Patents by Inventor Borge Bekken

Borge Bekken 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).

  • Publication number: 20230399173
    Abstract: A remotely-operated vehicle assembly for picking up storage bins from a storage system and a method for changing vehicle direction includes a body displaying a cavity, a lifting device connected to the body for lifting the bin into the cavity, a displacement arrangement including a displacement motor which provides power to displace one or both of first and second sets of vehicle wheels between a displaced state where the relevant vehicle wheels are displaced away from the underlying system during use, and a non-displaced state where the relevant vehicle wheels are in contact with the underlying system during use, and driving wheels coupled to the displacement arrangement. The driving wheels further includes first and second sets of vehicle wheels connected to the body allowing movement of the vehicle along first and second directions, respectively, within the system. The first and second directions are perpendicular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Applicant: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim, Børge Bekken
  • Publication number: 20230322484
    Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a plurality of stacks of storage containers arranged in storage columns, and a container handling vehicle. The container handling vehicle includes a transport mechanism for transport of the vehicle, and a lifting assembly for picking up storage containers from the storage columns. The lifting assembly includes: a lifting frame connectable to a storage container, a first lifting shaft and a second lifting shaft, the first and second lifting shafts being mainly parallel, and each of the first and second lifting shafts being supported in an upper portion of the vehicle, two lifting elements extending from each of the first and second lifting shafts to the lifting frame, and a motor drive assembly having at least one motor including a first motor, and a force transferring assembly rotatably connecting the first and second lifting shafts via a force transferring element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Applicant: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventors: Ivar Fjeldheim, Børge Bekken, Trond Austrheim
  • Patent number: 11772892
    Abstract: A remotely-operated vehicle assembly for picking up storage bins from a storage system and a method for changing vehicle direction includes a body displaying a cavity, a lifting device connected to the body for lifting the bin into the cavity, a displacement arrangement including a displacement motor which provides power to displace one or both of first and second sets of vehicle wheels between a displaced state where the relevant vehicle wheels are displaced away from the underlying system during use, and a non-displaced state where the relevant vehicle wheels are in contact with the underlying system during use, and driving wheels coupled to the displacement arrangement. The driving wheels further includes first and second sets of vehicle wheels connected to the body allowing movement of the vehicle along first and second directions, respectively, within the system. The first and second directions are perpendicular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim, Borge Bekken
  • Patent number: 11745945
    Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a rail system including a first set of parallel tracks arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of parallel tracks arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction. The first and second sets of tracks form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane including a plurality of adjacent grid cells. Each adjacent grid cell includes a grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring tracks of the first set of tracks and a pair of neighboring tracks of the second set of tracks; and a plurality of stacks of storage containers arranged in storage columns located beneath the rail system. Each storage column is located vertically below a grid opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventors: Ivar Fjeldheim, Børge Bekken, Trond Austrheim
  • Publication number: 20230048613
    Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a framework structure constructed of a plurality of upright members connected by horizontal members to define a storage grid of storage columns, within which storage columns may be stacked a plurality of storage containers. The framework structure has a rail system arranged at the upper level of the framework structure, with parallel rails in a first direction and parallel rails in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, upon which rails a plurality of wheeled container handling vehicles travel. The container handling vehicles are equipped with a gripping and lifting device for removing storage containers from the storage columns and replacing the storage containers in the storage columns. The upright members of the framework structure have corner sections directed towards an interior of a particular storage column. The corner sections include two vertically elongated, perpendicular corner guiding plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Applicant: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventors: Trond Austrheim, Børge Bekken
  • Patent number: 11548731
    Abstract: A displacement mechanism for a remotely operated vehicle includes a motor configured to actuate a drive crank, a coupler link connected to the drive crank on a first side, and a lift rocker on a second side, a displacement link connected to the lift rocker, and a displacement plate connected to the displacement link and having a plurality of wheels provided thereon. The drive crank, the coupler link, the lift rocker, the displacement link, and the displacement plate are each respectively connected with pivot connections such that actuation of the motor actuates the displacement plate between a raised position and a lowered position. The lift rocker is configured with a pivot point arranged in a body of the lift rocker such that the lift rocker, the pivot connection between the displacement link and the lift rocker, and the pivot connection between the lift rocker and the coupler link each rotate around the pivot point when the motor is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventors: Trond Austrheim, Jørgen Djuve Heggebø, Ivar Fjeldheim, Børge Bekken
