Patents Represented by Attorney Reed Smith LP
  • Patent number: 7894939
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for the automated retrieval/delivery of goods from one location to another using a robotic device such as a tug and accompanying cart. A computer within the tug/cart stores a map of the building floor plan and intended paths for the tug to take when traversing from one location to the next. During the delivery, a variety of different sensors and scanners gather data that is used to avoid obstacles and/or continuously adjust the movement of the tug in order to more closely follow the intended path. The system preferably includes wireless networks that allow one or more tugs to communicate with a tug base station, a primary network located at the site of the delivery and a remote host center that monitors the status and data collected by the tugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Aethon, Inc.
    Inventors: Aldo Zini, Spencer Wayne Allen, Barry Mark Skirble, Henry F Thorne, Stuart Fairley