Patents Assigned to United Parcel Service of America
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Patent number: 12236806Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 15, 2022Date of Patent: February 25, 2025Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Hafford, Tim Smith
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Patent number: 12218370Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 1, 2022Date of Patent: February 4, 2025Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Julio Gil, Julian Bell
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Patent number: 12210996Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 14, 2022Date of Patent: January 28, 2025Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventor: Jay Christian Staples
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Patent number: 12204980Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 28, 2022Date of Patent: January 21, 2025Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Jethro Bonafe, Christopher Azar, Dennis Bautista, Vincent Pizzuto, Derek Uber
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Patent number: 12203760Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 19, 2022Date of Patent: January 21, 2025Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Youngjun Choi
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Patent number: 12185856Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 24, 2022Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventor: Julio Gil
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Patent number: 12181301Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 22, 2023Date of Patent: December 31, 2024Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventor: Julio Gil
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Patent number: 12183940Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 24, 2022Date of Patent: December 31, 2024Assignee: United Parcel Service Of America, Inc.Inventor: Julian Bell
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Patent number: 12175407Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 12, 2023Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Gillen
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Patent number: 12175411Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 18, 2022Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventor: Christopher J. Bolton
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Patent number: 12163544Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 14, 2023Date of Patent: December 10, 2024Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Julio Gil
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Patent number: 12162395Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 22, 2021Date of Patent: December 10, 2024Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventor: Stephens B. Woodrough, Jr.
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Patent number: 12157641Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 5, 2022Date of Patent: December 3, 2024Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Stephens B. Woodrough, Jr., Joshua D. Brown
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Patent number: 12145763Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 10, 2020Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.Inventor: James Cossey
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Patent number: 12145813Abstract: An indication that one or more physical objects have been detected in a first geographical environment is received via one or more sensors. The one or more sensors are coupled to a logistics vehicle as the logistics vehicle performs one or more shipping operations. Based at least in part on the receiving of the indication that one or more physical objects have been detected, a mapping of the first geographical environment is caused to be generated. The mapping includes at least an image representation of the first geographical environment associated with the first geographical environment. The mapping is stored. The stored mapping is for use by an autonomous vehicle or partially autonomous vehicle for detecting objects in the first geographical environment.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2019Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventor: Bala Ganesh
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Patent number: 12138804Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 4, 2021Date of Patent: November 12, 2024Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICES OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Julian Leland Bell, Stephens B. Woodrough, Jr., Justin Ashtiani
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Patent number: 12136302Abstract: Various embodiments provide prognostic vehicle diagnosis methodologies for monitoring the relative health of various vehicle components over time, to enable replacement of those vehicle components prior to component failure. Sensors monitoring those vehicle components transmit generated telematics data to a computing entity configured to generate a telematics data signature based on the sensor-generated data, and to compare the telematics data signature against a reference data signature to ascertain the relative health of the vehicle component. If the telematics data signature satisfies a failure threshold identified within the reference signature, the computing entity initiates a replacement process at least in part by generating an alert for a maintenance personnel.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2022Date of Patent: November 5, 2024Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Philip Aiello, Ralph Gallagher
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Patent number: 12134111Abstract: Read events capturing parcel information as a parcel is transported through a facility is received, and a configuration file mapping readers capturing the read events to workspace locations within the facility is accessed. Utilizing the read events and configuration file, one or more locations are determined for a parcel being transported through a facility. The locations may form a most likely path, or sequence of locations, through the facility. The determined locations may be utilized for generating one or more graphical user interface elements for tracking parcel and/or other operational aspects. For example, a graphical user interface may indicate errors, such as errors in the parcel's path and slowdowns, detected from the read events. Additionally, volume of parcels over time may be determined from the read events. Further, a graphical user interface may indicate employee performance based on errors and/or read events attributed to the employee.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2023Date of Patent: November 5, 2024Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Mallory Freeman, Timothy Major, David Wu, Lauren Skorb, Matthew Britton
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Patent number: 12124429Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to specific, networked, and technological processes and operations. For example, various embodiments are directed to a distributed and collaborative planning tool that allows users to create events based on a presently-approved production plan, enable/disable events submitted by other users, submit proposals, approve proposals, and integrate proposals to update the presently-approved production plan. An event published by a first user is communicated to other users using a single, universal framework that tracks and communicates proposed changes between remote users and their associated client devices during the planning cycle without the need to store multiple iterations of full-size production plans.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2023Date of Patent: October 22, 2024Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Eric V. Hayes, Waleed Ahmed
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Patent number: 12112294Abstract: Rule data sets are received. These rule sets are associated with constraints controlling how records that are associated with the goods are consolidated. These goods are to be received for importing. An estimate score indicative of the risk for inspection for a first set of goods that are to be imported is generated. Based at least in part on the rule data sets and the generated estimate, a plurality of records are consolidated to a single instance for the first set of goods. Based on the consolidating, a user interface is caused to be generated that renders information associated with the consolidating.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2023Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Grisz, Casey Mccord, Emily Richards, Carol Crawford, Jose Landeros, Ayan Das, Christopher Martin Rubio