Patents Assigned to OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
  • STORAGE CONTAINERS, BINS AND DEVICES
    Publication number: 20230108195
    Abstract: A mechanised container for use in a robotic storage and picking system is described. The container includes a base openable to deposit at least one item from the container in to a further container positioned by a load handling device beneath the first container. Each item can be stored in such mechanised containers in stacks within a robotic storage and picking system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Applicant: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Lars Sverker Ture LINDBO, Andrew John INGRAM-TEDD
  • STORAGE SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20230108952
    Abstract: A storage system Includes a first set of parallel rails or tracks and a second set of parallel rails or tracks extending transverse to the first set in a substantially horizontal plane to form a grid pattern having a plurality of grid spaces. A plurality of stackable storage containers are arranged in stacks, the stacks of storage containers being located beneath the rails or tracks. Each stack is located within the footprint of a grid space. A load handling device is arranged to move laterally on the rails or tracks above the stacks of storage containers. The load handling device includes a lifting device arranged to lift storage containers from a top of a stack. The lifting device includes a cable to provide a service from a service source in the load handling device to the one or more storage containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Applicant: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul CLARKE, Andrew John INGRAM-TEDD, Lars Sverker Ture LINDBO
  • Wireless communication system with discrimination between extraneous received signals
    Patent number: 11622283
    Abstract: A wireless communication system having base stations and remotely located terminal units. The base stations and the remotely located terminal units communicate data over operational wireless communication links assigned to respective sub-channels having tiles separated by frequency and time. Detectors for analyzing extraneous received signals in unassigned tiles of the communication links discriminate between a first type of extraneous signals detected in unassigned tiles of one sub-frame and also detected in other unassigned tiles, and a second type of extraneous signals detected in the unassigned tiles but not detected in other unassigned tiles. The reaction of the base stations is different based on the type of extraneous signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Adam Nikolai Green, Fraser Murray Edwards
  • TRANSPORTING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20230097961
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for a load handling system such that direction change of a transporting device is more easily and quickly realised. A transporting device includes an omnidirectional driving unit, and is arranged to transport a container, the container being stored in a facility. The facility is arranged to store the container in a plurality of stacks, a plurality of pathways being arranged in cells so as to form a grid-like structure above the stacks, the transporting device being arranged to operate on the grid-like structure and to be driven in a first direction and/or second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Applicant: Ocado Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Sean CLARK, David SHARP
  • AUTOMATED STORAGE SYSTEMS, AND DEVICES
    Publication number: 20230102969
    Abstract: A load handling device is disclosed for lifting and moving storage containers stacked in a grid framework structure having first and second sets of parallel rails or tracks. The load handling device includes a body mounted on first and second sets of wheels arranged to engage with the tracks. The wheels have spokes connecting a rim to a hub, and wherein the wheel is at least partially resiliently deformable, wherein the wheel rim and wheel hub are made from a rigid material relative to the spoke material, and wherein the wheel includes two or more layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Applicant: Ocado Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Matthew WHELAN, Wilhelm JOHANNISSON
  • AUTOMATED STORAGE SYSTEMS, AND DEVICES
    Publication number: 20230088136
    Abstract: A grid framework structure includes a first set of parallel rails or tracks and a second set of parallel rails or tracks extending substantially perpendicularly to the first set of rails or tracks in a substantially horizontal plane to form a grid pattern. The grid is supported by a set of uprights to form a plurality of vertical storage locations beneath the grid for containers to be stacked between and be guided by the uprights in a vertical direction. A load handling device includes a body mounted on a first set of wheels and a second set of wheels arranged to engage with the tracks. A gripper assembly is provided for latching to a storage container via a deformable flexure mechanism movable between a locked configuration and a release configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Applicant: Ocado Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Matthew WHELAN, Wilhelm JOHANNISSON, Alice MOSS
  • AUTOMATED STORAGE SYSTEMS, AND DEVICES
    Publication number: 20230090378
