Patents Assigned to Aethon, Inc.
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Patent number: 8204624Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for the automated retrieval/delivery of goods from one location to another using a robotic device such as a tug and accompanying cart. A computer within the tug/cart stores a map of the building floor plan and intended paths for the tug to take when traversing from one location to the next. During the delivery, a variety of different sensors and scanners gather data that is used to avoid obstacles and/or continuously adjust the movement of the tug in order to more closely follow the intended path. The system preferably includes wireless networks that allow one or more tugs to communicate with a tug base station, a primary network located at the site of the delivery and a remote host center that monitors the status and data collected by the tugs.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2011Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Aethon, Inc.Inventors: Aldo Zini, Spencer Wayne Allen, Barry Mark Skirble, Henry F Thorne, Stuart Fairley
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Patent number: 8041455Abstract: A robotic cart pulling vehicle includes a positioning error reducing system for reducing accumulated error in the ded-reckoning navigational system. The positioning error reducing system including at least one of a low load transfer point of the cart attaching mechanism, a floor variation compliance structure whereby the drive wheels maintain a substantially even distribution of load over minor surface variations, a minimal wheel contact surface structure, a calibration structure using at least one proximity sensor mounted on the robot body, and a common electrical and mechanical connection between the cart and the robot vehicle formed by a cart attaching post.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Aethon, Inc.Inventor: Henry F. Thorne
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Patent number: 8010230Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for the automated retrieval/delivery of goods from one location to another using a robotic device such as a tug and accompanying cart. A computer within the tug/cart stores a map of the building floor plan and intended paths for the tug to take when traversing from one location to the next. During the delivery, a variety of different sensors and scanners gather data that is used to avoid obstacles and/or continuously adjust the movement of the tug in order to more closely follow the intended path. The system preferably includes wireless networks that allow one or more tugs to communicate with a tug base station, a primary network located at the site of the delivery and a remote host center that monitors the status and data collected by the tugs.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2010Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Aethon, Inc.Inventors: Aldo Zini, Spencer Wayne Allen, Barry Mark Skirble, Henry F Thorne, Stuart Fairley
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Patent number: 7996109Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for the automated retrieval/delivery of goods from one location to another using a robotic device such as a tug and accompanying cart. A computer within the tug/cart stores a map of the building floor plan and intended paths for the tug to take when traversing from one location to the next. During the delivery, a variety of different sensors and scanners gather data that is used to avoid obstacles and/or continuously adjust the movement of the tug in order to more closely follow the intended path. The system preferably includes wireless networks that allow one or more tugs to communicate with a tug base station, a primary network located at the site of the delivery and a remote host center that monitors the status and data collected by the tugs.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2006Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Aethon, Inc.Inventors: Aldo Zini, Spencer Wayne Allen, Barry Mark Skirble, Henry F. Thorne, Stuart Fairley
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Publication number: 20110163160Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for the automated delivery of goods form one to another using a robotic tug and accompanying cart. A computer within the tug or cart stores an electronic map of the building floor plan and intended paths for the tug to take when traversing from one location to the next. During the delivery, a variety of different sensors and scanners gather data that is used to avoid obstacles and/or adjust the movement of the tug in order to more closely follow the intended path. The system preferably includes both wired and wireless networks that allow one or more tugs to communicate with a tug base station, a primary network located at the site of the delivery and a remote host center that monitors the status and data collected by the tugs.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2011Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: AETHON, INC.Inventors: Aldo ZINI, Spencer Wayne ALLEN, Barry Mark SKIRBLE, Henry F. THORNE, Stuart FAIRLEY
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Publication number: 20110137759Abstract: A system. A system includes a computing system. The computing system includes a processor, a first module, a second module, and a third module. The first module is communicably connected to the processor and is configured for receiving chain of custody information associated with an item. The second module is communicably connected to the processor and is configured for determining a status of the item based on the received chain of custody information. The third module is communicably connected to the processor and is configured for arranging data into a specified format. The data includes the status of the item and the chain of custody information. The third module is also configured for transmitting the data.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2010Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: AETHON, INC.Inventors: Robert J. Wellington, Brian R. Curren, David G. Wolfe, Kevin F. Seip
