Patents by Inventor John Zevenbergen

John Zevenbergen 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).

  • Patent number: 11800695
    Abstract: The technology relates to a memory insertion machine for inserting memory modules into memory sockets on a circuit board. The memory insertion machine may include one or more insertion rods moveably mounted to one or more vertical guides, one or more profilometers, and an insertion controller. The insertion controller may be configured to apply an insertion force to a memory module in a memory socket, by controlling the movement of the one or more insertion rods on the one or more vertical guides. The insertion controller may be further configured to determine, based on information received from the one or more profilometers, a measured distance between a top of the memory module and a top of the memory socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Reichenbach, Toby Xu, Edward Gallagher, John Zevenbergen
  • Patent number: 11651519
    Abstract: An automated rack imaging system is provided, including an automated guided vehicle having a housing and a propulsion system configured to move the housing. The automated rack imaging system may include an imaging system coupled to the housing. The imaging system may include a plurality of cameras. The cameras each may be configured to have a respective field of view. The fields of view may be at least partially non-overlapping with one another. The automated rack imaging system may also include an image processor configured to combine a plurality of images taken by the cameras into a single mosaic image. A method of imaging a datacenter rack with the automated guided vehicle is also provided. The method may include moving the automated guided vehicle to a first target location aligned with the datacenter rack, taking the plurality of images, and combining the plurality of images into the single mosaic image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Christopher James Coomes, John Zevenbergen, Nivedita Ravi, Joseph Reichenbach
  • Publication number: 20220331961
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for specifying safety rules for robotic devices. A computing device can determine information about any actors present within a predetermined area of an environment. The computing device can determine a safety classification for the predetermined area based on the information. The safety classification can include: a low safety classification if the information indicates zero actors are present within the predetermined area, a medium safety classification if the information indicates any actors are present within the predetermined area all are of a predetermined first type, and a high safety classification if the information indicates at least one actor present within the predetermined area is of a predetermined second type. After determining the safety classification for the predetermined area, the computing device can provide a safety rule for operating within the predetermined area to a robotic device operating in the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: Ethan Rublee, John Zevenbergen
  • Patent number: 11383380
    Abstract: Example embodiments may relate to methods and systems for selecting a grasp point on an object. In particular, a robotic manipulator may identify characteristics of a physical object within a physical environment. Based on the identified characteristics, the robotic manipulator may determine potential grasp points on the physical object corresponding to points at which a gripper attached to the robotic manipulator is operable to grip the physical object. Subsequently, the robotic manipulator may determine a motion path for the gripper to follow in order to move the physical object to a drop-off location for the physical object and then select a grasp point, from the potential grasp points, based on the determined motion path. After selecting the grasp point, the robotic manipulator may grip the physical object at the selected grasp point with the gripper and move the physical object through the determined motion path to the drop-off location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Intrinsic Innovation LLC
    Inventors: Gary Bradski, Steve Croft, Kurt Konolige, Ethan Rublee, Troy Straszheim, John Zevenbergen, Stefan Hinterstoisser, Hauke Strasdat
  • Patent number: 11383382
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for specifying safety rules for robotic devices. A computing device can determine information about any actors present within a predetermined area of an environment. The computing device can determine a safety classification for the predetermined area based on the information. The safety classification can include: a low safety classification if the information indicates zero actors are present within the predetermined area, a medium safety classification if the information indicates any actors are present within the predetermined area all are of a predetermined first type, and a high safety classification if the information indicates at least one actor present within the predetermined area is of a predetermined second type. After determining the safety classification for the predetermined area, the computing device can provide a safety rule for operating within the predetermined area to a robotic device operating in the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: INTRINSIC INNOVATION LLC
    Inventors: Ethan Rublee, John Zevenbergen
  • Patent number: 11345037
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for specifying safety rules for robotic devices. A computing device can determine information about any actors present within a predetermined area of an environment. The computing device can determine a safety classification for the predetermined area based on the information. The safety classification can include: a low safety classification if the information indicates zero actors are present within the predetermined area, a medium safety classification if the information indicates any actors are present within the predetermined area all are of a predetermined first type, and a high safety classification if the information indicates at least one actor present within the predetermined area is of a predetermined second type. After determining the safety classification for the predetermined area, the computing device can provide a safety rule for operating within the predetermined area to a robotic device operating in the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: INTRINSIC INNOVATION LLC
    Inventors: Ethan Rublee, John Zevenbergen
  • Publication number: 20220051442
