Patents Assigned to Prinoth Ltd.
  • Patent number: 11708685
    Abstract: A process for execution by a processor of an electronic control unit (ECU), comprising: (a) detecting an operator command to align an upper structure of a tracked vehicle relative to a lower structure of the tracked vehicle; (b) in response to detection of the operator command, applying controlled rotation of the upper structure relative to the lower structure about an axis to align the upper structure relative to the lower structure at a predetermined relative angle; (c) in response to the upper structure having been aligned relative to the lower structure at the predetermined relative angle, signaling that alignment has been achieved; and (d) causing rotation of the upper structure to stop when alignment has been achieved and being non-responsive to further detection of the operator command during and for a predetermined period of time after said signaling. Also, a tracked vehicle comprising an ECU that executes the above process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Prinoth Ltd.
    Inventors: Stephane Peloquin, Jonathan Thibault
  • Patent number: 11691682
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle with a chassis comprising an upper frame structure connected to a lower frame structure, the lower frame structure spanning a longitudinal distance along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein over a first portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure overlaps with the upper frame structure and wherein over a second portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure does not overlap with the upper frame structure. The tracked vehicle may also comprise an operator cabin, power plant mounted to the upper frame structure and a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle. Each track assembly is mounted to the lower frame structure of the chassis and comprises a drive wheel; an end wheel; and a plurality of support wheels therebetween; and an endless track disposed around the plurality of wheels for engaging a ground on which the tracked vehicle travels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Prinoth Ltd.
    Inventors: Benoit Marleau, Alain Chabot, Carl Gagné
  • Publication number: 20220396191
    Abstract: A work implement tilt control system for a tracked vehicle having a frame and a work implement mounted to the frame, the system comprising: a lifting unit configured to controllably raise or lower at least part of the work implement; an input device actionable by a first and second types of external actions associated with raising or lowering of the work implement; and a vehicle computer configured to send a signal to the lifting unit to carry out a lowering cycle of the work implement in case the vehicle computer determines that a set of conditions has been met. In some cases, the set of conditions includes: (i) a movement characteristic of the tracked vehicle exceeds a threshold; and (ii) the input device has been actioned by the first type of external action since carrying out the most recent lowering cycle of the work implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Applicant: Prinoth Ltd.
    Inventors: Patrick Hebert, Eric Steben, Simon Filion, Eric Tremblay
  • Patent number: 11505906
    Abstract: A user interface for a snow groomer or other tracked vehicle, such as tracked carrier to carry and enable use of work equipment on various terrains, is provided. The user interface may comprise an input device, an output device and a controller. The controller is configured to receive from the input device an indication of a desired snow grooming distance, and the controller is further configured to measure a distance traveled by the snow groomer, and to cause the output device to convey a remaining distance to be traveled by the snow groomer, the remaining distance being the difference between the desired snow grooming distance and the distance traveled by the snow groomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Prinoth Ltd.
    Inventors: Jonathan Thibault, Martin Kirchmair, Michel Pelletier, Patrick Hebert, Francis Gendron, Ariane Authier, Stephane Bergeron, Francois Paquet
  • Publication number: 20220009568
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle with a chassis comprising an upper frame structure connected to a lower frame structure, the lower frame structure spanning a longitudinal distance along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein over a first portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure overlaps with the upper frame structure and wherein over a second portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure does not overlap with the upper frame structure. The tracked vehicle may also comprise an operator cabin, power plant mounted to the upper frame structure and a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle. Each track assembly is mounted to the lower frame structure of the chassis and comprises a drive wheel; an end wheel; and a plurality of support wheels therebetween; and an endless track disposed around the plurality of wheels for engaging a ground on which the tracked vehicle travels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Applicant: Prinoth Ltd.
    Inventors: Benoit Marleau, Alain Chabot, Carl Gagné
  • Patent number: 11142266
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle, such as tracked carrier to carry and enable use of work equipment on various terrains, is provided. The tracked vehicle may comprise a frame comprising an equipment mounting area for mounting work equipment above the frame. The frame may comprise a pair of side rails that have a spacing in a widthwise direction of the tracked vehicle which corresponds to a standard truck frame side rail spacing. An operator cabin comprises a seating area which may comprise a single seat for an operator or a first seat for the operator and a second seat for a second person next to the operator. At least part of a power plant of the tracked vehicle may be mounted above the frame and behind the operator cabin. The tracked vehicle comprises a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Prinoth Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Steben, Benoit Marleau
  • Patent number: 11130531
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle with a chassis comprising an upper frame structure connected to a lower frame structure, the lower frame structure spanning a longitudinal distance along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein over a first portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure overlaps with the upper frame structure and wherein over a second portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure does not overlap with the upper frame structure. The tracked vehicle may also comprise an operator cabin, power plant mounted to the upper frame structure and a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle. Each track assembly is mounted to the lower frame structure of the chassis and comprises a drive wheel; an end wheel; and a plurality of support wheels therebetween; and an endless track disposed around the plurality of wheels for engaging a ground on which the tracked vehicle travels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Prinoth Ltd.
