in the direction that he wants the vehicle to move. The forward pedal is positioned closer to the front of the vehicle than the reverse pedal.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1990Date of Patent: September 17, 1991Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Jerry R. Duncan, Kenneth E. Hunt, Eugene G. Hayes
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Patent number: 5025617Abstract: A mechanism for suspending an implement from a vehicle, such as a lawn and garden tractor. The mechanism includes front and rear supports between the vehicle and implement, the supports being adapted for quick and easy connection. The rear supports include spring-loaded J-pins connectable with the tractor lift linkage. The front support includes a U-shaped member, the base of which is receivable in upwardly opening jaws carried on the implement. The sides of the U-shaped member serve as draft links and are adjustably coupled with a cross member that is receivable in similar jaws carried by the tractor. A latch handle is connected to a bell crank which is provided on the cross member for tensioning the draft links and securing them in their tensioned configuration.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1990Date of Patent: June 25, 1991Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: John B. Kuhn, Kenneth E. Hunt, Christopher S. Thorman
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Patent number: 5012632Abstract: A mower having a belt tensioner that includes a belt engaging primary pulley swingably supported by a primary arm. A rod coupled to the arm carries a spring that acts to push the pulley into engagement with the belt. The rod acts to pull the pulley away from the belt to release the tension in the belt for removal of the belt. A handle attached to the rod is turned by the operator to positively swing the pulley away from the belt. The handle may also be gripped by the operator's hand to lift that portion of the deck during operation to avoid gouging irregular ground conditions or striking obstructions.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1990Date of Patent: May 7, 1991Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: John B. Kuhn, Kenneth E. Hunt, Christopher S. Thorman
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Patent number: 4969533Abstract: A tractor includes: (a) a one piece frame having opposite ends defined by respective members adapted for receiving ballast with the rear member including a hitch located below any mounted ballast, (b) a dual screen filtering arrangement located upstream of a radiator and an engine combustion air inlet, (c) an implement lift system including a main spring lift assist which is locked out when the implement is lowered and an auxiliary lift assist for increasing the lift assist for front-mounted implements but is mounted so as to join the main lifts assist to produce a near constant lift force during lifting the implement while producing a minimal lift force when the implement is completely lowered (d) short and long effective lengths of a steering pitman arm may be selected, for respectively minimizing steering effort or maximizing responsiveness, by respectively connecting a mounting point closest to or a mounting point farthest from a pivot axis of the arm to a drag link, (e) a steering wheel is tiltable togetType: GrantFiled: July 29, 1988Date of Patent: November 13, 1990Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: David R. Holm, Stephen G. Ritter, Kenneth E. Hunt, Robert N. Behrens, Ronald J. Baker, Mark F. Hopp, Denis J. Del Ponte, Paul A. Meyer