Patents by Inventor Lucas B. Waltz
Lucas B. Waltz 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).
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Publication number: 20140214258Abstract: A method and apparatus for using unique landmarks to position industrial vehicles during start-up. In one embodiment, a method of using pre-positioned objects as landmarks to operate an industrial vehicle is provided. The method comprises identifying a start-up scenario from sensor data, wherein the start-up scenario comprises a unique marker start-up or a pre-positioned object start-up. in response to the identified start-up scenario, either a unique marker or pre-positioned object is identified within a physical environment, wherein the pre-positioned object or unique marker corresponds with a sub-area of the physical environment. The industrial vehicle pose is determined in response to the identity of the pre-positioned object or unique marker and the industrial vehicle is operated based on the determined industrial vehicle pose.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Crown Equipment LimitedInventors: Lisa Wong, Andrew Evan Graham, Christopher W. Goode, Lucas B. Waltz
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Publication number: 20140195076Abstract: Included are embodiments for providing vehicle control limits. One embodiment of a system includes a navigation system and a vehicle that includes a memory component that stores a program. Embodiments of the system are configured to receive an indication for automatic control of the vehicle, receive a route for the vehicle to reach a destination for completing a work order from the navigation system, and determine a vehicle limit, wherein the vehicle limit is based on a current state of the vehicle. Some embodiments are configured to communicate the vehicle limit from a vehicle control module (VCM) to a navigation control module (NCM), determine, via the NCM, an automatic command based on the destination and the vehicle limit and send the automatic command to a motor of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2014Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: Crown Equipment CorporationInventors: Lucas B. Waltz, Bing Zheng, Thomas L. Mallak, Steve Mangette
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Publication number: 20140188324Abstract: Included are systems and methods for providing a vehicular navigation control interface. Some embodiments include a navigation system and a vehicle with a vehicle control module (VCM), a navigation control module (NCM), and a navigation control interface, where the VCM receives a manual command from an operator to implement a manual control function. In some embodiments the NCM receives an automatic command from the navigation system to implement an automatic control function via the VCM and the navigation control interface directly connects the VCM and the NCM to facilitate communication between the VCM and NCM for implementing automatic mode and for reporting implementation of a manual mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2014Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: CROWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATIONInventors: Lucas B. Waltz, Bing Zheng, Thomas L. Mallak, Steve Mangette
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Patent number: 8718860Abstract: Included are embodiments for providing vehicle control limits. One embodiment of a system includes a navigation system and a vehicle that includes a memory component that stores a program. Embodiments of the system are configured to receive an indication for automatic control of the vehicle, receive a route for the vehicle to reach a destination for completing a work order from the navigation system, and determine a vehicle limit, wherein the vehicle limit is based on a current state of the vehicle. Some embodiments are configured to communicate the vehicle limit from a vehicle control module (VCM) to a navigation control module (NCM), determine, via the NCM, an automatic command based on the destination and the vehicle limit and send the automatic command to a motor of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2012Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Crown Equipment CorporationInventors: Lucas B. Waltz, Bing Zheng, Thomas L. Mallak, Steve Mangette
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Patent number: 8714311Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a vehicle power unit having a longitudinal centerline, a monomast coupled to the vehicle power unit and having a centerline offset from and generally parallel with the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle power unit, and a fork carriage apparatus movably coupled to the monomast.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2009Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Crown Equipment CorporationInventors: Steven C. Billger, Robert L. Eilerman, Kevin A. Gilliland, Eric J. Hanson, William J. Heidemann, Robert J. Henshaw, Jay L. Kuck, Jay G. Pollack, Craig J. Rekow, Adam M. Ruppert, Lucas B. Waltz
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Patent number: 8694194Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a vehicular navigation control are disclosed herein. Some embodiments include a navigation system and a vehicle with a vehicle control module (VCM), a navigation control module (NCM), and a navigation control interface, where the VCM receives a manual command from an operator to implement a manual control function. In some embodiments the NCM receives an automatic command from the navigation system to implement an automatic control function via the VCM and the navigation control interface directly connects the VCM and the NCM to facilitate communication between the VCM and NCM for implementing automatic mode and for reporting implementation of a manual mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Crown Equipment CorporationInventors: Lucas B. Waltz, Bing Zheng, Thomas L. Mallak, Steve Mangette
