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).

  • Publication number: 20260117593
    Abstract: A control system for a horizontal directional drill includes a user interface, a locator tool, and a controller. The user interface has a first display and a second display. The locator tool measures the rotational position of a drill head of the horizontal directional drill. The controller determines an estimated rotational position of the drill head. The first display is in communication with the locator tool and displays information about the measured rotational position of the drill head. The second display is in communication with the controller and displays information about the estimated rotational position of the drill head. The control system includes means for calibrating the estimated rotational position of the drill head to substantially match the measured rotational position of the drill head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2024
    Publication date: April 30, 2026
    Inventors: Clint Recker, Ben Downing, Kent Thoreson, Cole Eilander, Kevin Burgoni, Scott Rempe
  • 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