Patents by Inventor Clayton C. Bonnell
Clayton C. Bonnell 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).
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Patent number: 11942006Abstract: A method is provided for tracking and/or locating a delivery item. A first delivery-item transport equipment label is temporarily attached to a bracket, wherein the bracket includes a main body with a first identifier permanently attached to the bracket and a second identifier comprising a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip permanently attached to the bracket. The first delivery-item transport equipment label and at least one of the first identifier and the second identifier are scanned to associate the first delivery-item transport equipment label with at least the RFID chip. The RFID chip is scanned during use of a delivery-item transport equipment to which the bracket is attached. A location of the first delivery-item transport equipment label is identified based on the scanning of the RFID chip.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2022Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICEInventor: Clayton C. Bonnell
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Patent number: 11843590Abstract: Methods and systems for resetting a digital credential within a digital credential based authentication system. The method includes logging a first administrative user into the digital credential system, receiving, from the first administrative user, a first portion of authentication credentials for a first customer, validating, by the first administrative user using the digital credential system, the first portion, logging a second administrative user into the digital credential system, receiving, from the second administrative user, a second portion of authentication credentials for the first customer, receiving the second portion by the second administrative user, validating, by the second administrative user using the digital credential system, the second portion; and resetting the authentication credentials based on the validation of the first portion and second portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2021Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventors: Clayton C. Bonnell, Kelley A. Sullivan
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Patent number: 11639854Abstract: A method and system for generating a location identification grid and for using a location identification grid. The location identification grid can include a first geographic area that correspond to a pre-existing area. This pre-existing area can correspond to a postal code such as a zip code, a telephone code such as, an area code, or any other desired pre-existing area. The location identification grid can be subdivided into smaller geographic areas to allow more accurate identification of a location. The location identification grid can include a second geographic area. The second geographic area can be a subdivision of the first geographic area. The location identification grid can be used with signals that identify a location within a location identification grid. These signals can include a first component corresponding to the first geographic area and the second component corresponding to one or more second geographic areas.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2021Date of Patent: May 2, 2023Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventors: Clayton C. Bonnell, Neri G. Terry, Kurt J. Schulz
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Publication number: 20230129463Abstract: Methods and systems for electronic document authentication are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of generating an electronic postmark includes receiving, via a server, a request message from an electronic network, the request message comprising request data including payload data and meta data, generating a timestamp in response to receiving the message, hashing the payload data to generate a payload hash, digitally signing the metadata, the payload hash, and the timestamp to generate a digital signature, generating a response message, the response message generated to comprise the metadata, the payload hash, the timestamp, and the digital signature; and transmitting the response message onto the electronic network.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2022Publication date: April 27, 2023Inventors: Clayton C. Bonnell, Kelley A. Sullivan
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Publication number: 20230104288Abstract: In some aspects, methods and systems for a digital trust architecture are provided. In some aspects, the architecture includes a user account provisioning process. The provisioning process may make use of in person verifications of some personal information to ensure authenticity of the user information. Once the authenticity of user information is established, an account may be created. The user account may include a user email account, with integrated access to digital certificates linked to the user account. Account creation may also automatically publish the new user's public key in a publicly accessible directory, enabling encrypted email information to be easily sent to the new user.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2022Publication date: April 6, 2023Inventor: Clayton C. Bonnell
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Publication number: 20230097680Abstract: A method is provided for tracking and/or locating a delivery item. A first delivery-item transport equipment label is temporarily attached to a bracket, wherein the bracket includes a main body with a first identifier permanently attached to the bracket and a second identifier comprising a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip permanently attached to the bracket. The first delivery-item transport equipment label and at least one of the first identifier and the second identifier are scanned to associate the first delivery-item transport equipment label with at least the RFID chip. The RFID chip is scanned during use of a delivery-item transport equipment to which the bracket is attached. A location of the first delivery-item transport equipment label is identified based on the scanning of the RFID chip.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2022Publication date: March 30, 2023Inventor: Clayton C. BONNELL
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Patent number: 11562667Abstract: A transport equipment label bracket that can be used during tracking and/or locating of delivery item(s) (e.g. mail) positioned on or in delivery-item transport equipment such as a delivery-item transport cart. The bracket can have positioned thereon a permanent first identifier and a permanent second identifier, which may include a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip. The bracket can further include a placard mount for temporarily positioning a placard such as a delivery-item transport equipment label, which can represent the delivery item(s) that are in or on the delivery-item transport equipment. The placard and either/both of the first identifier and the second identifier can be scanned to associate or conjoin the placard with the RFID chip as represented in a computerized delivery-item-tracking system. Thereafter, the RFID chip can be scanned to identify a location of the placard and thus the location of the delivery-item transport cart.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2020Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICEInventor: Clayton C. Bonnell
