Patents Examined by Bryan J Kirk
  • Patent number: 12380518
    Abstract: In one aspect, data characterizing fueling station user's location relative to a fueling station, a time slot of availability of a fuel dispenser at the fueling station, and a configuration of the fuel dispenser for fuel dispensing operations can be received. An arrival time of the fueling station user at the fueling station can be determined based on the location data. A selection prompt characterizing the fuel dispenser configuration data can be determined, and the selection prompt can include a field for specifying an operating parameter of the fuel dispenser. Selection data characterizing the operating parameter can be determined in response to an input of the operating parameter into the field. A fueling station allocation can be determined based on the arrival time, the time slot data, and the selection data. The fueling station allocation can be provided. Related apparatus, systems, methods, techniques, and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2025
    Assignee: Wayne Fueling Systems LLC
    Inventors: Aneesh Maria Stephen, Ravi Kumar Kattimani, Anil Kumar Peddireddy
  • Patent number: 12340336
    Abstract: Techniques for automatically providing a package for pickup are presented. The techniques can include: receiving, at a publicly-accessible terminal, a code associated with the package; validating the code with data in a database communicatively coupled to the terminal; retrieving, by a robot communicatively coupled to the publicly-accessible terminal, the package from a publicly-inaccessible package staging site; delivering, by the robot, the package to a customer interface repository; obtaining confirmation that the package has been removed from the customer interface repository; and storing data, by at least one server, indicating the package has been removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2025
    Assignee: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
    Inventors: William A. Tartal, Gabriel M. Yessin
  • Patent number: 12327212
    Abstract: A method executed by an information processing apparatus configured to communicate with a vehicle that transports one or more packages stored in a storage space includes acquiring a transportation condition for a package to be stored in the storage space and controlling an environment of the storage space during transportation of the package, or limiting acceleration magnitude of the vehicle during transportation of the package, based on the acquired transportation condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2025
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsushi Okamoto, Kazumi Aono, Naoki Uenoyama, Jaya Bharath R. Goluguri
  • Patent number: 12314893
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed to determine customer's prescription information and their position while waiting in a drive-thru lane. The drive-thru lane may have one or more transmitters installed at predetermined locations. By utilizing an application installed on each customer's mobile computing device, each mobile computing device may transmit customer information and ranging data when within range of one or more of the transmitters. The ranging data may include an indication of a range between each of the customer's mobile computing device and one or more proximate transmitters. By correlating the customer information to prescription information from recently filled and/or called in prescriptions, each customer's prescription order may be retrieved. Furthermore, by analyzing the ranging data, the position of each customer in the drive-thru lane may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2025
    Assignee: WALGREEN CO.
    Inventors: Benjamin Weiss, Nicholas L. Eby
  • Patent number: 12286271
    Abstract: The invention refers to a method for providing a fillable transport container, whereby a transport container is provided with a first sealing component, comprising a first identification means, and with a second sealing component, comprising a second identification means, and with a container identification means on the transport container, whereby a first combined information and/or a second combined information are stored in the database means (100) such that the transport container with the first and second sealing components is uniquely identifiable and/or trackable and/or traceable. The invention further refers to a transport container, a method for identification and/or tracking and/or tracing of a transport container and a computer-readable media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: Greif International Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Diederik Hoorens Van Heyningen
  • Patent number: 12282887
    Abstract: A logistics system provides a logistics service utilizing a logistics robot that delivers packages by autonomous traveling. The logistics system includes one or more processors. When delivery destinations of the packages are dispersedly located on a plurality of floors of a building, the one or more processors execute a priority determination process that determines priority among the plurality of floors. Then, the one or more processors execute a logistics robot control process that controls the logistics robot so as to deliver the packages to the plurality of floors in an order of the priority.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Nobuhisa Otsuki, Haeyeon Lee, Kunihiro Iwamoto, Kota Oishi
  • Patent number: 12282890
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful for ordering and securely delivering products. In some embodiments, a system for ordering and securely delivering products comprises an inventory system associated with a retailer, a system controller, and a storage container. The storage container includes a housing that enclosing a product cavity, a locking door configured to enable access to the product cavity, a user interface coupled to the housing, a wireless communication device, and a container control circuit configured to receive, via the user interface, an electronic purchase order for products from the retailer, transmit to the inventory system the electronic purchase order, receive from the system controller a signal instructing the container control circuit to unlock the door, and perform an electronic unlocking function causing the door to unlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventor: Ishan Arora
  • Patent number: 12277528
    Abstract: An enhanced multi-compartment connected logistics receptacle system includes a storage receptacle, a bridge node, and wireless accessory sensor node with a plurality of sensors. A first subset of the sensors is disposed relative to a first monitored receptacle compartment and a second subset of the sensors is disposed relative to a second monitored receptacle compartment. The plurality of sensors monitor for a change in state of the storage receptacle. The wireless accessory sensor node detects the storage receptacle's state change based upon sensor data and broadcasts a signal with a flag set indicating there is event information available for upload. The bridge node detects the flag set, retrieves the event information available for upload from the wireless accessory sensor node, and transmits the retrieved event information to a backend server to cause the backend server to initiate a dispatched logistics operation related to the storage receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: Federal Express Corporation
    Inventor: Ole-Petter Skaaksrud
  • Patent number: 12256728
    Abstract: The invention is that of systems of methods for preserving vital assets such as human organs in transit. An exemplary system may include a central software application and processor for storing vital asset identifying information in a database and displaying real-time transit information in relation to the asset to authenticated users. Application programming interfaces are provided to allow authenticated users to monitor location and environmental data transmitted from the proximity of the asset to the central software application for processing and display on graphical user interfaces. An exemplary system enables methods of reallocating freight from a first to a second transportation asset to avoid delays and prolonged exposures to adverse environmental conditions. In certain embodiments, unmanned aerial systems may be deployed to intervene in the transit channel and overcome such delays or exposures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Assignee: CAREDX TRANSPLANT MANAGEMENT, INC.
