Patents by Inventor Thomas R. Genz

Thomas R. Genz 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).

  • Zero turning radius mower steering lever modules
    Patent number: 11091200
    Abstract: Each zero turning radius mower steering lever module includes a one-piece plastic housing independently mounted on a grass mowing machine frame member. A central passage extends through each housing, and a steering arm bracket may be positioned in the central passage and pivotably mounted on a horizontal pivot axis. A steering arm may be attached to an upper end of the steering arm bracket, and a hydrostatic transmission linkage and a damper linkage attached to a lower end of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Frank M. Welz, Thomas R. Genz, Kyle T. Ressler, Jaimie Pelino, Paul O. Elhardt
  • ZERO TURNING RADIUS MOWER STEERING LEVER MODULES
    Publication number: 20200269917
    Abstract: Each zero turning radius mower steering lever module includes a one-piece plastic housing independently mounted on a grass mowing machine frame member. A central passage extends through each housing, and a steering arm bracket may be positioned in the central passage and pivotably mounted on a horizontal pivot axis. A steering arm may be attached to an upper end of the steering arm bracket, and a hydrostatic transmission linkage and a damper linkage attached to a lower end of the bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Inventors: FRANK M. WELZ, THOMAS R. GENZ, KYLE T. RESSLER, JAIMIE PELINO, PAUL O. ELDHARDT
  • Grass mowing machine operator platform
    Patent number: 9510503
    Abstract: A grass mowing machine operator platform includes a one-piece plastic composite molded structure with a top surface and an outer wall, and a plurality of slots in the top surface and outer wall. A pair of steering levers may be pivotably mounted to steering pivot bolts in the slots in the top surface, and a brake lever pivotably mounted in a slot in the outer wall. The slots where the steering levers and brake lever are mounted have integral bearing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul Elhardt, Kyle T. Ressler, Thomas R. Genz
  • Grass Mowing Machine Operator Platform
    Publication number: 20140103629
    Abstract: A grass mowing machine operator platform includes a one-piece plastic composite molded structure with a top surface and an outer wall, and a plurality of slots in the top surface and outer wall. A pair of steering levers may be pivotably mounted to steering pivot bolts in the slots in the top surface, and a brake lever pivotably mounted in a slot in the outer wall. The slots where the steering levers and brake lever are mounted have integral bearing surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Paul Elhardt, Kyle T. Ressler, Thomas R. Genz
  • VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM HAVING VACUUM BREAK FITTING WITH FLOW RESTRICTOR
    Publication number: 20110100336
    Abstract: A vapor recovery system between a fuel tank and an engine intake manifold includes a T-fitting to provide a vacuum break. The first and second ends of the T-fitting are connected in line with a vapor recovery hose, and the third end draws outside air into the T-fitting and may have a filter attached thereto. A flow restrictor also is provided in the first end of the T-fitting, to limit the flow of vapor from the fuel tank and maintain adequate vapor space in the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas R. Genz, Robert J. Loehr