Patents Assigned to United Parcel Service of America
  • Patent number: 12259802
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, methods, and computer storage media for providing data monitoring and analysis of a data center using an Entity-Component-System (ECS) architecture. Embodiments of the disclosure provide mechanisms for initializing the ECS architecture by associating devices and data metrics relating to the data center as entities and components. During runtime, the components are continuously updated with collected data metrics and the state of the entities are analyzed by the systems to determine if an event has occurred that requires a remedial action be performed. The events correspond to events occurring on the data center as they relate to the devices associated with the entities. Actions correspond to steps that are taken to rectify the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Podolski, Steffen Chirichiello
  • Patent number: 12260364
    Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided. The method comprises receiving location information for an item. The location information indicates the current physical location of the item. The method further comprises determining whether the item is located within a first configurable distance of an establishment and responsive to determining that the item is located within the first configurable distance of the establishment, requesting first location information for the consignee of the item and second location information for the consignee of the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Gillen, David Sisco, Sara Zoromsky, Jeff Enyart, Kalin Robinson, David Carder
  • Patent number: 12258152
    Abstract: A drone delivery system hub and method for sending for take-off and receiving for landing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The drone delivery system hub includes a center shaft frame, a parcel-conveying system supported by the center shaft frame, structural arms coupled to and extending outward from the center shaft frame in a spoke-like configuration, drone-conveying systems each supported by one of the structural arms, and a linking conveyor span. The drone-conveying system conveys the UAVs along a length of a correspond one of the structural arms toward and away from the center shaft frame. The linking conveyor span selectably rotates to different orientations between different pairs of the structural arms, selectively conveying a UAV thereon between any two of the structural arms. The linking conveyor span is located above the parcel-conveying system such for the UAV thereon to deposit and retrieve parcels from the parcel-conveying system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Julio Gil, Thomas Ramsager, Jeff Walp
  • Patent number: 12260722
    Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking the location of an asset may utilize wireless asset beacons broadcasting asset information/data and powered asset beacons secured relative to movable powered assets. The powered asset beacons may be configured to receive signals transmitted from the asset beacons and to ascertain a relative location between the asset beacon and the powered asset to determine an estimated location of the asset. Moreover, the asset beacons may be selectively activated based on the occurrence of a trigger event, such that the asset beacons do not wireless transmit information/data when it is desirable to limit wireless data transmissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Paul Tyler, Balakrishna Subramaniam
  • Patent number: 12260643
    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: April 26, 2024
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: David Carder, Ryan Fannon, William McCauley
  • Patent number: 12248906
    Abstract: A synchronized delivery system for delivering parcels directly to an alternate delivery location such as a locker bank in lieu of making any delivery attempt at a primary delivery location such as a home or office. The system may deliver parcels directly to the alternate delivery location when a related parcel is currently stored at the alternate delivery location awaiting pickup. A related parcel may include a parcel addressed to the same consignee, to a related consignee (e.g., such as a neighbor, roommate, or spouse), or to another authorized to pick up parcels on behalf of the consignee. When delivering parcels to alternate deliver locations, the system may facilitate a grouping of related parcels in a single locker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2025
    Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Kalin Robinson, Robert J. Gillen
  • Patent number: 12236806
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in part, to improving existing technologies by detecting engagement of the one or more components of the logistics vehicle, which may be indicative of receiving an indication that the user is performing at least a first logistics operation. At least partially in response to the detecting, various embodiments cause display, at one or more monitors, of data where the data includes one or more instructions for the user to perform at least a second logistics operation and/or the data includes a video feed of real world scenes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Hafford, Tim Smith
  • Patent number: 12218370
    Abstract: A landing gear system that can be used with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) retrieves and releases canisters suitable for delivering items. To do so, the landing gear comprises a first leg and a second leg. The first landing leg and the second landing leg are rotationally engages at a first leg connection end and a second leg connection end. A tensioning member applies a rotational force about the engagement location, biasing the first leg toward the second leg. Each of the first and second legs can include a curved portion. A UAV comprising the landing gear can be lowered over a canister, and the canister is secured in place within the curved portions of the legs. To release, the landing legs are rotated against the bias, which can be facilitated by landing the UAV and placing the rotors into a reverse thrust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Julio Gil, Julian Bell
  • Patent number: 12210996
    Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities for determining/identifying confidence ratings/indicators for delivery of items. In one embodiment, this comprises determining a number of location events that occurred within a zone of confidence for delivery an item to a serviceable address; and responsive to determining the number of location events that occurred within the zone of confidence for delivery the item to the serviceable address, determining, via one or more processors, a confidence rating for delivery of the item to the serviceable address based at least in part on the number of location events that occurred within the zone of confidence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay Christian Staples
  • Patent number: 12204980
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a first indication that a first antenna, of multiple antennas, has received data from a first tag coupled to an asset is received. The antennas are coupled to an interior housing within a logistics vehicle. A second indication that a second antenna, of the antennas, has received the data from the first tag is also received. Based at least in part on the receiving of the first indication and the receiving of the second indication, a location within the logistics vehicle that asset is located in is detected. In response to the detecting of the location, a control signal is transmitted that causes a user device or apparatus to indicate that the asset is located within an area associated with the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jethro Bonafe, Christopher Azar, Dennis Bautista, Vincent Pizzuto, Derek Uber
  • Patent number: 12203760