    Inventors: J. Scott Plank, Paul F. Summers, Ryan Lupi
  • Patent number: 12248904
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a first tag is associated with a first parcel that is to be delivered. A data structure is accessed that indicates that the first parcel is assigned to be placed in a first logistics vehicle of a plurality of logistics vehicles. An indication is received that a first device, which may be located inside, on, or in proximity to the first logistics vehicle, has read data of the first tag. A determination is made that the first parcel has been placed inside the first assigned logistics vehicle and a notification is transmitted to a user device associated with a first user that indicates that the first parcel has been placed inside the first logistics vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2025
    Inventors: Jethro Bonafe, Christopher Azar, Dennis Bautista, Vincent Pizzuto, Derek Uber
  • Patent number: 12198145
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for compliance checking related to goods in import supply chain logistics is provided, including: adding received legality data elements into a blockchain ledger corresponding to an importation of the goods; establishing a smart contract of the blockchain ledger; adding received sensing data elements corresponding to the smart contract into the blockchain ledger; adding electronic lock (e-Lock) status data corresponding to the smart contract into the blockchain ledger; and adding one or more inspection results corresponding to the smart contract into the blockchain ledger. Furthermore, determining, by the smart contract, whether the goods are within the compliance according to the received legality data elements, the received sensing data elements, the e-Lock status data and the one or more inspection results, wherein in response to determining that the goods are within the compliance, unsealing the e-Locks by sending a control signal to the e-Locks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited
    Inventors: Wai Kei Ricky Leung, Shing Yee Chu, Chi Keung Wong, Tsz Fung Leung, Samuel Chen Ying Ng
  • Patent number: 12190259
    Abstract: A method is provided for booking a hotel room that improves the satisfaction level for a consumer and increases revenue for the hotelier. Consumers may benefit from being able to select property-specific and room-specific attributes for which they perceive enhanced value, while property-specific and room-specific attributes that a consumer does not particularly value may be avoided in an effort for the consumer to spend on features they desire. Further, hoteliers may benefit from being able to offer room-specific attributes and add-on features that create additional revenue streams for the hotel. Additionally, the transparency afforded the consumer of the room-specific attributes available versus those selected provides the consumer with a level of expectation that is more aligned with the hotel and the specific room they selected, thereby improving customer satisfaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: SABRE GLBL INC.
