Patents by Inventor Ronald S. Hansen

Ronald S. 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: 11685238
    Abstract: Disclosed are front entry cabs, and power machines with front entry cabs, having a door that is moveable between opened and closed positions. In the opened position, the door is positioned within an operator compartment of the cab above the operator seat and below a top of the cab. A linkage system defines the travel path of the door between closed and opened positions. The linkage system is configured to minimize interference with operator visibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Cody Erhardt, Ronald S. Hansen, Jonathan J. Roehrl, Brian P. Dehnert, David Glasser
  • Publication number: 20210114440
    Abstract: Disclosed are front entry cabs, and power machines with front entry cabs, having a door that is moveable between opened and closed positions. In the opened position, the door is positioned within an operator compartment of the cab above the operator seat and below a top of the cab. A linkage system defines the travel path of the door between closed and opened positions. The linkage system is configured to minimize interference with operator visibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: Cody Erhardt, Ronald S. Hansen, Jonathan J. Roehrl, Brian P. Dehnert, David Glasser
  • Patent number: 10828969
    Abstract: Disclosed are front entry cabs, and power machines with front entry cabs, having a door that is moveable between opened and closed positions. In the opened position, the door is positioned within an operator compartment of the cab above the operator seat and below a top of the cab. A linkage system defines the travel path of the door between closed and opened positions. The linkage system is configured to minimize interference with operator visibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: CLARK EQUIPMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Cody Erhardt, Ronald S. Hansen, Jonathan J. Roehrl, Brian P. Dehnert, David Glasser
  • Patent number: 10494041
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include power machines, track frame assemblies, and apparatus for mounting a track frame assembly to a frame of a power machine. In various disclosed embodiments, mounting structures mount a track frame to the machine frame. In some exemplary embodiments, each mounting structure includes two torsional joints and at least three non-torsional joints between the machine frame and the corresponding track frame. The two torsional joints can be provided by torsion shafts and the corresponding attachments to front and rear arms. In exemplary embodiments, the at least three non-torsional joints are substantially free to rotate and can include a joint between a front axle and the track frame, a joint between a rear axle and a link, and a joint between a link pin and the track frame. In some exemplary embodiments, the front or rear arms are oriented relative to corresponding torsion shafts to improve performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Karl Spears, Matthew J. Kaldor, Jason Muscha, Cameron C. Hansen, Justin Ringgenberg, Jeret L. Hoesel, Ronald S. Hansen
  • Patent number: 10464619
    Abstract: Utility vehicle power machines with a frame, single left and right side tracks or tractive elements, a cab, a box supported toward the rear of the frame, and a lift arm supported toward the front of the frame. The utility vehicle power machines can have removable covers on a front of the frame, forward of the cab to provide access to various components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventor: Ronald S. Hansen
  • Patent number: 10302027
    Abstract: Power machines, control systems and methods that adjust engine speed based upon actuation of user input controls that control other power machine functions such as travel functions and lift arm functions. By controlling engine speed at least partially in response to the user input devices controlling other machine functions, more optimal engine speeds can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Ronald S. Hansen, Christopher L. Young
  • Publication number: 20190135091
    Abstract: Disclosed are front entry cabs, and power machines with front entry cabs, having a door that is moveable between opened and closed positions. In the opened position, the door is positioned within an operator compartment of the cab above the operator seat and below a top of the cab. A linkage system defines the travel path of the door between closed and opened positions. The linkage system is configured to minimize interference with operator visibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Cody Erhardt, Ronald S. Hansen, Jonathan J. Roehrl, Brian P. Dehnert, David Glasser
  • Publication number: 20190127194
    Abstract: A man-lift implement configured to be mounted on an implement carrier that is rotatably attached to an arm of an excavator includes an implement carrier interface configured to mount the man-lift implement to the implement carrier of the excavator, a basket configured to carry an operator, and a multi-bar linkage and a rotational actuator coupled between the implement carrier interface and the basket. The multi-bar linkage has a linkage actuator and is moveable under power of the linkage actuator to raise and lower the basket relative to the implement carrier interface, and the rotational actuator is configured to pivot the basket with respect to the implement carrier interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventor: Ronald S. Hansen
  • Patent number: 10189512
