Patents by Inventor Daniel M. Daly
Daniel M. Daly 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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Publication number: 20230123512Abstract: A method of moving a robotic cleaning device through an area includes loading instructions for a plurality of geometric elements. Each geometric element includes a starting point, paths of travel, and waypoints. An ending waypoint of a first geometric element is connected to the starting point for a subsequent geometric element. The instructions for each geometric element do not include dimensions for the one or more paths of travel. The instructions cause the robotic cleaning device to move along a first path of travel of the first geometric element until a sensor of the robotic cleaning device detects that the robotic cleaning device has reached a first waypoint. Then, if the first waypoint is the ending waypoint of the first geometric element, the robotic cleaning device moves along to the subsequent geometric element or changes direction and moves along a second path of travel of the first geometric element.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2022Publication date: April 20, 2023Inventors: David M. Knuth, JR., Aurle Y. Gagne, Erick Frack, Daniel M. Daly
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Patent number: 11537141Abstract: A system dynamically generates a cleaning coverage pattern of an area using waypoints and sensor data from one or more sensor modalities. To do this, a robotic cleaning device moves through an area to be cleaned, identifies consecutive waypoints through the area, and stores the waypoints in a memory. At least one sensor of the robotic cleaning device collects sensor data about a portion of the area as the device moves between the consecutive waypoints. A temporary map of the portion of the area between the consecutive waypoints is generated based on the collected sensor data, and a cleaning coverage pattern is generated using the temporary map. The area is then cleaned by moving the robotic cleaning device according to the cleaning coverage pattern. In certain embodiments, upon completing the cleaning, the consecutive waypoints are retained in the memory, while the temporary map may not be retained.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2019Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: Diversey, Inc.Inventors: David M. Knuth, Jr., Aurle Y. Gagne, Erick Frack, Daniel M. Daly
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Publication number: 20210191422Abstract: A system dynamically generates a cleaning coverage pattern of an area using waypoints and sensor data from one or more sensor modalities. To do this, a robotic cleaning device moves through an area to be cleaned, identifies consecutive waypoints through the area, and stores the waypoints in a memory. At least one sensor of the robotic cleaning device collects sensor data about a portion of the area as the device moves between the consecutive waypoints. A temporary map of the portion of the area between the consecutive waypoints is generated based on the collected sensor data, and a cleaning coverage pattern is generated using the temporary map. The area is then cleaned by moving the robotic cleaning device according to the cleaning coverage pattern. In certain embodiments, upon completing the cleaning, the consecutive waypoints are retained in the memory, while the temporary map may not be retained.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2019Publication date: June 24, 2021Inventors: David M. Knuth, JR., Aurle Y. Gagne, Erick Frack, Daniel M. Daly
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Patent number: 9609991Abstract: A method of cleaning an area using an automatic cleaning device may include receiving, from a video camera, information associated with an edge located on a surface, determining, by an automatic cleaning device, a position of the automatic cleaning device on the surface relative to the edge and using the received information to move the automatic cleaning device from the determined position along a path so that the automatic cleaning device cleans the surface along the path. The path may be substantially parallel to the edge, and the edge may be located a distance from a reference point on the automatic cleaning device during movement of the automatic cleaning device.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2014Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: Diversey, Inc.Inventors: Henry L. Hillman, Jr., David M. Knuth, Jr., Daniel M. Daly, Vinton Coffman, Ralph McCann, Stephen D. Herr, Kevin L. Thomas
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Publication number: 20160360940Abstract: A method of causing a mobile robotic device, such as an automated cleaning device, to navigate an area includes using a video camera to collect visual information associated with an area in which a mobile robotic device is located. A system receives information from the video camera, wherein the information comprises a value associated with a detected color in the area. The system compares the value associated with the detected color to a value of a requested color, and the system determines whether the value associated with the detected color is within a tolerance range of the value of the requested color. If the value associated with the detected color is within a tolerance range of the value of the requested color, the system accepts the color. The system uses the received information to adjust a position of the mobile robotic device in the area.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2016Publication date: December 15, 2016Inventors: Henry L. Hillman, JR., David M. Knuth, JR., Daniel M. Daly, Vinton Coffman, Ralph McCann, Stephen D. Herr, Kevin L. Thomas
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Patent number: 8958937Abstract: A floor cleaning machine includes a set of obstacle sensors that detect when the machine is approaching an obstacle. If the obstacle is less than a threshold distance away from the machine, the machine may output an alert and override the operator's command with a command to reduce the speed of the machine. If the obstacle is less than a minimum threshold distance away from the machine, the machine may come to a complete stop to prevent the collision.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Intellibot Robotics LLCInventors: Henry L. Hillman, Jr., Erick Frack, Daniel M. Daly, David M. Knuth, Jr.
