32017 results about "Truck" patented technology

A system for exchanging GPS or other position data between wireless devices for purposes of group activities, child location monitoring, work group coordination, dispatching of employees etc. Cell phones and other wireless devices with GPS receivers have loaded therein a Buddy Watch application and a TalkControl application. The Buddy Watch application communicates with the GPS receiver and other wireless devices operated by buddies registered in the users phone as part of buddy groups or individually. GPS position data and historical GPS position data can be exchanged between cell phones of buddies and instant buddies such as tow truck drivers via a buddy watch server. Emergency monitoring services can be set up with notifications to programmable individuals in case an individual does not respond. Positions and tracks can be displayed. TalkControl simplifies and automates the process of joining talk groups for walkie talkie services such as that provided by Nextel.

Visual methods and systems are described for detecting alertness and vigilance of persons under conditions of fatigue, lack of sleep, and exposure to mind altering substances such as alcohol and drugs. In particular, the intention can have particular applications for truck drivers, bus drivers, train operators, pilots and watercraft controllers and stationary heavy equipment operators, and students and employees during either daytime or nighttime conditions. The invention robustly tracks a person's head and facial features with a single on-board camera with a fully automatic system, that can initialize automatically, and can reinitialize when it need's to and provide outputs in realtime. The system can classify rotation in all viewing direction, detects' eye / mouth occlusion, detects' eye blinking, and recovers the 3D(three dimensional) gaze of the eyes. In addition, the system is able to track both through occlusion like eye blinking and also through occlusion like rotation. Outputs can be visual and sound alarms to the driver directly. Additional outputs can slow down the vehicle cause and / or cause the vehicle to come to a full stop. Further outputs can send data on driver, operator, student and employee vigilance to remote locales as needed for alarms and initiating other actions.

A system for automated inventory management and material handling removes the requirement to operate fully automatically or all-manual using conventional vertical storage and retrieval (S&R) machines. Inventory requests to place palletized material into storage at a specified lot location or retrieve palletized material from a specified lot are resolved into missions for autonomous fork trucks, equivalent mobile platforms, or manual fork truck drivers (and their equipment) that are autonomously or manually executed to effect the request. Automated trucks plan their own movements to execute the mission over the warehouse aisles or roadways sharing this space with manually driven trucks. Automated units drive to planned speed limits, manage their loads (stability control), stop, go, and merge at intersections according human driving rules, use on-board sensors to identify static and dynamic obstacles, and human traffic, and either avoid them or stop until potential collision risk is removed.

A vehicle fleet management information system for identification of location and direction of movement of each vehicle in the fleet in real-time and automatic communication directly with management offices to report its location and heading, and status of predetermined events in which the vehicle may be engaged. One example is a cement delivery truck which monitors location, speed and status information such as start pour, pouring, end pour, wash and leave job, and automatically transmits this information with a management office without requiring affirmative action by the vehicle operator.

A vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system which comprises a system of three closed circuit video cameras, three laser-based distance detection systems and an associated monitor is disclosed. A camera and a laser-based distance detection system are mounted on each side, as well as the rear of the motor vehicle or large truck, and coupled to one monitor, located by the driver, which displays all three images simultaneously. The distance to the closest object, displayed by each camera, as determined by the laser-based distance detection system, is superimposed over the respective object in the monitor. If any of these said distances fall below a minimum predetermined distance, the numeric representation will flash and an audible alarm will sound.

A method and system for accepting order and scheduling delivery of meals to buyers. A Mobile Pickup Station (MPS) server is placed within a computer network and lists a number of participating restaurants on its web site. A buyer logs onto the MPS web site to order food from a participating restaurant. The server passes the order to the participating restaurant for production. An optimal pickup location is selected and the order is picked up from the participating restaurant and is delivered to the pickup location for pickup. A temperature-controlled truck enclosing the buyer order is dispatched to the pickup location. The truck is then stationed at the pickup location for a determined period of time waiting for buyers to pick up their orders.

A lane-level vehicle routing and navigation apparatus includes a simulation module that performs microsimulation of individual vehicles in a traffic stream, and a lane-level optimizer that evaluates conditions along the candidate paths from an origin to a destination as determined by the simulation module, and determines recommended lane-level maneuvers along the candidate paths. A link-level optimizer may determines the candidate paths based on link travel times determined by the simulation module. The simulation may be based on real-time traffic condition data. Recommended candidate paths may be provided to delivery or service or emergency response vehicles, or used for evacuation planning, or to route vehicles such as garbage or postal trucks, or snowplows. Corresponding methods also may be used for traffic planning and management, including determining, based on microsimulation, at least one of (a) altered road geometry, (b) altered traffic signal settings, such as traffic signal timing, or (c) road pricing.

