Patents by Inventor Andrew B. Millhouse

Andrew B. Millhouse has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11810055
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to verify accuracy of a shipment. In some embodiments, items loaded to and/or unloaded from a delivery vehicle are scanned and compared to a delivery schedule, and a unique identifier is provided to confirm proper loading/unloading at a subsequent scheduled stop of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew B. Millhouse, Timothy J. Burleson, John S. Meredith, Todd D. Mattingly
  • Publication number: 20230325771
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for dynamically re-allocating storage containers at a facility based on a number of factors including current and expected need for types of items at the facility and container cost considerations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew B. Millhouse, Kresimir Jambresic, Chad Smithpeters
  • Patent number: 11783303
    Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided for facilitating submission of repair requests by carriers having to repair trailers to domicile facilities associated with the trailers. A central computing device provides a first graphical interface accessible by a computing device of a carrier having to repair a trailer in order to permit the carrier to submit a repair request indicating repair needed for the trailer. The central computing device then generates an invoice for the repair to the trailer directed to a domicile facility associated with the trailer. The central computing device also transmits an alert including the invoice to a computing device of the domicile facility associated with the trailer, receives a response from the computing device of the domicile facility associated with the trailer, and transmits a notification indicating whether the repair request has been approved by the domicile facility associated with the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew B. Millhouse, Timothy J. Burleson, John S. Meredith
  • Patent number: 11783285
    Abstract: Yard management systems and methods are described. A yard management system comprises a database holding load information, a mobile application associated with a user account and executable on a mobile device. The mobile application when executed acquires the identifications of the load, queries the database for the load information, and generates a machine-readable representation corresponding to the identifications of the load, an autonomous yard vehicle configured to mechanically couple with a cargo trailer. The system further comprises a computing system programmed to, in response to detecting the mobile device at the transfer location, navigate to the cargo trailer and guide the coupling between the autonomous yard vehicle and the cargo trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Blake A. Baldwin, Jimmy L. Easter, Adam L. Cline, Joseph Courtland Halbrook, John S. Meredith, Andrew B. Millhouse, Jacob R. Schrader
  • Publication number: 20230177447
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to verify accuracy of a shipment. In some embodiments, items loaded to and/or unloaded from a delivery vehicle are scanned and compared to a delivery schedule, and a unique identifier is provided to confirm proper loading/unloading at a subsequent scheduled stop of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2023
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew B. Millhouse, Timothy J. Burleson, John S. Meredith, Todd D. Mattingly
  • Patent number: 11593749
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to verify accuracy of a shipment. In some embodiments, items loaded to and/or unloaded from a delivery vehicle are scanned and compared to a delivery schedule, and a unique identifier is provided to confirm proper loading/unloading at a subsequent scheduled stop of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo. LLC
    Inventors: Andrew B. Millhouse, Timothy J. Burleson, John S. Meredith, Todd D. Mattingly
  • Patent number: 11538281
    Abstract: Examples provide analyzing motion data. Worker specific sensor data is received and both a task and at least one worker movement based on the received worker specific sensor data are identified. At least one task threshold parameter associated with the identified task and ergometric data for a worker related to the identified task is retrieved and at least one worker specific task parameter based on the received worker specific sensor data is generated. The at least one task threshold parameter is compared with the at least one worker specific task parameter and the at least one worker movement is compared with the ergometric data for the worker related to the identified task. Worker specific task data is generated based on the comparison and a change for future worker movement is identified based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Alan Ward, Andrew B. Millhouse
  • Publication number: 20220351145
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to verifying integrity of associate training. In some embodiments, there is provided a system for verifying integrity of associate training at a facility including a plurality of wireless devices; a plurality of sensors; one or more databases; and a control circuit. By one approach; the control circuit is configured to: receive first and second associate identifiers; determine first, second, and third areas; determine whether the first, second, and third areas each correspond to the same area, wherein the determination verifies that the trainer-associate is with the trainee-associate at a designated area associated with a first training module; and provide a verification message that the first training module has been completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Jason S. Hayes, Timothy J. Burleson, John S. Meredith, Andrew B. Millhouse, Jennifer L. Hedges
