Patents by Inventor David A. Voeller
David A. Voeller 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: 11333525Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning, calibrating, or inspecting an onboard vehicle sensor having an external field of view by providing a calibration component on a support structure for positioning at a short calibration distance from the vehicle and which is within the field of view of said sensor. The calibration component is configured to appear to the sensor as if it was positioned at a predetermined linear calibration distance from the vehicle which is greater than the actual short calibration distance.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2019Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Hunter Engineering CompanyInventors: David A. Voeller, Gerald E. Friton, Timothy A. Strege, Patrick Callanan
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Publication number: 20200011703Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning, calibrating, or inspecting an onboard vehicle sensor having an external field of view by providing a calibration component on a support structure for positioning at a short calibration distance from the vehicle and which is within the field of view of said sensor. The calibration component is configured to appear to the sensor as if it was positioned at a predetermined linear calibration distance from the vehicle which is greater than the actual short calibration distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2019Publication date: January 9, 2020Inventors: David A. Voeller, Gerald E. Friton, Timothy A. Strege, Patrick Callanan
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Patent number: 10458811Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning, calibrating, or inspecting an onboard vehicle sensor having an external field of view by providing a calibration component on a support structure for positioning at a short calibration distance of said sensor. The calibration component is configured to appear to the sensor as if it was positioned at a predetermined linear calibration distance from the vehicle which is greater than the actual short calibration distance.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2015Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: Hunter Engineering CompanyInventors: David A. Voeller, Gerald E. Friton, Timothy A. Strege, Patrick Callanan
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Patent number: 9990376Abstract: An imaging sensor observes a field of view through which a vehicle passes, at an orientation and position suitable for acquisition of license plate data from a surface of the vehicle. Responsive to the vehicle position, at least one image of a surface of the vehicle including a license plate is acquired and evaluated to extract license plate data. The position of the vehicle for acquisition of the image is established by a trigger in a fixed relationship with the imaging sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2016Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: Hunter Engineering CompanyInventors: David A. Voeller, William D. Heine, John D. Klarer
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Patent number: 9731566Abstract: A tire changer with a controller includes a with a mount assembly adapted for contacting a wheel assembly to mount the wheel to a rotating spindle. The tire changer controller is configured to regulate the operation of a motor, and which is operatively connected to the rotating spindle to rotate the wheel assembly. A sensor coupled to the controller provides a data representative of the rotational position of the wheel assembly about a rotational axis. The controller is further configured to engage a load roller with the wheel assembly to apply a radial force to a tire mounted on a rim of the wheel assembly during rotation of the wheel, and to regulate the operation of a tire handling means and mount assembly, enabling identification, optional marking, and adjustment of the tire angular mounting position relative to the wheel rim.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2014Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: Hunter Engineering CompanyInventors: David A. Voeller, Douglas S. Hanneken, Steve Molbach, Joel Clasquin, Michael D. Gerdes
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Publication number: 20170140237Abstract: A procedure for acquiring and utilizing vehicle license plate image data during a vehicle service or inspection process. Acquired license plate images are evaluated to identify visible license plate features including license plate characters and a license plate jurisdiction. The information is communicated to a data archive system which is configured to employ a set of jurisdiction localization rules to match a specific vehicle identification number to the license plate data. A compilation of the identified and matched data is communicated to a vehicle service system or inspection system, for utilization in a vehicle service procedure or inspection process.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2016Publication date: May 18, 2017Inventors: David A. Voeller, Daniel G. Eberhart, Timothy A. Strege, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III
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Publication number: 20170003141Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning, calibrating, or inspecting an onboard vehicle sensor having an external field of view by providing a calibration component on a support structure for positioning at a short calibration distance of said sensor. The calibration component is configured to appear to the sensor as if it was positioned at a predetermined linear calibration distance from the vehicle which is greater than the actual short calibration distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2015Publication date: January 5, 2017Inventors: David A. Voeller, Gerald E. Friton, Timothy A. Strege, Patrick Callanan
