Patents by Inventor Martin R. Elliott

Martin R. Elliott 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: 11951620
    Abstract: An automated order fulfillment system and mobile robot are disclosed, where the mobile robot includes a compliant drive for moving between levels of a multilevel storage structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: William J. Fosnight, John G. Lert, Jr., Michael Duquette, Martin R. Elliott, Julian Warhurst, Charles W. Su, Alan Grant
  • Publication number: 20240092576
    Abstract: An automated order fulfillment system and mobile robot are disclosed, where the mobile robot includes a compliant drive for moving between levels of a multilevel storage structure. In one example, the compliant drive comprises a drive shaft having splines configured to provide rotational play that prevents jamming of a vertical drive gear on the end of the shaft with a rack in a vertical track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: William J. Fosnight, John G. Lert, JR., Michael Duquette, Martin R. Elliott, Julian D. Warhurst, Charles W. Su, Alan J. Grant
  • Patent number: 11866256
    Abstract: An automated order fulfillment system and mobile robot are disclosed, where the mobile robot includes a compliant drive for moving between levels of a multilevel storage structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: William J. Fosnight, John G. Lert, Jr., Michael Duquette, Martin R. Elliott, Julian Warhurst, Charles W. Su, Alan Grant
  • Publication number: 20230335414
    Abstract: A semiconductor processing tool is disclosed, the tool having a frame forming at least one chamber with an opening and having a sealing surface around a periphery of the opening, a door configured to interact with the sealing surface for sealing the opening, the door having sides perpendicular to the door sealing surface and perpendicular to a transfer plane of a substrate, and at least one drive located on the frame to a side of at least one of the sides that are substantially perpendicular to the door sealing surface and substantially perpendicular to the transfer plane of the substrate, the drive having actuators located at least partially in front of the sealing surface and the actuators being coupled to one of the sides of the door for moving the door from a sealed position. The at least one drive is located outside of a substrate transfer zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Christopher HOFMEISTER, Martin R. ELLIOTT, Alexander KRUPYSHEV, Joseph HALLISEY, Joseph A. KRAUS, William FOSNIGHT, Craig J. CARBONE, Jeffrey C. BLAHNIK, Ho Yin Owen FONG
  • Patent number: 11724877
    Abstract: A universal gripper is disclosed for transferring totes and sub-totes, for example in an order fulfillment center. The universal gripper includes adjustable tines and pins capable of being positioned to engage within slots in the different configurations of totes and sub-totes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: William J. Fosnight, Martin R. Elliott, John G. Lert, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20230160423
    Abstract: A ball spline with detour tracks includes spline shaft, nut part movable along a longitudinal direction of the spline shaft, and balls between the nut part and the spline shaft, wherein the nut part includes nut adapted to insert the spline shaft thereinto and retainers on longitudinal sides of the nut, the spline shaft includes tracks extended along the longitudinal direction, the nut includes load track grooves formed in longitudinal direction on inner peripheral surface into which the spline shaft is inserted and non-load circulating portions formed in the longitudinal direction, each retainer includes circulating grooves on the inner peripheral surface to face the load track groove and non-load circulating portion, the balls run between the tracks and the load track grooves, and each track includes track groove formed in longitudinal direction of the spline shaft and detour tracks whose longitudinal sides are connected to the track groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: Taek Won LEE, Hyeok Do KWON, Gi Dong SON, Dong Hyup NAM, William J Fosnight, Martin R Elliott
  • Patent number: 11610787
    Abstract: A semiconductor processing tool is disclosed, the tool having a frame forming at least one chamber with an opening and having a sealing surface around a periphery of the opening, a door configured to interact with the sealing surface for sealing the opening, the door having sides perpendicular to the door sealing surface and perpendicular to a transfer plane of a substrate, and at least one drive located on the frame to a side of at least one of the sides that are substantially perpendicular to the door sealing surface and substantially perpendicular to the transfer plane of the substrate, the drive having actuators located at least partially in front of the sealing surface and the actuators being coupled to one of the sides of the door for moving the door from a sealed position. The at least one drive is located outside of a substrate transfer zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Brooks Automation US, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Hofmeister, Martin R. Elliott, Alexander Krupyshev, Joseph Hallisey, Joseph A. Kraus, William Fosnight, Craig J. Carbone, Jeffrey C. Blahnik, Ho Yin Owen Fong
  • Patent number: 11363883
    Abstract: An automated system structure may be quickly and efficiently assembled using a number of storage modules. Storage modules may be comprised of a pair of shelf modules, each comprising a number of defined storage locations for storing totes, cartons, trays or other containers. The shelf modules may themselves be modular units comprising a number of horizontal storage levels affixed to a pair of vertical support assemblies at each end of the shelf modules. The pair of shelf modules may be accurately spaced from each other by mounting the shelf modules to tie beams at the bottom and tie plates at the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Alert Innovation Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Lert, Jr., Martin R. Elliott, William J. Fosnight, Christopher J. Dancewicz, Michael Chesna, Tsepa Bayul
  • Publication number: 20210229271
    Abstract: An automated order fulfillment system and mobile robot are disclosed, where the mobile robot includes a compliant drive for moving between levels of a multilevel storage structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Applicant: ALERT INNOVATION INC.
