Michael Dewayne Cutter

US Patent:

20220410898, Dec 29, 2022

Filed:

Jun 23, 2022

Appl. No.:

17/848123

Inventors:

- Golden CO, US
Ky Woodard - Golden CO, US
Michael Cutter - Golden CO, US
James Bailey - Golden CO, US
Matt Brekken - Golden CO, US
Yu-Cheng Lin - Golden CO, US
Lawrence Klein - Bend OR, US

International Classification:

B60W 30/18
B60W 60/00

Abstract:

In embodiments, a method positions and aligns an autonomous tractor coupling with an articulated trailer located in a pick-up spot. A staging path that terminates at a staging point corresponding to the pick-up spot is determined, and the tractor is controlled to follow the staging path to the staging point and then couple with the trailer. In embodiments, a method positions and aligns an autonomous tractor coupled to an articulated trailer in preparation for the tractor to reverse the trailer into a drop-off spot. A staging path having a shape and a staging point is determined, and the autonomous tractor is controlled to follow the staging path to the staging point. The staging path is shaped such that, after following the staging path to the staging point, the tractor and trailer are positioned for reversing into the drop-off spot.

US Patent:

20210053407, Feb 25, 2021

Filed:

Sep 1, 2020

Appl. No.:

17/009620

Inventors:

- Golden CO, US
Lawrence S. Klein - Bend OR, US
Stephen A. Langenderfer - Bend OR, US
Martin E. Sotola - Boulder CO, US
Vikas Bahl - Highlands Ranch CO, US
Mark H. Rosenblum - Denver CO, US
Peter James - Denver CO, US
Dale Rowley - Centennial CO, US
Matthew S. Johannes - Catonsville MD, US
Gary Seminara - Golden CO, US
Jeremy M. Nett - Littleton CO, US
Christopher T. Bate - Westminster CO, US
Michael Patrick Cutter - Golden CO, US

International Classification:

B60D 1/64
B25J 9/16

Abstract:

A system and method for operation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck is provided. A processor facilitates autonomous movement of the AV yard truck, and connection to and disconnection from trailers. A plurality of sensors are interconnected with the processor that sense terrain/objects and assist in automatically connecting/disconnecting trailers. A server, interconnected, wirelessly with the processor, that tracks movement of the truck around and determines locations for trailer connection and disconnection. A door station unlatches/opens rear doors of the trailer when adjacent thereto, securing them in an opened position via clamps, etc. The system computes a height of the trailer, and/or if landing gear of the trailer is on the ground and interoperates with the fifth wheel to change height, and whether docking is safe, allowing a user to take manual control, and optimum charge time(s). Reversing sensors/safety, automated chocking, and intermodal container organization are also provided.