Patents by Inventor Matthew C. Conrad

Matthew C. Conrad 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).

  • Patent number: 11690318
    Abstract: A deck height control system for use with a mower that has a deck positioned at a first height and is configured to support a blade motor. The control system includes an actuator that may be configured to vertically displace the deck from the first height to a second height. A deck system module may connect to the actuator and be capable of signaling the actuator, during operation, to displace the deck a particular deck distance in a particular vertical direction necessary to achieve the second height. The deck system module may further have a deck height memory capable of storing information relating to deck displacement activity. A control may connect to the deck system module and be capable of signaling the particular deck distance and particular vertical direction to the deck system module when engaged by an operator. A battery-operated mower may include the deck height control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Conrad, Matthew C. Conrad
  • Patent number: 11317564
    Abstract: A battery-operated mower is provided that includes a chassis supporting a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel, a battery pack, a first electric drive wheel motor interconnected to the first drive wheel and second electric drive wheel motor interconnected to the second drive wheel; one or more electric blade motors; an electric cooling fan in fluid communication with at least one of the first electric drive wheel motor and second electric drive wheel motor; one or more controllers for controlling the rotational speed of the first electric drive wheel motor, the second electric drive wheel motor, and the blade motors; and a left control actuator in communication with a first throttle sensor and a right control actuator in communication with a second throttle sensor, wherein the first throttle sensor and second throttle sensor are in communication with the one or more controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Conrad, Matthew C. Conrad
  • Publication number: 20210289708
    Abstract: A battery-operated electric mower having a chassis that supports at least an operator support and a first and second drive wheel, each drive wheel respectively connected to one of a first and a second drive wheel motor. The first drive wheel motor may be connected to the first drive wheel by a first gear mechanism, which may include a first system of planetary gears, and the second drive wheel motor may be connected the second drive wheel by a second gear mechanism, which may include a second system of planetary gears. The chassis also supports a battery pack positioned, at least in part, within the same horizontal plane as at least one of the drive wheel motors. The battery may be positioned, at least in part, between the first drive wheel motor and the second drive wheel motor, significantly lowering the mower's center of gravity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Applicant: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Conrad, Matthew C. Conrad
  • Patent number: 11032973
    Abstract: A battery-operated electric mower having a chassis that supports at least an operator support and a first and second drive wheel, each drive wheel respectively connected to one of a first and a second drive wheel motor. The first drive wheel motor may be connected to the first drive wheel by a first gear mechanism, which may include a first system of planetary gears, and the second drive wheel motor may be connected the second drive wheel by a second gear mechanism, which may include a second system of planetary gears. The chassis also supports a battery pack positioned, at least in part, within the same horizontal plane as at least one of the drive wheel motors. The battery may be positioned, at least in part, between the first drive wheel motor and the second drive wheel motor, significantly lowering the mower's center of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Conrad, Matthew C. Conrad
  • Publication number: 20210022291
    Abstract: A battery-operated electric mower having a chassis that supports at least an operator support and a first and second drive wheel, each drive wheel respectively connected to one of a first and a second drive wheel motor. The first drive wheel motor may be connected to the first drive wheel by a first gear mechanism, which may include a first system of planetary gears, and the second drive wheel motor may be connected the second drive wheel by a second gear mechanism, which may include a second system of planetary gears. The chassis also supports a battery pack positioned, at least in part, within the same horizontal plane as at least one of the drive wheel motors. The battery may be positioned, at least in part, between the first drive wheel motor and the second drive wheel motor, significantly lowering the mower's center of gravity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Applicant: Mean Green Products, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph C. Conrad, Matthew C. Conrad
  • Publication number: 20200120866
    Abstract: A deck height control system for use with a mower that has a deck positioned at a first height and is configured to support a blade motor. The control system includes an actuator that may be configured to vertically displace the deck from the first height to a second height. A deck system module may connect to the actuator and be capable of signaling the actuator, during operation, to displace the deck a particular deck distance in a particular vertical direction necessary to achieve the second height. The deck system module may further have a deck height memory capable of storing information relating to deck displacement activity. A control may connect to the deck system module and be capable of signaling the particular deck distance and particular vertical direction to the deck system module when engaged by an operator. A battery-operated mower may include the deck height control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: Mean Green Products, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph C. Conrad, Matthew C. Conrad
  • Patent number: 10327392
