Patents by Inventor Ivar Fjeldheim
Ivar Fjeldheim 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).
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Publication number: 20210213311Abstract: The invention concerns a service vehicle (2) for extinguishing fire on and within an automated storage and retrieval system (1) and a method for operating such a service vehicle (2). The service vehicle comprises caterpillar tracks (6, 7) allowing movement of the service vehicle across a rail system (108) and a fire extinguisher compartment (8) for containing firefighting equipment (3a).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2019Publication date: July 15, 2021Inventors: Trond Austrheim, Ivar Fjeldheim
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Publication number: 20210188549Abstract: The invention concerns an automated storage and retrieval system, a storage container handling vehicle and a method for operating such a system. The system comprises a plurality of vehicles, where each vehicle comprises a vehicle body (30), a thereto connected wheel assembly configured to guide the vehicle along the track system, a container picking device (4) for releasably attaching to a storage container, comprising one or more pivot arms (5) having a first end pivotally connected to the vehicle body at pivot point (PP). The configuration of the container picking device is such that it is movable in a pivoting motion of the pivot arm about the pivot point between a first, lifting position enabling the container picking device to lift at least one storage container from a position outside the horizontal extent of the vehicle body and a second, transport position enabling the container picking device to hold the at least one storage container at least partly inside the horizontal extent of the vehicle body.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2018Publication date: June 24, 2021Inventors: Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim
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Publication number: 20210155407Abstract: The present invention relates to automated storage and retrieval system comprising: a track system comprising a first set of parallel tracks arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of parallel tracks arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction, which first and second sets of tracks form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane comprising a plurality of adjacent grid cells, each comprising a grid opening defined by a pair of adjacent tracks of the first set of tracks and a pair of adjacent tracks of the second set of tracks; a plurality of stacks of storage containers arranged in storage columns located beneath the track system, wherein each storage column is located vertically below a grid opening; a plurality of container handling vehicles for lifting and moving storage containers stacked in the stacks, the container handling vehicles being configured to move laterally on the track system above the sType: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2018Publication date: May 27, 2021Applicant: Autostore Technology ASInventors: Trond Austrheim, Ivar Fjeldheim, Ingvar Fagerland
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Publication number: 20210078802Abstract: The invention concerns a remotely operated vehicle assembly for a storage system and a method for change of vehicle direction. The vehicle assembly comprises a vehicle body displaying a cavity being suitable for receiving items stored within the storage system, a vehicle lifting device being connected at least indirectly to the vehicle body and suitable for lifting the item into the cavity, a displacement arrangement comprising inter alia a displacement motor which is configured to at least provide the power that is necessary in order to displace one or both of the first set of vehicle rolling means and the second set of vehicle rolling means between a displaced state where the relevant vehicle rolling means is displaced away from the underlying storage system during use, and a non-displaced state where the relevant vehicle rolling means is in contact with the underlying storage system during use, and driving means coupled to the displacement arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2020Publication date: March 18, 2021Inventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim, Borge Bekken
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Patent number: 10913607Abstract: A storage system for storing product items includes a grid structure, a number of storage bins configured to be stored in vertical compartments in the grid structure, and a picking and/or supply station. Each storage bin is configured to contain at least one product item. The storage system further includes a conveyor system configured to convey a storage bin from a first position to a second position and further to a third position, where the conveyor system includes a first, tillable conveyor configured to convey the storage bin from the first position to the third position via the second position.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2017Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: Autostore Technology ASInventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim, Øystein Gjerdevik
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Publication number: 20210032036Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a track system forming a grid pattern in the horizontal plane including a plurality of adjacent grid cells, each grid cell including a grid opening. A plurality of storage columns is located beneath the track system. Each storage column is located vertically below a grid opening and arranged to store a stack of storage containers. A container handling vehicle for lifting at least one storage container stacked in the stacks is configured to move laterally on the track system above the storage columns to access the storage containers via the grid openings.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2019Publication date: February 4, 2021Applicant: Autostore Technology ASInventors: Trond Austrheim, Ivar Fjeldheim, Ingvar Fagerland
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Publication number: 20210032027Abstract: The invention concerns an automated storage and retrieval system comprising at least one relay module (60) for relaying storage containers (6) between a port column (61) and an access station (64), the relay module (60) being arranged below a port column (61) wherein the relay module (60) comprises a port station for receiving storage containers (6) dropped off from and to be picked up through the port column (61), a first conveyor and a second conveyor, each arranged at a side of the port station, the first conveyor being adapted to transport storage containers (6) to an access station (64), the second conveyor being adapted for transporting storage containers (6) from the access station (64). A lateral displacement device is arranged for transporting storage containers (6) between the port station and the first conveyor, and between the second conveyor and the port station.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2019Publication date: February 4, 2021Inventors: Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim
