US5530330A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automated guidance system for a vehicle
Assignee: Vale Canada Ltd
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Filing: 1994-03-30
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Granted: 1996-06-25
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Expires: 2014-03-30
Abstract
Abstract A system for automatically steering a vehicle through an irregular structure. A flexible lighting tube, in proximity to the back of the structure, communicates with at least one canted video camera. A processor takes the output of the camera, determines the position of the vehicle, and provides guidance to the vehicle's steering mechanism.
Inventors
- 👤 Greg Baiden
- 👤 Everett Henderson
- 👤 Samir Zakaria
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 15:00
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05D; G05D1/00; G05D1/02; G05D1/021; G05D1/0231; G05D1/0246; G05D1/0234
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
A system for guiding a vehicle through an irregular structure having at least a floor and a back, the system comprising a steerable vehicle, the vehicle including a proximal section and a distal section, the vehicle having a horizontal reference axis, a canted light sensitive apparatus affixed to each of the proximal section and the distal section, a flexible continuous source of light arranged above the vehicle and parallel to the intended path of the vehicle, means for processing positioning signals generated by the light sensitive apparatus vis-a-vis the continuous source of light, means for translating the processing signals into vehicle steering commands, and means for receiving the steering commands and steering the vehicle.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
114 words
A system for guiding a vehicle through an irregular structure having at least a floor and a back, the system comprising a steerable vehicle, the vehicle including a proximal section and a distal section, the vehicle having a horizontal reference axis, a canted light sensitive apparatus affixed to each of the proximal section and the distal section, a flexible continuous source of light arranged above the vehicle and parallel to the intended path of the vehicle, means for processing positioning signals generated by the light sensitive apparatus vis-a-vis the continuous source of light, means for translating the processing signals into vehicle steering commands, and means for receiving the steering commands and steering the vehicle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system according to claim 1 wherein the continuous source of light is a lighting tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system according to claim 1 wherein the vehicle is an articulated vehicle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system according to claim 1 wherein the irregular structure is an underground excavation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system according to claim 1 wherein the light sensitive apparatus is a camera, and the camera is located at an angle other than about 90° from the horizontal reference axis.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system according to claim 1 wherein the continuous source of light conforms to the contours of the back.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system according to claim 1 wherein the continuous source of light is irregularly spaced away from the back so as to form a relatively horizontal source of light.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system according to claim 1 wherein the means for processing positioning signals includes a heads forward scan for anticipating the approach of a curve.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system according to claim 1 wherein the back is irregular.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system according to claim 1 wherein the floor is irregular.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system according to claim 1 wherein the continuous source of light is deployed from one location within the structure to at least a second location within the structure.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system according to claim 1 wherein the continuous source of light includes branches leading to additional locations within the structure.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-06-25 | 1999-12-25 | 2000-06-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-06-25 | 2003-12-25 | 2004-06-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-06-25 | 2007-12-25 | 2008-06-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |