Patents Assigned to United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
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Patent number: 10019692Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems, methods, and computer program products for dynamically monitoring transport of a plurality of packages potentially containing regulated goods so as to ensure compliance with one or more regulations within a plurality of jurisdictions. The embodiments utilize one or more computer processors or one or more executable portions to: receive transport data associated with the transport of at least one of the plurality of packages and regulatory data associated with the at least one jurisdiction in which transport occurs; determine whether the one of the plurality of packages contains at least one regulated good; if the presence of at least one regulated good is determined, validate consignor data and the transport data; whereby in response to an unsuccessful validation, at least one report is generated to prevent or otherwise mitigate transport of the one of the plurality of packages in the at least one identified jurisdiction.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2014Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Dave Gittings, Bradley Cook
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Patent number: 10012755Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for scanning an item utilizing an X-ray scanner in order to facilitate a determination of whether the X-ray radiation penetrated through the entirety of the scanned item. Various embodiments comprise a conveying mechanism, an X-ray emitter, a detector, and an X-ray penetration grid (XPG). The XPG may comprise a radiopaque grid that may serve as a reference for determining whether radiation passes through the scanned item, the grid oriented such that the grid members are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the direction of travel. Such orientation may minimize or eliminate “ghosted” radiation signals included in a visual display of the radiation received by the detector. A scanned item may be oriented with the XPG such that radiation emitted by the X-ray emitter that passes through a portion of the scanned item must also pass through the XPG before being received by the detector.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2017Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Wendie Patricia Hayler, Mark Rutherford, Marcus A. Jones, Anthony David Kirk, Gilbert Walter Vanorder, Roy Douglas Hudson, Paul Mason, James Termini
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Patent number: 10007888Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods for utilizing Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensors to facilitate loading and unloading of assets into receptacles. The LIDAR sensors may be configured to detect the location of various surfaces (e.g., asset surfaces) within a receptacle such that mapping data indicative of the location of the detected surfaces may be generated. This mapping data may facilitate a determination of a total volume of unoccupied space within the receptacle and/or the identification of an unoccupied volume sufficient to accommodate an item having defined dimensions. The mapping data may additionally be indicative of the location of asset identifiers disposed on one or more detected surfaces to facilitate locating a particular asset associated with a provided asset identifier.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2015Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventor: Marc David Siris
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Patent number: 10005620Abstract: Various embodiments provide an improved conveyor belt comprising: a visible surface having a primary axis oriented in a machine direction; a plurality of first stripes having a first visible appearance, each of the plurality of first stripes at least in part defining the visible surface and being oriented perpendicular to the primary axis; and a plurality of second stripes having a second visible appearance, each of the plurality of second stripes at least in part defining the visible surface and being oriented perpendicular to the primary axis, wherein: the second visible appearance provides a contrasting appearance relative to the first visible appearance; and each of the plurality of second stripes are located intermediate two of the plurality of first stripes such that the plurality of first and second stripes collectively define an alternating contrasting pattern on the visible surface of the improved conveyor belt.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2017Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventor: Piotr Janicki
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Patent number: 10002340Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided. In one embodiment, a connection between an electronic door hanger and a customer computing entity can be established at a customer's location. With a connection established, information about an attempted (e.g., successful/unsuccessful) pick-up or delivery can be automatically provided to the customer computing entity.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2014Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Gillen, Kenneth Bradley Gubler
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Patent number: 10002341Abstract: A computer system for defining attributes associated with attended delivery/pickup locations is described. In various embodiments, the system is configured to enable an authorized user (e.g., a manager of an attended delivery/pickup location) to define certain attributes of a particular attended delivery/pickup location. In some embodiments, the system is configured to verify that the particular user is authorized to define the one or more attributes associated with the particular attended delivery/pickup location (e.g., by checking a list of one or more authorized users). Once the one or more attributes are defined, in one or more embodiments, the system is configured to accept or reject parcel delivery requests based at least in part on the attributes. In further embodiments, the system is configured to facilitate a return of a particular item to a retailer via the attended delivery/pickup location.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2015Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Schenken, Daniel Lievens, Luc Pirenne, Vincent Dethier
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Patent number: 9988189Abstract: A portable bag is provided, comprising: a plurality of surfaces configured to define an interior compartment, the surfaces including a front and rear surface connected by a pair of side surfaces; at least two handling extensions, a respective each of said at least two handling extensions being positioned adjacent to and extending outwardly relative to a respective one of said pair of side surfaces, and at least two handling openings, said at least two handling openings being integrally defined on at least one of said at least two handling extensions. An associated assembly is also provided, including the portable bag further comprising a set of eyelets positioned on each of the front and rear surfaces of the plurality of surfaces and the assembly further comprising a portable bag dispenser comprising at least two portions configured to slidably extend through the set of eyelets.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2016Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventor: Mark J. Davidson
