Patents by Inventor Ben Edwards
Ben Edwards 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).
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Patent number: 12134198Abstract: Examples provide a method and system for customized item decanting. A decant manager, implemented on a processor, identifies a destination tote in a set of totes for placement of a selected item. The decant manager controls a robotic decanting device to remove the selected item from a selected case and places the selected item into the destination tote. The decant manager analyzes sensor data and item data associated with the selected item to confirm an identification of the selected item placed into the destination tote for inventory update.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2023Date of Patent: November 5, 2024Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLCInventors: Ben Edwards, Brian C Roth, Paul Durkee
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Patent number: 12134521Abstract: An automated in-rack picking solution enables improved efficiency by permitting automatic reconfiguration of automated picking system (APS) deployments within an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS). The storage volume of an ASRS can be more thoroughly utilized, even with a smaller number of APSs, when at least one APS is operable to autonomously relocate within the ASRS based at least on a stored item's location and/or property (e.g., suitability for handling by a particular end effector). An exemplary solution includes an APS positioned to reach stored items within a first subset of storage locations when affixed to a first attachment point; a transport component operable to relocate the APS to a second attachment point, wherein the APS is positioned to reach stored items within a second subset of the storage locations when affixed to the second attachment point; and a controller operable to instruct relocation of the APS.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2022Date of Patent: November 5, 2024Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLCInventors: Brian C. Roth, Paul Durkee, Ben Edwards
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Publication number: 20240033927Abstract: Examples provide a method and system for customized item decanting. A decant manager, implemented on a processor, identifies a destination tote in a set of totes for placement of a selected item. The decant manager controls a robotic decanting device to remove the selected item from a selected case and places the selected item into the destination tote. The decant manager analyzes sensor data and item data associated with the selected item to confirm an identification of the selected item placed into the destination tote for inventory update.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2023Publication date: February 1, 2024Inventors: Ben Edwards, Brian C. Roth, Paul Durkee
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Patent number: 11877114Abstract: A speaker securement assembly for headwear comprising a body member, a first speaker arm and a second speaker arm. One end of each of the speaker arms are inserted within the body member. The position of the speaker arms can be adjustable with respect to the body member. The non-insertion ends of the first and second speaker arms can be provided with speaker connectors, which in one embodiment can be an opening, for snugly received an associated Speaker. Preferably, two Clasps can be provided at or near the outer ends of the body member for removably securing the body member to the headwear to be worn by the user. With the body member secured to the headwear and the headwear worn by the user, the Speakers received within connectors at the ends of the speaker arm can be positioned at or near to the wearer's ears.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2022Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Inventor: Ben Edward Johnson
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Publication number: 20240003810Abstract: An apparatus for optically analyzing a sample may include an imaging subsystem that images the sample, one or more analyzing subsystems that analyze the sample including a confocal imaging subsystem, a temperature control subsystem that controls a temperature of the atmosphere within the apparatus, a gas control subsystem that controls a composition of the atmosphere within the apparatus, and a control module that controls the various subsystems of the apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2021Publication date: January 4, 2024Applicant: AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Ross Marcel PIETTE, Xavier Francois Patrick AMOURETTI, Caleb Alan FOSTER, Benjamin Jon KNIGHT, Peter Brent KNOX, Ben Edward NORRIS, James Donald PIETTE, Richard Niles SEARS, Matthew Arthur STILES, Oleg Nikolaevich ZIMENKOV
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Patent number: 11820022Abstract: Examples provide a system for system for customized item decanting. A robotic picker device is configured to remove a selected item from a selected case in an open configuration on a conveyor device. A decan manager, implemented on a processor, is configured to identify a destination tote in a set of totes for placement of the selected item, The robotic picker device places the selected item into the destination tote and the decant manager analyzes sensor data and item data associated with the selected item to confirm an identification of the selected item placed into the destination tote for inventory update.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2022Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLCInventors: Ben Edwards, Brian C. Roth, Paul Durkee
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Patent number: 11772828Abstract: A system for controlling an aerospace vehicle by exploiting the dihedral effect to control bank angle of the vehicle by modulating sideslip. The control system includes a closed feedback loop comprising an outer loop for producing a sideslip angle command to induce a roll moment through the dihedral effect to satisfy a bank angle command, and an inner loop for taking the sideslip angle command, and possibly an angle of attack command to produce control input for flightpath hardware controls. Flightpath control hardware include pairs of flaps arranged longitudinally along the leading and trailing edges of an aeroshell of an aerospace entry vehicle to control pitch for changing the angle of attack, and another pair of flaps arranged laterally to control yaw for changing the bank angle via the sideslip angle, and also moving mass along ribs to control pitch and yaw. Thrusters can be fired to induce roll.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2021Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of NASAInventors: Sarah Nicole D'Souza, Wendy Awele Okolo, Benjamin William Look Margolis, Ben Edward Nikaido, Bryan Yount, Breanna Jermille Johnson
