Barrel-roller Type Patents (Class 294/4)
  • Patent number: 11370616
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a robot (2) configured to pick up and transport items; wherein the robot (2) comprises a pick up unit (10), wherein the pick up unit (10) comprises a pick up device (110) configured to pick up and release items, wherein the robot (2) is configured to move the pick up device (110) along a first direction, rotate the pick up device (110) around a first axis, and extend and retract the pick up device (110) along a second direction different from the first direction; wherein the robot (2) further comprises a shelf unit (8) configured to temporarily store items, wherein the shelf unit (8) comprises a rotatable portion (80) and a support structure (84), wherein the rotatable portion (80) is rotatable with respect to the support structure (84). The present invention also relates to a use of the robot and to a corresponding method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: MAGAZINO GMBH
    Inventors: Daniel Schwab, Andreas Schnurrer, Lukas Zanger
  • Patent number: 11097895
    Abstract: A shelf is positioned at a shelf level and above a floor level. A ramp starts at the floor level and transitions to a first level. A robot having a drawer can travel from the floor level up the ramp to the first level without touching the shelf. A drawer handler robot has a drawer transitioning lower level which is between the floor level and the shelf level. A first instruction is provided to the robot to travel up the ramp to the first level. The robot moves up the ramp and to the first level according to the first instruction. The system provides a second instruction for the drawer handler robot to retrieve the drawer configured on the robot. The drawer handler robot is positioned near the robot and on the first level and retrieves the drawer from the robot on the first level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: VECNA ROBOTICS, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Theobald
  • Patent number: 10988323
    Abstract: A maintenance system is disclosed for assisting in maintaining an automated carrier system for moving objects to be processed. The maintenance system includes a plurality of automated carriers that are adapted to move on an array of discontinuous standard track sections, each said automated carrier including a carrier body that is no larger in either a length or width direction that a standard track section, and an automated maintenance carrier that is adapted to move on the array of discontinuous track sections, said automated maintenance system including a maintenance body that is larger in at least one of a length or width direction than the standard track section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Berkshire Grey, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Kevin Ahearn, John Richard Amend, Jr., Benjamin Cohen, Michael Dawson-Haggerty, William Hartman Fort, Christopher Geyer, Jennifer Eileen King, Thomas Koletschka, Michael Cap Koval, Kyle Maroney, Matthew T. Mason, William Chu-Hyon McMahan, Gene Temple Price, Joseph Romano, Daniel Smith, Siddhartha Srinivasa, Prasanna Velagapudi, Thomas Allen
  • Patent number: 10482401
    Abstract: A method includes obtaining, by a management module, an inventory unpacking sequence for a remote facility. The inventory unpacking sequence indicates a sequence for unpacking a shipment at the remote facility. An order associated with the remote facility is received that includes inventory items. The management module determines an order packing arrangement for the inventory items based on the inventory unpacking sequence. Mobile drive units are instructed to transport one or more inventory holders storing the inventory items to an inventory station, where the inventory items are packed into a shipment according to the order packing arrangement. The shipment is arranged to be unpacked at the remote facility according to the inventory unpacking sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Wurman, Michael C. Mountz, Daniel T. Brunner, Victoria M. Eddy, Zhouzhou Peng
  • Patent number: 10275975
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein for mobile vending. A system for mobile vending comprises a mobile vending machine comprising: an item dispenser configured to display a plurality of items for purchase, a set of motorized wheels, a navigation sensor device, a communication device, and, a control circuit configured to navigate the mobile vending machine based on navigation instructions; and a central computer system configured to communicate with the mobile vending machine via the communication device, the central computer system being configured to: determine a destination for the mobile vending machine, provide the navigation instructions to the mobile vending machine to cause the mobile vending machine to travel to the destination using the set of motorized wheels and the navigation sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Donald R. High, Brian G. McHale, Michael D. Atchley
  • Patent number: 10026044
    Abstract: A method includes obtaining, by a management module, an inventory unpacking sequence for a remote facility. The inventory unpacking sequence indicates a sequence for unpacking a shipment at the remote facility. An order associated with the remote facility is received that includes inventory items. The management module determines an order packing arrangement for the inventory items based on the inventory unpacking sequence. Mobile drive units are instructed to transport one or more inventory holders storing the inventory items to an inventory station, where the inventory items are packed into a shipment according to the order packing arrangement. The shipment is arranged to be unpacked at the remote facility according to the inventory unpacking sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Wurman, Michael C. Mountz, Daniel T. Brunner, Victoria M. Eddy, Zhouzhou Peng
  • Patent number: 9598915
