Patents by Inventor Robert J. Crawford
Robert J. Crawford 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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Patent number: 11220255Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to improving stability of a trailer being towed by a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes analyzing sensor data from a set of sensors associated with the vehicle to generate a pressure signature that characterizes lateral forces on the trailer resulting from a pressure differential between opposite sides of the trailer. The method includes, in response to determining the pressure signature satisfies criteria indicating an onset of instability in the trailer, generating a control signal based, at least in part, on the pressure signature that activates one or more vehicle systems to mitigate the instability in the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2019Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Crawford, Paxton S. Williams, Nicholas S. Sitarski
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Patent number: 11030680Abstract: An e-commerce method involves on-line viewing of a first article through a linking node for virtual merging on another structure. A particular application of the invention is directed to on-line apparel shopping involving a matching scheme using data provided with images to be merged. In a particular example, on-line viewing of one article, such as clothing, on another structure, includes creating an item from image-data corresponding to an article selected by an on-line viewer from an on-line viewer site with an image of a structure selected by the on-line viewer, and indicating whether the article and the structure satisfy a criterion such as color or style. The computers are coordinated to provide the merged image data for viewing by the buyer, with a revenue generating feature that generates fees for at least one of the buyer and a seller associated with one of the seller websites, and charges the at least one of the buyer and the seller for the generated fees.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: PANGRAM ACQUISITIONS L.L.C.Inventors: Robert Giannini, Robert J. Crawford
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Patent number: 10843694Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for a collision warning system. The collision warning system includes at least one of a navigation unit, one or more sensors or a user interface. The collision warning system includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to determine that the height of the vehicle or the height of the load on the vehicle is within a threshold height of the height of the object. The electronic control unit is configured to determine that the vehicle is approaching the object. The electronic control unit is configured to control an operation of the vehicle to indicate that the height of the vehicle or the height of load on the vehicle is within the threshold height when a distance between vehicle and approaching object is a first threshold distance and to avoid the approaching object when the distance is a second threshold distance.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Eric R. Schmidt, Jeffrey E. Pierfelice, Robert J. Crawford, Nicholas S. Sitarski
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Publication number: 20200238976Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to improving stability of a trailer being towed by a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes analyzing sensor data from a set of sensors associated with the vehicle to generate a pressure signature that characterizes lateral forces on the trailer resulting from a pressure differential between opposite sides of the trailer. The method includes, in response to determining the pressure signature satisfies criteria indicating an onset of instability in the trailer, generating a control signal based, at least in part, on the pressure signature that activates one or more vehicle systems to mitigate the instability in the trailer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2019Publication date: July 30, 2020Inventors: Robert J. Crawford, Paxton S. Williams, Nicholas S. Sitarski
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Publication number: 20200156630Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for a collision warning system. The collision warning system includes at least one of a navigation unit, one or more sensors or a user interface. The collision warning system includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to determine that the height of the vehicle or the height of the load on the vehicle is within a threshold height of the height of the object. The electronic control unit is configured to determine that the vehicle is approaching the object. The electronic control unit is configured to control an operation of the vehicle to indicate that the height of the vehicle or the height of load on the vehicle is within the threshold height when a distance between vehicle and approaching object is a first threshold distance and to avoid the approaching object when the distance is a second threshold distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2018Publication date: May 21, 2020Inventors: Eric R. Schmidt, Jeffrey E. Pierfelice, Robert J. Crawford, Nicholas S. Sitarski
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Patent number: 10388080Abstract: An automobile monitoring arrangement tracks and records automobile operation for post-use automobile operation analysis and in a manner with default-operation modes that facilitate use by automobile owners/supervisors and by those supervised by the automobile owners/supervisors. In one specific embodiment, sounds from the vehicle are monitored while the vehicle is in operation. A sound type is identified as corresponding to the sounds, and a sound level of the sound types are determined. The sound level is compared to a threshold for the sound type, and a vehicle supervisor is notified when the sound level exceeds the sound level threshold for the sound type.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2016Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Strategic Design Federation W, Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Crawford
