Patents by Inventor Tad D. Larson

Tad D. Larson 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: 6003387
    Abstract: An improved flow sensor is disclosed for use with a crop harvesting device to determine flow volume of a crop yield product. The improved flow sensor is of the type which uses a strain gauge and includes an improved probe coupled to the strain gauge and adapted to cooperate with the strain gauge to produce a signal indicative of pressure being applied to the probe by the crop yield product. The improved probe includes first and second connection members adapted to couple the probe to the strain gauge. A probe middle portion is coupled to each of the first and second connection members and extends from a location between the first and second connection members into a middle portion of the flow path of the crop yield product. First and second probe legs are coupled to and extend from first and second sides of the probe middle portion into first and second sides of the flow of crop yield product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventors: Tad D. Larson, Kent D. Barnard
  • Patent number: 5986559
    Abstract: An infinitely adjustable position sensor is provided. The position sensor can be used as a head position switch which generates an output indicative of a position of a harvesting head of a harvesting vehicle, or in similar applications with other types of equipment. The sensor includes a body attachment mechanism for coupling the sensor to the body of the vehicle or other equipment, and a head attachment mechanism for coupling the sensor to the feeder house which supports the harvesting head. For adjustment of the sensor, particularly prior to operation, visual feedback is provided by an LED ring in order to inform the operator of the state or position of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventor: Tad D. Larson