Patents by Inventor Robert Cantrell

Robert Cantrell 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: 20240062143
    Abstract: A robotic delivery system includes a server, a dispatch module, and a robotic delivery vehicle. The dispatch module transmits a suggested item to the dispatch application being executable on a client device operated by a user; and receives, from the dispatch application, a selection of the suggested item from the user of the client device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: Robert Cantrell, Donald High, Michael Atchley
  • Patent number: 11829898
    Abstract: A robotic delivery system includes a server, a dispatch module, and a robotic delivery vehicle. The dispatch module transmits a suggested item to the dispatch application being executable on a client device operated by a user; transmits an item cost for the suggested item to a dispatch application; receives, from the dispatch application, a selection of the suggested item from the user of the client device; transmits a message directing the robotic delivery vehicle to deliver the suggested item having been selected; and transmits a message to a facility associated with the robotic delivery vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Cantrell, Donald High, Michael Atchley
  • Patent number: 11813950
    Abstract: A system for storing one or more unmanned aerial vehicles is described herein. The system includes one or more shelves attached to a holding structure, the one or more shelves being configured to support one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the one or more shelves defining one or more shelf areas configured to receive the one or more unmanned aerial vehicles. The system also includes an electrical charging station configured to charge electrical batteries of the one or more unmanned aerial vehicles supported by the one or more shelves; and a data transfer and storage system configured to transfer and store data that is previously stored in a data storage device of the one or more unmanned aerial vehicles in a data storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: John J. O'Brien, Coleman Johnson, Patricia Bird, Robert Cantrell, Brian Mchale, Jeremy Varner, Donald Ray High
  • Publication number: 20230196266
    Abstract: A robotic delivery system includes a server, a dispatch module, and a robotic delivery vehicle. The dispatch module transmits a suggested item to the dispatch application being executable on a client device operated by a user; transmits an item cost for the suggested item to a dispatch application; receives, from the dispatch application, a selection of the suggested item from the user of the client device; transmits a message directing the robotic delivery vehicle to deliver the suggested item having been selected; and transmits a message to a facility associated with the robotic delivery vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Robert Cantrell, Donald High, Michael Atchley
  • Patent number: 11610175
    Abstract: A distributed robotic delivery system includes a mobile application, a server, a dispatch module, and a plurality of robotic delivery vehicles. The mobile application receives suggested items for purchase, the suggested items selected by having a set of properties suitable for delivery by a selected one of the plurality of robotic delivery vehicles, where the set of properties includes product dimensions and weight; receives item costs to be provided to a user for the suggested items; displays the item costs; and transmits a message directing the dispatch module to deploy the selected one of the plurality of robotic delivery vehicles to deliver one or more items of the suggested items selected by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Cantrell, Donald High, Michael Atchley
  • Patent number: 11565424
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes detecting, at a processor and by a plurality of associates, a mission to be performed by the plurality of associates; identifying the mission based on associated store information comprising an inventory status, sales data, and a set of predetermined rules; generating, by the processor, a queue of tasks to complete the mission based on priorities and dependencies of the tasks; determining a task for each associate whose profile defines best abilities matching a predetermined task dataset and the associated store information; assigning the queue of tasks to the plurality of the associates to complete the tasks; receiving, from each of the associates, a notification of a completion of an assigned task; verifying, by the processor, the completion of the assigned task; and determining, by the processor, completion of the mission when each task for the mission is verified to be completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Donald R. High, Robert Cantrell, Mike Atchley, Wallace Carrell King, Brian Harrison, Amy J. Savaiinaea
  • Patent number: 11544664
    Abstract: A method for tracking an item in a distributed environment is provided. At least one node in a network adds a new block to a first cryptographically verifiable ledger represented by a first sequence of blocks that is stored in one or more non-transitory computer-readable media. The new block added to the first cryptographically verifiable ledger contains a component identifier and a hash of a previous block in the first sequence of blocks. The at least one node in the network adds a new block to a second cryptographically verifiable ledger represented by a second sequence of blocks that is stored in the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media. The new block added to the second cryptographically verifiable ledger contains a destination identifier, the first sequence of blocks, and a hash of a previous block in the second sequence of blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: John Jeremiah O'Brien, Daniel Wayne Young, Richard Carl McSorley, Jr., Christopher Heeney, Joseph Jurich, Jr., Bruce W. Wilkinson, Todd Davenport Mattingly, Donald High, Robert Cantrell, Brian Gerard McHale
  • Patent number: 11527119
