Patents by Inventor Vernon W. Siefring
Vernon W. Siefring 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: 10301155Abstract: A materials handling vehicle includes a power unit; a load handling assembly coupled to the power unit; at least one obstacle detector mounted to the power unit; and a controller. The at least one obstacle detector detects object located along a path of travel of the power unit, and generate a distance signal upon detecting an object corresponding to a distance between the detected object and the power unit. The controller receives the distance signal and generates a corresponding vehicle stop or predetermined maximum allowable speed signal based on the distance signal, wherein if a sensed object is located within a speed zone associated with a predetermined maximum allowable travel speed comprising a fixed speed greater than zero (0) miles per hour, as determined by the distance signal, the vehicle speed is reduced to the predetermined maximum allowable vehicle speed.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Crown Equipment CorporationInventors: Jeffry D. Dues, Matthew M. Green, James F. Schloemer, Vernon W. Siefring, Jesse Wershing
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Patent number: 10179723Abstract: A materials handling vehicle includes an operator platform from which an operator can drive the vehicle; a traction control system for advancing the vehicle across a floor surface; at least one sensor configured to detect the presence of an object located at a position proximate to the vehicle; and a controller communicably coupled to the at least one sensor and the traction control system. The controller is responsive to the output of the at least one sensor to stop or slow down the vehicle if an object is detected proximate to the vehicle and the vehicle is traveling in response to a remote travel request. However, the controller does not slow down or stop the vehicle if an object is proximate to the vehicle while the operator is driving the vehicle on the operator platform.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2017Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Crown Equipment CorporationInventors: James V. Kraimer, Jay G. Pollack, Timothy A. Wellman, Lewis H. Manci, Vernon W. Siefring, Mark E. Schumacher, Matthew M. Green, Anthony T. Castaneda
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Publication number: 20180079633Abstract: A materials handling vehicle includes an operator platform from which an operator can drive the vehicle; a traction control system for advancing the vehicle across a floor surface; at least one sensor configured to detect the presence of an object located at a position proximate to the vehicle; and a controller communicably coupled to the at least one sensor and the traction control system. The controller is responsive to the output of the at least one sensor to stop or slow down the vehicle if an object is detected proximate to the vehicle and the vehicle is traveling in response to a remote travel request. However, the controller does not slow down or stop the vehicle if an object is proximate to the vehicle while the operator is driving the vehicle on the operator platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2017Publication date: March 22, 2018Inventors: James V. Kraimer, Jay G. Pollack, Timothy A. Wellman, Lewis H. Manci, Vernon W. Siefring, Mark E. Schumacher, Matthew M. Green, Anthony T. Castaneda
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Patent number: 9908527Abstract: A materials handling vehicle includes at least one contactless obstacle sensor that scans at least two speed zones, each speed zone being defined in an area at least partially in front of a forward traveling direction of the vehicle and being associated with a unique predetermined maximum speed greater than zero (0) miles per hour. A controller that receives information obtained from the at least one obstacle sensor and, if the vehicle is traveling under remote control, the controller is configured to limit the vehicle speed to the predetermined maximum speed of a corresponding one of the at least two speed zones based upon the detection of an obstacle in that speed zone.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2017Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: Crown Equipment CorporationInventors: Edwin R. Elston, Vernon W. Siefring, Eric L. Jensen
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Publication number: 20170183005Abstract: A materials handling vehicle includes at least one contactless obstacle sensor that scans at least two speed zones, each speed zone being defined in an area at least partially in front of a forward traveling direction of the vehicle and being associated with a unique predetermined maximum speed greater than zero (0) miles per hour. A controller that receives information obtained from the at least one obstacle sensor and, if the vehicle is traveling under remote control, the controller is configured to limit the vehicle speed to the predetermined maximum speed of a corresponding one of the at least two speed zones based upon the detection of an obstacle in that speed zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2017Publication date: June 29, 2017Inventors: Edwin R. Elston, Vernon W. Siefring, Eric L. Jensen
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Patent number: 9645968Abstract: A supplemental control system for a materials handling vehicle comprises one or more sensors capable of defining multiple contactless detection zones at least towards the front of the forward travel direction of a remotely controlled vehicle. The vehicle responds to the detection of objects within the designated zones based upon predetermined actions, such as to slow down or stop the vehicle, and/or to take other action, such as to perform a steer angle correction.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2009Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Crown Equipment CorporationInventors: Edwin R. Elston, Vernon W. Siefring, Eric L. Jensen
