Patents Assigned to Aethon, Inc.
  • Patent number: 10217077
    Abstract: A system. A system includes a computing system. The computing system includes a processor, a first module, a second module, and a third module. The first module is communicably connected to the processor and is configured for receiving chain of custody information associated with an item. The second module is communicably connected to the processor and is configured for determining a status of the item based on the received chain of custody information. The third module is communicably connected to the processor and is configured for arranging data into a specified format. The data includes the status of the item and the chain of custody information. The third module is also configured for transmitting the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Aethon, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert John Wellington, Brian R. Curren, David G. Wolfe, Kevin F. Seip
  • Patent number: 9679270
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for the automated delivery of goods form one to another using a robotic tug and accompanying cart. A computer within the tug or cart stores an electronic 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 adjust the movement of the tug in order to more closely follow the intended path. The system preferably includes both wired and 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: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Aethon, Inc.
    Inventors: Aldo Zini, Spencer Wayne Allen, Barry Mark Skirble, Henry F. Thorne, Stuart Fairley
  • Patent number: 9618931
    Abstract: A system. The system includes an apparatus and a server. The apparatus is configured for securely transporting an item from a first location to a second location, and includes a mobile robot and a cart. The cart is coupled to the mobile robot and includes at least one secure storage area. The server is communicably connected to the apparatus and includes a module. The module is configured to maintain a chain of custody record for the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Aethon, Inc.
    Inventors: Aldo Zini, Barry Mark Skirble, Peter T. Seiff, Kevin F. Seip
  • Patent number: 9619617
    Abstract: A method. The method includes, at a computing system, receiving information associated with an asset. The method also includes determining a location of the asset based on the received information, and determining a status of the asset based on the received information and/or the determined location of the asset. The determining of the location and the determining of the status are performed by the computing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Aethon, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Skirble, Paul Molingowski
  • Patent number: 9592969
    Abstract: A system and method for tracking/controlling access to transported articles, includes a computing module in signal communication with sending and receiving stations. A first input device at the sending station receives identifying information identifying a carrier (“carrier ID”) and an item (“item ID”) placed within the locked carrier. The carrier ID and the item ID are transmitted to the computing module. A second input device at the receiving station receives the carrier ID for a carrier received at the receiving station and identifying information for an individual (“user ID”) at the receiving station provided access to the locked carrier. The carrier ID and the user ID are transmitted to the computing module, which unlocks the carrier and allows access to the item inside, and records the user ID of the individual provided access and the associated carrier ID and/or item ID to provide chain of custody information for the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Aethon, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Wolfe, Spencer W. Allen
  • Patent number: 9563206
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for the automated delivery of goods form one to another using a robotic tug and accompanying cart. A computer within the tug or cart stores an electronic 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 adjust the movement of the tug in order to more closely follow the intended path. The system preferably includes both wired and 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: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Aethon, Inc.
    Inventors: Aldo Zini, Spencer Wayne Allen, Barry Mark Skirble, Henry F. Thorne, Stuart Fairley
  • Patent number: 9245305
    Abstract: A system. A system includes a computing system. The computing system includes a processor, a first module, a second module, and a third module. The first module is communicably connected to the processor and is configured for receiving chain of custody information associated with an item. The second module is communicably connected to the processor and is configured for determining a status of the item based on the received chain of custody information. The third module is communicably connected to the processor and is configured for arranging data into a specified format. The data includes the status of the item and the chain of custody information. The third module is also configured for transmitting the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Aethon, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Wellington, Brian R. Curren, David G. Wolfe, Kevin F. Seip
  • Patent number: 9223313
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing and prioritizing for action fleets of mobile robots deployed at various locations. The system/method includes a plurality of homebase servers, each corresponding to a different location, with each of the homebase servers receiving operational parameter data (representing operational and navigational issues experienced by the mobile robot) from a plurality of mobile robots operating at the particular location where the homebase server is deployed. A central server receives the operational parameter data from the plurality of homebase servers. The central server included a data analysis module for processing the operational parameter data and prioritizing the mobile robots operating at the various locations for action by support staff. A list is generated ranking the mobile robots in order of importance for action by support staff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Aethon, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Wolfe, George F. Lucas, Mark Swaney, Spencer W. Allen
  • Patent number: 9026301
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for the automated delivery of goods form one to another using a robotic tug and accompanying cart. A computer within the tug or cart stores an electronic 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 adjust the movement of the tug in order to more closely follow the intended path. The system preferably includes both wired and 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: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Aethon, Inc.
    Inventors: Aldo Zini, Spencer Wayne Allen, Barry Mark Skirble, Henry F. Thorne, Stuart Fairley
  • Patent number: 9020679
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for the automated delivery of goods form one to another using a robotic tug and accompanying cart. A computer within the tug or cart stores an electronic 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 adjust the movement of the tug in order to more closely follow the intended path. The system preferably includes both wired and 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: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Aethon, Inc.
