Patents by Inventor Sam Hoff

Sam Hoff 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: 20250074286
    Abstract: A vehicle including a plurality of first motorized tiles and a vehicle elevator is disclosed. The plurality of first motorized tiles may be disposed in a vehicle interior portion. The plurality of first motorized tiles may be configured to move and secure a first bin of a first size and a second bin of a second size. The vehicle elevator may include a second motorized tile and a set of third motorized tiles. The second motorized tile may be configured to receive the second bin from the plurality of first motorized tiles and secure the second bin. The second motorized tile may be of a third size. Further, each third motorized tile may be configured to receive the first bin from the plurality of first motorized tiles and secure the first bin. Each third motorized tile may be of a fourth size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2023
    Publication date: March 6, 2025
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Meghna Menon, Geoffrey Horowitz, Sarah Garrow, Jason Snow, John Vincent, Yifan Chen, Kevin Hwang, Kurt Lundeen, Timothy Feldkamp, Smruti Panigrahi, Sam Hoff
  • Publication number: 20250074287
    Abstract: A delivery vehicle having a base and a bin engagement unit is disclosed. The base may be configured to secure a plurality of bins. Each bin may include a plurality of sidewalls, and each sidewall may include an interior surface and an exterior surface. The bin engagement unit may be configured to move in a two-dimensional (2D) space in proximity to the base. The bin engagement unit may be configured to engage with the interior surface of a bin, from the plurality of bins, and slide the bin on the base when the bin engagement unit engages with the interior surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2023
    Publication date: March 6, 2025
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yifan Chen, Kurt Michael Lundeen, Sam Hoff, Smruti Panigrahi, Kevin Hwang, Timothy Mark Feldkamp
  • Publication number: 20250074725
    Abstract: A vehicle for delivering a plurality of packages disposed in a plurality of bins is described. The vehicle includes a grid of a plurality of motorized tiles configured to enable movement of the plurality of bins within the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a robotic arm disposed at a vehicle rear portion. The robotic arm may be configured to load or unload a bin to or from the grid of the plurality of motorized tiles. The robotic arm may be attached to a linear actuator that is configured to move the robotic arm in a vehicle interior portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2023
    Publication date: March 6, 2025
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Hwang, Timothy Mark Feldkamp, Yifan Chen, Kurt Michael Lundeen, Sam Hoff, Smruti Panigrahi
  • Publication number: 20250058835
    Abstract: A container configured to be removably attached into a delivery vehicle is disclosed. The container may include a base, a first sidewall, a second sidewall and a third sidewall. Each of the first sidewall, the second sidewall and third sidewall may be disposed perpendicular to the base. The container may further include a slot disposed on the first sidewall, the second sidewall and the third sidewall. The container may additionally include a first power and data interface disposed on the third sidewall, and a frame configured to be removably inserted into the container via the slot. The frame may include a second power and data interface configured to couple with the first power and data interface, and a plurality of grids configured to secure a plurality of motorized tiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2023
    Publication date: February 20, 2025
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Randolf Vincent, Kurt Michael Lundeen, Sam Hoff, Timothy Mark Feldkamp, Yifan Chen, Smruti Panigrahi, Kevin Hwang
  • Publication number: 20250058714
    Abstract: A delivery vehicle is disclosed. The delivery vehicle may include a vehicle elevator unit configured to move a bin to a bin pickup zone in a vehicle interior portion. The delivery vehicle may further include a vehicle drone unit disposed on a top portion of the vehicle elevator unit. The vehicle drone unit may be removably coupled to the vehicle elevator unit. The vehicle drone unit may include a landing platform for a drone. The landing platform may include an opening to enable the drone to engage with the bin for a bin last-mile delivery. The opening may be in proximity to the bin pickup zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2023
    Publication date: February 20, 2025
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Smruti Panigrahi, Kurt Michael Lundeen, Sam Hoff, Timothy Mark Feldkamp, Yifan Chen
  • Publication number: 20250058984
    Abstract: A system including a conveyor lane, a transceiver and a processor is disclosed. The conveyor lane may be configured to move a bin from a first location to a second location. The second location may be in proximity to a motorized tile disposed in a vehicle interior portion. The motorized tile may be configured to receive the bin from the conveyor lane and move the bin to a predefined position in the vehicle interior portion. The transceiver may be configured to receive a wheel speed associated with the motorized tile. The processor may be configured to obtain a trigger signal, and obtain the wheel speed from the transceiver responsive to obtaining the trigger signal. The processor may be further configured to activate the conveyor lane to cause bin movement from the first location to the second location at a predefined speed responsive to obtaining the wheel speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2023
    Publication date: February 20, 2025
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Michael Lundeen, John Randolf Vincent, Sam Hoff, Timothy Mark Feldkamp, Yifan Chen
  • Patent number: 12204297
    Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for determining preferred battery capacities. In an example method, a first set of data associated with scooter usage in a geographic area may be received. A first number of battery packs and a second number of battery packs for servicing the geographic area may be determined based at least on the first set of data, where the first number of battery packs has a first power capacity and the second number of battery packs has a second power capacity. A first cost associated with the first number of battery packs and a second cost associated with the second number of battery packs may be determined via a simulation model. The first cost may be determined to be lower than the second cost, and the first number of battery packs having the first power capacity may be selected to service the geographic area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Raj Sohmshetty, Vikas Rajendra, Sam Hoff, James Berg, Alan Beltran
