Patents Examined by Scott M Tungate
  • Patent number: 11978010
    Abstract: Systems and methods for handling a plurality items by using a sorter to receive items and obtain item information and delivery destinations from the items. A run manifest is generated having an item identifier and a destination for each of the plurality of items. The run manifest data is used in a routing module to generate dynamic routes for delivering the plurality of items, and generating a sequence identifier for each of the plurality of items according to the dynamically generated routes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, C. Scot Atkins, James DeForrest Wilson, Scott R. Bombaugh, Carla F. Sherry
  • Patent number: 11941549
    Abstract: The management device of an autonomous driving vehicle includes a congestion rate calculation unit and a waiting place setting unit. The congestion rate calculation unit is able to calculate the congestion rate of a parking lot adjoining each of a plurality of commercial facilities. In a case where the congestion rate of a neighbor parking lot, or a parking lot in the neighborhood of a boarding place contained in reservation information for an autonomous driving vehicle reserved for dispatch, during a waiting time period before the scheduled boarding time, is less than a congestion threshold, the waiting place setting unit sets the neighbor parking lot as a waiting place for the autonomous driving vehicle to wait during the waiting time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shin Sakurada, Katsuya Hoshi, Hiroaki Sugiyama, Masahisa Sawada, Hiroyuki Ito, Makoto Segi, Hiroki Hattori
  • Patent number: 11935115
    Abstract: System and methods for management of third party satellite radio activation/deactivation by a vehicle rental service company, wherein satellite radio services may be provided in a rental car when requested by a customer. The systems and methods will enable activation of a satellite radio shortly before or at the start of the rental period, and activation may be altered by the vehicle rental service company in the event that the rental period is shortened or extended, or if the vehicle is exchanged. The systems and methods deactivate the satellite radio service at the end of the rental period. The systems and methods may also be used to activate or deactivate other equipment or services made available via a vehicle rental service company in response to a customer request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: AVIS BUDGET CAR RENTAL, LLC
    Inventors: Wing Yu Joseph Chan, Michael J. Caron
  • Patent number: 11928639
    Abstract: Embodiments provide methods for validating secure delivery of an IHS (Information Handling System) by confirming that the packages by which the IHS was delivered include only the packages used to ship the IHS from a factory or other trusted entity. During factory provisioning of the IHS, a shipping certificate is uploaded to the IHS, where the certificate includes shipping identifiers that are each associated with a package used to ship the IHS. Upon receiving packages by which the IHS has been shipped, shipping identifiers, such as bar codes and RFID codes, are collected from the received packages. The shipping identifiers collected from the received packages are compared against the shipping identifiers from the shipping certificate in order to validate the plurality of received packages as the same packages that were used to ship the IHS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Inventors: Jason Matthew Young, Marshal F. Savage, Mukund P. Khatri
  • Patent number: 11922364
    Abstract: A system and method for geo-certifying delivery of items is disclosed. In some embodiments, a system tracks the intended delivery addresses of items as well as the actual delivery points. The system then determines if it has geo-verified geo-coordinates for the intended delivery points. If so, the system geo-certifies a delivery if the actual delivery point is within a geofence surrounding the intended delivery address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Juliaann Sanders Hess, Seth Lee Johnson
  • Patent number: 11922815
    Abstract: A method for managing data traffic of customers and self-driving vehicles includes receiving a transport request by a requesting customer, processing the received transport request, and identifying, among the self-driving vehicles, a compliant vehicle compliant with the transport request. The method also includes identifying a compliant route, compliant with the transport request, and causing the compliant vehicle to perform a transport service over the identified compliant route according to said transport request. identification of a compliant vehicle, identification of a compliant route, and causation of the compliant vehicle to perform a transport service are based on information about the mobile communication network, information about the compliant vehicle, and information about a radio state in the mobile communication network between the customers, between the vehicles, and between the customers and the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: TELECOM ITALIA S.p.A.
