Patents by Inventor Raffaello D'Andrea
Raffaello D'Andrea 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: 20160334799Abstract: A system for transporting inventory items includes an inventory holder capable of storing inventory items and a mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is capable of moving to a first point with the inventory holder at least one of coupled to and supported by the mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is additionally capable of determining a location of the inventory holder and calculating a difference between the location of the inventory holder and the first point. The mobile drive unit is then capable of determining whether the difference is greater than a predetermined tolerance. In response to determining that the difference is greater than the predetermined tolerance, the mobile drive unit is also capable of moving to a second point based on the location of the inventory holder, docking with the inventory holder, and moving the mobile drive unit and the inventory holder to the first point.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2016Publication date: November 17, 2016Inventors: Raffaello D'Andrea, Peter K. Mansfield, Michael C. Mountz, Dennis Polic, Patrick R. Dingle
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Patent number: 9448560Abstract: A method for moving one or more mobile drive units within a workspace includes receiving, from a first mobile drive unit, a reservation request requesting use of a first path segment to move in a first direction. The method further includes determining that a second mobile drive unit is currently located on the first path segment and determining whether the second mobile drive unit is moving in the first direction. Additionally, the method includes transmitting a reservation response indicating that the reservation request is denied, in response to determining that the second mobile drive unit is not moving in the first direction. The method also includes transmitting a reservation response indicating that the reservation request is granted, in response to determining that the second mobile drive unit is moving in the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2014Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Raffaello D'Andrea, Peter R. Wurman, Michael T. Barbehenn, Andrew E. Hoffman, Michael C. Mountz
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Publication number: 20160259032Abstract: A self-localizing apparatus uses timestampable signals transmitted by transceivers that are a part of a distributed localization system to compute its position relative to the transceivers. Transceivers and self-localizing apparatuses are arranged for highly accurate timestamping using digital and analog reception and transmission electronics as well as one or more highly accurate clocks, compensation units, localization units, position calibration units, scheduling units, or synchronization units. Transceivers and self-localizing apparatuses are further arranged to allow full scalability in the number of self-localizing apparatuses and to allow robust self-localization with latencies and update rates useful for high performance applications such as autonomous mobile robot control.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2016Publication date: September 8, 2016Inventors: Markus Hehn, Markus Waibel, Raffaello D'Andrea
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Patent number: 9436184Abstract: A system for transporting inventory items includes an inventory holder capable of storing inventory items and a mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is capable of moving to a first point with the inventory holder at least one of coupled to and supported by the mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is additionally capable of determining a location of the inventory holder and calculating a difference between the location of the inventory holder and the first point. The mobile drive unit is then capable of determining whether the difference is greater than a predetermined tolerance. In response to determining that the difference is greater than the predetermined tolerance, the mobile drive unit is also capable of moving to a second point based on the location of the inventory holder, docking with the inventory holder, and moving the mobile drive unit and the inventory holder to the first point.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2014Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Raffaello D'Andrea, Peter K. Mansfield, Michael Cordell Mountz, Dennis Polic, Patrick R. Dingle
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Publication number: 20160184719Abstract: A movable platform, comprising a structural element, a display structured and arranged to be coupled to the structural element, a first flexible support with a first end structured and arranged to be coupled to the structural element and a second end structured and arranged to be coupled to a support structure. The platform further comprises a sensor structured and arranged to provide data representative of movement of the display and at least one actuator, wherein the at least one actuator is structured and arranged to move the display based on at least one control signal. The platform further comprises a control module structured and arranged to send the at least one control signal to the at least one actuator, and operable to determine the at least one control signal based on the data representative of movement of the display and a reference signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2015Publication date: June 30, 2016Inventors: Raffaello D'Andrea, Luca Gherardi, Markus Hehn, Markus Waibel
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Publication number: 20160152321Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a volitant vehicle comprising, a body (112), a control unit being configured to compute an estimate of the orientation of a primary axis (130) of said body with respect to a predefined reference frame, wherein said primary axis is an axis about which said vehicle rotates when flying; and at least one propeller (104) attacked to the body, wherein each of said at least one propeller has an axis of rotation (110) which is fixed with respect to said body, is configured to simultaneously produce a thrust force and a torque, said thrust force having a component along the primary axis, said torque having a component along the primary axis constructively contributing to the vehicle rotating about said primary axis, said torque having a component perpendicular to the primary axis, and all of said at least one propeller rotate with the same handedness about their respective thrust forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2014Publication date: June 2, 2016Inventors: Raffaello D'ANDREA, Sergei LUPASHIN, Mark W. MUELLER, Markus WAIBEL
