Patents Assigned to Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.
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Patent number: 11964386Abstract: An end-effector of a programmable motion device is disclosed. The end-effector includes a body that provides an open interior, the open interior being coupled to a vacuum source, and the body including a contact surface for contacting an object to be grasped by the end effector. The contact surface includes at least one aperture through which a vacuum is provided, and the body includes an outer surface that faces away from the open interior. The body provides that when the flow of air drawn by the vacuum source through the at least one aperture is reduced due to the at least one aperture being at least partially blocked, the outer surface of the body engages the object being grasped at least partially within the open interior of the body.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Geyer, Matthew T. Mason, Gabriel Nelson, Aidan Rose, Jason Yap
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Patent number: 11945003Abstract: An object processing system within a trailer for a tracker trailer is discloses. The object processing system includes an input area of the trailer at which objects to be processed may be presented, a perception system for providing perception data regarding objects to be processed, and a primary transport system for providing transport of each object in one of at least two primary transport directions within the trailer based on the perception data.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2022Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Kevin Ahearn, Benjamin Cohen, Michael Dawson-Haggerty, Christopher Geyer, Thomas Koletschka, Kyle Maroney, Matthew T. Mason, Gene Temple Price, Joseph Romano, Daniel Smith, Siddhartha Srinivasa, Prasanna Velagapudi, Thomas Allen
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Patent number: 11945100Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing high flow vacuum control to an end effector of an articulated arm. The system includes a high flow vacuum source that provides an opening with an area of high flow vacuum at the end effector such that objects may be engaged while permitting substantial flow of air through the opening, and a load detection system for characterizing the load presented by the object.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2020Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Kevin Ahearn, Benjamin Cohen, Michael Dawson-Haggerty, Christopher Geyer, Thomas Koletschka, Kyle Maroney, Matthew T. Mason, Gene Temple Price, Joseph Romano, Daniel Smith, Siddhartha Srinivasa, Prasanna Velagapudi, Thomas Allen
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Patent number: 11938618Abstract: An end-effector for a programmable motion device is disclosed. The end effector includes a body that includes a contact portion, the body providing an open interior through which a vacuum may be provided to the contact portion, and the body including at least one feature that is adapted to facilitate the contact portion to become substantially non-planar while grasping.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2021Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.Inventors: Jason Yap, Aidan Rose, Gabriel Nelson, Matthew T. Mason, Christopher Geyer
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Patent number: 11932489Abstract: A storage, retrieval and processing system for processing objects is disclosed. The storage, retrieval and processing system includes a plurality of storage bins providing storage of a plurality of objects, where the plurality of storage bins is in communication with a retrieval conveyance system, a programmable motion device in communication with the retrieval conveyance system for receiving the storage bins from the plurality of bins, where the programmable motion device includes an end effector for grasping and moving a selected object out of a selected storage bin, and a movable carriage for receiving the selected object from the end effector of the programmable motion device, and for carrying the selected object to one of a plurality of destination bins.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2022Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Kevin Ahearn, John Richard Amend, Jr., Benjamin Cohen, Michael Dawson-Haggerty, William Hartman Fort, Christopher Geyer, Victoria Hinchey, 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
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Patent number: 11884495Abstract: An object processing system is disclosed for unloading objects from a trailer of a tractor trailer. The object processing system includes an engagement system including a truck entry portion for entering the trailer and for indiscriminately engaging unidentified objects within the trailer, and a conveyance system for conveying objects engaged by the engagement system toward an unloading portion of the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2021Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Kevin Ahearn, Benjamin Cohen, Michael Dawson-Haggerty, Christopher Geyer, Thomas Koletschka, Kyle Maroney, Matthew T. Mason, Gene Temple Price, Joseph Romano, Daniel Smith, Siddhartha Srinivasa, Prasanna Velagapudi, Thomas Allen
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Patent number: 11866269Abstract: A system is disclosed for receiving a plurality of objects from an elevated trailer of a tractor trailer. The system includes a collection conveyor extending between a base end and a coupled end, the coupled end being rotatably coupled to an evacuation conveyor, said collection conveyor including an object facing surface between the base end and the coupled end for receiving the plurality of objects, said collection conveyor being rotatably adjustable with respect to the evacuation conveyor at the coupled end, and both the evacuation conveyor and the coupled end of the collection conveyor being elevationally adjustable.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2022Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Allen, Benjamin Cohen, John Richard Amend, Jr., Joseph Romano