    Abstract: A mechanical linkage between operator input devices and actuators including a junction having a first portion operably coupled to an operator input device and a second portion operably coupled to an actuator. The first and second portions of the junction are connected when a cab is in an operating position and disconnected when a cab is in a service position. When connected, the first and second portions create a solid connection between the operator input device and the actuator. When the first and second portions are disconnected, the operator input will be not be operably coupled to the actuator. Movement of the cab to the operating position will cause the first and second portions to become connected and movement away from the operating position will cause the first and second portions to become disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Brian P. Dehnert, Ronald S. Hansen, Matthew J. Kaldor, Jeret L. Hoesel, Jonathan J. Roehrl
  • Patent number: 10017216
    Abstract: A self-propelled, wheeled vehicle convertible into a multi-track vehicle using one or more track assemblies is disclosed. Each track assembly includes a carriage with a main frame supporting forward and rearward idler wheels and a plurality of centrally located, inner bogey wheels, and an outrigger beam that supports a plurality of centrally located, outer bogey wheels. One of the idler wheels movably connects to the main frame and is movable by an actuator. The carriage is removably connected to a spindle of a vehicle by an attachment assembly. The attachment assembly includes a first section and a second section that generally encircle a portion of the spindle housing, connected thereto by a plurality of fastening elements. A sprocket is operatively connected to a wheel hub of the spindle by way of a spacer element. A flexible endless track is entrained about the idler wheels, the bogey wheels and the sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Ronald S. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20170284316
    Abstract: Power machines, control systems and methods that adjust engine speed based upon actuation of user input controls that control other power machine functions such as travel functions and lift arm functions. By controlling engine speed at least partially in response to the user input devices controlling other machine functions, more optimal engine speeds can be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Ronald S. Hansen, Christopher L. Young
  • Publication number: 20170225725
    Abstract: Utility vehicle power machines with a frame, single left and right side tracks or tractive elements, a cab, a box supported toward the rear of the frame, and a lift arm supported toward the front of the frame. The utility vehicle power machines can have removable covers on a front of the frame, forward of the cab to provide access to various components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventor: Ronald S. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20170225722
    Abstract: A mechanical linkage between operator input devices and actuators including a junction having a first portion operably coupled to an operator input device and a second portion operably coupled to an actuator. The first and second portions of the junction are connected when a cab is in an operating position and disconnected when a cab is in a service position. When connected, the first and second portions create a solid connection between the operator input device and the actuator. When the first and second portions are disconnected, the operator input will be not be operably coupled to the actuator. Movement of the cab to the operating position will cause the first and second portions to become connected and movement away from the operating position will cause the first and second portions to become disconnected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: Brian P. Dehnert, Ronald S. Hansen, Matthew J. Kaldor, Jeret L. Hoesel, Jonathan J. Roehrl
  • Patent number: 9643667
    Abstract: A track assembly 30 for converting a wheeled vehicle 10 into a tracked vehicle. The track assembly 30 has a longitudinally adjustable support frame 40 having a motive source 170 with a drive sprocket 190, a plurality of support rollers 80, 84, 88, a tensioning assembly 90, and an endless track 200. The track assembly 30 is connected to a vehicle 10 by articulated, resiliently biased mounting assemblies 210, 410. Each mounting assembly 210, 410 includes a first attachment member 212, 412, a link 250, 450, and a second attachment member 300, 500, with the first attachment member 212, 412 configured to be removably attached to a position on a vehicle 10 where a wheel axle attached to an internal drive unit 19 would normally reside but which has been disconnected from its control lines and removed, and with the second attachment member 300, 500 configured to be connected to the support frame 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Ronald S. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20160318565
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include power machines, track frame assemblies, and apparatus for mounting a track frame assembly to a frame of a power machine. In various disclosed embodiments, mounting structures mount a track frame to the machine frame. In some exemplary embodiments, each mounting structure includes two torsional joints and at least three non-torsional joints between the machine frame and the corresponding track frame. The two torsional joints can be provided by torsion shafts and the corresponding attachments to front and rear arms. In exemplary embodiments, the at least three non-torsional joints are substantially free to rotate and can include a joint between a front axle and the track frame, a joint between a rear axle and a link, and a joint between a link pin and the track frame. In some exemplary embodiments, the front or rear arms are oriented relative to corresponding torsion shafts to improve performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Karl Spears, Matthew J. Kaldor, Jason Muscha, Cameron C. Hansen, Justin Ringgenberg, Jeret L. Hoesel, Ronald S. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20160318563
