Patents Assigned to United Parcel Services of America
  • Patent number: 12008813
    Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for optimizing package delivery and confirmation are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system's processors accesses a first image of an assigned delivery location captured by a first computing device. The first image comprises an annotation indicating a specific location at the assigned delivery location for delivery of a parcel. At a display device of a second computing device, a real-time image stream comprising the annotation is captured by a camera of the second computing device is displayed. The annotation is overlaid within the real-time image stream based on comparing the first image received from the first computing device to the real-time image stream. The system further captures, from the real-time image stream, a second image when the parcel is positioned at the specific location based on the annotation overlaid within the real-time image stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: David Carder, Ryan Fannon, William McCauley
  • Patent number: 12008515
    Abstract: Generally, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods that can identify the location of a consignee's vehicle and deliver an item to the location of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Robert J. Gillen, Roberta Walton Hensley
  • Patent number: 12005478
    Abstract: A multi-tiered automated parcel sortation system is utilized to sort parcels according to a common destination. A first tier includes an automated sorter configured to transport parcels from a source location to a release destination. A second tier includes accumulation containers each associated with a shipping destination, and the release destination within the first tier is a positioned directly above the accumulation container associated with the shipping destination of the parcel. Once transported to the release destination, a parcel is released into the accumulation container, and once the accumulation container is filled, the accumulation of parcels within the container is released into a third tier, which may include conveyors or autonomous guided vehicles with transport containers. In the third tier, the parcels are transported away for further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Julian Leland Bell, Gregory Casanova Brown, II, Stephens Woodrough, Dameion Teres Drake
  • Patent number: 12008516
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting duplicate travel. The apparatus may include at least one memory and at least one processor configured to detect a travel path of a vehicle based in part on received items of location data. The processor is also configured to determine whether the travel path is associated with a defined street segment including a plurality of location points corresponding to a street. The processor is further configured to determine whether the vehicle travels the street multiple times in a predefined time period. The processor is further configured to superimpose visible indicia on the defined street segment in response to detecting that the vehicle traveled the street multiple times during the predefined time period. Corresponding computer program products and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Davidson
  • Patent number: 11981244
    Abstract: Loading, shifting, and staging objects in automated or semi-automated fashion including systems, methods, and apparatuses for the same. The embodiments hereof enable automated and/or semi-automated loading, shifting, organizing, staging, and accessing of objects in different environments, e.g., those associated with a logistics network operation. For example, one such environment is a vehicle. In one aspect, a loading mechanism is used to load objects into a storage space of the vehicle. In another aspect, a shifting mechanism is used to shift objects in a storage space of the vehicle. In another aspect, a door assembly allows for automated opening and closing of a door into a storage space of a vehicle. In addition, methods of manufacturing and using the same are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Julio Gil, Mallory Freeman
  • Patent number: 11975878
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for handling and manipulating packages in automated or semi-automated fashion and packages adapted for the same. The systems may include package-holding devices, package-manipulating devices, and package-detection components for locating packages or portions thereof in a three-dimensional space. The packages may include features that enable automated or semi-automated handling and manipulation thereof, such as different types of opening/closing mechanisms with different geometric structures that allow for holding, shifting, and manipulating the packages and/or portions thereof with the package-manipulating devices. The packages additionally or alternatively may include mechanical fasteners, magnets, and/or spring-biased opening/closing mechanisms for keeping the packages closed prior to manipulation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Julian Leland Bell, Stephens B. Woodrough, Jr., Justin Ashtiani
  • Patent number: 11978012
    Abstract: Detecting, locating, identifying, engaging, and/or shifting objects in automated or semi-automated fashion as well as methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer-program products therefor. Embodiments used for shifting objects in automated or semi-automated fashion may be implemented in stationary environments, and/or in moving, e.g., in-transit, environments, and may be used to transfer, route, and/or organize objects based on their designated destinations. The embodiments may further be implemented in a logistics network, thereby increasing the efficiency and capacity of the logistics network, among other benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Julio Gil
  • Patent number: 11966875
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for determining delivery confidence intervals. An example method for determining a confidence interval includes the following operations. Delivery information is received from one or more sources, wherein the delivery information comprises data associated with at least one predefined location perimeter. The data associated with the at least one predefined location perimeter is normalized. The normalized data is categorized into training data used to perform a deep neural network regression analysis. A predicted delivery confidence interval is determined by constructing a predictive learning model by conducting a regression of the data using deep neural network regression. The predicted delivery confidence interval is stored in a results table in association with the predefined location perimeter. And, upon receiving a request from a visibility management system, accessing the results table to provide predicted delivery windows to consignees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Hickey, Elizabeth Barayuga, Jia Fan
  • Patent number: 11958674
    Abstract: In some aspects, an item storage unit for storing one or more items includes the following components. A first frame component and a first stretch member coupled to at least a first surface of the first frame component. The first stretch member being more flexible relative to the first frame component. The one or more items are configured to be supported by at least the first stretch member and the first frame component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Julio Gil
  • Patent number: 11953902
    Abstract: In various aspects, a first set of attributes associated with a target location are determined. The target location is a location that one or more items are to be delivered to by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The first set of attributes are compared with a second set of attributes. The second set of attributes indicate attributes of each UAV of a plurality of UAVs. Based on the comparing, a UAV, of the plurality of UAVs, is recommended to deliver the one or more items to the target location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerome Ferguson
  • Patent number: 11941580
    Abstract: Detecting, locating, identifying, engaging, and/or shifting objects in automated or semi-automated fashion as well as methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer-program products therefor. Embodiments used for shifting objects in automated or semi-automated fashion may be implemented in stationary environments, and/or in moving, e.g., in-transit, environments, and may be used to transfer, route, and/or organize objects based on their designated destinations. The embodiments may further be implemented in a logistics network, thereby increasing the efficiency and capacity of the logistics network, among other benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Julio Gil
