Patents Assigned to Federal Express Corporation
  • Patent number: 11939039
    Abstract: An aircraft door drainage system includes a precipitation receptacle disposed longitudinally along an upper edge of an aircraft door opening. The receptacle is mounted along the upper edge of the door opening by a plurality of brackets that connect the receptacle to an inside ceiling panel of the aircraft. The receptacle protrudes outward from the upper edge of the door opening into a path followed by precipitation falling off of an outer peripheral surface of a fuselage of the aircraft from locations above, forward, and aft of the door opening into the door opening when the aircraft door is in an open position. The receptacle remains clear of the aircraft door when the aircraft door is closed into the door opening. Drain hoses are connected at first and second ends of the receptacle to direct precipitation collected in the receptacle to an outside of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: FEDERAL EXPRESS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew Alan Arnold, Brittany M. Govan, Muhammad Jamal, Danny Jay Reed, Ronald Wayne Thomas, John Alan Yerger
  • Patent number: 11932480
    Abstract: An equipment security system includes one or more sensors or optical recording devices disposed on or inside a cargo container. A computing device receives data from the one or more sensors or optical recording devices, determines whether an event has occurred at the cargo container, determines a geofence associated with the cargo container, and selects or configures a dynamic script including instructions that specify whether to begin recording an event occurring at or inside the cargo container, whether to record the event in an overwritable, local memory associated with at least one of the one or more sensors or optical recording devices or the computing device, parameters that govern how data associated with the event will be recorded, and whether to upload the data from the local memory to a remote server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: FEDERAL EXPRESS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anthony James Hyatt, Andrew Charles Jensen, Hal Wesley Borland, Dennis Wayne Harner, Daniel Robert Martin
  • Patent number: 11897625
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for receiving data related to a first flight risk factor and a second flight risk factor where the first and second risk factors include one of: a proficiency risk factor, an equipment risk factor, an environmental risk factor, or a performance risk factor. Applying a first weighting to the first flight risk factor to generate a first weighted flight risk factor, and applying a second weighting to the second flight risk factor to generate a second weighted flight risk factor. Assessing a flight risk level for a flight based on the first weighted flight risk factor and the second weighted flight risk factor. Providing data indicating the assessed flight risk level for the flight for display to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Federal Express Corporation
    Inventors: Suresh Rangan, James L. Bowman, Robert E. Fisher
  • Patent number: 11861549
    Abstract: Drone-based systems and methods are described for providing an airborne relocatable communication hub within a delivery vehicle for broadcast-enabled devices maintained within the delivery vehicle. Such a method has an aerial communication drone paired with the delivery vehicle transitioning to an active power state, uncoupling from a secured position on an internal docking station fixed within the delivery vehicle and then moving to a first deployed airborne position within the delivery vehicle. At a first position, the method has the aerial communication drone establishing a first wireless data communication path to a first broadcast-enabled device within the delivery vehicle, then establishing a second wireless data communication path to a second broadcast-enabled device within the delivery vehicle. The drone then couples the first and second wireless data communication paths it established operating as the airborne relocatable communication hub for the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Federal Express Corporation
    Inventors: Reuben F. Burch, V, David A. Doyle, Brian D. Popp
  • Patent number: 11840372
    Abstract: A cargo pallet is disclosed. The cargo pallet may have a pallet base. The cargo pallet may also have a pallet liner. The pallet liner may have a pallet liner base. The pallet liner base may be positioned on the pallet base. The pallet liner may also have a pallet extension, which may be fixedly attached to the pallet liner base. The pallet extension may project outwardly from the pallet liner base. The pallet extension may also have a support surface that may at least in part extend outwardly beyond a footprint of the pallet base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: FEDERAL EXPRESS CORPORATION
    Inventors: David M. Lee, Frank J. LeRose
  • Patent number: 11820574
    Abstract: A shipping assembly is described. The assembly includes a shipping container, a bottom structure, and a top structure. The bottom and top structures retain objects in a spaced-apart arrangement within the shipping container. A paperboard sheet is folded into three horizontal layers to form the bottom structure. A first layer has apertures to retain the objects. A second layer is below and spaced apart from the first layer with a substantially flat surface below the first apertures. A third layer is below and spaced apart from the second layer. Another paperboard sheet is folded into two horizontal layers to form the top structure. A fourth layer has another set of apertures to retain the objects. A fifth layer is above and spaced apart from the fourth layer. The apertures are align to position the objects in the shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Federal Express Corporation
    Inventor: Yongquan Zhou
  • Publication number: 20230367366
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include wearable devices and methods for performing courier services. In one implementation, the device includes a depth camera for detecting object depths in a field of view, a scanner for decoding visual codes, a speaker for producing audible sounds in response to an electrical signal, memory, and a processor. The processor may execute instructions to detect a scanning event based on a first signal received from the depth camera, determine a scan region associated with the scanning event, provide a second signal to the scanner causing the scanner to decode a visual code located within the scan region, generate scan data based on a third signal received from the scanner, and provide a fourth signal to the speaker causing the speaker to emit a notification sound. The wearable device may also capture signatures, dimension objects, and disable device functions based on time and place restrictions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Applicant: FEDERAL EXPRESS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Reuben F. Burch