    Abstract: The invention relates to track systems that may be used to convert steerable, all-wheel drive construction equipment to steerable, multi-track construction vehicles. The track system may include a frame having a reinforcing enclosure, a plurality of track engaging rollers, a sprocket, and an endless track operatively connected to the frame. Tension on the endless track is maintained with two tensioning members operatively connected to the forwardmost roller. The track system preferably includes a limiting apparatus that is configured to restrict the rotational movement “r” of the frame relative to a vehicle axle to which it is attached. The limiting apparatus has a first component, which is associated with the vehicle axle, is configured and arranged to interact with a second component, which is associated with the frame of the track system. Preferably, the limiting apparatus is adjustable such that the range of rotational movement “r” can be varied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventor: Ronald S. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20160272259
    Abstract: The invention relates to track systems that may be used to convert steerable, all-wheel drive construction equipment to steerable, multi-track construction vehicles. The track system may include a frame having a reinforcing enclosure, a plurality of track engaging rollers, a sprocket, and an endless track operatively connected to the frame. Tension on the endless track is maintained with two tensioning members operatively connected to the forwardmost roller. The track system preferably includes a limiting apparatus that is configured to restrict the rotational movement “r” of the frame relative to a vehicle axle to which it is attached. The limiting apparatus has a first component, which is associated with the vehicle axle, is configured and arranged to interact with a second component, which is associated with the frame of the track system. Preferably, the limiting apparatus is adjustable such that the range of rotational movement “r” can be varied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventor: Ronald S. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20160159414
    Abstract: A self-propelled, wheeled vehicle convertible into a multi-track vehicle using one or more track assemblies is disclosed. Each track assembly includes a carriage with a main frame supporting forward and rearward idler wheels and a plurality of centrally located, inner bogey wheels, and an outrigger beam that supports a plurality of centrally located, outer bogey wheels. One of the idler wheels movably connects to the main frame and is movable by an actuator. The carriage is removably connected to a spindle of a vehicle by an attachment assembly. The attachment assembly includes a first section and a second section that generally encircle a portion of the spindle housing, connected thereto by a plurality of fastening elements. A sprocket is operatively connected to a wheel hub of the spindle by way of a spacer element. A flexible endless track is entrained about the idler wheels, the bogey wheels and the sprocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventor: Ronald S. Hansen
  • Patent number: 9352776
    Abstract: The invention relates to track systems 14, 14? that may be used to convert steerable, all-wheel drive construction equipment to steerable, multi-track construction vehicles 10. A preferred embodiment of the track system 14, 14? includes a frame 60, 182 having a reinforcing enclosure 150, 230, a plurality of track engaging rollers 82-86, 202-206, a sprocket 102, 214, and an endless track 76, 198 operatively connected to the frame 60, 182. Tension on the endless track 76, 198 is maintained with two tensioning members 170, 244 operatively connected to the forwardmost roller 82, 202. The track system 14, 14? preferably includes a limiting apparatus 300 that is configured to restrict the rotational movement “r” of the frame 60, 182 relative to a vehicle axle 16 to which it is attached. The limiting apparatus 300 has a first component 40, which is associated with the vehicle axle 16, is configured and arranged to interact with a second component 262, which is associated with the frame of the track system 14, 14?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Ronald S. Hansen
  • Patent number: 9260145
    Abstract: A track assembly having a carriage with frames that support a plurality of idler and bogey wheels. A portion of one of the frames is telescopically received within a portion of the other frame. A tensioning apparatus is connected to the frames so that they are adjustable relative to each other. Each carriage may include an offset hub support frame that includes an aperture that rotatably receives a spindle of an adaptor. The adaptor includes a peripheral flange to which a segmented sprocket may be connected, and a ring extension that may be connected to a wheel hub of an irrigation vehicle. A flexible endless track, that is entrained about the wheels and the sprocket may be provided with one or more cleats that are removably connected to the flexible, endless track, with each cleat including a ground engaging member that serves to increase the traction of the endless track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas J. Korus, Ronald S. Hansen