Patents by Inventor Ellen B. Cargill
Ellen B. Cargill 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: 20240099536Abstract: An evacuation station for collecting debris from a cleaning robot includes a controller configured to execute instructions to perform one or more operations. The one or more operations includes initiating an evacuation operation such that an air mover draws air containing debris from the cleaning robot, through an intake of the evacuation station, and through a canister of the evacuation station and such that a receptacle received by the evacuation station receives at least a portion of the debris drawn from the cleaning robot. The one or more operations includes ceasing the evacuation operation in response to a pressure value being within a range. The pressure value is determined based at least in part on data indicative of an air pressure, and the range is set based at least in part on a number of evacuation operations initiated before the evacuation operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2023Publication date: March 28, 2024Inventors: Ellen B. Cargill, Douglas Dell'Accio, Benjamin Pheil, Flavia Pastore, Paul Schmitt, John P. O'Brien
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Patent number: 11812918Abstract: A bag-based filtering device for collecting debris from a cleaning robot via a debris evacuation station includes a filter bag configured to separate at least the portion of the evacuated debris from a flow of air generated by the evacuation station. The filtering device includes a conduit extending inward from an opening of the filter bag into the receptacle. The conduit is configured to pneumatically connect a receptacle of the filtering device with an inlet of the filtering device to direct the flow of air generated by the evacuation station through the filter bag to separate at least the portion of the evacuated debris from the flow of air.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2020Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: iRobot CorporationInventors: Andrew Vincent Wolff, Ellen B. Cargill, Douglas Dell'Accio, Jason Jeffrey Suchman, Flavia Pastore
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Patent number: 11771288Abstract: An evacuation station for collecting debris from a cleaning robot includes a controller configured to execute instructions to perform one or more operations. The one or more operations includes initiating an evacuation operation such that an air mover draws air containing debris from the cleaning robot, through an intake of the evacuation station, and through a canister of the evacuation station and such that a receptacle received by the evacuation station receives at least a portion of the debris drawn from the cleaning robot. The one or more operations includes ceasing the evacuation operation in response to a pressure value being within a range. The pressure value is determined based at least in part on data indicative of an air pressure, and the range is set based at least in part on a number of evacuation operations initiated before the evacuation operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2022Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: iRobot CorporationInventors: Ellen B. Cargill, Douglas Dell'Accio, Benjamin Pheil, Flavia Pastore, Paul Schmitt, John P. O'Brien
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Publication number: 20220287535Abstract: An evacuation station for collecting debris from a cleaning robot includes a controller configured to execute instructions to perform one or more operations. The one or more operations includes initiating an evacuation operation such that an air mover draws air containing debris from the cleaning robot, through an intake of the evacuation station, and through a canister of the evacuation station and such that a receptacle received by the evacuation station receives at least a portion of the debris drawn from the cleaning robot. The one or more operations includes ceasing the evacuation operation in response to a pressure value being within a range. The pressure value is determined based at least in part on data indicative of an air pressure, and the range is set based at least in part on a number of evacuation operations initiated before the evacuation operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2022Publication date: September 15, 2022Inventors: Ellen B. Cargill, Douglas Dell'Accio, Benjamin Pheil, Flavia Pastore, Paul Schmitt, John P. O'Brien
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Patent number: 11375866Abstract: An evacuation station for collecting debris from a cleaning robot includes a controller configured to execute instructions to perform one or more operations. The one or more operations includes initiating an evacuation operation such that an air mover draws air containing debris from the cleaning robot, through an intake of the evacuation station, and through a canister of the evacuation station and such that a receptacle received by the evacuation station receives at least a portion of the debris drawn from the cleaning robot. The one or more operations includes ceasing the evacuation operation in response to a pressure value being within a range. The pressure value is determined based at least in part on data indicative of an air pressure, and the range is set based at least in part on a number of evacuation operations initiated before the evacuation operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2021Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: iRobot CorporationInventors: Ellen B. Cargill, Douglas Dell'Accio, Benjamin Pheil, Flavia Pastore, Paul Schmitt, John P. O'Brien
