Patents by Inventor Nathaniel J. Vlietstra

Nathaniel J. Vlietstra 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).

  • Brake system and lawn mower implementing the same
    Patent number: 8381885
    Abstract: A brake system and powered implement, such as a lawn mower, incorporating the same. In one aspect the invention is a system for stopping an electrically grounded rotating member of an engine powered by an ignition circuit, the system comprising: a conductive member operably coupled to the ignition circuit that renders the engine inoperative when electrically grounded, the conductive member mounted adjacent the rotating member; and the conductive member normally biased into a brake position in which the conductive member contacts the rotating member and is electrically grounded as a result of the contact with the rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Mark Huibregtse, Nathaniel J. Vlietstra
  • BRAKE SYSTEM AND LAWN MOWER IMPLEMENTING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20110143883
    Abstract: A brake system and powered implement, such as a lawn mower, incorporating the same. In one aspect the invention is a system for stopping an electrically grounded rotating member of an engine powered by an ignition circuit, the system comprising: a conductive member operably coupled to the ignition circuit that renders the engine inoperative when electrically grounded, the conductive member mounted adjacent the rotating member; and the conductive member normally biased into a brake position in which the conductive member contacts the rotating member and is electrically grounded as a result of the contact with the rotating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Mark Huibregtse, Nathaniel J. Vlietstra