Patents by Inventor Donald H. Sandbrook

Donald H. Sandbrook 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).

  • Publication number: 20240153383
    Abstract: A vehicle presence detection system for determining whether a parking space is vacant or occupied and utilizing this information to guide vehicles to available parking spaces. generally includes a LIDAR device, a cloud-based processing unit, a database, and a guidance light. The LIDAR device generally includes a light emitter, a light sensor, a CPU, a memory unit, and a communications device. The LIDAR device determines the distance between itself and a parking spot or a vehicle parked in that parking spot using an algorithm that accounts for variances in the ambient conditions. This status information can be communicated to a cloud-based processing unit, which can store this information in a database and/or use this information to send parking status indications to an autonomous vehicle dynamic sign, mobile device, or guidance light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2024
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventor: Donald H. Sandbrook
  • Patent number: 11948458
    Abstract: A vehicle flow monitoring system for detecting both a car count and direction of movement of vehicles passing a point of interest. The vehicle flow monitoring system generally includes a car counter which may include a microcontroller and a pair of distance sensors. Each of the distance sensors is oriented toward a unique point of interest. Each of the distance sensors includes a threshold distance reading which is used to detect whether a vehicle has passed underneath the car counter. The system may determine direction of travel of the vehicle based on which of the distance sensors is passed by the vehicle first. The microcontroller may assign an Event ID to each time a vehicle passes each of the sensors, with the Event ID being used to identify when and if the vehicle should be counted, or whether a non-vehicle object has passed the car counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Frogparking Limited
    Inventor: Donald H. Sandbrook
  • Patent number: 11875679
    Abstract: A vehicle presence detection system for determining whether a parking space is vacant or occupied and utilizing this information to guide vehicles to available parking spaces. generally includes a LIDAR device, a cloud-based processing unit, a database, and a guidance light. The LIDAR device generally includes a light emitter, a light sensor, a CPU, a memory unit, and a communications device. The LIDAR device determines the distance between itself and a parking spot or a vehicle parked in that parking spot using an algorithm that accounts for variances in the ambient conditions. This status information can be communicated to a cloud-based processing unit, which can store this information in a database and/or use this information to send parking status indications to an autonomous vehicle dynamic sign, mobile device, or guidance light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Frogparking Limited
    Inventor: Donald H. Sandbrook
  • Publication number: 20240003179
    Abstract: A vehicle barrier gate system which is positioned above a roadway through which vehicles pass. Some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure include a gate comprised of an arm and barrier which is adjustable between a raised position in which a vehicle may pass and a lowered position in which a vehicle is prevented from passing. The gate may be movably connected to a ceiling or an overhead support structure positioned above the roadway. Various types of actuators may be utilized to adjust the gate along a linear and/or angular path between the raised and lowered positions. A control unit may be in communication with one or more sensors and/or an authorization system to control the actuator. The gate may include a breakaway mechanism which allows the gate to be manually raised or lowered in the event of actuator failure or a vehicle ramming through the gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventor: Donald H. Sandbrook
  • Patent number: 11821155
    Abstract: Vehicle barrier systems that can selectively move a barrier arm between a first position that prevents a vehicle from passing, or a second position that allows the vehicle to pass, wherein the barrier arm moves both upwardly away from a travel path and laterally along the travel path in a direction away from the vehicle. The barrier arm movement thereby leads the driver of the vehicle through the barrier system in a sweeping or leading movement. In some embodiments, an actuator assembly of the barrier system includes a breakaway assembly coupled to the barrier arm. In the event that an abnormal force (e.g. vehicle strike, vandalism, etc.) applied to the barrier arm exceeds a predetermined threshold, one or more drive magnets of the breakaway assembly disengage from the one or more magnetically-attractive elements to prevent damage to the barrier system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Frogparking Limited
    Inventor: Donald H. Sandbrook
  • Patent number: 11798414
    Abstract: A vehicle flow monitoring system for detecting both a car count and direction of movement of vehicles passing a point of interest. The vehicle flow monitoring system generally includes a car counter which may include a microcontroller and a pair of distance sensors. Each of the distance sensors is oriented toward a unique point of interest. Each of the distance sensors includes a threshold distance reading which is used to detect whether a vehicle has passed underneath the car counter. The system may determine direction of travel of the vehicle based on which of the distance sensors is passed by the vehicle first. The microcontroller may assign an Event ID to each time a vehicle passes each of the sensors, with the Event ID being used to identify when and if the vehicle should be counted, or whether a non-vehicle object has passed the car counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Frogparking Limited
    Inventor: Donald H. Sandbrook
  • Patent number: 11761256
