Patents by Inventor Lauri Väin

Lauri Väin 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: 11649088
    Abstract: A storage container, comprising a rigid body including a floor, a front wall, a back wall, and side walls, at least one separating wall, and a plurality of fixing elements for removably fixing the separating walls to the storage container. The storage container further comprises a locking element. The container further comprises a plurality of compartments configured to be separated by the separating wall and locked via the locking element. Further, a system comprising a mobile robot and the storage container is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for secure package delivery employing the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: STARSHIP TECHNOLOGIES OÜ
    Inventor: Lauri Väin
  • Publication number: 20230026980
    Abstract: A storage system (100) is adapted to store a plurality of items and to load a delivery robot (2) with an item. The storage system (100) includes a delivery robot level (110), at least one storage level (112, 114, 116, 118) for storing the items, and a loading robot (130) adapted to grip the items and to load the items from a storage level (112, 114, 116, 118) to a delivery robot (2) located on the delivery robot level (110). The storage system (100) is adapted to move the items within a storage level (112, 114, 116, 118). The storage system may be provided with wheels and thus be mobile. It may be loaded onto a vehicle for transport from a loading area where the storage system is loaded with items for delivery, to a delivery area where the items are to be delivered by one or more delivery robots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2022
    Publication date: January 26, 2023
    Applicant: Starship Technologies OÜ
    Inventors: Lauri Väin, Viljar VALDEK, Märt LIIVIK, Henri LEND, Tiit LIIVIK, Henrik HERRANEN, Ahti HEINLA, Veigo EVARD, Tommy BIENE
  • Publication number: 20230008560
    Abstract: A battery configured to be attached to a battery holder for use by a mobile robot comprising: a battery body encapsulating the battery; at least two electrical connectors protruding from the battery body; at least one fixing unit located on the battery body said fixing unit configured to fix the battery to the battery holder; at least two damping pins protruding from the battery body; and at least one battery communication component configured to transmit battery status data. A battery holder configured to hold the battery and at least one of storing, swapping and charging a battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Applicant: STARSHIP TECHNOLOGIES OÜ
    Inventors: Lauri VÄIN, Viljar VALDEK, Märt LIIVIK, Henri LEND, Sergii KHARAGORGIIEV, Markus JÄRVE, Henrik HERRANEN, Ahti HEINLA, Veigo EVARD, Tommy BIENE
  • Publication number: 20230009584
    Abstract: A battery station, for use by at least one mobile robot, includes a battery charging unit configured to perform at least one of: holding at least one battery, and charging at least one battery. A battery load/unload position is configured to facilitate loading and unloading of a battery to and from a mobile robot. A battery handling mechanism is configured to operate on a reaching range, comprising at least one of the following: (i) the battery of the mobile robot positioned in the battery load/unload position, and (ii) the battery charging unit. A localization element is configured to at least one of detect and locate at least one of: at least one battery of the mobile robot, wherein the mobile robot is positioned in the battery load/unload position, and/or at least one battery positioned in the battery charging unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Applicant: STARSHIP TECHNOLOGIES OÜ
    Inventors: Lauri VÄIN, Viljar VALDEK, Märt LIIVIK, Henri LEND, Sergii KHARAGORGIIEV, Markus JÄRVE, Henrik HERRANEN, Ahti HEINLA, Veigo EVARD, Tommy BIENE
  • Publication number: 20230004933
    Abstract: A method and a system for secure and convenient delivery of item is disclosed. The method comprises loading a mobile robot with an item to be delivered. An item ID is generated, based on the ID of the item a security score is associated with the item. Further, a convenience score is associated with the item based on the ID. The present invention further discloses associating at least one or a plurality of authenticating techniques with the item, preferably based on the security score and/or the convenience score. The mobile robot is further configured to sense a user terminal via an authenticating sensor and facilitate the user to access an item space once the user is verified by the associated authenticating technique/s.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Applicant: STARSHIP TECHNOLOGIES OÜ
    Inventors: Ahti HEINLA, Lauri VÄIN, Vahur LAAS
  • Patent number: 11424491
    Abstract: A battery configured to be attached to a battery holder for use by a mobile robot comprising: a battery body encapsulating the battery; at least two electrical connectors protruding from the battery body; at least one fixing unit located on the battery body said fixing unit configured to fix the battery to the battery holder; at least two damping pins protruding from the battery body; and at least one battery communication component configured to transmit battery status data. A battery holder configured to hold the battery and at least one of storing, swapping and charging a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: STARSHIP TECHNOLOGIES OÜ
    Inventors: Lauri Väin, Viljar Valdek, Märt Liivik, Henri Lend, Sergii Kharagorgiiev, Markus Järve, Henrik Herranen, Ahti Heinla, Veigo Evard, Tommy Biene
  • Patent number: 11420531