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Publication number: 20160379487Abstract: An imaging sensor observes a field of view through which a vehicle passes, at an orientation and position suitable for acquisition of license plate data from a surface of the vehicle. Responsive to the vehicle position, at least one image of a surface of the vehicle including a license plate is acquired and evaluated to extract license plate data. The position of the vehicle for acquisition of the image is established by a trigger in a fixed relationship with the imaging sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: David A. Voeller, William D. Heine, John D. Klarer
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Publication number: 20160116273Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a vehicle wheel alignment measurement system to compensate one or more vehicle wheel alignment angles or vehicle body measurements acquired from a vehicle for changes associated with adjustments in the elevation of vertically movable runways of an automotive vehicle lift supporting the vehicle. An initial set of pose measurements are acquired with the movable runways at a stable first elevation. Following an elevation change to the movable runways, a second set of pose measurements are acquired with the movable runways at a second stable elevation. One or more compensation factors used to compensate vehicle wheel alignment angles or vehicle body measurements for changes in the automotive vehicle lift configuration are determined by a comparison of the initial and second sets of pose measurements.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: David A. Voeller, Timothy A. Strege
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Patent number: 8904863Abstract: A tire changer with a controller includes a with a mount assembly adapted for contacting a wheel assembly to mount the wheel to a rotating spindle. The tire changer controller is configured to regulate the operation of a motor which is operatively connected to the rotating spindle to rotate the wheel assembly. A sensor coupled to the controller provides a data representative of the rotational position of the wheel assembly about a rotational axis. The controller is further configured to regulate the operation of a hydraulic actuating means for engaging a load roller with the wheel assembly to apply a radial force to a tire mounted on a rim of the wheel assembly during rotation of the wheel, and to regulate the operation of a tire handling means and mount assembly, enabling identification, marking, and adjustment of the tire angular mounting position relative to the wheel rim.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2012Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Hunter Engineering CompanyInventors: David A. Voeller, Douglas S. Hanneken, Steve Molbach, Joel Clasquin, Michael D. Gerdes
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Patent number: 8613303Abstract: Tire changing machines having force feedback and position control systems are described that may be used to control operation of one or more components of the machine during a tire change procedure. Information may be provided to a machine operator concerning detected operating conditions during the procedure. Excessive or abnormal forces or component positions can be detected and corrective action may be taken at any point in the tire change procedure. Successful component position profiles may be saved for future recall and execution by the machine.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2009Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Hunter Engineering CompanyInventors: Douglas S. Hanneken, David A. Voeller, Charlie Polster, Joel Clasquin, Michael D. Gerdes, Nicolas J. Colarelli, III
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Publication number: 20130271574Abstract: An improved vehicle service system having at least one pattern-projecting, machine-vision sensor for acquiring images of objects and surface during a vehicle service or inspection procedure, and which is configured to process acquired images to identify measurements and/or relative three-dimensional locations associated with the vehicle undergoing service or inspection, vehicle components, surface, or objects in the environment surrounding the vehicle. The improved vehicle service system is further configured to utilized the identified measurements and/or relative three-dimensional locations during a vehicle service or inspection procedure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANYInventors: Daniel R. Dorrance, David A. Voeller, Timothy A. Strege, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III, Sean D. Reynolds
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Patent number: 8553236Abstract: An optical target for temporary application in non-determined placement on a surface of an object such as a vehicle wheel assembly within the field of view of an imaging sensor of a machine vision vehicle service system. The optical target consists of a flexible body which is relatively thin and generally flat, capable of conforming to the contours of a surface onto which it is secured in releasable manner by a means of adhesion. A set of visible optical elements are disposed on a front face of the target body for observation and imaging by the imaging sensors.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Hunter Engineering CompanyInventors: Daniel R. Dorrance, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III, Timothy A. Strege, Thomas J. Golab, David A. Voeller, Mark S. Shylanski
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Patent number: 8250915Abstract: A tire changer with a controller includes a with a mount assembly adapted for contacting a wheel assembly to mount the wheel to a rotating spindle. The tire changer controller is configured to regulated the operation of a motor, which may be hydraulically driven, and which is operatively connected to the rotating spindle to rotate the wheel assembly. A sensor coupled to the controller provides a data representative of the rotational position of the wheel assembly about a rotational axis. The controller is further configured to regulate the operation of a hydraulic actuating means for engaging a load roller with the wheel assembly to apply a radial force to a tire mounted on a rim of the wheel assembly during rotation of the wheel, and to regulate the operation of a tire handling means adapted to hold the tire during rotation of the wheel rim enabling automated adjustment of the tire angular mounting position relative to the wheel rim.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Hunter Engineering CompanyInventors: David A. Voeller, Douglas S. Hanneken, Steve Molbach, Joel Clasquin, Michael D. Gerdes