A system and method for generating predictive alerts, such as imminent arrival alerts is disclosed. This invention utilizes the location determination capabilities of GPS-enabled phones and other devices to overcome a common problem: waiting. The capability to determine the position of an object, such as a vehicle, in real time, is coupled with information about its projected route to create predictive alerts. For example, knowing a bus route and its present location, the algorithms of the present invention predict when that bus will arrive at a subsequent stop. Having made this determination, bus riders, who board at this subsequent stop, are alerted to the imminent arrival of the bus at their bus stop. Similar algorithms can be employed for other types of vehicles, such as delivery or repair trucks, and airport transportation.

A computerized "smart card" which has a read / write memory and formatted data storage blocks is used to track the life history of one or more associated machine(s) (e.g., vehicles, medical instrumentation and apparatus, business and copying machines, etc.). The smart card can store a variety of information including machine identification, hardware / software specifications, debit / credit, regulated performance, warranty / insurance, maintenance / service and operational transactions that might impact the hardware, software or the intended operation or performance of the machine. The smart card will be equipped to interact with any of a plurality of autonomous reader / writer smart card units and computer-based reader / writer smart card units that may be equipped to interact with any of the plurality of computer databases through the utilization of land or wireless communications links. Preferably, each smart card will be associated with one or more specific machines at the time of sale of the machines, and will be periodically updated at each transaction (e.g., repair, scheduled maintenance, transfer of title, etc.) using reader / writer units operated by service technicians, repair shops, insurance agents, or the like. Thus, upon transfer of title of the machine, the smart card will also be transferred to provide the new owner with a complete life history for the machine. The stored life history can be used for valuation, maintenance scheduling, problem trouble shooting, and other applications. In the case of a single card being associated with a group of machines (e.g., a company with a fleet of cars, trucks or buses, or a company with several photocopiers, etc.), the card can also be used to track the scheduled replacement of individual machines within the group. Provisions are also made to associate new cards with existing machines to track the future life history of a particular machine.

Wireless local area networks (“wireless networks”) used to interrelate individual mobile nodes, and having the capability of automatically establishing and / or modifying functionality of a network in response to the characteristics and / or identity of the nodes connected to the network at a given time. The wireless networks may be mobile, and may be employed in applications using service vehicles, such as truck, skid and trailer mounted equipment used in the well servicing industry, delivery or maintenance trucks, railroad service vehicles, aircraft, or off-shore service vehicles.

Described herein is a modular, adjustable system for distributing fluids to one or more wellbores. The system is readily configured and assembled at a well site, and allows for one portion of the system to be isolated for service or repair while the remainder of the system continues to operate. The system includes a plurality of pump skids having both a distribution junction in fluid communication with inlets to of plurality of pump trucks and an exit junction in fluid communication with outlets of the plurality of pump trucks.

A mobile backhaul inter-mesh communication point forms an interface between a wireless mesh network on a first level and a wireless mesh network on a second, higher bandwidth, level. The two wireless networks are differentiated, e.g., by causing the mesh networks to be formed using different spectra, protocols or coding, or antennae. The mobile intra-mesh communication point functions as an access point in the lower level mesh network and as a relay point in the upper level mesh network. Utilizing mobile inter-mesh communication points facilitates deployment of wireless network access points while enabling the location of access points to follow the concentration of network users. Mobile inter-mesh communication points may be deployed in personal vehicles such as cars, trucks, and motorcycles, public transportation vehicles such as busses, trains, and aircraft, emergency vehicles such as fire trucks and ambulances, and many other types of vehicles.

A large-scale, capacitor-based electrical energy storage and distribution system capable of effectuating load-leveling during periods of peak demand on a utility, and of effectuating a cost savings associated with the purchase of electrical energy. A capacitor or multitude of capacitors may be charged with electrical energy produced by the utility, such as during periods of low demand or low cost, and discharged during periods of high electrical energy consumption or high electrical energy cost. One or more capacitors may be located at a consumer's residence or business. Alternatively, a farm of capacitors may be provided at or near a utility, or at or near a location experiencing high demand. In another embodiment, one or more capacitors may be located in or on a vehicle, such as an automobile, a truck, or a train of a light rail system.