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Publication number: 20210016966Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a guiding assembly and a vehicle. The guiding assembly includes a first guiding system arranged in a first horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second guiding system arranged in a second horizontal plane and extending in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction, and a plurality of storage containers stacked on top of one another to form stacks of storage containers arranged in storage columns below the first and second guiding systems. Each storage column is located vertically below a grid opening of a plurality of adjacent grid cells, the grid cells forming a grid pattern in the horizontal plane. The vehicle includes a lifting device for picking up storage containers from the storage columns to a position above the highest level of the storage columns.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2019Publication date: January 21, 2021Applicant: Autostore Technology ASInventors: Jørgen Djuve Heggebø, Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim
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Patent number: 10882694Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle assembly for picking up storage bins from a storage system and a method for change of vehicle direction. The vehicle assembly has a vehicle body with a cavity suitable for receiving a storage bin stored within the storage system, a lifting device for lifting the containers into the cavity and a displacement arrangement including a motor for lifting one of two sets of wheels in or out of engagement with an underlying track for changing vehicle direction. The displacement arrangement includes a displacement plate and a vertically displaceable bar arranged in a lateral plane above the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2018Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: Autostore Technology ASInventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim, Borge Bekken
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Publication number: 20200391941Abstract: The invention concerns a displacement mechanism (16) for a remotely operated vehicle (400,500,600,700), the displacement mechanism (16) being for raising and lowering wheels (25) onto a rail system (108) that the remotely operated vehicle (400,500,600,700) runs on. Furthermore, the invention concerns a remotely operated vehicle (400,500,600,700) comprising such a displacement mechanism (16), a method for raising and lowering the wheels of a remotely operated vehicle (400,500,600,700) comprising such a displacement mechanism (16) and an automated storage and retrieval system (1) comprising at least one remotely operated vehicle (400,500,600,700) comprising such a displacement mechanism (16).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2019Publication date: December 17, 2020Inventors: Trond Austrheim, Jorgen Djuve Heggebo, Ivar Fjeldheim, Borge Bekken
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Publication number: 20200346864Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system comprises a rail system comprising a first set of parallel tracks arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of parallel tracks arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction, which first and second sets of tracks form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane comprising a plurality of adjacent grid cells, each comprising a grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring tracks of the first set of tracks and a pair of neighboring tracks of the second set of tracks; and a plurality of stacks of storage containers arranged in storage columns located beneath the rail system. Each storage column is located vertically below a grid opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2019Publication date: November 5, 2020Applicant: Autostore Technology ASInventors: Ivar FJELDHEIM, Børge BEKKEN, Trond AUSTRHEIM
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Patent number: 10819126Abstract: A storage system includes a charging station assembly for charging a plurality of power sources and a method thereof. The charging station assembly includes a charging station support fixing the charging station assembly to a base of the storage system, a plurality of charging stations, each charging station including a charger that charges the plurality of power sources and a power source transport device enabling relocation of the power source between an operational position on a remotely operated vehicle and a charging position in or at any one of the plurality of charging stations.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2017Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: Autostore Technology ASInventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Børge Bekken, Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim
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Patent number: 10807796Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle assembly for picking up storage bins from a storage system and a method for change of vehicle direction. The vehicle assembly has a vehicle body with a cavity suitable for receiving a storage bin stored within the storage system, a lifting device for lifting the containers into the cavity and a displacement motor for lifting one of two sets of wheels in or out of engagement with an underlying track for changing vehicle direction. The wheels are arranged at outer side walls of the vehicle body facing away from the cavity, arranged at, or near, each of the respective two corners of the lower edge of the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2018Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Autostore Technology ASInventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim, Borge Bekken
