Patents by Inventor Wayne L. Mann

Wayne L. Mann 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).

  • Brake failure detection method and apparatus
    Publication number: 20020017986
    Abstract: A contact free vehicle brake failure sensor receives IR emissions from a brake region of a vehicle to determine the temperature of the brake region. A determination of non-functionality of a brake is made based on whether the brake region is near the ambient temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventors: Gary C. Causley, Wayne L. Mann, Douglas Mark
  • Imminent icing condition enunciator
    Publication number: 20020010557
    Abstract: An imminent icing condition enunciator employs an infrared sensor with a focusing element to receive ambient infrared energy from a surface, particularly a road surface, and the output of the sensor is processed to provide an indication of imminent icing to the operator of, for example, an automobile or other vehicle. The device is suitably mounted to a vehicle, within a mirror enclosure so as to provide an unobstructed view of the roadway surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventor: Wayne L. Mann
  • Traction enhancing deployment system
    Patent number: 6206299
    Abstract: A system for deployment of traction enhancing agents uses an infrared detecting sensor to receive ambient IR from a roadway, whereby the road surface temperature is determined. The determined temperature is supplied to a traction enhancing agent deployment controller, so that the amount and selection of particular agents can be governed based on the particular road surface temperature. Variations are thereby accommodated, so the most appropriate agent or agents in an appropriate combination and density can be applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Commercial Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne L. Mann, Dennis R. Partlow
  • Imminent icing condition enunciator
    Patent number: 6166657
    Abstract: An imminent icing condition detector employs an infrared sensor with a focusing element to receive ambient infrared energy from a surface, particularly a road surface, and the output of the sensor is processed to provide an indication of the likelihood of icing conditions and to accordingly control a traction control substance deployment system, such as a truck that dispenses a de-icing, anti-icing, or traction substance, such as sand, salt, or other material or mixture of materials in solid granular, liquid, or mixed form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Commercial Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne L. Mann
  • Imminent icing condition enunciator
    Patent number: 5796344
    Abstract: An imminent icing condition enunciator employs an infrared sensor with a focusing element to receive ambient infrared energy from a surface, particularly a road surface, and the output of the sensor is processed to provide an indication of imminent icing to the operator of, for example, an automobile or other vehicle. The device is suitably mounted to a vehicle, within a mirror enclosure so as to provide an unobstructed view of the roadway surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Sprague Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne L. Mann, Norman J. Petersen