Patents by Inventor Michael B. Pruden

Michael B. Pruden 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: 20130297154
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable towing system and a method for adjusting a length of a longitudinally extending gap between a cab of a truck tractor and a trailer. The truck tractor is provided with at least one front axle, at least one rear axle, and a fifth wheel. The trailer provided with at least one axle and a kingpin. At least two of the fifth wheel, the kingpin, and the at least one axle are repositionable along the truck tractor or the trailer as the truck tractor tows the trailer, whereby the length of the gap is determined according to the position of the fifth wheel and the kingpin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: VOLVO GROUP NORTH AMERICA, LLC
    Inventors: Chad L. Burchett, Arthur N. Fowler, Michael B. Pruden
  • Publication number: 20130285348
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable towing system and method for a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle. A towing anchor is located on the towing vehicle. A towed anchor is located on the towed vehicle and connected to the towing anchor, whereby the towing vehicle tows the towed vehicle. A gap is defined between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle. The gap is provided with a length. At least one locking device selectively locks and unlocks the position of the towing anchor or the towed anchor, whereby as the towing vehicle and towed vehicle travel, relative speed differentials between the towing vehicle and towed vehicle produce repositioning of at least one of the towing anchor or the towed anchor in order to adjust the length of the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: VOLVO TECHNOLOGY OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Paul Schmitt, Michael B. Pruden