  • Patent number: 11814193
    Abstract: A modular staircase is disclosed. The modular staircase includes a first staircase section having a plurality of steps and a first support member detachably connected to the first staircase section. Further, the modular staircase includes a second stair module having a second staircase section including a plurality of steps and a second support member detachably connected to the second staircase section and to the first support member. The modular staircase further includes a third stair module having a third staircase section including a plurality of steps and a retractable third support member detachably connected to the third staircase section and to the second support member. The third support member may be configured to raise or lower the third staircase section relative to the second staircase section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Federal Express Corporation
    Inventor: Jacob W. Springer
  • Patent number: 11775919
    Abstract: Drone-based systems and methods are described for providing an airborne relocatable communication hub within a delivery vehicle for broadcast-enabled devices maintained within the delivery vehicle. Such a method has an aerial communication drone paired with the delivery vehicle transitioning to an active power state, uncoupling from a secured position on an internal docking station fixed within the delivery vehicle and then moving to a first deployed airborne position within the delivery vehicle. At a first position, the method has the aerial communication drone establishing a first wireless data communication path to a first broadcast-enabled device within the delivery vehicle, then establishing a second wireless data communication path to a second broadcast-enabled device within the delivery vehicle. The drone then couples the first and second wireless data communication paths it established operating as the airborne relocatable communication hub for the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Federal Express Corporation
    Inventors: Reuben F. Burch, V., David A. Doyle, Brian D. Popp
  • Patent number: 11752378
    Abstract: A device for suppressing and/or extinguishing a fire associated with a container may include a housing defining a hollow sleeve and a column configured to be received within the hollow sleeve. The column may define a first chamber, a second chamber, at least one aperture, and a piercing end configured to pierce a barrier. The first chamber may be configured to receive an expansion agent, and the second chamber may be configured to receive a fire extinguishing agent. The device may be configured such that upon activation of the expansion agent, the column extends from the housing so as to enable the piercing end to penetrate the container and to enable the fire extinguishing agent to be delivered into an interior of the container via the at least one aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Federal Express Corporation
    Inventor: James B. Popp
  • Patent number: 11715380
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for receiving aircraft transponder signals. Identifying, from among the aircraft transponder signals, a first aircraft transponders signal based on an identifier, wherein the identifier indicates that the first aircraft transponder signal is associated with an aircraft on which the computing system is located. Identifying first location data within the first aircraft transponder signal. Generating second location data by converting the first location data to a format recognizable by a geographic mapping application, where the second location data is readable by the geographic mapping application to permit the geographic mapping application to present a graphical representation of a geographical location of the aircraft as represented by the first location data. Providing the second location data to the geographic mapping application for presentation to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Federal Express Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Anthony Donhoffner, Bennett Michael Wetherald, Danny Jay Reed
  • Patent number: 11716334
    Abstract: Methods and systems for communicating information are disclosed. An example method can comprise receiving information at a first device based on a first protocol. The information can be translated, at the first device, for communication to a second device based on a second protocol. A determination can be made as to whether the information matches a criterion associated with a transportation device. The information can be provided to the second device based on the second protocol and a determination that the information matches the criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Federal Express Corporation
    Inventors: Mark D. Yerger, Ted McFann, Joseph W. Slavinsky, Joshua Beckman Kendrick, Scot A. Struminger
  • Patent number: 11709117
    Abstract: A method and an assembly for testing a shipping package are described. The assembly includes a scuff test sub-assembly, a belt burn test sub-assembly, and multiple conveyors positioned between to the sub-assemblies to convey a shipping package through the assembly. The scuff test sub-assembly includes an inclined plane and multiple objects which extend outward from the inclined plane. The belt burn test sub-assembly includes a plate that moves over a portion of one of the conveyors. The plate moves between a first position which obstructs movement of the shipping package but permits movement of the one of the conveyors relative to the shipping package and a second position where movement of the shipping package along the conveyor is not obstructed. At least two of the conveyors meet at a junction to change an orientation of the shipping package as the shipping package is conveyed across the junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Federal Express Corporation
    Inventor: Yongquan Zhou
  • Patent number: 11709816
