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).

  • Patent number: 11942006
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
    Inventor: Clayton C. Bonnell
  • Patent number: 11843590
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Clayton C. Bonnell, Kelley A. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 11639854
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Clayton C. Bonnell, Neri G. Terry, Kurt J. Schulz
  • Publication number: 20230129463
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventors: Clayton C. Bonnell, Kelley A. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20230104288
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventor: Clayton C. Bonnell
  • Publication number: 20230097680
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventor: Clayton C. BONNELL
  • Patent number: 11562667
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
    Inventor: Clayton C. Bonnell
  • Patent number: 11562040
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Clayton C. Bonnell, Gary C. Reblin
  • Patent number: 11533177
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Clayton C Bonnell, Kelley A Sullivan
  • Patent number: 11533178
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Clayton C. Bonnell, Kelley A. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 11528138
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventor: Clayton C. Bonnell
  • Publication number: 20220045998
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Inventors: Clayton C. Bonnell, Kelley A. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 11159508
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Clayton C Bonnell, Kelley A Sullivan
  • Patent number: 11153086
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventor: Clayton C Bonnell
  • Publication number: 20210258161
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventor: Clayton C. Bonnell
  • Publication number: 20210172747
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: Clayton C. Bonnell, Neri G. Terry, Kurt J. Schulz
  • Patent number: 10928208
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Clayton C. Bonnell, Neri G. Terry, Kurt J. Schulz
  • Publication number: 20200294427
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventor: Clayton C. BONNELL
  • Publication number: 20200267136
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: Clayton C Bonnell, Kelley A Sullivan
  • Patent number: 10692405
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
    Inventor: Clayton C. Bonnell