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Publication number: 20160107751Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for operating a multicopter experiencing a failure during flight, the multicopter comprising a body, and at least four effectors attached to the body, each operable to produce both a torque and a thrust force which can cause the multicopter to fly when not experiencing said failure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2014Publication date: April 21, 2016Inventors: Raffaello D'ANDREA, Sergei LUPASHIN, Mark W. MUELLER, Markus WAIBEL
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Patent number: 9317034Abstract: A method for inventory management includes deploying a first mobile drive unit having first dimensions and deploying a second mobile drive unit having second dimensions, the first and second dimensions being different. The first and second mobile drive units are operable to transport inventory items to a plurality of inventory stations in the same workspace.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2014Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Andrew E. Hoffman, Michael C. Mountz, Michael T. Barbehenn, James R. Allard, Matthew E. Kimmel, Fabrizio Santini, Michael H. Decker, Raffaello D'Andrea, Peter R. Wurman
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Publication number: 20150212391Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an arrangement comprising, a volitant body comprising at least one actuator; a control unit for controlling said actuator; and a mechanical arrangement for operationally connecting said volitant body to a reference point remote from said volitant body. There is further provided a corresponding method for operating such an arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2013Publication date: July 30, 2015Inventors: Markus Waibel, Sergei Lupashin, Markus Hehn, Raffaello D'Andrea
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Patent number: 9087314Abstract: A system for transporting inventory items includes a mobile drive unit, a management module, and a plurality of inventory holders. The management module is operable to determine a capability state of the mobile drive unit, select a location for the mobile drive unit based on the capability state of the mobile drive unit, and transmit information to the mobile drive unit identifying the selected location.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2012Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Andrew E. Hoffman, Michael T. Barbehenn, Michael C. Mountz, Peter R. Wurman, Raffaello D'Andrea
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Patent number: 8930133Abstract: A system for transporting inventory items includes an inventory holder and a mobile drive unit. The inventory holder has a frame with device openings. The mobile drive unit is operable to dock with an inventory holder and undock with an inventory holder. When undocked from an inventory holder, the mobile drive unit is further operable to traverse a path from a first location to a second location. The path passes through at least a first device opening of the inventory holder such that the mobile drive unit passes beneath the inventory holder while moving along the path.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2013Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Peter R. Wurman, Raffaello D'Andrea, Michael T. Barbehenn, Andrew Edward Hoffman, Michael Cordell Mountz
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Patent number: 8909368Abstract: A system for transporting inventory items includes an inventory holder capable of storing inventory items and a mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is capable of moving to a first point with the inventory holder at least one of coupled to and supported by the mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is additionally capable of determining a location of the inventory holder and calculating a difference between the location of the inventory holder and the first point. The mobile drive unit is then capable of determining whether the difference is greater than a predetermined tolerance. In response to determining that the difference is greater than the predetermined tolerance, the mobile drive unit is also capable of moving to a second point based on the location of the inventory holder, docking with the inventory holder, and moving the mobile drive unit and the inventory holder to the first point.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Raffaello D'Andrea, Peter K. Mansfield, Michael C. Mountz, Dennis Polic, Patrick Ryan Dingle
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Publication number: 20140350831Abstract: A method for inventory management includes deploying a first mobile drive unit having first dimensions and deploying a second mobile drive unit having second dimensions, the first and second dimensions being different. The first and second mobile drive units are operable to transport inventory items to a plurality of inventory stations in the same workspace.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventors: Andrew E. Hoffman, Michael C. Mountz, Michael T. Barbehenn, James R. Allard, Matthew E. Kimmel, Fabrizio Santini, Michael H. Decker, Raffaello D'Andrea, Peter R. Wurman
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Patent number: 8831984Abstract: A method for inventory management includes deploying a first mobile drive unit having first dimensions and deploying a second mobile drive unit having second dimensions, the first and second dimensions being different. The first and second mobile drive units are operable to transport inventory items to a plurality of inventory stations in the same workspace.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Andrew E. Hoffman, Michael C. Mountz, Michael T. Barbehenn, James R. Allard, Matthew E. Kimmel, Fabrizio Santini, Michael H. Decker, Raffaello D'Andrea, Peter R. Wurman
