Patents by Inventor Jennifer Hedges

Jennifer Hedges 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: 11527119
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a storage unit are disclosed. A storage unit includes a container defining an interior storage space and an opening configured to provide access to the interior storage space, a door configured to open and close the opening, a heating/cooling mechanism configured to adjust a temperature in the interior storage space, a temperature sensor configured to monitor the temperature in the interior storage space. A control unit is configured to receive the temperature in the interior storage space, receive a required temperature of an item in the storage unit, receive a signal indicative of a distance of a delivery vehicle, and activate the heating/cooling mechanism based on the temperature, the required temperature, and the distance of the delivery vehicle. The heating/cooling mechanism is activated at a time configured to achieve the required temperature within the interior storage space when the delivery vehicle arrives at the storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Brian G. McHale, John J. O'Brien, Robert Cantrell, Jennifer Hedges
  • Publication number: 20220020233
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a storage unit are disclosed. A storage unit includes a container defining an interior storage space and an opening configured to provide access to the interior storage space, a door configured to open and close the opening, a heating/cooling mechanism configured to adjust a temperature in the interior storage space, a temperature sensor configured to monitor the temperature in the interior storage space. A control unit is configured to receive the temperature in the interior storage space, receive a required temperature of an item in the storage unit, receive a signal indicative of a distance of a delivery vehicle, and activate the heating/cooling mechanism based on the temperature, the required temperature, and the distance of the delivery vehicle. The heating/cooling mechanism is activated at a time configured to achieve the required temperature within the interior storage space when the delivery vehicle arrives at the storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: Brian McHale, John J. O'Brien, Robert Cantrell, Jennifer Hedges
  • Patent number: 11037098
    Abstract: Examples provide a system for managing disposition of returned items and/or items having damaged packaging. An item is identified based on item scan data. Item data associated with the item and condition data describing the condition of the item, including describing defects in the item or item packaging. The system identifies a set of applicable disposition options customized for the item. The system recommends a disposition from the set of applicable disposition options to assist the user with selection of an appropriate disposition. The disposition can include a price markdown, donation of the item, return of the item to a supplier, and so forth. If the selected option is a markdown of the item, the item disposition component generates a markdown amount for the selected item which avoids loss for the item. The item disposition system generates a label for the item including details of the selected disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Tim Wicks, John Sokolsky, Joshua Chaney, Michael Carey, Russell Dylan Lane, Rajiv Jivan, Roger Paredes, Chelsea Burns, John E. Petrovich, Jennifer Hedges
  • Publication number: 20190287055
    Abstract: Examples provide a system for managing disposition of returned items and/or items having damaged packaging. An item is identified based on item scan data. Item data associated with the item and condition data describing the condition of the item, including describing defects in the item or item packaging. The system identifies a set of applicable disposition options customized for the item. The system recommends a disposition from the set of applicable disposition options to assist the user with selection of an appropriate disposition. The disposition can include a price markdown, donation of the item, return of the item to a supplier, and so forth. If the selected option is a markdown of the item, the item disposition component generates a markdown amount for the selected item which avoids loss for the item. The item disposition system generates a label for the item including details of the selected disposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Tim Wicks, John Sokolsky, Joshua Chaney, Michael Carey, Russell Dylan Lane, Rajiv Jivan, Roger Paredes, Chelsea Burns, John E. Petrovich, Jennifer Hedges
  • Publication number: 20190268159
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for using multilayered authentication mechanisms, combined with hashing functions, to provide increased security and accuracy in identification of a user. One example is using facial biometric data as input to a hash function, and comparing that hash function output to previously stored hash function outputs to determine if the facial data captured matches that of a known user. Then, once a facial match is determined using the hashed values, a secondary confirmation is requested and/or received. If that secondary confirmation also matches stored data, the user is authorized to perform the transaction or access the restricted area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Applicant: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Donald R. HIGH, Bruce WILKINSON, John J. O'BRIEN, Robert CANTRELL, Brian MCHALE, Joseph JURICH, Jennifer HEDGES
  • Publication number: 20190266819
    Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving and securely storing a package in a solar powered storage unit until retrieval by an intended recipient. The storage unit opens automatically to receive packages from delivery vehicles and maintains the interior of the storage unit at a desired temperature. The storage unit only allows designated recipients access to the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Applicant: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Brian McHale, John J. O'Brien, Robert Cantrell, Jennifer Hedges