Patents by Inventor Andrew F. Smith

Andrew F. Smith 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: 12242267
    Abstract: A system and method for operation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck is provided. A processor facilitates autonomous movement of the AV yard truck, and connection to and disconnection from trailers. A plurality of sensors are interconnected with the processor that sense terrain/objects and assist in automatically connecting/disconnecting trailers. A server, interconnected, wirelessly with the processor, that tracks movement of the truck around and determines locations for trailer connection and disconnection. A door station unlatches/opens rear doors of the trailer when adjacent thereto, securing them in an opened position via clamps, etc. The system computes a height of the trailer, and/or if landing gear of the trailer is on the ground and interoperates with the fifth wheel to change height, and whether docking is safe, allowing a user to take manual control, and optimum charge time(s). Reversing sensors/safety, automated chocking, and intermodal container organization are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignee: Outrider Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Lawrence S. Klein, Stephen A. Langenderfer, Martin E. Sotola, Vikas Bahl, Mark H. Rosenblum, Peter James, Dale Dee Rowley, Matthew S. Johannes, Gary Michael Seminara, Jeremy M. Nett
  • Publication number: 20250067034
    Abstract: A universal canister flush valve having a valve body configured to be fixed relative to a toilet tank and having a hollow wall defining an internal flow passage; a guide post coupled to and extending away from the valve body; a float fitted about and configured to slide relative to the guide post between a closed position and an open position, the float having an open top; and an extender that selectively couples to the open top in a first position, in which a first end of the extender is received in and coupled to the open top, and in a second position, in which a second end of the extender is received in and coupled to the open top, wherein the extender and float define a first overflow height in the first position and define a second overflow height in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2024
    Publication date: February 27, 2025
    Inventors: Andrew L. Smith, Billy Jack Ahola, Donald G. Bogenschuetz, Lawrence E. Duwell, Peter W. Swart, Jeffrey T. Laundre, Bradley Strasser, Matthew Krebs, Douglas E. Bogard, Daniel N. Halloran, Scott R. Krebs, Edward F. Malis, Jr., Randy O. Mesun, Eric Derner, Stewart Anthony Schaal
  • Patent number: 12228925
    Abstract: A system and method for operation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck is provided. A processor facilitates autonomous movement of the AV yard truck, and connection to and disconnection from trailers. A plurality of sensors are interconnected with the processor that sense terrain/objects and assist in automatically connecting/disconnecting trailers. A server, interconnected, wirelessly with the processor, that tracks movement of the truck around and determines locations for trailer connection and disconnection. A door station unlatches/opens rear doors of the trailer when adjacent thereto, securing them in an opened position via clamps, etc. The system computes a height of the trailer, and/or if landing gear of the trailer is on the ground and interoperates with the fifth wheel to change height, and whether docking is safe, allowing a user to take manual control, and optimum charge time(s). Reversing sensors/safety, automated chocking, and intermodal container organization are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: Outrider Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Lawrence S. Klein, Stephen A. Langenderfer, Martin E. Sotola, Vikas Bahl, Mark H. Rosenblum, Peter James, Dale Dee Rowley, Matthew S. Johannes, Gary Michael Seminara, Jeremy M. Nett
  • Publication number: 20250019548
    Abstract: An anti-icing coating having a continuous phase and a discrete phase. The continuous phase includes a fluorine-containing polymer formed from a fluorine-containing precursor having a functionality of greater than 2. The discrete phase includes a plurality of domains having a fluorine-free hygroscopic and/or hydrophilic material. The plurality of domains are dispersed within the continuous phase and are immersible with the continuous phase. At least a portion of the fluorine-free material is bonded to the fluorine-containing polymer with an isocyanate-containing moiety. The fluorine-containing polymer is crosslinked with a crosslinking molecule having at least 4 functional groups. The fluorine-free material is a poly(ethylene glycol).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2023
    Publication date: January 16, 2025
    Inventors: Adam F. Gross, Anthony L. Smith, Michael D. Alarcon, Ratandeep Singh Kukreja, Dayananda Narasimhaiah, April R. Rodriguez, Ashley Dustin, Andrew P. Nowak, Michael Jared Ventuleth
  • Publication number: 20250002040
    Abstract: This provides a system and method for handling the interchange of trailers between an over the road (OTR) truck and an autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck in a facility yard includes an interchange zone (IZ) that is bounded by a predetermined boundary structure, having an OTR entry gate and an OTR exit gate on a first side and an AV entry gate and an AV exit gate on a second side. The system and method further includes a management process that selectively opens and closes each of the OTR entry gate, the OTR exit gate, the AV entry gate and the AV exit gate according to a predetermined set of rules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2024
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Joseph A. Welsh, William N. Klarquist, Peter James, Geoffrey W. Johnson, Kayla M. Holcomb, Lawrence S. Klein, Jason L. Williams, Floyd C. Henning, Jeremy M. Nett