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Publication number: 20140277868Abstract: A floor cleaning machine includes a set of obstacle sensors that detect when the machine is approaching an obstacle. If the obstacle is less than a threshold distance away from the machine, the machine may output an alert and override the operator's command with a command to reduce the speed of the machine. If the obstacle is less than a minimum threshold distance away from the machine, the machine may come to a complete stop to prevent the collision.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Intellibot Robotics LLCInventors: Henry L. Hillman, Jr., Erick Frack, Daniel M. Daly, David M. Knuth, Jr.
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Publication number: 20140190518Abstract: A method of cleaning an area using an automatic cleaning device may include receiving, from a video camera, information associated with an edge located on a surface, determining, by an automatic cleaning device, a position of the automatic cleaning device on the surface relative to the edge and using the received information to move the automatic cleaning device from the determined position along a path so that the automatic cleaning device cleans the surface along the path. The path may be substantially parallel to the edge, and the edge may be located a distance from a reference point on the automatic cleaning device during movement of the automatic cleaning device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2014Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: Intellibot Robotics, LLCInventors: Henry L. Hillman, JR., David M. Knuth, JR., Daniel M. Daly, Vinton Coffman, Ralph McCann, Stephen D. Herr, Kevin L. Thomas
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Patent number: 8679260Abstract: A method of cleaning an area using an automatic cleaning device may include receiving, from a video camera, information associated with an edge located on a surface, determining, by an automatic cleaning device, a position of the automatic cleaning device on the surface relative to the edge and using the received information to move the automatic cleaning device from the determined position along a path so that the automatic cleaning device cleans the surface along the path. The path may be substantially parallel to the edge, and the edge may be located a distance from a reference point on the automatic cleaning device during movement of the automatic cleaning device.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2009Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Intellibot Robotics LLCInventors: Henry L. Hillman, Jr., David M. Knuth, Jr., Daniel M. Daly, Vinton Coffman, Ralph McCann, Stephen D. Herr, Kevin L. Thomas
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Patent number: 8423225Abstract: A method of navigating an area using a mobile robotic device may include receiving, from a video camera, information associated with an edge located on a surface, determining, by a mobile robotic device, a position of the mobile robotic device on the surface relative to the edge and using the received information to move the mobile robotic device from the determined position along a path. The path may be substantially parallel to the edge, and may be located a distance from a reference point on the mobile robotic device during movement of the mobile robotic device.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2009Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Intellibot Robotics LLCInventors: Henry L. Hillman, Jr., David M. Knuth, Jr., Daniel M. Daly, Vinton Coffman, Ralph McCann, Stephen D. Herr, Kevin L. Thomas
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Publication number: 20110112714Abstract: A method of navigating an area using a mobile robotic device may include receiving, from a video camera, information associated with an edge located on a surface, determining, by a mobile robotic device, a position of the mobile robotic device on the surface relative to the edge and using the received information to move the mobile robotic device from the determined position along a path. The path may be substantially parallel to the edge, and may be located a distance from a reference point on the mobile robotic device during movement of the mobile robotic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: INTELLIBOT ROBOTICS, LLCInventors: Henry L. Hillman, JR., David M. Knuth, JR., Daniel M. Daly, Vinton Coffman, Ralph McCann, Stephen D. Herr, Kevin L. Thomas
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Publication number: 20110108064Abstract: A method of cleaning an area using an automatic cleaning device may include receiving, from a video camera, information associated with an edge located on a surface, determining, by an automatic cleaning device, a position of the automatic cleaning device on the surface relative to the edge and using the received information to move the automatic cleaning device from the determined position along a path so that the automatic cleaning device cleans the surface along the path. The path may be substantially parallel to the edge, and the edge may be located a distance from a reference point on the automatic cleaning device during movement of the automatic cleaning device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: INTELLIBOT ROBOTICS, LLCInventors: Henry L. Hillman, JR., David M. Knuth, JR., Daniel M. Daly, Vinton Coffman, Ralph McCann, Stephen D. Herr, Kevin L. Thomas
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Patent number: 6124694Abstract: A cleaning robot navigates a wide area by using sonar near the walls and a laser range finder for distances beyond the range of the sonar. The sonar is used with the laser to establish baselines. The laser distances are then referenced to the baselines for improved accuracy during laser navigation.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1999Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Inventors: Allen J. Bancroft, Daniel M. Daly