    Inventors: Sergio Barberis, Mauro Renato Boldi
  • Patent number: 11868947
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to the sortation of products using a conveyor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Taylor, Matthew D. Alexander, William M. Propes, John C. Crecelius, Jr., Jason D. Bellar
  • Patent number: 11853956
    Abstract: In an aspect, a system for assembling a transport is presented. A system includes a computing device. A computing device is configured to receive a transport request. A transport request comprises a recipient identifier. A computing device is configured to arrange a plurality of components into a transport assembly as a function of a recipient identifier. A computing device is configured to generate a transport label. A computing device is configured to input a transport label into a carrier optimization model. A computing device is configured to provide a recommendation of a carrier from a plurality of carriers as a function of a transport assembly and carrier optimization model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Hammel Companies Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Charles Dohrn, Matthew Paul McGowan
  • Patent number: 11810054
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to automatically generating a jurisdiction entry compliance indicator (JECI) based on an automatically generated content attributes profile (CAP) for a closed package. In an illustrative example, the CAP may be generated based on predetermined content attributes selected by a content characterization model as a function of a contents description profile (CDP) for the package. The CDP may, for example, be automatically generated by a natural language processing model as a function of a predetermined text description of contents of the package. The JECI may be generated as a function of the CAP, predetermined permissions rules, and predetermined permissions attributes. The predetermined permissions attributes may be associated with the originator. The predetermined permissions rules may be identified by a rules identification model as a function of the CAP and a destination of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Inventor: Vicente Cardenas
  • Patent number: 11797666
    Abstract: A Secure Environment Public Register (SEPR) provides a method and system that allows precious metals in the shape of ban(s) or units to be certified, specially numbered to provide exact linkage to an owner, allow secure movement of precious metals between secure facilities, and though Blockchain allow secure transfer of ownership between individuals and organizations. The SEPR allows gold and other precious metals to be easily held and traded in commerce with all the advantages of holding precious metals. The SEPR system allows exact audits of the metal bars on hand and avoids over-selling units since each bar is serialized and ownership is documented in a public register.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Ideal Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert William Kocher, Douglas Earl Dyer, John Shelly Bowling, II
  • Patent number: 11783280
    Abstract: In an aspect, a system for carrier selection is presented. A system includes a computing device. A computing device is configured to receive a transport request from an external computing device. A transport request includes transport parameters conveyed to a computing device. A computing device is configured to receive at least a carrier datum from a carrier database. At least a carrier datum corresponds to at least a carrier of a plurality of carriers. A computing device is configured to identify a carrier of a plurality of carriers as a function of a transport request and at least a carrier datum. A computing device is configured to generate a carrier optimization model as a function of a transport request. A computing device is configured to provide a carrier selection as a function of a carrier optimization model and an identified carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: PITT OHIO
    Inventors: Christina Marie Reczek, Scott Walter Greacen
  • Patent number: 11755988
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a system, methods, and computer-readable media for automatically initiating post-delivery action based on pre-tender diagnostic test results and post-delivery diagnostic test results stored in a distributed electronic ledger for a particular item. In embodiments, the post-delivery action can include, among other things, automatically initiating a return action such as generating shipment information for a return of the item, initiating an insurance action for the item, and/or communicating an electronic notification to the item seller and/or item purchaser. The post-delivery action can be stored in the distributed electronic ledger, and the post-delivery action can electronically trigger a cascade of returns, billing, communications, and/or insurance actions, among other things.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Robert J. Gillen
  • Patent number: 11755964
    Abstract: A user of a personal computing device may identify multiple travel items of interest displayed for purchase by a network-based travel service. However, the user may not desire to purchase the travel items in a single purchase. Upon making a travel purchase that includes a first travel item that does not include a second travel item corresponding to the first travel item, the user may employ the network travel package service to search for second travel items corresponding to the first travel item, select from discounted travel packages including the first travel item and second travel items returned from the search, and purchase a discounted travel package. Beneficially, multiple travel items may be purchased separately while obtaining a package discount as compared to the stand-alone price of the travel items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Expedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn William Wallace, Barbara Perks, Michael Edward Hamm, Jada Michelle Williams, William George Long, Derek John Zumsteg, Michael Stephen Tuck-Lee, Lam Chi Ha