    Abstract: A method and device for moving racked tubulars, such as pipe and casing joints on pipe racks at oil and gas well sites. The pipe moving tool comprises a wheel assembly with a long straight handle. The wheels fit inside the pipe, which is then moved by simply pushing or pulling the handle forward or backward, as needed. Several wheel assemblies of different diameters may be used interchangeably with a single handle. An extension handle also may be included. The use of this tool makes moving the pipe safer as the worker's hands are not exposed to injury. Additionally, the handle on the tool makes it possible to easily and more safely reach and move shorter pipes racked above or below longer pipes in a multi-level pipe rack; it is not necessary for the worker to lean over or under the longer pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignees: Rolling Tool, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew J. Cogburn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9291009
    Abstract: A method and device for moving racked tubulars, such as pipe and casing joints on pipe racks at oil and gas well sites. The pipe moving tool comprises a wheel assembly with a long straight handle. The wheels fit inside the pipe, which is then moved by simply pushing or pulling the handle forward or backward, as needed. Several wheel assemblies of different diameters may be used interchangeably with a single handle. An extension handle also may be included. The use of this tool makes moving the pipe safer as the worker's hands are not exposed to injury. Additionally, the handle on the tool makes it possible to easily and more safely reach and move shorter pipes racked above or below longer pipes in a multi-level pipe rack; it is not necessary for the worker to lean over or under the longer pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignees: Rolling Tool, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew J. Cogburn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9057224
    Abstract: A method and device for moving racked tubulars, such as pipe and casing joints on pipe racks at oil and gas well sites. The pipe moving tool comprises a wheel assembly with a long straight handle. The wheels fit inside the pipe, which is then moved by simply pushing or pulling the handle forward or backward, as needed. Several wheel assemblies of different diameters may be used interchangeably with a single handle. An extension handle also may be included. The use of this tool makes moving the pipe safer as the worker's hands are not exposed to injury. Additionally, the handle on the tool makes it possible to easily and more safely reach and move shorter pipes racked above or below longer pipes in a multi-level pipe rack; it is not necessary for the worker to lean over or under the longer pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignees: Rolling Too, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew J. Cogburn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7637546
    Abstract: A channel member having four roller wheels is controlled by an ergonomic handle formed from a continuous length of aluminum tubing having a first arm to support one hand of a user, and a second arm to support a second hand of the user to guide and stabilize the handle, and to accept the weight of the user, when the roller wheels are pushed against an oilfield tubular, thus causing the oilfield tubular to be rolled from one position to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventor: Carbert Wade Navarre, II
  • Publication number: 20080173848
    Abstract: A channel member having four roller wheels is controlled by an ergonomic handle formed from a continuous length of aluminum tubing having a first arm to support one hand of a user, and a second arm to support a second hand of the user to guide and stabilize the handle, and to accept the weight of the user, when the roller wheels are pushed against an oilfield tubular, thus causing the oilfield tubular to be rolled from one position to another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Carbert Wade Navarre
  • Publication number: 20080061570
    Abstract: A food roasting apparatus for roasting a food item includes an elongated tubular rod, a food support assembly and a skewer. The tubular rod has a first end, a second end, and a passageway extending therebetween. The food support assembly is formed from a continuous piece of material. The food support assembly has a first side, a second side and cross support member connecting the first and second side. At least one first ring member is positioned on the first side and at least one second ring member is positioned on the second side such that the first and second ring members cooperate to support the food item. The skewer has a first end and a second end. The skewer is slidably supported in the tubular rod such that the skewer is selectively movable between an extended position and a retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Desmond Dockins, Clay B. Dockins
  • Patent number: 5826926
    Abstract: A keg roller is provided including a handle with a pair of ends and a pair of roller assemblies each mounted to an associated one of the ends of the handle. The roller assemblies are adapted to rotatably engage a keg such that the same may be rolled by the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventors: Jeff Levey, James Neilson
  • Patent number: 5234240
    Abstract: A manual tool for rolling and positioning a mass of material. More particular, for use with rolls of stratified materials having a central core. The tool when inserted into the central core of such stratified rolls articulates in a manner so as to allow a cleat member to grip the outer perimeter of the roll and thereby allows the workman to apply leverage to the mass causing rotation. Repeated articulated movements allows the tool to be operated in a ratcheting manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Inventor: Mark Richard