    Inventors: Ben Vinod, David Hobt
  • Patent number: 12165099
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for merging of a set of items being shipped using a wireless node network. In an example method, a master node receives ID node identification information from a server in the network. The ID node identification information defines the group of ID nodes. Each of the ID nodes is related to a different item from the set of items being shipped. Next, each of the ID nodes in the group is associated with the master node when the master node detects a signal from each ID node as they respectively approach the master node. When the master node detects a last one of the ID nodes in the group approaching the master node, the master node transmits a notification to the server. Thereafter, the master node receives a shipment merge indication from the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: FEDERAL EXPRESS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ole-Petter Skaaksrud
  • Patent number: 12159256
    Abstract: A system can be configured to receive and analyze an image captured by a customer at a delivery location to enable identification and verification of the delivery location upon arrival of a deliverer at the delivery location. The system can utilize algorithms trained to determine identifying features of the delivery location from the image and/or provide the image to the deliverer for manual verification. The system can provide the deliverer with the image and additional information specific to the delivery location based on one or more geofences associated with the delivery location. The image, the additional information and the manner of presentation can be configured to guide the deliverer to approved drop-off locations and ensure package placement for delivery to a customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2024
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chengeng Zeng, Leah Autumn Thompkins
  • Patent number: 12086753
    Abstract: An AV receives a delivery request made by a user. The AV navigates to the user's location. The AV's onboard controller determines that the AV has arrived at the location. The onboard controller then commands the AV's motor to pause motion. The onboard controller provides the user an access to a delivery assembly in the AV. The onboard controller or the delivery assembly detects, by using sensors in the delivery assembly, whether an item has been removed from or placed into the container. Subsequent to detecting that the item has been removed from or placed into the container, the onboard controller commands the AV's motor to resume motion. The onboard controller or delivery assembly may also control a movable element in the container to allow the user to load or unload the item from a safe spot or control a divider in the container to protect the user's privacy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: GM Cruise Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Jon Meador, Alexis DeStasio, Andrew W. Clavijo, Jordan Hale Factor
  • Patent number: 12073352
    Abstract: Systems and methods herein describe receiving a transport request from a first device, transmitting the transport request to a second device, causing the second device to display a first instruction, determining that a current location of a securable container associated with the second device matches the first location, based on the determination, generating a first access code operable to access the securable container, and transmitting the first access code to a third device, receiving an indication that the securable container has been opened using the first access code, based on the indication, causing the second device to display a second instruction, determining that a subsequent location of the securable container matches the second location, based on the determination, generating a second access code and transmitting the second access code to the first device; and receiving a subsequent indication that the securable container has been opened using the second access code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: Express Scripts Strategic Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Ahmed Wahba, Steven E. Williams, Karl P. Wickizer
  • Patent number: 12039485
    Abstract: A home delivery system delivering objects to a residence comprises a moving body configured to move autonomously or remotely, a plurality of sensors placed in the residence, and the processing apparatus. The processing apparatus is configured to execute observing status of a resident including whether or not the resident is in the residence based on detection information acquired from the plurality of sensors. Then, the processing apparatus is configured to execute instructing the moving body to start a delivery at least condition that the resident is in the residence and instructing the moving body to complete the delivery on condition that the resident is available to response after the moving body arriving at the residence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Nobuhisa Otsuki, Haeyeon Lee, Kunihiro Iwamoto, Yuta Itozawa, Hirotaka Komura, Yutaro Takagi, Kota Oishi
  • Patent number: 12039484
    Abstract: An AV receives a delivery request made by a user. The AV navigates to the user's location. The AV's onboard controller determines that the AV has arrived at the location. The onboard controller then commands the AV's motor to pause motion. The onboard controller provides the user an access to a delivery assembly in the AV. The onboard controller or the delivery assembly detects, by using sensors in the delivery assembly, whether an item has been removed from or placed into the container. Subsequent to detecting that the item has been removed from or placed into the container, the onboard controller commands the AV's motor to resume motion. The onboard controller or delivery assembly may also control a movable element in the container to allow the user to load or unload the item from a safe spot or control a divider in the container to protect the user's privacy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: GM Cruise Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Jon Meador, Alexis DeStasio, Andrew W. Clavijo, Jordan Hale Factor
  • Patent number: 12026657
    Abstract: A system for handling hazmat products in a fulfillment center. The system includes a conveyance and packing equipment assembly that facilitates physical acquisition and consolidation of inventory items into a container, a labeling applicator that automatically applies hazmat labels, a scan tunnel, and a server. The server includes computing hardware of a processor, a memory, an input/output engine, a database, and a hazmat handling engine. The input/output engine is configured to receive a customer order and communicate between the server and the conveyance and packing equipment assembly, the labeling applicator, and the scan tunnel. The hazmat handling engine determines customer orders with exceptions requiring specialized handling. The hazmat handling engine marks determined customer orders with exceptions and forwards the remaining orders for allocation and cartonization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventor: Neysa Diskey
  • Patent number: 12020521
    Abstract: A system include a server configured to: receive a request from a computing device to unlock a delivery box; determine whether the request is authenticated; and send an unlock signal to the delivery box in response to the request being authenticated, such that when the unlock signal is sent to the delivery box, the delivery box is remotely unlocked in response thereto. The delivery box may include a container comprising an interior configured to hold an item; an access door configured to close the container; a UV LED configured to be activated to disinfect the interior when the access door is closed relative to the container; and a controller that controls the UV LED. The controller is connected to a network and a user is configured to control the controller over the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: HOME VALET, INC.
    Inventors: John M. Simms, John M. Simms, Jr.