    Inventors: William J. Fosnight, John G. Lert, JR., Michael Duquette, Martin R. Elliott, Julian Warhurst, Charles W. Su, Alan Grant
  • Publication number: 20210175096
    Abstract: A semiconductor processing tool is disclosed, the tool having a frame forming at least one chamber with an opening and having a sealing surface around a periphery of the opening, a door configured to interact with the sealing surface for sealing the opening, the door having sides perpendicular to the door sealing surface and perpendicular to a transfer plane of a substrate, and at least one drive located on the frame to a side of at least one of the sides that are substantially perpendicular to the door sealing surface and substantially perpendicular to the transfer plane of the substrate, the drive having actuators located at least partially in front of the sealing surface and the actuators being coupled to one of the sides of the door for moving the door from a sealed position. The at least one drive is located outside of a substrate transfer zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher HOFMEISTER, Martin R. ELLIOTT, Alexander KRUPYSHEV, Joseph HALLISEY, Joseph A. KRAUS, William FOSNIGHT, Craig J. CARBONE, Jeffrey C, BLAHNIK, Ho Yin Owen FONG
  • Publication number: 20210169219
    Abstract: An automated system structure is disclosed which may be quickly and efficiently assembled using a number of storage modules. Storage modules may be comprised of a pair of shelf modules, each comprising a number of defined storage locations for storing totes, cartons, trays or other containers. The shelf modules may themselves be modular units comprising a number of horizontal storage levels affixed to a pair of vertical support assemblies at each end of the shelf modules. The pair of shelf modules may be accurately spaced from each other by mounting the shelf modules to tie beams at the bottom and tie plates at the top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Applicant: ALERT INNOVATION INC.
    Inventors: John G. Lert, JR., Martin R. Elliott, William J. Fosnight, Christopher J. Dancewicz, Michael Chesna, Tsepa Bayul
  • Patent number: 10952533
    Abstract: The present technology relates to an automated system structure which may be quickly and efficiently assembled using a number of storage modules. Storage modules may be comprised of a pair of shelf modules, each comprising a number of defined storage locations for storing totes, cartons, trays or other containers. The shelf modules may themselves be modular units comprising a number of horizontal storage levels affixed to a pair of vertical support assemblies at each end of the shelf modules. The pair of shelf modules may be accurately spaced from each other by mounting the shelf modules to tie beams at the bottom and tie plates at the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Alert Innovation Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Lert, Jr., Martin R. Elliott, William J. Fosnight, Christopher J. Dancewicz, Michael Chesna, Tsepa Bayul
  • Publication number: 20210039882
    Abstract: A universal gripper is disclosed for transferring totes and sub-totes, for example in an order fulfillment center. The universal gripper includes adjustable tines and pins capable of being positioned to engage within slots in the different configurations of totes and sub-totes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Applicant: ALERT INNOVATION INC.
    Inventors: William J. Fosnight, Martin R. Elliott, John G. Lert, JR.