    Abstract: An automated rack imaging system is provided, including an automated guided vehicle having a housing and a propulsion system configured to move the housing. The automated rack imaging system may include an imaging system coupled to the housing. The imaging system may include a plurality of cameras. The cameras each may be configured to have a respective field of view. The fields of view may be at least partially non-overlapping with one another. The automated rack imaging system may also include an image processor configured to combine a plurality of images taken by the cameras into a single mosaic image. A method of imaging a datacenter rack with the automated guided vehicle is also provided. The method may include moving the automated guided vehicle to a first target location aligned with the datacenter rack, taking the plurality of images, and combining the plurality of images into the single mosaic image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher James Coomes, John Zevenbergen, Nivedita Ravi, Joseph Reichenbach
  • Publication number: 20210197382
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for specifying safety rules for robotic devices. A computing device can determine information about any actors present within a predetermined area of an environment. The computing device can determine a safety classification for the predetermined area based on the information. The safety classification can include: a low safety classification if the information indicates zero actors are present within the predetermined area, a medium safety classification if the information indicates any actors are present within the predetermined area all are of a predetermined first type, and a high safety classification if the information indicates at least one actor present within the predetermined area is of a predetermined second type. After determining the safety classification for the predetermined area, the computing device can provide a safety rule for operating within the predetermined area to a robotic device operating in the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: Ethan Rublee, John Zevenbergen
  • Publication number: 20210153400
    Abstract: The technology relates to a memory insertion machine for inserting memory modules into memory sockets on a circuit board. The memory insertion machine may include one or more insertion rods moveably mounted to one or more vertical guides, one or more profilometers, and an insertion controller. The insertion controller may be configured to apply an insertion force to a memory module in a memory socket, by controlling the movement of the one or more insertion rods on the one or more vertical guides. The insertion controller may be further configured to determine, based on information received from the one or more profilometers, a measured distance between a top of the memory module and a top of the memory socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: Joseph Reichenbach, Toby Xu, Edward Gallagher, John Zevenbergen
  • Publication number: 20210138481
    Abstract: This technology relates to a destruction validation system. The destruction validation system includes a destruction device and a controller. The controller is configured to monitor current drawn by the destruction device during destruction of the piece of physical media. The controller may compare the current drawn to a current profile. Based on the comparison of the current drawn to the current profile, the controller may generate and output a notification indicating whether the piece of physical media has been destroyed. In some instances, the destruction device includes a current sensing device. The current sensing device may be configured to detect the current drawn by the destruction device and transmit the detected current drawn to the controller. The current drawn that is monitored by the controller may be the detected current drawn by the current sensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventor: John Zevenbergen
  • Patent number: 10974911
    Abstract: Stations for deployment, recharging and/or maintenance of a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are disclosed herein. Such deployment stations can be implemented in a container that includes a robotic arm and a conveyor system. The robotic arm can secure a UAV hovering outside the station, move the UAV inside the station, and transfer the UAV to the conveyor. The conveyor can couple to and move multiple UAVs. Further, charging systems may be integrated in such deployment stations to charge UAVs when coupled to and moving along the conveyer. Further, process pieces may be utilized to simplify mechanical and electrical interfacing between a UAV, the robotic arm, the conveyor, the charging system and/or other systems at the UAV station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Wing Aviation LLC
    Inventors: John Zevenbergen, Robert Holmberg
  • Patent number: 10946524
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for specifying safety rules for robotic devices. A computing device can determine information about any actors present within a predetermined area of an environment. The computing device can determine a safety classification for the predetermined area based on the information. The safety classification can include: a low safety classification if the information indicates zero actors are present within the predetermined area, a medium safety classification if the information indicates any actors are present within the predetermined area all are of a predetermined first type, and a high safety classification if the information indicates at least one actor present within the predetermined area is of a predetermined second type. After determining the safety classification for the predetermined area, the computing device can provide a safety rule for operating within the predetermined area to a robotic device operating in the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: X DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Ethan Rublee, John Zevenbergen
  • Patent number: 10875448
    Abstract: An example system includes a vehicle, a light projector connected to the vehicle, and a control system. The control system is configured to determine a planned operating region for the vehicle within an environment. The control system is also configured to determine that the planned operating region is within a threshold distance of an object within the environment and, in response, determine a caution region to illuminate with the light projector near the object. The control system is further configured to cause the light projector to project an indication of the caution region near the object. The projected indication remains fixed in relation to the object as the vehicle moves toward the planned operating region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: John Zevenbergen, Robert Holmberg, Mark Fischer
  • Publication number: 20200361090
