Patents by Inventor Michael S. Hoffman
Michael S. Hoffman 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).
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Patent number: 11708672Abstract: A multi-position snowplow blade, a snowplow incorporating the blade and a method of use thereof. The blade includes left and right wings that each having a trip edge pivotally engaged therewith. Each trip edge includes a lower section of a moldboard, a cutting edge, and a snow shield. A biasing assembly biases the trip edge into alignment with an upper section of the moldboard. The trip edges trip when the blade strikes an obstacle on a surface being plowed. When the trip edge trips, it pivots about a horizontal axis and relative to the associated upper section. Each snow shield pivotally engages the lower section of the associated trip edge and pivots relative thereto when the trip edge trips. The pivotal motion of the two snow shields widens a gap therebetween and helps to reduce the possibility of damage to the pivoting trip edges.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2020Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: VENTURE PRODUCTS, INC.Inventor: Michael S. Hoffman
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Patent number: 11697911Abstract: A V-blade for a snowplow, a snowplow incorporating the V-blade and a method of use thereof. The blade includes left and right wings engaged with one another. A trip edge is provided on each wing and includes a lower section of moldboard, a cutting edge, and a snow shield. Each trip edge engages an upper section of the associated moldboard via a biasing assembly. The biasing assembly biases the trip edge into alignment with the moldboard's upper section and also biases the trip edge towards a central vertical axis. When the V-blade strikes an obstacle on the surface during snow removal, the trip edges individually pivot about a horizontal axis extending along a shaft of the associated biasing assembly. The trip edges subsequently translate linearly along the horizontal axis and away from the vertical axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2020Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: VENTURE PRODUCTS, INC.Inventor: Michael S. Hoffman
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Patent number: 11638396Abstract: A mower frame unit is operatively connected with a tractor device and the mower frame is moveable between a generally horizontal first position and a generally vertical second position. The mower frame is moveable from the first position to the second position via a hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly carried by the mower frame to pivot the mower frame about a transverse axis. The mower frame carries a tensioner assembly that is operatively connected to a lock assembly. The tensioner assembly serves at least two purposes. Namely, to tension a belt operatively connected to mower blade and to maintain a portion of the lock assembly in a locked manner when the tensioner assembly is in a state of tension.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2020Date of Patent: May 2, 2023Assignee: VENTURE PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Michael S Hoffman, Jeff C Liggett, Roscoe J Lehman
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Patent number: 11619016Abstract: A V-blade for a snowplow, a snowplow incorporating the V-blade and a method of use thereof. The blade includes left and right wings engaged with a central shaft. A trip edge is provided on each wing and includes a lower section of moldboard, a cutting edge, and snow shield engaged with an upper section of the moldboard via a biasing assembly. The assembly biases the trip edge into alignment with the upper section. When an obstacle on the surface is struck by the trip edge, the trip edge pivots relative to the upper section about a horizontal axis extending along a shaft of the biasing assembly. A translation assembly causes the trip edge to move laterally in a first direction away from the central shaft and parallel to the vertical axis extending therealong. The trip edge returns to its original position under spring force.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2020Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: VENTURE PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Michael S. Hoffman, Corey Gerber
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Patent number: 11596101Abstract: A boom mower having a frame, a boom assembly carried by the frame, a cutting mechanism operably engaged with the boom assembly, and at least one translation assembly operably engaged with the boom assembly and the cutting mechanism that moves the cutting mechanism in one or more of the first movement, the second movement, and the third movement. There is a break-away mechanism that enables the cutting mechanism to pivot relative to the at least one translation assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2021Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: VENTURE PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Michael S. Hoffman, Corey Gerber, Roy I. Steiner
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Publication number: 20220225564Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a forward-mounted implement that may allow pivotal movement of the implement around a longitudinal axis to better maintain proper operational height when operating on uneven or sloped terrain. Further provided, the attachment mechanism of the present disclosure may allow for a secure and safe attachment to an associated tractor or other similar vehicle while simultaneously providing for a reduced production cost and less maintenance requirements.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2021Publication date: July 21, 2022Applicant: Venture Products, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Hoffman, Corey Gerber
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Publication number: 20220225565Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a forward-mounted implement that may allow pivotal movement of the implement around a longitudinal axis to better maintain proper operational height when operating on uneven or sloped terrain. Further provided, the attachment mechanism of the present disclosure may allow for a secure and safe attachment to an associated tractor or other similar vehicle while simultaneously providing for a reduced production cost and less maintenance requirements.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2021Publication date: July 21, 2022Applicant: Venture Products, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Hoffman, Corey Gerber
