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).
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Patent number: 9180910Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 1, 2012Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Ronald S. Hansen
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Patent number: 9079614Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 1, 2012Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Ronald S. Hansen
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Publication number: 20150048671Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled, wheeled vehicle that may be converted into a multi-track self-propelled vehicle using one or more track assemblies. Each track assembly includes a carriage with a main frame that support 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 is movably connected 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 or lower section and a second or upper section that generally encircle a portion of the spindle housing, and which are connected thereto by a plurality of fastening elements. A sprocket is operatively connected to a wheel hub of the spindle either directly or indirectly by way of a spacer element.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2014Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventor: Ronald S. Hansen
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Publication number: 20140374175Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventor: Ronald S. Hansen
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Publication number: 20140338991Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Inventor: Ronald S. Hansen
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Patent number: 8827013Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 1, 2012Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Ronald S. Hansen
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Patent number: 8801115Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled, wheeled vehicle that may be converted into a multi-track self-propelled vehicle using one or more track assemblies. Each track assembly includes a carriage with a main frame that support 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 is movably connected 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 or lower section and a second or upper section that generally encircle a portion of the spindle housing, and which are connected thereto by a plurality of fastening elements. A sprocket is operatively connected to a wheel hub of the spindle either directly or indirectly by way of a spacer element.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Ronald S. Hansen
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Patent number: 8794358Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Loegering Mfg., Inc.Inventor: Ronald S. Hansen
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Publication number: 20140175865Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2014Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: Loegering Mfg. Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Korus, Ronald S. Hansen
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Patent number: 8672064Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled, wheeled irrigation vehicles (10) that may be converted into a multi-track self-propelled irrigation vehicle (60) using one or more track assemblies (62). Each track assembly (62) includes a carriage (70) with frames (92, 94) that support a plurality of pairs of idler wheels (74, 76), and pairs of bogey wheels (80, 82, 84). A portion of one of the frames (94) is telescopically received within a portion of the other frame (92), so that the frames (92, 94) may move relative to each other in a linear fashion. A tensioning apparatus (212) is connected to the frames (92, 94) so that the frames are adjustable relative to each other. Each carriage (70) also includes a hub support frame (90) that is connected to one of the frames (92) in an offset manner. The hub support frame (90) includes an aperture (132) that rotatably receives a spindle (262) of an adaptor (258).Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2008Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Loegering Mfg. Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Korus, Ronald S. Hansen
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Patent number: 8430188Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2007Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Ronald S. Hansen
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Publication number: 20130043085Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled, wheeled vehicle that may be converted into a multi-track self-propelled vehicle using one or more track assemblies. Each track assembly includes a carriage with a main frame that support 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. A sprocket is operatively connected to a wheel hub of the spindle either directly or indirectly by way of a spacer element. A flexible endless track is entrained about the idler wheels, the bogey wheels and the sprocket.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2012Publication date: February 21, 2013Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Ronald S. Hansen
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Patent number: 8245800Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled, wheeled vehicle that may be converted into a multi-track self-propelled vehicle using one or more track assemblies. Each track assembly includes a carriage with a main frame that support 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 is movably connected 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 or lower section and a second or upper section that generally encircle a portion of the spindle housing, and which are connected thereto by a plurality of fastening elements. A sprocket is operatively connected to a wheel hub of the spindle either directly or indirectly by way of a spacer element.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2008Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Ronald S. Hansen
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Publication number: 20110101135Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled, wheeled irrigation vehicles (10) that may be converted into a multi-track self-propelled irrigation vehicle (60) using one or more track assemblies (62). Each track assembly (62) includes a carriage (70) with frames (92, 94) that support a plurality of pairs of idler wheels (74, 76), and pairs of bogey wheels (80, 82, 84). A portion of one of the frames (94) is telescopically received within a portion of the other frame (92), so that the frames (92, 94) may move relative to each other in a linear fashion. A tensioning apparatus (212) is connected to the frames (92, 94) so that the frames are adjustable relative to each other. Each carriage (70) also includes a hub support frame (90) that is connected to one of the frames (92) in an offset manner. The hub support frame (90) includes an aperture (132) that rotatably receives a spindle (262) of an adaptor (258).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2008Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventors: Thomas J. Korus, Ronald S. Hansen
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Publication number: 20100139994Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled, wheeled vehicle that may be converted into a multi-track self-propelled vehicle using one or more track assemblies. Each track assembly includes a carriage with a main frame that support 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 is movably connected 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 or lower section and a second or upper section that generally encircle a portion of the spindle housing, and which are connected thereto by a plurality of fastening elements. A sprocket is operatively connected to a wheel hub of the spindle either directly or indirectly by way of a spacer element.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2008Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventor: Ronald S. Hansen
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Publication number: 20100060075Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2007Publication date: March 11, 2010Inventor: Ronald S. Hansen
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Publication number: 20100012399Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2007Publication date: January 21, 2010Applicant: Loegering Mfg. Inc.Inventor: Ronald S. Hansen
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Patent number: 7255184Abstract: A track assembly having first and second hub assemblies that are operatively connected to a support frame by first and second attachment members, respectively. The first and second attachment members include resilient or movable mounts that are configured so that the track assembly can be attached to vehicles whose axles or wheel flanges are misaligned or have irregular rotational movement such as runout or wobble. The attachment members may be adjustably positioned relative to the support frame to accommodate vehicles having different wheelbase lengths and axle lengths. An endless track encircles the first and second hub assemblies, and the support frame, and is drivingly engaged by one of the hub assemblies. First and second rollers, which define the longitudinal extent of the endless track, are positioned at either end of the support frame. A tensioning member, with at least one upper idler roller, positions the endless track so that it is spaced from one of the hub assemblies in a spaced relation.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2004Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Loegering MFG, Inc.Inventors: George A. Loegering, Ronald S. Hansen, Steven W. Loegering
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Patent number: D593135Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2007Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Loegering Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Ronald S. Hansen
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Patent number: D593136Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2008Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Loegering Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Ronald S. Hansen