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a storage unit are disclosed. A storage unit includes a container defining an interior storage space and an opening configured to provide access to the interior storage space, a door configured to open and close the opening, a heating/cooling mechanism configured to adjust a temperature in the interior storage space, a temperature sensor configured to monitor the temperature in the interior storage space. A control unit is configured to receive the temperature in the interior storage space, receive a required temperature of an item in the storage unit, receive a signal indicative of a distance of a delivery vehicle, and activate the heating/cooling mechanism based on the temperature, the required temperature, and the distance of the delivery vehicle. The heating/cooling mechanism is activated at a time configured to achieve the required temperature within the interior storage space when the delivery vehicle arrives at the storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Brian G. McHale, John J. O'Brien, Robert Cantrell, Jennifer Hedges
  • Publication number: 20220300897
    Abstract: A distributed robotic delivery system includes a mobile application, a server, a dispatch module, and a plurality of robotic delivery vehicles. The mobile application receives suggested items for purchase, the suggested items selected by having a set of properties suitable for delivery by a selected one of the plurality of robotic delivery vehicles, where the set of properties includes product dimensions and weight; receives item costs to be provided to a user for the suggested items; displays the item costs; and transmits a message directing the dispatch module to deploy the selected one of the plurality of robotic delivery vehicles to deliver one or more items of the suggested items selected by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: Robert Cantrell, Donald High, Michael Atchley
  • Publication number: 20220288457
    Abstract: An alternate reality training system for tennis is operationally coupled to a head assembly, a stand assembly, and a vertical polymer flexible rod assembly connecting the substantially polymer head assembly to the stand assembly. The vertical polymer flexible rod assembly oscillates when a ball member held in the head assembly is hit by a racket. An alternate reality software system is adapted to synchronize with oscillations to present substantially simultaneous cues for hitting a physical ball member coupled to the head member and convert associated data to a virtual ball member adapted to visually present data from hitting the physical ball member and associated user data. Data includes variables of power, accuracy, timing, trajectory, spin, and impact sweet spot from which to calculate virtual ball flight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: LENNY SCHLOSS, LEE WHEELBARGER, ROBERT CANTRELL
  • Patent number: 11401034
    Abstract: An aerial vehicle for delivering a package. The aerial vehicle having a package deployment system coupled to the aerial vehicle. The package deployment system having a spool coupled to the aerial vehicle, a lowering line fixedly coupled to the spool at a first end, the lowering line having a second end secured to a grasping device, and a cutting device coupled to one of the spool or the lowering line. The aerial vehicle also having a package coupled to the grasping device and a monitoring system couple to one of the aerial vehicle or the package deployment system. The package deployment system is configured to deliver the package at a delivery location. The cutting device is configured to sever the lowering line to deliver the package. A method for delivering a package with an aerial vehicle having the package deployment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Donald R. High, John J. O'Brien, Robert Cantrell, Brian Mchale, Justin Schuhardt
  • Patent number: 11396428
    Abstract: A disclosed system for transporting items to destination locations, for example when receiving inventory at large retail locations, includes a conveyor assembly comprising a plurality of docking locations; an item identifier operable to read identification data; an orchestrator operable to, based at least on the identification data, pair items with transporter solutions; and a sorting controller operable to, based at least on the identification data and the pairings, route items to specific docking locations where transporter solutions are docked. Transporter solutions may include autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs) that bid on delivery tasks and can adjust shelf height in order to facilitate loading and unloading. The AGVs can thus provide an effectively seamless conveyor solution—either rollers on the conveyor surface move items or rollers on the underside of the AGV move the AGV with the items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Bellar, Donald Ray High, Jeremy L. Velten, Robert Cantrell
  • Patent number: 11378968
    Abstract: A disclosed system for transporting items to destination locations, for example when receiving inventory at large retail locations, includes an autonomous ground vehicle (AGV) having at least one shelf; a shelf elevator operable to raise and lower the at least one shelf; a drive unit operable to move the AGV between a docking location and a destination location; the AGV able to position the at least one shelf at a different heights for loading and offloading items first height and a second height different from the first height, autonomously navigate between the docking location and the first destination location, and bid on delivery tasks. Some examples are further able to use a cartridge unit to expand cargo capacity. An AGV could analyze the currently-loaded weight and the remaining available space, and dynamically adjust the heights of the shelves according to the dimensions of the assigned items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy L. Velten, Jason Bellar, Donald Ray High, Robert Cantrell
  • Patent number: 11362806
    Abstract: Systems and methods for recording codes in a distributed environment are provided. A first node receives data including at least one code from a code generation computing device via a network. The first node adds a first new block to a first cryptographically verifiable encrypted ledger, the first block containing the at least one code. The first node adds a second new block to a second cryptographically verifiable, the second block containing the at least one code. The first node or a second node retrieves the at least one code from the second cryptographically verifiable unencrypted ledger. The first node or the second node analyzes the at least one code pursuant to a set of rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Cantrell, Todd Davenport Mattingly, John Jeremiah O'Brien, Brian Gerard McHale, Bruce W. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 11348057
