Patents by Inventor Dennis W. Eckstine

Dennis W. Eckstine 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).

  • Luffing angle measurement system
    Patent number: 6473715
    Abstract: The luffing angle measurement system includes a non-contact distance measuring device mounted on the nose section of a first boom. The non-contact distance measuring device measures either a distance to a second boom pivotally connected to the first boom or measures a time delay between the transmission of electromagnetic energy towards the second boom and reception of electromagnetic energy reflected from the second boom. A controller then converts the measured distance or the measured time delay into a luffing angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Grove U.S. L.L.C.
    Inventor: Dennis W. Eckstine
  • Aerial work platform with pothole and/or obstacle detection and avoidance system
    Patent number: 6380849
    Abstract: The aerial work platform including a pothole and/or obstacle avoidance system according to the present invention includes a non-contact distance measuring device mounted to an end of the aerial work platform chassis. The non-contact distance measuring device measures a distance to the ground along a predetermined angle, and generates a first signal based on the measured distance. In response to the output of the non-contact distance measuring device, a motor controller and/or brake controller of the aerial work platform control operation of a motor and/or brakes, respectively, to assist an operator of the aerial work platform in avoiding potholes and/or obstacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Grove U.S. L.L.C.
    Inventors: Dennis W. Eckstine, William W. Banks
  • Anti-two block device using non-contract measuring and detecting devices
    Patent number: 6343703
    Abstract: In the anti-two block device, a non-contact measuring device detects in one form or another the distance between a boom nose and a load-bearing member supported thereby. If the distance detected is less than a predetermined threshold value, the device triggers a warning or other operation to assist an operator in preventing anti-two blocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Grove U.S. L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jon E. Fleagle, Dennis W. Eckstine, William W. Banks, Francis R. Eyler
  • Obstacle avoidance and crushing protection system for outriggers of a chassis
    Patent number: 6067024
    Abstract: The protection system for outriggers of a chassis includes a non-contact distance measuring device, associated with at least one of the outriggers and the chassis, mounted on one of the outriggers and the chassis. The non-contact distance measuring device measures the distance to the ground along a predetermined angle, and generates a warning signal based on the measured distance. A controller stops operation of the outriggers in response to the warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Grove U.S. L.L.C.
    Inventors: Dennis W. Eckstine, William W. Banks