Michael R Cutter

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.