Patents by Inventor Larry A. Prohaska

Larry A. Prohaska 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).

  • Foot controlled engine start and stop system for conversion of an off-road utility vehicle for use as a golf cart
    Patent number: 7243630
    Abstract: A foot controlled engine start and stop system characterized by a control circuit arranged among an ignition switch, an ignition grounding circuit, a warm-up switch, a starter motor, an accelerator pedal, an alternator and an actuator to disengage the parking brake when the engine is started. The system controls automatic start and stop of the starter motor and engine by feeding back the output frequency of the alternator. When installed on an off-road utility vehicle, this system, will allow the operator to conveniently start and stop the engine by depressing or releasing the accelerator pedal. The system senses the engine speed by monitoring the frequency of the alternator output voltage and disables the starter circuit when the engine speed is at or above a level necessary to allow the engine to run without starter assistance. When the operator removes his/her foot from the accelerator pedal, the ignition circuit is grounded to stop the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: BZ Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Boe, Terry L. Zwart, David W. Gift, Thomas E. Boe, Dennis R. LaRoque, Larry A. Prohaska
  • Foot controlled engine start and stop system for conversion of an off-road utility vehicle for use as a golf cart
    Publication number: 20050197235
    Abstract: A foot controlled engine start and stop system characterized by a control circuit arranged among an ignition switch, an ignition grounding circuit, a warm-up switch, a starter motor, an accelerator pedal, an alternator and an actuator to disengage the parking brake when the engine is started. The system controls automatic start and stop of the starter motor and engine by feeding back the output frequency of the alternator. When installed on an off-road utility vehicle, this system, will allow the operator to conveniently start and stop the engine by depressing or releasing the accelerator pedal. The system senses the engine speed by monitoring the frequency of the alternator output voltage and disables the starter circuit when the engine speed is at or above a level necessary to allow the engine to run without starter assistance. When the operator removes his/her foot from the accelerator pedal, the ignition circuit is grounded to stop the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Publication date: September 8, 2005
    Applicant: BZ Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Boe, Terry Zwart, David Gift, Thomas Boe, Dennis LaRoque, Larry Prohaska