    Inventors: Benoit Marleau, Alain Chabot, Carl Gagné
  • Publication number: 20210222398
    Abstract: A process for execution by a processor of an electronic control unit (ECU), comprising: (a) detecting an operator command to align an upper structure of a tracked vehicle relative to a lower structure of the tracked vehicle; (b) in response to detection of the operator command, applying controlled rotation of the upper structure relative to the lower structure about an axis to align the upper structure relative to the lower structure at a predetermined relative angle; (c) in response to the upper structure having been aligned relative to the lower structure at the predetermined relative angle, signaling that alignment has been achieved; and (d) causing rotation of the upper structure to stop when alignment has been achieved and being non-responsive to further detection of the operator command during and for a predetermined period of time after said signaling. Also, a tracked vehicle comprising an ECU that executes the above process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Applicant: Prinoth Ltd.
    Inventors: Stephane Peloquin, Jonathan Thibault
  • Patent number: 11001986
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle comprising: a body comprising a lower structure and an upper structure rotatable relative to the lower structure about an axis; an angle sensor for detecting rotation of the upper structure relative to the lower structure; first and second track assemblies mounted, respectively, on opposite lateral sides of the body; a prime mover; an electronic control unit (ECU); and a transmission for controllably transferring power from the prime mover to the track assemblies based on an output of the ECU. The ECU is configured for responding to the angle sensor having detected a relative angular displacement in excess of a threshold angular displacement by: causing a signal to be emitted via an output interface to indicate that a directionality switchover is available to be requested; and, in response to detecting a directionality switchover request, causing the transmission to implement a directionality switchover for the tracked vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Prinoth Ltd.
    Inventors: Stéphane Peloquin, Jonathan Thibault
  • Publication number: 20200122793
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle with a chassis comprising an upper frame structure connected to a lower frame structure, the lower frame structure spanning a longitudinal distance along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein over a first portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure overlaps with the upper frame structure and wherein over a second portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure does not overlap with the upper frame structure. The tracked vehicle may also comprise an operator cabin, power plant mounted to the upper frame structure and a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle. Each track assembly is o mounted to the lower frame structure of the chassis and comprises a drive wheel; an end wheel; and a plurality of support wheels therebetween; and an endless track disposed around the plurality of wheels for engaging a ground on which the tracked vehicle travels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: Prinoth Ltd.
    Inventors: Benoit Marleau, Alain Chabot, Carl Gagné
  • Patent number: 10625629
    Abstract: A user interface for a snow groomer or other tracked vehicle, such as tracked carrier to carry and enable use of work equipment on various terrains, is provided. The user interface may have an input device, an output device and a controller. The controller is configured to receive from the input device an indication of a desired snow grooming distance, and the controller is further configured to measure a distance traveled by the snow groomer, and to cause the output device to convey a remaining distance to be traveled by the snow groomer, the remaining distance being the difference between the desired snow grooming distance and the distance traveled by the snow groomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Prinoth Ltd.
    Inventors: Jonathan Thibault, Martin Kirchmair, Michel Pelletier, Patrick Hebert, Francis Gendron, Ariane Authier, Stephane Bergeron, Francois Paquet
  • Patent number: 10526025
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle with a chassis comprising an upper frame structure connected to a lower frame structure, the lower frame structure spanning a longitudinal distance along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein over a first portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure overlaps with the upper frame structure and wherein over a second portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure does not overlap with the upper frame structure. The tracked vehicle may also comprise an operator cabin, power plant mounted to the upper frame structure and a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle. Each track assembly is mounted to the lower frame structure of the chassis and comprises a drive wheel; an end wheel; and a plurality of support wheels therebetween; and an endless track disposed around the plurality of wheels for engaging a ground on which the tracked vehicle travels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Prinoth Ltd.
    Inventors: Benoit Marleau, Alain Chabot, Carl Gagné
  • Publication number: 20190344839
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle, such as tracked carrier to carry and enable use of work equipment (e.g., a crane, an aerial work platform, a drill rig, etc.) on various terrains, is provided. The tracked vehicle may comprise a frame comprising an equipment mounting area for mounting work equipment above the frame. The frame may comprise a pair of side rails that have a spacing in a widthwise direction of the tracked vehicle which corresponds to a standard truck frame side rail spacing (e.g., 34 inches). An operator cabin comprises a seating area which may comprise a single seat for an operator or a first seat for the operator and a second seat for a second person next to the operator. At least part of a power plant of the tracked vehicle may be mounted above the frame and behind the operator cabin. The tracked vehicle comprises a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Applicant: Prinoth Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Steben, Benoit Marleau
  • Patent number: 10407112
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle with a chassis comprising an upper frame structure connected to a lower frame structure, the lower frame structure spanning a longitudinal distance along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein over a first portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure overlaps with the upper frame structure and wherein over a second portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure does not overlap with the upper frame structure. The tracked vehicle may also comprise an operator cabin, power plant mounted to the upper frame structure and a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle. Each track assembly is mounted to the lower frame structure of the chassis and comprises a drive wheel; an end wheel; and a plurality of support wheels therebetween; and an endless track disposed around the plurality of wheels for engaging a ground on which the tracked vehicle travels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Prinoth Ltd.
