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).

  • Patent number: 11893892
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: The Heil Co.
    Inventors: Ricardo Castano Salinas, John Forrest Smith, Brian Huston Ham, Ralph Waldo Whitfield, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20230339678
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Ralph Waldo Whitfield, JR., Brian Huston Ham, John M. Curotto, Andrew Blaine Cooper, Brian T. Parker
  • Patent number: 11718471
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: The Heil Company
    Inventors: Ralph Waldo Whitfield, Jr., Brian Huston Ham, John M. Curotto, Andrew Blaine Cooper, Brian T. Parker
  • Publication number: 20230015879
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Ralph Waldo WHITFIELD, JR., Brian Huston HAM, John M. CUROTTO, Andrew Blaine COOPER, Brian T. PARKER
  • Patent number: 11407585
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: The Heil Company
    Inventors: Ralph Waldo Whitfield, Jr., Brian Huston Ham, John M. Curotto, Andrew Blaine Cooper, Brian T. Parker
  • Publication number: 20220084411
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Ricardo Castano Salinas, John Forrest Smith, Brian Huston Ham, Ralph Waldo Whitfield, JR.
  • Patent number: 11127302
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: The Heil Co.
    Inventors: Ricardo Castano Salinas, John Forrest Smith, Brian Huston Ham, Ralph Waldo Whitfield, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10766696
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: The Heil Co.
    Inventors: Ralph Waldo Whitfield, Jr., Herman Edward Kelwaski
  • Publication number: 20190362634
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: Ricardo Castano Salinas, John Forrest Smith, Brian Huston Ham, Ralph Waldo Whitfield, JR.
  • Publication number: 20190218031
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Ralph Waldo Whitfield, JR., Herman Edward Kelwaski
  • Publication number: 20190218032
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Ralph Waldo WHITFIELD, JR., Brian Huston HAM, John M. CUROTTO, Andrew Blaine COOPER, Brian T. PARKER
  • Patent number: 10351341
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: The Heil Co.
    Inventors: Ralph Waldo Whitfield, Jr., Brian H. Ham, Albert Jiang
  • Patent number: 10325422
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: The Heil Co.
    Inventors: Ricardo Castano Salinas, John Forrest Smith, Brian Huston Ham, Ralph Waldo Whitfield, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10196204
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: The Heil Co.
    Inventors: Ralph Waldo Whitfield, Jr., Herman Edward Kelwaski
  • Patent number: 10196206
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: The Heil Company
    Inventors: Ralph Waldo Whitfield, Jr., Brian H. Ham, John M. Curotto, Andrew Blaine Cooper, Brian T. Parker
  • Publication number: 20180251296
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: Ralph Waldo Whitfield, JR., Brian H. Ham, Albert Jiang
  • Patent number: 9926135
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: The Heil Co.
    Inventors: Ralph Waldo Whitfield, Jr., Brian H. Ham, Albert Jiang
  • Publication number: 20170247186
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Ralph Waldo WHITFIELD, JR., Brian H. HAM, Albert JIANG
  • Patent number: 9682820
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: The Heil Co.
    Inventors: Ralph Waldo Whitfield, Jr., Brian H. Ham, Albert Jiang
  • Publication number: 20160355335
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Ralph Waldo WHITFIELD, JR., Brian H. HAM, John M. CUROTTO, Andrew Blaine COOPER, Brian T. PARKER