Patents by Inventor Donald L. Wires

Donald L. Wires 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: 11975720
    Abstract: An electric delivery truck control system is disclosed. Sensors detect operation parameters associated with the electric delivery truck as the electric delivery truck maneuvers along the roadway. An electric delivery truck control unit detects electric delivery truck control inputs associated with an operation of the electric delivery truck. The electric delivery truck control inputs are generated from an operation of the electric delivery truck. An operation parameter controller automatically adjusts the operation of the electric delivery truck as the electric delivery truck maneuvers along the roadway to maintain the operation of the electric delivery truck within an operation threshold based on the detected driving parameters and the electric delivery truck control inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Workhorse Group Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Willison, Donald L. Wires, Richard E. Bastien
  • Patent number: 11945505
    Abstract: A land vehicle includes a frame structure, a plurality of wheels, and an impact management system. The frame structure includes an operator cage that at least partially defines an operator cabin and a rear compartment positioned rearward of the operator cage in a longitudinal direction. The frame structure includes a pair of rails that each extends in the longitudinal direction from a first end arranged adjacent a pair of front wheels to a second end arranged adjacent a pair of rear wheels. The plurality of wheels are supported by the frame structure. The plurality of wheels includes the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels. The pair of front wheels are positioned forward of the pair of rear wheels in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Workhorse Group Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Willison, Donald L. Wires, Gary Cain
  • Patent number: 11884344
    Abstract: Land vehicles and methods of operating land vehicles are disclosed. A land vehicle includes a frame structure, a plurality of wheels, and a brake system. The frame structure includes a front cage that at least partially defines an operator cabin and a rear compartment positioned rearward of the front cage in a longitudinal direction. The plurality of wheels are supported by the frame structure. Each of plurality of wheels is sized to permit direct integration of an electric motor therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Workhorse Group Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Willison, Donald L. Wires, Gary Cain
  • Patent number: 11884198
    Abstract: A land vehicle includes a frame structure, a plurality of wheels supported by the frame structure, and a body supported by the frame structure. The frame structure includes an operator cage that at least partially defines an operator cabin and a rear compartment positioned rearward of the operator cage in a longitudinal direction. The body includes a first sidewall arranged on one side of the vehicle and a second sidewall arranged on another side of the vehicle opposite the first sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Workhorse Group Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Willison, Donald L. Wires, Gary Cain
  • Publication number: 20230415816
    Abstract: A land vehicle includes a frame structure, a plurality of wheels, and an impact management system. The frame structure includes an operator cage that at least partially defines an operator cabin and a rear compartment positioned rearward of the operator cage in a longitudinal direction. The frame structure includes a pair of rails that each extends in the longitudinal direction from a first end arranged adjacent a pair of front wheels to a second end arranged adjacent a pair of rear wheels. The plurality of wheels are supported by the frame structure. The plurality of wheels includes the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels. The pair of front wheels are positioned forward of the pair of rear wheels in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Robert Willison, Donald L. Wires, Gary Cain
  • Patent number: 11782457
    Abstract: Methods and associated systems for autonomous package delivery utilize a UAS/UAV, an infrared positioning senor, and a docking station integrated with a package delivery vehicle. The UAS/UAV accepts a package for delivery from the docking station on the delivery vehicle and uploads the delivery destination. The UAS/UAV autonomously launches from its docked position on the delivery vehicle. The UAS/UAV autonomously flies to the delivery destination by means of GPS navigation. The UAS/UAV is guided in final delivery by means of a human supervised live video feed from the UAS/UAV. The UAS/UAV is assisted in the descent and delivery of the parcel by precision sensors and if necessary by means of remote human control. The UAS/UAV autonomously returns to the delivery vehicle by means of GPS navigation and precision sensors. The UAS/UAV autonomously docks with the delivery vehicle for recharging and preparation for the next delivery sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Workhorse Group Inc.