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Patent number: 11562040Abstract: A method and system for generating a location identifier using a location code and a grid coordinate. The location code corresponds to a defined geographical area, such as a postal code or an area code. A grid coordinate can be determined based on destination location information, such as an address, a GPS-determined position, or other reference to a specific physical location. The location identifier is combined with the location code to generate a location identifier, which can be encoded in a computer readable format and placed on items for use in a distribution network. The location identifier can be used to facilitate domestic or international distribution of items using a common format or addressing scheme. The domestic and foreign distribution networks read and interpret location identifiers in order to deliver items.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventors: Clayton C. Bonnell, Gary C. Reblin
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Patent number: 11533177Abstract: Methods and systems for electronic document authentication are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of generating an electronic postmark includes receiving, via a server, a request message from an electronic network, the request message comprising request data including payload data and meta data, generating a timestamp in response to receiving the message, hashing the payload data to generate a payload hash, digitally signing the metadata, the payload hash, and the timestamp to generate a digital signature, generating a response message, the response message generated to comprise the metadata, the payload hash, the timestamp, and the digital signature; and transmitting the response message onto the electronic network.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2016Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventors: Clayton C Bonnell, Kelley A Sullivan
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Patent number: 11533178Abstract: Methods and systems for electronic document authentication are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of generating an electronic postmark includes receiving, via a server, a request message from an electronic network, the request message comprising request data including payload data and meta data, generating a timestamp in response to receiving the message, hashing the payload data to generate a payload hash, digitally signing the metadata, the payload hash, and the timestamp to generate a digital signature, generating a response message, the response message generated to comprise the metadata, the payload hash, the timestamp, and the digital signature; and transmitting the response message onto the electronic network.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2018Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventors: Clayton C. Bonnell, Kelley A. Sullivan
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Patent number: 11528138Abstract: In some aspects, methods and systems for a digital trust architecture are provided. In some aspects, the architecture includes a user account provisioning process. The provisioning process may make use of in person verifications of some personal information to ensure authenticity of the user information. Once the authenticity of user information is established, an account may be created. The user account may include a user email account, with integrated access to digital certificates linked to the user account. Account creation may also automatically publish the new user's public key in a publicly accessible directory, enabling encrypted email information to be easily sent to the new user.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2021Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventor: Clayton C. Bonnell
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Publication number: 20220045998Abstract: Methods and systems for resetting a digital credential within a digital credential based authentication system. The method includes logging a first administrative user into the digital credential system, receiving, from the first administrative user, a first portion of authentication credentials for a first customer, validating, by the first administrative user using the digital credential system, the first portion, logging a second administrative user into the digital credential system, receiving, from the second administrative user, a second portion of authentication credentials for the first customer, receiving the second portion by the second administrative user, validating, by the second administrative user using the digital credential system, the second portion; and resetting the authentication credentials based on the validation of the first portion and second portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2021Publication date: February 10, 2022Inventors: Clayton C. Bonnell, Kelley A. Sullivan
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Patent number: 11159508Abstract: Methods and systems for resetting a digital credential within a digital credential based authentication system. The method includes logging a first administrative user into the digital credential system, receiving, from the first administrative user, a first portion of authentication credentials for a first customer, validating, by the first administrative user using the digital credential system, the first portion, logging a second administrative user into the digital credential system, receiving, from the second administrative user, a second portion of authentication credentials for the first customer, receiving the second portion by the second administrative user, validating, by the second administrative user using the digital credential system, the second portion; and resetting the authentication credentials based on the validation of the first portion and second portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2020Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventors: Clayton C Bonnell, Kelley A Sullivan
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Patent number: 11153086Abstract: In some aspects, methods and systems for a digital trust architecture are provided. In some aspects, the architecture includes a user account provisioning process. The provisioning process may make use of in person verifications of some personal information to ensure authenticity of the user information. Once the authenticity of user information is established, an account may be created. The user account may include a user email account, with integrated access to digital certificates linked to the user account. Account creation may also automatically publish the new user's public key in a publicly accessible directory, enabling encrypted email information to be easily sent to the new user.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2019Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventor: Clayton C Bonnell
