Patents by Inventor Karl R. Hansen

Karl R. Hansen 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: 7488391
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved mechanical coupling for rapidly adjusting the elevation of a working edge portion of a tool which working edge portion is subject to wear that decreases the effective length of the working edge portion. In one embodiment, the bristles of a drum-type brush comprise the working edge portion. Once the working edge is properly adjusted with respect to a work surface, the amount of downforce imparted by the working edge and the pattern of the working edge on a work surface are maximized. In use an operator compares the length of the working edge to a first indicia set displayed adjacent the working edge and adjusts the elevation of the working edge with reference to a second indicia set which corresponds to the first indicia set. Surface maintenance vehicles which support an adjustable height tool with a working edge that wears down may utilize the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventor: Karl R. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7082639
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved mechanical coupling for rapidly adjusting the elevation of a working edge portion of a tool which working edge portion is subject to wear that decreases the effective length of the working edge portion. In one embodiment, the bristles of a drum-type brush comprise the working edge portion. Once the working edge is properly adjusted with respect to a work surface, the amount of downforce imparted by the working edge and the pattern of the working edge on a work surface are maximized. In use an operator compares the length of the working edge to a first indicia set displayed adjacent the working edge and adjusts the elevation of the working edge with reference to a second indicia set which corresponds to the first indicia set. Surface maintenance vehicles which support an adjustable height tool with a working edge that wears down may utilize the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventor: Karl R. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20030074753
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved mechanical coupling for rapidly adjusting the elevation of a working edge portion of a tool which working edge portion is subject to wear that decreases the effective length of the working edge portion. In one embodiment, the bristles of a drum-type brush comprise the working edge portion. Once the working edge is properly adjusted with respect to a work surface, the amount of downforce imparted by the working edge and the pattern of the working edge on a work surface are maximized. In use an operator compares the length of the working edge to a first indicia set displayed adjacent the working edge and adjusts the elevation of the working edge with reference to a second indicia set which corresponds to the first indicia set. Surface maintenance vehicles which support an adjustable height tool with a working edge that wears down may utilize the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Karl R. Hansen
  • Patent number: 5873138
    Abstract: An operator controlled scrubbing machine includes a body, wheels for supporting the body, a scrub brush on the body and a mechanism for raising and lowering the scrub brush. There is a squeegee on the body and a mechanism for raising and lowering the squeegee. The body includes a drive for moving the machine in forward and reverse directions and an operator controlled foot pedal for controlling the drive. There is a connection between the foot pedal and the drive providing for limited foot pedal movement prior to translating foot pedal movement into machine movement. There is a first sensor to sense machine forward movement of the foot pedal, which sensor is connected to the mechanism for raising and lowering the scrub brush. There is a second sensor to sense machine reverse movement, with the second sensor being connected to the mechanism for raising and lowering the squeegee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Geyer, Karl R. Hansen