    Abstract: A vehicle barrier gate system which is positioned above a roadway through which vehicles pass. Some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure include a gate comprised of an arm and barrier which is adjustable between a raised position in which a vehicle may pass and a lowered position in which a vehicle is prevented from passing. The gate may be movably connected to a ceiling or an overhead support structure positioned above the roadway. Various types of actuators may be utilized to adjust the gate along a linear and/or angular path between the raised and lowered positions. A control unit may be in communication with one or more sensors and/or an authorization system to control the actuator. The gate may include a breakaway mechanism which allows the gate to be manually raised or lowered in the event of actuator failure or a vehicle ramming through the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Frogparking Limited
    Inventor: Donald H. Sandbrook
  • Publication number: 20230290250
    Abstract: A vehicle flow monitoring system for detecting both a car count and direction of movement of vehicles passing a point of interest. The vehicle flow monitoring system generally includes a car counter which may include a microcontroller and a pair of distance sensors. Each of the distance sensors is oriented toward a unique point of interest. Each of the distance sensors includes a threshold distance reading which is used to detect whether a vehicle has passed underneath the car counter. The system may determine direction of travel of the vehicle based on which of the distance sensors is passed by the vehicle first. The microcontroller may assign an Event ID to each time a vehicle passes each of the sensors, with the Event ID being used to identify when and if the vehicle should be counted, or whether a non-vehicle object has passed the car counter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventor: Donald H. Sandbrook
  • Publication number: 20230222911
    Abstract: A vehicle presence detection system for determining whether a parking space is vacant or occupied and utilizing this information to guide vehicles to available parking spaces. generally includes a LIDAR device, a cloud-based processing unit, a database, and a guidance light. The LIDAR device generally includes a light emitter, a light sensor, a CPU, a memory unit, and a communications device. The LIDAR device determines the distance between itself and a parking spot or a vehicle parked in that parking spot using an algorithm that accounts for variances in the ambient conditions. This status information can be communicated to a cloud-based processing unit, which can store this information in a database and/or use this information to send parking status indications to an autonomous vehicle dynamic sign, mobile device, or guidance light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Inventor: Donald H. Sandbrook
  • Publication number: 20230184023
    Abstract: A vehicle barrier gate system which is positioned above a roadway through which vehicles pass. Some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure include a gate comprised of an arm and barrier which is adjustable between a raised position in which a vehicle may pass and a lowered position in which a vehicle is prevented from passing. The gate may be movably connected to a ceiling or an overhead support structure positioned above the roadway. Various types of actuators may be utilized to adjust the gate along a linear and/or angular path between the raised and lowered positions. A control unit may be in communication with one or more sensors and/or an authorization system to control the actuator. The gate may include a breakaway mechanism which allows the gate to be manually raised or lowered in the event of actuator failure or a vehicle ramming through the gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventor: Donald H. Sandbrook
  • Patent number: 11610487
    Abstract: A vehicle presence detection system for determining whether a parking space is vacant or occupied and utilizing this information to guide vehicles to available parking spaces. generally includes a LIDAR device, a cloud-based processing unit, a database, and a guidance light. The LIDAR device generally includes a light emitter, a light sensor, a CPU, a memory unit, and a communications device. The LIDAR device determines the distance between itself and a parking spot or a vehicle parked in that parking spot using an algorithm that accounts for variances in the ambient conditions. This status information can be communicated to a cloud-based processing unit, which can store this information in a database and/or use this information to send parking status indications to an autonomous vehicle dynamic sign, mobile device, or guidance light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Frogparking Limited
    Inventor: Donald H. Sandbrook
  • Publication number: 20230046310
    Abstract: A vehicle flow monitoring system for detecting both a car count and direction of movement of vehicles passing a point of interest. The vehicle flow monitoring system generally includes a car counter which may include a microcontroller and a pair of distance sensors. Each of the distance sensors is oriented toward a unique point of interest. Each of the distance sensors includes a threshold distance reading which is used to detect whether a vehicle has passed underneath the car counter. The system may determine direction of travel of the vehicle based on which of the distance sensors is passed by the vehicle first. The microcontroller may assign an Event ID to each time a vehicle passes each of the sensors, with the Event ID being used to identify when and if the vehicle should be counted, or whether a non-vehicle object has passed the car counter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventor: Donald H. Sandbrook
  • Publication number: 20230043631
    Abstract: An apparatus for efficient targeting or removal of weeds or other plants. The apparatus may include a vehicle having a frame, a motor and a plurality of ground engaging members adapted to propel the vehicle over a surface. It may also include a robotic arm comprising a distal portion and a proximal portion coupled to the frame, and an implement, such as a tool or hoe connected to the distal portion of the robotic arm. The implement can be raised and lowered, and also moved relative to the surface by the robotic arm by pivoting or rotating the robotic arm at or near the proximal portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2021
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventor: Donald H. Sandbrook
  • Publication number: 20230015711