    Abstract: A load handling device is disclosed for lifting and moving storage containers stacked in a grid framework structure having first and second sets of parallel rails or tracks. The load handling device includes: a body mounted on first and second sets of wheels arranged to engage with the tracks. A direction-change assembly is arranged to raise or lower the first set of wheels and or lower or raise the second set of wheels with respect to the body to engage and disengage the wheels with the tracks. The direction-change assembly includes a linkage-set having a series of members arranged between a traveller and a fixed brace, wherein the traveller is arranged to move under an applied force to cause the wheels to raise or lower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Applicant: Ocado Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Matthew WHELAN, Wilhelm JOHANNISSON, Alice MOSS
  • OPTIMISATION APPARATUS & METHOD
    Publication number: 20230079894
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus, system and method for determining the route of an electric vehicle. A number of delivery destinations and a number of forecast destinations may be assigned to each of a number of groups such that a route can be determined that connects each of the nodes in each group to a central location. When a new delivery destination is received, it can be used to replace one of the forecast nodes such that the efficiency of the routes is improved, for example through a decrease in a cost function value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Applicant: Ocado Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Xinan YANG, Timothy David BICKLEY, Thomas William ADLINGTON, Abdellah SALHI, Moncef NASRI, Timothy COUGHLIN, Anna MOSS, Honsheng DAI
  • Stability of a Load Handling Device in a Storage System
    Publication number: 20230077808
    Abstract: A load handling device for lifting and moving one or more containers stacked in a storage system with a grid framework structure supporting a plurality of tracks arranged in a grid pattern, the load handling device comprising: A) a driving mechanism; and B) a vehicle body having a footprint that occupies a single grid cell in the storage system, the vehicle body housing including: i) a rechargeable power source; ii) a first space configured for accommodating a container and the rechargeable power source is housed in a second space; and iii) a lifting device to releasably grip a container and lift the container from the stack into the first space, wherein the rechargeable power source is arranged above the first space such that the centre of mass of the load handling device is in the second space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Applicant: Ocado Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Marek HAVEL, Matthew HARMAN, Hamza ELLAHI, Negar KHOSROSHAHLI
  • Storage systems, methods and containers
    Patent number: 11597562
    Abstract: A storage system is described where goods are stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The load handling devices take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked out. The containers comprise liners formed from flame retardant or flame suppressant material. Containers comprising liner means are used to store ignitable items within the storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Siddique Shaikh, Martyn Lee Bates, Andrew Selim
  • Growing systems and methods
    Patent number: 11589520
    Abstract: A growing system is described where plants are grown in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The load handling devices take containers from the stacks and deposit them at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit them at stations where goods may be picked out. The containers may be provided with one or more of the following services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing means, data logging means, growing means, water and nutrients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew John Ingram-Tedd, Lars Sverker Ture Lindbo, Mark Stubbs, David Gerken
  • Apparatus and Method for Charging a Load Handling Device
    Publication number: 20230059131
    Abstract: A load handling device for lifting and moving containers stacked in a storage system a grid framework structure, the load handling device including: a vehicle body housing a driving mechanism operatively arranged for moving the load handling device on the grid framework structure; a lifting device having a lifting drive assembly and a grabber device configured to releasably grip a container and lift the container from the stack into a container-receiving space; are chargeable power source electrically coupled to an electrical charge point for electrically coupling to a charge head of a charge station wherein; the electrical charge point includes a charge collector connectable to the charge head of the charge station under action of a magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Applicant: Ocado Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Robert STADIE, Keith HABBEN
  • STORAGE SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20230044301
    Abstract: A storage system is disclosed where goods can be stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of rails (e.g., tracks) on which load handling devices can run. To take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked. The framework may be provided with one or more of the following exemplary services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensors, and data logging devices. The provision of these services within the framework rather than across the system as a whole, can allow for flexibility in storage whilst reducing cost and inefficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Applicant: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul CLARKE, Lars Sverker Ture LINDBO, Andrew John INGRAM-TEDD, Pawel KAROLINCZAK
  • Storage containers, bins and devices
    Patent number: 11565879
    Abstract: A mechanised container for use in a robotic storage and picking system is described. The container includes a base openable to deposit at least one item from the container in to a further container positioned by a load handling device beneath the first container. Each item can be stored in such mechanised containers in stacks within a robotic storage and picking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Lars Sverker Ture Lindbo, Andrew John Ingram-Tedd
