Patents by Inventor Ronald H. Mains, JR.

Ronald H. Mains, JR. 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: 20230401498
    Abstract: An exemplary non-limiting embodiment of the present invention provides a system that includes a loading/unloading facility, a user apparatus having a user interface configured to communicate with a driver of a delivery/pick-up vehicle, and an administrator apparatus configured to communicate with the user apparatus and the loading/unloading facility. The user apparatus is located remotely from the loading/unloading facility. The driver checks into the user apparatus and the administrator apparatus coordinates arrival of the delivery/pick-up vehicle at the loading/unloading facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventor: Ronald H. Mains, JR.
  • Patent number: 11775892
    Abstract: An exemplary non-limiting embodiment of the present invention provides a system that includes a loading/unloading facility, a user apparatus having a user interface configured to communicate with a driver of a delivery/pick-up vehicle, and an administrator apparatus configured to communicate with the user apparatus and the loading/unloading facility. The user apparatus is located remotely from the loading/unloading facility. The driver checks into the user apparatus and the administrator apparatus coordinates arrival of the delivery/pick-up vehicle at the loading/unloading facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: CRC R&D, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald H. Mains, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11670098
    Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods provide automatic recognition of information from stationary and/or moving vehicles. A disclosed system includes an image capture device that captures an image of a vehicle surface and thereby generates image data. A processor circuit receives the image data from the image capture device and may process the image data to determine a Department of Transportation (DOT) number. The processor circuit may control the image capture device to capture a plurality of images, to detect and recognize text characters in each of the plurality of images, and to compare probabilities of likely DOT numbers determined from each of the plurality of images. The processor circuit may be further configured to determine DOT numbers from captured images by processing image data using a machine learning algorithm. The system may be configured to be portable and to perform real-time analysis using an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: CRC R&D, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald H. Mains, Jr., John Guillot, Matthew Roos
  • Patent number: 11625664
    Abstract: An exemplary nonlimiting ernbodirnent of the present invention provides a system that includes a loading/unloading facility, a user apparatus having a user interface configured to communicate with a driver of a delivery/pick-up vehicle, and an administrator apparatus configured to communicate with the user apparatus and the loading/unloading facility. The user apparatus is located remotely from the loading/unloading facility. The driver checks into the user apparatus and the administrator apparatus coordinates arrival of the delivery/pick-up vehicle at the loading/unloading facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: CRC R&D, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald H. Mains, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11618376
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods, apparatuses, and systems for receiving feedback during transport. Embodiments include a transportation system comprising a tractor, a trailer, and a sensor feedback system. Sensor feedback system may include a tilt sensor system mounted on at least one of the tractor, a dolly, a first trailer, and a second trailer, and a user feedback system mounted within the tractor. Tilt sensor system may measure tilt of at least one of the dolly, first and second trailers, and first and second containers attached to the first and second trailers, to obtain tilt information, and send tilt information to the user feedback system via a communication system. User feedback system may receive the tilt information and alert a driver of the tractor if the tilt information is above a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: CRC R&D, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald H. Mains, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20230070968
    Abstract: Disclosed systems, methods, and computer program products address issues of parking and vehicular traffic at a facility, such as a warehouse or a merchandise distribution hub, and provide improved supply chain logistics for transportation and distribution of goods. Disclosed systems include a processor circuit that is configured to generating schedules for a plurality of shipments, to receive location tracking information regarding positions of vehicles, to perform shipping operations, and to dynamically update schedules based on received input. Received input may include information regarding warehouse labor and equipment availability, location tracking information, and/or information regarding weather and traffic conditions. Systems may be configured to send alerts to vehicle drivers provided updated scheduling information and instructions regarding shipments and to send alerts to warehouse workers provided updated scheduling information and instructions regarding shipments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Ronald H. Mains, JR., Luke Hooper, Chathan S. Mangat
  • Patent number: 11406708
