Vehicle guidance systems and associated methods of use at logistics yards and other locations
US11256264B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 22, 2018 |
| Grant date | Feb 22, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 6, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/06
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed for controlling operations of autonomous vehicles and systems in, for example, logistics yards at distribution, manufacturing, processing and/or other centers for the transfer of goods, materials, and/or other cargo. In some embodiments, an autonomous yard tractor or other vehicle can include one or more systems for locating an over-the-road trailer parked in a yard of a distribution center, engaging the trailer, and moving the trailer to a loading dock for loading/unloading operations in accordance with a workflow procedure provided by a central control system. In other embodiments, an autonomous yard tractor can locate the trailer at the loading dock after the loading/unloading operations, engage the trailer, and move the trailer to a parking location in the yard. In some embodiments, the autonomous yard tractor can include a sensor system configured to detect the position of the trailer relative to, for example, the tractor, and/or the dock station can include a sensor system configured to detect the position of the trailer relative to, for example, the dock station during a docking procedure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.