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Publication number: 20220191385Abstract: A method of operating an autonomous mobile cleaning robot using image processing can include producing, using a front-facing camera of the robot, an imaging output based on an optical field of view of the front-facing camera, the imaging output. A first portion of the imaging output and a second portion of the imaging output can be determined. An image capture parameter of the front-facing camera can be adjusted based on the upper portion of the imaging output and the lower portion of the imaging output.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2020Publication date: June 16, 2022Inventors: Ellen B. Cargill, Lihu Chiu
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Publication number: 20210321852Abstract: An evacuation station for collecting debris from a cleaning robot includes a controller configured to execute instructions to perform one or more operations. The one or more operations includes initiating an evacuation operation such that an air mover draws air containing debris from the cleaning robot, through an intake of the evacuation station, and through a canister of the evacuation station and such that a receptacle received by the evacuation station receives at least a portion of the debris drawn from the cleaning robot. The one or more operations includes ceasing the evacuation operation in response to a pressure value being within a range. The pressure value is determined based at least in part on data indicative of an air pressure, and the range is set based at least in part on a number of evacuation operations initiated before the evacuation operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2021Publication date: October 21, 2021Inventors: Ellen B. Cargill, Douglas Dell'Accio, Benjamin Pheil, Flavia Pastore, Paul Schmitt, John P. O'Brien
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Patent number: 11006806Abstract: An evacuation station for collecting debris from a cleaning robot includes a controller configured to execute instructions to perform one or more operations. The one or more operations includes initiating an evacuation operation such that an air mover draws air containing debris from the cleaning robot, through an intake of the evacuation station, and through a canister of the evacuation station and such that a receptacle received by the evacuation station receives at least a portion of the debris drawn from the cleaning robot. The one or more operations includes ceasing the evacuation operation in response to a pressure value being within a range. The pressure value is determined based at least in part on data indicative of an air pressure, and the range is set based at least in part on a number of evacuation operations initiated before the evacuation operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2019Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: iRobot CorporationInventors: Ellen B. Cargill, Douglas Dell'Accio, Benjamin Pheil, Flavia Pastore, Paul Schmitt, John P. O'Brien
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Publication number: 20210127929Abstract: A bag-based filtering device for collecting debris from a cleaning robot via a debris evacuation station includes a filter bag configured to separate at least the portion of the evacuated debris from a flow of air generated by the evacuation station. The filtering device includes a conduit extending inward from an opening of the filter bag into the receptacle. The conduit is configured to pneumatically connect a receptacle of the filtering device with an inlet of the filtering device to direct the flow of air generated by the evacuation station through the filter bag to separate at least the portion of the evacuated debris from the flow of air.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Andrew Vincent Wolff, Ellen B. Cargill, Douglas Dell'Accio, Jason Jeffrey Suchman, Flavia Pastore
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Patent number: 10842334Abstract: A bag-based filtering device for collecting debris from a cleaning robot via a debris evacuation station includes a filter bag configured to separate at least the portion of the evacuated debris from a flow of air generated by the evacuation station. The filtering device includes a conduit extending inward from an opening of the filter bag into the receptacle. The conduit is configured to pneumatically connect a receptacle of the filtering device with an inlet of the filtering device to direct the flow of air generated by the evacuation station through the filter bag to separate at least the portion of the evacuated debris from the flow of air.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: iRobot CorporationInventors: Andrew Vincent Wolff, Ellen B. Cargill, Douglas Dell'Accio, Jason Jeffrey Suchman, Flavia Pastore
