Patents by Inventor Steffon L. Hoppel
Steffon L. Hoppel 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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Publication number: 20230373374Abstract: A system and methods for translating a cable-specific roll-off dumpster onto a vehicle. The system includes a hook lift system having a control arm. The system also includes an assembly that is configured to engage with the control arm. The assembly also includes a frame that is rotatably engaged with a hook lift system of the vehicle. The assembly also includes a tow ring that is rotatably engaged with the frame. The tow ring is adapted to engage a hook of the cable-specific roll-off dumpster. The assembly and the hook lift system translate the cable-specific roll-off dumpster between a loaded position and an unloaded position relative to the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2022Publication date: November 23, 2023Applicant: Phase II Enterprise, Inc.Inventors: Richard Marino, Steffon L. Hoppel, Gary Karlen
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Patent number: 10743468Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of securing attachments to a utility vehicle, particularly to a stand-on, zero-turn mower. The disclosure further relates to a method and apparatus for raising and lowering a mower deck on the mower. A mounting apparatus is provided to selectively engage landscaping attachments to the mower. A deck hanging assembly secures the mower deck to the mower frame. The same connectors secure a part of the deck hanging assembly and a part of the mounting apparatus to the mower frame. An adjustment assembly is operable to move the deck hanging assembly and thereby to raise or lower the mower deck. A hydraulic cylinder is actuated to pivot the mounting apparatus in order to raise or lower the landscaping attachment. The mounting apparatus pivots relative to the mower frame about the same connectors that secure the deck hanging assembly to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2019Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Green Industry Innovators, L.L.C.Inventor: Steffon L. Hoppel
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Publication number: 20190216016Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of securing attachments to a utility vehicle, particularly a stand-on, zero-turn mower. The apparatus includes an A-shaped mounting assembly having a base with first and second ends and a tubular member extending outwardly from the first end. The tubular member defines a bore that receives a shaft extending from the attachment. The mounting assembly is positioned vertically above a mower deck but on an opposite side of the frame of the mower relative thereto. The second end of the mounting assembly and part of the mower deck are secured to the frame using the same connectors. A hydraulic actuator engages a forwardmost end of the assembly and is actuatable to raise or lower the assembly relative to the frame, pivoting the assembly about the connectors. The attachment and mower deck are substantially simultaneously operable to perform separate landscaping tasks while the mower moves across a surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2019Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventor: Steffon L. Hoppel
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Patent number: 10278331Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of securing attachments to a utility vehicle, particularly a stand-on, zero-turn mower. The apparatus includes an A-shaped mounting assembly having a base with first and second ends and a tubular member extending outwardly from the first end. The tubular member defines a bore that receives a shaft extending from the attachment. The mounting assembly is positioned vertically above a mower deck on an opposite side of the frame of the mower relative thereto. The second end of the mounting assembly and part of the mower deck are secured to the frame using the same connectors. A hydraulic actuator engages a forwardmost end of the assembly and is actuatable to raise or lower the assembly relative to the frame, pivoting the assembly about the connectors. The attachment and mower deck are substantially simultaneously operable to perform separate landscaping tasks while the mower moves across a surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2017Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: Green Industry Innovators, L.L.C.Inventor: Steffon L. Hoppel
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Patent number: 10219433Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of securing attachments to a utility vehicle, particularly a stand-on, zero-turn mower. The apparatus includes an A-shaped mounting assembly having a base with first and second ends and a tubular member extending outwardly from the first end. The tubular member defines a bore that receives a shaft extending from the attachment. The mounting assembly is positioned vertically above a mower deck on an opposite side of the frame of the mower relative thereto. The second end of the mounting assembly and part of the mower deck are secured to the frame using the same connectors. A hydraulic actuator engages a forwardmost end of the assembly and is actuatable to raise or lower the assembly relative to the frame, pivoting the assembly about the connectors. The attachment and mower deck are substantially simultaneously operable to perform separate landscaping tasks while the mower moves across a surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2018Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: Green Industry Innovators, L.L.C.Inventor: Steffon L. Hoppel
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Patent number: 10194586Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for raising or lowering a mower deck on a stand-on, zero-turn mower. The apparatus is a mower that includes a hydraulic cylinder and piston which are selectively engaged with a deck hanging assembly used to secure the mower deck to the mower's frame. The deck hanging assembly includes a pivot rod from which one or more tabs extend. The piston is selectively engaged with the one or more tabs. When extended from the cylinder, the piston rotates the tabs and thereby the pivot rod in a first direction and lowers the mower deck. When retracted into the cylinder the piston rotates the tabs and thereby the piston in a second direction and raises the mower deck. When the hydraulic system is disengaged from the mower deck, the deck may be manually raised or lowered.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: Green Industry Innovators, L.L.C.Inventor: Steffon L. Hoppel
