Automated gate control and methods

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.

We 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, wherein the driver can select from a plurality of predetermined gate opening sizes using the control module; 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.   
     
     
         2 . The gate control system of  claim 1 , wherein the gate actuating mechanism is operable while the vehicle is in motion. 
     
     
         3 . The gate control system of  claim 1 , wherein the gate actuating mechanism comprises a wireless link to the control module. 
     
     
         4 . The gate control system of  claim 1 , wherein the gate actuating mechanism comprises a wired link to the control module. 
     
     
         5 . The gate control system of  claim 1 , further comprising a supervisory control module positioned remote from the vehicle, and wherein the gate actuating mechanism is wirelessly linked to the supervisory control module to receive signals from the supervisory control module. 
     
     
         6 . The gate control system of  claim 1 , wherein the driver-accessible control module is mounted to a dashboard of the vehicle. 
     
     
         7 . The gate control system of  claim 1 , wherein the driver-accessible control module comprises a display, a power connection to a source of electrical power for the control module and a control circuit comprising at least a transmitter that communicates to the gate actuating mechanism. 
     
     
         8 . The gate control system of  claim 7 , wherein the control module comprises a memory capable of storing information. 
     
     
         9 . The gate control system of  claim 8 , wherein the control module comprises a receiver capable of receiving signals. 
     
     
         10 . The gate control system of  claim 7 , wherein the driver accessible control module includes a frequency selector. 
     
     
         11 . The gate control system of  claim 1 , wherein the control module is responsive to voice commands from the driver. 
     
     
         12 . The gate control system of  claim 7 , wherein the control module comprises a DC power connection connectible to a battery of the vehicle and a DC power distribution bus. 
     
     
         13 . The gate control system of  claim 7 , wherein the display is capable of displaying information indicating the position of the gate. 
     
     
         14 . The gate control system of  claim 1 , wherein the gate actuating mechanism includes an actuator connectible to the gate and capable of moving the gate between open and closed positions and holding the gate in intermediate positions between the open and closed positions. 
     
     
         15 . The gate control system of  claim 1 , further comprising a position sensor mountable to the load carrying portion adjacent the gate and capable of sensing a position of the gate. 
     
     
         16 . The gate control system of  claim 14 , wherein the actuator is a linear actuator. 
     
     
         17 . The gate control system of  claim 16 , wherein the linear actuator is a hydraulic actuator or a pneumatic actuator. 
     
     
         18 . The gate control system of  claim 14 , wherein the actuator comprises a position sensor capable of generating a signal indicative of a position of the actuator. 
     
     
         19 . The gate control system of  claim 1 , wherein the gate actuating mechanism includes a linear actuator operable to move the gate between open and closed positions and to hold the gate in any desired intermediate position between the open and the closed positions, a remote gate control unit positioned to receive control signals from the control module and comprising a control circuit capable of generating actuator control signals, wherein the linear actuator extends and retracts according to the actuator control signals received from the control circuit, thereby causing the gate to open and to close. 
     
     
         20 . The gate control system of  claim 19 , wherein the linear actuator is a hydraulic actuator or a pneumatic actuator, and wherein the actuator control signals generated by the control circuit control movement of the linear actuator.