Abstract: A warehousing system includes a container for storing at least one item, a first electronic (e.g. radio frequency identification (RFID)) module associated with the first container, and a controller which wirelessly communicates with first electronic module, for directing a transfer of said at least one item to and/or from said first container. The inventive system may include, for example, a hybrid retail/warehouse system which includes a facility having a shelving area, and a picking area adjacent to the shelving area, and a layout so as to minimize a picking area and a walking distance between a picking area and a shelving area.

Abstract: A locking device locking device (e.g., lock and lock assembly) includes a drive motor connected to a finite power supply, the drive motor including a shaft and a predetermined number of windings, and a threaded rod axially connected to the shaft, the rod having a predetermined thread pitch. The number of windings and/or the thread pitch are selected to maximize a life of the finite power supply.

Abstract: A package storage and delivery system includes electronically controlled lockers disposed at or near customer locations. Each locker is unlocked by a courier, preferably by means of a short-range transceiver or transmitter carried on the courier's person. The customer can unlock the locker and receive the delivered package. Cryptographically signed communications are employed along with nonvolatile usage logs to minimize the risk of loss of a package or fraud by courier or customer. The lockers may be stackable, permitting a delivery courier to add lockers in the event a customer receives too many deliveries to fit into a single locker. Each box has, of course, a physical location, and has associated with it an address code indicative of the physical location, for example by means of a human-readable or compressed representation of the precise latitude and longitude. A package delivered to such a box preferably bears the address code.

Abstract: A system for handling packages includes an electronic module associated with at least one package, the electronic module including a memory device for storing handling data for the at least one package, a first transceiver, and a signaling device operatively coupled to the first transceiver. The system further includes at least one control station including a second transceiver for wirelessly communicating with the first transceiver to direct the handling of the at least one package.

Abstract: A system for delivery to multiple units includes a drop-box array including a plurality of drop-boxes and at least one transceiver, and an access device which includes a second transceiver, for wirelessly communicating with the at least one transceiver to access a drop-box.

Abstract: A package storage and delivery system includes electronically controlled lockers disposed at or near customer locations. Each locker is unlocked by a courier, preferably by means of a short-range transceiver or transmitter carried on the courier's person. The customer can unlock the locker and receive the delivered package. Cryptographically signed communications are employed along with nonvolatile usage logs to minimize the risk of loss of a package or fraud by courier or customer. The lockers may be stackable, permitting a delivery courier to add lockers in the event a customer receives too many deliveries to fit into a single locker. Each box has, of course, a physical location, and has associated with it an address code indicative of the physical location, for example by means of a human-readable or compressed representation of the precise latitude and longitude. A package delivered to such a box preferably bears the address code.