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).
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Patent number: 12110198Abstract: A delivery tower for receiving a package from an aerial vehicle. The delivery tower has a table top coupled to a base. The base includes telescoping members. The delivery tower has a controller and communications module operably coupled to the base. The table top moves between a first, retracted position and a second, extended position with extension of the telescoping members. In the first, retracted position the delivery tower is configured to operate as an outdoor table. In the second, extended position, the delivery tower is configured to receive a package from the aerial vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2019Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLCInventors: Donald R. High, Robert Cantrell, Brian McHale
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Publication number: 20240216778Abstract: A training tool for tennis has 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. The system is operably coupled to sensors and a processor designed to detect how effectively a user has hit the retained ball member with a racket. The head assembly is disposed on a top end of the vertical polymer flexible rod assembly at a concave portion of a proximal face of a retaining plate member designed to contiguously abut at least a distal surface of the top end of the vertical polymer flexible rod assembly, the retaining plate member coupled to a distal surface of a ball cup member by the proximal face of the retaining plate member.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2022Publication date: July 4, 2024Inventors: LENNY SCHLOSS, LEE WHEELBARGER, ROBERT CANTRELL
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Publication number: 20240062143Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2023Publication date: February 22, 2024Inventors: Robert Cantrell, Donald High, Michael Atchley
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Patent number: 11829898Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 21, 2023Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLCInventors: Robert Cantrell, Donald High, Michael Atchley
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Patent number: 11813950Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 27, 2019Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLCInventors: John J. O'Brien, Coleman Johnson, Patricia Bird, Robert Cantrell, Brian Mchale, Jeremy Varner, Donald Ray High
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Publication number: 20230196266Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2023Publication date: June 22, 2023Inventors: Robert Cantrell, Donald High, Michael Atchley
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Patent number: 11610175Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 26, 2022Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLCInventors: Robert Cantrell, Donald High, Michael Atchley
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Patent number: 11565424Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 17, 2021Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLCInventors: Donald R. High, Robert Cantrell, Mike Atchley, Wallace Carrell King, Brian Harrison, Amy J. Savaiinaea
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Patent number: 11544664Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 21, 2019Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLCInventors: 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
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Patent number: 11527119Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 29, 2021Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLCInventors: Brian G. McHale, John J. O'Brien, Robert Cantrell, Jennifer Hedges
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Publication number: 20220300897Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2022Publication date: September 22, 2022Inventors: Robert Cantrell, Donald High, Michael Atchley
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Publication number: 20220288457Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2022Publication date: September 15, 2022Inventors: LENNY SCHLOSS, LEE WHEELBARGER, ROBERT CANTRELL
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Patent number: 11401034Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 21, 2019Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLCInventors: Donald R. High, John J. O'Brien, Robert Cantrell, Brian Mchale, Justin Schuhardt
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Patent number: 11396428Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 4, 2019Date of Patent: July 26, 2022Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLCInventors: Jason Bellar, Donald Ray High, Jeremy L. Velten, Robert Cantrell
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Patent number: 11378968Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 5, 2019Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLCInventors: Jeremy L. Velten, Jason Bellar, Donald Ray High, Robert Cantrell
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Patent number: 11362806Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 29, 2019Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLCInventors: Robert Cantrell, Todd Davenport Mattingly, John Jeremiah O'Brien, Brian Gerard McHale, Bruce W. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 11348057Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 10, 2018Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLCInventors: Robert Cantrell, Donald High, Michael Atchley
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Publication number: 20220092153Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2021Publication date: March 24, 2022Inventors: Robert Cantrell, Chris Harder
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Publication number: 20220044217Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2015Publication date: February 10, 2022Inventors: Stephen J. Clark, Daniel Ayala, Deborah Canale, Laura Havighurst, Sridhar Uppaluri, Robert A. Cantrell
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Publication number: 20220020233Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2021Publication date: January 20, 2022Inventors: Brian McHale, John J. O'Brien, Robert Cantrell, Jennifer Hedges