  • Publication number: 20240409018
    Abstract: A vehicle for package delivery is provided. The vehicle includes one or more processors; a tile floor system connected to the one or more processors, the tile floor system comprising a plurality of tiles with actuators that individually move containers thereon, and in a first arrangement a first tile is associated with a first container; at least one imaging device; and a memory. The processors determine an identifier for a package, receive first image data associated with the package from the imaging device, determine a first association of the package with the first container based on the first image data, determine a first delivery route that includes a first stop associated with the identifier for the package, and rearrange the containers by the tile floor system into a second arrangement based on the first delivery route prior to the first stop of the first delivery route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2023
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yifan Chen, John Randolf Vincent, Geoffrey Horowitz, Kurt Michael Lundeen, Sarah Garrow, Sam Hoff
  • Publication number: 20240337697
    Abstract: A method includes determining, by a battery controller, whether a battery connection condition of a given battery from among a plurality of batteries disposed within a battery stack is satisfied; generating, by the battery controller, a connection indication signal associated with the given battery in response to the battery connection condition being satisfied; transmitting, by the battery controller, the connection indication signal and battery identification information associated with the given battery to a battery stack controller using a wired communication protocol; transmitting, by the battery stack controller, the connection indication signal and the battery identification information to a central controller using a wireless communication protocol; monitoring, by the central controller, a location of the given battery based on the connection indication signal and the battery identification information; and controlling, by the central controller, an operation of a robot based on the location of the gi
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2023
    Publication date: October 10, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sam Hoff, Vikas Rajendra
  • Publication number: 20240294082
    Abstract: A system for charging a plurality of electric vehicles includes a rail structure, a mobile base unit, at least one battery and a controller. The mobile base unit is supported by the rail structure and is configured to move along the rail structure between respective vehicle charging stations. The battery is configured to provide power to the mobile base unit to move along the rail structure. The controller is configured to obtain a charge request from one or more electric vehicles, determine a charging sequence of the electric vehicles based on vehicle parameters and charge parameters of the battery, and move the mobile base unit along the rail structure based on the charging sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Smruti Panigrahi, Yifan Chen, Raj Sohmshetty, Kurt Michael Lundeen, Sanghyun Hong, Sam Hoff, Brian McIntyre, Hussein Chami
  • Publication number: 20240178504
    Abstract: Self-alignment systems for stackable batteries are disclosed herein. An example apparatus can include a lid and a container that is configured to receive and retain a battery, the lid and container being configured to enclose the battery, a first alignment mechanism positioned on a surface of the lid or the container, the first alignment mechanism having a first locking member that engages with an alignment receiver of another stackable battery assembly that is stacked with the stackable battery assembly, and an electrical interface in electrical communication with the battery, the electrical interface allowing the battery to be charged or discharged by an associated device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2022
    Publication date: May 30, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ireneusz Trybula, Raj Sohmshetty, Sam Hoff
  • Patent number: 11980288
    Abstract: A locking system for retractable and removable bins, and methods of use thereof, are provided. The locking system includes a retractable latch disposed within a carrier sized and shaped to receive one or more delivery bins. The locking system further includes a first retention feature disposed on the bin and configured to receive the latch in a first locked configuration where horizontal and vertical movement of the bin relative to the latch is prohibited. Additionally, the locking system includes a second retention feature disposed on the bin distal to the first retention feature and configured to receive the latch in a second locked configuration. The second retention feature has an opening such that, in the second locked configuration, vertical movement of the bin relative to the latch is permitted to thereby remove the bin from the latch through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Michael Lundeen, Raj Sohmshetty, Ireneusz Trybula, Sam Hoff
  • Patent number: 11879751
    Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes a portable housing and at least one handle structure integrally formed with the portable housing. The inspection apparatus further includes a vision data system, a lighting system, a user interface system, a wireless communication system, and a controller. The vision data system includes one or more cameras provided on the first face of the portable housing. The vision data system is operable to capture component data. The lighting system is arranged with the vision data system at the first face. The lighting system includes diffused light emitting diode (LED) ring arranged around at least one of the one or more cameras. The manufacturing inspection apparatus is a stand-alone and all-in-one computing device. The manufacturing inspection apparatus processes and stores inspection data locally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Raj Sohmshetty, Scott Mayberry, Vikas Rajendra, Sam Hoff
  • Publication number: 20230329435
