Patents Assigned to Autostore Technology AS
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Patent number: 10551828Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle suitable for picking up storage bins from an underlying storage system. The vehicle includes driving means situated at or at least partly within rolling means of the vehicle, providing rolling set specific driving force to the vehicle in either the first direction or the second direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2018Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: Autostore Technology ASInventor: Ingvar Hognaland
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Publication number: 20200031575Abstract: A storage system for storing product items includes a grid structure and a number of first storage bins configured to be stored in vertical stacks in the grid structure. Each first storage bin is configured to contain at least one product item. A vehicle is arranged to move horizontally at the top level of the grid structure, and further arranged to pick up, carry, and place the first storage bins at desired locations within the grid structure. The storage system further comprises a robot device comprising a movable arm with a picking mechanism in one end thereof. The robot device is configured to move a storage item between a first location and a second location by means of its picking mechanism. The first location is the location of a first storage bin stored in the storage grid.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2016Publication date: January 30, 2020Applicant: Autostore Technology ASInventor: Ingvar Hognaland
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Patent number: 10494239Abstract: The present invention concerns an automated storage system and remotely operated vehicle or robot for picking up storage bins from a storage system. The inventive vehicle or robot comprises a vehicle body, which vehicle body further comprises a first section for storing vehicle driving means and a second section for receiving any storage bin stored in a storage column within the storage system, a vehicle lifting device which is at least indirectly connected to the vehicle body in order to lift the storage bin into the second section, a first set of vehicle rolling means connected to the vehicle body in order to allow movement of the vehicle along a first direction (X) within the storage system during use and a second set of vehicle rolling means connected to the vehicle body in order to allow movement of the vehicle along a second direction (Y) in the storage system during use. The second direction (Y) is oriented perpendicular to the first direction (X).Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2018Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: Autostore Technology ASInventor: Ingvar Hognaland
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Patent number: 10474140Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle suitable for picking up storage bins from an underlying storage system. The vehicle includes driving means situated at or at least partly within rolling means of the vehicle, providing rolling set specific driving force to the vehicle in either the first direction or the second direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2016Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: Autostore Technology ASInventor: Ingvar Hognaland
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Patent number: 10457482Abstract: A method for fetching a target bin stored in a storage system (100), wherein the storage system includes a three-dimensional storage grid containing a plurality of bins stacked in vertical stacks, supporting rails (13) on the grid structure, and a plurality of vehicles (1), controllably arranged to move individually on the supporting rails. The method is performed by a control device in the system and comprises controlling at least one non-target vehicle to operate as intermediate storage for a bin located vertically above the target bin (5); controlling a target vehicle to pick up the target bin, and controlling the at least one non-target vehicle and the target vehicle to be positioned adjacent to each other in a linear manner on the supporting rails. A corresponding storage system has also been disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2016Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: Autostore Technology ASInventor: Ingvar Hognaland
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Publication number: 20190322452Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle for picking up storage bins from an underlying storage system includes a vehicle lifting device for lifting the storage bin from the underlying storage system, a first vehicle rolling assembly including a first rolling set and a second rolling set arranged at opposite sides of a vehicle frame, allowing movement of the vehicle along a first direction (X) on the underlying storage system during use, a second vehicle rolling assembly including a first rolling set and a second rolling set arranged at opposite sides of the vehicle frame, allowing movement of the vehicle along a second direction (Y) on the underlying storage system during use, the second direction (Y) being perpendicular to the first direction (X), and a rolling set displacement assembly arranged to move the first vehicle rolling assembly in a vertical direction (Z) between a first position and a second position. The first vehicle rolling assembly allows movement of the vehicle along the first direction (X).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2018Publication date: October 24, 2019Applicant: Autostore Technology ASInventors: Trond Austrheim, Børge Bekken
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Publication number: 20190300286Abstract: A storage system for storing product items includes a grid structure, a number of storage bins configured to be stored in vertical compartments in the grid structure, and a picking and/or supply station. Each storage bin is configured to contain at least one product item. The storage system further includes a conveyor system configured to convey a storage bin from a first position to a second position and further to a third position, where the conveyor system includes a first, tillable conveyor configured to convey the storage bin from the first position to the third position via the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2017Publication date: October 3, 2019Applicant: Autostore Technology ASInventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim, Øystein Gjerdevik
