Patents by Inventor Alan H. Fitzsimmons

Alan H. Fitzsimmons 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).

  • Patent number: 10040676
    Abstract: A system includes a detection device configured to transmit and receive one or more signals in a generally vertical direction above a vehicle. Additionally, the system may include a processing device configured to measure a time of flight associated with the transmission and receipt of the one or more signals in the generally vertical direction. A distance travelled by the one or more signals may be determined based, at least in part, on the measured time of flight, and the distance travelled may be compared with a threshold distance to determine an overhead clearance of the vehicle. In response to determining the overhead clearance, a vehicle system may be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: HYSTER-YALE GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Kenan Miller, Alan H. Fitzsimmons, Stephen A. Moore, Allen Brock
  • Publication number: 20160376136
    Abstract: A system includes a detection device configured to transmit and receive one or more signals in a generally vertical direction above a vehicle. Additionally, the system may include a processing device configured to measure a time of flight associated with the transmission and receipt of the one or more signals in the generally vertical direction. A distance travelled by the one or more signals may be determined based, at least in part, on the measured time of flight, and the distance travelled may be compared with a threshold distance to determine an overhead clearance of the vehicle. In response to determining the overhead clearance, a vehicle system may be activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: Hyster-Yale Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Kenan MILLER, Alan H. FITZSIMMONS, Stephen A. MOORE, Allen BROCK
  • Patent number: 9459349
    Abstract: A system includes a detection device configured to transmit and receive one or more signals in a generally vertical direction above a vehicle. Additionally, the system may include a processing device configured to measure a time of flight associated with the transmission and receipt of the one or more signals in the generally vertical direction. A distance travelled by the one or more signals may be determined based, at least in part, on the measured time of flight, and the distance travelled may be compared with a threshold distance to determine an overhead clearance of the vehicle. In response to determining the overhead clearance, a vehicle system may be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Hyster-Yale Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Kenan Miller, Alan H. Fitzsimmons, Stephen A. Moore, Allen Brock
  • Publication number: 20160116587
    Abstract: A system includes a detection device configured to transmit and receive one or more signals in a generally vertical direction above a vehicle. Additionally, the system may include a processing device configured to measure a time of flight associated with the transmission and receipt of the one or more signals in the generally vertical direction. A distance travelled by the one or more signals may be determined based, at least in part, on the measured time of flight, and the distance travelled may be compared with a threshold distance to determine an overhead clearance of the vehicle. In response to determining the overhead clearance, a vehicle system may be activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicant: NACCO Materials Handling Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Kenan MILLER, Alan H. Fitzsimmons, Stephen A. Moore, Allen Brock
  • Patent number: 8022663
    Abstract: A system for capturing regenerative energy includes a battery configured to provide power for a traction motor and other operations of a vehicle and a capacitor connected to the battery. An auxiliary motor is configured to operate as a generator during a regenerative energy operation. The system further includes a controller configured to direct the regenerative energy to the capacitor during the regenerative energy operation and discharge the capacitor to provide power to the traction motor or for the other operations of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: NMHG Oregon, LLC
    Inventors: James W. Davis, Kevin J. McGoldrick, Alan H. Fitzsimmons, Robert M. Neil, John Rowley
  • Publication number: 20080290842
    Abstract: A system for capturing regenerative energy includes a battery configured to provide power for a traction motor and other operations of a vehicle and a capacitor connected to the battery. An auxiliary motor is configured to operate as a generator during a regenerative energy operation. The system further includes a controller configured to direct the regenerative energy to the capacitor during the regenerative energy operation and discharge the capacitor to provide power to the traction motor or for the other operations of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: NMHG OREGON, LLC
    Inventors: James W. Davis, Kevin J. McGoldrick, Alan H. Fitzsimmons, Robert M. Neil, John Rowley
  • Patent number: 4953284
    Abstract: A magnet shield having a recessed area for receiving a demagnetized permanent magnet. The magnet and shield are axially inserted between the armature and cylindrical frame of a motor. Locating legs formed on the end heads between which the cylindrical frame mounts serve to guide and locate the magnet shield into position. After assembly, the demagnetized magnets are magnetized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Prestolite Electric Incorporated
    Inventors: Joe K. Hammer, Alan H. Fitzsimmons, Hans Greutmann
  • Patent number: 4918348
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the wear of a motor brush includes a spring that biases the brush towards an extended position. A portion of the spring moves along a path towards the extended position as the brush wears, wherein the spring portion makes mechanical contact with a portion of an electrical signal generating device that is disposed in the path to indicate a given amount of brush wear has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Prestolite Electric Incorporated
    Inventors: Alan H. Fitzsimmons, Joe K. Hammer
  • Patent number: 4916344
    Abstract: A magnet shield having a recessed area for receiving a demagnetized permanent magnet. The magnet and shield are axially inserted between the armature and cylindrical frame of a motor. Locating legs, formed on the end heads between which the cylindrical frame mounts, serve to guide and locate the magnet shield into position. After assembly, the demagnetized magnets are magnetized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Prestolite Electric Incorporated
    Inventors: Joe K. Hammer, Alan H. Fitzsimmons, Hans Greutmann