Patents Assigned to OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
  • Method and apparatus for retrieving units from a storage system
    Patent number: 11345543
    Abstract: A load handling device is disclosed for use in a storage system in which goods are stored in stackable containers within a framework. An exemplary load handling device can include a container-receiving space into which a plurality of containers can be lifted. The container-receiving space can be arranged beneath a corresponding number of vehicle modules as containers to be lifted, and components such as power components, control components, drive components and lifting components are housed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Lars Sverker Ture Lindbo, Andrew John Ingram-Tedd, Pawel Karolinczak
  • ROBOTIC OBJECT HANDLING SYSTEM, DEVICE AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20220153518
    Abstract: A robotic object handling system and robotic load handling device for operation thereon is disclosed. The object handling system includes a number of robotic load handling devices operational on a grid-like structure, the structure having sets of parallel tracks, disposed above a hive of stacked bins. The bins contain inventory items to be picked by the system. Load handling devices capable of carrying multiple bins of a single grid-spacing size or single bins of a multiple grid spacings are operational on the grid and retrieve and transport bins under the control of a computerised order picking utility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Applicant: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Sverker LINDBO, Andrew John INGRAM-TEDD
  • LOAD-HANDLING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20220153519
    Abstract: A load-handling device is provided for lifting and moving containers stacked in stacks in a storage system. The load-handling device includes a body; a wheel assembly arranged to support the body; a container-lifting mechanism configured to lift a container into or out of the body; and a wheel-positioning mechanism with wheel-engaging functionality for selectively engaging either a first set of wheels of the wheel assembly with a first set of rails or tracks of the storage system, or a second set of wheels of the wheel assembly with a second set of rails or tracks of the storage system. A wheel-engaging device can include at least one non-vertically-orientated linear actuator and/or at least one eccentric-rotation-based wheel-engaging device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Applicant: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Daniel POPA, Del MAYADEEN, Matthew HARMAN, Nick SHARP, Vipin PILLAI
  • STORAGE SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20220135324
    Abstract: A storage system is disclosed which includes a series of fire detection, suppression and extinguishing capability. The system can include containers formed as structural composites. The containers can have multiple portions of a structural or storage nature. The system can use the containers and the system itself to reduce a likelihood of fire spreading through large grid based systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Applicant: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Matthew WHELAN, Lars Sverker TURE LINDBO, Andrew INGRAM-TEDD, Paul CLARKE
  • Storage systems and methods
    Patent number: 11299344
    Abstract: A storage system is described where goods are stored in containers (10) and the containers (10) are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The containers (10) may be provided with one or more of the following services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing means, and data logging means. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Lars Sverker Ture Lindbo, Paul Clarke, Andrew John Ingram-Tedd, Pawel Karolinczak
  • STORAGE SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20220089369
    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. Each container may be provided with connectors having a push fit male connector located at a top edge of the container and a female connector at a bottom edge of the container. Adjacent containers in a stack can be linked by routing means, which form moldings on each container. The connectors can also have spring-loaded contacts. 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Applicant: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Lars Sverker Ture LINDBO, Paul CLARKE, Andrew John INGRAM-TEDD, Pawel KAROLINCZAK
  • RFID TAGS
    Publication number: 20220081209
    Abstract: A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag for semi-permanent insertion into a gap in a storage grid includes an RFID antenna; a storage medium configured to store identification data, the storage medium being connected to the RFID antenna; and a case configured to house the RFID antenna and the storage medium. The case includes: an internal surface configured to support one or both of the RFID antenna and the storage medium; one or more feet configured to limit insertion of the case into the gap in the storage grid; and one or more protrusions configured to provide resistance to case movement relative the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Applicant: Ocado Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Ovidiu CRISTESCU, Ian PARKS
  • Method and apparatus for retrieving units from a storage system
    Patent number: 11273980
    Abstract: A storage system includes a plurality of rails or tracks arranged in a grid pattern above the stacks of containers. The grid pattern includes a plurality of grid spaces and each stack is located within a footprint of only a single grid space. A load handling device is configured to move laterally on the rails or tracks above the stacks. The load handling device includes a container receiving space located above the rails or tracks in use and a lifting device arranged to lift a container from a stack into the container receiving space. The load handling device includes a mechanism for enabling lateral movement of the device in one of two transverse directions by enabling either a first or second set of wheels to selectively engage the first or second set of rails or tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew John Ingram-Tedd, Pawel Karolinczak, Tom Clancy
  • Automated delivery device and handling method
    Patent number: 11276030
    Abstract: An autonomous delivery device can make unattended deliveries of customer orders to predetermined locations. The device includes a plurality of compartments containing portions of the order or all of the order or a number of separately deliverable orders. The device includes a compartment opening such that on arrival at the predetermined location the contents of the or each compartment may be automatically dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul Clarke, Andrew John Ingram-Tedd
  • OBJECT HANDLING SYSTEM AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20220073276
    Abstract: A system, comprising: a storage workspace including a first framework defined by a series of first uprights, the first uprights supporting a grid of two substantially perpendicular sets of rails; and a plurality of containers for storing objects, wherein the plurality of containers are arranged in stacks, each stack of containers is located underneath a grid space in the workspace; and a grid extension including a continuation of the two substantially perpendicular sets of rails, and wherein the plurality of containers can be moved by one or more load handling devices between the storage workspace and an area beneath the grid extension, wherein the area beneath the grid extension is configured for positioning a roll cage such that containers can be placed or removed from the roll cage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Applicant: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Lars Sverker Ture LINDBO, Andrew John INGRAM-TEDD