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Publication number: 20110051151Abstract: An optical target for temporary application in non-determined placement on a surface of an object such as a vehicle wheel assembly within the field of view of an imaging sensor of a machine vision vehicle service system. The optical target consists of a flexible body which is relatively thin and generally flat, capable of conforming to the contours of a surface onto which it is secured in releasable manner by a means of adhesion. A set of visible optical elements are disposed on a front face of the target body for observation and imaging by the imaging sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: HUNTER ENGINEERING CO.Inventors: Daniel R. Dorrance, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III, Timothy A. Strege, Thomas J. Golab, David A. Voeller, Mark S. Shylanski
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Patent number: 7869018Abstract: A method and apparatus for comparing reference planes during a vehicle wheel alignment procedure using a machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system. The machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system is configured to acquire position and orientation data associated with at least one optical target disposed in a field of view, to establish a first reference plane associated with a surface on which a vehicle undergoing an alignment procedure is disposed. Positional information associated with each wheel of the vehicle is then acquired by the machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system, and utilized to establish a second reference plane associated with each wheel of the vehicle. Differences between an orientation of the first reference plane and an orientation of the second reference plane are determined and identified to an operator or utilized to characterize components of the vehicle or vehicle support surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2010Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Hunter Engineering CompanyInventors: Timothy A. Strege, Patrick Callanan, David A. Voeller, Mark S. Shylanski
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Patent number: 7808627Abstract: Methods for facilitating controlled movement of at least one vehicle wheel. The methods include the step of presenting a display of information, such as by visual display or audible signals, to an operator to direct a manual controlled-speed movement of the vehicle wheel. The controlled-speed movement may be a rotational movement such as during a wheel alignment rolling compensation procedure, a steering movement, such as during a vehicle wheel alignment angle measurement procedure, or a rotational movement such as during a wheel assembly measurement procedure on a vehicle wheel balancer.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2006Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Hunter Engineering CompanyInventor: David A. Voeller
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Publication number: 20100166255Abstract: A method and apparatus for comparing reference planes during a vehicle wheel alignment procedure using a machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system. The machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system is configured to acquire position and orientation data associated with at least one optical target disposed in a field of view, to establish a first reference plane associated with a surface on which a vehicle undergoing an alignment procedure is disposed. Positional information associated with each wheel of the vehicle is then acquired by the machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system, and utilized to establish a second reference plane associated with each wheel of the vehicle. Differences between an orientation of the first reference plane and an orientation of the second reference plane are determined and identified to an operator or utilized to characterize components of the vehicle or vehicle support surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2010Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: HUNTER ENGINEERING CO.Inventors: Timothy A. Strege, Patrick Callanan, David A. Voeller, Mark S. Shylanski
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Patent number: 7702126Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing a machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system to measure an orientation of one or more vehicle supporting surfaces of a vehicle lift system, and to measure and compensate one or more vehicle measurements relative to the vehicle supporting surface of the vehicle lift system.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2004Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Hunter Engineering CompanyInventors: Timothy A. Strege, Patrick Callanan, David A. Voeller, Mark S. Shylanski
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Patent number: 7518714Abstract: A optical imaging sensor assembly for a machine-vision vehicle service system comprising a variable lens optical assembly. The variable lens optical assembly is controlled in response to direction from a vehicle service software application to alter an optical characteristic such as a field of view, a lens focal length, or an optical axis alignment to acquire images for use in a vehicle service procedure such as a vehicle wheel alignment procedure, vehicle tire balancing procedure, or tire changing procedure.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2006Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Hunter Engineering CompanyInventors: David A. Voeller, Timothy A. Strege