Patents by Inventor Lawrence M. Smith

Lawrence M. Smith 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: 20240152139
    Abstract: A system and method for operation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck is provided. A processor facilitates autonomous movement of the AV yard truck, and connection to and disconnection from trailers. A plurality of sensors are interconnected with the processor that sense terrain/objects and assist in automatically connecting/disconnecting trailers. A server, interconnected, wirelessly with the processor, that tracks movement of the truck around and determines locations for trailer connection and disconnection. A door station unlatches/opens rear doors of the trailer when adjacent thereto, securing them in an opened position via clamps, etc. The system computes a height of the trailer, and/or if landing gear of the trailer is on the ground and interoperates with the fifth wheel to change height, and whether docking is safe, allowing a user to take manual control, and optimum charge time(s). Reversing sensors/safety, automated chocking, and intermodal container organization are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Lawrence S. Klein, Stephen A. Langenderfer, Martin E. Sotola, Vikas Bahl, Mark H. Rosenblum, Peter James, Dale Dee Rowley, Matthew S. Johannes, Gary Michael Seminara, Jeremy M. Nett
  • Publication number: 20240131886
    Abstract: A system and method for operation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck is provided. A processor facilitates autonomous movement of the AV yard truck, and connection to and disconnection from trailers. A plurality of sensors are interconnected with the processor that sense terrain/objects and assist in automatically connecting/disconnecting trailers. A server, interconnected, wirelessly with the processor, that tracks movement of the truck around and determines locations for trailer connection and disconnection. A door station unlatches/opens rear doors of the trailer when adjacent thereto, securing them in an opened position via clamps, etc. The system computes a height of the trailer, and/or if landing gear of the trailer is on the ground and interoperates with the fifth wheel to change height, and whether docking is safe, allowing a user to take manual control, and optimum charge time(s). Reversing sensors/safety, automated chocking, and intermodal container organization are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Lawrence S. Klein, Stephen A. Langenderfer, Martin E. Sotola, Vikas Bahl, Mark H. Rosenblum, Peter James, Dale Dee Rowley, Matthew S. Johannes, Gary Michael Seminara, Jeremy M. Nett, Christopher T. Bate, Michael Patrick Cutter
  • Publication number: 20160302039
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Inventors: Jerry W. CULPEPPER, Lawrence M. Smith, James P. Vancleave
  • Patent number: 9000915
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Spectrum Tracking Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry W. Culpepper, Lawrence M. Smith, James P. Vancleave
  • Patent number: 8487757
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Spectrum Tracking Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry W. Culpepper, Lawrence M. Smith, James P. Vancleave
  • Publication number: 20130053026
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Spectrum Tracking Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry W. CULPEPPER, Lawrence M. Smith, James P. Vancleave
  • Patent number: 8299914
    Abstract: In a method of asset location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including data representative of a location of the selected asset. The geographic tracking data is communicated to an associated security agency for viewing of an image generated in accordance with the display data and at least one of tracking and interception of the selected asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Spectrum Tracking Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry W. Culpepper, Lawrence M. Smith, James P. VanCleave
  • Publication number: 20120109853
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Jerry W. CULPEPPER, Lawrence M. Smith, James P. VanCleave
  • Patent number: 8049617
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Spectrum Tracking Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry W. Culpepper, Lawrence M. Smith, James P. VanCleave
  • Publication number: 20110156901
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Jerry W. CULPEPPER, Lawrence M. Smith, James P. VanCleave
  • Patent number: 7944350
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Spectrum Tracking Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry W. Culpepper, Lawrence M. Smith, James P. VanCleave
  • Publication number: 20100225472
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Jerry W. CULPEPPER, Lawrence M. Smith, James P. VanCleave
  • Patent number: 7750801
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Spectrum Tracking Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry W. Culpepper, Lawrence M. Smith, James P. VanCleave
  • Patent number: 7486185
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventors: Jerry W. Culpepper, Lawrence M. Smith, James P. VanCleave
  • Patent number: 7375654
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Spectrum Tracking Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry W. Culpepper, Lawrence M. Smith, James P. VanCleave
  • Patent number: 7292159
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Spectrum Tracking Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry W. Culpepper, Lawrence M. Smith, James P. VanCleave
  • Patent number: 7283047
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Spectrum Tracking Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry W. Culpepper, Lawrence M. Smith, James P. VanCleave
  • Patent number: 7283046
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Spectrum Tracking Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry W. Culpepper, Lawrence M. Smith, James P. VanCleave
  • Patent number: 7151446
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a position isolation system comprising at least one portable cellular transmitter adapted for wireless data communication via an associated cellular communication system. Data exchange between the at least one cellular transmitter and an associated tracking station is initiated via the associated cellular communication system. The data exchange obtains additional position data representing an associated, cellular relay system through which the cellular data exchange is made, enabling isolation of the location of the portable cellular transmitter in a limited geographic region. The position isolation system also includes a secondary transmission system, associated with the portable transmitter, that is adapted for outputting information representing secondary location data. The secondary location data has a positioning resolution within that of the limited geographic region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Spectrum Tracking Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry W. Culpepper, Lawrence M. Smith, James P. VanCleave
  • Patent number: 7138914
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Spectrum Tracking Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry W. Culpepper, Lawrence M. Smith, James P. VanCleave