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Publication number: 20190256286Abstract: A method and a controller for controlling movements of a robot from a start to a stop position, where the robot has pairs of wheels having drivers that are controlled by local controllers. Based on a current speed and an angular position of each wheel and a position of the robot relative to the frame structure, a master controller sets up individual speed driving sequences for the pair of wheels based on the current speed and angular position of each wheel, current global position of the robot, and the start and stop positions of the robot. The speed driving sequence is transmitted to the local controllers controlling the pair of wheels, thereby controlling acceleration and deceleration of each wheel via the individual drivers. The local controllers ensure that pairs of wheels are kept synchronised.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2017Publication date: August 22, 2019Applicant: Autostore Technology ASInventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Ivar Fjeldheim, Jørgen Djuve Heggebø
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Publication number: 20190239237Abstract: An operating method of a communication node in a wireless communication network, wherein the node communicates with a central communication unit via at least one access point, has been disclosed. The operating method comprises: receiving, at the node, a wireless signal from the access point; determining, by the node, channel quality information based on the received wireless signal; determining, by the node, an order of active channels ranked according to the determined channel quality; and selecting, by the node, an active channel for transmitting wireless signals in accordance with the determined order, and transmitting, by the node, wireless signals on the selected, active channel. A communication node which implements the method, and a communication system and a storage system with includes the communication node, have also been disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2017Publication date: August 1, 2019Applicant: Autostore Technology ASInventors: Ragnar Stuhaug, Ingvar Hognaland
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Publication number: 20190232925Abstract: A storage system includes a charging station assembly for charging a plurality of power sources and a method thereof. The charging station assembly includes a charging station support fixing the charging station assembly to a base of the storage system, a plurality of charging stations, each charging station including a charger that charges the plurality of power sources and a power source transport device enabling relocation of the power source between an operational position on a remotely operated vehicle and a charging position in or at any one of the plurality of charging stations.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2017Publication date: August 1, 2019Applicant: Autostore Technology ASInventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Børge Bekken, Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim
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Publication number: 20190179295Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle suitable for picking up storage bins from an underlying storage system. The vehicle includes driving means situated at or at least partly within rolling means of the vehicle, providing rolling set specific driving force to the vehicle in either the first direction or the second direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2018Publication date: June 13, 2019Applicant: Autostore Technology ASInventor: Ingvar Hognaland
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Patent number: 10294025Abstract: A remotely-operated vehicle assembly for picking up storage bins from a storage system and a method for changing vehicle direction includes a body displaying a cavity, a lifting device connected to the body for lifting the bin into the cavity, a displacement arrangement including a displacement motor which provides power to displace one or both of first and second sets of vehicle wheels between a displaced state where the relevant vehicle wheels are displaced away from the underlying system during use, and a non-displaced state where the relevant vehicle wheels are in contact with the underlying system during use, and driving wheels coupled to the displacement arrangement. The driving wheels include the first and second sets of vehicle wheels connected to the body allowing movement of the vehicle along first and second directions, respectively, within the system. The first and second directions are perpendicular.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2015Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Autostore Technology ASInventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim, Børge Bekken
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Publication number: 20190031446Abstract: A vehicle operated cleaning bin for cleaning a storage grid of a storage system includes a connector suitable for attaching the cleaning bin to a lifting device of a remotely operating vehicle being configured to vertically convey the cleaning bin into the storage grid by aid of the lifting device. Further, the vehicle operated cleaning bin includes a cleaner provided for removing foreign debris from the storage grid.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2017Publication date: January 31, 2019Applicant: Autostore Technology ASInventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim
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Patent number: 10189641Abstract: A storage system includes a first grid structure of storage cells, each cell being arranged to accommodate a vertical stack of storage bins, and the first grid structure having a top level. The system further includes a first vehicle, arranged to move horizontally at the top level of the first grid structure, and a bin lift device, arranged to convey a bin in a vertical direction between the top level of the grid structure and a delivery station. The first vehicle is further arranged to receive a storage bin from a storage cell at the top level of the first grid structure and to deliver the storage bin to the bin lift device. The bin lift device is arranged to receive a bin from the vehicle at the top level of the first grid structure and to convey the bin to the delivery station.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2013Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: Autostore Technology ASInventor: Ingvar Hognaland