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Patent number: 11866255Abstract: An automated carrier system is disclosed for moving objects to be processed. The automated carrier system includes a discontinuous plurality of track sections on which an automated carrier may be directed to move, and the automated carrier includes a base structure on which an object may be supported, and at least two wheels assemblies being pivotally supported on the base structure for pivoting movement from a first position to a second position to effect a change in direction of movement of the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2023Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, 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
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Patent number: 11866261Abstract: A processing system for processing objects using a programmable motion device is disclosed. The processing system a perception unit for perceiving identifying indicia representative of an identity of an object associated with an input conveyance system, and an acquisition system for acquiring the object from a plurality of objects at an input area using an end effector of the programmable motion device, wherein the programmable motion device is adapted for assisting in the delivery of the object to an identified processing location. The identified processing location being associated with the identifying indicia and said identified processing location being provided as one of a plurality of processing locations. The processing system also includes a delivery system for receiving the object in a carrier and for delivering the object toward the identified processing location.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2023Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, 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
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Patent number: 11868840Abstract: In an induction system for use with an object processing system, a distribution system is disclosed for providing dissimilar objects into one of a plurality of receiving units. The distribution system includes a conveyor section that travels over a vacuum roller, and the plurality of receiving units arranged generally below the vacuum roller such that an object with a mass will fall toward one of the plurality of receiving units based on both the object's mass and a vacuum force applied to the object through the conveyor section.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2022Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Matthew T. Mason, Christopher Geyer, John Richard Amend, Jr., Kyle Maroney, Joseph Romano, Victoria Hinchey, Jeffrey Kittredge, Andrew Gauthier, Lakshman Kumar, Prasanna Velagapudi
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Patent number: 11865699Abstract: An end effector system is disclosed for a robotic system that includes a primary acquisition system that includes a primary end effector, and a secondary retention system that substantially surrounds at least a portion of the primary acquisition system, wherein at least a portion of the primary acquisition system may be drawn up within at least a portion of the secondary retention system such that the primary end effector system may be used to select an object from a plurality of objects, and the secondary retention system may be used to secure the object for rapid transport to an output destination.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2022Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Kevin Ahearn, Benjamin Cohen, Michael Dawson-Haggerty, Christopher Geyer, Thomas Koletschka, Kyle Maroney, Matthew T. Mason, Gene Temple Price, Joseph Romano, Daniel Smith, Siddhartha Srinivasa, Prasanna Velagapudi, Thomas Allen
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Patent number: 11865722Abstract: A programmable motion system is disclosed that includes a dynamic end effector system. The dynamic end effector system includes a plurality of acquisition units that are provided at an exchange station within an area accessible by the programmable motion device, and a coupling system for coupling any of the plurality of acquisition units to an end effector of the programmable motion device such that any of the acquisition units may be automatically selected from the exchange station and used by the programmable motion device without requiring any activation or actuation by the exchange station and without requiring any intervention by a human.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2019Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Romano, William Chu-Hyon McMahan, Benjamin Cohen, Andrew Gauthier, Matthew T. Mason, Thomas Wagner, Prasanna Velagapudi, Michael Dawson-Haggerty
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Patent number: 11866224Abstract: A standardized shipping tray is disclosed for use in an order fulfillment system. The standardized shipping tray includes a bottom panel that includes raised portions that assist to inhibit rolling on an object within along the bottom panel, and at least two flexible side panels that are adapted to fold inward under a force of a wrapping.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2020Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.Inventors: Prasanna Velagapudi, Christopher Geyer, Benjamin Cohen, Joseph Romano, Matthew T. Mason
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Patent number: 11865700Abstract: A method is disclosed of changing a tool on a programmable motion device. The method includes the steps of moving an attachment portion of an end effector of the programmable motion device in a continuous motion; while the attachment portion of the end effector moves in the continuous motion, engaging one of: the attachment portion of the end effector with the tool, or the tool attached to the attachment portion of the end effector with an exchange system, and continuing to move the attachment portion of the end effector in the continuous motion to change a connection status of the attachment portion of the end effector while the attachment portion of the end effector moves in the continuous motion.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2019Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Wagner, John Richard Amend, Jr., William Farmer, Andrew Gauthier, Victoria Hinchey, Kyle Maroney, Matthew T. Mason, Richard Musgrave, Samuel Naseef, Thomas Allen