  • Grasping affordance for use in a robot system
    Patent number: 11565429
    Abstract: An affordance is disclosed which allows a robot system to pick an expanded range of items using a single type of end effector, without requiring the use of different end effectors. The affordance includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is arranged to be grasped by an end effector of the robot system and the second layer is arranged to adhere to the item. A system having an affordance and a robot system with an end effector arranged to grasp at least one item from storage by way of the affordance is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Duncan Russell, Panagiotis Sotiropoulos
  • System and method for picking items
    Patent number: 11560272
    Abstract: A system and method for picking items from storage containers located in stacks within a grid-based storage system are described. The system can include a movable structural member, movable from a first position to a second position such that when in the second position it is possible for an operative to access at least one row of storage containers such that items can be manually picked therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew John Ingram-Tedd, Lars Sverker Ture Lindbo
  • Storage systems and methods
    Patent number: 11554914
    Abstract: A storage system is described where goods are stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run to lift containers from the stacks and deposit them at alternative locations in the stacks or at stations where goods may be removed or alternative functions may be undertaken. The containers can provide the following exemplary services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing, and data logging. The provision of these services within individual containers rather than across the system as a whole, allows for flexibility in storage whilst reducing cost and inefficiency. The containers when removed from the stacks are electrically connected to the load handling device, power being supplied by a power supply within the load handling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul Clarke, Andrew Ingram-Tedd, Lars Sverker Ture Lindbo
  • STORAGE, GROWING SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20230000029
    Abstract: Storage, growing system and methods for storing, germinating, propagating and or growing living organisms, exemplary systems including stackable growth tray(s) containing: a drainage system, the drainage system including: an inclined growing surface, inclined in a direction to at least one drainage hole; a drainage routing structure positioned over the at least one drainage hole, and having a down-pipe and a connecting routing pipe, wherein the down-pipe is for receiving fluid from an adjacent-above stackable item and transmitting the fluid to an adjacent-below down-pipe or a drain-pipe, and the connecting routing pipe is for receiving fluid from an adjacent-above drainage hole and routing the fluid to the down-pipe, and wherein fluid propagating from the inclined growing surface or an adjacent-above stackable item is directed through the growth tray to a down-steam point in the drainage system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Applicant: Ocado Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Andrew INGRAM-TEDD, Lars Sverker Ture LINDBO, James LLOYD-JONES, Matthew WHELAN
  • Robotic parking device and handling method
    Patent number: 11542718
    Abstract: An alignment mechanism for a robotic parking device is described. The device includes a number of stacks of containers, the stacks being positioned within a frame structure having uprights and a horizontal grid disposed above the stacks, the grid having substantially perpendicular rails on which load handling devices can run. Cars or vehicles are positioned in containers that are moved in to and out of the stacks by the robotic handling devices. The cars are put in to the grid at entry points that can be positioned at points under the stacks. The alignment mechanism includes a series of belts moveable relative to each other and relative to the container, the belts acting to align a long axis of a vehicle with a long axis of the container in to which the vehicle is to be placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Lars Sverker Ture Lindbo, Matthew Whelan, Martin Roland Akerblad, Carl Edvin Von Otter, William Bjorn David Bruce
  • CUSTOMER PERSONALISED CONTROL UNIT, SYSTEM AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20220405831
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for a webshop such that the products shown to a customer are related to the purchasing habits of the customer. In particular, a control unit is provided arranged to communicate with a product information database, a product category database and a customer purchase history database. The control unit includes a product categorising unit arranged to generate at least one product category based on product information in the product information database and to store the at least one generated product category in the product category database. The control unit further includes a calculating unit arranged to calculate a probability of a customer being an underbuyer/overbuyer of a type of product based on the customer's purchase history stored in the customer purchase history database and the at least one product category from the product category database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Applicant: Ocado Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Andreia CABECINHAS, Jose JIMENEZ, Clifford BAILEY