    Abstract: A vehicle presence detection system for determining whether a parking space is vacant or occupied and utilizing this information to guide vehicles to available parking spaces. generally includes a LIDAR device, a cloud-based processing unit, a database, and a guidance light. The LIDAR device generally includes a light emitter, a light sensor, a CPU, a memory unit, and a communications device. The LIDAR device determines the distance between itself and a parking spot or a vehicle parked in that parking spot using an algorithm that accounts for variances in the ambient conditions. This status information can be communicated to a cloud-based processing unit, which can store this information in a database and/or use this information to send parking status indications to an autonomous vehicle dynamic sign, mobile device, or guidance light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventor: Donald H. Sandbrook
  • Patent number: 11488475
    Abstract: A vehicle flow monitoring system for detecting both a car count and direction of movement of vehicles passing a point of interest. The vehicle flow monitoring system generally includes a car counter which may include a microcontroller and a pair of distance sensors. Each of the distance sensors is oriented toward a unique point of interest. Each of the distance sensors includes a threshold distance reading which is used to detect whether a vehicle has passed underneath the car counter. The system may determine direction of travel of the vehicle based on which of the distance sensors is passed by the vehicle first. The microcontroller may assign an Event ID to each time a vehicle passes each of the sensors, with the Event ID being used to identify when and if the vehicle should be counted, or whether a non-vehicle object has passed the car counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Frogparking Limited
    Inventor: Donald H. Sandbrook
  • Patent number: 11462108
    Abstract: A vehicle presence detection system for determining whether a parking space is vacant or occupied and utilizing this information to guide vehicles to available parking spaces. generally includes a LIDAR device, a cloud-based processing unit, a database, and a guidance light. The LIDAR device generally includes a light emitter, a light sensor, a CPU, a memory unit, and a communications device. The LIDAR device determines the distance between itself and a parking spot or a vehicle parked in that parking spot using an algorithm that accounts for variances in the ambient conditions. This status information can be communicated to a cloud-based processing unit, which can store this information in a database and/or use this information to send parking status indications to an autonomous vehicle dynamic sign, mobile device, or guidance light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Frogparking Limited
    Inventor: Donald H. Sandbrook
  • Patent number: 11377899
    Abstract: A vehicle barrier gate system which is positioned above a roadway through which vehicles pass. Some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure include a gate comprised of an arm and barrier which is adjustable between a raised position in which a vehicle may pass and a lowered position in which a vehicle is prevented from passing. The gate may be movably connected to a ceiling or an overhead support structure positioned above the roadway. Various types of actuators may be utilized to adjust the gate along a linear and/or angular path between the raised and lowered positions. A control unit may be in communication with one or more sensors and/or an authorization system to control the actuator. The gate may include a breakaway mechanism which allows the gate to be manually raised or lowered in the event of actuator failure or a vehicle ramming through the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Frogparking Limited
    Inventor: Donald H. Sandbrook
  • Patent number: 11279189
    Abstract: A walking beam suspension for use with an agricultural vehicle or robot having a chassis and a plurality of wheels on opposite sides of the chassis. The walking beam suspension generally includes first and second walking beams pivotably connected to the opposite sides of the chassis and a dynamic coupling connected between the walking beams and the chassis. As the vehicle traverses the surface the wheels encounter deviations. The walking beams pivot relative to each other and to the chassis to maintain the wheels in contact with the surface. The dynamic coupling dynamically extends and retracts connections between the walking beams and dynamically pivots and linearly moves a connection to the chassis to reduce the transfer of movement caused by the deviations to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Greentech Robotics Limited
    Inventor: Donald H. Sandbrook
  • Publication number: 20220036733
    Abstract: A vehicle flow monitoring system for detecting both a car count and direction of movement of vehicles passing a point of interest. The vehicle flow monitoring system generally includes a car counter which may include a microcontroller and a pair of distance sensors. Each of the distance sensors is oriented toward a unique point of interest. Each of the distance sensors includes a threshold distance reading which is used to detect whether a vehicle has passed underneath the car counter. The system may determine direction of travel of the vehicle based on which of the distance sensors is passed by the vehicle first. The microcontroller may assign an Event ID to each time a vehicle passes each of the sensors, with the Event ID being used to identify when and if the vehicle should be counted, or whether a non-vehicle object has passed the car counter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventor: Donald H. Sandbrook
  • Publication number: 20220028269
    Abstract: A vehicle presence detection system for determining whether a parking space is vacant or occupied and utilizing this information to guide vehicles to available parking spaces. generally includes a LIDAR device, a cloud-based processing unit, a database, and a guidance light. The LIDAR device generally includes a light emitter, a light sensor, a CPU, a memory unit, and a communications device. The LIDAR device determines the distance between itself and a parking spot or a vehicle parked in that parking spot using an algorithm that accounts for variances in the ambient conditions. This status information can be communicated to a cloud-based processing unit, which can store this information in a database and/or use this information to send parking status indications to an autonomous vehicle dynamic sign, mobile device, or guidance light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventor: Donald H. Sandbrook