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for tracking freight. Embodiments include a tracking device for a trailer containing a load. The tracking device may include a housing including a connector, a main body, and a GPS tracker located within the main body and configured to track the location of the load. Tracking device may include a support member linking the connector and main body. Connector may securely attach to a container on the trailer and attach to a seal such that the container cannot be opened without breaking the seal. Support member may stabilize the housing and protect the tracking device during transit of the load. A tracking system may implement to monitor, gather information and report on the tracking device and the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: CRC R&D, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald H. Mains, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11390213
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods, apparatuses, and systems for receiving feedback during transport. Embodiments include a transportation system comprising a tractor, a dolly attached to opposing ends of a first and second trailer, and a sensor feedback system. Sensor feedback system may include a tilt sensor system mounted on at least one of the dolly, the first trailer, and the second trailer, and a user feedback system mounted within the tractor. Tilt sensor system may measure tilt of at least one of the dolly, first and second trailers, and first and second containers attached to the first and second trailers, to obtain tilt information, and send tilt information to the user feedback system via a communication system. User feedback system may receive the tilt information and alert a driver of the tractor if the tilt information is above a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: CRC R&D, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald H. Mains, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11291724
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for tracking freight. Embodiments include a tracking device for a trailer containing a load. The tracking device includes a support member, a connector, a housing and a GPS tracker configured to track the location of the load. The connector securely attaches to a container on the trailer and attaches to a seal such that the container cannot be opened without breaking the seal. The support member stabilizes the housing and protects the tracking device during transit of the load. A tracking system may implement to monitor, gather information and report on the tracking device and the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: CRC R&D, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald H. Mains, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20210334736
    Abstract: Disclosed systems, methods, and computer program products address issues of parking and vehicular traffic at a facility, such as a warehouse or a merchandise distribution hub, and provide improved supply chain logistics for transportation and distribution of goods and accommodations for intelligent vehicles that are autonomous or remotely driven. Disclosed systems include a processor circuit that is configured to generating schedules for a plurality of shipments, to receive location tracking information regarding positions of vehicles, to perform shipping operations, and to dynamically update schedules based on received input. Systems may be configured to send alerts to vehicles or vehicle drivers providing updated scheduling information and instructions regarding shipments and to send alerts to warehouse workers providing updated scheduling information and instructions regarding shipments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Ronald H. Mains, JR., Luke Hooper, Chathan S. Mangat
  • Publication number: 20210303899
    Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods provide automatic recognition of information from stationary and/or moving vehicles. A disclosed system includes an image capture device that captures an image of a vehicle surface and thereby generates image data. A processor circuit receives the image data from the image capture device and may process the image data to determine a Department of Transportation (DOT) number. The processor circuit may control the image capture device to capture a plurality of images, to detect and recognize text characters in each of the plurality of images, and to compare probabilities of likely DOT numbers determined from each of the plurality of images. The processor circuit may be further configured to determine DOT numbers from captured images by processing image data using a machine learning algorithm. The system may be configured to be portable and to perform real-time analysis using an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Ronald H. Mains, JR., John Guillot, Matthew Roos
  • Publication number: 20210154293
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for tracking freight. Embodiments include a tracking device for a trailer containing a load. The tracking device may include a housing including a connector, a main body, and a GPS tracker located within the main body and configured to track the location of the load. Tracking device may include a support member linking the connector and main body. Connector may securely attach to a container on the trailer and attach to a seal such that the container cannot be opened without breaking the seal. Support member may stabilize the housing and protect the tracking device during transit of the load. A tracking system may implement to monitor, gather information and report on the tracking device and the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventor: Ronald H. MAINS, JR.