A system produces of an empirical map of wireless communication coverage through a process of combining information from individual clients to produce a map which is then shared by all of the clients. The wireless coverage map aids in maintaining a reliable communications link. The empirical map is generated by combining information from a group of mobile wireless users. The group may consist of a fleet of trucks, taxicabs, government service vehicles, or the customers of a wireless service provider. The mobile vehicles must be equipped with a GPS device or be located by other means such as triangulation. While vehicles are moving, the quality of wireless communication, e.g., signal strength or communication continuity, is recorded for each vehicle as a function of positions. The data from all of the vehicles is combined to produce the empirical map. The empirical map may be maintained at a central site and subsets of the map replicated for individual vehicles. The map may then be used to direct mobile users to sites of superior communications reliability, warn mobile users when they are out of the service area or are about to leave the service area, or to regulate data communications automatically to stop and restart communications as a mobile vehicle passes through a gap in coverage.

For use in vehicles, it is desirable to have multi-functional (also known as reconfigurable) controls in the center stack portion of the instrument panel in order to best provide electronic and telematic functions to the driver. Disclosed are methods and apparatus to allow reconfiguration of classical controls such as knobs, sliders, and switches most familiar to the vast majority of the motoring public which may, if desired, utilize conventional flat panel displays (e.g., LCD based) and conventional readout electronics and switching. Also disclosed are projection based controls and new forms of rear seat entertainment controls and related apparatus for minivans and other vehicles.

The systems and methods described herein include hexapod systems, Stewart platform systems and other mechanical movement systems, in which a set of independently moveable trucks support legs that couple to a working surface capable of holding a machine tool or other end-effector, and preferably wherein the trucks travel across a reference surface, such as around the circumference of a circle or along some other pre-defined geometrical pattern or track. For example, as described herein, the systems include Stewart platform machines that have six supportive legs each of which connects to a truck that can travel independently along a track. By coordinating the movement of these six trucks, the working surface can be moved in three dimensional space and can be oriented about three axes, providing control of roll, pitch and yaw.

A control and management system for defined areas, employs a card reader, vehicle sensing loop detectors and electric eyes, entrance door sensors and operators, truck securement devices, cameras, a control system with memory, and a wireless connection or internet / intranet connection, is provided to produce event log documentation. The event information is readily accessible by management or supervisory personnel, to see all of the recorded information concerning a specified event. Thus, an event can be readily reconstructed after the fact, using all available sensors and other information relevant to a manager or supervisor. An alert can be issued whenever an abnormal or unauthorized event occurs during operations. A QR code reader can be provided which communicates with the system to enable a person carrying the cell phone to scan QR codes at specified locations or on specified items or vehicles.

The invention disclosed provides a method, system, and associated tag for detection and tracking of inanimate and animate objects. The novel method broadly comprises the steps of: a) attaching a low radio frequency detection tag to each of the objects, each tag comprising a tag antenna operable at a low radio frequency not exceeding 1 megahertz (preferably not exceeding 300 kilohertz), a transceiver operatively connected to the tag's antenna, the transceiver being operable to transmit and receive data signals at the low radio frequency, a data storage device operable to store data comprising identification data for identifying said detection tag, a programmed data processor operable to process data received from the transceiver and the data storage device and to send data to cause the transceiver to emit an identification signal based upon the identification data stored in said data storage device, and an energy source for activating the tag's transceiver and data processor; b) storing, in the data storage device of each tag, shipping data selected from object description data, address-of-origin data, destination address data, object vulnerability data, and object status data; c) commingling the objects in a repository selected from a warehouse and a truck, the repository being provided with at least one large loop field antenna operable at said low radio frequency; the field antenna being disposed at a distance from each object that permits effective communication therewith at the low radio frequency, d) reading the identification data and shipping data from the transceiver of each tag by interrogating all tags commingled in said repository with data signals, such as specific IP addresses or other identification codes, via said field antenna; and e) transmitting the identification data and shipping data from each tag to a central data processor to provide a tally of the objects in said repository.

A refueling dock for refueling multiple vehicles at one time is disclosed. The dock has a manifold that has an inlet that can be connected to a fuel tanker truck and a plurality of outlet openings. Each outlet opening has a valve that controls the flow of fuel through the hose. A nozzle is fitted to the hose and is located at the end of the hose distant from the outlet opening. Two or more hoses can be simultaneously connected to different equipment in need of refueling. A valved fuel tank inlet line enables fuel to flow from the manifold to a fuel tank on the dock. When needed, fuel from the tank can then be pumped to the manifold through a fuel tank outlet line,.which can be connected to the same inlet on the manifold that is used to receive fuel from the tanker trick.

