Automated gate control and methods
First Claim
1. An automated gate control system for a vehicle with a load carrying portion and a gate selectively operable to define an opening in the load carry portion through which material is distributed, the control system comprising:
- a driver-accessible control module positionable within reach of a driver of the vehicle and comprising controls actuatable by the driver to control a position of the gate; and
a gate actuating mechanism controllably linked to the driver-accessible control module and comprising a mechanical actuator coupled to the gate to move the gate as desired, wherein the gate actuating mechanism receives control signals from the driver-accessible control module, processes the signals and controls the mechanical actuator to open and to close the gate to distribute material through the gate as desired.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An automated gate control system for a vehicle with a load carrying portion capable of carrying a load of material selectively distributable through a gate comprises a driver-accessible control module and a gate actuating mechanism. The driver-accessible control mechanism is positionable within reach of a driver of the vehicle. The gate actuating mechanism is controllably linked to and responsive to control signals from the driver-accessible control module to open and to close the gate to distribute material through the gate as desired. As a result, the driver need not exit the vehicle to move the gate before, after or during a material distribution operation.
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Citations
32 Claims
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1. An automated gate control system for a vehicle with a load carrying portion and a gate selectively operable to define an opening in the load carry portion through which material is distributed, the control system comprising:
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a driver-accessible control module positionable within reach of a driver of the vehicle and comprising controls actuatable by the driver to control a position of the gate; and
a gate actuating mechanism controllably linked to the driver-accessible control module and comprising a mechanical actuator coupled to the gate to move the gate as desired, wherein the gate actuating mechanism receives control signals from the driver-accessible control module, processes the signals and controls the mechanical actuator to open and to close the gate to distribute material through the gate as desired. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A retrofit kit for improving a conventional trailer with a material delivering gate to provide for automatic control of the gate by the driver while the trailer is in motion, comprising:
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a driver control module positioned in a driver'"'"'s area within reach of a driver, the driver control module comprising a wireless transmitter for transmitting wireless control signals and controls actuatable by the driver;
a power connection connectible to a vehicle battery to provide power to the driver control module;
a pneumatic actuator positionable to operate the material delivering gate, the pneumatic actuator being connectible to a pneumatic system of the conventional trailer, the pneumatic actuator comprising a position sensor operable to send signals indicative of a position of the pneumatic actuator;
a gate control mechanism comprising a control unit capable of receiving wireless control signals from the wireless transmitter, a remote gate control circuit for sending control signals to a valve that controls the flow of pressurized air to the pneumatic actuator to cause the actuator to move, thereby opening and closing the gate as desired. - View Dependent Claims (29)
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28. A method of retrofitting a conventional load carrying vehicle capable of carrying material and selectively distributing the material through a gated opening, the method comprising:
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providing a driver-accessible control module and positioning the driver-accessible control module within reach of the driver, the driver-accessible control module receiving commands input by the driver to control the gate and a wireless transmitter to transmit establishing a wireless communication link;
providing a remote gate control module and positioning the remote gate control module adjacent the gate, the remote gate control module having a receiver that receives control signals corresponding to the commands input by the driver from the driver-accessible control module;
providing a valve assembly and connecting the valve assembly to a source of pneumatic power and to the remote gate control module, wherein the valve is responsive to control signals received from the remote gate control module corresponding to the commands input by the driver; and
providing a pneumatic actuator for moving the gate and connecting the actuator to the gate and to the valve system, wherein the pneumatic actuator extends and retracts according to control signals received from the remote gate control module to move the gate corresponding to the commands input by the driver.
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30. An automated gate control system for a tractor trailer combination vehicle, comprising:
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a trailer having a container portion and a longitudinally extending opening defined in a lower surface;
a gate comprising at least first and second opposing gate members, the first and second opposing gate members being pivotably mounted on opposite sides of the opening in the trailer;
a mechanical actuator having one end connected to the first opposing gate member and an opposite end connected to the second opposing gate member;
a valve assembly in fluid communication with the mechanical actuator;
a position sensor coupled to the gate members;
a remote gate control module having electrical connections to the valve assembly and to the position sensor; and
a driver accessible control module positioned within reach of the driver and in wireless communication with the remote gate control sensor. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32)
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Specification