Patents by Inventor Ralph Waldo Whitfield, JR.
Ralph Waldo Whitfield, JR. 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: 11893892Abstract: A method of transmitting data across a J1939 network comprises communicating at least one sensor, if not a plurality of sensors or operator interface devices, related to a utility service body data mounted on a chassis across the J1939 network on unassigned PGN/SPN combinations for various uses. Furthermore, at least one controller can evaluate other J1939 data, such as transmission gear and/or engine RPM before permitting operation of at least one function of the utility service body or upfit body with at least some embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2021Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: The Heil Co.Inventors: Ricardo Castano Salinas, John Forrest Smith, Brian Huston Ham, Ralph Waldo Whitfield, Jr.
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Publication number: 20230339678Abstract: An automatic control system for a refuse vehicle includes a mode select switch disposed within the vehicle that generates a mode select signal based on input from an operator of the vehicle, a control mechanism disposed within the vehicle that operates in response to the mode select signal, and a plurality of sensors adapted to sense a plurality of characteristics of the vehicle and adapted to communicate the plurality of sensed characteristics. The system further includes a control module that receives control instructions from the control mechanism and selectively controls at least one component of a plurality of components of the vehicle based on the mode select signal, at least one of the plurality of sensed characteristics, and the control instructions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2023Publication date: October 26, 2023Inventors: Ralph Waldo Whitfield, JR., Brian Huston Ham, John M. Curotto, Andrew Blaine Cooper, Brian T. Parker
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Patent number: 11718471Abstract: An automatic control system for a refuse vehicle includes a mode select switch disposed within the vehicle that generates a mode select signal based on input from an operator of the vehicle, a control mechanism disposed within the vehicle that operates in response to the mode select signal, and a plurality of sensors adapted to sense a plurality of characteristics of the vehicle and adapted to communicate the plurality of sensed characteristics. The system further includes a control module that receives control instructions from the control mechanism and selectively controls at least one component of a plurality of components of the vehicle based on the mode select signal, at least one of the plurality of sensed characteristics, and the control instructions.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2022Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: The Heil CompanyInventors: Ralph Waldo Whitfield, Jr., Brian Huston Ham, John M. Curotto, Andrew Blaine Cooper, Brian T. Parker
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Publication number: 20230015879Abstract: An automatic control system for a refuse vehicle includes a mode select switch disposed within the vehicle that generates a mode select signal based on input from an operator of the vehicle, a control mechanism disposed within the vehicle that operates in response to the mode select signal, and a plurality of sensors adapted to sense a plurality of characteristics of the vehicle and adapted to communicate the plurality of sensed characteristics. The system further includes a control module that receives control instructions from the control mechanism and selectively controls at least one component of a plurality of components of the vehicle based on the mode select signal, at least one of the plurality of sensed characteristics, and the control instructions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2022Publication date: January 19, 2023Inventors: Ralph Waldo WHITFIELD, JR., Brian Huston HAM, John M. CUROTTO, Andrew Blaine COOPER, Brian T. PARKER
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Patent number: 11407585Abstract: An automatic control system for a refuse vehicle includes a mode select switch disposed within the vehicle that generates a mode select signal based on input from an operator of the vehicle, a control mechanism disposed within the vehicle that operates in response to the mode select signal, and a plurality of sensors adapted to sense a plurality of characteristics of the vehicle and adapted to communicate the plurality of sensed characteristics. The system further includes a control module that receives control instructions from the control mechanism and selectively controls at least one component of a plurality of components of the vehicle based on the mode select signal, at least one of the plurality of sensed characteristics, and the control instructions.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2018Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: The Heil CompanyInventors: Ralph Waldo Whitfield, Jr., Brian Huston Ham, John M. Curotto, Andrew Blaine Cooper, Brian T. Parker
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Publication number: 20220084411Abstract: A method of transmitting data across a J1939 network comprises communicating at least one sensor, if not a plurality of sensors or operator interface devices, related to a utility service body data mounted on a chassis across the J1939 network on unassigned PGN/SPN combinations for various uses. Furthermore, at least one controller can evaluate other J1939 data, such as transmission gear and/or engine RPM before permitting operation of at least one function of the utility service body or upfit body with at least some embodiments.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2021Publication date: March 17, 2022Inventors: Ricardo Castano Salinas, John Forrest Smith, Brian Huston Ham, Ralph Waldo Whitfield, JR.
