Patents by Inventor John R. Rudy
John R. Rudy 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: 11142438Abstract: A working range diagram for a crane includes a boom model representing a current boom length and current lift angle. The working range diagram also includes a plurality of zones based on limit radii corresponding to different predetermined load utilizations. Each zone of the one or more zones represents a radial distance. The working range diagram further includes a load model representing a current load radius positioned relative to the one or more zones. A crane control system may generate the working range diagram.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2018Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: MANITOWOC CRANE COMPANIES, LLCInventors: John F. Benton, John R. Rudy
-
Patent number: 11130658Abstract: An optical detection system for a crane having a counterweight assembly includes an image capture assembly having one or more image capture devices configured to capture an image of the counterweight assembly and an optical control system. The optical control system is configured to detect one or more objects in the captured image, the one or more objects selected from the counterweight assembly, a weight unit of the counterweight assembly, a stack of weight units of the counterweight assembly, and a marker on the counterweight assembly. The optical control system is also configured to analyze the one or more detected objects and determine a status of counterweight assembly based on the analysis of the one or more detected objects.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2017Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLCInventors: John R. Rudy, Matthew Thoresen
-
Patent number: 11124392Abstract: A crane includes a carrier, a superstructure coupled to the carrier, the superstructure including a boom, and an optical detection system having an image capture assembly including one or more image capture devices configured to capture an image of one or more of the carrier and the superstructure, and an optical control system. The optical control system is configured to detect one or more objects in the captured image, the one or more objects selected from: the carrier, the superstructure, and a marker, analyze the one or more detected objects, and determine a status of the boom based on the analysis of the one or more detected objects. The optical detection system and a method for determining the status of the boom are provided as well.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2017Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLCInventors: John R. Rudy, Matthew Thoresen
-
Patent number: 10846495Abstract: A measurement system includes a plurality of RFID tags, each RFID tag configured to output tag information, each RFID tag having a width and spaced from an adjacent RFID tag by a pitch, a single RFID reader configured to read the tag information from at least one RFID tag of the plurality of RFID tags and a plate having a window disposed between the RFID reader and the plurality of RFID tags, wherein the window is dimensioned to control a transmission range between the RFID tags and the RFID reader. The system further includes a carrier to which the plurality of RFID tags are mounted and a control system configured to determine a position of the at least one RFID tag based on the tag information.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLCInventor: John R. Rudy
-
Patent number: 10829347Abstract: A crane includes a carrier, a superstructure mounted on the carrier and including a boom, a cable extending from the boom, a lifting appliance coupled to the cable, and an optical detection system. The optical detection system includes an image capture device configured to capture an image, and an optical detection computer configured to detect one or more objects in the captured image, the one or more objects selected from: the lifting appliance, the cable, a load coupled to the lifting appliance, an object remote from the crane and a marker. The computer is also configured to analyze the one or more detected objects and determine a condition of a crane component based on the analysis of the one or more detected objects. Methods of determining the condition of the crane component and controlling crane operation are also included.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2017Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLCInventors: John R. Rudy, Matthew Thoresen, Ingo Schiller
-
Patent number: 10717631Abstract: A crane includes a carrier and a superstructure. A hoist is coupled to the superstructure and includes a hoist drum and a rope. The crane further includes an optical detection system. The optical detection system includes an image capture assembly having an image capture device configured to capture an image of the hoist, and an optical control system configured to detect an object in the captured image, the object selected from: the rope, the hoist drum, a wrap of rope on the hoist drum and a marker on the hoist. The optical control system is configured to analyze the detected objects and determine a condition of a crane component based on the analysis. A method of determining a condition of a crane component includes capturing an image, detecting the objects in the image, analyzing the detected objects and determining a condition of the crane component based on the analysis.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2017Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLCInventors: John R. Rudy, Matthew Thoresen
-
Publication number: 20200140239Abstract: A crane includes a lower works having one or more ground engaging elements, an upper works connected to the lower works, the upper works having a boom, and a system for determining a crane status. The system includes a sensor assembly positioned to have a line of sight along at least a portion of a length of the boom or the lower works. The sensor assembly configured to detect light transmission and output sensor information. The system further includes a computer configured to receive the sensor information and determine the crane status based on the sensor information. A method of determining the crane status is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2019Publication date: May 7, 2020Inventors: Stephen J. Schoonmaker, Matthew T. Oswald, Melisa Lavery, Frank C. Schnittker, John R. Rudy, Jared Yorke
-
Publication number: 20190205579Abstract: A measurement system includes a plurality of RFID tags, each RFID tag configured to output tag information, each RFID tag having a width and spaced from an adjacent RFID tag by a pitch, a single RFID reader configured to read the tag information from at least one RFID tag of the plurality of RFID tags and a plate having a window disposed between the RFID reader and the plurality of RFID tags, wherein the window is dimensioned to control a transmission range between the RFID tags and the RFID reader. The system further includes a carrier to which the plurality of RFID tags are mounted and a control system configured to determine a position of the at least one RFID tag based on the tag information.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2018Publication date: July 4, 2019Inventor: John R. Rudy
-
Publication number: 20190062130Abstract: A working range diagram for a crane includes a boom model representing a current boom length and current lift angle. The working range diagram also includes a plurality of zones based on limit radii corresponding to different predetermined load utilizations. Each zone of the one or more zones represents a radial distance. The working range diagram further includes a load model representing a current load radius positioned relative to the one or more zones. A crane control system may generate the working range diagram.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2018Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: John F. Benton, John R. Rudy