  • Publication number: 20240402703
    Abstract: A system and method for operation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck is provided. A processor facilitates autonomous movement of the AV yard truck, and connection to and disconnection from trailers. A plurality of sensors are interconnected with the processor that sense terrain/objects and assist in automatically connecting/disconnecting trailers. A server, interconnected, wirelessly with the processor, that tracks movement of the truck around and determines locations for trailer connection and disconnection. A door station unlatches/opens rear doors of the trailer when adjacent thereto, securing them in an opened position via clamps, etc. The system computes a height of the trailer, and/or if landing gear of the trailer is on the ground and interoperates with the fifth wheel to change height, and whether docking is safe, allowing a user to take manual control, and optimum charge time(s). Reversing sensors/safety, automated chocking, and intermodal container organization are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2024
    Publication date: December 5, 2024
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Lawrence S. Klein, Stephen A. Langenderfer, Martin E. Sotola, Vikas Bahl, Mark H. Rosenblum, Peter James, Dale Dee Rowley, Matthew S. Johannes, Gary Michael Seminara, Jeremy M. Nett
  • Publication number: 20240227476
    Abstract: A system and method for operation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck is provided. A processor facilitates autonomous movement of the AV yard truck, and connection to and disconnection from trailers. A plurality of sensors are interconnected with the processor that sense terrain/objects and assist in automatically connecting/disconnecting trailers. A server, interconnected, wirelessly with the processor, that tracks movement of the truck around and determines locations for trailer connection and disconnection. A door station unlatches/opens rear doors of the trailer when adjacent thereto, securing them in an opened position via clamps, etc. The system computes a height of the trailer, and/or if landing gear of the trailer is on the ground and interoperates with the fifth wheel to change height, and whether docking is safe, allowing a user to take manual control, and optimum charge time(s). Reversing sensors/safety, automated chocking, and intermodal container organization are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2023
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Lawrence S. Klein, Stephen A. Langenderfer, Martin E. Sotola, Vikas Bahl, Mark H. Rosenblum, Peter James, Dale Dee Rowley, Matthew S. Johannes, Gary Michael Seminara, Jeremy M. Nett, Christopher T. Bate, Michael Patrick Cutter
  • Patent number: 12030519
    Abstract: This provides a system and method for handling the interchange of trailers between an over the road (OTR) truck and an autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck in a facility yard includes an interchange zone (IZ) that is bounded by a predetermined boundary structure, having an OTR entry gate and an OTR exit gate on a first side and an AV entry gate and an AV exit gate on a second side. The system and method further includes a management process that selectively opens and closes each of the OTR entry gate, the OTR exit gate, the AV entry gate and the AV exit gate according to a predetermined set of rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: Outrider Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Joseph A. Welsh, William N. Klarquist, Peter James, Geoffrey W. Johnson, Kayla M. Holcomb, Lawrence S. Klein, Jason L. Williams, Floyd C. Henning, Jeremy M. Nett
  • Publication number: 20240219904
    Abstract: This invention provides a station for opening trailer swing doors that uses a sled with a manipulator arm and associated end effector/tool to perform the unlocking of the trailer lock rod, swinging open of the door, holding the door in the opened position and applying an resilient/flexible/springy retention clip thereto. The sled moves into and out of a confronting position relative to the trailer rear/doors to allow that trailer to drive into or out of the station at the beginning or end of the task. Closing of doors can also be performed at the station in the reverse order of steps. The door retention clip can be adapted with features that allow it to perform the various opening and closing tasks herein. The station can include tracks for guiding the sled between a non-interfering and interfering position with respect to the path of travel of the truck/trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2023
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Vittorio A. Ziparo, Luciano Spinello, Ira A. Renfrew, Joseph S. DeRose, Austin Lovan, Lawrence S. Klein, Martin E. Sotola, Mark H. Rosenblum, Matthew S. Johannes
  • Patent number: 11994857
    Abstract: A system and method for operation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck is provided. A processor facilitates autonomous movement of the AV yard truck, and connection to and disconnection from trailers. A plurality of sensors are interconnected with the processor that sense terrain/objects and assist in automatically connecting/disconnecting trailers. A server, interconnected, wirelessly with the processor, that tracks movement of the truck around and determines locations for trailer connection and disconnection. A door station unlatches/opens rear doors of the trailer when adjacent thereto, securing them in an opened position via clamps, etc. The system computes a height of the trailer, and/or if landing gear of the trailer is on the ground and interoperates with the fifth wheel to change height, and whether docking is safe, allowing a user to take manual control, and optimum charge time(s). Reversing sensors/safety, automated chocking, and intermodal container organization are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Outrider Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Lawrence S. Klein, Stephen A. Langenderfer, Martin E. Sotola, Vikas Bahl, Mark H. Rosenblum, Peter James, Dale Rowley, Matthew S. Johannes, Gary Seminara, Jeremy M. Nett
