Patents by Inventor Matthew R. Hetler

Matthew R. Hetler 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: 9226634
    Abstract: A floor surface maintenance vehicle, and methods of using a floor surface maintenance vehicle, the vehicle including a frame, a plurality of wheels, a cleaning component extending from an underside of the frame, a steering wheel having a central aperture and rotatable about a central axis, and a steering wheel hub located within the central aperture of the steering wheel and having a panel, wherein the panel is stationary relative to the central axis. Buttons are provided on the panel, including a first button that is C-shaped and extends around a portion of a periphery of the panel. The C-shaped button may be used to control frequently used functions such as cleaning functions or operation of a horn, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: John C. Ickes, III, Matthew R. Hetler, Daniel A. Leitschuh, Adam S. Foley, Richard S. Walters
  • Patent number: 9125544
    Abstract: A surface maintenance vehicle with a compact cleaning head lift mechanism and suspension. The cleaning head lift mechanism and suspension adjust a scrub head to an operational mode and a transport mode, yet remain compact such that they are confined to specific areas of the surface maintenance vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Eric S. Nortrup, Matthew R. Hetler, Kevin L. Shinler
  • Patent number: 8769755
    Abstract: A side brush assembly mechanism for a floor surface maintenance vehicle including a linkage assembly supporting a brush deck, a pivot assembly and a cable connected to the linkage assembly, and a cable tensioning device for retracting the cable. The cable tensioning device is capable of lifting and retracting the brush deck. The side brush assembly mechanism may include a biasing mechanism for lowering and extending the brush deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventor: Matthew R. Hetler
  • Publication number: 20110132402
    Abstract: A floor surface maintenance vehicle including a frame, a plurality of wheels, a cleaning component extending from an underside of the frame, a steering wheel having a central aperture and rotatable about a central axis, and a steering wheel hub located within the central aperture of the steering wheel and having a panel, wherein the panel is stationary relative to the central axis. Buttons are provided on the panel, including a first button that is C-shaped and extends around a portion of a periphery of the panel. The C-shaped button may by used to control frequently used functions such as cleaning functions or operation of a horn, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: TENNANT COMPANY
    Inventors: John C. Ickes, III, Matthew R. Hetler, Daniel A. Leitschuh, Adam S. Foley, Richard S. Walters
  • Publication number: 20110107529
    Abstract: A side brush assembly mechanism for a floor surface maintenance vehicle including a linkage assembly supporting a brush deck, a pivot assembly and a cable connected to the linkage assembly, and a cable tensioning device for retracting the cable. The cable tensioning device is capable of lifting and retracting the brush deck. The side brush assembly mechanism may include a biasing mechanism for lowering and extending the brush deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: TENNANT COMPANY
    Inventor: Matthew R. Hetler