    Inventors: Elliot T. Bokeno, Thaddeus M. Bort, Jr., Stephen S. Burns, Martin Rucidlo, Wei Wei, Donald L Wires
  • Publication number: 20230286590
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, land vehicles are provided as delivery vehicles and/or utility vehicles. A land vehicle includes a frame structure having a front cage that defines an operator cabin and a rear floor positioned rearward of the front cage. The frame structure supports a plurality of wheels to permit movement of the vehicle relative to an underlying surface in use of the land vehicle. An underside of the frame structure is disposed in confronting relation with the underlying surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventor: Donald L. Wires
  • Patent number: 11753078
    Abstract: A land vehicle includes a frame structure, a plurality of wheels, and an impact management system. The frame structure includes an operator cage that at least partially defines an operator cabin and a rear compartment positioned rearward of the operator cage in a longitudinal direction. The frame structure includes a pair of rails that each extends in the longitudinal direction from a first end arranged adjacent a pair of front wheels to a second end arranged adjacent a pair of rear wheels. The plurality of wheels are supported by the frame structure. The plurality of wheels includes the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels. The pair of front wheels are positioned forward of the pair of rear wheels in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Workhorse Group Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Willison, Donald L. Wires, Gary Cain
  • Publication number: 20230243392
    Abstract: Land vehicles and methods of operating land vehicles are disclosed. A land vehicle includes a frame structure, a plurality of wheels, and a brake system. The frame structure includes a front cage that at least partially defines an operator cabin and a rear compartment positioned rearward of the front cage in a longitudinal direction. The plurality of wheels are supported by the frame structure. Each of plurality of wheels is sized to permit direct integration of an electric motor therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: Robert Willison, Donald L. Wires, Gary Cain
  • Publication number: 20230182558
    Abstract: Land vehicles and methods of operating land vehicles are disclosed. A land vehicle includes a frame structure, a plurality of wheels, and a plurality of electric motors. The frame structure includes a front cage that at least partially defines an operator cabin and a rear compartment positioned rearward of the front cage in a longitudinal direction. The plurality of wheels are supported by the frame structure. The plurality of wheels includes a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels positioned rearward of the pair of front wheels in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2022
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Robert Willison, Donald L. Wires, Gary Cain
  • Publication number: 20230182816
    Abstract: A land vehicle includes a frame structure, a plurality of wheels, and an impact management system. The frame structure includes an operator cage that at least partially defines an operator cabin and a rear compartment positioned rearward of the operator cage in a longitudinal direction. The frame structure includes a pair of rails that each extends in the longitudinal direction from a first end arranged adjacent a pair of front wheels to a second end arranged adjacent a pair of rear wheels. The plurality of wheels are supported by the frame structure. The plurality of wheels includes the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels. The pair of front wheels are positioned forward of the pair of rear wheels in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Robert Willison, Donald L. Wires, Gary Cain
  • Publication number: 20230182633
    Abstract: A land vehicle includes a frame structure, a plurality of wheels supported by the frame structure, and a body supported by the frame structure. The frame structure includes an operator cage that at least partially defines an operator cabin and a rear compartment positioned rearward of the operator cage in a longitudinal direction. The body includes a first sidewall arranged on one side of the vehicle and a second sidewall arranged on another side of the vehicle opposite the first sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Robert Willison, Donald L. Wires, Gary Cain
  • Patent number: 11654971
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, land vehicles are provided as delivery vehicles and/or utility vehicles. A land vehicle includes a frame structure having a front cage that defines an operator cabin and a rear floor positioned rearward of the front cage. The frame structure supports a plurality of wheels to permit movement of the vehicle relative to an underlying surface in use of the land vehicle. An underside of the frame structure is disposed in confronting relation with the underlying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Workhorse Group Inc.