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Patent number: 10166982Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards hysteresis engaged vehicle cruise control apparatuses, and systems and methods that facilitate energy efficiency as a function of external energy obstacles. The method and system includes an adaptable terrain-based speed profile and terrain-based work function for maintaining a vehicle at a desired speed and selected speed range. The speed profile further includes a terrain-based driving preference associated with an identifier that identifies a particular driver and driving profile. Vehicle-related data is generated with regard to energy efficiency obstacles, and vehicle speed is automatically adjusted based on this data to facilitate fuel economy. In certain embodiments, vehicle-related data is sent to a cloud-computing system for processing. In other embodiments, the desired speed and terrain-based speed profile is influenced by user or external inputs.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2016Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Inventor: Robert J. Crawford
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Publication number: 20180300803Abstract: A method involves on-line viewing of a first article through a linking node for virtual merging on another structure. A particular application of the invention is directed to on-line apparel shopping involving a matching scheme using codes provided with images to be merged. For example, on-line viewing of one article, such as clothing, on another structure, includes creating an item from image-data corresponding to an article selected by an on-line viewer from an on-line viewer site with an image of a structure selected by the on-line viewer, and indicating whether the article and the structure satisfy a category-matching criterion. In certain embodiments, the articles are represented by (search) parameters that permit organizational advantages.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2018Publication date: October 18, 2018Inventors: Robert Giannini, Robert J. Crawford
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Patent number: 10002383Abstract: A method involves on-line viewing of a first article through a linking node for virtual merging on another structure. A particular application of the invention is directed to on-line apparel shopping involving a matching scheme using codes provided with images to be merged. For example, on-line viewing of one article, such as clothing, on another structure, includes creating an item from image-data corresponding to an article selected by an on-line viewer from an on-line viewer site with an image of a structure selected by the on-line viewer, and indicating whether the article and the structure satisfy a category-matching criterion. In certain embodiments, the articles are represented by (search) parameters that permit organizational advantages.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: TAMIRAS PER PTE. LTD., LLCInventors: Robert Giannini, Robert J. Crawford
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Patent number: 10002382Abstract: An e-commerce method involves on-line viewing of a first article through a linking node for virtual merging on another structure. A particular application of the invention is directed to on-line apparel shopping involving a color matching scheme using color codes provided with images to be merged. For example, on-line viewing of one article, such as clothing, on another structure, includes creating an item from image-data corresponding to a colored article selected by an on-line viewer from an on-line viewer site with an image of a colored structure selected by the on-line viewer, and indicating whether the colored article and the colored structure satisfy a color-matching criterion.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: TAMIRAS PER PTE. LTD., LLCInventors: Robert Giannini, Robert J. Crawford
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Patent number: 9996873Abstract: An e-commerce method involves on-line viewing of a first article through a linking node for virtual merging on another structure. A particular application of the invention is directed to on-line apparel shopping involving a color matching scheme using color codes provided with images to be merged. For example, on-line viewing of one article, such as clothing, on another structure, includes creating an item from image-data corresponding to a colored article selected by an on-line viewer from an on-line viewer site with an image of a colored structure selected by the on-line viewer, and indicating whether the colored article and the colored structure satisfy a color-matching criterion.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: TAMIRAS PER PTE. LTD., LLCInventors: Robert Giannini, Robert J. Crawford
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Patent number: 9990672Abstract: An e-commerce method involves on-line viewing of a first article through a linking node for virtual merging on another structure. A particular application of the invention is directed to on-line apparel shopping involving a color matching scheme using color codes provided with images to be merged. For example, on-line viewing of one article, such as clothing, on another structure, includes creating an item from image-data corresponding to a colored article selected by an on-line viewer from an on-line viewer site with an image of a colored structure selected by the on-line viewer, and indicating whether the colored article and the colored structure satisfy a color-matching criterion.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2009Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: TAMIRAS PER PTE. LTD., LLCInventors: Robert Giannini, Robert J. Crawford
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Patent number: 9511924Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure involve a pill-filtering article that is located and secured inside a pill container. According to one example embodiment, an assembly of articles distributes one pill at a time in the form of a single-pill dispensing apparatus that includes a pill-storage container and such a pill-filtering article. The container has an inner wall, an upper portion with a rim region where a cap may be secured, and a lower portion for containing pills. The pill-filtering article has a size and a shape that facilitates securing the article inside the pill-storage container near the inner wall, above the lower portion, and below the upper rim region, and also configured with a plurality of channel-defining regions including a first channel-defining region through which one-pill at a time passes and including a second channel-defining region through which one pill at a time passes.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2014Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Inventor: Robert J. Crawford
