Patents by Inventor Edmund Stilwell
Edmund Stilwell 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: 11807508Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods associated with powered vehicles are disclosed herein. In examples, a system for controlling a vehicle may include sensors and a processor coupled to the sensors. The processor may identify one or more values received from the one or more sensors, wherein the one or more values are associated with one or more conditions of the vehicle and/or the vehicle's environment, and determine, based on the one or more values, a net resultant force vector of one or more forces acting on a center of mass of the vehicle. The processor may further determine a relationship between the net resultant force vector and a stability polygon that is superimposed at a base of the vehicle, and determine whether to limit one or more of a speed, rate of change, and/or travel amount for one or more of the operational systems controlled by the processor based on the relationship between the net resultant force vector and the stability polygon. Other examples may be described and/or claimed.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2019Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Hyster-Yale Group, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas M. Draayer, Ryan McDermott, Edmund Stilwell
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Publication number: 20230331528Abstract: Systems and methods can prevent or reduce jerk during operation of a materials-handling vehicle that is unloaded or carrying a load. The vehicle comprises one or more user input devices configured to receive from an operator a request to perform an action and a processor. The processor is configured to determine, before performing the action requested by the operator, a force acting on the load carried by the materials-handling vehicle as a result of the action requested by the operator. The processor determines whether the force would result in a jerk if the action is performed as requested. If it is determined that the force would result in a jerk, the action is modified so as to reduce the force. If it is determined that the force would not result in a jerk, the materials-handling vehicle performs the action as requested by the operator without modification to reduce the force.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2023Publication date: October 19, 2023Applicant: Hyster-Yale Group, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas M. Draayer, Ryan McDermott, Edmund Stilwell
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Patent number: 11760615Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods associated with powered vehicles are disclosed herein. In examples, a system for controlling a vehicle may include sensors and a processor coupled to the sensors. The processor may identify one or more values received from the one or more sensors, wherein the one or more values are associated with one or more conditions of the vehicle and/or the vehicle's environment, and determine, based on the one or more values, a net resultant force vector of one or more forces acting on a center of mass of the vehicle. The processor may further determine a relationship between the net resultant force vector and a stability polygon that is superimposed at a base of the vehicle, and determine whether to limit one or more of a speed, rate of change, and/or travel amount for one or more of the operational systems controlled by the processor based on the relationship between the net resultant force vector and the stability polygon. Other examples may be described and/or claimed.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2020Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Hyster-Yale Group, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas M. Draayer, Ryan McDermott, Edmund Stilwell
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Publication number: 20230174359Abstract: Lift trucks designed with a common chassis can include an ergonomically improved operator compartment, wheels, lift assembly, power plant, energy source, steering, seat, and counterweight components. Modular chassis designs can accommodate different form factors and different energy sources to accommodate different end uses of the lift truck, including lift trucks having a low floor, seatside steering, and/or a combination of operator-inaccessible compartments for high-reliability components and operator-accessible components for components that may require more frequent or convenient access. In one embodiment, the energy source is a lithium-ion battery bank in an operator-inaccessible compartment under a low, broad floor that facilitates easy entry into and exit from the operator compartment as well as ergonomic operation by the operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2022Publication date: June 8, 2023Applicant: Hyster-Yale Group, Inc.Inventors: Edmund Stilwell, Ryan McDermott, Nicholas M. Draayer, Dan Miller, Mark Cheyne, John Santiago
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Patent number: 11661060Abstract: A proximity-detection and speed-control system for a materials-handling vehicle, such as a lift truck, is provided with a recommended direction of travel for the vehicle. A proximity sensor is provided to determine the vehicle's proximity to a restricted member, such as another vehicle, a high-value object, a dangerous location, or a pedestrian. If the vehicle is traveling in the recommended direction of travel, the speed control function is disabled. If, however, the vehicle is not travelling in the recommended direction and the proximity sensor indicates the vehicle is within a restricted distance of the restricted member, the speed control function is triggered to restrict the maximum speed of travel of the vehicle and to slow the vehicle if needed.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2022Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Hyster-Yale Group, Inc.Inventors: Edmund Stilwell, Ryan McDermott, Nicholas M. Draayer
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Patent number: 11427450Abstract: Lift trucks designed with a common chassis can include an ergonomically improved operator compartment, wheels, lift assembly, power plant, energy source, steering, seat, and counterweight components. Modular chassis designs can accommodate different form factors and different energy sources to accommodate different end uses of the lift truck, including lift trucks having a low floor, seatside steering, and/or a combination of operator-inaccessible compartments for high-reliability components and operator-accessible components for components that may require more frequent or convenient access. In one embodiment, the energy source is a lithium-ion battery bank in an operator-inaccessible compartment under a low, broad floor that facilitates easy entry into and exit from the operator compartment as well as ergonomic operation by the operator.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2019Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: Hyster-Yale Group, Inc.Inventors: Edmund Stilwell, Ryan McDermott, Nicholas M. Draayer, Dan Miller, Mark Cheyne, John Santiago
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Publication number: 20200399105Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods associated with powered vehicles are disclosed herein. In examples, a system for controlling a vehicle may include sensors and a processor coupled to the sensors. The processor may identify one or more values received from the one or more sensors, wherein the one or more values are associated with one or more conditions of the vehicle and/or the vehicle's environment, and determine, based on the one or more values, a net resultant force vector of one or more forces acting on a center of mass of the vehicle. The processor may further determine a relationship between the net resultant force vector and a stability polygon that is superimposed at a base of the vehicle, and determine whether to limit one or more of a speed, rate of change, and/or travel amount for one or more of the operational systems controlled by the processor based on the relationship between the net resultant force vector and the stability polygon. Other examples may be described and/or claimed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2020Publication date: December 24, 2020Applicant: Hyster-Yale Group, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas M. DRAAYER, Ryan MCDERMOTT, Edmund STILWELL