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Publication number: 20230092053Abstract: An automated in-rack picking solution enables improved efficiency by permitting automatic reconfiguration of automated picking system (APS) deployments within an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS). The storage volume of an ASRS can be more thoroughly utilized, even with a smaller number of APSs, when at least one APS is operable to autonomously relocate within the ASRS based at least on a stored item's location and/or property (e.g., suitability for handling by a particular end effector). An exemplary solution includes an APS positioned to reach stored items within a first subset of storage locations when affixed to a first attachment point; a transport component operable to relocate the APS to a second attachment point, wherein the APS is positioned to reach stored items within a second subset of the storage locations when affixed to the second attachment point; and a controller operable to instruct relocation of the APS.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2022Publication date: March 23, 2023Inventors: Brian C. Roth, Paul Durkee, Ben Edwards
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Publication number: 20230034586Abstract: Examples provide a system for system for customized item decanting. A robotic picker device is configured to remove a selected item from a selected case in an open configuration on a conveyor device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2022Publication date: February 2, 2023Inventors: Ben Edwards, Brian C. Roth, Paul Durkee
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Patent number: 11491656Abstract: Examples provide a system for decanting items from a set of cases into a set of storage totes in preparation for induction into an automated tote storage device. A set of robotic decanting devices includes at least one robotic de-palletizing device configured to remove a selected case comprising a set of items from a pallet at a de-palletizing station. A stationary robotic case opener device opens each case as it moves along a conveyor device. A set of sensor devices scans cases and/or contents of cases to identify each item removed from each case. A stationary robotic picker device removes each item from each case and places each item into an appropriate destination tote. A robotic tote transfer device moves the destination tote to an induction point of the storage device. A decant manager component updates inventory to include items placed into each tote inducted into the storage device.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2019Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLCInventors: Ben Edwards, Brian C. Roth, Paul Durkee
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Publication number: 20210387753Abstract: A system for controlling an aerospace vehicle by exploiting the dihedral effect to control bank angle of the vehicle by modulating sideslip. The control system includes a closed feedback loop comprising an outer loop for producing a sideslip angle command to induce a roll moment through the dihedral effect to satisfy a bank angle command, and an inner loop for taking the sideslip angle command, and possibly an angle of attack command to produce control input for flightpath hardware controls. Flightpath control hardware include pairs of flaps arranged longitudinally along the leading and trailing edges of an aeroshell of an aerospace entry vehicle to control pitch for changing the angle of attack, and another pair of flaps arranged laterally to control yaw for changing the bank angle via the sideslip angle, and also moving mass along ribs to control pitch and yaw. Thrusters can be fired to induce roll.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2021Publication date: December 16, 2021Inventors: Sarah Nicole D'SOUZA, Wendy Awele OKOLO, Benjamin William Look MARGOLIS, Ben Edward NIKAIDO, Bryan Yount, Breanna Jermille JOHNSON, Jeffrey BARTON, Kenneth Edward HIBBARD
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Patent number: 11046430Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improving the flight safety of fixed- and rotary-wing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operating in complex dynamic environments, including urban cityscapes. Sensors and computations are integrated to predict local winds and promote safe operations in dynamic urban regions where GNSS and other network communications may be unavailable. The system can be implemented onboard a UAS and does not require in-flight communication with external networks. Predictions of local winds (speed and direction) are created using inputs from sensors that scan the local environment. These predictions are then used by the UAS guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) system to determine safe trajectories for operations in urban environments.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2018Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of NASAInventors: John Earl Melton, Ben Edward Nikaido
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Publication number: 20200407165Abstract: An automated in-rack picking solution enables improved efficiency by permitting automatic reconfiguration of automated picking system (APS) deployments within an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS). The storage volume of an ASRS can be more thoroughly utilized, even with a smaller number of APSs, when at least one APS is operable to autonomously relocate within the ASRS based at least on a stored item's location and/or property (e.g., suitability for handling by a particular end effector). An exemplary solution includes an APS positioned to reach stored items within a first subset of storage locations when affixed to a first attachment point; a transport component operable to relocate the APS to a second attachment point, wherein the APS is positioned to reach stored items within a second subset of the storage locations when affixed to the second attachment point; and a controller operable to instruct relocation of the APS.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2020Publication date: December 31, 2020Inventors: Brian C. Roth, Paul Durkee, Ben Edwards