    Abstract: A battery station, for use by at least one mobile robot, includes a battery charging unit configured to perform at least one of: holding at least one battery, and charging at least one battery. A battery load/unload position is configured to facilitate loading and unloading of a battery to and from a mobile robot. A battery handling mechanism is configured to operate on a reaching range, comprising at least one of the following: (i) the battery of the mobile robot positioned in the battery load/unload position, and (ii) the battery charging unit. A localization element is configured to at least one of detect and locate at least one of: at least one battery of the mobile robot, wherein the mobile robot is positioned in the battery load/unload position, and/or at least one battery positioned in the battery charging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: STARSHIP TECHNOLOGIES OÜ
    Inventors: Lauri Väin, Viljar Valdek, Märt Liivik, Henri Lend, Sergii Kharagorgiiev, Markus Järve, Henrik Herranen, Ahti Heinla, Veigo Evard, Tommy Biene
  • Patent number: 11383388
    Abstract: A storage system (100) is adapted to store a plurality of items and to load a delivery robot (2) with an item. The storage system (100) includes a delivery robot level (110), at least one storage level (112, 114, 116, 118) for storing the items, and a loading robot (130) adapted to grip the items and to load the items from a storage level (112, 114, 116, 118) to a delivery robot (2) located on the delivery robot level (110). The storage system (100) is adapted to move the items within a storage level (112, 114, 116, 118). The storage system may be provided with wheels and thus be mobile. It may be loaded onto a vehicle for transport from a loading area where the storage system is loaded with items for delivery, to a delivery area where the items are to be delivered by one or more delivery robots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Starship Technologies OÜ
    Inventors: Lauri Väin, Viljar Valdek, Märt Liivik, Henri Lend, Tiit Liivik, Henrik Herranen, Ahti Heinla, Veigo Evard, Tommy Biene
  • Patent number: 11358781
    Abstract: An insulated bag reduces heat exchange between temperature-sensitive items and ambient surroundings. The insulated bag has a bag body which can be covered by a bag lid. The bag lid is provided with a first portion of a securing element. The insulated bag is suitable for insertion into an item space of a mobile delivery robot. The mobile robot has a robot lid provided with a complementary second portion of the securing element. After the insulated bag is inserted into the item space, the two portions of the securing element are connected. Thereafter, when the robot lid is opened, the bag lid is also opened, permitting access to its contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Starship Technologies OÜ
    Inventors: Lauri Väin, Tommy Biene, Sylvia-Johanna Annus, Piret Uustal
  • Publication number: 20220180299
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device, system and method for storing, transporting and delivering items. The device comprises of a modular container which is configured to be installed in a mobile robot. The modular container comprises of a control unit, first communication component and a power component. The system comprises of a modular container and a mobile robot, wherein the mobile robot comprises of a motion component, a second control unit, a second communication component. The method comprises of installing the modular container to the mobile robot and a second method for providing goods and services via modular container and mobile robot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Applicant: STARSHIP TECHNOLOGIES OÜ
    Inventor: Lauri VÄIN
  • Publication number: 20220050473
    Abstract: A method and system for modifying images captured by mobile robots. The method includes capturing at least one image via at least one visual sensor of a mobile robot; converting the at least one image into image data; storing image data; detecting at least one identifier present in the image data; applying an obfuscation to the at least one detected identifier in the image data to gain obfuscated image data; and providing the obfuscated image data to at least one authorized agent. The system includes at least one capturing component wherein the capturing component is configured to capture at least one image at any positioning of the mobile robots; a converting component wherein the converting component is configured to convert at least one image into image data; a storing component for storing the image data; a processing component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Inventors: Rao PÄRNPUU, Kristjan KORJUS, Vahur LAAS, Kalle-Rasmus VOLKOV, Lauri VÄIN, Sergii KHARAGORGIIEV, Joonatan SAMUEL
  • Publication number: 20210330119
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for beverage dispensing. The system comprises a mobile robot and a beverage module fitted to it. The mobile robot comprises a motion component, a first processing component and a first communication component. The beverage module comprises at least one liquid container, at least one beverage dispenser, a second processing component, and a second communication component. The method comprises the mobile robot traveling to a first location, preparing a beverage, dispensing it and leaving the first location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Lauri VÄIN, Antti MÄKELA, Imre TERAS, Pasi NIKKANEN
  • Publication number: 20210256465
    Abstract: A method for operating a framework comprising a plurality of robots is disclosed. The method comprises at least receiving a request for delivery, and selecting, from a subset of the plurality of robots, an appropriate robot to handle the delivery. A delivery framework comprising a plurality of robots and a backend platform is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventor: Lauri VÄIN
  • Publication number: 20200324662