  • Publication number: 20210035051
    Abstract: Disclosed systems, methods, and computer program products address issues of parking and vehicular traffic at a facility, such as a warehouse or a merchandise distribution hub, and provide improved supply chain logistics for transportation and distribution of goods. Disclosed systems include a processor circuit that is configured to generating schedules for a plurality of shipments, to receive location tracking information regarding positions of vehicles, to perform shipping operations, and to dynamically update schedules based on received input. Received input may include information regarding warehouse labor and equipment availability, location tracking information, and/or information regarding weather and traffic conditions. Systems may be configured to send alerts to vehicle drivers provided updated scheduling information and instructions regarding shipments and to send alerts to warehouse workers provided updated scheduling information and instructions regarding shipments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Ronald H. Mains, JR., Luke Hooper, Chathan S. Mangat
  • Patent number: 10885490
    Abstract: Disclosed systems, methods, and computer program products address issues of parking and vehicular traffic at a facility, such as a warehouse or a merchandise distribution hub, and provide improved supply chain logistics for transportation and distribution of goods. Disclosed systems include a processor circuit that is configured to generating schedules for a plurality of shipments, to receive location tracking information regarding positions of vehicles, to perform shipping operations, and to dynamically update schedules based on received input. Received input may include information regarding warehouse labor and equipment availability, location tracking information, and/or information regarding weather and traffic conditions. Systems may be configured to send alerts to vehicle drivers provided updated scheduling information and instructions regarding shipments and to send alerts to warehouse workers provided updated scheduling information and instructions regarding shipments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventors: Ronald H. Mains, Jr., Luke Hooper, Chathan S. Mangat
  • Publication number: 20200397897
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for tracking freight. Embodiments include a tracking device for a trailer containing a load. The tracking device includes a support member, a connector, a housing and a GPS tracker configured to track the location of the load. The connector securely attaches to a container on the trailer and attaches to a seal such that the container cannot be opened without breaking the seal. The support member stabilizes the housing and protects the tracking device during transit of the load. A tracking system may implement to monitor, gather information and report on the tracking device and the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventor: Ronald H. Mains, JR.
  • Publication number: 20200398749
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods, apparatuses, and systems for receiving feedback during transport. Embodiments include a transportation system comprising a tractor, a trailer, and a sensor feedback system. Sensor feedback system may include a tilt sensor system mounted on at least one of the tractor, a dolly, a first trailer, and a second trailer, and a user feedback system mounted within the tractor. Tilt sensor system may measure tilt of at least one of the dolly, first and second trailers, and first and second containers attached to the first and second trailers, to obtain tilt information, and send tilt information to the user feedback system via a communication system. User feedback system may receive the tilt information and alert a driver of the tractor if the tilt information is above a predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventor: Ronald H. Mains, JR.
  • Publication number: 20200342247
    Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods provide automatic recognition of information from stationary and/or moving vehicles. A disclosed system includes an image capture device that captures an image of a vehicle surface and thereby generates image data. A processor circuit receives the image data from the image capture device and may process the image data to determine a Department of Transportation (DOT) number. The processor circuit may control the image capture device to capture a plurality of images, to detect and recognize text characters in each of the plurality of images, and to compare probabilities of likely DOT numbers determined from each of the plurality of images. The processor circuit may be further configured to determine DOT numbers from captured images by processing image data using a machine learning algorithm. The system may be configured to be portable and to perform real-time analysis using an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Ronald H. Mains, JR., John Guillot, Matthew Roos
  • Patent number: 10772957
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for tracking freight. Embodiments include a tracking device for a trailer containing a load. The tracking device includes a support member, a connector, a housing and a GPS tracker configured to track the location of the load. The connector securely attaches to a container on the trailer and attaches to a seal such that the container cannot be opened without breaking the seal. The support member stabilizes the housing and protects the tracking device during transit of the load. A tracking system may implement to monitor, gather information and report on the tracking device and the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: CRC R&D, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald H. Mains, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190066033
    Abstract: Disclosed systems, methods, and computer program products address issues of parking and vehicular traffic at a facility, such as a warehouse or a merchandise distribution hub, and provide improved supply chain logistics for transportation and distribution of goods. Disclosed systems include a processor circuit that is configured to generating schedules for a plurality of shipments, to receive location tracking information regarding positions of vehicles, to perform shipping operations, and to dynamically update schedules based on received input. Received input may include information regarding warehouse labor and equipment availability, location tracking information, and/or information regarding weather and traffic conditions. Systems may be configured to send alerts to vehicle drivers provided updated scheduling information and instructions regarding shipments and to send alerts to warehouse workers provided updated scheduling information and instructions regarding shipments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Ronald H. Mains, JR., Luke Hooper, Chathan S. Mangat
  • Publication number: 20180326056
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for tracking freight. Embodiments include a tracking device for a trailer containing a load. The tracking device includes a support member, a connector, a housing and a GPS tracker configured to track the location of the load. The connector securely attaches to a container on the trailer and attaches to a seal such that the container cannot be opened without breaking the seal. The support member stabilizes the housing and protects the tracking device during transit of the load. A tracking system may implement to monitor, gather information and report on the tracking device and the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventor: Ronald H. Mains, JR.