Gritting systems and methods
August 31, 2018. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesMethod and apparatus for spreading fertilizer Method for precision dynamic differential positioning Remote control system of mobile objects Variable rate application system Deposition of snow-ice treatment material from a vehicle with controlled scatter Surface material and condition sensing system Global positioning planter system Independent flow rate and droplet size control system and method for sprayer Surface material and condition sensing system Process for taking action on productive lands InventorApplicationNo. 051101 filed on 08/31/1998US Classes:701/50, Construction or agricultural-type vehicle (e.g., crane, forklift)239/1, PROCESSES239/69, By programming means701/213Using Global Positioning System (GPS)ExaminersPrimary: Chin, GaryAttorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassE01H 010/00Foreign Application Priority Data1995-10-06 GBAbstractMethods and systems for controlled gritting of routes. e.g. roads, are disclosed. A gritting vehicle (3) has a continuously-operating position detection arrangement e.g. GPS and has an on-board information processor (MDT) in which route data such as forecast thermal map data are stored. The stored data can be transmitted to the vehicle (3) from a control station processor via a radio link. Real-time positional data are compared with the route data in the vehicle's processor and generate gritting instructions to control whether and how much grit is deposited at a given location. Positional and gritting status information may be transmitted back to the control station (1) progressively for recording. On-board sensors (S) may be used to supplement forecast data.Field of SearchConstruction or agricultural-type vehicle (e.g., crane, forklift)Employing position determining equipment Including route searching or determining device Using Global Positioning System (GPS) Having multiple GPS antennas or receivers (e.g., differential GPS) Remote control system With position indicating With particular action taken responsive to position VEHICLE POSITION INDICATION With map display Highway information (e.g., weather, speed limits, etc.) PROCESSES By programming means Position or extent of motion indicator With spray material quantity or flow indicating means (e.g., sight gauge) Ground wheel controlled intermitter WITH MEANS FOR FLUCTUATING FLOW OR PRESSURE OF FLUID SUPPLIED TO DISTRIBUTOR MEANS Aircraft carried Vehicle drawn or carried | |