  • Publication number: 20240158213
    Abstract: Automated jackstand systems and methods deploy a jackstand to support a front end of a trailer parked at an automated loading dock. The jackstand prevents collapse of the trailer's landing gear and prevents upending of the trailer during loading and unloading. Advantageously, by deploying the jackstand automatically, presence of personnel in the yard where tractors and trailers are moving is not required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2024
    Publication date: May 16, 2024
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Martin Edward Sotola, Peter James, Lawrence S. Klein, Matthew Steven Johannes, Jonathan Record, Garold McKinney
  • Publication number: 20240152139
    Abstract: A system and method for operation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck is provided. A processor facilitates autonomous movement of the AV yard truck, and connection to and disconnection from trailers. A plurality of sensors are interconnected with the processor that sense terrain/objects and assist in automatically connecting/disconnecting trailers. A server, interconnected, wirelessly with the processor, that tracks movement of the truck around and determines locations for trailer connection and disconnection. A door station unlatches/opens rear doors of the trailer when adjacent thereto, securing them in an opened position via clamps, etc. The system computes a height of the trailer, and/or if landing gear of the trailer is on the ground and interoperates with the fifth wheel to change height, and whether docking is safe, allowing a user to take manual control, and optimum charge time(s). Reversing sensors/safety, automated chocking, and intermodal container organization are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Lawrence S. Klein, Stephen A. Langenderfer, Martin E. Sotola, Vikas Bahl, Mark H. Rosenblum, Peter James, Dale Dee Rowley, Matthew S. Johannes, Gary Michael Seminara, Jeremy M. Nett
  • Publication number: 20240131886
    Abstract: A system and method for operation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck is provided. A processor facilitates autonomous movement of the AV yard truck, and connection to and disconnection from trailers. A plurality of sensors are interconnected with the processor that sense terrain/objects and assist in automatically connecting/disconnecting trailers. A server, interconnected, wirelessly with the processor, that tracks movement of the truck around and determines locations for trailer connection and disconnection. A door station unlatches/opens rear doors of the trailer when adjacent thereto, securing them in an opened position via clamps, etc. The system computes a height of the trailer, and/or if landing gear of the trailer is on the ground and interoperates with the fifth wheel to change height, and whether docking is safe, allowing a user to take manual control, and optimum charge time(s). Reversing sensors/safety, automated chocking, and intermodal container organization are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Lawrence S. Klein, Stephen A. Langenderfer, Martin E. Sotola, Vikas Bahl, Mark H. Rosenblum, Peter James, Dale Dee Rowley, Matthew S. Johannes, Gary Michael Seminara, Jeremy M. Nett, Christopher T. Bate, Michael Patrick Cutter
  • Patent number: 11878897
    Abstract: Automated jackstand systems and methods deploy a jackstand to support a front end of a trailer parked at an automated loading dock. The jackstand prevents collapse of the trailer's landing gear and prevents upending of the trailer during loading and unloading. Advantageously, by deploying the jackstand automatically, presence of personnel in the yard where tractors and trailers are moving is not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: OUTRIDER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Martin Edward Sotola, Peter James, Lawrence S. Klein, Matthew Steven Johannes, Jonathan Record, Garold McKinney
  • Publication number: 20230418289
    Abstract: A system and method for operation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck is provided. A processor facilitates autonomous movement of the AV yard truck, and connection to and disconnection from trailers. A plurality of sensors are interconnected with the processor that sense terrain/objects and assist in automatically connecting/disconnecting trailers. A server, interconnected, wirelessly with the processor, that tracks movement of the truck around and determines locations for trailer connection and disconnection. A door station unlatches/opens rear doors of the trailer when adjacent thereto, securing them in an opened position via clamps, etc. The system computes a height of the trailer, and/or if landing gear of the trailer is on the ground and interoperates with the fifth wheel to change height, and whether docking is safe, allowing a user to take manual control, and optimum charge time(s). Reversing sensors/safety, automated chocking, and intermodal container organization are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Lawrence S. Klein, Stephen A. Langenderfer, Martin E. Sotola, Vikas Bahl, Mark H. Rosenblum, Peter James, Dale Dee Rowley, Matthew S. Johannes, Gary Michael Seminara, Jeremy M. Nett
  • Patent number: 11782436