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Patent number: 9469300Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards hysteresis engaged vehicle cruise control apparatuses, and systems and methods that facilitate energy efficiency as a function of external energy obstacles. The method and system includes an adaptable terrain-based speed profile and terrain-based work function for maintaining a vehicle at a desired speed and selected speed range. The speed profile further includes a terrain-based driving preference associated with an identifier that identifies a particular driver and driving profile. Vehicle-related data is generated with regard to energy efficiency obstacles, and vehicle speed is automatically adjusted based on this data to facilitate fuel economy. In certain embodiments, vehicle-related data is sent to a cloud-computing system for processing. In other embodiments, the desired speed and terrain-based speed profile is influenced by user or external inputs.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2015Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Inventor: Robert J. Crawford
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Publication number: 20160163124Abstract: An automobile monitoring arrangement tracks and records automobile operation for post-use automobile operation analysis and in a manner with default-operation modes that facilitate use by automobile owners/supervisors and by those supervised by the automobile owners/supervisors. In one specific embodiment, sounds from the vehicle are monitored while the vehicle is in operation. A sound type is identified as corresponding to the sounds, and a sound level of the sound types are determined. The sound level is compared to a threshold for the sound type, and a vehicle supervisor is notified when the sound level exceeds the sound level threshold for the sound type.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2016Publication date: June 9, 2016Inventor: Robert J. Crawford
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Patent number: 9256991Abstract: An automobile monitoring arrangement tracks and records automobile operation for post-use automobile operation analysis and in a manner with default-operation modes that facilitate use by automobile owners/supervisors and by those supervised by the automobile owners/supervisors. In one specific embodiment, sounds from the vehicle are monitored while the vehicle is in operation. A sound type is identified as corresponding to the sounds, and a sound level of the sound types are determined. The sound level is compared to a threshold for the sound type, and a vehicle supervisor is notified when the sound level exceeds the sound level threshold for the sound type.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2014Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: STRATEGIC DESIGN FEDERATION W, INC.Inventor: Robert J. Crawford
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Patent number: 8954255Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards hysteresis engaged vehicle cruise control apparatuses, and systems and methods that facilitate energy efficiency as a function of external energy obstacles. The method and system includes an adaptable terrain-based speed profile and terrain-based work function for maintaining a vehicle at a desired speed and selected speed range. The speed profile further includes a terrain-based driving preference associated with an identifier that identifies a particular driver and driving profile. Vehicle-related data is generated with regard to energy efficiency obstacles, and vehicle speed is automatically adjusted based on this data to facilitate fuel economy. In certain embodiments, vehicle-related data is sent to a cloud-computing system for processing. In other embodiments, the desired speed and terrain-based speed profile is influenced by user or external inputs.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2012Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Inventor: Robert J. Crawford
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Publication number: 20140343785Abstract: An automobile monitoring arrangement tracks and records automobile operation for post-use automobile operation analysis and in a manner with default-operation modes that facilitate use by automobile owners/supervisors and by those supervised by the automobile owners/supervisors. In one specific embodiment, sounds from the vehicle are monitored while the vehicle is in operation. A sound type is identified as corresponding to the sounds, and a sound level of the sound types are determined. The sound level is compared to a threshold for the sound type, and a vehicle supervisor is notified when the sound level exceeds the sound level threshold for the sound type.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Inventor: Robert J. CRAWFORD
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Patent number: 8757382Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure involve a pill-filtering article that is located and secured inside a pill container. According to one example embodiment, an assembly of articles distributes one pill at a time in the form of a single-pill dispensing apparatus that includes a pill-storage container and such a pill-filtering article. The container has an inner wall, an upper portion with a rim region where a cap may be secured, and a lower portion for containing pills. The pill-filtering article has a size and a shape that facilitates securing the article inside the pill-storage container near the inner wall, above the lower portion, and below the upper rim region, and also configured with a plurality of channel-defining regions including a first channel-defining region through which one-pill at a time passes and including a second channel-defining region through which one pill at a time passes.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2013Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Inventor: Robert J. Crawford
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Publication number: 20140108191Abstract: An e-commerce method involves on-line viewing of a first article through a linking node for virtual merging on another structure. A particular application of the invention is directed to online apparel shopping involving a color matching scheme using color codes provided with images to be merged. For example, on-line viewing of one article, such as clothing, on another structure, includes creating an item from image-data corresponding to a colored article selected by an on-line viewer from an on-line viewer site with an image of a color structure selected by the on-line viewer, and indicating whether the colored article and the colored structure satisfy a color-matching criterion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: PANGRAM ACQUISITIONS L.L.C.Inventors: Robert GIANNINI, Robert J. CRAWFORD