Patents by Inventor Raymond Hauser
Raymond Hauser 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: 9756788Abstract: Apparatus and methods for cooling controller assemblies for electric utility vehicles are disclosed. Auxiliary implements powered by electric motors onboard a utility vehicle create airflow that is captured and directed to provide increased ambient airflow across heat sinks used to dissipate heat from heat generating components. Airflow across heated surfaces is further created by vehicle movement and vacuum pressure. Fins and other heat dissipating architecture are employed. Features of the cooling systems enable increased controller assembly functionality and/or decreased controller assembly package size.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Raymond Hauser, Bruce E. Reid, Donald Rousser, Scott W. Keller
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Patent number: 9725115Abstract: A zero turn radius vehicle with a single steered wheel is described. The vehicle may include a pair of power transfer mechanisms driving a pair of wheels, an operator control mechanism for controlling the steering, speed and direction of the vehicle and a controller in communication with the operator control mechanism. A steerable wheel is located adjacent the front of the vehicle frame, on a first side of the vehicle frame and an electric actuator is connected to the controller for steering the front steerable wheel. A second, non-steerable front caster wheel is located on a second side of the vehicle frame. The controller controls the pair of power transfer mechanisms and the electric actuator based on operator input to the operator control mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2015Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Raymond Hauser, Scott W. Keller
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Patent number: 9604536Abstract: A drive train configuration is disclosed. The drive train configuration has a transmission or transaxle assembly which may be directly mounted to a vehicle frame. The drive train configuration also comprises an engine that may be attached to a housing of the transmission or transaxle portion. The drive train configuration may also have a power take off mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Michael L. Bennett, Raymond Hauser
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Patent number: 9599170Abstract: A clutch/brake assembly is provided which includes a coil plate non-rotatably captured between the upper housing and the lower housing and having affixed thereon a ring shaped coil, a clutch rotor rotatably secured to the shaft and having a groove configured to accommodate therein the ring shaped coil, and a clutch output assembly having a clutch/brake disc and a clutch output shaft. The clutch/brake disc and the clutch output shaft are attached to one another by a plurality of springs. The clutch/brake assembly may be mounted on a deck of a lawnmower to drive a blade.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Raymond Hauser, Michael L. Bennett
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Patent number: 9534615Abstract: A module for use in connection with a dual pump apparatus, where each pump is hydraulically connected to a separate hydraulic motor. The module may include motors and/or an engine for ease of installation in a vehicle, providing flexibility for different applications. Various brackets, stabilizers and other elements are provided to assist in securing the module to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2013Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Raymond Hauser, Scott W. Keller
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Patent number: 9394892Abstract: A pump assembly includes a pair of rotatable pumps located in a housing and engaged to a pump support disposed on a support surface on which the rotatable pumps are mounted. The pump support may include a pair of parallel side walls and a pair of bearing supports for a pair of pump shafts. Each pump shaft is driven by a separate pump gear, and a distance between an axis of rotation of a first pump shaft and an axis of rotation of a second pump shaft is less than a sum of: (a) a minor radius of the first pump gear, and (b) a minor radius of the second pump gear.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2014Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Michael L. Bennett, Raymond Hauser
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Patent number: 9313947Abstract: A vehicle including a pump apparatus having a housing in which an end cap is disposed, and a mower deck is disclosed. Multiple hydraulic pumps driven by a prime mover are mounted on the end cap and connected to hydraulic ports formed in the end cap. An auxiliary pump may be drivingly coupled to the prime mover and a power take off unit may also be connected thereto to drive the mower deck. The end cap may further include a charge pump mounting surface and a charge port for connecting a charge pump.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2013Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Raymond Hauser, Scott W. Keller
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Patent number: 9221336Abstract: A power distribution assembly integrated into the lower engine housing of an internal combustion engine, the assembly having a drive train with a T-box output configuration and power take off driven by the crankshaft of the engine. The drive train may power the input shafts of a pair of independent, variable drive transmissions. In one embodiment, a single actuator engages a manual clutch/brake mechanism that controls the output shaft of the power take off. In other embodiments, an electric clutch affords control of the power take off mechanism. In further embodiments, a hydraulic clutch/brake assembly allows control of the power take off, and an additional hydraulic clutch assembly may be used to control the outputs of the T-box.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2013Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Nathan W. Bonny, Raymond Hauser, Scott W. Keller
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Patent number: 9194473Abstract: A modular drive system for a zero turn radius vehicle having a central gear box that powers a variety of left and right side drive mechanisms, the central gear box having a housing forming a sump, an input shaft, a central drive train with an output generally perpendicular to the input shaft, and a power take off mechanism including a clutch having an output shaft collinear with the input shaft.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2013Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Raymond Hauser, Nathan W. Bonny
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Patent number: 9181958Abstract: A hydrostatic apparatus is disclosed. The hydrostatic apparatus comprises a pump, an input shaft, a fan and a fan shroud. The pump comprises a housing, an end cap, a first end and a second end. The input shaft extending from the first end and the second end of the pump. The fan is attached to one end of the input shaft. The fan shroud is also attached to the pump.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2014Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Thomas Kopel, Thomas A. Roth, Thomas P. Gavin, B. Keith Harshman, Bryce E. Steenburg, Raymond Hauser, Lonnie E. Holder
