Patents Examined by Kyle O Logan
  • Patent number: 12703582
    Abstract: A serial multi-up effector can be used in an automated assembly line in order pick parts from a parts bin one after the other before placing them at a desired location. In an automated assembly line, a parts bin will be depleted of parts and need to be replaced with a full parts bin. The bin replacement may be replaced using a rotary table that allows an empty bin to be replaced with a full bin. Additionally, the rotary table allows for filling of the empty bins while the full bins are being used to pick parts from.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2026
    Assignee: ATS Automation Tracking System Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Kosinski, Alexander Joseph Folz, Mateus de Camargo Jonas, Howard F. Speiden
  • Patent number: 12699949
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure object provide tracking and monitoring techniques for implementing improved distribution systems in various environments. The techniques may include generating an intake data object including an intake identifier and an object identifier respectively corresponding to a plurality of intake objects. The intake data object is used to generate transitioning data objects corresponding to a subset of the intake objects. The intake data object may be modified with a transition identifier to link the objects. In addition, one or both identifiers may be added to a backstop data object to link the subset of intake objects to a backstop location. In response to a request, the subset of intake objects may be moved from the backstop location to conveyor pallet, and, in response, the transition and intake identifier may be removed from the backstop data object and added to a conveyor pallet data object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2026
    Assignee: Optum, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren Thomas Roberts, Michael L. Mahar, Anthony Hopper
  • Patent number: 12692074
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for creating walkways in heavy machinery and equipment. In one embodiment, an example system may include a first module, a second module coupled to the first module, where the second module comprises a first track and a second track, a third module coupled to the first module and the second module, where the third module has a container matrix configured to support a first set of containers disposed along a lower portion of the system and a second set of containers disposed along an upper portion of the system, and a first actuation system configured to actuate the first set of containers from a first position to a second position, where the first set of containers is vertically aligned with the first track in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2026
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ganesh Krishnamoorthy, Michael Alan Bray, Vivek S. Narayanan
  • Patent number: 12692075
    Abstract: Provided are a goods sorting system, a goods sorting method, and a robot. The goods sorting system includes a sorting and storage area, a sorting robot, a bin transport robot, and a control server. The sorting and storage area has at least one shelf. The shelf includes a first storage area provided with sorting and storage positions and a second storage area. The control server is configured to determine a target sorting and storage position where sorted goods are to be stored in the first storage area based on sorted goods information, dispatch the sorting robot to deliver sorted goods into a bin corresponding to the target sorting and storage position, and in a case a sorting task has been completed for the bin in the first storage area, dispatch the bin transport robot to transport the bin to an empty storage position in the second storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2026
    Assignee: Beijing Geekplus Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei Zhang, Ming Ye
  • Patent number: 12685080
    Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive concept provide an OHT management system and a control method for the OHT management system for automatically setting an interlock in an operation section at which an operator is positioned, while the operator inspects an OHT or an article facility, even in a case in which the operator does not set an interlock information at the operation section. The OHT management system includes a rail; an OHT driving autonomously on the rail; a work terminal which generates a work progress information during a work procedure for proceeding with an inspection by closely approaching the rail within a predetermined distance; and an OCS for turning on an interlock information so the OHT does not drive at a section at which the work terminal is positioned, if the OCS communicates with the OHT to set the interlock information of the OHT and is input with the work progress information by communicating with the work terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2026
    Assignee: Semes Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Man Gyu Lee
  • Patent number: 12666911
    Abstract: When there is an interruption in power to an area of an integrated circuit manufacturing facility, product may be stranded in a vehicle mounted to an automated material handling system. An automated rescue vehicle can be deployed to retrieve the stranded vehicle so that a payload carried by that vehicle can be recovered and processing can resume. The rescue vehicle can carry a battery payload. The battery payload provides backup power while the rescue operation is performed. With such an automated system, no human intervention is needed to recover product during a power outage. In addition to improving wafer throughput during the power outage, such a rescue operation may prevent quality degradation for time-critical sequences of processing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2026
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Jung Huang, Y.Y. Lee, Kuang Huan Hsu, Li-Hsin Chu, Jen-Ti Wang, Chieh Hsu
  • Patent number: 12665064
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure object provide tracking and monitoring techniques for implementing improved distribution systems in various environments. The techniques of the present disclosure may include receiving a transition identifier corresponding to a transitioning data object that include (a) a first object count of a plurality of transitioning objects within a transitioning container, (b) an intake identifier corresponding to the plurality of transitioning objects, and (c) a pallet identifier for a conveyor pallet configured to move the transitioning container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2026
    Assignee: Optum, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren Thomas Roberts, Michael L. Mahar, Anthony Hopper
  • Patent number: 12654941
    Abstract: A method and an electronic device for handling a material are provided. The method may include: obtaining a picking task for a target material at a target warehouse; using, in response to determining that a target person arrives at an exit location of the target warehouse, material information of a material held by the target person as target material information, the material information including a material identifier and a material quantity; and comparing material information of a to-be-picked material in the picking task with the target material information, and subtracting the material information of the to-be-picked material from stock information of the target warehouse if a comparison result is that the material information and the target material information are consistent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2026
    Assignee: BEIJING JINGDONG ZHENSHI INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bin Ma, Jian Gong, Zhuo Meng
  • Patent number: 12649172
    Abstract: Order fulfillment system comprises a first function sorting system comprising first function vehicles for sorting first function articles into first function sort receptacles in response to commands. The system further comprises an ASRS juxtaposed to the first function sorting system such that a footprint occupied by the first function sorting system is adjacent to the footprint occupied by the ASRS. The system further comprises a controller configured to: direct a retrieval mechanism of the article storage and retrieval system to move a storage bin containing a first function article to an output station; and, direct a first function vehicle to transport and deposit the first function article collected from the storage bin at the output station into a first function sort receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2025
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2026
    Assignee: TOMPKINS ROBOTICS, INC.