  • Patent number: 11727347
    Abstract: A management system for managing the utilization of item receptacles in a distribution network. Items can be transferred to recipients at a limited number of item receptacles in unit delivery facilities of the distribution network. Item retrieval behavior is tracked to determine a recipient score for known recipients. Based on the recipient scores, subsequent items to be transferred can be placed in a receptacle or a storage area based on the associated recipient score. Placement in receptacles can be prioritized to recipients with low scores indicating that the item will likely be retrieved quickly, while items addressed to recipients with high scores may not be placed into a receptacle if receptacles are scarce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Marc D. McCrery, Donald Eugene Irwin
  • Patent number: 11699125
    Abstract: A system and method for coordinating item delivery is disclosed. The system includes a control hub configured to receive item information, a dynamic routing system configured to provide routing instructions, and a handheld device configured to receive routing instructions. The control hub controls and coordinates receiving and transmitting item information, including pick-up and delivery schedules, and other item information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Mary P. Anderson, James D. Wilson, Angela D. Lawson, Rosemarie Bolha
  • Patent number: 11694128
    Abstract: Techniques herein attempt to provide actors with more flexible and satisfactory experiences regarding obtaining tickets for an event. A learning model may identify attributes indicative of whether a particular actor (e.g., attempting to purchase tickets to an event) possesses a desirable characteristic (e.g., is likely to attend the event). Each actor can then be evaluated to estimate whether she is a good actor (possesses the characteristic). If so, favored opportunities may be made available, such as the opportunity to buy high-demand tickets. An actor may further have the opportunity to hold or reserve tickets for a period time, during which other actors cannot purchase them. A fee for holding or reserving tickets (and/or maintaining the hold or reserve) can be dynamically set based on market factors. Opportunities to modify seat assignments to allow a group of friends to sit together may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventors: David Scarborough, Samuel Levin, John Carnahan, Michael Horowitz, Alexander Hazboun
  • Patent number: 11645607
    Abstract: A delivery assistance device assists in an operation of a delivery service in which the inside of a vehicle, a building, or a facility that is used by a purchaser is designated as a delivery destination of one or more products purchased via a predetermined website regarding electronic commerce. The delivery assistance device includes a controller configured to transmit delivery destination information on the vehicle, the building, or the facility for designating the inside of the vehicle, the building, or the facility that is used by the user as a delivery destination of the product to an external device or a terminal at which the user browses the website when the controller receives user information indicating that the user intends to order the one or more products in the website from the external device operating the website.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masato Endo, Yuichiro Haruna
  • Patent number: 11605049
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention involve systems, methods, and computer program products that provide enhanced messages. In embodiment, a method for sending messages is provided that includes receiving shipping data that includes a destination address for delivery of an item, a message address for sending a notification message, customized data and a trigger event. In response to an occurrence of the triggering event, a notification message is sent to the message address and providing access to the customized data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Dotterweich, Juan Perez, Jean Mense
  • Patent number: 11593750
    Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for managing and tracking shipments. Aspects of the invention provide an automated tracking and management system that allows interested parties (e.g., customers, truckers, carriers, consignees, manufacturers, importers, exporters, freight forwarders, etc.) to manage and track shipments across various different and diverse transportation legs between an origin and a destination. The tracking and management system (or “the system”) facilitates more efficient shipment logistics for interested parties in a number of ways. The system can provide truckers with information about a container (e.g., empty or full) or pallet or other shipment that is to be picked up at a location for further transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: KlearNow Corporation
    Inventors: Ulf Sandberg, Sanjeev Tyagi, Ricardo Tellez
  • Patent number: 11580615
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus according to the present application includes an acquiring unit and a deciding unit. The acquiring unit acquires attribute information on a user. The deciding unit decides, based on the attribute information acquired by the acquiring unit, a placement position in which a virtual riding point that corresponds to a riding point that is used for the user to ride in a moving vehicle and that is virtually set is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: YAHOO JAPAN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ikuo Kitagishi, Atsushi Hashimoto, Takanori Hirohashi, Yuki Taguchi