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Publication number: 20220225566Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a forward-mounted implement that may allow pivotal movement of the implement around a longitudinal axis to better maintain proper operational height when operating on uneven or sloped terrain. Further provided, the attachment mechanism of the present disclosure may allow for a secure and safe attachment to an associated tractor or other similar vehicle while simultaneously providing for a reduced production cost and less maintenance requirements.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2021Publication date: July 21, 2022Applicant: Venture Products, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Hoffman, Corey Gerber
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Publication number: 20220225567Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a forward-mounted implement that may allow pivotal movement of the implement around a longitudinal axis to better maintain proper operational height when operating on uneven or sloped terrain. Further provided, the attachment mechanism of the present disclosure may allow for a secure and safe attachment to an associated tractor or other similar vehicle while simultaneously providing for a reduced production cost and less maintenance requirements.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2021Publication date: July 21, 2022Applicant: Venture Products, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Hoffman, Corey Gerber
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Publication number: 20220087099Abstract: A boom mower having a frame, a boom assembly carried by the frame, a cutting mechanism operably engaged with the boom assembly, and at least one translation assembly operably engaged with the boom assembly and the cutting mechanism that moves the cutting mechanism in one or more of the first movement, the second movement, and the third movement. There is a break-away mechanism that enables the cutting mechanism to pivot relative to the at least one translation assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2021Publication date: March 24, 2022Inventors: Michael S. Hoffman, Corey Gerber, Roy I. Steiner
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Publication number: 20220074153Abstract: A V-blade for a snowplow, a snowplow incorporating the V-blade and a method of use thereof. The blade includes left and right wings engaged with one another. A trip edge is provided on each wing and includes a lower section of moldboard, a cutting edge, and a snow shield. Each trip edge engages an upper section of the associated moldboard via a biasing assembly. The biasing assembly biases the trip edge into alignment with the moldboard's upper section and also biases the trip edge towards a central vertical axis. When the V-blade strikes an obstacle on the surface during snow removal, the trip edges individually pivot about a horizontal axis extending along a shaft of the associated biasing assembly. The trip edges subsequently translate linearly along the horizontal axis and away from the vertical axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2020Publication date: March 10, 2022Applicant: Venture Products, Inc.Inventor: Michael S. Hoffman
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Publication number: 20220074155Abstract: A multi-position snowplow blade, a snowplow incorporating the blade and a method of use thereof. The blade includes left and right wings that each having a trip edge pivotally engaged therewith. Each trip edge includes a lower section of a moldboard, a cutting edge, and a snow shield. A biasing assembly biases the trip edge into alignment with an upper section of the moldboard. The trip edges trip when the blade strikes an obstacle on a surface being plowed. When the trip edge trips, it pivots about a horizontal axis and relative to the associated upper section. Each snow shield pivotally engages the lower section of the associated trip edge and pivots relative thereto when the trip edge trips. The pivotal motion of the two snow shields widens a gap therebetween and helps to reduce the possibility of damage to the pivoting trip edges.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2020Publication date: March 10, 2022Applicant: Venture Products, Inc.Inventor: Michael S. Hoffman
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Publication number: 20220074154Abstract: A V-blade for a snowplow, a snowplow incorporating the V-blade and a method of use thereof. The blade includes left and right wings engaged with a central shaft. A trip edge is provided on each wing and includes a lower section of moldboard, a cutting edge, and snow shield engaged with an upper section of the moldboard via a biasing assembly. The assembly biases the trip edge into alignment with the upper section. When an obstacle on the surface is struck by the trip edge, the trip edge pivots relative to the upper section about a horizontal axis extending along a shaft of the biasing assembly. A translation assembly causes the trip edge to move laterally in a first direction away from the central shaft and parallel to the vertical axis extending therealong. The trip edge returns to its original position under spring force.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2020Publication date: March 10, 2022Applicant: Venture Products, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Hoffman, Corey Gerber
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Patent number: 11219158Abstract: A boom mower attachment that moves a cutting mechanism in a first movement, a second movement, and a third movement by only using two motions of a single control and method of use thereof is provided. The boom mower may include a frame, a boom assembly carried by the frame, a cutting mechanism operably engaged with the boom assembly, and at least one translation assembly operably engaged with the boom assembly and the cutting mechanism that moves the cutting mechanism in one or more of the first movement, the second movement, and the third movement. An implement control system including a control, at least one function switching mechanism, and an implement is also provided. Activation of the control is operative to move the implement in a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode by only using two motions of the control.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2019Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: Venture Products, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Hoffman, Corey Gerber, Ryan Steiner
