Patents by Inventor Carla F. Sherry

Carla F. Sherry 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).

  • Patent number: 11759827
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for item processing. The systems can include a PASS module that can include features that receive inputs relating to an item for processing and provide those inputs to other components and/or modules of a PASS system and/or of another system. The PASS system can include a variety of modules, including the PASS module, and can collect information and/or inputs from the variety of modules of the PASS system and use that information in item processing. The methods of item processing can use the PASS system and the PASS module to perform a variety of functions including, for example, revenue protection, sorting of items, task management, sampling and data collection, redirecting if enroute items, and personnel management.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Carla F. Sherry
  • Publication number: 20230214772
    Abstract: Systems and methods of processing items. Items in a distribution network or process may be scanned at every handling point in the distribution network, and each scan is recorded in a central repository. The scan information can be used to generate real-time access to data, analytical tools, predictive tools, and tracking reports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Kuldip K. Goyal, Carla F. Sherry, Amy B. Cradic, C. Scot Atkins, Himesh A. Patel
  • Patent number: 11593757
    Abstract: Systems and methods of processing items. Items in a distribution network or process may be scanned at every handling point in the distribution network, and each scan is recorded in a central repository. The scan information can be used to generate real-time access to data, analytical tools, predictive tools, and tracking reports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Kuldip K. Goyal, Carla F. Sherry, Amy B. Cradic, C. Scot Atkins, Himesh A. Patel
  • Publication number: 20230021053
    Abstract: Systems and methods for handling a plurality items by using a sorter to receive items and obtain item information and delivery destinations from the items. A run manifest is generated having an item identifier and a destination for each of the plurality of items. The run manifest data is used in a routing module to generate dynamic routes for delivering the plurality of items, and generating a sequence identifier for each of the plurality of items according to the dynamically generated routes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, C. Scot Atkins, James DeForrest Wilson, Scott R. Bombaugh, Carla F. Sherry
  • Patent number: 11468396
    Abstract: Systems and methods for handling a plurality items by using a sorter to receive items and obtain item information and delivery destinations from the items. A run manifest is generated having an item identifier and a destination for each of the plurality of items. The run manifest data is used in a routing module to generate dynamic routes for delivering the plurality of items, and generating a sequence identifier for each of the plurality of items according to the dynamically generated routes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, C. Scot Atkins, James DeForrest Wilson, Scott R. Bombaugh, Carla F. Sherry
  • Publication number: 20220292439
    Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods of a service that allows hard copy and electronic media customers to proactively specify, across a broad range of categories, the hard copy mail and/or electronic media mail that they would or would not like to receive. Embodiments include methods and systems configured to allow customers of delivery services to customize the flow of physical items such as hard copy or other letters or parcels, for delivery or electronic media mail from mailers based on highly specific customer-designated criteria. The delivery service acts as a trusted third party to serve as the intermediary between the recipient of the items and mailers to provide privacy and manage a repository for a customer-selected criteria database. In addition, one embodiment provides verification and/or identification that mail being sent meets the customer's designated criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Carla F. Sherry
  • Patent number: 11379782
    Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods of a service that allows hard copy and electronic media customers to proactively specify, across a broad range of categories, the hard copy mail and/or electronic media mail that they would or would not like to receive. Embodiments include methods and systems configured to allow customers of delivery services to customize the flow of physical items such as hard copy or other letters or parcels, for delivery or electronic media mail from mailers based on highly specific customer-designated criteria. The delivery service acts as a trusted third party to serve as the intermediary between the recipient of the items and mailers to provide privacy and manage a repository for a customer-selected criteria database. In addition, one embodiment provides verification and/or identification that mail being sent meets the customer's designated criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Carla F. Sherry
  • Patent number: 11379790
    Abstract: Systems and methods of processing items. Items in a distribution network or process may be scanned at every handling point in the distribution network, and each scan is recorded in a central repository. The scan information can be used to generate real-time access to data, analytical tools, predictive tools, and tracking reports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Kuldip K. Goyal, Carla F. Sherry, Amy B. Cradic, C. Scot Atkins, Himesh A. Patel
  • Publication number: 20210406816
    Abstract: Systems and methods of processing items. Items in a distribution network or process may be scanned at every handling point in the distribution network, and each scan is recorded in a central repository. The scan information can be used to generate real-time access to data, analytical tools, predictive tools, and tracking reports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Kuldip K. Goyal, Carla F. Sherry, Amy B. Cradic, C. Scot Atkins, Himesh A. Patel
  • Publication number: 20210224741
    Abstract: Systems and methods for handling a plurality items by using a sorter to receive items and obtain item information and delivery destinations from the items. A run manifest is generated having an item identifier and a destination for each of the plurality of items. The run manifest data is used in a routing module to generate dynamic routes for delivering the plurality of items, and generating a sequence identifier for each of the plurality of items according to the dynamically generated routes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, C. Scot Atkins, James DeForrest Wilson, Scott R. Bombaugh, Carla F. Sherry
  • Patent number: 10970667
