Karl E Schrader

US Patent:

20210163226, Jun 3, 2021

Filed:

Dec 2, 2019

Appl. No.:

16/699974

Inventors:

- Mountain View CA, US
Samuel Gardner Garrett - Seattle WA, US
David Kyle Funnell - Seattle WA, US
Karl Eric Schrader - Snohomish WA, US

International Classification:

B65G 1/137
B25J 5/00

Abstract:

An automated cargo delivery system is provided, including an automated guided vehicle having a housing defining a recess therein and a propulsion system configured to move the housing. The recess may be configured to receive a plurality of swappable carriers each having a uniform width in a horizontal direction and a uniform height in a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction. Each of the swappable carriers may be configured to be engaged within the recess. The plurality of swappable carriers may include a first swappable carrier and a second swappable carrier. A method of delivering cargo with the automated guided vehicle is also provided. The method may include alternatingly inserting and engaging the first swappable carrier and the second swappable carrier into the recess of the automated guided vehicle.

US Patent:

20180155142, Jun 7, 2018

Filed:

Jan 11, 2018

Appl. No.:

15/868612

Inventors:

- Seattle WA, US
Karl Eric Schrader - Snohomish WA, US
Michael Ellsworth Bundy - Seattle WA, US
Charles Edward Rice - Bainbridge Island WA, US

International Classification:

B65G 67/08
B65G 1/04
B65G 61/00

Abstract:

Cable robots may be used to automatically load items onto one or more surfaces in any environment. An item may be received on a carrier that is connected to tensioning actuators of a cable robot by one or more cables in tension. The actuators of the robot may be manipulated in concert to move the carrier from a first position to a second position, which may be fixed or in motion, at which the item may be expelled from the carrier. The carrier may include induction wheels and/or conveyors for receiving the item thereon and for expelling the item therefrom. The cable robot may be provided in series with a conveyor and mounted to a frame, and used to load items onto a delivery vehicle, such that the frame may be withdrawn as items are loaded.

US Patent:

20160090248, Mar 31, 2016

Filed:

Sep 30, 2014

Appl. No.:

14/502927

Inventors:

- Seattle WA, US
Karl Eric Schrader - Snohomish WA, US
Michael Ellsworth Bundy - Seattle WA, US
Charles Edward Rice - Bainbridge Island WA, US

International Classification:

B65G 67/08

Abstract:

Cable robots may be used to automatically load items onto one or more surfaces in any environment. An item may be received on a carrier that is connected to tensioning actuators of a cable robot by one or more cables in tension. The actuators of the robot may be manipulated in concert to move the carrier from a first position to a second position, which may be fixed or in motion, at which the item may be expelled from the carrier. The carrier may include induction wheels and/or conveyors for receiving the item thereon and for expelling the item therefrom. The cable robot may be provided in series with a conveyor and mounted to a frame, and used to load items onto a delivery vehicle, such that the frame may be withdrawn as items are loaded.