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Patent number: 11212959Abstract: A boom mower attachment that moves a cutting mechanism in a first movement, a second movement, and a third movement by only using two motions of a single control and method of use thereof is provided. The boom mower may include a frame, a boom assembly carried by the frame, a cutting mechanism operably engaged with the boom assembly, and at least one translation assembly operably engaged with the boom assembly and the cutting mechanism that moves the cutting mechanism in one or more of the first movement, the second movement, and the third movement. An implement control system including a control, at least one function switching mechanism, and an implement is also provided. Activation of the control is operative to move the implement in a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode by only using two motions of the control.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2019Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: Venture Products, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Hoffman, Corey Gerber, Roy I. Steiner
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Patent number: 11197415Abstract: A boom mower attachment that moves a cutting mechanism in a first movement, a second movement, and a third movement by only using two motions of a single control and method of use thereof is provided. The boom mower may include a frame, a boom assembly carried by the frame, a cutting mechanism operably engaged with the boom assembly, and at least one translation assembly operably engaged with the boom assembly and the cutting mechanism that moves the cutting mechanism in one or more of the first movement, the second movement, and the third movement. An implement control system including a control, at least one function switching mechanism, and an implement is also provided. Activation of the control is operative to move the implement in a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode by only using two motions of the control.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2019Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: Venture Products, IncInventors: Michael S. Hoffman, Corey Gerber, Roy I. Steiner
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Publication number: 20200245552Abstract: A boom mower attachment that moves a cutting mechanism in a first movement, a second movement, and a third movement by only using two motions of a single control and method of use thereof is provided. The boom mower may include a frame, a boom assembly carried by the frame, a cutting mechanism operably engaged with the boom assembly, and at least one translation assembly operably engaged with the boom assembly and the cutting mechanism that moves the cutting mechanism in one or more of the first movement, the second movement, and the third movement. An implement control system including a control, at least one function switching mechanism, and an implement is also provided. Activation of the control is operative to move the implement in a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode by only using two motions of the control.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2019Publication date: August 6, 2020Inventors: Michael S. Hoffman, Corey Gerber, Ryan Steiner
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Publication number: 20200245553Abstract: A boom mower attachment that moves a cutting mechanism in a first movement, a second movement, and a third movement by only using two motions of a single control and method of use thereof is provided. The boom mower may include a frame, a boom assembly carried by the frame, a cutting mechanism operably engaged with the boom assembly, and at least one translation assembly operably engaged with the boom assembly and the cutting mechanism that moves the cutting mechanism in one or more of the first movement, the second movement, and the third movement. An implement control system including a control, at least one function switching mechanism, and an implement is also provided. Activation of the control is operative to move the implement in a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode by only using two motions of the control.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2019Publication date: August 6, 2020Inventors: Michael S. Hoffman, Corey Gerber, Roy I. Steiner
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Publication number: 20200245551Abstract: A boom mower attachment that moves a cutting mechanism in a first movement, a second movement, and a third movement by only using two motions of a single control and method of use thereof is provided. The boom mower may include a frame, a boom assembly carried by the frame, a cutting mechanism operably engaged with the boom assembly, and at least one translation assembly operably engaged with the boom assembly and the cutting mechanism that moves the cutting mechanism in one or more of the first movement, the second movement, and the third movement. An implement control system including a control, at least one function switching mechanism, and an implement is also provided. Activation of the control is operative to move the implement in a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode by only using two motions of the control.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2019Publication date: August 6, 2020Inventors: Michael S. Hoffman, Corey Gerber, Roy I. Steiner
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Publication number: 20200146215Abstract: A mower frame unit is operatively connected with a tractor device and the mower frame is moveable between a generally horizontal first position and a generally vertical second position. The mower frame is moveable from the first position to the second position via a hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly carried by the mower frame to pivot the mower frame about a transverse axis. The mower frame carries a tensioner assembly that is operatively connected to a lock assembly. The tensioner assembly serves at least two purposes. Namely, to tension a belt operatively connected to mower blade and to maintain a portion of the lock assembly in a locked manner when the tensioner assembly is in a state of tension.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2020Publication date: May 14, 2020Applicant: Venture Products, Inc.Inventors: Michael S Hoffman, Jeff C Liggett, Roscoe J Lehman