Patents by Inventor John P. Thompson

John P. Thompson 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: 20190210725
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein for unmanned flight optimization. A system for unmanned flight comprises a set of motors configured to provide locomotion to an unmanned aerial vehicle, a set of wings coupled to a body of the unmanned aerial vehicle via an actuator and configured to move relative to the body of the unmanned aerial vehicle, a sensor system on the unmanned aerial vehicle, and a control circuit. The control circuit being configured to: control the unmanned aerial vehicle, cause the set of motors to lift the unmanned aerial vehicle, detect condition parameters based on the sensor system, determine a position for the set of wings based on the condition parameters, and cause the actuator to move the set of wings to the wing position while the unmanned aerial vehicle is in flight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Robert L. Cantrell, John P. Thompson, David C. Winkle, Michael D. Atchley, Donald R. High, Todd D. Mattingly, John J. O'Brien, John F. Simon
  • Publication number: 20190210849
    Abstract: Apparatuses, components and methods are provided herein useful to provide assistance to customers and/or workers in a shopping facility. In some embodiments, a shopping facility personal assistance system comprises: a plurality of motorized transport units located in and configured to move through a shopping facility space; a plurality of user interface units, each corresponding to a respective motorized transport unit during use of the respective motorized transport unit; and a central computer system having a network interface such that the central computer system wirelessly communicates with one or both of the plurality of motorized transport units and the plurality of user interface units, wherein the central computer system is configured to control movement of the plurality of motorized transport units through the shopping facility space based at least on inputs from the plurality of user interface units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Donald R. High, Michael D. Atchley, Shuvro Chakrobartty, Karl Kay, Brian G. McHale, Robert C. Taylor, John P. Thompson, Eric E. Welch, David C. Winkle
  • Publication number: 20190193853
    Abstract: In some embodiments, unmanned aerial task systems are provided that include a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) each comprising: a UAV control circuit; a motor; propulsion system; and a universal coupler configured to interchangeably couple with and decouple from one of multiple different tool systems each having different functions to be put into use while carried by a UAV, wherein a coupling system of the universal coupler is configured to secure a tool system with the UAV and enable a communication connection between a communication bus and the tool system, and wherein the multiple different tool systems comprise at least a package securing tool system configured to retain and enable transport of a package while being delivered, and a sensor tool system configured to sense a condition and communicate sensor data of the sensed condition to the UAV control circuit over the communication bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Robert L. Cantrell, John P. Thompson, David C. Winkle, Michael D. Atchley, Donald R. High, Todd D. Mattingly, Brian G. McHale, John J. O'Brien, John F. Simon, Nathan G. Jones, Robert C. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20190188781
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to adjustment of the display of a simulated online store on a user device based on computing usage at the user device. In some embodiments, the system includes: a shopping server for receiving a user request to view a simulated shopping environment; a user device resource module for determining the computing resource usage of the user device; and a control circuit for causing the display of simulated shopping images at the user device in an interactive simulation view, communicating with the user device resource module, determining a real time computing resource usage of the user device, and in certain circumstances, providing additional computing resources to display the simulated shopping environment at the user device at a first, higher consumption level or adjusting the display of the simulated shopping environment at the user device to a second, lower consumption level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Inventors: John J. O'Brien, David Tovey, Nicholas Ray Antel, Steven J. Lewis, John P. Thompson, Todd D. Mattingly
  • Publication number: 20190164439
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to allocate unmanned aircraft system (UAS). Some embodiments, provide UAS allocation systems, comprising: a UAS database that stores for each registered UAS an identifier and corresponding operational capabilities; an allocation control circuit configured to: obtain a first set of multiple task parameters specified by a first customer and corresponding to a requested first predefined task that the customer is requesting a UAS be allocated to perform; identify, from the UAS database, a first UAS having operational capabilities to perform the first set of task parameters while implementing the first task; and cause an allocation notification to be communicated to a first UAS provider, of the multiple UAS providers, associated with the first UAS requesting the first UAS provider to allocate the identified first UAS to implement the first task.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Inventors: Donald R. High, Robert C. Taylor, David C. Winkle, John P. Thompson
  • Patent number: 10293938
    Abstract: In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided to enable package delivery and interaction with customers. Some embodiments comprise unmanned aircraft system (UAS), comprising: a crane system comprising a first spool system and a crane motor, the first spool system comprises a first cord that is extended and retracted; a retractable interface system cooperated with the first cord; a package holder configured to hold a first package to be delivered by the UAS at a delivery location; a control circuit coupled with the crane motor to control the crane motor, and to activate the crane motor to extend the first cord and lower the retractable interface system while the UAS is maintained in flight at least at a threshold height; wherein the retractable interface system comprises an input interface to receive input from a customer at the delivery location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: John P. Thompson, Donald R. High, Nathan G. Jones, David C. Winkle, Brian G. McHale
  • Patent number: 10296005
