The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 24, 2001
Filed:
Jun. 04, 1997
William Schugt, Mound, MN (US);
Stephan Dominguez, Minneapolis, MN (US);
Dane Industries, Inc., Plymouth, MN (US);
Abstract
A vehicle for retrieving wheeled shopping carts in parking lots. The vehicle is an electric-powered vehicle with electronic remote control which allows one operator to use the device for retrieval of the wheeled shopping carts. The vehicle can be operated in a remote or manual mode. The vehicle includes a cart coupling means for securing the wheeled shopping carts to the vehicle. The coupling means includes two arcuate jaw members which surround the rear tube frame members of the shopping cart. A locking rod is pushed across one jaw member to secure the shopping cart to the coupler assembly. When operating in the remote control, the operator guides the vehicle with a remote transmitter. The remote transmitter transmits signals using a pulse code modulation system. The signals use a 400 Mhz. carrier for digital signals. The vehicle can likewise be operated in a manual mode. The vehicle provides a foot pedal seat and steering wheel for manual operation. The electric drive means for powering the vehicle includes dynamic braking and a parking brake. A controller controls the electric drive means providing speed control to allow for dynamic load compensation. The parking brake is actuated automatically when the vehicle has come to a stop or released automatically when motion is sensed.