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Publication number: 20200290804Abstract: The invention concerns an automated storage and retrieval system (1), a storage container handling vehicle (3) and a method for operating such a system. The system (1) comprises one or more vehicle (3) configured to lift and move storage containers (106) stacked in the system (1). Each vehicle (3) comprises a storage container lifting device (16), a drive system (18) with a wheel arrangement (19, 20) configured to drive and maneuver the vehicle (3) along the track system (108), abase (31) onto which the wheel arrangement (19, 20) is connected, a rotational part (30) rotationally connected via a swivel device (32) to the base (31) and a rotational drive system (34) for rotating the rotational part (30) relative to the base (31).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2018Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventors: Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim
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Publication number: 20200283239Abstract: A vehicle operated cleaning bin for cleaning a storage grid of a storage system, wherein the cleaning bin includes a connector for attaching the cleaning bin to a lifting device of a remotely operating vehicle being configured to vertically convey the cleaning bin inside a column of the storage grid by aid of the lifting device, and a plurality of cleaners for removing foreign debris from the storage grid. The plurality of cleaners are arranged on at least one lateral wall of the cleaning bin.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2020Publication date: September 10, 2020Applicant: Autostore Technology ASInventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim
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Publication number: 20200216263Abstract: A container handling vehicle for an automated storage and retrieval system includes a three-dimensional grid having multiple storage columns, in which containers are stored one on top of another in vertical stacks. The container handling vehicle is arrangeable above a top level of the grid for retrieving a container from, and storing a container in, at least some of the storage columns, and/or for transporting a container horizontally across the top level of the grid. The container handling vehicle has a lifting device including a lifting frame for releasable connection to a container, and lifting bands arranged to lower and raise the lifting frame relative to the storage columns. The lifting device includes a container centring device arranged to extend around portions of the lifting frame. The container centring device having a lower open end including at least one edge element for interaction with a peripheral part of the upper end of a storage column.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2018Publication date: July 9, 2020Applicant: Autostore Technology ASInventors: Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim
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Patent number: 10703564Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle, for picking up a storage bin from an underlying storage system, may include a vehicle body having a cavity adapted to contain the entire storage bin, vehicle rolling means for movement of the vehicle on the underlying storage system, and a lifting assembly for lifting the storage bin from the underlying storage system to a position above the lowest level of the vehicle rolling means. Additionally, the lifting assembly may include a lifting frame, a rotatable lifting shaft, a first lifting band assembly, and a second lifting band assembly. Further, the lifting frame is connectable to the storage bin and the rotatable lifting shaft is arranged in an upper part of the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2017Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Autostore Technology ASInventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Ivar Fjeldheim
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Patent number: 10660438Abstract: A leveling foot having a base section with a raised, hollow column. A spring is arranged in the hollow column. A moveable top piece engages the column, and is movable in the vertical direction against the force of the spring. The top piece is slightly larger than the column, such that side walls of the top piece overlap the sides of the column when the spring is compressed. The bottom edges of the side walls of the top piece are angled. A generally U-shaped wedge device is provided that may be pressed into engagement with the base section, whereby a leg of the U engages each side of the column. The top surfaces of the legs of the U-shaped device are angled in the form of wedges, the angles of the top surfaces of the legs corresponding to the angles of the side walls of the movable top piece, such that the side walls of the top piece will rest upon the angled top surfaces of the legs of the wedge device when the top piece is under load.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2017Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: Autostore Technology ASInventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim, Borge Bekken
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Patent number: 10654661Abstract: A vehicle operated cleaning bin for cleaning a storage grid of a storage system includes a connector suitable for attaching the cleaning bin to a lifting device of a remotely operating vehicle being configured to vertically convey the cleaning bin into the storage grid by aid of the lifting device. Further, the vehicle operated cleaning bin includes a cleaner provided for removing foreign debris from the storage grid.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2017Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: Autostore Technology ASInventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim
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Publication number: 20200064854Abstract: Method and vehicle for tracking the position of a remotely operated vehicle following a set route relative to tracks laid out on a frame structure forming a grid, the vehicle having first and second sets of wheels connected to drives for moving the vehicle in corresponding x- and y-directions on the grid, the method comprising: receiving information of the number of track crossings to pass between start and stop positions in x- and y-directions according to the set route; directing sensors attached to the vehicle at the tracks along the route of the vehicle; detecting and monitoring track crossings passed when moving the vehicle in the x- and y-directions according to the set route, and transmitting a signal to a controller, controlling the drives of the wheels of the vehicle, when the number of track crossings passed is close to the total number of track crossings to pass between the start and stop positions in respective x- and y-directions along the set route.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2017Publication date: February 27, 2020Applicant: Autostore Technology ASInventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Ivar Fjeldheim, Jørgen Djuve Heggebø