Patents by Inventor Jason D. Bellar

Jason D. Bellar 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: 20240101359
    Abstract: There is provided a conveyor assembly for sorting merchandise items. In one form, the conveyor assembly includes: a merchandise identification module; sortation modules each comprising a multi-directional sorting portion with two sets of rollers, a first wing including a third set of rollers, a second wing including a fourth set of rollers, and a controller configured to receive an IP address; a first, disassembled state of the sortation modules; a second, assembled state of the sortation modules; a merchandise database; and a control circuit configured to receive identifying information about an unsorted merchandise item, assign a unique IP address to each sortation module corresponding to the position of the sortation module, determine a sortation destination for the unsorted merchandise item, determine the sortation module corresponding to the sortation destination; and instruct the controller of the corresponding sortation module to divert the unsorted merchandise item to the sortation destination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Jason D. Bellar, William Mark Propes
  • Publication number: 20240095650
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to the sortation of products using a conveyor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Robert J. Taylor, Matthew D. Alexander, William M. Propes, John C. Crecelius, JR., Jason D. Bellar
  • Patent number: 11878862
    Abstract: There is provided a conveyor assembly for sorting merchandise items. In one form, the conveyor assembly includes: a merchandise identification module; sortation modules each comprising a multi-directional sorting portion with two sets of rollers, a first wing including a third set of rollers, a second wing including a fourth set of rollers, and a controller configured to receive an IP address; a first, disassembled state of the sortation modules; a second, assembled state of the sortation modules; a merchandise database; and a control circuit configured to receive identifying information about an unsorted merchandise item, assign a unique IP address to each sortation module corresponding to the position of the sortation module, determine a sortation destination for the unsorted merchandise item, determine the sortation module corresponding to the sortation destination; and instruct the controller of the corresponding sortation module to divert the unsorted merchandise item to the sortation destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventors: Jason D. Bellar, William Mark Propes
  • Patent number: 11868947
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to the sortation of products using a conveyor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Taylor, Matthew D. Alexander, William M. Propes, John C. Crecelius, Jr., Jason D. Bellar
  • Publication number: 20230401938
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to projecting action indicators on items in a retail facility. In some embodiments, a system comprises an image capture device configured to capture an image of a shelving unit, a control circuit configured to identify items located in the shelving unit, determine an action item for an item located in the shelving unit, identify boundaries of the item, and generate an action image including an action indicator based on the action item for the item, wherein the action indicator is located within the boundaries of the item, and a display device configured to present the action image on the shelving unit, wherein the action indicator is presented on the item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: Eric A. Letson, Tom G. Douglass, Jason D. Bellar
  • Patent number: 11834272
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and machine readable media are provided for automated product sorting and coordinated delivery using autonomous delivery vehicles within a facility. In exemplary embodiments, a system scans machine readable identifiers affixed to items, and sorts the items into two or more categories. A selected item is identified as scheduled to be picked up in-facility based on the scanning of the machine-readable identifier. An optimal route within the facility from the automated sorting device to an in-facility location is determined for a selected autonomous delivery vehicle based at least in part on at least one of facility traffic patterns, locations of other autonomous delivery vehicles, a number of items to be delivered, and additional tasks that can be performed by the selected autonomous delivery vehicle while delivering the item. The selected autonomous delivery vehicle navigates along the optimal route to the in-facility location to deliver the selected item to the in-facility location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventors: Jason D. Bellar, Jeremy L. Velten
  • Patent number: 11776366
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to projecting action indicators on items in a retail facility. In some embodiments, a system comprises an image capture device configured to capture an image of a shelving unit, a control circuit configured to identify items located in the shelving unit, determine an action item for an item located in the shelving unit, identify boundaries of the item, and generate an action image including an action indicator based on the action item for the item, wherein the action indicator is located within the boundaries of the item, and a display device configured to present the action image on the shelving unit, wherein the action indicator is presented on the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Eric A. Letson, Tom G. Douglass, Jason D. Bellar
