The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 09, 2011
Filed:
Oct. 16, 2006
Aldo Zini, Venetia, PA (US);
Spencer Wayne Allen, Wexford, PA (US);
Barry Mark Skirble, Allison Park, PA (US);
Henry F. Thorne, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Stuart Fairley, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Aldo Zini, Venetia, PA (US);
Spencer Wayne Allen, Wexford, PA (US);
Barry Mark Skirble, Allison Park, PA (US);
Henry F. Thorne, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Stuart Fairley, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Aethon, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Abstract
Systems, methods and devices for the automated retrieval/delivery of goods from one location to another using a robotic device such as a tug and accompanying cart. A computer within the tug/cart stores a map of the building floor plan and intended paths for the tug to take when traversing from one location to the next. During the delivery, a variety of different sensors and scanners gather data that is used to avoid obstacles and/or continuously adjust the movement of the tug in order to more closely follow the intended path. The system preferably includes wireless networks that allow one or more tugs to communicate with a tug base station, a primary network located at the site of the delivery and a remote host center that monitors the status and data collected by the tugs.