  • Publication number: 20220309459
    Abstract: Yard management systems and methods are described. A yard management system comprises a database holding load information, a mobile application associated with a user account and executable on a mobile device. The mobile application when executed acquires the identifications of the load, queries the database for the load information, and generates a machine-readable representation corresponding to the identifications of the load, an autonomous yard vehicle configured to mechanically couple with a cargo trailer. The system further comprises a computing system programmed to, in response to detecting the mobile device at the transfer location, navigate to the cargo trailer and guide the coupling between the autonomous yard vehicle and the cargo trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventors: Blake A. Baldwin, Jimmy L. Easter, Adam L. Cline, Joseph Courtland Halbrook, John S. Meredith, Andrew B. Millhouse, Jacob R. Schrader
  • Patent number: 11325698
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are aspects of a hybrid unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). In one embodiment, the hybrid UAV includes a fuselage configured to hold cargo, and at least one wing. The wing has a body that includes upper and lower surfaces and is configured to generate lift to enable the UAV to glide through the air. At least one rotor assembly is held within the body of the wing between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing. The upper and lower surfaces of the wing include upper and lower doors, respectively, extending above and below, respectively, the rotor assembly. The upper and lower doors are configured to be opened during gliding of the UAV to an open position that exposes the rotor assembly such that the rotor assembly is configured to draw air through the body of the wing and thereby generate lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew B. Millhouse
  • Publication number: 20220129864
    Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided for facilitating submission of repair requests by carriers having to repair trailers to domicile facilities associated with the trailers. A central computing device provides a first graphical interface accessible by a computing device of a carrier having to repair a trailer in order to permit the carrier to submit a repair request indicating repair needed for the trailer. The central computing device then generates an invoice for the repair to the trailer directed to a domicile facility associated with the trailer. The central computing device also transmits an alert including the invoice to a computing device of the domicile facility associated with the trailer, receives a response from the computing device of the domicile facility associated with the trailer, and transmits a notification indicating whether the repair request has been approved by the domicile facility associated with the trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2022
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventors: Andrew B. Millhouse, Timothy J. Burleson, John S. Meredith
  • Publication number: 20220092536
    Abstract: Yard management systems and methods are described. A yard management system comprises a database holding load information, a mobile application associated with a user account and executable on a mobile device. The mobile application when executed acquires the identifications of the load, queries the database for the load information, and generates a machine-readable representation corresponding to the identifications of the load, an autonomous yard vehicle configured to mechanically ample with a cargo trailer. The system further comprises a computing system programmed to, in response to detecting the mobile device at the transfer location, navigate to the cargo trailer and guide the coupling between the autonomous yard vehicle and tire cargo trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Blake A. Baldwin, Jimmy L. Easter, Adam L. Cline, Joseph Courtland Halbrook, John S. Meredith, Andrew B. Millhouse, Jacob R. Schrader
  • Patent number: 11250389
    Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided for facilitating submission of repair requests by carriers having to repair trailers to domicile facilities associated with the trailers. A central computing device provides a first graphical interface accessible by a computing device of a carrier having to repair a trailer in order to permit the carrier to submit a repair request indicating repair needed for the trailer. The central computing device then generates an invoice for the repair to the trailer directed to a domicile facility associated with the trailer. The central computing device also transmits an alert including the invoice to a computing device of the domicile facility associated with the trailer, receives a response from the computing device of the domicile facility associated with the trailer, and transmits a notification indicating whether the repair request has been approved by the domicile facility associated with the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew B. Millhouse, Timothy J. Burleson, John S. Meredith
  • Publication number: 20220019966