    Inventors: Benoit Marleau, Alain Chabot, Carl Gagné
  • Patent number: 10384732
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle, such as tracked carrier to carry and enable use of work equipment (e.g., a crane, an aerial work platform, a drill rig, etc.) on various terrains, is provided. The tracked vehicle may comprise a frame comprising an equipment mounting area for mounting work equipment above the frame. The frame may comprise a pair of side rails that have a spacing in a widthwise direction of the tracked vehicle which corresponds to a standard truck frame side rail spacing (e.g., 34 inches). An operator cabin comprises a seating area which may comprise a single seat for an operator or a first seat for the operator and a second seat for a second person next to the operator. At least part of a power plant of the tracked vehicle may be mounted above the frame and behind the operator cabin. The tracked vehicle comprises a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Prinoth Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Steben, Benoit Marleau
  • Publication number: 20190242092
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle comprising: a body comprising a lower structure and an upper structure rotatable relative to the lower structure about an axis; an angle sensor for detecting rotation of the upper structure relative to the lower structure; first and second track assemblies mounted, respectively, on opposite lateral sides of the body; a prime mover; an electronic control unit (ECU); and a transmission for controllably transferring power from the prime mover to the track assemblies based on an output of the ECU. The ECU is configured for responding to the angle sensor having detected a relative angular displacement in excess of a threshold angular displacement by: causing a signal to be emitted via an output interface to indicate that a directionality switchover is available to be requested; and, in response to detecting a directionality switchover request, causing the transmission to implement a directionality switchover for the tracked vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Applicant: Prinoth Ltd.
    Inventors: Stéphane Peloquin, Jonathan Thibault
  • Publication number: 20190031257
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle with a chassis comprising an upper frame structure connected to a lower frame structure, the lower frame structure spanning a longitudinal distance along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein over a first portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure overlaps with the upper frame structure and wherein over a second portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure does not overlap with the upper frame structure. The tracked vehicle may also comprise an operator cabin, power plant mounted to the upper frame structure and a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle. Each track assembly is mounted to the lower frame structure of the chassis and comprises a drive wheel; an end wheel; and a plurality of support wheels therebetween; and an endless track disposed around the plurality of wheels for engaging a ground on which the tracked vehicle travels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: Prinoth Ltd.
    Inventors: Benoit Marleau, Alain Chabot, Carl Gagné
  • Publication number: 20180127035
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle with a chassis comprising an upper frame structure connected to a lower frame structure, the lower frame structure spanning a longitudinal distance along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein over a first portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure overlaps with the upper frame structure and wherein over a second portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure does not overlap with the upper frame structure. The tracked vehicle may also comprise an operator cabin, power plant mounted to the upper frame structure and a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle. Each track assembly is mounted to the lower frame structure of the chassis and comprises a drive wheel; an end wheel; and a plurality of support wheels therebetween; and an endless track disposed around the plurality of wheels for engaging a ground on which the tracked vehicle travels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: Prinoth Ltd.
    Inventors: Benoit Marleau, Alain Chabot, Carl Gagné
  • Publication number: 20170190366
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle, such as tracked carrier to carry and enable use of work equipment (e.g., a crane, an aerial work platform, a drill rig, etc.) on various terrains, is provided. The tracked vehicle may comprise a frame comprising an equipment mounting area for mounting work equipment above the frame. The frame may comprise a pair of side rails that have a spacing in a widthwise direction of the tracked vehicle which corresponds to a standard truck frame side rail spacing (e.g., 34 inches). An operator cabin comprises a seating area which may comprise a single seat for an operator or a first seat for the operator and a second seat for a second person next to the operator. At least part of a power plant of the tracked vehicle may be mounted above the frame and behind the operator cabin. The tracked vehicle comprises a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: Prinoth Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Steben, Benoit Marleau
  • Patent number: 9616947
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle, such as tracked carrier to carry and enable use of work equipment (e.g., a crane, an aerial work platform, a drill rig, etc.) on various terrains, is provided. The tracked vehicle may comprise a frame comprising an equipment mounting area for mounting work equipment above the frame. The frame may comprise a pair of side rails that have a spacing in a widthwise direction of the tracked vehicle which corresponds to a standard truck frame side rail spacing (e.g., 34 inches). An operator cabin comprises a seating area which may comprise a single seat for an operator or a first seat for the operator and a second seat for a second person next to the operator. At least part of a power plant of the tracked vehicle may be mounted above the frame and behind the operator cabin. The tracked vehicle comprises a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: PRINOTH LTD.
    Inventors: Eric Steben, Benoit Marleau