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Publication number: 20170057798Abstract: A materials handling vehicle includes a power unit; a load handling assembly coupled to the power unit; at least one obstacle detector mounted to the power unit; and a controller. The at least one obstacle detector detects object located along a path of travel of the power unit, and generate a distance signal upon detecting an object corresponding to a distance between the detected object and the power unit. The controller receives the distance signal and generates a corresponding vehicle stop or predetermined maximum allowable speed signal based on the distance signal, wherein if a sensed object is located within a speed zone associated with a predetermined maximum allowable travel speed comprising a fixed speed greater than zero (0) miles per hour, as determined by the distance signal, the vehicle speed is reduced to the predetermined maximum allowable vehicle speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Jeffry D. Dues, Matthew M. Green, James F. Schloemer, Vernon W. Siefring, Jesse Wershing
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Patent number: 9522817Abstract: A materials handling vehicle includes a power unit, a load handling assembly, at least one first obstacle detector, and at least one second obstacle detector. The at least one first obstacle detector is mounted at a first location on the power unit to detect an object located along a path of travel of the power unit beyond a non-detect zone of the at least one first obstacle detector. The at least one second obstacle detector is mounted at a second location on the power unit, spaced from the first location in a first direction, and is capable of detecting an object in the non-detect zone of the at least one first obstacle detector.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2013Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Crown Equipment CorporationInventors: Anthony T. Castaneda, Jeffry D. Dues, Matthew M. Green, Lewis H. Manci, James F. Schloemer, Mark E. Schumacher, Vernon W. Siefring, Timothy A. Wellman, Jesse Wershing
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Patent number: 9493184Abstract: A materials handling vehicle implements a steer maneuver to hug an object. A controller on the vehicle receives sensor data from at least one sensing device and detects that a selected object is in an environment proximate the vehicle using the received sensor data. The controller performs a steer maneuver by causing the vehicle to steer such that the vehicle is substantially maintained at a desired distance from the selected object as the vehicle travels on a desired heading.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Crown Equipment CorporationInventors: Anthony T. Castaneda, William W. McCroskey, James F. Schloemer, Mark E. Schumacher, Vernon W. Siefring, Timothy A. Wellman
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Patent number: 9207673Abstract: A finger-mounted remote control device capable of wirelessly transmitting a travel request signal to a materials handling vehicle. The finger-mounted remote control device includes a rigid mounting structure adapted to be mounted over at least one finger of an operator's hand; a mounting strap coupled to said rigid mounting structure for securing said rigid mounting structure to the at least one finger; a wireless transmitter/power pack unit coupled to said rigid mounting structure; and control structure coupled to said mounting structure and comprising a switch adapted to be actuated by an operator's thumb so as to cause said wireless transmitter/power pack unit to generate a travel request signal to the materials handling vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2009Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: Crown Equipment CorporationInventors: Steven R. Pulskamp, Matthew M. Green, Eugene P. Horvath, James F. Schloemer, Vernon W. Siefring, Ryan M. Snodgrass
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Patent number: 9145163Abstract: A system for providing an electrical steering assist for a materials handling vehicle includes a drive housing; a steerable wheel coupled to the drive housing; a steering arm pivotally mounted to the drive housing; a steer drive unit coupled to the steerable wheel; an input sensing device; and a controller. The steering arm is operatively configured to determine a steering direction of the steerable wheel. The input sensing device is arranged to detect a turning force applied to the steering arm by an operator, wherein the turning force is provided to change the angle of travel of the vehicle. The input sensing device includes a strain measuring assembly defining a strain sensitive region between the steering arm and the steer drive unit. The controller is operatively configured to control the steer drive unit to turn the steerable wheel based upon a signal from the input sensing device.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: Crown Equipment CorporationInventors: Anthony T. Castaneda, Todd M. Fullenkamp, Eric L. Jensen, Stephen T. Mangette, Jared J. Ranly, Vernon W. Siefring
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Patent number: 9002581Abstract: A materials handling vehicle automatically implements steer maneuvers when objects enter one or more zones proximate the vehicle, wherein the zones are monitored by a controller associated with the vehicle. The controller tracks objects in the zones via sensor data obtained from at least one obstacle sensor located on the vehicle and via dead reckoning. The objects are tracked by the controller until they are no longer in an environment proximate the vehicle. Different zones result in different steer maneuvers being implemented by the controller.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Crown Equipment CorporationInventors: Anthony T. Castaneda, William W. McCroskey, Mark E. Schumacher, Vernon W. Siefring, Timothy A. Wellman
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Patent number: 8970363Abstract: A supplemental control system for a materials handling vehicle comprises a wearable control device, and a corresponding receiver on the materials handling vehicle. The wearable control device is donned by an operator interacting with the materials handling vehicle, and comprises a wireless transmitter to be worn on the wrist of the operator and a travel control communicably coupled to the wireless transmitter. Actuation of the travel control causes the wireless transmitter to transmit a first type signal designating a request to the vehicle. The receiver is supported by the vehicle for receiving transmissions from the wireless transmitter.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Crown Equipment CorporationInventors: James V. Kraimer, Jay G. Pollack, Timothy A. Wellman, Lewis H. Manci, Vernon W. Siefring, Mark E. Schumacher, Matthew M. Green, Anthony T. Castaneda