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein for field monitoring. A system for field monitoring comprises a plurality of types of sensor modules, an unmanned vehicle comprising a sensor system, and a control circuit configured to: receive onboard sensor data from the sensor system of the unmanned vehicle, detect an alert condition at a monitored area based on the onboard sensor data, select one or more types of sensor modules from the plurality of types of sensor modules to deploy at the monitored area based on the onboard sensor data, and cause the unmanned vehicle and/or one or more other unmanned vehicles to transport one or more sensor modules of the one or more types of sensor modules to the monitored area and deploy the one or more sensor modules by detaching from the one or more sensor modules at the monitored area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Cantrell, John P. Thompson, David C. Winkle, Michael D. Atchley, Donald R. High, Todd D. Mattingly, John J. O'Brien, John F. Simon, Nathan G. Jones, Robert C. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10298664
    Abstract: In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided to capture and distribute imaging content. Some embodiments, provide remote inspection systems, comprising: an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) base station control system that wirelessly communicates with an UAS, and comprises: a wireless transceiver; a control circuit; and a memory wherein the control circuit: receives imaging content, captured by a camera of the UAS; establishes a network connection with a content distribution system and activate a distribution session; and communicates the imaging content to the content distribution system that enables multiple remote authorized rendering systems to access the networked content distribution system over the Internet, join the distribution session, and receive over the Internet in real time the imaging content allowing each of the rendering systems to visually play back the imaging content such that a user at each of the multiple rendering systems can watch the imaging content in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Donald R. High, John P. Thompson, Timothy M. Fenton, Erik Rye
  • Patent number: 10287149
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a plurality of motorized mobile retail facility personal assistance apparatuses and a central computer system. The central computer system includes a network interface that permits the central computer system to wirelessly communicate with the mobile apparatuses and also with at least one user interface unit. Upon receiving a request to use one of the mobile apparatuses, the central computer system assigns an available apparatuses for use by a user during a usage session. This activity can include interfacing with the user to determine one or more specifics regarding their current needs in these regards. The specifics of their needs, in turn, can provide a basis for assigning a particular apparatus from amongst a plurality of differently purposed and differently configured apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: John P. Thompson, Donald R. High
  • Patent number: 10280054
    Abstract: Apparatuses, components and methods are provided herein useful to provide assistance to customers and/or workers in a shopping facility. In some embodiments, a shopping facility personal assistance system comprises: a plurality of motorized transport units located in and configured to move through a shopping facility space; a plurality of user interface units, each corresponding to a respective motorized transport unit during use of the respective motorized transport unit; and a central computer system having a network interface such that the central computer system wirelessly communicates with one or both of the plurality of motorized transport units and the plurality of user interface units, wherein the central computer system is configured to control movement of the plurality of motorized transport units through the shopping facility space based at least on inputs from the plurality of user interface units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Donald R. High, Michael D. Atchley, Shuvro Chakrobartty, Karl Kay, Brian G. McHale, Robert C. Taylor, John P. Thompson, Eric E. Welch, David C. Winkle
  • Patent number: 10274952
    Abstract: In some embodiments, unmanned aerial task systems are provided that comprise multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) each comprising: a UAV control circuit; a motor; and a propulsion system coupled with the motor and configured to enable the respective UAVs to move themselves; and wherein a first UAV control circuit of a first UAV of the multiple UAVs is configured to identify a second UAV carrying a first tool system configured to perform a first function, cause a notification to be communicated to the second UAV directing the second UAV to transfer the first tool system to the first UAV, and direct a first propulsion system of the first UAV to couple with the first tool system being transferred from the second UAV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Cantrell, John P. Thompson, David C. Winkle, Michael D. Atchley, Donald R. High, Todd D. Mattingly, Brian G. McHale, John J. O'Brien, John F. Simon, Nathan G. Jones, Robert C. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10273001
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein for unmanned flight optimization. A system for unmanned flight comprises a set of motors configured to provide locomotion to an unmanned aerial vehicle, a set of wings coupled to a body of the unmanned aerial vehicle via an actuator and configured to move relative to the body of the unmanned aerial vehicle, a sensor system on the unmanned aerial vehicle, and a control circuit. The control circuit being configured to: retrieve a task profile for a task assigned to the unmanned aerial vehicle, cause the set of motors to lift the unmanned aerial vehicle, detect condition parameters based on the sensor system, determine a position for the set of wings based on the task profile and the condition parameters, and cause the actuator to move the set of wings to the wing position while the unmanned aerial vehicle is in flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Cantrell, John P. Thompson, David C. Winkle, Michael D. Atchley, Donald R. High, Todd D. Mattingly, John J. O'Brien, John F. Simon
  • Publication number: 20190108751
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods are provided herein for monitoring a parking area. A system for monitoring a parking area comprises an image database storing a plurality of images of a parking lot taken by one or more satellites over time, a baseline database storing baseline models of a plurality of sections of the parking lot, and a control circuit coupled to the image database and the baseline database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Donald R. High, Chandrashekar Natarajan, Michael D. Atchley, John P. Thompson, Brian G. McHale
