Patents Assigned to United Parcel Service of America
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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: 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: 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
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Patent number: 12105726Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing requests to perform a stored procedure. A document chart is created having a unique identifier that corresponds to the stored procedure name. The document chart, being specific to the stored procedure, is populated with records that are associated with potential calls of the stored procedure. Each record comprises a key parameter and an output value, wherein the key parameter corresponds to a key that is generated based on the input parameters associated with the stored procedure call. The output value is communicated to the requesting client device without having to call the stored procedure on the targeted server.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2022Date of Patent: October 1, 2024Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventor: Waleed Ahmed
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Patent number: 12100853Abstract: A pneumatic delivery system is used to facilitate delivery of canisters comprising delivery payloads by unmanned systems, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The pneumatic delivery system comprises a tube having a channel within a tube wall, where a canister is configured to move through the tube. The tube comprises a tube opening and a transfer mechanism proximate the tube opening. The transfer mechanism engages a canister having a payload that is moved within the tube. The transfer mechanism moves the canister through the tube opening by extending from a first transfer position to a second transfer position. At the second transfer position, the transfer mechanism orients the tube and releases it to a UAV for delivery.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2022Date of Patent: September 24, 2024Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Julio Gil, Julian Bell, Jared Nauert
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Patent number: 12093886Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 11, 2023Date of Patent: September 17, 2024Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Robert J. Gillen
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Patent number: 12093876Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems, methods, and computer program products for providing dynamic real-time verification and validation of data associated with the receiving, loading, and positioning of a plurality of containers upon a transport vehicle. One or more computer processors are configured to: receive actual load data associated with at least one container; retrieve at least a portion of expected load data associated with the container for which actual load data has been received; verify the actual weight of the one of the plurality of packages and in response to a successful verification identifying no load weight discrepancies, validate the actual load position of the one of the plurality of packages. In response to a successful validation, at least one communication configured to facilitate at least one of further loading of the plurality of packages may be generated. If validation is unsuccessful, further loading may be prevented.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2023Date of Patent: September 17, 2024Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Shikha Arora, Todd Guilford, Wai Lam, Cindy Peck
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Patent number: 12080907Abstract: A canister is coupled to a delivery vehicle using a rail bracket. The canister comprises a securing channel having a first securing channel volume and a second securing channel volume. A width of the first securing channel volume is less than a width of the second securing channel volume. The rail bracket comprises a rotational shaft having a finger at one end. The rail bracket is inserted into the securing channel, and the rotational shaft is rotated. When rotated, the finger inhibits removal of the rail bracket from the securing channel, thereby providing a mechanism by which the canister can be releasably coupled to the rail bracket. The rail bracket may be provided on a delivery vehicle, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to transport the canister and contents within it.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2022Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventor: Julian Bell
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Patent number: 12073238Abstract: Particular embodiments are directed to automatically determining whether first values—corresponding to overflight/landing charges—indicated in a document exceed a threshold associated with second charges—corresponding to expected overflight/landing charges—and then causing presentation, at a single page of a user interface, of one or more user interface elements that at least partially indicate whether the threshold has been exceeded.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2022Date of Patent: August 27, 2024Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Roman Anderson, Andrew Nguyen Vo, Balakrishna Subramaniam
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Patent number: 12065315Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for locating, engaging, and shifting objects. The systems may be used to unload objects from a storage space, e.g., inside a vehicle or facility, including one associated with a logistics network operation. The systems disclosed herein may operate in automated or semi-automated fashion, e.g., at the direction of a control system associated with a computing device. The systems may further utilize shifter mechanisms that each include one or more belt-driven mechanisms and position-changing mechanisms that facilitate the locating, engaging, and shifting of objects in a storage space. The components of these systems may operate independently, or in coordination, thereby increasing the efficiency of an object-handling operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2023Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Julio Gil, Julian Leland Bell, Youngjun Choi
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Patent number: 12049164Abstract: Embodiments provide shelves, bracket systems, automated picker robots, totes, and other features that may be used with delivery vehicle configurations that have automated cargo areas. A delivery vehicle may include a picking robot that selectively retrieves packages for delivery without requiring substantial human intervention for locating those packages. The cargo area of the delivery vehicle may further comprise a plurality of customizable shelving units that generate custom-sized shelves for packages. The shelves may include a plurality of individually movable shelf brackets having retaining members that pivot between an extended and retracted position to hold the package in place and to enable the picking robot to retrieve the package from the shelf. Another embodiment provides for a tote having a drive mechanism to hold letters so that a letter may be automatically retrieved from the cargo arear and provided at a delivery location.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2021Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Julio Gil
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Patent number: 12043456Abstract: Latching mechanisms, storage receptacles with latching mechanisms, and methods of manufacturing and using the same are disclosed. In one aspect, the latching mechanism includes a first latching element, a second latching element, and a ball-locking mechanism. The ball-locking mechanism allows the first latching element to be releasably secured to the second latching element. The latching mechanism may be integrated with a frame, which may be adjustable, and which may further be integrated with a storage receptacle, e.g., one that has a storage compartment and an opening. The components of the latching mechanism may be shaped, sized, or otherwise configured to enable, and facilitate, automated and/or semi-automated handling and manipulation. The latching mechanisms, storage receptacles, and associated handling systems described herein may be used in a logistics network operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2021Date of Patent: July 23, 2024Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Julian Leland Bell, Stephens B. Woodrough, Jr., Justin Ashtiani
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Patent number: 12045771Abstract: One or more identifiers are received based on an electronic scan of computer-readable indicia. The computer-readable indicia being coupled to an asset. The asset is associated with one or more shipping operations. Based at least in part on the one or more identifiers, it is determined that the asset is requested for return. Based at least in part on the one or more identifiers, a shipping label corresponding to a destination location for the asset to be returned to is automatically generated or a location for the asset to be delivered to is automatically changed.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2021Date of Patent: July 23, 2024Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventor: Juan Perez
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Patent number: 12036909Abstract: Loading, shifting, and staging objects in automated or semi-automated fashion including systems, methods, and apparatuses for the same. The embodiments hereof enable automated and/or semi-automated loading, shifting, organizing, staging, and accessing of objects in different environments, e.g., those associated with a logistics network operation. For example, one such environment is a vehicle. In one aspect, a loading mechanism is used to load objects into a storage space of the vehicle. In another aspect, a shifting mechanism is used to shift objects in a storage space of the vehicle. In another aspect, a door assembly allows for automated opening and closing of a door into a storage space of a vehicle. In addition, methods of manufacturing and using the same are provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2022Date of Patent: July 16, 2024Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Julio Gil, Mallory Freeman
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Patent number: 12037152Abstract: 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: July 16, 2024Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Julian Leland Bell, Stephens B. Woodrough, Jr., Justin Ashtiani
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Patent number: 12014405Abstract: Systems and methods for supporting regulatory requirements for the distribution of controlled and non-controlled items such as, for example, non-controlled prescriptions (Rx), medical devices, and controlled substances in countries such as the United States and Canada, are provided. The systems and methods incorporate a license verification module that is configured to perform license validation for a particular order placed for a controlled and/or non-controlled item. In certain embodiments, the license verification module compares order data to historically sorted data and if one or more discrepancies exist, validation is unsuccessful. The license verification module may further query a third party database for updated license information upon validation failure.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2023Date of Patent: June 18, 2024Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Mike Flanagan, Benny Delgado, Cheryl Wilson, Rohit Oberai, Preeti Singh, Richa Aggarwal, Amy Carney, Anilkumar Menon, Hammad Z Muhammad, Satish B Menon