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Patent number: 11127302Abstract: A method of transmitting data across a J1939 network comprises communicating at least one sensor, if not a plurality of sensors or operator interface devices, related to a utility service body data mounted on a chassis across the J1939 network on unassigned PGN/SPN combinations for various uses. Furthermore, at least one controller can evaluate other J1939 data, such as transmission gear and/or engine RPM before permitting operation of at least one function of the utility service body or upfit body with at least some embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: The Heil Co.Inventors: Ricardo Castano Salinas, John Forrest Smith, Brian Huston Ham, Ralph Waldo Whitfield, Jr.
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Patent number: 10766696Abstract: A weight based load limiting system for a refuse vehicle. The system includes a weight determination module that generates a signal that varies in accordance with a vehicle weight. If the vehicle weight approaches or exceeds a predetermined maximum weight, the signal inhibits a portion of the loading or packing operation to prevent overloading the vehicle. In various configurations, the inhibiting can be to prevent a lifting of a refuse container to prevent emptying the container into the vehicle hopper. In other various configurations, the inhibiting occurs by maintaining engine power to less than the engine power typically output during a packing operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2018Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: The Heil Co.Inventors: Ralph Waldo Whitfield, Jr., Herman Edward Kelwaski
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Publication number: 20190362634Abstract: A method of transmitting data across a J1939 network comprises communicating at least one sensor, if not a plurality of sensors or operator interface devices, related to a utility service body data mounted on a chassis across the J1939 network on unassigned PGN/SPN combinations for various uses. Furthermore, at least one controller can evaluate other J1939 data, such as transmission gear and/or engine RPM before permitting operation of at least one function of the utility service body or upfit body with at least some embodiments.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2019Publication date: November 28, 2019Inventors: Ricardo Castano Salinas, John Forrest Smith, Brian Huston Ham, Ralph Waldo Whitfield, JR.
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Publication number: 20190218031Abstract: A weight based load limiting system for a refuse vehicle. The system includes a weight determination module that generates a signal that varies in accordance with a vehicle weight. If the vehicle weight approaches or exceeds a predetermined maximum weight, the signal inhibits a portion of the loading or packing operation to prevent overloading the vehicle. In various configurations, the inhibiting can be to prevent a lifting of a refuse container to prevent emptying the container into the vehicle hopper. In other various configurations, the inhibiting occurs by maintaining engine power to less than the engine power typically output during a packing operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2018Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: Ralph Waldo Whitfield, JR., Herman Edward Kelwaski
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Publication number: 20190218032Abstract: An automatic control system for a refuse vehicle includes a mode select switch disposed within the vehicle that generates a mode select signal based on input from an operator of the vehicle, a control mechanism disposed within the vehicle that operates in response to the mode select signal, and a plurality of sensors adapted to sense a plurality of characteristics of the vehicle and adapted to communicate the plurality of sensed characteristics. The system further includes a control module that receives control instructions from the control mechanism and selectively controls at least one component of a plurality of components of the vehicle based on the mode select signal, at least one of the plurality of sensed characteristics, and the control instructions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2018Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: Ralph Waldo WHITFIELD, JR., Brian Huston HAM, John M. CUROTTO, Andrew Blaine COOPER, Brian T. PARKER
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Patent number: 10351341Abstract: A control mechanism for a refuse vehicle includes a first control valve that operates a first hydraulically controlled mechanism and a second control valve that operates a second hydraulically controlled mechanism. The control mechanism also includes a plurality of switches and a pneumatic control mechanism. The plurality of switches generates a valve select signal and a mode signal. The pneumatic control mechanism selectively controls the first control valve and the second control valve based on the valve select signal and the mode signal. An operator of the refuse vehicle actuates the plurality of switches while the operator is operating the pneumatic control mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2018Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: The Heil Co.Inventors: Ralph Waldo Whitfield, Jr., Brian H. Ham, Albert Jiang
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Patent number: 10325422Abstract: A method of transmitting data across a J1939 network comprises communicating at least one sensor, if not a plurality of sensors or operator interface devices, related to a utility service body data mounted on a chassis across the J1939 network on unassigned PGN/SPN combinations for various uses. Furthermore, at least one controller can evaluate other J1939 data, such as transmission gear and/or engine RPM before permitting operation of at least one function of the utility service body or upfit body with at least some embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2016Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: The Heil Co.Inventors: Ricardo Castano Salinas, John Forrest Smith, Brian Huston Ham, Ralph Waldo Whitfield, Jr.