    Abstract: A debris blower, having a fan frame, with a back plate and a motor plate, the back plate and motor plate being connected to and separated by a side wall. A fan assembly is positioned within the fan frame, and is rotated by a motor. A controller is electrically connected to the motor and to a battery pack, to energize the motor. A vehicle mounting plate is connected to a vehicle, and a blower mounting plate is connected to the fan frame, so as to removably connect the blower to the vehicle. A mounting tube is connected to the vehicle mounting plate. The blower mounting plate includes at least one hook for connecting with the mounting tube. The blower mounting plate may further include flange extensions to contact the vehicle mounting plate. The direction of the outlet of the blower can be remotely controlled by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Mean Green Products, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph C. Conrad, Matthew C. Conrad
  • Publication number: 20190059227
    Abstract: A battery-operated mower is described that includes a chassis supporting a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel, a battery pack, a first electric drive wheel motor interconnected to the first drive wheel and second electric drive wheel motor interconnected to the second drive wheel; one or more electric blade motors; an electric cooling fan in fluid communication with at least one of the first electric drive wheel motor and second electric drive wheel motor; one or more controllers for controlling the rotational speed of the first electric drive wheel motor, the second electric drive wheel motor, and the blade motors; and a left control actuator in communication with a first throttle sensor and a right control actuator in communication with a second throttle sensor, wherein the first throttle sensor and second throttle sensor are in communication with the one or more controllers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Applicant: Mean Green Products, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph C. Conrad, Matthew C. Conrad
  • Patent number: 10130037
    Abstract: A battery-operated mower includes a chassis supporting a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel, a battery pack, a first electric drive wheel motor interconnected to the first drive wheel and second electric drive wheel motor interconnected to the second drive wheel; one or more electric blade motors; an electric cooling fan in fluid communication with at least one of the first electric drive wheel motor and second electric drive wheel motor; one or more controllers for controlling the rotational speed of the first electric drive wheel motor, the second electric drive wheel motor, and the blade motors; and a left control actuator in communication with a first throttle sensor and a right control actuator in communication with a second throttle sensor, wherein the first throttle sensor and second throttle sensor are in communication with the one or more controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Mean Green Products, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph C. Conrad, Matthew C. Conrad
  • Publication number: 20160270458
    Abstract: A cooling backpack apparatus includes a frame secured to a harness with the harness configured for removable securement to an operator. A battery pack having a battery pack enclosure encases a plurality of battery cells. The battery pack is removably or permanently secured at least indirectly to the frame. A cooling fan is secured to the frame and electrically connected to the battery pack. An air input port receives air into the cooling fan, and an air output port permits exit of forced air generated by the cooling fan directly to the operator wearing the harness. An air chute is provided for guiding the flow of air from the air input port to the air output port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Applicant: Mean Green Products, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph C. Conrad, Matthew C. Conrad
  • Publication number: 20160183451
    Abstract: A battery-operated mower is described that includes a chassis supporting a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel, a battery pack, a first electric drive wheel motor interconnected to the first drive wheel and second electric drive wheel motor interconnected to the second drive wheel; one or more electric blade motors; an electric cooling fan in fluid communication with at least one of the first electric drive wheel motor and second electric drive wheel motor; one or more controllers for controlling the rotational speed of the first electric drive wheel motor, the second electric drive wheel motor, and the blade motors; and a left control actuator in communication with a first throttle sensor and a right control actuator in communication with a second throttle sensor, wherein the first throttle sensor and second throttle sensor are in communication with the one or more controllers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Applicant: Mean Green Products, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph C. Conrad, Matthew C. Conrad
  • Publication number: 20160120131
    Abstract: A debris blower, having a fan frame, with a back plate and a motor plate, the back plate and motor plate being connected to and separated by a side wall. A fan assembly is positioned within the fan frame, and is rotated by a motor. A controller is electrically connected to the motor and to a battery pack, to energize the motor. A vehicle mounting plate is connected to a vehicle, and a blower mounting plate is connected to the fan frame, so as to removably connect the blower to the vehicle. A mounting tube is connected to the vehicle mounting plate. The blower mounting plate includes at least one hook for connecting with the mounting tube. The blower mounting plate may further include flange extensions to contact the vehicle mounting plate. The direction of the outlet of the blower can be remotely controlled by the operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Applicant: MEAN GREEN PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph C. Conrad, Matthew C. Conrad
  • Publication number: 20160108924
    Abstract: A backpack blower having a fan frame with an air inlet and an air outlet. A fan assembly is positioned within the fan frame. A motor rotates the fan assembly to move air out the air outlet. A controller is connected to the motor and to a battery pack, for using power from the battery pack to energize the motor and thus rotate the fan. A harness frame is connected to the fan frame and has an opening in air flow communication with the air inlet, so that, when the motor is rotating the fan assembly, air is drawn in through the harness frame opening. Since the harness frame is positioned in the area of an operator's back when the blower is in use, the air flow drawn in through the harness frame opening has the effect of cooling the operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Applicant: Mean Green Products, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph C. Conrad, Matthew C. Conrad