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Publication number: 20210258161Abstract: In some aspects, methods and systems for a digital trust architecture are provided. In some aspects, the architecture includes a user account provisioning process. The provisioning process may make use of in person verifications of some personal information to ensure authenticity of the user information. Once the authenticity of user information is established, an account may be created. The user account may include a user email account, with integrated access to digital certificates linked to the user account. Account creation may also automatically publish the new user's public key in a publicly accessible directory, enabling encrypted email information to be easily sent to the new user.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2021Publication date: August 19, 2021Inventor: Clayton C. Bonnell
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Publication number: 20210172747Abstract: A method and system for generating a location identification grid and for using a location identification grid. The location identification grid can include a first geographic area that correspond to a pre-existing area. This pre-existing area can correspond to a postal code such as a zip code, a telephone code such as, an area code, or any other desired pre-existing area. The location identification grid can be subdivided into smaller geographic areas to allow more accurate identification of a location. The location identification grid can include a second geographic area. The second geographic area can be a subdivision of the first geographic area. The location identification grid can be used with signals that identify a location within a location identification grid. These signals can include a first component corresponding to the first geographic area and the second component corresponding to one or more second geographic areas.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2021Publication date: June 10, 2021Inventors: Clayton C. Bonnell, Neri G. Terry, Kurt J. Schulz
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Patent number: 10928208Abstract: A method and system for generating a location identification grid and for using a location identification grid. The location identification grid can include a first geographic area that correspond to a pre-existing area. This pre-existing area can correspond to a postal code such as a zip code, a telephone code such as, an area code, or any other desired pre-existing area. The location identification grid can be subdivided into smaller geographic areas to allow more accurate identification of a location. The location identification grid can include a second geographic area. The second geographic area can be a subdivision of the first geographic area. The location identification grid can be used with signals that identify a location within a location identification grid. These signals can include a first component corresponding to the first geographic area and the second component corresponding to one or more second geographic areas.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2018Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventors: Clayton C. Bonnell, Neri G. Terry, Kurt J. Schulz
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Publication number: 20200294427Abstract: A transport equipment label bracket that can be used during tracking and/or locating of delivery item(s) (e.g. mail) positioned on or in delivery-item transport equipment such as a delivery-item transport cart. The bracket can have positioned thereon a permanent first identifier and a permanent second identifier, which may include a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip. The bracket can further include a placard mount for temporarily positioning a placard such as a delivery-item transport equipment label, which can represent the delivery item(s) that are in or on the delivery-item transport equipment. The placard and either/both of the first identifier and the second identifier can be scanned to associate or conjoin the placard with the RFID chip as represented in a computerized delivery-item-tracking system. Thereafter, the RFID chip can be scanned to identify a location of the placard and thus the location of the delivery-item transport cart.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2020Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventor: Clayton C. BONNELL
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Publication number: 20200267136Abstract: Methods and systems for resetting a digital credential within a digital credential based authentication system. The method includes logging a first administrative user into the digital credential system, receiving, from the first administrative user, a first portion of authentication credentials for a first customer, validating, by the first administrative user using the digital credential system, the first portion, logging a second administrative user into the digital credential system, receiving, from the second administrative user, a second portion of authentication credentials for the first customer, receiving the second portion by the second administrative user, validating, by the second administrative user using the digital credential system, the second portion; and resetting the authentication credentials based on the validation of the first portion and second portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2020Publication date: August 20, 2020Inventors: Clayton C Bonnell, Kelley A Sullivan
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Patent number: 10692405Abstract: A transport equipment label bracket that can be used during tracking and/or locating of delivery item(s) (e.g. mail) positioned on delivery-item transport equipment such as a delivery-item transport cart. The bracket can have positioned thereon a permanent first identifier and a permanent second identifier, wherein the second identifier includes a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip. The bracket can further include a placard mount for temporarily positioning a placard such as a delivery-item transport equipment label. The placard and either/both of the first identifier and the second identifier can be scanned to associate or conjoin the placard with the RFID chip as represented in a computerized delivery-item-tracking system. Thereafter, the RFID chip can be scanned to identify a location of the placard and thus the location of the delivery-item transport cart.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2018Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICEInventor: Clayton C. Bonnell