Patents by Inventor Merle W. Gaedy

Merle W. Gaedy 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: 10150502
    Abstract: A linkage adjustment system adapted to adjust a linkage, and a vehicle incorporating the same. In one embodiment, the linkage adjustment system adjusts a linkage operatively connecting an input (e.g., operator control lever of a lawn mower) to an output (e.g., drive system of a first drive wheel associated with a first (e.g., left) side of the mower). An adjustment device may adjust the linkage so that the first drive wheel rotates at the same speed as a second drive wheel (e.g., on the right side of the mower) when the control levers associated with both drive wheels are in a maximum forward position. A range setting arm of the system may adjust the total output of the first drive wheel (total forward and reverse output) to match the total output of the second drive wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: THE TORO COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Kallevig, Merle W. Gaedy, Phat T. Nghiem, Ryan J. Volovsek, Timothy J. Clift
  • Publication number: 20160083009
    Abstract: A linkage adjustment system adapted to adjust a linkage, and a vehicle incorporating the same. In one embodiment, the linkage adjustment system adjusts a linkage operatively connecting an input (e.g., operator control lever of a lawn mower) to an output (e.g., drive system of a first drive wheel associated with a first (e.g., left) side of the mower). An adjustment device may adjust the linkage so that the first drive wheel rotates at the same speed as a second drive wheel (e.g., on the right side of the mower) when the control levers associated with both drive wheels are in a maximum forward position. A range setting arm of the system may adjust the total output of the first drive wheel (total forward and reverse output) to match the total output of the second drive wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Kallevig, Merle W. Gaedy, Phat T. Nghiem, Ryan J. Volovsek, Timothy J. Clift
  • Patent number: 7712292
    Abstract: A control system for a BBC on a mower comprises a pivotal bail and a pivotal housing that is linked to the BBC. If a push member on the housing is pushed inwardly from the side of the housing before the bail is pivoted, then a pin moves to a blocking position behind the bail. Subsequent pivoting of the bail will pivot the housing to actuate the BBC. A channel in the housing frictionally grips the bail to prevent rebound of the bail when a spring force resets the housing and the bail to their initial positions after the operator releases the bail. Movement of the push member also closes an interlock switch which will kill operation of the engine if a grass discharge outlet on the mower is uncovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Dale A. Stover, Merle W. Gaedy