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Publication number: 20140236413Abstract: A method for moving one or more mobile drive units within a workspace includes receiving, from a first mobile drive unit, a reservation request requesting use of a first path segment to move in a first direction. The method further includes determining that a second mobile drive unit is currently located on the first path segment and determining whether the second mobile drive unit is moving in the first direction. Additionally, the method includes transmitting a reservation response indicating that the reservation request is denied, in response to determining that the second mobile drive unit is not moving in the first direction. The method also includes transmitting a reservation response indicating that the reservation request is granted, in response to determining that the second mobile drive unit is moving in the first direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Raffaello D'Andrea, Peter R. Wurman, Michael T. Barbehenn, Andrew E. Hoffman, Michael C. Mountz
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Publication number: 20140228999Abstract: A system for transporting inventory items includes an inventory holder capable of storing inventory items and a mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is capable of moving to a first point with the inventory holder at least one of coupled to and supported by the mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is additionally capable of determining a location of the inventory holder and calculating a difference between the location of the inventory holder and the first point. The mobile drive unit is then capable of determining whether the difference is greater than a predetermined tolerance. In response to determining that the difference is greater than the predetermined tolerance, the mobile drive unit is also capable of moving to a second point based on the location of the inventory holder, docking with the inventory holder, and moving the mobile drive unit and the inventory holder to the first point.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Raffaello D'Andrea, Peter K. Mansfield, Michael Cordell Mountz, Dennis Polic, Patrick R. Dingle
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Publication number: 20140195040Abstract: A method of rotating an inventory holder includes moving an inventory holder towards a rotation area along a straight segment of a path with a first face of the inventory holder facing a first direction. The rotation area includes a portion of a workspace designated for rotation of inventory holders. The method further includes moving the inventory holder into the rotation area along a first arced segment with an orientation of the first face perpendicular to the first arced segment. The method additionally includes executing a rotation maneuver within the rotation area and moving the inventory holder out of the rotation area along a second arced segment with a second face facing the first direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2014Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Peter R. Wurman, Raffaello D'Andrea, Michael T. Barbehenn, Andrew Edward Hoffman, David C. Koehler, Michael Cordell Mountz
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Patent number: 8725286Abstract: A system for transporting inventory items includes an inventory holder capable of storing inventory items and a mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is capable of moving to a first point with the inventory holder at least one of coupled to and supported by the mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is additionally capable of determining a location of the inventory holder and calculating a difference between the location of the inventory holder and the first point. The mobile drive unit is then capable of determining whether the difference is greater than a predetermined tolerance. In response to determining that the difference is greater than the predetermined tolerance, the mobile drive unit is also capable of moving to a second point based on the location of the inventory holder, docking with the inventory holder, and moving the mobile drive unit and the inventory holder to the first point.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Raffaello D'Andrea, Peter K. Mansfield, Michael C. Mountz, Dennis Polic, Patrick R. Dingle
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Publication number: 20140100690Abstract: A method for transporting inventory items includes moving a mobile drive unit to a first point within a workspace. The first point is a location of an inventory holder. The method further includes docking the mobile drive unit with the inventory holder and moving the mobile drive unit and the inventory holder to a second point within the workspace. The second point is associated with conveyance equipment. The method further includes moving the inventory holder to a third point within the workspace using the conveyance equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Peter R. Wurman, Raffaello D'Andrea, Michael T. Barbehenn, Andrew Edward Hoffman, Michael Cordell Mountz
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Patent number: 8649899Abstract: A method of rotating an inventory holder includes moving an inventory holder towards a rotation area along a straight segment of a path with a first face of the inventory holder facing a first direction. The rotation area includes a portion of a workspace designated for rotation of inventory holders. The method further includes moving the inventory holder into the rotation area along a first arced segment with an orientation of the first face perpendicular to the first arced segment. The method additionally includes executing a rotation maneuver within the rotation area and moving the inventory holder out of the rotation area along a second arced segment with a second face facing the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2006Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Peter R. Wurman, Raffaello D'Andrea, Michael T. Barbehenn, Andrew E. Hoffman, David C. Koehler, Michael C. Mountz