    Inventors: James M. Serstad, Michael C. Futch, Parthiban A. Mathavan
  • Patent number: 12643137
    Abstract: An industrial installation having an automated sheet metal bending cell and an automated magazine, having a spatial and functional organization for automating flows of materials entering and leaving the cell, aimed at increasing, in a reduced enclosure, autonomy of operation of the cell without human assistance, as well as flexibility and productivity of the cell, the installation including: a press brake; a bending robot; a rail, generally called a “track,” on which a carriage supporting the robot moves; a system for dropping off and retrieving parts during operation; a mechanical or optical system for controlling indexing of parts to be bent; a magazine or a set of racks for bending tools comprising punches and dies; at least one attachment device for grippers; a programming and monitoring system for the press brake; a control console; an automated magazine; and a supply area for parts to be bent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2026
    Assignee: CONCEPT & FORME DEVELOPPEMENTS SA
    Inventor: Gerard Pitance
  • Patent number: 12637298
    Abstract: A method for operating a packaging line of a packaging installation, wherein the packaging line includes at least one packaging machine having an infeed conveyor belt, wherein the packaging line further includes at least one transport belt which is disposed upstream of the infeed conveyor belt, wherein the method includes the steps of: i) defining and/or determining a current machine performance of the at least one packaging machine; ii) determining an output request for the at least one transport belt; and iii) defining and setting a transport speed of the at least one transport belt, wherein the transport speed is defined as a function of the determined output request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2026
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Hermann Schohaus, Theo Schulte, Linus Wöhle
  • Patent number: 12637288
    Abstract: A transportation system, including: a transportation vehicle, multiple layers of rail structures, and a layer-switching lifting structure. The transportation vehicle is configured to transport an article. Each layer of rail structure of the multiple layers of rail structures includes a transverse rail and a longitudinal rail, and the transportation vehicle is configured to move in a storage region along each layer of rail structure to transport the article. The layer-switching lifting structure is arranged at a target position of each layer of rail structure, wherein the target position includes an intersection of the transverse rail and the longitudinal rail. The layer-switching lifting structure is configured to transfer the transportation vehicle between the multiple layers of rail structures, and the layer-switching lifting structure is further configured as a carrier for the transportation vehicle to change between the transverse rail and the longitudinal rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2026
    Assignee: Beijing Jingdong Qianshi Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xu Liu, Weiquan He, Guoku Song, Zongjing Yu
  • Patent number: 12630366
    Abstract: A system for storage of goods carriers with a rack having storage shelves for the goods carriers on multiple levels, with a rack-servicing machine for storage of goods carriers into the storage shelves and for discharge of goods carriers from the storage shelves. The rack-servicing machine runs along tracks extending the longitudinal extension of the rack, preferably in an aisle between two racks, and is configured to service at least one level, where the goods carriers have at least two pockets correspondingly located in respective opposite side walls configured to allow interaction with the load handler of the rack-servicing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2026
    Assignee: Dematic GmbH
    Inventors: Hartwig Reckemeier, Nicolas Michels, Sebastian Müller, Edwin Prince Joseph, Traian Gligor, Matthias Wehner
  • Patent number: 12630363
    Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure include a component storage and retrieval system that includes a storage stack, an operator access station, and an automated elevator. The storage stack defines discrete tray storage locations. The operator access station includes a surface adapted to support a tray. The automated elevator moves a tray from the access station surface to a designated one of the discrete tray storage locations, and retrieves a selected tray from the storage stack and brings the selected tray to the access station. The access station includes a camera positioned such that a tray supported on the surface is within a field of view of the camera. The camera generates data representing an image of the tray, from which the system identifies a component on the tray, and determines where on the tray the component is located. The system communicates the identified location to an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2026
    Assignee: Accu-Assembly Incorporated
    Inventor: Yuen-Foo Michael Kou
  • Patent number: 12630378