    Abstract: Methods and systems for optimizing a data structure are disclosed. An example method can comprise categorizing, based on travel information associated with a vehicle, locations according to at least one of a first category and a second category. An example method can comprise generating search criteria configured to select first data for locations categorized with the first category and second data for locations categorized with the second category. The first data can be more detailed than the second data. An example method can comprise receiving information based on the search criteria and providing the information to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Federal Express Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Hills, Ross Armstrong, Carlos Sosa
  • Patent number: 11670811
    Abstract: An apparatus may store at least one object including at least one top end and at least one bottom end. The apparatus may include a container configured to store the at least one object and a pouch containing a liquid. The pouch may be configured to substantially cover the at least one top end of the at least one object when stored inside the container. The pouch may be configured to contact the at least one top end of the at least one object and to open when contacted by contents expelled from the at least one object due to thermal runaway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: FEDERAL EXPRESS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mark Richard Petzinger
  • Publication number: 20230166139
    Abstract: A device for suppressing fire inside a container includes a support structure configured to be mounted inside a vehicle at a position associated with at least one location configured to receive a container. The device further includes a deployment structure coupled to the support structure and a penetrator assembly coupled to the deployment structure. The penetrator assembly includes a nozzle having a tip configured to pierce a container and an actuator associated with the nozzle. The actuator is configured to extend the tip of the nozzle such that it pierces a container. The support structure and the deployment structure are configured such that the penetrator assembly is movable in at least one plane with respect to the support structure, and the penetrator assembly is configured to receive fire suppressant and direct the fire suppressant into the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2023
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Applicant: Federal Express Corporation
    Inventor: MARK R. PETZINGER
  • Patent number: 11661195
    Abstract: An in-flight risk management system includes an eye sensor, a seat sensor, and one or more in-flight risk management computers that perform operations including: obtaining history information for a flight crew member, obtaining flight information associated with a flight on which the flight crew member will be present, determining, based on the history information and the flight information, a predicted fatigue profile for the flight crew member, determining, based on the predicted fatigue profile for the crew member, one or more fatigue indicator profiles for the flight crew member, obtaining, from at least one of the eye sensor or seat sensor, one or more measured fatigue indicator values associated with the flight crew member, generating, based on the one or more measured fatigue indicator values, one or more updated fatigue indicator profiles, and generating, based on the one or more updated fatigue indicator profiles, an updated predicted fatigue profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Federal Express Corporation
    Inventor: Suresh Rangan
  • Patent number: 11577106
    Abstract: A device for suppressing fire inside a container includes a support structure configured to be mounted inside a vehicle at a position associated with at least one location configured to receive a container. The device further includes a deployment structure coupled to the support structure and a penetrator assembly coupled to the deployment structure. The penetrator assembly includes a nozzle having a tip configured to pierce a container and an actuator associated with the nozzle. The actuator is configured to extend the tip of the nozzle such that it pierces a container. The support structure and the deployment structure are configured such that the penetrator assembly is movable in at least one plane with respect to the support structure, and the penetrator assembly is configured to receive fire suppressant and direct the fire suppressant into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: FEDERAL EXPRESS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mark R. Petzinger
  • Patent number: 11567534
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include wearable devices and methods for performing courier services. In one implementation, the device includes a depth camera for detecting object depths in a field of view, a scanner for decoding visual codes, a speaker for producing audible sounds in response to an electrical signal, memory, and a processor. The processor may execute instructions to detect a scanning event based on a first signal received from the depth camera, determine a scan region associated with the scanning event, provide a second signal to the scanner causing the scanner to decode a visual code located within the scan region, generate scan data based on a third signal received from the scanner, and provide a fourth signal to the speaker causing the speaker to emit a notification sound. The wearable device may also capture signatures, dimension objects, and disable device functions based on time and place restrictions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Federal Express Corporation
    Inventor: Reuben F. Burch
  • Publication number: 20230004924
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include computer-implemented systems and methods for generating an electronic shipping document. The systems may include a memory storing instructions configured to be executed by a processor to perform operations. The operations may include causing a display of a user device to present a user interface. The user interface may include an inquiry relating to an item to be shipped. The operations may also include receiving, via the user interface, a response to the inquiry and analyzing the response to identify one or more electronic documents for shipping the item. The operations may further include causing the user interface to present the one or more electronic documents, and populating one or more fields of the one or more electronic documents based on the response to the inquiry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Applicant: Federal Express Corporation
    Inventors: Roglly Thais CENTENO, Bland HONORS, Michael SMITH, Vijay JAGANNATHAN, Ryan ZIELKE