Patents by Inventor Kent Thoreson

Kent Thoreson 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: 10385605
    Abstract: The round baler includes a frame and a tailgate pivotally mounted to the frame via a tailgate pivot axis. The tailgate is movable along a path of travel range between an open position and a closed position. When in the open position, a bale can be discharged from the baler and, when in the closed position, a bale is prevented from being discharged from the baler. The baler also includes a sensor that has a sensor axis. This sensor is mounted to the baler with the sensor axis approximately coaxial with the tailgate pivot axis. An operating portion of the sensor is operatively directly movable with the tailgate. The sensor has a mechanical rotary range that is at least the travel range of the tailgate; and an electrical sensing range. The electrical sensing range is less than both the mechanical rotary range and the travel range of the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jacob Limke, Willem Jacobus Reijersen van Buuren, Ty Hartwick, Philip Robert Lane, Kent Thoreson
  • Publication number: 20180135345
    Abstract: The round baler includes a frame and a tailgate pivotally mounted to the frame via a tailgate pivot axis. The tailgate is movable along a path of travel range between an open position and a closed position. When in the open position, a bale can be discharged from the baler and, when in the closed position, a bale is prevented from being discharged from the baler. The baler also includes a sensor that has a sensor axis. This sensor is mounted to the baler with the sensor axis approximately coaxial with the tailgate pivot axis. An operating portion of the sensor is operatively directly movable with the tailgate. The sensor has a mechanical rotary range that is at least the travel range of the tailgate; and an electrical sensing range. The electrical sensing range is less than both the mechanical rotary range and the travel range of the tailgate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Jacob Limke, Willem Jacobus Reijersen van Buuren, Ty Hartwick, Philip Robert Lane, Kent Thoreson