  • Patent number: 11941575
    Abstract: An unallocated item/product inventory is maintained in each of a plurality of delivery vehicles traversing service routes within a delivery service area. Upon receipt of an order for delivery of an item/product that may be selected from the item/product inventory maintained within a delivery vehicle and that is to be delivered to a destination location within the delivery service area, a delivery vehicle driver is instructed to deliver an item/product selected from the item/product inventory located on the delivery vehicle during the corresponding service route on the same day that the order was placed. A delivery label for the item/product is printed, and the delivery vehicle driver secures the printed delivery label to an item/product selected from the unallocated item/product inventory, and delivers the item/product to the destination location on the same day the order was placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Loubriel
  • Patent number: 11935039
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods, systems and computer program products for conducting an online transaction on a website involving sensitive information. Such embodiments provide methods, systems and computer program products to: (a) register at least one entity with a gate keeper module, the registering comprising associating the entity with a subscription level; (b) associate a sub-string of a character string with a unique token so that a direct link does not exist between the unique token and the character string; and (c) during processing of the online transaction: (i) using the unique token for intermediate steps during the processing of the online transaction; and (ii) only accessing the character string in storage memory to complete the online transaction after receiving a request from at least one registered entity associated with a subscription level associated with a privilege to receive the requested sensitive information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahesh Sahasranaman, Robert W. Plumer
  • Patent number: 11935169
    Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for an augmented reality display using an actual image of the item. Additionally, the present disclosure provides for a proportionally dimensioned representation of the item in the augmented reality display. In some aspects, a beacon/tag/sensor-based approach may be used. In some aspects, a marker-based approach may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Dotterweich, Christopher T. Schenken, Jeffrey Cooper
  • Patent number: 11922363
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for verifying physical proximity of counterparties in digital asset transfers. A sender device receives a recipient hash and a recipient address are received, where recipient hash is generated by the recipient device based on each of the associated recipient address and a first set of location parameters. The sender device obtains a second set of location parameters that corresponds to a detected physical location thereof. The sender device employs the obtained second set of location parameters to decipher the recipient hash, and generates a request to transfer a digital token from a sender address associated with the sender device to the recipient address based on a determination that the deciphered recipient hash corresponds to the received recipient address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Gillen
  • Patent number: 11907896
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for facilitating label-less returns. The apparatus may include a memory and a processor(s) configured to receive a shipment identifier of an item(s) responsive to a device scanning a label or marking(s) on the item(s) delivered to a customer for a shipper. The processor is also configured to generate a return authorization number (RAN) or indicator for the item(s) and link the RAN/indicator to the identifier responsive to verifying that the customer is registered and that the item(s) qualifies for return. The processor is further configured to cause return delivery of the item(s) to the shipper using the label or the marking(s) on the item(s) responsive to verifying the RAN/indicator is linked to the identifier. Corresponding computer program products and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Robert J. Gillen, Douglas S. Takeuchi, Deborah H. Carpenter, David Kaga
  • Patent number: 11900310
    Abstract: Generally, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods that can facilitate delivery and access to an unattended home. A location of the unattended home for a drop off of the item is determined based on information received from a user or information associated with a user profile, the information including permission to enter the unattended home. Location data for a carrier device is determined based on receiving satellite positioning data from the carrier device, the location data of the carrier device indicating that the carrier device corresponds to the location of the unattended home. Information associated with an identifier affixed to the item is also determined. Access to the unattended home is granted based on transmitting a signal to at least one of a home monitoring system and a networked home device at the unattended home when the information corresponds to the location data from the carrier device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Robert J. Gillen, Roberta Walton Hensley
  • Patent number: 11900306
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for tracking physical transfers of tokenized physical assets. A transferor request to transfer a digital token from a first address associated with the first computing device to a second address associated with a second computing device may be received by a first computing device, where the digital token corresponds to a unique identifier associated with a physical asset. The first computing device communicates the received transferor request including at least a first location parameter, determined by the first computing device based on signals received at a physical location thereof, to at least one node of a distributed ledger network. The first computing device receives a confirmation that the transfer of the digital token is approved based on a determination that a transferee request from the second computing device includes at least a second location parameter corresponding to the physical location of the first computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Robert J. Gillen
  • Patent number: 11887048
    Abstract: Detecting, locating, identifying, engaging, and/or shifting objects in automated or semi-automated fashion as well as methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer-program products therefor. Embodiments used for shifting objects in automated or semi-automated fashion may be implemented in stationary environments, and/or in moving, e.g., in-transit, environments, and may be used to transfer, route, and/or organize objects based on their designated destinations. The embodiments may further be implemented in a logistics network, thereby increasing the efficiency and capacity of the logistics network, among other benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Julio Gil
  • Patent number: 11858010
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for associating an asset with a sort location, the system comprising a conveyor belt assembly and a user device configured to be worn by a user. The conveyor belt assembly comprises: an acquisition device and a plurality of stripes defining a non-repeating pattern, the plurality of stripes comprising a plurality of unique sets of stripes. The acquisition device is configured to capture image data comprising asset identifier data and conveyor mechanism data, the conveyor mechanism data including one of the plurality of unique sets of stripes. The user device is configured to capture conveyor mechanism data including one of the plurality of unique sets of stripes; remotely receive asset identifier data associated with the user device captured conveyor mechanism data; and generate and display to the user, relative to the asset, at least one visual indicator of one or more sort instructions for the asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Julio Gil