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Patent number: 10058030Abstract: A light-weight portable hydraulic system for engagement with equipment requiring hydraulic fluid to operate. The system includes a reservoir; a pump and an oil filter engaged with each other. One or more handles are provided on the system so that the system may be carried by a single individual or may be lifted onto or off of a supporting unit upon which the system is mountable. A suitable supporting unit may be a zero-turn stand-on mower. An input shaft for the pump is operatively engaged with the engine of the mower and the pump is powered by that engine. The system is selectively connected to the equipment requiring hydraulic fluid for operation, such as a mower attachment, by way of hydraulic hoses that quick connect to ports on the pump. The system may be engaged with or disengaged from the mower in around thirty seconds and without tools.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2017Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: Green Industry Innovators, L.L.C.Inventor: Steffon L. Hoppel
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Publication number: 20180192589Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of securing attachments to a utility vehicle, particularly a stand-on, zero-turn mower. The apparatus includes an A-shaped mounting assembly having a base with first and second ends and a tubular member extending outwardly from the first end. The tubular member defines a bore that receives a shaft extending from the attachment. The mounting assembly is positioned vertically above a mower deck but on an opposite side of the frame of the mower relative thereto. The second end of the mounting assembly and part of the mower deck are secured to the frame using the same connectors. A hydraulic actuator engages a forwardmost end of the assembly and is actuatable to raise or lower the assembly relative to the frame, pivoting the assembly about the connectors. The attachment and mower deck are substantially simultaneously operable to perform separate landscaping tasks while the mower moves across a surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2018Publication date: July 12, 2018Inventor: Steffon L. Hoppel
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Patent number: 9943032Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of securing attachments to a utility vehicle, particularly a stand-on, zero-turn mower. The apparatus includes an A-shaped mounting assembly having a base with first and second ends and a tubular member extending outwardly from the first end. The tubular member defines a bore that receives a shaft extending from the attachment. The mounting assembly is positioned vertically above a mower deck but on an opposite side of the mower frame. The second end of the mounting assembly and part of the mower deck are secured to the frame using the same connectors. A hydraulic actuator engages a forwardmost end of the assembly and is actuatable to raise or lower the assembly relative to the frame, pivoting the assembly about the connectors. The attachment and mower deck are substantially simultaneously operable to perform separate landscaping tasks while the mower moves across a surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Green Industry Innovators, L.L.C.Inventor: Steffon L. Hoppel
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Publication number: 20180064030Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of securing attachments to a utility vehicle, particularly a stand-on, zero-turn mower. The apparatus includes an A-shaped mounting assembly having a base with first and second ends and a tubular member extending outwardly from the first end. The tubular member defines a bore that receives a shaft extending from the attachment. The mounting assembly is positioned vertically above a mower deck but on an opposite side of the frame of the mower relative thereto. The second end of the mounting assembly and part of the mower deck are secured to the frame using the same connectors. A hydraulic actuator engages a forwardmost end of the assembly and is actuatable to raise or lower the assembly relative to the frame, pivoting the assembly about the connectors. The attachment and mower deck are substantially simultaneously operable to perform separate landscaping tasks while the mower moves across a surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2017Publication date: March 8, 2018Inventor: Steffon L. Hoppel
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Patent number: 9844181Abstract: The invention relates to a mower having a removable mower deck, and a removable attachment which includes a hopper and conveyor assembly for discharging particulate material from the hopper. The attachment and mower deck may be mounted on the frame of the unit together or separately. The attachment may be configured for rapid mounting and dismounting on the frame of the mower.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Green Industry Innovators, L.L.C.Inventor: Steffon L. Hoppel
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Patent number: 9820437Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of securing attachments to a utility vehicle, particularly a stand-on, zero-turn mower. The apparatus includes an A-shaped mounting assembly having a base with first and second ends and a tubular member extending outwardly from the first end. The tubular member defines a bore that receives a shaft extending from the attachment. The mounting assembly is positioned vertically above a mower deck but on an opposite side of the frame of the mower. The second end of the mounting assembly and part of the mower deck are secured to the frame using the same connectors. A hydraulic actuator engages a forwardmost end of the assembly and is actuatable to raise or lower the assembly relative to the frame, pivoting the assembly about the connectors. The attachment and mower deck are substantially simultaneously operable to perform separate landscaping tasks while the mower moves across a surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: Green Industry Innovators, L.L.C.Inventor: Steffon L. Hoppel
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Patent number: 9795984Abstract: A coating apparatus and method allow for precise control of the application of a coating material on a substrate and provides a data recording system which is useful for certifying a coating job and assessing when and where any abnormalities occur.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2014Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Inventors: Steffon L. Hoppel, James W. Davidson
