Patents by Inventor Kenneth W. Crane

Kenneth W. Crane 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: 20130002456
    Abstract: A communications module for conveying information to the driver of a truck is provided. The module is designed to reside in the cab of a truck that is carrying a full truckload of cargo. The communications module includes a user interface such as a screen. The communications module also has a modem. The modem is used for communicating with a host trucking management system through a wireless communications system. The communications module has a vehicle navigation system. The vehicle navigation system communicates with a GPS satellite system to generate maps on the user interface. The navigation system allows the driver to refer to a map on a screen for driving directions en route to a cargo pick-up location or other location. Further, the communications module includes a processing unit that is programmed to receive cargo delivery data sets from the host trucking management system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Max L. Fuller, Kenneth W. Crane, Robert Lathrop, Scott Davison
  • Patent number: 8285611
    Abstract: A method for transporting cargo using a truck is provided. Preferably, the method is used in connection with full truckload operations. The method generally includes powering up a communications module residing within a cab of the truck. The communications module comprises a vehicle navigation system, a modem for receiving telecommunications signals, a processing unit for associating instructions for cargo delivery locations with geo-positioning coordinates, and a user interface. The method further includes receiving a cargo delivery data set at the communications module. The data set is sent from a host trucking management system. The data set provides at least a first cargo delivery location for the driver. The method then includes the driver acknowledging receipt of the first cargo delivery location through the user interface. Acknowledgment of receipt of the first cargo delivery location causes a signal to be sent from the communications module to the host trucking management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventors: Max L. Fuller, Kenneth W. Crane, Robert Lathrop, Scott Davison
  • Publication number: 20100169199
    Abstract: A method for transporting cargo using a truck is provided. Preferably, the method is used in connection with full truckload operations. The method generally includes powering up a communications module residing within a cab of the truck. The communications module comprises a vehicle navigation system, a modem for receiving telecommunications signals, a processing unit for associating instructions for cargo delivery locations with geo-positioning coordinates, and a user interface. The method further includes receiving a cargo delivery data set at the communications module. The data set is sent from a host trucking management system. The data set provides at least a first cargo delivery location for the driver. The method then includes the driver acknowledging receipt of the first cargo delivery location through the user interface. Acknowledgment of receipt of the first cargo delivery location causes a signal to be sent from the communications module to the host trucking management system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Max L. Fuller, Kenneth W. Crane, Robert Lathrop, Scott Davison