James F Hughen

US Patent:

20060167600, Jul 27, 2006

Filed:

Jan 27, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/046498

Inventors:

Robert Nelson - Austin TX, US
James Hughen - Austin TX, US
David Fowler - Elgin TX, US

Assignee:

Raven Industries, Inc. - Sioux Falls SD

International Classification:

G06F 19/00

US Classification:

701023000, 701050000, 701041000

Abstract:

A system and method for automatically steering a vehicle along an intended path is provided. The system is architecturally partitioned. The partitioned design allows each of the system elements to be designed and maintained independently while allowing variation and flexibility in system configuration. An embodiment of the system elements may comprise a local navigation guidance unit, an external positioning system, a steering controller, and an installation and service computer. Additional elements of an embodiment of the system may comprise a steering position sensor, and at least one steering actuator. The system allows the operator to enter an intended target path and certain vehicle parameters. The local navigation guidance unit receives positional data from an external positioning system, preferably DGPS, indicative of a navigational path traversed by the vehicle. The guidance unit compares the positional data with the intended target path to obtain guidance error and transmits the guidance error to the steering controller. The system allows for determination of the current steering angle and generation of a steering angle adjustment based upon the intended target, the navigational path traversed by the vehicle, the vehicle parameters, the steering angle and the guidance error. The steering angle adjustment is used to actuate a steering mechanism to smoothly guide the vehicle along the intended target path.

US Patent:

42688272, May 19, 1981

Filed:

Sep 21, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/077691

Inventors:

James F. Hughen - Austin TX
Jimmy R. Herring - Round Rock TX
David A. Biedermann - Austin TX
Christopher W. Ovens - Boulder CO

Assignee:

Dresser Industries, Inc. - Dallas TX

International Classification:

G09F 932

US Classification:

340715

Abstract:

In fuel dispensing apparatus utilizing seven-segment electromagnetic displays each segment of all the displays is operatively driven and tested seriatum both prior to and during the dispensing cycle by measuring the current flowing therethrough. Where peak current through each segment coil exceeds a predetermined switching value within an allotted time period, an inactivating signal is emitted via a microprocessor to inactivate the drive for the respective segment. Failure to receive one or more of the inactivating drive signals per display represents a display malfunction which via the microprocessor renders the dispensing apparatus inoperable.