Patents by Inventor Robert L. Mendenhall

Robert L. Mendenhall 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: 9014939
    Abstract: A system incorporating one or more interrogators or readers on heavy construction equipment (e.g., loaders) detect signals emanating from signal transmitters on clothing or equipment of construction workers. Responsive to the detection of a signal emanating from behind the heavy equipment, or in another position relative to the heavy equipment, the driver is notified audibly of the danger such that the driver may stop the movement of the heavy equipment or causes the brakes to be applied and transmission to be disengaged automatically without operator involvement. In another version, a wet brake system (also known as a hydraulic brake system) is triggered automatically responsive to the detection of one or more signals emanating from behind a heavy piece of equipment, or in another position relative to the piece of heavy equipment. A hydraulic cylinder is configured to depresses a de-clutch brake pedal when personnel are identified in a danger zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Robert L. Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 8849522
    Abstract: A system incorporating one or more interrogators or readers on heavy construction equipment (e.g., loaders) detect signals emanating from signal transmitters on clothing or equipment of construction workers. Responsive to the detection of a signal emanating from behind the heavy equipment, or in another position relative to the heavy equipment, the driver is notified audibly of the danger such that the driver may stop the movement of the heavy equipment or causes the brakes to be applied and transmission to be disengaged automatically without operator involvement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Robert L. Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 8295890
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting and storing mobile device usage by a driver of a vehicle. An antenna in a vehicle is configured and positioned to detect mobile device signals from the driver area in the vehicle. A processor in communication with the antenna analyzes the detected signals for frequency and strength. The antenna and processor may communicate with vehicle data collection systems (e.g., GPS, telemetry, etc.) such that the mobile device usage data may be collected along with the vehicle operation data. The mobile device usage data and vehicle operational data can be evaluated to determine the impact of mobile device usage by the driver of a vehicle. The data may be especially useful to the trucking, train, bus, and mass transit industries in order to educate drivers about the dangers associated with using mobile devices while driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventors: Robert L. Mendenhall, R. Jason Mendenhall, Gregory D. Miller, Gunter Karg
  • Publication number: 20120117754
    Abstract: A truck configured to support one or more vacuum systems including one or more vacuum pick-up devices for vacuuming debris from a roadway, street, runway, parking lot or similar surface. One or more air nozzles positioned aft of a vacuum pick-up housing serve to disrupt the debris such that the vacuum pick-up devices are more efficiently able to vacuum the debris through vacuum ducts and ultimately into a debris container. Flaps forward of vacuum housings further contain disrupted debris so that the vacuum pick-up devices are able to vacuum the debris. The system is used by driving the truck over a subject area and activating an air source to disrupt debris on the subject area. The disrupted debris is then suctioned or vacuumed into vacuum ducts and deposited into a debris container. The debris container includes an exhaust fan for disseminating clean air separated from debris including dirt and dust.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Robert L. Mendenhall
  • Publication number: 20120015625
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting and storing mobile device usage by a driver of a vehicle. An antenna in a vehicle is configured and positioned to detect mobile device signals from the driver area in the vehicle. A processor in communication with the antenna analyzes the detected signals for frequency and strength. The antenna and processor may communicate with vehicle data collection systems (e.g., GPS, telemetry, etc.) such that the mobile device usage data may be collected along with the vehicle operation data. The mobile device usage data and vehicle operational data can be evaluated to determine the impact of mobile device usage by the driver of a vehicle. The data may be especially useful to the trucking, train, bus, and mass transit industries in order to educate drivers about the dangers associated with using mobile devices while driving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Robert L. Mendenhall, R. Jason Mendenhall, Greg Miller, Gunter Karg
  • Patent number: 8060150
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting and storing mobile device usage by a driver of a vehicle. An antenna in a vehicle is configured and positioned to detect mobile device signals from the driver area in the vehicle. A processor in communication with the antenna analyzes the detected signals for frequency and strength. The antenna and processor may communicate with vehicle data collection systems (e.g., GPS, telemetry, etc.) such that the mobile device usage data may be collected along with the vehicle operation data. The mobile device usage data and vehicle operational data can be evaluated to determine the impact of mobile device usage by the driver of a vehicle. The data may be especially useful to the trucking, train, bus, and mass transit industries in order to educate drivers about the dangers associated with using mobile devices while driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventors: Robert L. Mendenhall, R. Jason Mendenhall, Gregory D. Miller, Gunter Karg
  • Publication number: 20110237219
