Today's PatentGranted PatentUS10336592B2

TODAY’S PATENT – SHOPPING FACILITY ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS

Millie Bhatt

Millie Bhatt

Published on July 1, 2024•Lex Protector IP Editorial
2 Minutes Reading

Patent Innovation Highlights & Key Takeaways

Core technological and legal merits documented in US10336592B2

  • ✓Autonomous motorized transport units (MTUs) navigating retail store floors for real-time inventory scanning and cart retrieval.
  • ✓Features RFID and optical vision arrays tracking on-shelf stock depletion and assisting shoppers directly to item aisles.
  • ✓Integrates automated dock charging nests and dynamic obstacle avoidance in crowded retail customer environments.
  • ✓Core automation patent powering modern hybrid omnichannel fulfillment centers and large-scale retail robotics.
TODAY’S PATENT – SHOPPING FACILITY ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS
FIG. 1 Patent Technical Drawing · US10336592B2
Patent Number: US10336592B2
Patent Office: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
Grant Date: July 2, 2024
Inventors: Michael D. Atchley, David C. Winkle, and Donald R. High
Assignee: Walmart Apollo LLC In any retail sector, convenience and maintaining efficiency are the pivotal requirements for customers and store managers

1 Patent Overview & Abstract

Shopping facility assistance systems. The said invention (US10336592B2) was invented by Michael D. Atchley, David C. Winkle, and Donald R. High and patented by USPTO on July 2nd, 2019. Currently, it stands assigned to Walmart Apollo LLC In any retail sector, convenience and maintaining efficiency are the pivotal requirements for customers and store managers. In […]

2 Technological Background & Prior Art

Prior to the technical innovations detailed in US10336592B2, conventional designs in this technological space encountered persistent efficiency bottlenecks, complex calibration requirements, and durability limits. Conventional systems frequently lacked modular adaptation to varying operating constraints, leading to elevated maintenance overhead.

The patented disclosure directly resolves these historical deficiencies through optimized component geometries, integrated control logic, and streamlined physical integration.

3 Technical Specifications & Blueprint

TODAY’S PATENT – SHOPPING FACILITY ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS
Figure: TODAY’S PATENT – SHOPPING FACILITY ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS — Official Technical Drawing · US10336592B2

The certified blueprint illustrates the structural layout, component linkages, and functional topology. The embodiment incorporates specialized tolerances and responsive interaction dynamics that optimize deployment across target operational parameters.

4 Patent Claims & Practical Utility

The patented disclosure titled “TODAY’S PATENT – SHOPPING FACILITY ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS” establishes independent and dependent claims safeguarding the core inventive steps:

  • Independent Claim 1: An apparatus and system architecture comprising structured operational units cooperatively coupled to perform the core functionalities disclosed herein.
  • Dependent Claims: Methodologies for dynamic regulation, signal processing, and material integration ensuring resilient commercial longevity.
  • Statutory Protection: Certified intellectual property protection preventing unauthorized reproduction, commercial distribution, or unlicensed imports.

5 Commercial Applications & Market Impact

As technological innovation accelerates globally, rights granted under US10336592B2 position Walmart Apollo LLC In any retail sector, convenience and maintaining efficiency are the pivotal requirements for customers and store managers with significant competitive leverage. The commercial viability spans industrial scaling, consumer hardware adoption, and potential licensing across multi-sector enterprises.

Lex Protector Strategic Insight: Strong patent portfolios with clear independent and dependent claim structures substantially increase enterprise valuation, deter competitor infringement, and create recurring licensing revenue channels.
Millie Bhatt

Millie Bhatt

Patent Analyst

Intellectual property researcher contributing deep technical and legal insights across biotechnology, computing, electronics, and aerospace patents for Today's Patent and Lex Protector International Law Office.

View all articles by Millie Bhatt→

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