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Publication number: 20190009984Abstract: Method and systems for storing and transporting a plurality of storage bins to and from an upper and a lower location of a three dimensional storage grid, which is constructed by columns interconnected by top rails. The system includes a movable continuous chain running from the upper location to the lower location of said storage grid. The chain may have compartments fitted for holding the bins. Robot vehicles are running on the upper location of the storage grid. These are adapted for loading and unloading bins 4 from the compartments in the chain. A control system is configured for controlling loading and unloading of the bins from the compartments in the chain.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2016Publication date: January 10, 2019Applicant: Autostore Technology ASInventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim, Øystein Gjerdevik
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Publication number: 20180370725Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle, for picking up a storage bin from an underlying storage system, may include a vehicle body having a cavity adapted to contain the entire storage bin, vehicle rolling means for movement of the vehicle on the underlying storage system, and a lifting assembly for lifting the storage bin from the underlying storage system to a position above the lowest level of the vehicle rolling means. Additionally, the lifting assembly may include a lifting frame, a rotatable lifting shaft, a first lifting band assembly, and a second lifting band assembly. Further, the lifting frame is connectable to the storage bin and the rotatable lifting shaft is arranged in an upper part of the vehicle body.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2017Publication date: December 27, 2018Applicant: Autostore Technology ASInventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Ivar Fjeldheim
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Patent number: 10093525Abstract: The present invention concerns a remotely operated vehicle or robot for picking up storage bins from a storage system. The inventive vehicle or robot comprises a vehicle body, which vehicle body further comprises a first section for storing vehicle driving means and a second section for receiving any storage bin stored in a storage column within the storage system, a vehicle lifting device which is at least indirectly connected to the vehicle body in order to lift the storage bin into the second section, a first set of vehicle rolling means connected to the vehicle body in order to allow movement of the vehicle along a first direction (X) within the storage system during use and a second set of vehicle rolling means connected to the vehicle body in order to allow movement of the vehicle along a second direction (Y) in the storage system during use. The second direction (Y) is oriented perpendicular to the first direction (X).Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2017Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Autostore Technology ASInventor: Ingvar Hognaland
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Publication number: 20180244467Abstract: A method for fetching a target bin stored in a storage system (100), wherein the storage system includes a three-dimensional storage grid containing a plurality of bins stacked in vertical stacks, supporting rails (13) on the grid structure, and a plurality of vehicles (1), controllably arranged to move individually on the supporting rails. The method is performed by a control device in the system and comprises controlling at least one non-target vehicle to operate as intermediate storage for a bin located vertically above the target bin (5); controlling a target vehicle to pick up the target bin, and controlling the at least one non-target vehicle and the target vehicle to be positioned adjacent to each other in a linear manner on the supporting rails. A corresponding storage system has also been disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2016Publication date: August 30, 2018Applicant: Autostore Technology ASInventor: Ingvar Hognaland
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Patent number: 10018397Abstract: A cooled storage system comprises a grid structure (20) of storage cells, where each cell is arranged to accommodate a vertical stack of storage bins and having a top level, at least one remotely operated vehicle (27) arranged to move at the top level of the grid structure (20) and receive a bin from a storage cell at the top level of the grid structure (20), where there is provided thermal insulation between at least a section of the grid structure (20) and the remotely operated vehicle (27), and said section of the grid structure (20) has a temperature that is lower than the temperature of the remotely operated vehicle (27).Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2015Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Autostore Technology ASInventor: Ingvar Hognaland
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Patent number: 9862579Abstract: The present invention concerns a remotely operated vehicle or robot for picking up storage bins from a storage system. The inventive vehicle or robot comprises a vehicle body, which vehicle body further comprises a first section for storing vehicle driving means and a second section for receiving any storage bin stored in a storage column within the storage system, a vehicle lifting device which is at least indirectly connected to the vehicle body in order to lift the storage bin into the second section, a first set of vehicle rolling means connected to the vehicle body in order to allow movement of the vehicle along a first direction (X) within the storage system during use and a second set of vehicle rolling means connected to the vehicle body in order to allow movement of the vehicle along a second direction (Y) in the storage system during use. The second direction (Y) is oriented perpendicular to the first direction (X).Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2017Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Autostore Technology ASInventor: Ingvar Hognaland