-
Publication number: 20180141787Abstract: A crane includes a carrier and a superstructure. A hoist is coupled to the superstructure and includes a hoist drum and a rope. The crane further includes an optical detection system. The optical detection system includes an image capture assembly having an image capture device configured to capture an image of the hoist, and an optical control system configured to detect an object in the captured image, the object selected from: the rope, the hoist drum, a wrap of rope on the hoist drum and a marker on the hoist. The optical control system is configured to analyze the detected objects and determine a condition of a crane component based on the analysis. A method of determining a condition of a crane component includes capturing an image, detecting the objects in the image, analyzing the detected objects and determining a condition of the crane component based on the analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2017Publication date: May 24, 2018Inventors: John R. Rudy, Matthew Thoresen
-
Publication number: 20180141788Abstract: An optical detection system for a crane having a counterweight assembly includes an image capture assembly having one or more image capture devices configured to capture an image of the counterweight assembly and an optical control system. The optical control system is configured to detect one or more objects in the captured image, the one or more objects selected from the counterweight assembly, a weight unit of the counterweight assembly, a stack of weight units of the counterweight assembly, and a marker on the counterweight assembly. The optical control system is also configured to analyze the one or more detected objects and determine a status of counterweight assembly based on the analysis of the one or more detected objects.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2017Publication date: May 24, 2018Inventors: John R. Rudy, Matthew Thoresen
-
Publication number: 20180143011Abstract: A crane includes a carrier, a superstructure coupled to the carrier, the superstructure including a boom, and an optical detection system having an image capture assembly including one or more image capture devices configured to capture an image of one or more of the carrier and the superstructure, and an optical control system. The optical control system is configured to detect one or more objects in the captured image, the one or more objects selected from: the carrier, the superstructure, and a marker, analyze the one or more detected objects, and determine a status of the boom based on the analysis of the one or more detected objects. The optical detection system and a method for determining the status of the boom are provided as well.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2017Publication date: May 24, 2018Inventors: John R. Rudy, Matthew Thoresen
-
Publication number: 20180141789Abstract: A crane includes a carrier, a superstructure mounted on the carrier and including a boom, a cable extending from the boom, a lifting appliance coupled to the cable, and an optical detection system. The optical detection system includes an image capture device configured to capture an image, and an optical detection computer configured to detect one or more objects in the captured image, the one or more objects selected from: the lifting appliance, the cable, a load coupled to the lifting appliance, an object remote from the crane and a marker. The computer is also configured to analyze the one or more detected objects and determine a condition of a crane component based on the analysis of the one or more detected objects. Methods of determining the condition of the crane component and controlling crane operation are also included.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2017Publication date: May 24, 2018Inventors: John R. Rudy, Matthew Thoresen, Ingo Schiller
-
Patent number: 8881919Abstract: An extendable beam measurement system includes a support; a beam mounted on the support and movable with respect to the support along an axis of movement; a series of sensory points mounted along either the beam or the support in an orientation that is not parallel to the axis of movement of the beam; and a sensor attached to the other of the beam or the support in a direction that crosses the series of sensory points at different positions during movement of the beam along said axis. The sensor generates a first signal varying as the beam is moved along the axis to thereby provide a signal indicating the position of the beam with respect to the support. The system is useful on an outrigger for supporting a crane. Optionally the system can provide a second signal indicative of whether a jack on the outrigger is contacting a support surface and supporting the crane.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLCInventors: John F. Benton, John R. Rudy
-
Publication number: 20120279938Abstract: An extendable beam measurement system includes a support; a beam mounted on the support and movable with respect to the support along an axis of movement; a series of sensory points mounted along either the beam or the support in an orientation that is not parallel to the axis of movement of the beam; and a sensor attached to the other of the beam or the support in a direction that crosses the series of sensory points at different positions during movement of the beam along said axis. The sensor generates a first signal varying as the beam is moved along the axis to thereby provide a signal indicating the position of the beam with respect to the support. The system is useful on an outrigger for supporting a crane. Optionally the system can provide a second signal indicative of whether a jack on the outrigger is contacting a support surface and supporting the crane.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2011Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventors: John F. Benton, John R. Rudy
-
Patent number: 7677401Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a crane which comprises a boom that may be raised or lowered by angular adjustment of the boom about a base portion of the crane. The method prevents operation of the crane in an undesired condition by continuously monitoring operation of the crane, including monitoring at least the position of the boom with respect to the base of the crane. If the crane approaches a limit of its operating range or any operational parameter, its operation will be controlled so as to selectively prohibit or permit a boom raising operation of the crane, depending on the cause of the condition, rather than uniformly prohibit such an operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2008Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, Inc.Inventor: John R. Rudy
-
Publication number: 20100012610Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a crane which comprises a boom that may be raised or lowered by angular adjustment of the boom about a base portion of the crane. The method prevents operation of the crane in an undesired condition by continuously monitoring operation of the crane, including monitoring at least the position of the boom with respect to the base of the crane. If the crane approaches a limit of its operating range or any operational parameter, its operation will be controlled so as to selectively prohibit or permit a boom raising operation of the crane, depending on the cause of the condition, rather than uniformly prohibit such an operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2008Publication date: January 21, 2010Inventor: John R. Rudy