Patents by Inventor Douglas E. Caldwell

Douglas E. Caldwell 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: 6640164
    Abstract: A method and system for remote control of self-propelled vehicles includes a leader vehicle and at least one follower vehicle located behind the leader vehicle. The leader vehicle traverses a waypoint, determines a first set of GPS coordinates corresponding to the waypoint, and transmits the first set of GPS coordinates to the follower vehicle. The follower vehicle determines a second set of GPS coordinates corresponding to its own position and compares the first set of GPS coordinates to the second set of GPS coordinates. By controlling steering, drive and braking systems of the follower vehicle with a servo-actuator, the follower vehicle is guided toward the waypoint by minimizing the difference between the first and second sets of GPS coordinates. This process is repeated at a succession of waypoints such that the follower vehicle traverses the same course as the leader vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Farwell, Douglas E. Caldwell