    Inventors: Aldo Zini, Spencer Wayne Allen, Barry Mark Skirble, Henry F. Thorne, Stuart Fairley
  • Patent number: 8948914
    Abstract: A system. The system includes an apparatus and a server. The apparatus is configured for securely transporting an item from a first location to a second location, and includes a mobile robot and a cart. The cart is coupled to the mobile robot and includes at least one secure storage area. The server is communicably connected to the apparatus and includes a module. The module is configured to maintain a chain of custody record for the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Aethon, Inc.
    Inventors: Aldo Zini, Barry Mark Skirble, Peter T. Seiff, Kevin F. Seip
  • Patent number: 8886390
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing and prioritizing for action fleets of mobile robots deployed at various locations. The system/method includes a plurality of homebase servers, each corresponding to a different location, with each of the homebase servers receiving operational parameter data (representing operational and navigational issues experienced by the mobile robot) from a plurality of mobile robots operating at the particular location where the homebase server is deployed. A central server receives the operational parameter data from the plurality of homebase servers. The central server included a data analysis module for processing the operational parameter data and prioritizing the mobile robots operating at the various locations for action by support staff. A list is generated ranking the mobile robots in order of importance for action by support staff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Aethon, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Wolfe, George F. Lucas, Mark Swaney
  • Publication number: 20140330428
    Abstract: A system and method for tracking/controlling access to transported articles, includes a computing module in signal communication with sending and receiving stations. A first input device at the sending station receives identifying information identifying a carrier (“carrier ID”) and an item (“item ID”) placed within the locked carrier. The carrier ID and the item ID are transmitted to the computing module. A second input device at the receiving station receives the carrier ID for a carrier received at the receiving station and identifying information for an individual (“user ID”) at the receiving station provided access to the locked carrier. The carrier ID and the user ID are transmitted to the computing module, which unlocks the carrier and allows access to the item inside, and records the user ID of the individual provided access and the associated carrier ID and/or item ID to provide chain of custody information for the item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Aethon, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Wolfe, Spencer W. Allen
  • Publication number: 20130085625
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing and prioritizing for action fleets of mobile robots deployed at various locations. The system/method includes a plurality of homebase servers, each corresponding to a different location, with each of the homebase servers receiving operational parameter data (representing operational and navigational issues experienced by the mobile robot) from a plurality of mobile robots operating at the particular location where the homebase server is deployed. A central server receives the operational parameter data from the plurality of homebase servers. The central server included a data analysis module for processing the operational parameter data and prioritizing the mobile robots operating at the various locations for action by support staff. A list is generated ranking the mobile robots in order of importance for action by support staff.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: AETHON, INC.
    Inventor: Aethon, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8204624
    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: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Aethon, Inc.
    Inventors: Aldo Zini, Spencer Wayne Allen, Barry Mark Skirble, Henry F Thorne, Stuart Fairley
  • Patent number: 8041455
    Abstract: A robotic cart pulling vehicle includes a positioning error reducing system for reducing accumulated error in the ded-reckoning navigational system. The positioning error reducing system including at least one of a low load transfer point of the cart attaching mechanism, a floor variation compliance structure whereby the drive wheels maintain a substantially even distribution of load over minor surface variations, a minimal wheel contact surface structure, a calibration structure using at least one proximity sensor mounted on the robot body, and a common electrical and mechanical connection between the cart and the robot vehicle formed by a cart attaching post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Aethon, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry F. Thorne
  • Patent number: 8010230
    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: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Aethon, Inc.
    Inventors: Aldo Zini, Spencer Wayne Allen, Barry Mark Skirble, Henry F Thorne, Stuart Fairley
  • Patent number: 7996109
    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: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Aethon, Inc.
    Inventors: Aldo Zini, Spencer Wayne Allen, Barry Mark Skirble, Henry F. Thorne, Stuart Fairley
  • Publication number: 20110163160
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for the automated delivery of goods form one to another using a robotic tug and accompanying cart. A computer within the tug or cart stores an electronic 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 adjust the movement of the tug in order to more closely follow the intended path. The system preferably includes both wired and 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: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: AETHON, INC.
    Inventors: Aldo ZINI, Spencer Wayne ALLEN, Barry Mark SKIRBLE, Henry F. THORNE, Stuart FAIRLEY
  • Publication number: 20110137759
    Abstract: A system. A system includes a computing system. The computing system includes a processor, a first module, a second module, and a third module. The first module is communicably connected to the processor and is configured for receiving chain of custody information associated with an item. The second module is communicably connected to the processor and is configured for determining a status of the item based on the received chain of custody information. The third module is communicably connected to the processor and is configured for arranging data into a specified format. The data includes the status of the item and the chain of custody information. The third module is also configured for transmitting the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: AETHON, INC.
    Inventors: Robert J. Wellington, Brian R. Curren, David G. Wolfe, Kevin F. Seip