  • Publication number: 20230219763
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and machine readable media are provided for automated product sorting and coordinated delivery using autonomous delivery vehicles within a facility. In exemplary embodiments, a system scans machine readable identifiers affixed to items, and sorts the items into two or more categories. A selected item is identified as scheduled to be picked up in-facility based on the scanning of the machine-readable identifier. An optimal route within the facility from the automated sorting device to an in-facility location is determined for a selected autonomous delivery vehicle based at least in part on at least one of facility traffic patterns, locations of other autonomous delivery vehicles, a number of items to be delivered, and additional tasks that can be performed by the selected autonomous delivery vehicle while delivering the item. The selected autonomous delivery vehicle navigates along the optimal route to the in-facility location to deliver the selected item to the in-facility location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2023
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Inventors: Jason D. Bellar, Jeremy L. Velten
  • Publication number: 20230196888
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to projecting action indicators on items in a retail facility. In some embodiments, a system comprises an image capture device configured to capture an image of a shelving unit, a control circuit configured to identify items located in the shelving unit, determine an action item for an item located in the shelving unit, identify boundaries of the item, and generate an action image including an action indicator based on the action item for the item, wherein the action indicator is located within the boundaries of the item, and a display device configured to present the action image on the shelving unit, wherein the action indicator is presented on the item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Eric A. Letson, Tom G. Douglass, Jason D. Bellar
  • Publication number: 20230079572
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to the sortation of products using a conveyor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: Robert J. Taylor, Matthew D. Alexander, William M. Propes, John C. Crecelius, JR., Jason D. Bellar
  • Patent number: 11531953
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to the sortation of products using a conveyor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Taylor, Matthew D. Alexander, William M. Propes, John C. Crecelius, Jr., Jason D. Bellar
  • Publication number: 20220002085
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and machine readable media are provided for automated product sorting and coordinated delivery using autonomous delivery vehicles within a facility. In exemplary embodiments, a system scans machine readable identifiers affixed to items, and sorts the items into two or more categories. A selected item is identified as scheduled to be picked up in-facility based on the scanning of the machine-readable identifier. An optimal route within the facility from the automated sorting device to an in-facility location is determined for a selected autonomous delivery vehicle based at least in part on at least one of facility traffic patterns, locations of other autonomous delivery vehicles, a number of items to be delivered, and additional tasks that can be performed by the selected autonomous delivery vehicle while delivering the item. The selected autonomous delivery vehicle navigates along the optimal route to the in-facility location to deliver the selected item to the in-facility location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Jason D. Bellar, Jeremy L. Velten
  • Publication number: 20210097821
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to projecting action indicators on items in a retail facility. In some embodiments, a system comprises an image capture device configured to capture an image of a shelving unit, a control circuit configured to identify items located in the shelving unit, determine an action item for an item located in the shelving unit, identify boundaries of the item, and generate an action image including an action indicator based on the action item for the item, wherein the action indicator is located within the boundaries of the item, and a display device configured to present the action image on the shelving unit, wherein the action indicator is presented on the item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Eric A. Letson, Tom G. Douglass, Jason D. Bellar
  • Publication number: 20210031238
    Abstract: There is provided a conveyor assembly for sorting merchandise items. In one form, the conveyor assembly includes: a merchandise identification module; sortation modules each comprising a multi-directional sorting portion with two sets of rollers, a first wing including a third set of rollers, a second wing including a fourth set of rollers, and a controller configured to receive an IP address; a first, disassembled state of the sortation modules; a second, assembled state of the sortation modules; a merchandise database; and a control circuit configured to receive identifying information about an unsorted merchandise item, assign a unique IP address to each sortation module corresponding to the position of the sortation module, determine a sortation destination for the unsorted merchandise item, determine the sortation module corresponding to the sortation destination; and instruct the controller of the corresponding sortation module to divert the unsorted merchandise item to the sortation destination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Jason D. Bellar, William Mark Propes
