Patents by Inventor Mark M. Flees

Mark M. Flees 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: 9115482
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting collisions. One system includes a processor configured to receive data from at least one sensor installed on a shovel, identify a plurality of planes based on the data, determine if the plurality of planes are positioned in a predetermined configuration associated with a haul truck to identify whether the plurality of planes represent a haul truck. The processor is further configured to receive a current position and a current direction of movement of a dipper of the shovel, and determine if a collision is possible between the dipper and the identified haul truck based on the plurality of planes, the current position, and the current direction of movement and without receiving any information from the haul truck. If a collision is possible, the processor is configured to alert an operator of the shovel and, optionally, augment movement of the dipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian K. Hargrave, Jr., Mark M. Flees, Kamal Kishore Gupta, Matthew J. Reiland, Steven Koxlien, Wesley P. Taylor, Ryan A. Munoz
  • Publication number: 20140316665
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting collisions. One system includes a processor configured to receive data from at least one sensor installed on a shovel, identify a plurality of planes based on the data, determine if the plurality of planes are positioned in a predetermined configuration associated with a haul truck to identify whether the plurality of planes represent a haul truck. The processor is further configured to receive a current position and a current direction of movement of a dipper of the shovel, and determine if a collision is possible between the dipper and the identified haul truck based on the plurality of planes, the current position, and the current direction of movement and without receiving any information from the haul truck. If a collision is possible, the processor is configured to alert an operator of the shovel and, optionally, augment movement of the dipper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Brian K. Hargrave, JR., Mark M. Flees, Kamal Kishore Gupta, Matthew J. Reiland, Steven Koxlien, Wesley P. Taylor, Ryan A. Munoz
  • Patent number: 8768583
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting collisions. One system includes a processor configured to receive data from at least one sensor installed on a shovel, identify a plurality of planes based on the data, determine if the plurality of planes are positioned in a predetermined configuration associated with a haul truck to identify whether the plurality of planes represent a haul truck. The processor is further configured to receive a current position and a current direction of movement of a dipper of the shovel, and determine if a collision is possible between the dipper and the identified haul truck based on the plurality of planes, the current position, and the current direction of movement and without receiving any information from the haul truck. If a collision is possible, the processor is configured to alert an operator of the shovel and, optionally, augment movement of the dipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian K. Hargrave, Jr., Mark M. Flees, Kamal Kishore Gupta, Matthew J. Reiland, Steven Koxlien, Wesley P. Taylor, Ryan A. Munoz
  • Publication number: 20130261885
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an overview-head view of an industrial machine, such as a shovel. One system includes at least one processor configured to receive data from at least one sensor installed on the shovel relating to the area around the shovel, identify a plurality of planes based on the data, determine if the plurality of planes are positioned in a predetermined configuration associated with a haul truck, and if the plurality of planes are positioned in the predetermined configuration, superimpose the plurality of planes on an overhead-view image of the shovel and the area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: HARNISCHFEGER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Brian K. Hargrave, JR., Mark M. Flees, Kamal Kishore Gupta, Matthew J. Reiland, Steven Koxlien, Wesley P. Taylor, Ryan A. Munoz
  • Publication number: 20130261903
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting collisions. One system includes a processor configured to receive data from at least one sensor installed on a shovel, identify a plurality of planes based on the data, determine if the plurality of planes are positioned in a predetermined configuration associated with a haul truck to identify whether the plurality of planes represent a haul truck. The processor is further configured to receive a current position and a current direction of movement of a dipper of the shovel, and determine if a collision is possible between the dipper and the identified haul truck based on the plurality of planes, the current position, and the current direction of movement and without receiving any information from the haul truck. If a collision is possible, the processor is configured to alert an operator of the shovel and, optionally, augment movement of the dipper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: HARNISCHFEGER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Brian K. Hargrave, Jr., Mark M. Flees, Kamal Kishore Gupta, Matthew J. Reiland, Steven Koxlien, Wesley P. Taylor, Ryan A. Munoz