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Patent number: 10196204Abstract: A weight based load limiting system for a refuse vehicle. The system includes a weight determination module that generates a signal that varies in accordance with a vehicle weight. If the vehicle weight approaches or exceeds a predetermined maximum weight, the signal inhibits a portion of the loading or packing operation to prevent overloading the vehicle. In various configurations, the inhibiting can be to prevent a lifting of a refuse container to prevent empting the container into the vehicle hopper. In other various configurations, the inhibiting occurs by maintaining engine power to less than the engine power typically output during a packing operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2014Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: The Heil Co.Inventors: Ralph Waldo Whitfield, Jr., Herman Edward Kelwaski
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Patent number: 10196206Abstract: An automatic control system for a refuse vehicle includes a mode select switch disposed within the vehicle that generates a mode select signal based on input from an operator of the vehicle, a control mechanism disposed within the vehicle that operates in response to the mode select signal, and a plurality of sensors adapted to sense a plurality of characteristics of the vehicle and adapted to communicate the plurality of sensed characteristics. The system further includes a control module that receives control instructions from the control mechanism and selectively controls at least one component of a plurality of components of the vehicle based on the mode select signal, at least one of the plurality of sensed characteristics, and the control instructions.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2016Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: The Heil CompanyInventors: Ralph Waldo Whitfield, Jr., Brian H. Ham, John M. Curotto, Andrew Blaine Cooper, Brian T. Parker
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Publication number: 20180251296Abstract: A control mechanism for a refuse vehicle includes a first control valve that operates a first hydraulically controlled mechanism and a second control valve that operates a second hydraulically controlled mechanism. The control mechanism also includes a plurality of switches and a pneumatic control mechanism. The plurality of switches generates a valve select signal and a mode signal. The pneumatic control mechanism selectively controls the first control valve and the second control valve based on the valve select signal and the mode signal. An operator of the refuse vehicle actuates the plurality of switches while the operator is operating the pneumatic control mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2018Publication date: September 6, 2018Inventors: Ralph Waldo Whitfield, JR., Brian H. Ham, Albert Jiang
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Patent number: 9926135Abstract: A control mechanism for a refuse vehicle includes a first control valve that operates a first hydraulically controlled mechanism and a second control valve that operates a second hydraulically controlled mechanism. The control mechanism also includes a plurality of switches and a pneumatic control mechanism. The plurality of switches generates a valve select signal and a mode signal. The pneumatic control mechanism selectively controls the first control valve and the second control valve based on the valve select signal and the mode signal. An operator of the refuse vehicle actuates the plurality of switches while the operator is operating the pneumatic control mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: The Heil Co.Inventors: Ralph Waldo Whitfield, Jr., Brian H. Ham, Albert Jiang
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Publication number: 20170247186Abstract: A control mechanism for a refuse vehicle includes a first control valve that operates a first hydraulically controlled mechanism and a second control valve that operates a second hydraulically controlled mechanism. The control mechanism also includes a plurality of switches and a pneumatic control mechanism. The plurality of switches generates a valve select signal and a mode signal. The pneumatic control mechanism selectively controls the first control valve and the second control valve based on the valve select signal and the mode signal. An operator of the refuse vehicle actuates the plurality of switches while the operator is operating the pneumatic control mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2017Publication date: August 31, 2017Inventors: Ralph Waldo WHITFIELD, JR., Brian H. HAM, Albert JIANG
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Patent number: 9682820Abstract: A control mechanism for a refuse vehicle includes a first control valve that operates a first hydraulically controlled mechanism and a second control valve that operates a second hydraulically controlled mechanism. The control mechanism also includes a plurality of switches and a pneumatic control mechanism. The plurality of switches generates a valve select signal and a mode signal. The pneumatic control mechanism selectively controls the first control valve and the second control valve based on the valve select signal and the mode signal. An operator of the refuse vehicle actuates the plurality of switches while the operator is operating the pneumatic control mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2016Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: The Heil Co.Inventors: Ralph Waldo Whitfield, Jr., Brian H. Ham, Albert Jiang
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Publication number: 20160355335Abstract: An automatic control system for a refuse vehicle includes a mode select switch disposed within the vehicle that generates a mode select signal based on input from an operator of the vehicle, a control mechanism disposed within the vehicle that operates in response to the mode select signal, and a plurality of sensors adapted to sense a plurality of characteristics of the vehicle and adapted to communicate the plurality of sensed characteristics. The system further includes a control module that receives control instructions from the control mechanism and selectively controls at least one component of a plurality of components of the vehicle based on the mode select signal, at least one of the plurality of sensed characteristics, and the control instructions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2016Publication date: December 8, 2016Inventors: Ralph Waldo WHITFIELD, JR., Brian H. HAM, John M. CUROTTO, Andrew Blaine COOPER, Brian T. PARKER