Patents by Inventor Michael L. Vought

Michael L. Vought 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: 10968600
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments are directed to distributed hydraulic systems, and power machines such as excavators including distributed hydraulic systems. In the distributed hydraulic systems, electronically controlled distributor blocks are located throughout the machine, particularly along the lift arm, to locally distribute hydraulic power to actuators of the various machine and implement functions. Distributing control of hydraulics in multiple locations reduces the number of hoses that must be routed from a main control valve to the various actuators on the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: CLARK EQUIPMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Vaclav J. Jelinek, Michael L. Vought, Dobroslav Rak
  • Patent number: 10941532
    Abstract: A first work tool arm is rotatably attached to a frame or reference structure, a second work tool arm rotatably attached to the first work tool arm, and a work tool attached to an end of the second work tool arm. An actuator and a spring are each rotatably attached to the second work tool arm and configured such that separate movement of the first work tool arm relative to the frame or reference structure and movement of the second work tool arm and work tool relative to the first work tool arm are achieved with actuation of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: CLARK EQUIPMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Michal Slaby, Vaclav J. Jelinek, Michael L. Vought
  • Publication number: 20200102720
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments are directed to distributed hydraulic systems, and power machines such as excavators including distributed hydraulic systems. In the distributed hydraulic systems, electronically controlled distributor blocks are located throughout the machine, particularly along the lift arm, to locally distribute hydraulic power to actuators of the various machine and implement functions. Distributing control of hydraulics in multiple locations reduces the number of hoses that must be routed from a main control valve to the various actuators on the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Vaclav J. Jelinek, Michael L. Vought, Dobroslav Rak
  • Publication number: 20180066407
    Abstract: A first work tool arm is rotatably attached to a frame or reference structure, a second work tool arm rotatably attached to the first work tool arm, and a work tool attached to an end of the second work tool arm. An actuator and a spring are each rotatably attached to the second work tool arm and configured such that separate movement of the first work tool arm relative to the frame or reference structure and movement of the second work tool arm and work tool relative to the first work tool arm are achieved with actuation of the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Michal Slaby, Vaclav J. Jelinek, Michael L. Vought
  • Patent number: 7237706
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention pertain to a drop hammer comprising a load, an actuator connected to the load, and a fluid circuit that is connected to the actuator and is connectable to a fluid source, such as a source of hydraulic power. The fluid circuit is operable with differential pressure to displace the load. The fluid circuit includes a slow-release device for releasing differential pressure, thereby slowly displacing the load as a function of flow from the fluid source. Embodiments of the present invention also pertain to a drop hammer comprising a frame, a selectively actuated rotatable sprocket mounted on the frame, a hammer implement, and at least one chain engaged by the sprocket. The chain includes two-pitch link that includes a catch between two pitched wings, the catch being configured for engaging the hammer implement, enabling the first chain to displace the hammer implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventor: Michael L. Vought
  • Patent number: 6497294
    Abstract: A soil conditioner implement designed for operation in cooperation with a supporting skid steer vehicle, the skid steer vehicle being moveable over the soil to be conditioned and having a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure for transmission to the soil conditioner implement for powering thereof and having a skid steer control system for providing a plurality of commands to the soil conditioner implement, the soil conditioner implement includes a drum member having a rotatable drum, the drum being selectively contactable with the soil to be conditioned. A bolster member is operably coupled to the drum member for supporting in part the drum member, the bolster member being shiftable between a soil engaging disposition and a flipped-up disposition, the bolster member being borne on the drum member when in the flipped-up disposition. A method of conditioning soil is further included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventor: Michael L. Vought
  • Publication number: 20010027869
    Abstract: A soil conditioner implement designed for operation in cooperation with a supporting skid steer vehicle, the skid steer vehicle being moveable over the soil to be conditioned and having a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure for transmission to the soil conditioner implement for powering thereof and having a skid steer control system for providing a plurality of commands to the soil conditioner implement, the soil conditioner implement includes a drum member having a rotatable drum, the drum being selectively contactable with the soil to be conditioned. A bolster member is operably coupled to the drum member for supporting in part the drum member, the bolster member being shiftable between a soil engaging disposition and a flipped-up disposition, the bolster member being borne on the drum member when in the flipped-up disposition. A method of conditioning soil is further included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Michael L. Vought
  • Patent number: 6035478
    Abstract: A mounting for a rotary broom on a skid steer loader has a bracket that is attached to a frame plate that mounts on the front attachment plate of the skid steer loader. The front attachment plate can be tilted about a horizontal axis through the use of a tilt cylinder on the skid steer loader. The bracket is in turn pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis adjacent the top of the frame plate, and the weight of the broom, and the mounting bracket tending to pivot the lower portion of the bracket toward the frame plate is counterbalanced by a pair of compression springs on the lower part of the bracket, which react force or movement loads back to the frame plate. In this way, the counterbalancing springs are kept low, out of sight, and out of the way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Darin T. Miller, Michael L. Vought, Philip D. Bogner