    Abstract: Systems and methods for handling a plurality items by using a sorter to receive items and obtain item information and delivery destinations from the items. A run manifest is generated having an item identifier and a destination for each of the plurality of items. The run manifest data is used in a routing module to generate dynamic routes for delivering the plurality of items, and generating a sequence identifier for each of the plurality of items according to the dynamically generated routes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, C. Scot Atkins, James DeForrest Wilson, Scott R. Bombaugh, Carla F. Sherry
  • Patent number: 10748113
    Abstract: Systems and methods of processing items. Items in a distribution network or process may be scanned at every handling point in the distribution network, and each scan is recorded in a central repository. The scan information can be used to generate real-time access to data, analytical tools, predictive tools, and tracking reports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Kuldip K. Goyal, Carla F. Sherry, Amy B. Cradic, C. Scot Atkins, Himesh A. Patel
  • Publication number: 20200234232
    Abstract: Systems and methods of processing items. Items in a distribution network or process may be scanned at every handling point in the distribution network, and each scan is recorded in a central repository. The scan information can be used to generate real-time access to data, analytical tools, predictive tools, and tracking reports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Kuldip K. Goyal, Carla F. Sherry, Amy B. Cradic, C. Scot Atkins, Himesh A. Patel
  • Publication number: 20200171551
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for item processing. The systems can include a PASS module that can include features that receive inputs relating to an item for processing and provide those inputs to other components and/or modules of a PASS system and/or of another system. The PASS system can include a variety of modules, including the PASS module, and can collect information and/or inputs from the variety of modules of the PASS system and use that information in item processing. The methods of item processing can use the PASS system and the PASS module to perform a variety of functions including, for example, revenue protection, sorting of items, task management, sampling and data collection, redirecting if enroute items, and personnel management.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Carla F. Sherry
  • Patent number: 10628794
    Abstract: Systems and methods of processing items. Items in a distribution network or process may be scanned at every handling point in the distribution network, and each scan is recorded in a central repository. The scan information can be used to generate real-time access to data, analytical tools, predictive tools, and tracking reports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Kuldip K. Goyal, Carla F. Sherry, Amy B. Cradic, C. Scot Atkins, Himesh A. Patel
  • Patent number: 10549319
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for item processing. The systems can include a PASS module that can include features that receive inputs relating to an item for processing and provide those inputs to other components and/or modules of a PASS system and/or of another system. The PASS system can include a variety of modules, including the PASS module, and can collect information and/or inputs from the variety of modules of the PASS system and use that information in item processing. The methods of item processing can use the PASS system and the PASS module to perform a variety of functions including, for example, revenue protection, sorting of items, task management, sampling and data collection, redirecting if enroute items, and personnel management.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Carla F. Sherry
  • Patent number: 10521839
    Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods and apparatus for finding and delivering a desired item, including unique or hard-to-find items. In one example, there is provided a method that includes receiving a request to find the item and broadcasting the request. The method includes receiving responses to the broadcasted request, the responses indicating a finding of the item and including a bid to sell the item. The method includes providing purchase options for the item to a source of the request based on the received responses, and receiving, from the source of the request, a selection of a purchase option from among the purchase options provided to the source. The method includes providing instructions to a provider of the selected purchase option based on the received selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Carla F. Sherry
  • Patent number: 10293380
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for item processing. The systems can include a PASS module that can include features that receive inputs relating to an item for processing and provide those inputs to other components and/or modules of a PASS system and/or of another system. The PASS system can include a variety of modules, including the PASS module, and can collect information and/or inputs from the variety of modules of the PASS system and use that information in item processing. The methods of item processing can use the PASS system and the PASS module to perform a variety of functions including, for example, revenue protection, sorting of items, task management, sampling and data collection, redirecting if enroute items, and personnel management.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Carla F. Sherry
  • Publication number: 20190043105
    Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods and apparatus for finding and delivering a desired item, including unique or hard-to-find items. In one example, there is provided a method that includes receiving a request to find the item and broadcasting the request. The method includes receiving responses to the broadcasted request, the responses indicating a finding of the item and including a bid to sell the item. The method includes providing purchase options for the item to a source of the request based on the received responses, and receiving, from the source of the request, a selection of a purchase option from among the purchase options provided to the source. The method includes providing instructions to a provider of the selected purchase option based on the received selection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Carla F. Sherry
  • Publication number: 20190026692
    Abstract: Systems and methods of processing items. Items in a distribution network or process may be scanned at every handling point in the distribution network, and each scan is recorded in a central repository. The scan information can be used to generate real-time access to data, analytical tools, predictive tools, and tracking reports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Kuldip K. Goyal, Carla F. Sherry, Amy B. Cradic, C. Scot Atkins, Himesh A. Patel