Patents by Inventor George F. Lucas

George F. Lucas has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230150321
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to autonomous operation of a mobile robot, which can include use of a receiver hitch, a tow arm, and a trained model. Embodiments include use of sensors and identifiers to facilitate autonomous operation based solely on receiver hitch data. The receiver hitch data can allow the robot to autonomously position itself and orient the tow arm for proper alignment with the receiver hitch. Receiver hitch data can also be used to autonomously increase a field of view for the robot. Additional sensor data can allow the robot to detect a ledge or similar obstacle and avoid steering towards or over the ledge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: ST Engineering Aethon, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan List, Spencer W. Allen, Joseph S. Beri, David Debusca, George F. Lucas, Anthony Melanson, Peter T. Seiff
  • Publication number: 20230150139
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a robotic system having a plurality of sensors attached to a robot. The system includes an identifier attached to a receiver hitch of a cart. The identifier includes information related to a cart with which the identifier is attached. At least one sensor of the plurality of sensors is configured to detect the identifier and transmit sensor data to a computing unit of the robot. The computing unit of the robot operates the robot and/or the plurality of sensors based on the cart information. Some embodiments include a facility sensor attached to a facility. The facility sensor is configured to detect presence or absence of a cart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: ST Engineering Aethon, Inc.
    Inventors: David Debusca, Spencer W. Allen, Joseph S. Beri, George F. Lucas, Anthony Melanson, David Peduzzi, Peter T. Seiff
  • Patent number: 9223313
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing and prioritizing for action fleets of mobile robots deployed at various locations. The system/method includes a plurality of homebase servers, each corresponding to a different location, with each of the homebase servers receiving operational parameter data (representing operational and navigational issues experienced by the mobile robot) from a plurality of mobile robots operating at the particular location where the homebase server is deployed. A central server receives the operational parameter data from the plurality of homebase servers. The central server included a data analysis module for processing the operational parameter data and prioritizing the mobile robots operating at the various locations for action by support staff. A list is generated ranking the mobile robots in order of importance for action by support staff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Aethon, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Wolfe, George F. Lucas, Mark Swaney, Spencer W. Allen
  • Publication number: 20150039157
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing and prioritizing for action fleets of mobile robots deployed at various locations. The system/method includes a plurality of homebase servers, each corresponding to a different location, with each of the homebase servers receiving operational parameter data (representing operational and navigational issues experienced by the mobile robot) from a plurality of mobile robots operating at the particular location where the homebase server is deployed. A central server receives the operational parameter data from the plurality of homebase servers. The central server included a data analysis module for processing the operational parameter data and prioritizing the mobile robots operating at the various locations for action by support staff. A list is generated ranking the mobile robots in order of importance for action by support staff.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: David G. Wolfe, George F. Lucas, Mark Swaney, Spencer W. Allen
  • Patent number: 8886390
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing and prioritizing for action fleets of mobile robots deployed at various locations. The system/method includes a plurality of homebase servers, each corresponding to a different location, with each of the homebase servers receiving operational parameter data (representing operational and navigational issues experienced by the mobile robot) from a plurality of mobile robots operating at the particular location where the homebase server is deployed. A central server receives the operational parameter data from the plurality of homebase servers. The central server included a data analysis module for processing the operational parameter data and prioritizing the mobile robots operating at the various locations for action by support staff. A list is generated ranking the mobile robots in order of importance for action by support staff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Aethon, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Wolfe, George F. Lucas, Mark Swaney