Patents Assigned to Aethon, Inc.
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Patent number: 10217077Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 28, 2015Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: Aethon, Inc.Inventors: Robert John Wellington, Brian R. Curren, David G. Wolfe, Kevin F. Seip
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Patent number: 9679270Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 24, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Aethon, Inc.Inventors: Aldo Zini, Spencer Wayne Allen, Barry Mark Skirble, Henry F. Thorne, Stuart Fairley
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Patent number: 9618931Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 23, 2014Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Aethon, Inc.Inventors: Aldo Zini, Barry Mark Skirble, Peter T. Seiff, Kevin F. Seip
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Patent number: 9619617Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 13, 2010Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Aethon, Inc.Inventors: Barry Skirble, Paul Molingowski
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Patent number: 9592969Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 2, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Aethon, Inc.Inventors: David G. Wolfe, Spencer W. Allen
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Patent number: 9563206Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 29, 2015Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Aethon, Inc.Inventors: Aldo Zini, Spencer Wayne Allen, Barry Mark Skirble, Henry F. Thorne, Stuart Fairley
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Patent number: 9245305Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 7, 2010Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Aethon, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Wellington, Brian R. Curren, David G. Wolfe, Kevin F. Seip
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Patent number: 9223313Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 17, 2014Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Aethon, Inc.Inventors: David G. Wolfe, George F. Lucas, Mark Swaney, Spencer W. Allen
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Patent number: 9026301Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 16, 2006Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Aethon, Inc.Inventors: Aldo Zini, Spencer Wayne Allen, Barry Mark Skirble, Henry F. Thorne, Stuart Fairley
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Patent number: 9020679Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 16, 2011Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Aethon, Inc.Inventors: Aldo Zini, Spencer Wayne Allen, Barry Mark Skirble, Henry F. Thorne, Stuart Fairley
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Patent number: 8948914Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 7, 2009Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Aethon, Inc.Inventors: Aldo Zini, Barry Mark Skirble, Peter T. Seiff, Kevin F. Seip
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Patent number: 8886390Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 21, 2012Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Aethon, Inc.Inventors: David G. Wolfe, George F. Lucas, Mark Swaney
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Publication number: 20140330428Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2014Publication date: November 6, 2014Applicant: Aethon, Inc.Inventors: David G. Wolfe, Spencer W. Allen
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Publication number: 20130085625Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2012Publication date: April 4, 2013Applicant: AETHON, INC.Inventor: Aethon, Inc.
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Patent number: 8204624Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 15, 2011Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Aethon, Inc.Inventors: Aldo Zini, Spencer Wayne Allen, Barry Mark Skirble, Henry F Thorne, Stuart Fairley
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Patent number: 8041455Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Aethon, Inc.Inventor: Henry F. Thorne
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Patent number: 8010230Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 24, 2010Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Aethon, Inc.Inventors: Aldo Zini, Spencer Wayne Allen, Barry Mark Skirble, Henry F Thorne, Stuart Fairley
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Patent number: 7996109Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 16, 2006Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Aethon, Inc.Inventors: Aldo Zini, Spencer Wayne Allen, Barry Mark Skirble, Henry F. Thorne, Stuart Fairley
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Publication number: 20110163160Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2011Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: AETHON, INC.Inventors: Aldo ZINI, Spencer Wayne ALLEN, Barry Mark SKIRBLE, Henry F. THORNE, Stuart FAIRLEY
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Publication number: 20110137759Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2010Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: AETHON, INC.Inventors: Robert J. Wellington, Brian R. Curren, David G. Wolfe, Kevin F. Seip