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Publication number: 20200071144Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods associated with powered vehicles are disclosed herein. In examples, a system for controlling a vehicle may include sensors and a processor coupled to the sensors. The processor may identify one or more values received from the one or more sensors, wherein the one or more values are associated with one or more conditions of the vehicle and/or the vehicle's environment, and determine, based on the one or more values, a net resultant force vector of one or more forces acting on a center of mass of the vehicle. The processor may further determine a relationship between the net resultant force vector and a stability polygon that is superimposed at a base of the vehicle, and determine whether to limit one or more of a speed, rate of change, and/or travel amount for one or more of the operational systems controlled by the processor based on the relationship between the net resultant force vector and the stability polygon. Other examples may be described and/or claimed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2019Publication date: March 5, 2020Applicant: Hyster-Yale Group, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas M. Draayer, Ryan McDermott, Edmund Stilwell
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Publication number: 20190393526Abstract: A method for maintaining a target electrochemical impedance (ECI) for a fuel cell, which corresponds to a target hydration state for the fuel cell. The method includes determining a target electrochemical impedance (ECI) for the fuel cell based on current operating conditions. The method further includes determining actual ECI for the fuel cell and comparing actual ECI to the target ECI. The method further includes adjusting a cathode flow to the fuel cell based on a deviation of the actual ECI from the target ECI.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2019Publication date: December 26, 2019Applicant: Hyster-Yale Group, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas M. Draayer, Edmund Stilwell, Eugene Wong
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Publication number: 20190367341Abstract: Lift trucks designed with a common chassis can include an ergonomically improved operator compartment, wheels, lift assembly, power plant, energy source, steering, seat, and counterweight components. Modular chassis designs can accommodate different form factors and different energy sources to accommodate different end uses of the lift truck, including lift trucks having a low floor, seatside steering, and/or a combination of operator-inaccessible compartments for high-reliability components and operator-accessible components for components that may require more frequent or convenient access. In one embodiment, the energy source is a lithium-ion battery bank in an operator-inaccessible compartment under a low, broad floor that facilitates easy entry into and exit from the operator compartment as well as ergonomic operation by the operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2019Publication date: December 5, 2019Applicant: Hyster-Yale Group, Inc.Inventors: Edmund Stilwell, Ryan McDermott, Nicholas M. Draayer, Dan Miller, Mark Cheyne
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Patent number: 8893845Abstract: A brake assembly includes an operator brake pedal configured to be depressed at a brake pedal angle, and brake pedal linkage operatively connected to the operator brake pedal. The brake pedal linkage is configured to apply a braking force in response to the depression of the operator brake pedal. A brake pedal effort input is associated with the brake pedal angle, and a first rate of change of the brake pedal effort input with respect to the brake pedal angle may be associated with an initial range of motion of the operator brake pedal. A second rate of change of the brake pedal effort input with respect to the brake pedal angle may be associated with a subsequent range of motion of the operator brake pedal. The second rate of change may be greater than the first rate of change.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2011Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: NMHG Oregon, LLCInventors: Edmund Stilwell, Duane C. Richards
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Publication number: 20110315493Abstract: A brake assembly includes an operator brake pedal configured to be depressed at a brake pedal angle, and brake pedal linkage operatively connected to the operator brake pedal. The brake pedal linkage is configured to apply a braking force in response to the depression of the operator brake pedal. A brake pedal effort input is associated with the brake pedal angle, and a first rate of change of the brake pedal effort input with respect to the brake pedal angle may be associated with an initial range of motion of the operator brake pedal. A second rate of change of the brake pedal effort input with respect to the brake pedal angle may be associated with a subsequent range of motion of the operator brake pedal. The second rate of change may be greater than the first rate of change.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2011Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: NMHG OREGON, LLCInventors: Edmund STILWELL, Duane C. RICHARDS
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Patent number: 8028788Abstract: A brake assembly includes a piston housing, a piston moveably arranged within the piston housing, and a bearing cover mounted to the piston housing. A spring assembly is located between the piston and the bearing cover, wherein mounting the bearing cover to the piston housing compresses the spring assembly to achieve an initial spring force. The initial spring force of the spring assembly causes the piston to act against a vehicle brake when the brake assembly is mounted to a vehicle axle that passes through the spring assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2009Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: NMHG Oregon, LLCInventors: Edmund Stilwell, Duane C. Richards
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Publication number: 20100206655Abstract: A brake assembly includes a piston housing, a piston moveably arranged within the piston housing, and a bearing cover mounted to the piston housing. A spring assembly is located between the piston and the bearing cover, wherein mounting the bearing cover to the piston housing compresses the spring assembly to achieve an initial spring force. The initial spring force of the spring assembly causes the piston to act against a vehicle brake when the brake assembly is mounted to a vehicle axle that passes through the spring assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2009Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: NMHG OREGON, LLCInventors: Edmund STILWELL, Duane C. RICHARDS
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Patent number: D907882Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2019Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: HYSTER-YALE GROUP, INC.Inventors: Keith Dawson, Edmund Stilwell, Daniel Miller, Ryan McDermott, Nicholas Draayer, Mark Cheyne, Robert New