    Abstract: A system and method for operation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck is provided. A processor facilitates autonomous movement of the AV yard truck, and connection to and disconnection from trailers. A plurality of sensors are interconnected with the processor that sense terrain/objects and assist in automatically connecting/disconnecting trailers. A server, interconnected, wirelessly with the processor, that tracks movement of the truck around and determines locations for trailer connection and disconnection. A door station unlatches/opens rear doors of the trailer when adjacent thereto, securing them in an opened position via clamps, etc. The system computes a height of the trailer, and/or if landing gear of the trailer is on the ground and interoperates with the fifth wheel to change height, and whether docking is safe, allowing a user to take manual control, and optimum charge time(s). Reversing sensors/safety, automated chocking, and intermodal container organization are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Outrider Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Lawrence S. Klein, Stephen A. Langenderfer, Martin E. Sotola, Vikas Bahl, Mark H. Rosenblum, Peter James, Dale Dee Rowley, Matthew S. Johannes, Gary Michael Seminara, Jeremy M. Nett
  • Patent number: 11755013
    Abstract: A system and method for operation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck is provided. A processor facilitates autonomous movement of the AV yard truck, and connection to and disconnection from trailers. A plurality of sensors are interconnected with the processor that sense terrain/objects and assist in automatically connecting/disconnecting trailers. A server, interconnected, wirelessly with the processor, that tracks movement of the truck around and determines locations for trailer connection and disconnection. A door station unlatches/opens rear doors of the trailer when adjacent thereto, securing them in an opened position via clamps, etc. The system computes a height of the trailer, and/or if landing gear of the trailer is on the ground and interoperates with the fifth wheel to change height, and whether docking is safe, allowing a user to take manual control, and optimum charge time(s). Reversing sensors/safety, automated chocking, and intermodal container organization are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Outrider Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Lawrence S. Klein, Stephen A. Langenderfer, Martin E. Sotola, Vikas Bahl, Mark H. Rosenblum, Peter James, Dale Rowley, Matthew S. Johannes, Gary Seminara, Jeremy M. Nett
  • Patent number: 11707955
    Abstract: A system and method for operation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck is provided. A processor facilitates autonomous movement of the AV yard truck, and connection to and disconnection from trailers. A plurality of sensors are interconnected with the processor that sense terrain/objects and assist in automatically connecting/disconnecting trailers. A server, interconnected, wirelessly with the processor, that tracks movement of the truck around and determines locations for trailer connection and disconnection. A door station unlatches/opens rear doors of the trailer when adjacent thereto, securing them in an opened position via clamps, etc. The system computes a height of the trailer, and/or if landing gear of the trailer is on the ground and interoperates with the fifth wheel to change height, and whether docking is safe, allowing a user to take manual control, and optimum charge time(s). Reversing sensors/safety, automated chocking, and intermodal container organization are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Outrider Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Lawrence S. Klein, Stephen A. Langenderfer, Martin E. Sotola, Vikas Bahl, Mark H. Rosenblum, Peter James, Dale Rowley, Matthew S. Johannes, Gary Seminara, Jeremy M. Nett, Christopher T. Bate, Michael Patrick Cutter
  • Publication number: 20230066866
    Abstract: A system and method for operation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck is provided. A processor facilitates autonomous movement of the AV yard truck, and connection to and disconnection from trailers. A plurality of sensors are interconnected with the processor that sense terrain/objects and assist in automatically connecting/disconnecting trailers. A server, interconnected, wirelessly with the processor, that tracks movement of the truck around and determines locations for trailer connection and disconnection. A door station unlatches/opens rear doors of the trailer when adjacent thereto, securing them in an opened position via clamps, etc. The system computes a height of the trailer, and/or if landing gear of the trailer is on the ground and interoperates with the fifth wheel to change height, and whether docking is safe, allowing a user to take manual control, and optimum charge time(s). Reversing sensors/safety, automated chocking, and intermodal container organization are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Lawrence S. Klein, Stephen A. Langenderfer, Martin E. Sotola, Vikas Bahl, Mark H. Rosenblum, Peter James, Dale Dee Rowley, Matthew S. Johannes, Gary Michael Seminara, Jeremy M. Nett
  • Patent number: 11530100
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the modification of loading dock environments are provided that allow trailers and shipping containers on chassis' to park at a loading dock with closed doors and have these doors opened into the loading dock environment and resealed while the trailer remains at the loading dock. A resilient, semi-rigid protective panel can also be removably attached to cover part of the inside face of an opened trailer door, so as to protect it from impact by equipment or goods as they pass into and out of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Outrider Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Lawrence S. Klein, Joseph A. Welsh, JohnDavid A. Arnott, Chandler R. Deimund