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for specifying safety rules for robotic devices. A computing device can determine information about any actors present within a predetermined area of an environment. The computing device can determine a safety classification for the predetermined area based on the information. The safety classification can include: a low safety classification if the information indicates zero actors are present within the predetermined area, a medium safety classification if the information indicates any actors are present within the predetermined area all are of a predetermined first type, and a high safety classification if the information indicates at least one actor present within the predetermined area is of a predetermined second type. After determining the safety classification for the predetermined area, the computing device can provide a safety rule for operating within the predetermined area to a robotic device operating in the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Ethan Rublee, John Zevenbergen
  • Patent number: 10773387
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for specifying safety rules for robotic devices. A computing device can determine information about any actors present within a predetermined area of an environment. The computing device can determine a safety classification for the predetermined area based on the information. The safety classification can include: a low safety classification if the information indicates zero actors are present within the predetermined area, a medium safety classification if the information indicates any actors are present within the predetermined area all are of a predetermined first type, and a high safety classification if the information indicates at least one actor present within the predetermined area is of a predetermined second type. After determining the safety classification for the predetermined area, the computing device can provide a safety rule for operating within the predetermined area to a robotic device operating in the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: X DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Ethan Rublee, John Zevenbergen
  • Publication number: 20200254925
    Abstract: An example system includes a vehicle, a light projector connected to the vehicle, and a control system. The control system is configured to determine a planned operating region for the vehicle within an environment. The control system is also configured to determine that the planned operating region is within a threshold distance of an object within the environment and, in response, determine a caution region to illuminate with the light projector near the object. The control system is further configured to cause the light projector to project an indication of the caution region near the object. The projected indication remains fixed in relation to the object as the vehicle moves toward the planned operating region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: John Zevenbergen, Robert Holmberg, Mark Fischer
  • Patent number: 10676022
    Abstract: An example system includes a vehicle, a light projector connected to the vehicle, and a control system. The control system is configured to determine a planned operating region for the vehicle within an environment. The control system is also configured to determine that the planned operating region is within a threshold distance of an object within the environment and, in response, determine a caution region to illuminate with the light projector near the object. The control system is further configured to cause the light projector to project an indication of the caution region near the object. The projected indication remains fixed in relation to the object as the vehicle moves toward the planned operating region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: John Zevenbergen, Robert Holmberg, Mark Fischer
  • Publication number: 20200078938
    Abstract: Example embodiments may relate to methods and systems for selecting a grasp point on an object. In particular, a robotic manipulator may identify characteristics of a physical object within a physical environment. Based on the identified characteristics, the robotic manipulator may determine potential grasp points on the physical object corresponding to points at which a gripper attached to the robotic manipulator is operable to grip the physical object. Subsequently, the robotic manipulator may determine a motion path for the gripper to follow in order to move the physical object to a drop-off location for the physical object and then select a grasp point, from the potential grasp points, based on the determined motion path. After selecting the grasp point, the robotic manipulator may grip the physical object at the selected grasp point with the gripper and move the physical object through the determined motion path to the drop-off location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Gary Bradski, Steve Croft, Kurt Konolige, Ethan Rublee, Troy Straszheim, John Zevenbergen, Stefan Hinterstoisser, Hauke Strasdat
  • Patent number: 10518410
    Abstract: Example embodiments may relate to methods and systems for selecting a grasp point on an object. In particular, a robotic manipulator may identify characteristics of a physical object within a physical environment. Based on the identified characteristics, the robotic manipulator may determine potential grasp points on the physical object corresponding to points at which a gripper attached to the robotic manipulator is operable to grip the physical object. Subsequently, the robotic manipulator may determine a motion path for the gripper to follow in order to move the physical object to a drop-off location for the physical object and then select a grasp point, from the potential grasp points, based on the determined motion path. After selecting the grasp point, the robotic manipulator may grip the physical object at the selected grasp point with the gripper and move the physical object through the determined motion path to the drop-off location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Gary Bradski, Steve Croft, Kurt Konolige, Ethan Rublee, Troy Straszheim, John Zevenbergen, Stefan Hinterstoisser, Hauke Strasdat
  • Publication number: 20190193629
    Abstract: An example system includes a vehicle, a light projector connected to the vehicle, and a control system. The control system is configured to determine a planned operating region for the vehicle within an environment. The control system is also configured to determine that the planned operating region is within a threshold distance of an object within the environment and, in response, determine a caution region to illuminate with the light projector near the object. The control system is further configured to cause the light projector to project an indication of the caution region near the object. The projected indication remains fixed in relation to the object as the vehicle moves toward the planned operating region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: John Zevenbergen, Robert Holmberg, Mark Fischer