Patents by Inventor G. David MacGregor

G. David MacGregor 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: 20040124697
    Abstract: The present invention is a safety-enhancing automatic brake control system that automatically applies and maintains the brakes in the applied state, in response to sensors at various stations around/in the vehicle or equipment that signal an invented controller when conditions exist that make vehicle movement potentially dangerous. The controller validates the signals and then actuates a mechanism that manages the air, brake fluid, or mechanical brake linkage/cable that applies the brakes. The control system preferably includes a vehicle motion override system that prevents automatic application of the brakes if the vehicle is in motion above a set speed, and a manual brake-releasing override that allows a driver to override the controller temporarily at the driver's discretion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: G. David MacGregor, Noble Hamilton, Dale Maslonka
  • Patent number: 6685281
    Abstract: A brake control device prevents movement of a vehicle, when an unsafe condition exists, by automatically applying the parking or other brake. The brake control system may prevent movement should the unsafe condition exist within, on or around, a towed device such as a trailer, a trailer-house or other recreational or non-recreational equipment. The brake control system may set a brake or parking device on the towed device whenever the towed device is disconnected from the motorized vehicle, or whenever equipment on the towed vehicle is extending outward or is otherwise un-stowed in a position unsafe for traveling, whether or not the towed vehicle is connected to the towing vehicle. Interface connections from the towed device to the powered towing vehicle may include wireless, electrical wire, fiber optics, analog, digital, or others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: 55 Brake Company
    Inventors: G. David MacGregor, Noble Hamilton
  • Publication number: 20030006644
    Abstract: A brake control device prevents movement of a vehicle, when an unsafe condition exists, by automatically applying the parking or other brake. The brake control system may prevent movement should the unsafe condition exist within, on or around, a towed device such as a trailer, a trailer-house or other recreational or non-recreational equipment. The brake control system may set a brake or parking device on the towed device whenever the towed device is disconnected from the motorized vehicle, or whenever equipment on the towed vehicle is extending outward or is otherwise un-stowed in a position unsafe for traveling, whether or not the towed vehicle is connected to the towing vehicle. Interface connections from the towed device to the powered towing vehicle may include wireless, electrical wire, fiber optics, analog, digital, or others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: G. David MacGregor, Noble Hamilton
  • Patent number: 6450587
    Abstract: A safety-enhancing automatic brake control system automatically applies and maintains the brakes in the applied state, when one or more conditions exist at various stations around/in the vehicle or equipment that make vehicle movement dangerous. A preferred controller electrically, electronically, or otherwise connects to various sensors at the vehicle stations, validates the signal(s), and then actuates a mechanism that manages the air, brake fluid, mechanical brake linkage/cable, electric, or other mechanism that applies the brakes. In an air brake system, a solenoid valve blocks and vents the air line to release a piston that normally counteracts a spring mechanism. In a hydraulic brake system, a piston or spring, for example, powers a secondary piston rod and piston in a master cylinder to apply the brakes. In the case of a spring-actuated system, a release unit such as a piston may be used to counteract the spring for releasing the brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: 55 Brake Company
    Inventors: G. David MacGregor, Noble Hamilton, Dale Maslonka
  • Patent number: 6322161
    Abstract: The present invention is a safety-enhancing automatic air parking brake actuator system that automatically actuators the air brakes in an engaged condition when one or more dangerous conditions exist at various stations around/in the vehicle or equipment. The preferred actuator system operates on the principle that the brake actuator system is electrically connected to the various stations, and, when a circuit including the actuator unit is interrupted, a solenoid valve of the actuator system closes and vents, to cut off the air supply to the air brakes to engage the brakes. The stations may include the vehicle ignition, one or more doors, a wheelchair lift, a dump truck bed, a backhoe arm, or other equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventors: Dale Maslonka, G. David MacGregor, Noble Hamilton
  • Patent number: D454818
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: 55 Brake Company
    Inventor: G. David MacGregor