    Abstract: Disclosed is a storage device configured to store, maintain and shelter a mobile robot. The storage device comprises a housing, a port, a battery station, a processing component and a communication component. Also disclosed is a system configured to store, maintain and shelter a mobile robot. The system comprises the storage device, a mobile robot and a server. Also disclosed is a method for at least one of storing and maintaining a mobile robot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Lauri VÄIN, Tommy BIENE, Ronald TOMMEPÕLD, Rene RAASUKE, Viljar VALDEK, Henrik HERRANEN, Antti MÄKELA, Mikko SEPPÄNEN, Vahur LAAS, Kaspar LAURI
  • Publication number: 20200231366
    Abstract: An insulated bag reduces heat exchange between temperature-sensitive items and ambient surroundings. The insulated bag has a bag body which can be covered by a bag lid. The bag lid is provided with a first portion of a securing element. The insulated bag is suitable for insertion into an item space of a mobile delivery robot. The mobile robot has a robot lid provided with a complementary second portion of the securing element. After the insulated bag is inserted into the item space, the two portions of the securing element are connected. Thereafter, when the robot lid is opened, the bag lid is also opened, permitting access to its contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Applicant: Starship Technologies OÜ
    Inventors: Lauri VÄIN, Tommy BIENE, Sylvia-Johanna ANNUS, Piret UUSTAL
  • Publication number: 20200130893
    Abstract: A storage container, comprising a rigid body including a floor, a front wall, a back wall, and side walls, at least one separating wall, and a plurality of fixing elements for removably fixing the separating walls to the storage container. The storage container further comprises a locking element. The container further comprises a plurality of compartments configured to be separated by the separating wall and locked via the locking element. Further, a system comprising a mobile robot and the storage container is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for secure package delivery employing the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventor: Lauri VÄIN
  • Patent number: 10625926
    Abstract: An insulated bag reduces heat exchange between temperature-sensitive items and ambient surroundings. The insulated bag has a bag body which can be covered by a bag lid. The bag lid is provided with a first portion of a securing element. The insulated bag is suitable for insertion into an item space of a mobile delivery robot. The mobile robot has a robot lid provided with a complementary second portion of the securing element. After the insulated bag is inserted into the item space, the two portions of the securing element are connected. Thereafter, when the robot lid is opened, the bag lid is also opened, permitting access to its contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Starship Technologies OÜ
    Inventors: Lauri Väin, Tommy Biene, Sylvia-Johanna Annus, Piret Uustal
  • Publication number: 20200091744
    Abstract: A battery station, for use by at least one mobile robot, includes a battery charging unit configured to perform at least one of: holding at least one battery, and charging at least one battery. A battery load/unload position is configured to facilitate loading and unloading of a battery to and from a mobile robot. A battery handling mechanism is configured to operate on a reaching range, comprising at least one of the following: (i) the battery of the mobile robot positioned in the battery load/unload position, and (ii) the battery charging unit. A localization element is configured to at least one of detect and locate at least one of: at least one battery of the mobile robot, wherein the mobile robot is positioned in the battery load/unload position, and/or at least one battery positioned in the battery charging unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2019
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventors: Lauri VÄIN, Viljar VALDEK, Märt LIIVIK, Henri LEND, Sergii KHARAGORGIIEV, Markus JÄRVE, Henrik HERRANEN, Ahti HEINLA, Veigo EVARD, Tommy BIENE
  • Publication number: 20200086757
    Abstract: A flexural joint, preferably for use in a battery station, comprising: a first group of rigid members configured to mount a first group of elements to the flexural joint; a second group of rigid members configured to mount a second group of elements to the flexural joint; a third group of elastic members configured to provide flexibility; a first flexural mechanism configured to allow rotational motion of at least one of the first group of rigid members with respect to the second group of rigid members and the second group of rigid members with respect to the first group of rigid members; and a second flexural mechanism configured to allow linear motion of at least one of the first group of rigid members with respect to the second group of rigid members and second group of rigid members with respect to the first group of rigid members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventors: Lauri VÄIN, Viljar VALDEK, Märt LIIVIK, Henri LEND, Sergii KHARAGORGIIEV, Markus JÄRVE, Henrik HERRANEN, Ahti HEINLA, Veigo EVARD, Tommy BIENE
  • Publication number: 20200091565
    Abstract: A battery configured to be attached to a battery holder for use by a mobile robot comprising: a battery body encapsulating the battery; at least two electrical connectors protruding from the battery body; at least one fixing unit located on the battery body said fixing unit configured to fix the battery to the battery holder; at least two damping pins protruding from the battery body; and at least one battery communication component configured to transmit battery status data. A battery holder configured to hold the battery and at least one of storing, swapping and charging a battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventors: Lauri VÄIN, Viljar VALDEK, Märt LIIVIK, Henri LEND, Sergii KHARAGORGIIEV, Markus JÄRVE, Henrik HERRANEN, Ahti HEINLA, Veigo EVARD, Tommy BIENE