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Patent number: 9984463Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods for determining whether an individual uses proper posture to perform a job duty/task. For example, systems may determine whether an individual utilizes proper posture when lifting a heavy item from a floor. Accordingly, various embodiments comprise an image capture device and a central computing entity configured to receive item information/data for an item to be moved by an individual and to determine whether the item information/data satisfies one or more image collection criteria.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventor: Juan Perez
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Patent number: 9981745Abstract: Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventor: Julio Gil
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Patent number: 9969495Abstract: Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventor: Julio Gil
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Patent number: 9965466Abstract: In an embodiment, a method comprises receiving, at a translation server, a request for translation services from a requesting device for text data associated with a token and a first language; retrieving, at the translation server, a translated version of the text data in a second language from a translation database storing automatically translated text data and manually translated text data, if the token matches a previously processed token; retrieving, at the translation server, the translated version of the text data in the second language from an automated translation service, if the token does not match the previously processed token; retrieving, at the translation server, the translated version of the text data in the second language from the manual translation service; and transmitting, at the translation server, one or more of the automatically translated text data and the manually translated text data to the requesting device.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2014Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Yursil A Kidwai, William Gensburg
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Patent number: 9965739Abstract: System, methods, and computer program products are provided for enhanced freight tracking and monitoring. The system may track the location of a freight shipment within a carrier's transportation network from the time it is picked up by a carrier from a consignor until it is delivered to a consignee, provide for weight determinations and shipping re-classifications of the freight shipment during transport, and provide real-time status information and reports to the carrier, consignor, and/or consignee.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2016Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: William Mark Moir, Scott Christopher Vandy
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Patent number: 9957048Abstract: Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventor: Julio Gil
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Patent number: 9957061Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for notifying a flight crew of a fire condition in a cargo container of an aircraft. For instance, particular embodiments involve installing at least one notification device on a cargo container that is in communication with at least one of a fire-detection system or a fire-suppression system for the cargo container. In these particular embodiments, the notification device is configured to emit energy when the fire-detection system detects the fire condition in the cargo container or the fire-suppression system activates as a result of the fire condition. Further, particular embodiments of the invention involve installing at least one detector positioned to detect the energy emitted by the notification device. In these particular embodiments, the detector is configured to send a signal to notify the flight crew of the fire condition after detecting the energy emitted by the notification device.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2017Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Keith M. Stehman, Richard S. Fisher
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Patent number: 9950862Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for automated loading and retrieval of items. In various embodiments, items are received at a loading station where identification data may be captured for each item and handling instructions may be generated. In some embodiments, a label having indicia associated with the item may be generated and affixed to the item. The items may then be deposited through an access door into the vehicle identified in the handling instructions. Once the items are loaded into the access door, an automated load/unload device may deposit the item in the appropriate storage location. The automated load/unload device may also retrieve and rearrange items as desired.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Nagesh Kadaba, Erik Peterson, Thomas Ramsager
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Patent number: 9953286Abstract: The present systems and methods describe a computer system that collects user shipping preferences, including, for example, the shipping speeds (e.g., standard three to five day shipping) a user selects on various retailer websites. The system is configured to determine the one or more preferred shipping methods for the user based on the collected shipping preferences and to save the preferred shipping methods to memory (e.g., the user commonly prefers standard shipping). When the user visits an online retailer, the system, detects a shipping field (e.g., where the user may select or input a shipping preference), accesses the saved preferred shipping method (e.g., the user prefers standard shipping), and populates the shipping field with the saved preferred shipping method (e.g., the system automatically selects “standard shipping” for the user).Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2014Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Bala Ganesh, Scott Castaldo, Amber Sappington
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Patent number: 9953468Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for segmenting operational data and identifying events of interested in the segmented operational data. With the events of interest identified, a total time between the events of interest can be determined.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Mark J. Davidson
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Patent number: 9936341Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for standardizing addresses and providing information associated with geographic areas/points of interest. For example, location data can be collected for serviceable points. From the collected location data, addresses can be standardized, location-based searches can be performed, correct locations of serviceable points can be confirmed, and geographic representations can be generated.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Marc D. Siris, Christopher T. Schenken
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Patent number: 9928749Abstract: Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Julio Gil, Jeffrey Cooper
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Patent number: 9916557Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for delivery of items in connection with social networks. For example, in various embodiments, a customer can register with a carrier and identify participation is various social networks. The carriers may then use the social network contacts of the customer to facilitate improved delivery efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2013Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Gillen, Bala Ganesh