  • Patent number: 11479407
    Abstract: The invention concerns a displacement mechanism (16) for a remotely operated vehicle (400,500,600,700), the displacement mechanism (16) being for raising and lowering wheels (25) onto a rail system (108) that the remotely operated vehicle (400,500,600,700) runs on. Furthermore, the invention concerns a remotely operated vehicle (400,500,600,700) comprising such a displacement mechanism (16), a method for raising and lowering the wheels of a remotely operated vehicle (400,500,600,700) comprising such a displacement mechanism (16) and an automated storage and retrieval system (1) comprising at least one remotely operated vehicle (400,500,600,700) comprising such a displacement mechanism (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventors: Trond Austrheim, Jorgen Djuve Heggebo, Ivar Fjeldheim, Borge Bekken
  • Publication number: 20220332501
    Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a rail system including a first set of parallel tracks arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of parallel tracks arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction. The first and second sets of tracks form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane including a plurality of adjacent grid cells. Each adjacent grid cell includes a grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring tracks of the first set of tracks and a pair of neighboring tracks of the second set of tracks; and a plurality of stacks of storage containers arranged in storage columns located beneath the rail system. Each storage column is located vertically below a grid opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Applicant: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventors: Ivar Fjeldheim, Børge Bekken, Trond Austrheim
  • Publication number: 20220306384
    Abstract: A displacement mechanism for a remotely operated vehicle includes a motor configured to actuate a drive crank, a coupler link connected to the drive crank on a first side, and a lift rocker on a second side, a displacement link connected to the lift rocker, and a displacement plate connected to the displacement link and having a plurality of wheels provided thereon. The drive crank, the coupler link, the lift rocker, the displacement link, and the displacement plate are each respectively connected with pivot connections such that actuation of the motor actuates the displacement plate between a raised position and a lowered position. The lift rocker is configured with a pivot point arranged in a body of the lift rocker such that the lift rocker, the pivot connection between the displacement link and the lift rocker, and the pivot connection between the lift rocker and the coupler link each rotate around the pivot point when the motor is actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Applicant: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventors: Trond Austrheim, Jørgen Djuve Heggebø, Ivar Fjeldheim, Børge Bekken
  • Patent number: 11420822
    Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system comprises a rail system comprising a first set of parallel tracks arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of parallel tracks arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction, which first and second sets of tracks form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane comprising a plurality of adjacent grid cells, each comprising a grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring tracks of the first set of tracks and a pair of neighboring tracks of the second set of tracks; and a plurality of stacks of storage containers arranged in storage columns located beneath the rail system. Each storage column is located vertically below a grid opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventors: Ivar Fjeldheim, Børge Bekken, Trond Austrheim
  • Patent number: 11161690
    Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle for picking up storage bins from an underlying storage system includes a vehicle lifting device for lifting the storage bin from the underlying storage system, a first vehicle rolling assembly including a first rolling set and a second rolling set arranged at opposite sides of a vehicle frame, allowing movement of the vehicle along a first direction (X) on the underlying storage system during use, a second vehicle rolling assembly including a first rolling set and a second rolling set arranged at opposite sides of the vehicle frame, allowing movement of the vehicle along a second direction (Y) on the underlying storage system during use, the second direction (Y) being perpendicular to the first direction (X), and a rolling set displacement assembly arranged to move the first vehicle rolling assembly in a vertical direction (Z) between a first position and a second position. The first vehicle rolling assembly allows movement of the vehicle along the first direction (X).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventors: Trond Austrheim, Børge Bekken
  • Publication number: 20210078802