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Publication number: 20170265394Abstract: A light-weight portable hydraulic system for engagement with equipment requiring hydraulic fluid to operate. The system includes a reservoir; a pump and an oil filter engaged with each other. One or more handles are provided on the system so that the system may be carried by a single individual or may be lifted onto or off of a supporting unit upon which the system is mountable. A suitable supporting unit may be a zero-turn stand-on mower. An input shaft for the pump is operatively engaged with the engine of the mower and the pump is powered by that engine. The system is selectively connected to the equipment requiring hydraulic fluid for operation, such as a mower attachment, by way of hydraulic hoses that quick connect to ports on the pump. The system may be engaged with or disengaged from the mower in around thirty seconds and without tools.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2017Publication date: September 21, 2017Inventor: Steffon L. Hoppel
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Publication number: 20170150682Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of securing attachments to a utility vehicle, particularly a stand-on, zero-turn mower. The apparatus includes an A-shaped mounting assembly having a base with first and second ends and a tubular member extending outwardly from the first end. The tubular member defines a bore that receives a shaft extending from the attachment. The mounting assembly is positioned vertically above a mower deck but on an opposite side of the frame of the mower relative thereto. The second end of the mounting assembly and part of the mower deck are secured to the frame using the same connectors. A hydraulic actuator engages a forwardmost end of the assembly and is actuatable to raise or lower the assembly relative to the frame, pivoting the assembly about the connectors. The attachment and mower deck are substantially simultaneously operable to perform separate landscaping tasks while the mower moves across a surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2015Publication date: June 1, 2017Inventor: Steffon L. Hoppel
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Publication number: 20170150681Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of securing attachments to a utility vehicle, particularly a stand-on, zero-turn mower. The apparatus includes an A-shaped mounting assembly having a base with first and second ends and a tubular member extending outwardly from the first end. The tubular member defines a bore that receives a shaft extending from the attachment. The mounting assembly is positioned vertically above a mower deck but on an opposite side of the frame of the mower relative thereto. The second end of the mounting assembly and part of the mower deck are secured to the frame using the same connectors. A hydraulic actuator engages a forwardmost end of the assembly and is actuatable to raise or lower the assembly relative to the frame, pivoting the assembly about the connectors. The attachment and mower deck are substantially simultaneously operable to perform separate landscaping tasks while the mower moves across a surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2015Publication date: June 1, 2017Inventor: Steffon L. Hoppel
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Publication number: 20170150677Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for raising or lowering a mower deck on a stand-on, zero-turn mower. The apparatus includes a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system includes a cylinder and piston that are selectively engaged with a deck hanging assembly used to secure the mower deck to the mower's frame. The deck hanging assembly includes a pivot rod from which one or more tabs extend. The piston is selectively engaged with the one or more tabs. When extended from the cylinder, the piston rotates the tabs and thereby the pivot rod in a first direction and lowers the mower deck. When retracted into the cylinder the piston rotates the tabs and thereby the piston in a second direction and raises the mower deck. When the hydraulic system is disengaged from the mower deck, the deck may be manually raised or lowered.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2015Publication date: June 1, 2017Inventor: Steffon L. Hoppel
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Patent number: 9603303Abstract: A system and method for detachably securing an attachment to a zero-turn utility vehicle such as a zero-turn, stand-on mower. The system includes a mounting assembly provided on a hydraulically operated support member on the utility vehicle's frame; and a connector assembly provided on the attachment. The mounting assembly includes a pivotable plate member that is inserted into the complementary shaped connector assembly. The plate member includes a locking rod at an upper end. The connector assembly has side walls and a top wall that surround the plate member when the mounting assembly is engaged with the connector assembly. The top wall overhangs and captures the locking rod between the top wall and a back wall of the attachment. A locking mechanism secures the mounting assembly and connector assembly together. Moving the attachment is accomplished by actuating the hydraulic system on the utility vehicle to move the support member.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Green Industry Innovators, L.L.C.Inventor: Steffon L. Hoppel
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Publication number: 20160021823Abstract: A system and method for detachably securing an attachment to a zero-turn utility vehicle such as a zero-turn, stand-on mower. The system includes a mounting assembly provided on a hydraulically operated support member on the utility vehicle's frame; and a connector assembly provided on the attachment. The mounting assembly includes a pivotable plate member that is inserted into the complementary shaped connector assembly. The plate member includes a locking rod at an upper end. The connector assembly has side walls and a top wall that surround the plate member when the mounting assembly is engaged with the connector assembly. The top wall overhangs and captures the locking rod between the top wall and a back wall of the attachment. A locking mechanism secures the mounting assembly and connector assembly together. Moving the attachment is accomplished by actuating the hydraulic system on the utility vehicle to move the support member.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2015Publication date: January 28, 2016Inventor: Steffon L. Hoppel
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Publication number: 20160014962Abstract: The invention relates to a mower having a removable mower deck, and a removable attachment which includes a hopper and conveyor assembly for discharging particulate material from the hopper. The attachment and mower deck may be mounted on the frame of the unit together or separately. The attachment may be configured for rapid mounting and dismounting on the frame of the mower.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2015Publication date: January 21, 2016Inventor: Steffon L. Hoppel