Patents by Inventor Bob Gillen

Bob Gillen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20150106291
    Abstract: A system for redirecting a parcel from a primary delivery location (e.g., a residential address) to a locker bank is configured to redirect the parcel following an unsuccessful delivery attempt at the primary delivery location. In some embodiments, the system is configured to determine a suitable locker bank to which to redirect the parcel based on preferences received from a carrier (e.g., common carrier), shipper of the parcel, or consignee of the parcel. In various embodiments, following the unsuccessful delivery attempt, the system is configured to receive a request to deliver the parcel to the locker bank, provide access to one or more lockers at the locker bank for placement of the parcel, receive confirmation that the parcel has been placed in a particular locker at the locker bank, and associate the parcel with the particular locker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Kalin Robinson, David Carder, Bob Gillen
  • Publication number: 20150106294
    Abstract: Systems, according to various embodiments, are adapted to use any of a variety of different techniques to identify an individual. In particular embodiments, the system is adapted to, at least partially in response to confirming the identity of a consignee of a parcel, provide the consignee with access to a parcel stored within a secured locker. In particular embodiments, the system may use the current or past location of the consignee, or information from one or more objects physically associated with the consignee (e.g., a portable computing device or an electronic or paper info notice) to verify the consignee's identity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Kalin Robinson, David Carder, Bob Gillen
  • Publication number: 20140279667
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a system for creating delivery groups are disclosed. In various embodiments, the system is configured to collect purchase history data about users and determine if they have common characteristics. For example, the system may be configured to determine if two users live in the same neighborhood, have similar purchasing habits, etc. According to a particular embodiment, the system suggests to users with common characteristics to form delivery groups for package aggregation (e.g., to aggregate deliveries to a single location at the same time). The system may offer an incentive to the users to form the delivery group, such as a discount, incentive points, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Bob Gillen
  • Patent number: 8010463
    Abstract: A method, carrier server and system are provided for shipping a package wherein a shipper can arrange for shipment of a package, simply through an interactive contact with the carrier, without the need for the shipper to use official carrier documentation or forms. In particular a shipper may contact a carrier using any communication device, such as a cellular telephone, standard landline telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), personal computer (PC), laptop, or other wired, wireless or optically-based device, in order to communicate shipping information to the carrier and, in response, receive a unique easy identifier. Thereafter, the shipper need only associate the easy identifier with the package, for example by simply hand writing the identifier on the package, and either deposit the package at the closest drop off box or carrier facility, or leave the package to be picked up by a carrier vehicle that has been, or will shortly thereafter be, dispatched fort the purpose of picking up the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: United Parcel Services of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Bob Gillen
  • Publication number: 20080004967
    Abstract: A method, carrier server and system are provided for shipping a package wherein a shipper can arrange for shipment of a package, simply through an interactive contact with the carrier, without the need for the shipper to use official carrier documentation or forms. In particular a shipper may contact a carrier using any communication device, such as a cellular telephone, standard landline telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), personal computer (PC), laptop, or other wired, wireless or optically-based device, in order to communicate shipping information to the carrier and, in response, receive a unique easy identifier. Thereafter, the shipper need only associate the easy identifier with the package, for example by simply hand writing the identifier on the package, and either deposit the package at the closest drop off box or carrier facility, or leave the package to be picked up by a carrier vehicle that has been, or will shortly thereafter be, dispatched fort the purpose of picking up the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Bob Gillen