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are disclosed herein that generate computer-executable instructions that are executed by an autonomous vehicle and cause the autonomous vehicle to follow a specific route to deliver or pickup of an item. Using an inference model, historical data of off-street terrain used for prior deliveries and on-street terrain in map data are leveraged to generate candidate routes for the “last 10 feet” of a delivery. One of the candidate routes is selected by the inference model. Then, computer-executable instructions are generated that, when executed by an autonomous vehicle, cause the autonomous vehicle to follow the selected route and perform the last 10 feet of delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Youngjun Choi
  • Patent number: 12185856
    Abstract: A system for facilitating parcel delivery is provided. They system comprises a delivery platform mounted to a structure and positioned at a first height. The delivery platform comprises a delivery surface. The delivery surface has an elevated surface, and in some embodiments, a stationary surface. The elevated surface is capable of raising and lowering via a lift cable. Further, the elevated surface is capable of receiving a parcel from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured to transport and release the parcel. Upon receipt of the parcel, the elevated surface having the parcel is lowered to a second height that is less than the first height in which the delivery platform is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Julio Gil
  • Patent number: 12181301
    Abstract: A system is provided for hands-free handling of at least one asset by a user. The system includes a user device configured to be worn by a user and a control system remotely located relative to the user device and configured to exchange asset-related data with the user device, the asset-related data including at least one or more notifications related to the handling of the at least one asset by the user at the asset location. The user device contains a processor configured to determine location data associated with the at least one asset and including a location for the at least one asset, the determination being based, in part, upon the obtained asset identifier data; dynamically generate and display, at the user device, one or more navigational projections configured to guide the user to the asset location; and detect handling of the at least one asset by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Julio Gil
  • Patent number: 12183940
    Abstract: A landing system suitable for receiving an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprises an autonomous ground vehicle (AGV). A landing surface is disposed on the AGV, and the landing system comprises a loading channel suitable for passing an object delivered by the UAV through a first loading channel opening in the landing surface. The object passes within the loading channel through to a second loading channel opening at a bottom aspect of the AGV. In this way, a UAV can land on the landing surface, and the AGV positions the object in line with a target delivery location, where the object is delivered. Aspects of the landing system comprise an electromagnet or vacuum chamber for securing the UAV to the landing surface, thereby enhancing stability of the UAV during movement of the landing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: United Parcel Service Of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Julian Bell
  • Patent number: 12175407
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to methods and systems for initiating shipment of a connected shipment/item via a computing entity. The computing entity detects the presence of a shipment/item within a communication range of the computing entity based on received wireless communications, and initializes executable instructions upon detection of the electronically connected shipment/item to initiate shipment of the shipment/item. The executable instructions cause the computing entity to store a shipment identifier for the shipment/item, request and store shipment information/data from a user for the shipment/item, and transmit the stored shipment/item information/data and the stored shipment identifier to a carrier computing entity to generate a shipment profile for the shipment/item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Gillen
  • Patent number: 12175411
    Abstract: Various embodiments of present invention provide systems, methods, and computer-program products containing executable code for processing a package for shipping with a common carrier. Various embodiments include a wireless computing device that may be one of several types of devices such as smartphones, mobile telephones, mobile computers, portable digital assistants, laptop computers, gaming devices, electronic tablets, or other types of similar devices that may be used to facilitate the shipping and expedited tracking of objects having a tracking number via multimedia capture and processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Bolton
  • Patent number: 12163544
    Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to a clamp having a linkage coupled to a first end of a first and second clamp member. Based on applying a first directional force to the linkage, the linkage generates a force that moves the second ends of the first and second clamp member towards one another, thereby biasing the clamp to the closed position. The clamp secures a strap when the clamp is in the closed position and releases the strap when the clamp is in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Julio Gil
  • Patent number: 12162395
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for engaging, lifting, and moving objects such as wheeled cargo trailers are provided. In one embodiment, a mobile apparatus includes a transport mechanism, a frame, and one or more lift assemblies. The lift assemblies may be adjusted using one or more attached actuators that position the lift assemblies and/or components thereof for engaging and lifting an object. The transport mechanism may be autonomously operated. A vision system may be used to locate and identify objects and/or guide the mobile apparatus into position to engage and lift the objects. An adapter for a pneumatic braking system of a wheeled cargo trailer is also provided. The adapter provides a pneumatic attachment for a pressurized air source that is separate from a glad hands connector attached to the braking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephens B. Woodrough, Jr.
  • Patent number: 12157641
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for shifting, orienting, organizing, and/or routing objects including parcels and packages. In different aspects, the systems can shift objects, re-orient the objects, e.g., based on dimensions and/or geometries, and then can deposit the objects into transport receptacles used for additional shifting, organizing, and/or routing. In one aspect, an object-orienting mechanism includes a pivot-assembly having a plurality of pivoting-extensions, e.g., that can be independently rotated into different positions, e.g., to manipulate a package. In another aspect, a bin for holding objects includes a base, a plurality of sidewalls extending from the base, and a releasing mechanism that is adjustable into different configurations. In another aspect, a method of re-orienting objects onto a side of smallest dimension or cross-section is provided. This can be used to increase the efficiency of processing objects, e.g., in a logistics network operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2024
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephens B. Woodrough, Jr., Joshua D. Brown
  • Patent number: 12145763
    Abstract: Subject matter described in this disclosure relates to a label applicator for varied surfaces. In some instances, the label applicator may include one or more elements that may adjust to individual package properties and may adjust from one package to the next. For example, in one aspect the label applicator may include a label-retaining surface that is nonlinear. In other examples, the label applicator may include a force attenuator that dampens compressive forces between the label applicator and the package. In a further example, the label applicator may include an articulating joint that permits pivotable adjustment when a label applicator contacts a package. In yet another example, the label applicator may include a magnetic coupling attaching the label applicator to an actuator to provide a breakaway and reattachment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: James Cossey