Robert E Haight

Title: Robert E. Haight: Inventor of Control and Transmission Interfaces.

Introduction

Robert E. Haight is an inventor associated with Waterloo, Iowa, and Deere & Company. His work includes inventions for operating and controlling equipment, including hitch-control interfaces and transmission shift mechanisms. He is credited with 7 patents.

Latest Patents

Haight’s listed patents include two designs focused on improving the operation and safety of equipment controls.

**Hitch Control Interface Assembly.** This invention describes a housing with a fore-and-aft slot and a shaft supporting a control member and a frictionally coupled limit member. A lever can engage a stop on the limit member, while a transducer generates a signal representing the control member’s position. A thumb wheel and gear allow adjustment of the limit member, helping control the range of movement.

**Transmission Shift Lever Neutral Lock.** This shift-lever assembly uses intersecting directional and neutral slots, with a recess in the neutral slot. A spring-biased latch engages the recess to help prevent inadvertent movement into the directional gear slot. The mechanism is designed to release when the lever is deliberately moved in the appropriate direction.

Career Highlights

Haight’s listed inventions address practical challenges in equipment operation, including controlling hitch movement and helping keep a transmission lever securely in neutral. These designs combine mechanical components such as shafts, springs, latches, and levers with control features intended to support reliable use.

Collaborations

Haight is associated with Deere & Company. His listed coworkers include Stephen P. Lang and Timothy J. Mattson.

Conclusion

Robert E. Haight’s patent work reflects a focus on functional equipment controls, with inventions designed to manage hitch operation and reduce unintended transmission-shift movement.