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Publication number: 20110137457Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for the automated retrieval/delivery of goods from one location to another using a robotic device such as a tug and accompanying cart. A computer within the tug/cart stores a map of the building floor plan and intended paths for the tug to take when traversing from one location to the next. During the delivery, a variety of different sensors and scanners gather data that is used to avoid obstacles and/or continuously adjust the movement of the tug in order to more closely follow the intended path. The system preferably includes wireless networks that allow one or more tugs to communicate with a tug base station, a primary network located at the site of the delivery and a remote host center that monitors the status and data collected by the tugs.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2011Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: AETHON, INC.Inventors: Aldo ZINI, Spencer Wayne ALLEN, Barry Mark SKIRBLE, Henry F. THORNE, Stuart FAIRLEY
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Patent number: 7894939Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for the automated retrieval/delivery of goods from one location to another using a robotic device such as a tug and accompanying cart. A computer within the tug/cart stores a map of the building floor plan and intended paths for the tug to take when traversing from one location to the next. During the delivery, a variety of different sensors and scanners gather data that is used to avoid obstacles and/or continuously adjust the movement of the tug in order to more closely follow the intended path. The system preferably includes wireless networks that allow one or more tugs to communicate with a tug base station, a primary network located at the site of the delivery and a remote host center that monitors the status and data collected by the tugs.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2010Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Aethon, Inc.Inventors: Aldo Zini, Spencer Wayne Allen, Barry Mark Skirble, Henry F Thorne, Stuart Fairley
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Publication number: 20110037565Abstract: A method. The method includes, at a computing system, receiving information associated with an asset. The method also includes determining a location of the asset based on the received information, and determining a status of the asset based on the received information and/or the determined location of the asset. The determining of the location and the determining of the status are performed by the computing system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2010Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: AETHON, INC.Inventors: Barry Skirble, Paul Molingowski
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Publication number: 20100234990Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for the automated retrieval/delivery of goods from one location to another using a robotic device such as a tug and accompanying cart. A computer within the tug/cart stores a map of the building floor plan and intended paths for the tug to take when traversing from one location to the next. During the delivery, a variety of different sensors and scanners gather data that is used to avoid obstacles and/or continuously adjust the movement of the tug in order to more closely follow the intended path. The system preferably includes wireless networks that allow one or more tugs to communicate with a tug base station, a primary network located at the site of the delivery and a remote host center that monitors the status and data collected by the tugs.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: AETHON, INC.Inventors: Aldo ZINI, Spencer Wayne ALLEN, Barry Mark SKIRBLE, Henry F. THORNE, Stuart FAIRLEY
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Publication number: 20100234991Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for the automated retrieval/delivery of goods from one location to another using a robotic device such as a tug and accompanying cart. A computer within the tug/cart stores a map of the building floor plan and intended paths for the tug to take when traversing from one location to the next. During the delivery, a variety of different sensors and scanners gather data that is used to avoid obstacles and/or continuously adjust the movement of the tug in order to more closely follow the intended path. The system preferably includes wireless networks that allow one or more tugs to communicate with a tug base station, a primary network located at the site of the delivery and a remote host center that monitors the status and data collected by the tugs.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: Aethon, Inc.Inventors: Aldo Zini, Spencer Wayne Allen, Barry Mark Skirble, Henry F. Thorne, Stuart Fairley
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Patent number: 7431115Abstract: A robotic cart pulling vehicle includes a positioning error reducing system for reducing accumulated error in the ded-reckoning navigational system. The positioning error reducing system including at least one of a low load transfer point of the cart attaching mechanism, a floor variation compliance structure whereby the drive wheels maintain a substantially even distribution of load over minor surface variations, a minimal wheel contact surface structure, a calibration structure using at least one proximity sensor mounted on the robot body, and a common electrical and mechanical connection between the cart and the robot vehicle formed by a cart attaching post.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2006Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Aethon, Inc.Inventor: Henry F. Thorne