    Abstract: A locking system for retractable and removable bins, and methods of use thereof, are provided. The locking system includes a retractable latch disposed within a carrier sized and shaped to receive one or more delivery bins. The locking system further includes a first retention feature disposed on the bin and configured to receive the latch in a first locked configuration where horizontal and vertical movement of the bin relative to the latch is prohibited. Additionally, the locking system includes a second retention feature disposed on the bin distal to the first retention feature and configured to receive the latch in a second locked configuration. The second retention feature has an opening such that, in the second locked configuration, vertical movement of the bin relative to the latch is permitted to thereby remove the bin from the latch through the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Michael Lundeen, Raj Sohmshetty, Ireneusz Trybula, Sam Hoff
  • Publication number: 20230266723
    Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for determining preferred battery capacities. In an example method, a first set of data associated with scooter usage in a geographic area may be received. A first number of battery packs and a second number of battery packs for servicing the geographic area may be determined based at least on the first set of data, where the first number of battery packs has a first power capacity and the second number of battery packs has a second power capacity. A first cost associated with the first number of battery packs and a second cost associated with the second number of battery packs may be determined via a simulation model. The first cost may be determined to be lower than the second cost, and the first number of battery packs having the first power capacity may be selected to service the geographic area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2022
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Raj Sohmshetty, Vikas Rajendra, Sam Hoff, James Berg, Alan Beltran
  • Patent number: 11417015
    Abstract: A mapping system for an environment includes an image sensor configured to generate image data of the environment. The mapping system includes a fixed tag including position indicia, where the position indicia identifies a predefined position coordinate of the fixed tag. The mapping system includes an entity tag including entity indicia, where the entity indicia identifies an entity associated with the entity tag. The mapping system includes a controller configured to determine a position coordinate of the entity tag based on the image data, where the image data includes the position indicia and the entity indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Mayberry, Raj Sohmshetty, Sam Hoff
  • Publication number: 20220136872
    Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes a portable housing and at least one handle structure integrally formed with the portable housing. The inspection apparatus further includes a vision data system, a lighting system, a user interface system, a wireless communication system, and a controller. The vision data system includes one or more cameras provided on the first face of the portable housing. The vision data system is operable to capture component data. The lighting system is arranged with the vision data system at the first face. The lighting system includes diffused light emitting diode (LED) ring arranged around at least one of the one or more cameras. The manufacturing inspection apparatus is a stand-alone and all-in-one computing device. The manufacturing inspection apparatus processes and stores inspection data locally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Raj Sohmshetty, Scott Mayberry, Vikas Rajendra, Sam Hoff
  • Publication number: 20220122283
    Abstract: A mapping system for an environment includes an image sensor configured to generate image data of the environment. The mapping system includes a fixed tag including position indicia, where the position indicia identifies a predefined position coordinate of the fixed tag. The mapping system includes an entity tag including entity indicia, where the entity indicia identifies an entity associated with the entity tag. The mapping system includes a controller configured to determine a position coordinate of the entity tag based on the image data, where the image data includes the position indicia and the entity indicia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Mayberry, Raj Sohmshetty, Sam Hoff
  • Patent number: 9355510
    Abstract: A biometric access control system includes an equipment structure in communication with an identification station, which includes a processor, a user biometric reader, an equipment identification reader, a user interface to display categories of equipment authorized for use by a user and to receive input from the user including an indication to acquire or return the piece of equipment and a selection of an equipment category and a selection of a specific piece of equipment of the selected equipment category. The equipment structure includes storage locations for storing pieces of equipment assigned to the storage locations, and locks corresponding to the storage locations for individually securing the pieces of equipment to the structure, wherein an authorization signal from the identification station is receivable to release a lock containing the selected specific piece of equipment to permit removal of the selected specific piece of equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Law Enforcement Intelligent Devices, LLC
    Inventors: Rick Crigger, David G. Foster, Sam Hoff
  • Publication number: 20150102901
    Abstract: A biometric access control system includes an equipment structure in communication with an identification station, which includes a processor, a user biometric reader, an equipment identification reader, a user interface to display categories of equipment authorized for use by a user and to receive input from the user including an indication to acquire or return the piece of equipment and a selection of an equipment category and a selection of a specific piece of equipment of the selected equipment category. The equipment structure includes storage locations for storing pieces of equipment assigned to the storage locations, and locks corresponding to the storage locations for individually securing the pieces of equipment to the structure, wherein an authorization signal from the identification station is receivable to release a lock containing the selected specific piece of equipment to permit removal of the selected specific piece of equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Rick Crigger, David G. Foster, Sam Hoff