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting and storing mobile device usage by a driver of a vehicle. An antenna in a vehicle is configured and positioned to detect mobile device signals from the driver area in the vehicle. A processor in communication with the antenna analyzes the detected signals for frequency and strength. The antenna and processor may communicate with vehicle data collection systems (e.g., GPS, telemetry, etc.) such that the mobile device usage data may be collected along with the vehicle operation data. The mobile device usage data and vehicle operational data can be evaluated to determine the impact of mobile device usage by the driver of a vehicle. The data may be especially useful to the trucking, train, bus, and mass transit industries in order to educate drivers about the dangers associated with using mobile devices while driving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Robert L. Mendenhall, R. Jason Mendenhall, Gregory D. Miller, Gunter Karg
  • Patent number: 8012265
    Abstract: A surface cleaning system having a storage container, debris collection apparatus and debris conduit is disclosed. Water discharged from spray nozzles configured in a circular arrangement forces debris into a debris collection ring and then a debris conduit. An auger, water pressure or air pressure is used to force the debris through debris conduit into the storage container for disposal. The design of the debris collection apparatus also facilitates the capture of most of the water used to force the debris into the debris collection apparatus. Accordingly, the system is able to reuse the water thereby extending the surface area that may be cleaned with a specified amount of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: The Mendenhall Family Trust
    Inventors: Robert L. Mendenhall, Gilbert Cabrera
  • Publication number: 20110139177
    Abstract: A surface cleaning system having a storage container, debris collection apparatus and debris conduit is disclosed. Water discharged from spray nozzles configured in a circular arrangement forces debris into a debris collection ring and then a debris conduit. An auger, water pressure or air pressure is used to force the debris through debris conduit into the storage container for disposal. The design of the debris collection apparatus also facilitates the capture of most of the water used to force the debris into the debris collection apparatus. Accordingly, the system is able to reuse the water thereby extending the surface area that may be cleaned with a specified amount of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Robert L. Mendenhall, Gilbert Cabrera
  • Publication number: 20110139179
    Abstract: A surface cleaning system having a storage system including a debris separation tank and a water container, a collection tray, a series of nozzles configured to direct water from said storage system forward toward a ramp extending from a surface to be cleaned to the collection tray and a pump configured to draw debris and water from said collection tray and direct debris and water to the debris separation tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Robert L. Mendenhall, Gilbert Cabrera
  • Patent number: 7578885
    Abstract: A surface cleaning system having a storage container, debris collection apparatus and debris conduit is disclosed. Water discharged from spray nozzles forces debris into a debris collection apparatus such that a series of rotating brushes can transport the debris to an open end of the debris conduit. An auger, water pressure or air pressure is used to force the debris through the debris conduit into the storage container for disposal. The storage container includes a single unit having multiple joined compartments or individual units for separating debris, particulates and water. The design of the debris collection apparatus also facilitates the capture of most of the water used to force the debris into the debris collection apparatus. Accordingly, the system is able to reuse the water thereby extending the surface area that may be cleaned with a specified amount of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventors: Robert L. Mendenhall, Gilbert Cabrera
  • Patent number: 7527699
    Abstract: A surface cleaning system having a storage container, debris collection apparatus and debris conduit is disclosed. Water discharged from spray nozzles configured in a circular arrangement forces debris into a debris collection ring and then a debris conduit. An auger, water pressure or air pressure is used to force the debris through debris conduit into the storage container for disposal. The design of the debris collection apparatus also facilitates the capture of most of the water used to force the debris into the debris collection apparatus. Accordingly, the system is able to reuse the water thereby extending the surface area that may be cleaned with a specified amount of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Robert L. Mendenhall
  • Publication number: 20070215179
    Abstract: A surface cleaning system having a storage container, debris collection apparatus and debris conduit is disclosed. Water discharged from spray nozzles configured in a circular arrangement forces debris into a debris collection ring and then a debris conduit. An auger, water pressure or air pressure is used to force the debris through debris conduit into the storage container for disposal. The design of the debris collection apparatus also facilitates the capture of most of the water used to force the debris into the debris collection apparatus. Accordingly, the system is able to reuse the water thereby extending the surface area that may be cleaned with a specified amount of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventor: Robert L. Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 5305696
    Abstract: An improved process and apparatus for treating particulate soil composition to remove volatilizable organic materials therefrom comprises separating fine particles of the soil from a gaseous mixture in a drum containing the fine particles and volatilized organic material, directing the separated fine particle heat exchange apparatus, indirectly heating the fine particles therein with hot exhaust gas to volatilize organic materials, and recovering the fine particles. The hot exhaust gas for heating the fine particles in the heat exchange apparatus is obtained from a furnace used to combust volatilized organic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Robert L. Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 5240412