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Patent number: 9126579Abstract: A control system for use in a vehicle having left and right clutch assemblies, each clutch assembly including a brake mechanism and a drive mechanism. The control system includes a steering switch having a left steering position to actuate the left brake mechanism and the right drive mechanism, a neutral steering position to actuate the left and right drive mechanisms, and a right steering position to actuate the left drive mechanism and the right brake mechanism. The system may also include an operator switch having a first position to actuate brake mechanisms and disable the steering switch, and a second position that passes control of both brake clutch assemblies to the steering switch. The system may further include a brake switch having a brake position that actuates both brake mechanisms and disables the operator switch and the steering switch, and a drive position that passes control of both clutch assemblies to the operator switch.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2013Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Raymond Hauser, Christopher K. Wyatt, Lonnie E. Holder, Scott W. Keller
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Patent number: 9097288Abstract: A clutch/brake assembly is provided which includes a coil plate non-rotatably captured between the upper housing and the lower housing and having affixed thereon a ring shaped coil, a clutch rotor rotatably secured to the shaft and having a groove configured to accommodate therein the ring shaped coil, and a clutch output assembly having a clutch/brake disc and a clutch output shaft. The clutch/brake disc and the clutch output shaft are attached to one another by a plurality of springs. The clutch/brake assembly may be mounted on a deck of a lawnmower to drive a blade.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2013Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Raymond Hauser, Michael L. Bennett
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Patent number: 9050880Abstract: A vehicle includes a transmission housing disposed on a frame to independently drive a pair of wheels. The transmission includes first and second motor having collinear motor shafts and first and second pump hydraulically connected to the respective motors and having collinear pump shafts. An input shaft extends into the housing and drives both pump shafts and has an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the pump shaft axes of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2014Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Raymond Hauser, Lonnie E. Holder
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Publication number: 20150151781Abstract: A front steering module adapted for integration with the subframe of a zero-turn radius vehicle incorporating an electronic steering apparatus. The module provides both front wheel steering and corresponding control inputs for the electronic steering apparatus. The module has a frame member having a pair of steered wheel assemblies mounted thereto and a mounting member for attachment to the vehicle. The module further comprises a steering mechanism and a steering position sensor for providing input to the electronic steering apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2015Publication date: June 4, 2015Inventors: Raymond Hauser, Michael L. Bennett, Douglas W. Bell
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Patent number: 9010105Abstract: A drive train configuration is disclosed. The drive train configuration has a transmission or transaxle assembly which may be directly mounted to a vehicle frame. The drive train configuration also comprises an engine that may be attached to a housing of the transmission or transaxle portion. The drive train configuration may also have a power take off mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2012Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Michael L. Bennett, Raymond Hauser
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Patent number: 8955296Abstract: Apparatus and methods for cooling controller assemblies for electric utility vehicles are disclosed. Auxiliary implements powered by electric motors onboard a utility vehicle create airflow that is captured and directed to provide increased ambient airflow across heat sinks used to dissipate heat from heat generating components. Airflow across heated surfaces is further created by vehicle movement and vacuum pressure. Fins and other heat dissipating architecture are employed. Features of the cooling systems enable increased controller assembly functionality and/or decreased controller assembly package size.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2012Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Raymond Hauser, Bruce E. Reid, Donald Rousser, Scott W. Keller
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Patent number: 8950520Abstract: A front steering module adapted for integration with the subframe of a zero-turn radius vehicle incorporating an electronic steering apparatus. The module provides both front wheel steering and corresponding control inputs for the electronic steering apparatus. The module has a frame member having a pair of steered wheel assemblies mounted thereto and a mounting member for attachment to the vehicle. The module further comprises a steering mechanism and a steering position sensor for providing input to the electronic steering apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Raymond Hauser, Michael L. Bennett, Douglas W. Bell, Bryce E. Steenburg
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Patent number: 8858198Abstract: A hydrostatic apparatus is disclosed. The hydrostatic apparatus comprises a pump, an input shaft, a fan and a fan shroud. The pump comprises a housing, an end cap, a first end and a second end. The input shaft extending from the first end and the second end of the pump. The fan is attached to one end of the input shaft. The fan shroud is also attached to the pump.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2013Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Thomas Kopel, Thomas A. Roth, Thomas P. Gavin, B. Keith Harshman, Bryce E. Steenburg, Raymond Hauser, Lonnie E. Holder
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Patent number: 8844658Abstract: An electronic steering and control apparatus and related control methods for a pair of variable drive units. The variable drive units may be hydrostatic, continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), or other similar devices. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that may include a mowing deck.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Christopher K. Wyatt, Alan D. Goetzelmann, Ivan E. Fox, Andy Vogel, Raymond Hauser
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Patent number: 8793990Abstract: A drive apparatus having a motor running surface formed on a first side of a center section and a thrust spacer mounted on the center section opposite the motor running surface. A motor cylinder block is rotatably disposed on the running surface and drives a motor shaft. A gear train including an output gear fixed on the motor shaft translates motion to the output axles. The drive mechanism may also include a brake having a stationary pin adjacent to a first face of a gear, a brake stator positioned on a second face of the gear opposite the first face and capable of bearing against the gear, a brake rotor having an inner gear form that engages the teeth of a second gear; and a brake puck capable of bearing against the brake rotor.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2013Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited PartnershipInventors: Raymond Hauser, Ryan S. Buescher, Scott W. Keller