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Publication number: 20200069141Abstract: An evacuation station for collecting debris from a cleaning robot includes a controller configured to execute instructions to perform one or more operations. The one or more operations includes initiating an evacuation operation such that an air mover draws air containing debris from the cleaning robot, through an intake of the evacuation station, and through a canister of the evacuation station and such that a receptacle received by the evacuation station receives at least a portion of the debris drawn from the cleaning robot. The one or more operations includes ceasing the evacuation operation in response to a pressure value being within a range. The pressure value is determined based at least in part on data indicative of an air pressure, and the range is set based at least in part on a number of evacuation operations initiated before the evacuation operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2019Publication date: March 5, 2020Inventors: Ellen B. Cargill, Douglas Dell'Accio, Benjamin Pheil, Flavia Pastore, Paul Schmitt, John P. O'Brien
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Publication number: 20190335967Abstract: A bag-based filtering device for collecting debris from a cleaning robot via a debris evacuation station includes a filter bag configured to separate at least the portion of the evacuated debris from a flow of air generated by the evacuation station. The filtering device includes a conduit extending inward from an opening of the filter bag into the receptacle. The conduit is configured to pneumatically connect a receptacle of the filtering device with an inlet of the filtering device to direct the flow of air generated by the evacuation station through the filter bag to separate at least the portion of the evacuated debris from the flow of air.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2018Publication date: November 7, 2019Inventors: Andrew Vincent Wolff, Ellen B. Cargill, Douglas Dell'Accio, Jason Jeffrey Suchman, Flavia Pastore
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Patent number: 8903234Abstract: A novel micro camera module that is manually adjustable between a close-up mode and an infinite mode includes a lens assembly adjustably mounted within a sleeve that is adjustably mounted into a housing. In a particular embodiment the sleeve includes a channel (cam groove) that is engaged by a plurality of pins fixed to the housing. Further, a biasing member is disposed between the sleeve and the housing such that an upward force will enable the pins to firmly engage the lower portion of the channel. In a more particular embodiment, the channel defines two detents that secure the sleeve into predetermined positions with respect to the housing. In an even more particular embodiment, the channel is sloped such that upon rotation of the sleeve, the distance between the lens assembly and an image capture device is changed. In another particular embodiment, the camera module includes an electrical mode detecting switch that is indicative of the position of the camera module.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2013Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: DigitalOptics CorporationInventors: John W. Toor, Elaine B. Bogue, Ellen B. Cargill, Kraig S. Clark
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Publication number: 20140036145Abstract: A novel micro camera module that is manually adjustable between a close-up mode and an infinite mode includes a lens assembly adjustably mounted within a sleeve that is adjustably mounted into a housing. In a particular embodiment the sleeve includes a channel (cam groove) that is engaged by a plurality of pins fixed to the housing. Further, a biasing member is disposed between the sleeve and the housing such that an upward force will enable the pins to firmly engage the lower portion of the channel. In a more particular embodiment, the channel defines two detents that secure the sleeve into predetermined positions with respect to the housing. In an even more particular embodiment, the channel is sloped such that upon rotation of the sleeve, the distance between the lens assembly and an image capture device is changed. In another particular embodiment, the camera module includes an electrical mode detecting switch that is indicative of the position of the camera module.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: DigitalOptics CorporationInventors: John W. Toor, Elaine B. Bogue, Ellen B. Cargill, Kraig S. Clark
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Patent number: 8565592Abstract: A novel micro camera module includes a lens assembly adjustably mounted within a graduated receiver portion of a housing. The lens assembly slidably contacts the graduated receiver portion when the lens assembly is moved a distance along an axis perpendicular to the sensor array of an image capture device of the camera module. Further, a resilient ring-shaped member can be coupled between the lens assembly and the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: DigitalOptics CorporationInventors: John W. Toor, Elaine B. Bogue, Ellen B. Cargill, Kraig S. Clark
