Patents by Inventor Tommy A. Middlesworth

Tommy A. Middlesworth 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).

  • Patent number: 5642864
    Abstract: A chipper vacuum shredder system and apparatus includes a chipper mechanism, a shredder mechanism and a vacuum mechanism carried by a mobile platform. The vacuum mechanism is coupled to a passage having a nozzle. The nozzle includes an adjustable baffle structure for varying the velocity of air flow for delivering yard waste to the chipper-shredder mechanism. The mobile platform includes a bellcrank height adjusting mechanism which varies the height of the nozzle over a surface to be vacuumed, thereby increasing performance on varying surface conditions, particularly when used in conjunction with the adjustable baffle structure. An adjustable deflector is coupled to an exhaust portion of the vacuum mechanism for directing a stream of air to move yard waste and the like as desired. The chipper system is accessed through a cone-shaped inlet through which branches to be chipped can be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Simplicity Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Tommy A. Middlesworth, Donald G. Penkoske, Gerald C. Burmesch
  • Patent number: 4790399
    Abstract: A driving and steering mechanism for a vehicle having a pair of driving wheels includes a steering wheel rotatably mounted to the vehicle and an accelerator foot pedal pivotably mounted to the vehicle. Transmissions associated with the driving wheels include a pivotable control arm for controlling the operation of the transmission, which independently controls the speed and direction of rotation of the associated wheel. The vehicle is turned by causing one wheel to rotate faster than the other wheel. A zero turning radius turn can be effected by causing the driving wheels to rotate in opposite directions.The driving and steering mechanism includes a pair of floating links pivotably connected at one end to a respective transmission control arm. Steering links, associated with the steering wheel, are pivotably connected to a respective floating link distal the connection to the control link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: Middlesworth Engineering & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Tommy A. Middlesworth
  • Patent number: 4062408
    Abstract: A rotary tiller tine assembly in which a main shift has an end key and a shaft extension has at one end an end socket coupled to the main shaft key and at its other end a socket which receives a plug key with which outboard tines are interlockingly engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1975
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1977
    Assignee: Gilson Brothers Company
    Inventors: Edward W. Enters, Tommy A. Middlesworth
  • Patent number: RE34057
    Abstract: A driving and steering mechanism for a vehicle having a pair of driving wheels includes a steering wheel rotatably mounted to the vehicle and an accelerator foot pedal pivotably mounted to the vehicle. Transmissions associated with the driving wheels include a pivotable control arm for controlling the operation of the transmission, which independently controls the speed and direction of rotation of the associated wheel. The vehicle is turned by causing one wheel to rotate faster than the other wheel. A zero turning radius turn can be effected by causing the driving wheels to rotate in opposite directions.The driving and steering mechanism includes a pair of floating links pivotably connected at one end to a respective transmission control arm. Steering links, associated with the steering wheel, are pivotably connected to a respective floating link distal the connection to the control link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Simplicity Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Tommy A. Middlesworth