    Abstract: The invention concerns a remotely operated vehicle assembly for a storage system and a method for change of vehicle direction. The vehicle assembly comprises a vehicle body displaying a cavity being suitable for receiving items stored within the storage system, a vehicle lifting device being connected at least indirectly to the vehicle body and suitable for lifting the item into the cavity, a displacement arrangement comprising inter alia a displacement motor which is configured to at least provide the power that is necessary in order to displace one or both of the first set of vehicle rolling means and the second set of vehicle rolling means between a displaced state where the relevant vehicle rolling means is displaced away from the underlying storage system during use, and a non-displaced state where the relevant vehicle rolling means is in contact with the underlying storage system during use, and driving means coupled to the displacement arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim, Borge Bekken
  • Patent number: 10882694
    Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle assembly for picking up storage bins from a storage system and a method for change of vehicle direction. The vehicle assembly has a vehicle body with a cavity suitable for receiving a storage bin stored within the storage system, a lifting device for lifting the containers into the cavity and a displacement arrangement including a motor for lifting one of two sets of wheels in or out of engagement with an underlying track for changing vehicle direction. The displacement arrangement includes a displacement plate and a vertically displaceable bar arranged in a lateral plane above the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim, Borge Bekken
  • Publication number: 20200391941
    Abstract: The invention concerns a displacement mechanism (16) for a remotely operated vehicle (400,500,600,700), the displacement mechanism (16) being for raising and lowering wheels (25) onto a rail system (108) that the remotely operated vehicle (400,500,600,700) runs on. Furthermore, the invention concerns a remotely operated vehicle (400,500,600,700) comprising such a displacement mechanism (16), a method for raising and lowering the wheels of a remotely operated vehicle (400,500,600,700) comprising such a displacement mechanism (16) and an automated storage and retrieval system (1) comprising at least one remotely operated vehicle (400,500,600,700) comprising such a displacement mechanism (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Inventors: Trond Austrheim, Jorgen Djuve Heggebo, Ivar Fjeldheim, Borge Bekken
  • Publication number: 20200346864
    Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system comprises a rail system comprising a first set of parallel tracks arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of parallel tracks arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction, which first and second sets of tracks form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane comprising a plurality of adjacent grid cells, each comprising a grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring tracks of the first set of tracks and a pair of neighboring tracks of the second set of tracks; and a plurality of stacks of storage containers arranged in storage columns located beneath the rail system. Each storage column is located vertically below a grid opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Applicant: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventors: Ivar FJELDHEIM, Børge BEKKEN, Trond AUSTRHEIM
  • Patent number: 10819126
    Abstract: A storage system includes a charging station assembly for charging a plurality of power sources and a method thereof. The charging station assembly includes a charging station support fixing the charging station assembly to a base of the storage system, a plurality of charging stations, each charging station including a charger that charges the plurality of power sources and a power source transport device enabling relocation of the power source between an operational position on a remotely operated vehicle and a charging position in or at any one of the plurality of charging stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Børge Bekken, Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim
  • Patent number: 10807796
    Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle assembly for picking up storage bins from a storage system and a method for change of vehicle direction. The vehicle assembly has a vehicle body with a cavity suitable for receiving a storage bin stored within the storage system, a lifting device for lifting the containers into the cavity and a displacement motor for lifting one of two sets of wheels in or out of engagement with an underlying track for changing vehicle direction. The wheels are arranged at outer side walls of the vehicle body facing away from the cavity, arranged at, or near, each of the respective two corners of the lower edge of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim, Borge Bekken
  • Patent number: 10660438
    Abstract: A leveling foot having a base section with a raised, hollow column. A spring is arranged in the hollow column. A moveable top piece engages the column, and is movable in the vertical direction against the force of the spring. The top piece is slightly larger than the column, such that side walls of the top piece overlap the sides of the column when the spring is compressed. The bottom edges of the side walls of the top piece are angled. A generally U-shaped wedge device is provided that may be pressed into engagement with the base section, whereby a leg of the U engages each side of the column. The top surfaces of the legs of the U-shaped device are angled in the form of wedges, the angles of the top surfaces of the legs corresponding to the angles of the side walls of the movable top piece, such that the side walls of the top piece will rest upon the angled top surfaces of the legs of the wedge device when the top piece is under load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim, Borge Bekken
  • Patent number: D897623
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventors: Borge Bekken, Trond Austrheim
  • Patent number: D945109
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventors: Borge Bekken, Trond Austrheim