  • GROWING SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20220061232
    Abstract: A growing system is described where living organisms are grown within containers in stacks. Above the stacks run load handling devices. The load handling devices take containers from the stacks and deposit them at service area 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, 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Applicant: Ocado Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Matthew WHELAN, Lars Sverker Ture LINDBO, Paul CLARKE, Andrew John INGRAM-TEDD
  • Robotic object handling system, device and method
    Patent number: 11261025
    Abstract: A robotic object handling system and robotic load handling device for operation thereon is disclosed. The object handling system includes a number of robotic load handling devices operational on a grid-like structure, the structure having sets of parallel tracks, disposed above a hive of stacked bins. The bins contain inventory items to be picked by the system. Load handling devices capable of carrying multiple bins of a single grid-spacing size or single bins of a multiple grid spacings are operational on the grid and retrieve and transport bins under the control of a computerised order picking utility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Sverker Lindbo, Andrew John Ingram-Tedd
  • ROBOTIC DEVICE TEST STATION AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20220050020
    Abstract: An automated picking system robotic device testing station having rollers for engagement with the wheels of a robotic device; and a controller to vary the rotation of the rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Applicant: Ocado Innovation Limited
    Inventor: Paul CLARKE
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RETRIEVING UNITS FROM A STORAGE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20220041373
    Abstract: A storage system and a load handling device for lifting and moving containers stacked in the storage system are described. The storage system includes a plurality of rails arranged in a grid pattern above the stacks of containers. The grid pattern has a plurality of grid spaces and each stack is located within a footprint of a single grid space. The load handling device can move laterally on the rails above the stacks and includes a container receiving space located above the rails in use and a lifting device arranged to lift a container from a stack into the container receiving space. The load handling device also includes a mechanism for enabling lateral movement of the device in one of two transverse directions by enabling either a first or second set of wheels to selectively engage the first or second set of rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Applicant: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew John INGRAM-TEDD, Pawel KAROLINCZAK, Tom CLANCY
  • WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM WITH DISCRIMINATION BETWEEN EXTRANEOUS RECEIVED SIGNALS
    Publication number: 20220030437
    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: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Applicant: Ocado Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Adam Nikolai GREEN, Fraser Murray EDWARDS
  • Positioning Device, Communications System and Method
    Publication number: 20220018949
    Abstract: An exemplary communications system includes a first base station and a second base station. The first base station transmits a first signal to the second base station, and the second base station receives the first signal and transmits a second signal in response. The first base station receives the second signal and transmits a third signal in response. A receiving unit of a device receives the first, second, and third signals. The device measures a first delay time between receipt of the first signal and receipt of the second signal, and measures a first round trip time based on receipt of the second signal and the third signal. A second round trip time and a second delay time are determined and a first time difference of arrival is calculated based on the first round trip time, first delay time, second round trip time and second delay time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Applicant: Ocado Innovation Limited
    Inventors: David SHARP, Joseph ZAMMIT
  • Container-Manoeuvring Apparatus
    Publication number: 20220009710
    Abstract: There is provided a container maneuvering apparatus arranged to provide an interface between a container-conveying system and a container-storage system. More specifically, there is disclosed a container maneuvering apparatus arranged to load/unload a container into/from a carriage. Optionally, the carriage is a Magway carriage. The carriage can be made stationary before loading/unloading the container by the container-conveying system. The carriage and container can match velocities so that both are moving, but at the same velocity, whilst loading/unloading operations are performed by the container maneuvering apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Applicant: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Sean CLARK, Joseph ZAMMIT, Ben THOMAS, Andrew John INGRAM-TEDD, Matthew WHELAN, David SHARP, Paul CLARKE
  • Method of improving visual recognition of an item and item display system
    Patent number: 11205245
    Abstract: A method of improving visual recognition of an item amongst a plurality of items displayed by an electronic device having a display includes providing a number of sets of actual dimensions of a number of the plurality of items, respectively, the number of the plurality of items including the item. A scaling factor is determined using the number of sets of actual dimensions and a number of sets of image dimensions of a respective number of representations of the number of the plurality of items respectively contained in a number of images. The scaling factor is applied to a dimension of an image to be displayed containing a representation of the item, and the scaled image is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Tim Steiner, Hannah Gibson, Lawrence Hene, Yess Padilla
  • Object handling system and method
    Patent number: 11203487
    Abstract: An object handling system is described, the system having two substantially perpendicular sets of rails forming a grid above a workspace, the workspace having a plurality of stacked containers. The system includes a series of robotic load handling devices operating on the grid above the workspace, the load handling devices having a body mounted on wheels. The robotic devices can move around the grid under instruction from a computing device, the robotic devices being moved to a point on the grid above a stack of containers and then, using a lifting device, engage and lift a container from the stack. The container is then moved to a point where the objects in the container can be accessed. Modifications to the workspace and grid are described that allow vehicles and roll cages to be used to move stacks from the workspace to a point outside the workspace or from outside the workspace into the workspace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Lars Sverker Ture Lindbo, Andrew John Ingram-Tedd
  • ROBOTIC PARKING DEVICE AND HANDLING METHOD
    Publication number: 20210363770
    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: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Applicant: Ocado Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Lars Sverker Ture LINDBO, Matthew WHELAN, Martin Roland AKERBLAD, Carl Edvin VON OTTER, William Bjorn David BRUCE