Patents by Inventor Klaus-Dieter Mank

Klaus-Dieter Mank 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: 4310789
    Abstract: A sensor array which extends only over a fraction of the length of the vehicle generates pick-up signals in response to signals emitted by a ground wire lying in the ground. The pick-up signals are processed in signal-processing circuits to generate a heading signal and a displacement signal representing the position of the vehicle and the direction of its longitudinal axis relative to the guide wire. A curvature detector is provided for generating a curvature signal, which represents the curvature of a bend of the guide wire near the sensor array. The heading, displacement and curvature signals are combined by a signal-combining circuit, which delivers a position control signal to position control means for controlling at least one steerable wheel of the vehicle so as to steer the latter along the guide wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1982
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Unternehmensverwaltung KG
    Inventors: Klaus-Dieter Mank, Gunther Prommel