The dynamic, predictive information system and method assigns shipping assets (drivers-tractors-trailers) from carriers to transport orders by shippers. Computer databases hold shipping asset data. Specific transport orders are electronically joined to specific driver-tractor-trailer combinations. A search and sort routine produces resulting records based upon proximity, trailer type, proximity of the joined driver-trailer combination, carrier service region and pick-up and delivery date constraints. The sort is by price or performance indicators which are pre-selected shipper ranges matched to historical shipping data from carriers. The system books the carrier, the driver-tractor-trailer combination and the shipper to transport order with an electronic communications phase. In a truck lane scenario, the system joins a specific driver and a specific tractor and a non-specific trailer to a specific transport order. GPS data and electronic shipping document data from PDAs with the drivers is logged into the system and is viewable by the participants.

A well service pump system supplies high pressure working fluid to a well. The pump system is a linear design which incorporates a diesel engine, a hydraulic drive gear box, open loop hydraulic Pumps, hydraulic ram cylinders, controls for the hydraulic system hydraulic cylinders, working fluid end cylinders and a coupling to connect the hydraulic cylinders and the working fluid ends. The engine powers the hydraulic system which, in turn, provides hydraulic fluid to operate the hydraulic ram cylinders. Each of the polished rods of the hydraulic ram cylinders is connected axially to a plunger rod end of a working fluid end cylinder. There is no crankshaft or automatic transmission required. The linear design allows for a longer plunger stroke length while still allowing highway transport on a truck or skid.

A refrigerated truck has a power management system for optimally distributing power between one or more energy sources, energy sinks, or energy storage components on the refrigerated truck. One such power consuming component includes a refrigeration unit that cools a refrigerated compartment of the refrigerated truck. Particularly with regard to this refrigeration unit, the power management system is operative to direct power from multiple power sources to the refrigeration unit so as to efficiently use available power. To do so, the power management system dynamically determines the availability of certain power sources and selects a preferred power source based on availability and a defined order of power source preference. For example, one defined order of power source preference may include, in order of preference upon availability, a shore power source, a truck engine generator drivingly connected to the refrigerated truck's engine, one or more auxiliary power sources, and a stand alone refrigerator unit engine.

A navigation system for navigating in low visibility environments includes a portable detection unit which uses position and orientation sensors and / or wireless location to track the position of the portable detection unit relative to some reference location, such as a fire truck. The relative position of the portable detection unit, and thus its user, is then output to a visual display for viewing by the user so that the user may see his / her position in a dark or smoky environment. The system may also include portable beacons which may be left at landmarks so that the relative positions of the landmarks may be seen on the visual display.

A resource management system for tracking the real-time location and status of a plurality of trucks during interaction with a plurality of batch plants and a plurality of jobsites to provide a system for managing the trucks and drivers; providing customer efficiency; and providing dispatch accountability. Vehicle-mounted sensors automatically communicate delivery status information via a wireless network, all without requiring driver intervention. The on-board personal computer (PC) or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) displays GPS maps, relays driver messages and stores performance data. The status and performance data can be reviewed in real time to allow the dispatcher to efficiently manage the truck fleet with regard to the jobsite demands and the capabilities of the available batch plants. Alternatively, the status and performance data can be reviewed at a later time to analyze and improve resource allocation. Further, the system is automated and digital, thus eliminating driver-generated forms, minimizing entry errors and lowering the data entry costs associated with producing manual load tickets.

A fuel cell system is described for providing primary and / or auxiliary / backup power to one or more loads selected from the group comprising: lawn & garden equipment; radios; telephone; targeting equipment; battery rechargers; laptops; communications devices; sensors; night vision equipment; camping equipment; stoves; lanterns; lights; vehicles; cars; recreational vehicles; trucks; boats; ferries; motorcycles; motorized scooters; forklifts; golf carts; lawnmowers; industrial carts; passenger carts (airport); luggage handling equipment (airports); airplanes; lighter than air crafts; blimps; dirigibles; hovercrafts; trains; locomotives; submarines (manned and unmanned); torpedoes; security systems; electrical energy storage devices for solar-based, tidal-based, hydro-based, wind-based, and other renewable energy source; equipment for which a primary and / or backup power source is necessary or desirable to enable the equipment to function for its intended purpose, military-usable variants of above, and suitable combinations of any two or more thereof. The system provides power to the one or more loads upon the occurrence of a power outage condition, which includes a disruption or discontinuation in the delivery of primary power (i.e., power from a system-external primary source, namely, a source other than the fuel cell system) to, or power demand condition by, the one or more loads. A controller senses outage of primary power to, or demand for primary power by, the one or more loads, and, responsive thereto, operatively engages one or more fuel cells to provide power to the one or more loads.