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Patent number: 8204372Abstract: A novel micro camera module that is manually adjustable between a close-up mode and an infinite mode includes a lens assembly adjustably mounted within a sleeve that is adjustably mounted into a housing. In a particular embodiment the sleeve includes a channel (cam groove) that is engaged by a plurality of pins fixed to the housing. Further, a biasing member is disposed between the sleeve and the housing such that an upward force will enable the pins to firmly engage the lower portion of the channel. In a more particular embodiment, the channel defines two detents that secure the sleeve into predetermined positions with respect to the housing. In an even more particular embodiment, the channel is sloped such that upon rotation of the sleeve, the distance between the lens assembly and an image capture device is changed. In another particular embodiment, the camera module includes an electrical mode detecting switch that is indicative of the position of the camera module.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2011Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Flextronics AP LLCInventors: John W. Toor, Elaine B. Bogue, Ellen B. Cargill, Kraig S. Clark
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Publication number: 20120106939Abstract: A novel micro camera module includes a lens assembly adjustably mounted within a graduated receiver portion of a housing. The lens assembly slidably contacts the graduated receiver portion when the lens assembly is moved a distance along an axis perpendicular to the sensor array of an image capture device of the camera module. Further, a resilient ring-shaped member can be coupled between the lens assembly and the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Inventors: John W. Toor, Elaine B. Bogue, Ellen B. Cargill, Kraig S. Clark
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Publication number: 20110116779Abstract: A novel micro camera module that is manually adjustable between a close-up mode and an infinite mode includes a lens assembly adjustably mounted within a sleeve that is adjustably mounted into a housing. In a particular embodiment the sleeve includes a channel (cam groove) that is engaged by a plurality of pins fixed to the housing. Further, a biasing member is disposed between the sleeve and the housing such that an upward force will enable the pins to firmly engage the lower portion of the channel. In a more particular embodiment, the channel defines two detents that secure the sleeve into predetermined positions with respect to the housing. In an even more particular embodiment, the channel is sloped such that upon rotation of the sleeve, the distance between the lens assembly and an image capture device is changed. In another particular embodiment, the camera module includes an electrical mode detecting switch that is indicative of the position of the camera module.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2011Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventors: John W. Toor, Elaine B. Bogue, Ellen B. Cargill, Kraig S. Clark
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Patent number: 7873269Abstract: A novel micro camera module that is manually adjustable between a close-up mode and an infinite mode includes a lens assembly adjustably mounted within a sleeve that is adjustably mounted into a housing. In a particular embodiment the sleeve includes a channel (cam groove) that is engaged by a plurality of pins fixed to the housing. Further, a biasing member is disposed between the sleeve and the housing such that an upward force will enable the pins to firmly engage the lower portion of the channel. In a more particular embodiment, the channel defines two detents that secure the sleeve into predetermined positions with respect to the housing. In an even more particular embodiment, the channel is sloped such that upon rotation of the sleeve, the distance between the lens assembly and an image capture device is changed. In another particular embodiment, the camera module includes an electrical mode detecting switch that is indicative of the position of the camera module.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Flextronics AP LLCInventors: John W. Toor, Elaine B Bogue, Ellen B. Cargill, Kraig S. Clark
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Publication number: 20090110385Abstract: A novel micro camera module that is manually adjustable between a close-up mode and an infinite mode includes a lens assembly adjustably mounted within a sleeve that is adjustably mounted into a housing. In a particular embodiment the sleeve includes a channel (cam groove) that is engaged by a plurality of pins fixed to the housing. Further, a biasing member is disposed between the sleeve and the housing such that an upward force will enable the pins to firmly engage the lower portion of the channel. In a more particular embodiment, the channel defines two detents that secure the sleeve into predetermined positions with respect to the housing. In an even more particular embodiment, the channel is sloped such that upon rotation of the sleeve, the distance between the lens assembly and an image capture device is changed. In another particular embodiment, the camera module includes an electrical mode detecting switch that is indicative of the position of the camera module.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventors: John W. Toor, Elaine B. Bogue, Ellen B. Cargill, Kraig S. Clark