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).
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Patent number: 11520357Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 10, 2021Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: Workhorse Group Inc.Inventors: Elliot T. Bokeno, Thaddeus M. Bort, Jr., Stephen S. Burns, Martin Rucidlo, Wei Wei, Donald L. Wires
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Patent number: 11485215Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 9, 2021Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Workhorse Group Inc.Inventors: Robert Willison, Donald L. Wires, Gary Cain
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Publication number: 20220340140Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2022Publication date: October 27, 2022Inventors: Robert Willison, Donald L. Wires, Richard E. Bastien
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Patent number: 11479301Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 29, 2022Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Workhorse Group Inc.Inventor: Donald L. Wires
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Patent number: 11440456Abstract: Land vehicles are disclosed. 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: GrantFiled: December 9, 2021Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Workhorse Group Inc.Inventors: Robert Willison, Donald L. Wires, Gary Cain
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Patent number: 11440590Abstract: Land vehicles are disclosed. 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: GrantFiled: December 9, 2021Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Workhorse Group Inc.Inventors: Robert Willison, Donald L. Wires, Gary Cain
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Publication number: 20220250686Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2022Publication date: August 11, 2022Inventor: Donald L. Wires
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Patent number: 11383715Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 11, 2021Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Workhorse Group Inc.Inventors: Robert Willison, Donald L. Wires, Richard E. Bastien
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Patent number: 11338859Abstract: Land vehicles, powertrain units for land vehicles, and methods of using land vehicles are disclosed. 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: GrantFiled: January 6, 2021Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: Workhorse Group Inc.Inventor: Donald L. Wires
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Publication number: 20210365051Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2021Publication date: November 25, 2021Inventors: Elliot T. Bokeno, Thaddeus M. Bort, JR., Stephen S. Burns, Martin Rucidlo, Wei Wei, Donald L. Wires
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Patent number: 11086338Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 8, 2018Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: Workhorse Group Inc.Inventors: Elliot T. Bokeno, Thaddeus M. Bort, Jr., Stephen S. Burns, Martin Rucidlo, Wei Wei, Donald L. Wires
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Publication number: 20210213952Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2021Publication date: July 15, 2021Inventors: Robert Willison, Donald L. Wires, Richard E. Bastien
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Publication number: 20210206251Abstract: Land vehicles, powertrain units for land vehicles, and methods of using land vehicles are disclosed. 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: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventor: Donald L. Wires
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Publication number: 20180196445Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2018Publication date: July 12, 2018Applicant: Workhorse Group Inc.Inventors: Elliot T. Bokeno, Thaddeus M. Bort, JR., Stephen S. Burns, Martin Rucidlo, Wei Wei, Donald L. Wires
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Patent number: 9915956Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 7, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Workhorse Group Inc.Inventors: Elliot T. Bokeno, Thaddeus M. Bort, Jr., Stephen S. Burns, Martin Rucidlo, Wei Wei, Donald L. Wires
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Patent number: 9481256Abstract: An electric vehicle utilizes an internal combustion engine to drive the vehicle's main electric drive system in the regeneration mode and to charge the battery when the vehicle is stopped. The electric vehicle's main drive controller and motor are used as the generator to recharge the battery when the vehicle is stopped via a clutch mechanism allowing the motor to act as a generator while the vehicle is at rest. As the vehicle proceeds throughout the drive cycle, the vehicle is powered by the electric motor from the battery. The battery is recharged to a specified state of charge when the vehicle is parked. The internal combustion engine only operates to charge the battery, and the electric motor is used to propel the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: AMP Electric Vehicles Inc.Inventors: Alan J. Arkus, Stephen S. Burns, Donald L. Wires
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Publication number: 20160200438Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2016Publication date: July 14, 2016Applicant: Workhorse Group Inc.Inventors: Elliot T. Bokeno, Thaddeus M. Bort, JR., Stephen S. Burns, Martin Rucidlo, Wei Wei, Donald L. Wires
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Publication number: 20150210152Abstract: An electric vehicle utilizes an internal combustion engine to drive the vehicle's main electric drive system in the regeneration mode and to charge the battery when the vehicle is stopped. The electric vehicle's main drive controller and motor are used as the generator to recharge the battery when the vehicle is stopped via a clutch mechanism allowing the motor to act as a generator while the vehicle is at rest. As the vehicle proceeds throughout the drive cycle, the vehicle is powered by the electric motor from the battery. The battery is recharged to a specified state of charge when the vehicle is parked. The internal combustion engine only operates to charge the battery, and the electric motor is used to propel the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2015Publication date: July 30, 2015Applicant: AMP ELECTRIC VEHICLES INC.Inventors: Alan J. Arkus, Stephen S. Burns, Donald L. Wires
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Patent number: 8541915Abstract: A coolant fluid distributing manifold for a drive module in an electric motor drive assembly includes a body and passageways in the body for distributing coolant fluid to components of the drive module. The passageways define a delivery conduit and a return conduit.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: AMP Electric Vehicles Inc.Inventors: Stephen S. Burns, Mickey W. Kowitz, Timothy J. Wieck, Donald L. Wires
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Patent number: D945327Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2020Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: Workhorse Group Inc.Inventors: Robert Willison, Donald L. Wires, Richard E. Bastien