Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1990-1994
Title: Innovations by David F. Summerville
Introduction
David F. Summerville is an accomplished inventor based in Garland, TX (US). He holds a total of 4 patents that showcase his contributions to the field of automatically guided vehicles. His work focuses on enhancing the autonomy and efficiency of these systems, making significant strides in automation technology.
Latest Patents
One of his latest patents is the "Hierarchical control system for automatically guided vehicles." This invention comprises a modular and hierarchically organized set of computer programs designed to control semi-autonomous automatically guided vehicles, such as mobile robots. The methods include control programs that execute in stationary control computers and communicate with mobile control computers aboard the vehicles. This invention allows for commands to be issued to mobile vehicles for various tasks, including starting, stopping, transferring materials, and parking. It improves the performance of conventional systems by maximizing vehicle autonomy while maintaining supervisory control.
Another notable patent is the "Static collision avoidance method for multiple automatically guided vehicles." This invention provides a method for static collision avoidance for multiple AGVs on bidirectional paths. It defines allowable travel paths for AGVs as a series of segments through defined destination points on the factory floor. This method enhances performance by allowing multiple AGVs to coexist in the same pathways without collisions or excessive queuing, thus maximizing movement freedom while minimizing deadlock.
Career Highlights
David F. Summerville is currently employed at Texas Instruments Corporation, where he continues to innovate in the field of automation. His work has significantly impacted the efficiency and safety of automated systems in industrial settings.
Collaborations
Some of his notable coworkers include John P. Williston and Martin Austin Wand, who have collaborated with him on various projects within the company.
Conclusion
David F. Summerville's contributions to the field of automatically guided vehicles demonstrate his commitment to innovation and efficiency. His patents reflect a deep understanding of automation technology and its potential to transform industrial operations.
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