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Patent number: 11845614Abstract: A semi-autonomous processing system for processing objects is disclosed. The semi-autonomous processing system includes an input conveyance system for moving objects to a presentation area, a perception system including perception units that are directed toward a detection area for providing perception data regarding an object in the presentation area, at least two transport systems, each of which is adapted to receive the object and move the object in either of reciprocal directions, and a manual workstation area between the perception area the at least two transport systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2022Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Thomas Allen, William Hartman Fort, Kyle Maroney, Samuel Naseef, Andrew Gauthier, Kevin Ahearn, John Richard Amend, Jr., Benjamin Cohen, Michael Dawson-Haggerty, Christopher Geyer, Jennifer Eileen King, Thomas Koletschka, Matthew T. Mason, William Chu-Hyon McMahan, Gene Temple Price, Joseph Romano, Daniel Smith, Siddhartha Srinivasa, Prasanna Velagapudi
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Patent number: 11847513Abstract: A distribution system for use in an induction system with an object processing system. The distribution system provides dissimilar objects into one of a plurality of receiving units. The distribution system includes an air intake system with an opening that is a fixed distance from a conveyor section, said air intake system aiding in moving an object on the conveyor section from the conveyor section to one of a plurality of adjacent transport units.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2022Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Matthew T. Mason, Christopher Geyer, John Richard Amend, Jr., Kyle Maroney, Joseph Romano, Victoria Hinchey, Jeffrey Kittredge, Andrew Gauthier, Lakshman Kumar, Prasanna Velagapudi
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Patent number: 11839902Abstract: An automated shuttle sorter is disclosed that includes a carriage that is movable from a load position at which the carriage may be loaded, and at least two destination locations into which any contents of the carriage may be provided from the carriage.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2022Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Kevin Ahearn, Benjamin Cohen, Michael Dawson-Haggerty, Christopher Geyer, Thomas Koletschka, Kyle Maroney, Matthew T. Mason, Gene Temple Price, Joseph Romano, Daniel Smith, Siddhartha Srinivasa, Prasanna Velagapudi, Thomas Allen
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Patent number: 11839974Abstract: A programmable motion system is disclosed that includes a dynamic end effector system. The dynamic end effector system includes an end effector that is coupled via a dynamic coupling to the programmable motion system, wherein the dynamic coupling provides that at least a portion of the end effector may spin with respect to an other portion of the end effector.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2021Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Kevin Ahearn, Benjamin Cohen, Michael Dawson-Haggerty, Christopher Geyer, Thomas Koletschka, Kyle Maroney, Matthew T. Mason, Gene Temple Price, Joseph Romano, Daniel Smith, Siddhartha Srinivasa, Prasanna Velagapudi, Thomas Allen
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Patent number: 11842248Abstract: A space efficient automated processing system for processing objects is disclosed. The processing system includes an input conveyance system for moving objects from an input area in at least an input conveyance vector that includes an input conveyance horizontal direction component and an input conveyance vertical direction component, a perception system for receiving objects from the input conveyance system and for providing perception data regarding an object, a primary transport system for receiving the object from the perception system and for providing transport of the object along at least a primary transport vector including an primary transport horizontal component and a primary transport vertical component that is generally opposite the input conveyance horizontal direction component, and at least two secondary transport systems, each of which receives the object from the primary transport system and moves the object in either of reciprocal directions.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2021Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Kevin Ahearn, John Richard Amend, Jr., Benjamin Cohen, Michael Dawson-Haggerty, William Hartman Fort, Christopher Geyer, Victoria Hinchey, 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
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Patent number: 11826918Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing extrinsic calibration of a camera to a relative working environment of a programmable motion device that includes an end-effector. The system includes a fiducial located at or near the end-effector, at least one camera system for viewing the fiducial as the programmable motion device moves in at least three degrees of freedom, and for capturing a plurality of images containing the fiducial, and a calibration system for analyzing the plurality of images to determine a fiducial location with respect to the camera to permit calibration of the camera with the programmable motion device.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2021Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.Inventors: Yu Ding, Christopher Geyer, Luis Galup, Jeffrey Kittredge, Thomas Koletschka, Lakshman Kumar, Anjana Nellithimaru, Ryan O'Hern, Jeremy Saslaw