    Abstract: A continuous method of removing volatilizable organic composition from particulate mineral composition comprises heating the organic composition contaminated mineral particles in a rotating drum and exposing the particles to said hot gases to volatilize the organic composition from the mineral particles while advancing the particles counter-current to the direction of hot gas flow, removing a gaseous composition from the drum comprising a mixture of the gases of combustion, volatilized organic composition and airborne fine mineral particles, separating the fine mineral particles from the hot gases and volatile volatilized organic composition returning the separated fine mineral particles into the drum near the hot end, mixing the fine particles with the coarse mineral particles advancing toward the hot drum end, continuing to heat the mixture of fine and coarse mineral particles until the concentration of volatilizable organic composition is less than about 100 parts per million, and recovering a mixture of c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Robert L. Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 5085581
    Abstract: A continuous method of removing volatilizable organic composition from particulate mineral composition comprises heating the organic composition contaminated mineral particles in a rotating drum and exposing the particles to said hot gases to volatilize the organic composition from the mineral particles while advancing the particles counter-current to the direction of hot gas flow, removing a gaseous composition from the drum comprising a mixture of the gases of combustion, volatilized organic composition and airborne fine mineral particles, separating the fine mineral particles from the hot gases and volatile volatilized organic composition, returning the separated fine mineral particles into the drum near the hot end, mixing the fine particles with the coarse mineral particles advancing toward the hot drum end, continuing to heat the mixture of fine and coarse mineral particles until the concentration of volatilizable organic composition is less than about 100 parts per million, and recovering a mixture of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Inventor: Robert L. Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 4957429
    Abstract: A continuous method of removing volatilizable organic composition from particulate mineral composition comprises heating the organic composition contaminated mineral particles in a rotating drum and exposing the particles to said hot gases to volatilize the organic composition from the mineral particles while advancing the particles counter-current to the direction of hot gas flow, removing a gaseous composition from the drum comprising a mixture of the gases of combustion, volatilized organic composition and airborne fine mineral particlles, separating the fine mineral particles from the hot gases and volatile volatilized organic composition, returning the separated fine mineral particles into the drum near the hot end, mixing the fine particles with the coarse mineral particles advancing toward the hot drum end, continuing to heat the mixture of fine and coarse mineral particles until the concentration of volatilizable organic composition is less than about 100 parts per million, and recovering a mixture of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Inventor: Robert L. Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 4748921
    Abstract: A method of removing hazardous flammable hydrocarbons from soils comprises introducing the contaminated soil into a rotatable drum open at only one end, introducing flame and hot gases of combustion in the drum while rotating it to substantially expose the soil to the hot gases thereby heating the soil to a temperature sufficient to substantially vaporize all of the contaminant flammable hydrocarbons therein, and continuing to introduce the flame and hot gases whereby the vaporized hydrocarbon is burned in the drum with the exhaust gases of combustion then directed to atmosphere from the open port. The uncontaminated soil is then recovered from the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Inventor: Robert L. Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 4555182
    Abstract: An improved process for recycling asphaltic concrete comprises introducing asphaltic concrete particles at one end of an elongated rotating drum while supplying flame and hot gases of combustion to the drum at the opposite end, and introducing virgin aggregate into the drum intermediate the two ends. The asphaltic concrete is heated as it travels along a portion of the length of the drum and is recovered just prior to reaching the position along the drum length at which the aggregate is introduced. The aggregate is heated as it travels toward the end of the drum at which the flame and hot gases are introduced. Heated aggregate may be returned to the drum for further heating, and may be directed to the opposite drum end and mixed with the asphaltic concrete in a section of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Inventor: Robert L. Mendenhall
  • Patent number: RE31905
    Abstract: In a process for producing asphalt-aggregate composition in which used asphaltic concrete is recycled by being heated and mixed in a rotatable drum into which flame and hot gases of combustion are directed, the improvement comprises introducing virgin aggregate in a hot zone of the drum and directly exposing the aggregate to the flame and/or hot gases of combustion, and introducing particles of asphalt-aggregate composition downstream from the hot drum input end, away from direct exposure to the flame and extremely hot gases, in a cooler temperature zone. An improved apparatus includes means for introducing the aggregate at the input drum end for direct exposure to the flame or hot-test gases, and means for introducing the used and recycled asphalt-aggregate composition in a cooler drum zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Inventor: Robert L. Mendenhall