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Publication number: 20140074342Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of using dynamically placed pre-positioned objects as landmarks to operate an industrial vehicle is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: CROWN EQUIPMENT LIMITEDInventors: Lisa Wong, Andrew Evan Graham, Christopher W. Goode, Lucas B. Waltz
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Publication number: 20140058612Abstract: A method and apparatus for using unique landmarks to position industrial vehicles during start-up. In one embodiment, a method of using pre-positioned objects as landmarks to operate an industrial vehicle is provided. The method comprises identifying a start-up scenario from sensor data, wherein the start-up scenario comprises a unique marker start-up or a pre-positioned object start-up. in response to the identified start-up scenario, either a unique marker or pre-positioned object is identified within a physical environment, wherein the pre-positioned object or unique marker corresponds with a sub-area of the physical environment. The industrial vehicle pose is determined in response to the identity of the pre-positioned object or unique marker and the industrial vehicle is operated based on the determined industrial vehicle pose.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: Crown Equipment LimitedInventors: Lisa Wong, Andrew Evan Graham, Christopher W. Goode, Lucas B. Waltz
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Publication number: 20140058634Abstract: A method and apparatus for using unique landmarks to position industrial vehicles during start-up. In one embodiment, a method of using pre-positioned objects as landmarks to operate an industrial vehicle is provided. The method comprises identifying a start-up scenario from sensor data, wherein the start-up scenario comprises a unique marker start-up or a pre-positioned object start-up. in response to the identified start-up scenario, either a unique marker or pre-positioned object is identified within a physical environment, wherein the pre-positioned object or unique marker corresponds with a sub-area of the physical environment. The industrial vehicle pose is determined in response to the identity of the pre-positioned object or unique marker and the industrial vehicle is operated based on the determined industrial vehicle pose.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2012Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: CROWN EQUIPMENT LIMITEDInventors: Lisa Wong, Andrew Evan Graham, Christopher W. Goode, Lucas B. Waltz
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Patent number: 8454037Abstract: A load wheel assembly for a materials handling vehicle includes first and second spaced side members, at least one rotatable roller extending between the first and second side members. An interface structure provides a substantially rigid connection between the load wheel assembly and a mounting structure on the materials handling vehicle. The mounting structure includes a transverse bar and the interface structure includes a portion that engages and mates with the transverse bar to form a rigid connection between the interface structure and the transverse bar.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Crown Equipment CorporationInventors: Lucas B. Waltz, Ryan M. Snodgrass, Kevin A. Gilliland, Eric P. Gasser, Keith G. Bornhorst, Kurt A. Hilgefort
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Publication number: 20120209478Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising: a support structure including a fixed member; a movable assembly coupled to the support structure; a hydraulic system; and a control system. The support structure further comprises lift apparatus to effect movement of the movable assembly relative to the support structure fixed member. The lift apparatus includes at least one ram/cylinder assembly. The hydraulic system includes a motor, a pump coupled to the motor to supply a pressurized fluid to the at least one ram/cylinder assembly, and at least one electronically controlled valve associated with the at least one ram/cylinder assembly. The control structure may estimate a speed of the movable assembly from a speed of the motor and control the operation of the at least one valve using the estimated movable assembly speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: CROWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATIONInventors: Karl L. Dammeyer, Eric D. Holbrook, Darrin R. Ihle, Marc A. McClain, Lucas B. Waltz
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Publication number: 20120171004Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising: a power unit; a work assembly coupled to the power unit comprising a first auxiliary device; and a fluid supply system. The fluid supply system may comprise: pump structure for supplying a fluid; a first manifold apparatus located on the power unit; a second manifold apparatus located on the work assembly; and fluid supply line structure coupled between the first and second manifolds. The first manifold may receive fluid from the pump structure and comprise valve structure for maintaining fluid pressure at an output port of the first manifold apparatus at a commanded pressure substantially equal to or greater than an operating pressure of the first auxiliary device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2011Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventors: William C. Jones, JR., Karl L. Dammeyer, Darrin R. Ihle, Lucas B. Waltz