  • Patent number: 10854478
    Abstract: A semiconductor processing tool is disclosed, the tool having a frame forming at least one chamber with an opening and having a sealing surface around a periphery of the opening, a door configured to interact with the sealing surface for sealing the opening, the door having sides perpendicular to the door sealing surface and perpendicular to a transfer plane of a substrate, and at least one drive located on the frame to a side of at least one of the sides that are substantially perpendicular to the door sealing surface and substantially perpendicular to the transfer plane of the substrate, the drive having actuators located at least partially in front of the sealing surface and the actuators being coupled to one of the sides of the door for moving the door from a sealed position. The at least one drive is located outside of a substrate transfer zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Hofmeister, Martin R. Elliott, Alexander Krupyshev, Joseph Hallisey, Joseph A. Kraus, William Fosnight, Craig J. Carbone, Jeffrey C. Blahnik, Ho Yin Owen Fong
  • Patent number: 10815057
    Abstract: A universal gripper is disclosed for transferring totes and sub-totes, for example in an order fulfillment center. The universal gripper includes adjustable tines and pins capable of being positioned to engage within slots in the different configurations of totes and sub-totes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Alert Innovation Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Fosnight, Martin R. Elliott, John G. Lert, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20200126820
    Abstract: A semiconductor processing tool is disclosed, the tool having a frame forming at least one chamber with an opening and having a sealing surface around a periphery of the opening, a door configured to interact with the sealing surface for sealing the opening, the door having sides perpendicular to the door sealing surface and perpendicular to a transfer plane of a substrate, and at least one drive located on the frame to a side of at least one of the sides that are substantially perpendicular to the door sealing surface and substantially perpendicular to the transfer plane of the substrate, the drive having actuators located at least partially in front of the sealing surface and the actuators being coupled to one of the sides of the door for moving the door from a sealed position. The at least one drive is located outside of a substrate transfer zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher HOFMEISTER, Martin R. ELLIOTT, Alexander KRUPYSHEV, Joseph HALLISEY, Joseph A. KRAUS, William FOSNIGHT, Craig J. CARBONE, Jeffrey C. BLAHNIK, Ho Yin Owen FONG
  • Publication number: 20200087067
    Abstract: An automated order fulfillment system and mobile robot are disclosed, where the mobile robot includes a compliant drive for moving between levels of a multilevel storage structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Applicant: ALERT INNOVATION INC.
    Inventors: William J. Fosnight, John G. Lert, JR., Michael Duquette, Martin R. Elliott, Julian Warhurst, Charles W. Su, Alan Grant
  • Patent number: 10541157
    Abstract: A semiconductor processing tool is disclosed, the tool having a frame forming at least one chamber with an opening and having a sealing surface around a periphery of the opening, a door configured to interact with the sealing surface for sealing the opening, the door having sides perpendicular to the door sealing surface and perpendicular to a transfer plane of a substrate, and at least one drive located on the frame to a side of at least one of the sides that are substantially perpendicular to the door sealing surface and substantially perpendicular to the transfer plane of the substrate, the drive having actuators located at least partially in front of the sealing surface and the actuators being coupled to one of the sides of the door for moving the door from a sealed position. The at least one drive is located outside of a substrate transfer zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Hofmeister, Martin R. Elliott, Alexander Krupyshev, Joseph Hallisey, Joseph Kraus, William Fosnight, Craig J. Carbone, Jeffrey C. Blahnik, Ho Yin Owen Fong
  • Publication number: 20190239640
    Abstract: An automated system structure is disclosed which may be quickly and efficiently assembled using a number of storage modules. Storage modules may be comprised of a pair of shelf modules, each comprising a number of defined storage locations for storing totes, cartons, trays or other containers. The shelf modules may themselves be modular units comprising a number of horizontal storage levels affixed to a pair of vertical support assemblies at each end of the shelf modules. The pair of shelf modules may be accurately spaced from each other by mounting the shelf modules to tie beams at the bottom and tie plates at the top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Applicant: ALERT INNOVATION INC.
    Inventors: John G. Lert, JR., Martin R. Elliott, William J. Fosnight, Christopher J. Dancewicz, Michael Chesna, Tsepa Bayul
  • Publication number: 20190047787
    Abstract: A universal gripper is disclosed for transferring totes and sub-totes, for example in an order fulfillment center. The universal gripper includes adjustable tines and pins capable of being positioned to engage within slots in the different configurations of totes and sub-totes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Applicant: ALERT INNOVATION INC.
    Inventors: William J. Fosnight, Martin R. Elliott, John G. Lert, JR.