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to verify accuracy of a shipment. In some embodiments, items loaded to and/or unloaded from a delivery vehicle are scanned and compared to a delivery schedule, and a unique identifier is provided to confirm proper loading/unloading at a subsequent scheduled stop of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: Andrew B. Millhouse, Timothy J. Burleson, John S. Meredith, Todd D. Mattingly
  • Patent number: 11157865
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to verify accuracy of a shipment. In some embodiments, items loaded to and/or unloaded from a delivery vehicle are scanned and compared to a delivery schedule, and a unique identifier is provided to confirm proper loading/unloading at a subsequent scheduled stop of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew B. Millhouse, Timothy J. Burleson, John S. Meredith, Todd D. Mattingly
  • Patent number: 11151679
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to monitoring the quality of packages loaded onto delivery vehicles for delivery to customers. In some embodiments, there is provided a system including: a database receiving and storing package quality reports in which each report corresponds to the transport of packages by a delivery vehicle to a customer; at least one package quality report including: delivery route identification information, and package quality feedback information identifying package quality conditions of packages transported by the delivery vehicle from a group of package quality conditions; and a control circuit configured to: allow a first group of users to access the package quality reports received and stored in the database, and allow a second group of users to each transmit and store a new package quality report in the database but not to access the package quality reports previously received and stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew B. Millhouse, Steven J. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20210216966
    Abstract: Yard management systems and methods are described. A yard management system comprises a database holding load information, a mobile application associated with a user account and executable on a mobile device. The mobile application when executed acquires the identifications of the load, queries the database for the load information, and generates a machine-readable representation corresponding to the identifications of the load, an autonomous yard vehicle configured to mechanically ample with a cargo trailer. The system further comprises a computing system programmed to, in response to detecting the mobile device at the transfer location, navigate to the cargo trailer and guide the coupling between the autonomous yard vehicle and tire cargo trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Blake A. Baldwin, Jimmy L. Easter, Adam L. Cline, Joseph Courtland Halbrook, John S. Meredith, Andrew B. Millhouse, Jacob R. Schrader
  • Patent number: 10970670
    Abstract: Yard management systems and methods are described. A yard management system comprises a database holding load information, a mobile application associated with a user account and executable on a mobile device. The mobile application when executed acquires the identifications of the load, queries the database for the load information, and generates a machine-readable representation corresponding to the identifications of the load, an autonomous yard vehicle configured to mechanically couple with a cargo trailer. The system further comprises a computing system programmed to, in response to detecting the mobile device at the transfer location, navigate to the cargo trailer and guide the coupling between the autonomous yard vehicle and the cargo trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Blake Andrew Baldwin, Jimmy Easter, Adam Cline, Joseph Courtland Halbrook, John S. Meredith, Andrew B. Millhouse, Jacob R. Schrader
  • Patent number: 10963884
    Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided for processing reimbursement requests submitted by retail stores to distribution centers responsible for delivering products to the retail stores. A claim processing server is configured to analyze a reimbursement request, an associated electronic invoice, and a set of business rules, all of which are stored in electronic databases and obtained by the processing server. Based on this analysis, the claim processing server is programmed to either approve or deny the reimbursement request submitted by a retail store, and if the reimbursement request is approved, to generate a corrected invoice to be sent to the distribution center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew B. Millhouse, Timothy J. Burleson, John S. Meredith
  • Publication number: 20200402022
    Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided for facilitating submission of repair requests by carriers having to repair trailers to domicile facilities associated with the trailers. A central computing device provides a first graphical interface accessible by a computing device of a carrier having to repair a trailer in order to permit the carrier to submit a repair request indicating repair needed for the trailer. The central computing device then generates an invoice for the repair to the trailer directed to a domicile facility associated with the trailer. The central computing device also transmits an alert including the invoice to a computing device of the domicile facility associated with the trailer, receives a response from the computing device of the domicile facility associated with the trailer, and transmits a notification indicating whether the repair request has been approved by the domicile facility associated with the trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Andrew B. Millhouse, Timothy J. Burleson, John S. Meredith