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Publication number: 20150057843Abstract: A remote control device worn by an operator in combination with a materials handling vehicle includes a wireless transmitter and control structure in communication with the wireless transmitter. The control structure is actuated by the operator to cause the wireless transmitter to generate a travel request signal. The vehicle includes a traction control system, a receiver for receiving travel request signals from the wireless transmitter, at least one sensor, and a controller. The sensor(s) is configured to detect objects near the vehicle or to detect a person on a vehicle operating platform. The controller is configured to decide not to cause the traction control system to advance the vehicle in response to a travel request signal from the receiver if the status from one or more of the at least one sensor is indicative of the presence of either: an object near the vehicle; or a person on the platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventors: James V. Kraimer, Jay G. Pollack, Timothy A. Wellman, Lewis H. Manci, Vernon W. Siefring, Mark E. Schumacher, Matthew M. Green, Anthony T. Castaneda
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Publication number: 20140262593Abstract: A system for providing an electrical steering assist for a materials handling vehicle includes a drive housing; a steerable wheel coupled to the drive housing; a steering arm pivotally mounted to the drive housing; a steer drive unit coupled to the steerable wheel; an input sensing device; and a controller. The steering arm is operatively configured to determine a steering direction of the steerable wheel. The input sensing device is arranged to detect a turning force applied to the steering arm by an operator, wherein the turning force is provided to change the angle of travel of the vehicle. The input sensing device includes a strain measuring assembly defining a strain sensitive region between the steering arm and the steer drive unit. The controller is operatively configured to control the steer drive unit to turn the steerable wheel based upon a signal from the input sensing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: CROWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATIONInventors: Anthony T. Castaneda, Todd M. Fullenkamp, Eric L. Jensen, Stephen T. Mangette, Jared J. Ranly, Vernon W. Siefring
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Publication number: 20140195121Abstract: A materials handling vehicle implements a steer maneuver to hug an object. A controller on the vehicle receives sensor data from at least one sensing device and detects that a selected object is in an environment proximate the vehicle using the received sensor data. The controller performs a steer maneuver by causing the vehicle to steer such that the vehicle is substantially maintained at a desired distance from the selected object as the vehicle travels on a desired heading.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2014Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: CROWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATIONInventors: Anthony T. Castaneda, William W. McCroskey, James F. Schloemer, Mark E. Schumacher, Vernon W. Siefring, Timothy A. Wellman
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Patent number: 8731777Abstract: A materials handling vehicle automatically implements steer maneuvers when objects enter one or more zones proximate the vehicle, wherein the zones are monitored by a controller associated with the vehicle. The controller tracks objects in the zones via sensor data obtained from at least one obstacle sensor located on the vehicle and via dead reckoning. The objects are tracked by the controller until they are no longer in an environment proximate the vehicle. Different zones result in different steer maneuvers being implemented by the controller.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Crown Equipment CorporationInventors: Anthony T. Castaneda, William W. McCroskey, James F. Schloemer, Mark E. Schumacher, Vernon W. Siefring, Timothy A. Wellman
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Patent number: 8725362Abstract: A supplemental control system for a materials handling vehicle comprises one or more sensors capable of defining multiple contactless detection zones at least towards the front of the forward travel direction of a remotely controlled vehicle. The vehicle responds to the detection of objects within the designated zones based upon predetermined actions, such as to slow down or stop the vehicle, and/or to take other action, such as to perform a steer angle correction.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2013Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Crown Equipment CorporationInventors: Edwin R. Elston, Vernon W. Siefring, Eric L. Jensen
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Patent number: 8725363Abstract: A multiple detection zone supplemental remote control system for a materials handling vehicle comprises one or more sensors capable of defining multiple contactless detection zones at least towards the front of the forward travel direction of a remotely controlled vehicle. The vehicle responds to the detection of objects within the designated zones based upon predetermined actions, such as to slow down or stop the vehicle, and/or to take other action, such as to perform a steer angle correction.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2013Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Crown Equipment CorporationInventors: Edwin R. Elston, Vernon W. Siefring, Eric L. Jensen
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Patent number: 8725317Abstract: A multiple detection zone supplemental remote control system for a materials handling vehicle comprises one or more sensors capable of defining multiple contactless detection zones at least towards the front of the forward travel direction of a remotely controlled vehicle. The vehicle responds to the detection of objects within the designated zones based upon predetermined actions, such as to slow down or stop the vehicle, and/or to take other action, such as to perform a steer angle correction.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2013Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Crown Equipment CorporationInventors: Edwin R. Elston, Vernon W. Siefring