  • Patent number: 10246187
    Abstract: In some embodiments, unmanned aerial task systems are provided that include a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) each comprising: a UAV control circuit; a motor; propulsion system; and a universal coupler configured to interchangeably couple with and decouple from one of multiple different tool systems each having different functions to be put into use while carried by a UAV, wherein a coupling system of the universal coupler is configured to secure a tool system with the UAV and enable a communication connection between a communication bus and the tool system, and wherein the multiple different tool systems comprise at least a package securing tool system configured to retain and enable transport of a package while being delivered, and a sensor tool system configured to sense a condition and communicate sensor data of the sensed condition to the UAV control circuit over the communication bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Cantrell, John P. Thompson, David C. Winkle, Michael D. Atchley, Donald R. High, Todd D. Mattingly, Brian G. McHale, John J. O'Brien, John F. Simon, Nathan G. Jones, Robert C. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10239616
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein for providing package release for an unmanned aerial system. An apparatus for releasing packages for retrieval by an unmanned aerial system comprises a plurality of arms configured to surround a plurality of packages stacked vertically in an extended position, a plurality of powered hinges at a base of each of the plurality of arms, and a control circuit coupled to the plurality of powered hinges. The control circuit being configured to: determine a height for a first lowered position for the plurality of arms at which the plurality of arms do not obstruct an unmanned aerial vehicle from coupling with a coupling structure on a first package of the plurality of packages positioned at a top of the plurality of packages, and cause the plurality of powered hinges to pivot the plurality of arms from the extended position to the first lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Donald R. High, Michael D. Atchley, John P. Thompson, Chandrashekar Natarajan
  • Publication number: 20190084814
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for use in monitor power levels at a shopping facility, comprising: central control system separate and distinct from a plurality of self-propelled motorized transport units, wherein the central control system comprises: a transceiver configured to wirelessly receive communications from the plurality of motorized transport units; a control circuit coupled with the transceiver; and a memory coupled to the control circuit and storing computer instructions that cause the control circuit to: identify available stored power levels at each of the plurality of motorized transport units; identify an available recharge station, of a plurality of recharge stations distributed throughout the shopping facility, at least relative to a location of the first motorized transport unit intended to be subjected to recharging; and wirelessly communicate one or more instructions to cause the first motorized transport unit to cooperate with an available recharge station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventors: John P. Thompson, Michael D. Atchley, Donald R. High
  • Patent number: 10229605
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to allocate unmanned aircraft system (UAS). Some embodiments, provide UAS allocation systems, comprising: a UAS database that stores for each registered UAS an identifier and corresponding operational capabilities; an allocation control circuit configured to: obtain a first set of multiple task parameters specified by a first customer and corresponding to a requested first predefined task that the customer is requesting a UAS be allocated to perform; identify, from the UAS database, a first UAS having operational capabilities to perform the first set of task parameters while implementing the first task; and cause an allocation notification to be communicated to a first UAS provider, of the multiple UAS providers, associated with the first UAS requesting the first UAS provider to allocate the identified first UAS to implement the first task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Donald R. High, Robert C. Taylor, David C. Winkle, John P. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20190023102
    Abstract: A first duct, second duct, third duct, and fourth duct extend across at least a part of a first zone and at least a part of a second zone of a vehicle, and each are configured with one or more vents. Each of the vents has an adjustable opening allowing the transfer of air produced by first or second refrigeration units from the duct. An adjustment is caused to one or more of the position of the openings of the vents, the operation of the first refrigeration unit, and the operation of the second refrigeration unit. The adjustment is effective to maintain a first temperature in the first zone and a second temperature in the second zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Greg A. Bryan, Benjamin D. Enssle, Cristy C. Brooks, David C. Winkle, John P. Thompson, David B. Brightwell
  • Patent number: 10186152
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods are provided herein for monitoring a parking area. A system for monitoring a parking area comprises an image database storing a plurality of images of a parking lot taken by one or more satellites over time, a baseline database storing baseline models of a plurality of sections of the parking lot, and a control circuit coupled to the image database and the baseline database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Donald R. High, Chandrashekar Natarajan, Michael D. Atchley, John P. Thompson, Brian G. McHale
  • Publication number: 20180374336
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein for providing audio notification. A system for providing audio notification comprises a doorbell coupler configured to couple to a stationary doorbell device, and a control circuit coupled to the doorbell coupler. The control circuit being configured to receive a delivery notification from a delivery arrival detection system and cause the stationary doorbell device to produce an audible sound via the doorbell coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Michael D. Atchley, John P. Thompson, Robert C. Taylor