    Inventor: Donald L. Wires
  • Patent number: 11591032
    Abstract: Land vehicles and methods of operating land vehicles are disclosed. A land vehicle includes a frame structure, a plurality of wheels, and a brake system. The frame structure includes a front cage that at least partially defines an operator cabin and a rear compartment positioned rearward of the front cage in a longitudinal direction. The plurality of wheels are supported by the frame structure. Each of plurality of wheels is sized to permit direct integration of an electric motor therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Workhorse Group Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Willison, Donald L. Wires, Gary Cain
  • Patent number: 11572102
    Abstract: A land vehicle includes a frame structure, a plurality of wheels, and an impact management system. The frame structure includes an operator cage that at least partially defines an operator cabin and a rear compartment positioned rearward of the operator cage in a longitudinal direction. The frame structure includes a pair of rails that each extends in the longitudinal direction from a first end arranged adjacent a pair of front wheels to a second end arranged adjacent a pair of rear wheels. The plurality of wheels are supported by the frame structure. The plurality of wheels includes the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels. The pair of front wheels are positioned forward of the pair of rear wheels in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Workhorse Group Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Willison, Donald L. Wires, Gary Cain
  • Patent number: 11572004
    Abstract: A land vehicle includes a frame structure, a plurality of wheels supported by the frame structure, and a body supported by the frame structure. The frame structure includes an operator cage that at least partially defines an operator cabin and a rear compartment positioned rearward of the operator cage in a longitudinal direction. The body includes a first sidewall arranged on one side of the vehicle and a second sidewall arranged on another side of the vehicle opposite the first sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Workhorse Group Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Willison, Donald L. Wires, Gary Cain
  • Publication number: 20230033035
    Abstract: Land vehicles, powertrain units for land vehicles, and methods of using land vehicles are disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, the land vehicles are provided as delivery vehicles and/or utility vehicles. A land vehicle includes a frame structure having a front cage that defines an operator cabin and a rear floor positioned rearward of the front cage. The frame structure supports a plurality of wheels to permit movement of the vehicle relative to an underlying surface in use of the land vehicle. An underside of the frame structure is disposed in confronting relation with the underlying surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventor: Donald L. Wires
  • Publication number: 20220390962
    Abstract: Methods and associated systems for autonomous package delivery utilize a UAS/UAV, an infrared positioning senor, and a docking station integrated with a package delivery vehicle. The UAS/UAV accepts a package for delivery from the docking station on the delivery vehicle and uploads the delivery destination. The UAS/UAV autonomously launches from its docked position on the delivery vehicle. The UAS/UAV autonomously flies to the delivery destination by means of GPS navigation. The UAS/UAV is guided in final delivery by means of a human supervised live video feed from the UAS/UAV. The UAS/UAV is assisted in the descent and delivery of the parcel by precision sensors and if necessary by means of remote human control. The UAS/UAV autonomously returns to the delivery vehicle by means of GPS navigation and precision sensors. The UAS/UAV autonomously docks with the delivery vehicle for recharging and preparation for the next delivery sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Inventors: Elliot T. Bokeno, Thaddeus M. Bort, JR., Stephen S. Burns, Martin Rucidlo, Wei Wei, Donald L. Wires
  • Patent number: 11520357
    Abstract: Methods and associated systems for autonomous package delivery utilize a UAS/UAV, an infrared positioning senor, and a docking station integrated with a package delivery vehicle. The UAS/UAV accepts a package for delivery from the docking station on the delivery vehicle and uploads the delivery destination. The UAS/UAV autonomously launches from its docked position on the delivery vehicle. The UAS/UAV autonomously flies to the delivery destination by means of GPS navigation. The UAS/UAV is guided in final delivery by means of a human supervised live video feed from the UAS/UAV. The UAS/UAV is assisted in the descent and delivery of the parcel by precision sensors and if necessary by means of remote human control. The UAS/UAV autonomously returns to the delivery vehicle by means of GPS navigation and precision sensors. The UAS/UAV autonomously docks with the delivery vehicle for recharging and preparation for the next delivery sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Workhorse Group Inc.
    Inventors: Elliot T. Bokeno, Thaddeus M. Bort, Jr., Stephen S. Burns, Martin Rucidlo, Wei Wei, Donald L. Wires
  • Patent number: 11485215
    Abstract: Land vehicles and methods of operating land vehicles are disclosed. A land vehicle includes a frame structure, a plurality of wheels, and a plurality of electric motors. The frame structure includes a front cage that at least partially defines an operator cabin and a rear compartment positioned rearward of the front cage in a longitudinal direction. The plurality of wheels are supported by the frame structure. The plurality of wheels includes a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels positioned rearward of the pair of front wheels in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Workhorse Group Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Willison, Donald L. Wires, Gary Cain