Patents by Inventor Deborah H. Carpenter

Deborah H. Carpenter has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • 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
  • Publication number: 20210150472
    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: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: Robert J. Gillen, Douglas S. Takeuchi, Deborah H. Carpenter, David Kaga
  • Patent number: 10878369
    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 determine whether the customer is registered in a returns program and whether the item(s) qualifies for return based on analyzing the identifier. 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: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Gillen, Douglas S. Takeuchi, Deborah H. Carpenter, David Kaga
  • Publication number: 20150088781
    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 determine whether the customer is registered in a returns program and whether the item(s) qualifies for return based on analyzing the identifier. 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: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Robert J. Gillen, Douglas S. Takeuchi, Deborah H. Carpenter, David Kaga