Mark F Hopp

Title: Mark F. Hopp and His Work on Tractor Design.

Introduction

Mark F. Hopp is an inventor associated with Fox Lake, Wisconsin, and Deere & Company. His patent work addresses practical features of tractor design, including steering, implement lifting, filtration, and hydrostatic transmission operation.

Latest Patents

Hopp is credited with 1 patent, titled “Work Vehicle.” The patent describes a tractor with a one-piece frame and ballast-receiving members, along with a rear hitch positioned below mounted ballast. It also details dual-screen filtering upstream of the radiator and engine combustion-air inlet.

The invention further covers an implement lift system designed to provide lift assistance suited to front-mounted implements while minimizing lift force when an implement is fully lowered. Other features include adjustable steering responsiveness, a tilting steering wheel and column, and controls for accurately neutralizing a hydrostatic transmission.

The patent also describes a manually operated bypass valve that allows a tractor to be pushed when its engine is not running, with the valve returning to its normal operating position when the engine drives the pump. A seat-mounted switch is designed to open when the operator leaves the seat while remaining closed under a load of at least 20 kilograms applied anywhere on the seat.

Career Highlights

Hopp’s documented patent contribution brings together multiple tractor systems in a single work-vehicle design. The described features focus on usability, control, and operation across different working conditions.

Collaborations

Hopp’s listed coworkers include Denis J. Del Ponte and Kenneth Edward Hunt. The patent information provided does not specify their individual roles in the invention.

Conclusion

Mark F. Hopp’s “Work Vehicle” patent presents an integrated approach to tractor design, combining practical improvements in lifting, steering, filtration, transmission controls, and operator-seat safety.