  • Patent number: 10896584
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to projecting action indicators on items in a retail facility. In some embodiments, a system comprises an image capture device configured to capture an image of a shelving unit, a control circuit configured to identify items located in the shelving unit, determine an action item for an item located in the shelving unit, identify boundaries of the item, and generate an action image including an action indicator based on the action item for the item, wherein the action indicator is located within the boundaries of the item, and a display device configured to present the action image on the shelving unit, wherein the action indicator is presented on the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Eric A. Letson, Tom G. Douglass, Jason D. Bellar
  • Patent number: 10835928
    Abstract: There is provided a conveyor assembly for sorting merchandise items. In one form, the conveyor assembly includes: a merchandise identification module; sortation modules each comprising a multi-directional sorting portion with two sets of rollers, a first wing including a third set of rollers, a second wing including a fourth set of rollers, and a controller configured to receive an IP address; a first, disassembled state of the sortation modules; a second, assembled state of the sortation modules; a merchandise database; and a control circuit configured to receive identifying information about an unsorted merchandise item, assign a unique IP address to each sortation module corresponding to the position of the sortation module, determine a sortation destination for the unsorted merchandise item, determine the sortation module corresponding to the sortation destination; and instruct the controller of the corresponding sortation module to divert the unsorted merchandise item to the sortation destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Jason D. Bellar, William Mark Propes
  • Publication number: 20200349815
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to projecting action indicators on items in a retail facility. In some embodiments, a system comprises an image capture device configured to capture an image of a shelving unit, a control circuit configured to identify items located in the shelving unit, determine an action item for an item located in the shelving unit, identify boundaries of the item, and generate an action image including an action indicator based on the action item for the item, wherein the action indicator is located within the boundaries of the item, and a display device configured to present the action image on the shelving unit, wherein the action indicator is presented on the item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Eric A. Letson, Tom G. Douglass, Jason D. Bellar
  • Publication number: 20200238339
    Abstract: There is provided a conveyor assembly for sorting merchandise items. In one form, the conveyor assembly includes: a merchandise identification module; sortation modules each comprising a multi-directional sorting portion with two sets of rollers, a first wing including a third set of rollers, a second wing including a fourth set of rollers, and a controller configured to receive an IP address; a first, disassembled state of the sortation modules; a second, assembled state of the sortation modules; a merchandise database; and a control circuit configured to receive identifying information about an unsorted merchandise item, assign a unique IP address to each sortation module corresponding to the position of the sortation module, determine a sortation destination for the unsorted merchandise item, determine the sortation module corresponding to the sortation destination; and instruct the controller of the corresponding sortation module to divert the unsorted merchandise item to the sortation destination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Jason D. Bellar, William Mark Propes
  • Patent number: 10646056
    Abstract: In some embodiments, various systems, apparatuses and methods are described herein includes back end stocking shelving units that are configured to extend along sides of adjacent shopping aisles in a back-to-back configuration with a secure central aisle running between the shelving units to provide back end stocking access to both shelving units. The secure central aisle can have a restricted access point on one or both ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Akhilesh Tirmandas, Jason D. Bellar
  • Patent number: 10589656
    Abstract: There is provided systems and methods involving a portable distribution center for distributing merchandise in response to emergencies. The distribution center includes a transport vehicle with a locomotion system for movement of the transport vehicle to an emergency location. It also includes a conveyor system for sortation and distribution of merchandise items upon arrival at the emergency location. The conveyor system includes merchandise identifier for reading identification data from merchandise item; a plurality of sortation units for moving merchandise items to uniquely identified destination lanes; and a control circuit configured to: assign merchandise items to uniquely identified sortation destination lanes; receive identification data; and communicate with the plurality of sortation units. The distribution center also includes a power supply for energizing the conveyor system and a communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Taylor, Jason D. Bellar, Matthew D. Alexander, Todd D. Mattingly