    Abstract: A distributed robotic delivery system includes a mobile application, a server, a dispatch module, and a plurality of robotic delivery vehicles. The mobile application receives an item cost, robotic delivery shipping options, and acquisition factors. The mobile device displays the item cost, robotic delivery shipping options, and the acquisition factors in a user interface. Upon a selection of robotic delivery option, the mobile application notifies the dispatch module to deploy the robotic delivery vehicle with the item to the specified delivery point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Cantrell, Donald High, Michael Atchley
  • Publication number: 20220092153
    Abstract: A distributed blockchain system and method for storing, securing, and retrieving digital content, the system and method having a plurality of nodes designed to communicate over a network having one or more network devices. A control circuit assembly receives and transmits information via the network. A neural processing unit merges and unmerges digital content, the merged content viewable on at least one or more user interface and the unmerged content conditionally viewable from the merged content on the at least one or more user interface by way of one or more encrypted private keys. A computer-readable storage memory assembly, wherein the computer-readable storage memory assembly comprises a volatile memory storing a set of one or more computer-readable interactions, which when executed by the control circuit assembly cause the plurality of nodes to update the blockchain stored in a memory assembly based on communication with other nodes over the network assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Robert Cantrell, Chris Harder
  • Publication number: 20220044217
    Abstract: A method includes, based on a request from a payor to initiate a remittance payment, determining a start time for processing the remittance payment and calculating an initial processing duration attributable to a remittance provider computer system and associated with the remittance payment. The method also includes determining availability of a partner associated with the remittance provider computer system to process the remittance payment, wherein the availability of the partner is determined according to the start time and the initial processing duration and based on calendar information received from the partner. The method also includes calculating a partner processing duration for the partner to process the remittance payment, and calculating a date of availability for a payee to access the remittance payment, wherein the date of availability is calculated based on the availability of the partner to process the remittance payment and the partner processing duration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Inventors: Stephen J. Clark, Daniel Ayala, Deborah Canale, Laura Havighurst, Sridhar Uppaluri, Robert A. Cantrell
  • Publication number: 20220020233
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a storage unit are disclosed. A storage unit includes a container defining an interior storage space and an opening configured to provide access to the interior storage space, a door configured to open and close the opening, a heating/cooling mechanism configured to adjust a temperature in the interior storage space, a temperature sensor configured to monitor the temperature in the interior storage space. A control unit is configured to receive the temperature in the interior storage space, receive a required temperature of an item in the storage unit, receive a signal indicative of a distance of a delivery vehicle, and activate the heating/cooling mechanism based on the temperature, the required temperature, and the distance of the delivery vehicle. The heating/cooling mechanism is activated at a time configured to achieve the required temperature within the interior storage space when the delivery vehicle arrives at the storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: Brian McHale, John J. O'Brien, Robert Cantrell, Jennifer Hedges
  • Publication number: 20210170605
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes detecting, at a processor and by a plurality of associates, a mission to be performed by the plurality of associates; identifying the mission based on associated store information comprising an inventory status, sales data, and a set of predetermined rules; generating, by the processor, a queue of tasks to complete the mission based on priorities and dependencies of the tasks; determining a task for each associate whose profile defines best abilities matching a predetermined task dataset and the associated store information; assigning the queue of tasks to the plurality of the associates to complete the tasks; receiving, from each of the associates, a notification of a completion of an assigned task; verifying, by the processor, the completion of the assigned task; and determining, by the processor, completion of the mission when each task for the mission is verified to be completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2021
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Applicant: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Donald R. HIGH, Robert CANTRELL, Mike ATCHLEY, Wallace Carrell KING, Brian HARRISON, Amy J. SAVAIINAEA
  • Publication number: 20210076219
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for determining that an undesired entity is attempting to gain control over an unmanned vehicle, or, in other words, how to determine that an unmanned vehicle is being attacked. In instances of a physical attack, the unmanned vehicle must recognize the physical actions taken against it as hostile. In instances of RF hacking, or attempts to take remote control, the unmanned vehicle must recognize that the signals being received are from a hostile source. With each type of attack, the unmanned vehicle must (1) identify the actions being taken against it, whether physical or electromagnetic; (2) compare the identified actions to previous actions to determine if the actions fit a hostile profile; and (3) upon identifying the actions as hostile, enact counter-measures to prevent the hostile actions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Applicant: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: John J. O'BRIEN, Robert CANTRELL, David WINKLE, Todd MATTINGLY, Donald R. HIGH