    Abstract: A system and related method for retrospectively a transporting asset wherein the system comprises a transporting asset for receiving material; a loading asset arranged at a loading site and configured to load the transporting asset with material; wherein the transporting asset is configured to be transported to a second site, the system further comprising: a weight measurement device arranged at the second site, the weight measurement device is configured to measure the weight of the transporting asset prior to the transporting asset offloading the material, the weight measurement device is configured to transmit weight data associated with the measured weight of the transporting asset; a controller configured to receive the weight data and instruct the loading asset to adapt its operation based on the weight data during subsequent loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2026
    Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Per Sohlberg, Bo Strömberg
  • Patent number: 12630360
    Abstract: A method for retrieving an inventory item based on a handling robot, where the handling robot includes: a storage frame; and a material handling device installed on the storage frame, and including a telescopic arm and a manipulator installed to the telescopic arm; and the method for retrieving an inventory item includes: driving, by the telescopic arm, the manipulator to extend to a preset position of warehouse shelf along a preset horizontal reference line; loading, by the manipulator that is remained on the reference line, the inventory item located in the preset position; driving, by the telescopic arm, the manipulator loaded with the inventory item to move to the storage frame along the reference line; and unloading, by the manipulator that is remained on the reference line, the inventory item to the storage frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2025
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2026
    Assignee: HAI ROBOTICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jui-Chun Cheng, Shengdong Xu, Yuqi Chen
  • Patent number: 12623854
    Abstract: Detecting damaged packages is disclosed. Transport mechanisms, such as pallets, are equipped with sensors including inertial sensors. The inertial data, in conjunction with characteristics of the packages such as fragility values, can be used to determine whether a package may be damaged. If damage is suspected, the package can be inspected. The ability to detect damage may also use package geometries and the like. When damage is suspected, remedial actions can be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2026
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Eric L. Caron, Vinicius Michel Gottin, Jason Bonafide, Nalinkumar Mistry, Eric Bruno
  • Patent number: 12623845
    Abstract: To provide an unmanned conveying apparatus that achieves low flooring of a vehicle body and enlarges a placing space for a load and is capable of stably traveling without driving wheels rising even if an inclination or unevenness is present on a traveling surface. There is provided an unmanned conveying apparatus that is loaded with a load on a loading section supported by a base section and travels and conveys the load to a designated point. First auxiliary wheels and driving wheels are respectively supported by a first wheel supporting section. The first wheel supporting section is swingably supported, via a swinging shaft, by a swing supporting section provided in the base section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2026
    Assignee: SHINANO KENSHI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Koichi Ichiki
  • Patent number: 12617612
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a material handling system using mobile cart which provides efficient storage and retrieval of payloads in a three-dimensional warehousing system and on multiple levels. In one embodiment, the mobile cart including a first frame comprising of eight wheels, the primary four wheels of the first frame are configured to move mobile cart in the ‘X’ direction motion, and the secondary wheels of the first frame which are pinion inbuilt wheels configured to move mobile cart in the ‘Z’ direction motion. Further, the mobile cart includes a second frame which is moveably attached to the first frame, the second frame including a gear motor, drive pulley, drive belt, four lead screw units, a plurality of sensors and tertiary four wheels, the tertiary four wheels are configured to move mobile cart in the ‘Y’ direction motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2026
    Assignee: FALCON AUTOTECH PRIVATE LIMITED
    Inventors: Dheeraj Verma, Manuj Bansal, Naman Jain, Tuhinanshu Tuhinanshu
  • Patent number: 12617615
    Abstract: A method for conveying a pallet through a pallet sorting system that includes receiving a pallet at a first position. A first set of pallet data is sensed from first sensors, where the first set of pallet data is non-image data. A second set of pallet data is sensed by image sensors. A logic module receives the first set of pallet data and the second set of pallet data. A subset of pallet data is selectively communicated to a machine learning module, which determines a third set of pallet data. A conveyance path is determined based at least on the third set of pallet data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2025
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2026
    Assignee: Kamps Pallets Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley D. Rietema, Brian Haas, Kris A. Chayer, Michael R. Holmes, Adam Lee Winner