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Patent number: 7870919Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a frame including a longitudinal centerline and an operator compartment; first and second front wheels coupled to the frame; a rear steer wheel assembly coupled to the frame; mast apparatus coupled to the frame and including a pair of forks; and a battery associated with the frame and having a center of gravity. The battery is preferably positioned such that the battery center of gravity is laterally offset from the longitudinal center line. A stability triangle for the vehicle is defined by a first point at the first front wheel, a second point at the second front wheel and a third point at the rear steer wheel assembly. Preferably, the stability triangle defines a scalene triangle.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Crown Equipment CorporationInventors: Lucas B. Waltz, William C. Jones, Jr., Andrew D. Smith
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Publication number: 20100320034Abstract: A load wheel assembly for a materials handling vehicle includes first and second spaced side members, at least one rotatable roller extending between the first and second side members. An interface structure provides a substantially rigid connection between the load wheel assembly and a mounting structure on the materials handling vehicle. The mounting structure includes a transverse bar and the interface structure includes a portion that engages and mates with the transverse bar to form a rigid connection between the interface structure and the transverse bar.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicant: CROWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATIONInventors: Lucas B. Waltz, Ryan M. Snodgrass, Kevin A. Gilliland, Eric P. Gasser, Keith G. Bornhorst, Kurt A. Hilgefort
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Patent number: 7845657Abstract: A load wheel assembly for a materials handling vehicle includes first and second spaced side members, at least one rotatable roller extending between the first and second side members and a retainer for holding the roller in the side members. An interface structure provides a substantially rigid connection between the load wheel assembly and a mounting structure on the materials handling vehicle. The load wheel assembly can be moved vertically or horizontally into a mounted position within the outrigger and at least a portion of the interface structure mates with the mounting structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Crown Equipment CorporationInventors: Lucas B. Waltz, Ryan M. Snodgrass, Kevin A. Gilliland, Eric P. Gasser
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Publication number: 20100065377Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a vehicle power unit having a longitudinal centerline, a monomast coupled to the vehicle power unit and having a centerline offset from and generally parallel with the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle power unit, and a fork carriage apparatus movably coupled to the monomast.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: CROWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATIONInventors: Steven C. Billger, Robert L. Eilerman, Kevin A. Gilliland, Eric J. Hanson, William J. Heidemann, Robert J. Henshaw, Jay L. Kuck, Jay G. Pollack, Craig J. Rekow, Adam M. Ruppert, Lucas B. Waltz
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Publication number: 20080308359Abstract: A load wheel assembly for a materials handling vehicle includes first and second spaced side members, at least one rotatable roller extending between the first and second side members and a retainer for holding the roller in the side members. An interface structure provides a substantially rigid connection between the load wheel assembly and a mounting structure on the materials handling vehicle. The load wheel assembly can be moved vertically or horizontally into a mounted position within the outrigger and at least a portion of the interface structure mates with the mounting structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2007Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventors: Lucas B. Waltz, Ryan M. Snodgrass, Kevin A. Gilliland, Eric P. Gasser
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Publication number: 20080202857Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a frame including a longitudinal centerline and an operator compartment; first and second front wheels coupled to the frame; a rear steer wheel assembly coupled to the frame; mast apparatus coupled to the frame and including a pair of forks; and a battery associated with the frame and having a center of gravity. The battery is preferably positioned such that the battery center of gravity is laterally offset from the longitudinal center line. A stability triangle for the vehicle is defined by a first point at the first front wheel, a second point at the second front wheel and a third point at the rear steer wheel assembly. Preferably, the stability triangle defines a scalene triangle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: CROWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATIONInventors: Lucas B. Waltz, William C. Jones, Andrew D. Smith