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Publication number: 20200306973Abstract: Examples provide a system for decanting items from a set of cases into a set of storage totes in preparation for induction into an automated tote storage device. A set of robotic decanting devices includes at least one robotic de-palletizing device configured to remove a selected case comprising a set of items from a pallet at a de-palletizing station. A stationary robotic case opener device opens each case as it moves along a conveyor device. A set of sensor devices scans cases and/or contents of cases to identify each item removed from each case. A stationary robotic picker device removes each item from each case and places each item into an appropriate destination tote. A robotic tote transfer device moves the destination tote to an induction point of the storage device. A decant manager component updates inventory to include items placed into each tote inducted into the storage device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2019Publication date: October 1, 2020Inventors: Ben Edwards, Brian C. Roth, Paul Durkee
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Patent number: 9365166Abstract: An automotive vehicle including a pillar assembly. The pillar assembly comprises a structural reinforcement member and an associated garnish. The garnish is constructed of an elongated polypropylene inner layer mated to a cooperatively shaped fiber filled outer layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignees: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANYInventors: Mark David Bartlett, Hiroaki Taniguchi, Ben Edward Sapak, Shane M. Vorac
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Publication number: 20140333097Abstract: A vehicle panel with a folded-over or wrapped edge is disclosed. The vehicle panel comprises a main body portion. The main body portion includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is formed of a substantially rigid material and has a first surface, a second surface and an edge. The second layer is coupled to the second surface of the first layer and formed of a substantially flexible material. The vehicle panel also comprises a flap integrally formed with the main body portion at the edge and comprises at least the second layer. The vehicle panel further comprises a hinge separating the flap from the main body portion, the hinge is defined by at least a portion of the first layer having a reduced thickness. The flap is folded back about the hinge towards the first surface of the first layer to substantially conceal the edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANYInventors: CHRISTOPHER SCOTT KRING, TODD D. NELLIS, DENNIS J. VANHOUTEN, BOBBY BAGBY, JULIE M. DEVRIES, BEN EDWARD SAPAK, KEVIN A. TOMASEK, PETER OOSTING, BRENT DONALD ROCKAFELLOW, ALBERT CHARLES HAAK, JASON S. SCHOLTEN, RADE MILANOVIC, WILLIAM J. HOMIK, JACK LAWRENCE JOHNSON
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Publication number: 20140265448Abstract: An automotive vehicle including a pillar assembly. The pillar assembly comprises a structural reinforcement member and an associated garnish. The garnish is constructed of an elongated polypropylene inner layer mated to a cooperatively shaped fiber filled outer layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicants: Johnson Controls Technology Company, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mark David Bartlett, Hiroaki Taniguchi, Ben Edward Sapak, Shane M. Vorac
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Patent number: 8641136Abstract: A vehicle panel with a folded-over or wrapped edge is disclosed. The vehicle panel comprises a main body portion. The main body portion includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is formed of a substantially rigid material and has a first surface, a second surface and an edge. The second layer is coupled to the second surface of the first layer and formed of a substantially flexible material. The vehicle panel also comprises a flap integrally formed with the main body portion at the edge and comprises at least the second layer. The vehicle panel further comprises a hinge separating the flap from the main body portion, the hinge is defined by at least a portion of the first layer having a reduced thickness. The flap is folded back about the hinge towards the first surface of the first layer to substantially conceal the edge.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2008Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompayInventors: Christopher Scott Kring, Todd D. Nellis, Dennis J. Vanhouten, Bobby Bagby, Julie M. DeVries, Ben Edward Sapak, Kevin A. Tomasek, Peter Oosting, Brent Donald Rockafellow, Albert Charles Haak, Jason M. Scholten, Rade Milanovic, William J. Homik, Jack Lawrence Johnson
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Publication number: 20120280529Abstract: A compression-formed trim panel for use in a vehicle. The trim panel includes a cover element, an attachment element, and a transducer audio output device. The attachment element includes a first end, an opposed second end, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The cover element includes a first end, an opposed second end, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The cover element is overlaid on the attachment element and secured thereto such that the cover element inner surface is adjacent the attachment element outer surface. The transducer audio output device is secured to the trim panel such that the trim panel acts as a sound board.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2010Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANYInventors: Ben Edward Sapak, Robert L. Hamelink, Andy Ruiter
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Patent number: 8019110Abstract: A device for housing an electronic device and which is removably secured to a hat such as a baseball hat. The device includes a front portion and two arm portions, with the electronic device preferably secured to the front portion and a speaker member disposed near the end of each arm portion. Speaker wires running from the speakers to the electronic device can be hidden by disposed the wires within the arm portions. As the device is removable it can be easily and quickly removed from securement to a first hat for use with another hat. No modifications, alterations or adjustments to the hat are required for securing the device from one hat to another.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Inventor: Ben Edward Johnson