Abstract: A retractable arm device, system, and method with a locking mechanism for preventing items placed in a device or receptacle from getting stuck, damaged, or torn. The retractable arm includes an inner tube, a pawl, and an outer tube surrounding the inner tube. The inner tube slides within the outer tube and the pawl preventing the retractable arm from moving into an extended position under particular conditions. The retractable arm may be placed in a receptacle for items to prevent the door from being reopened before the door is fully closed.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for storage, delivery, receipt, and/or other handling of an item in an electronically controllable storage receptacle are disclosed. The disclosure provides features for keyless access to the storage receptacle by use of user access information, such as a PIN or bar code. Further, features are disclosed for receiving and/or transmitting data related to the recipient and the item to facilitate the various handling actions of the item.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and techniques for producing audio for, or adding audio capability to, a collection box for delivery items that includes a user-operated door for putting items into the collection box. The system can include a processing subsystem, an audio transducer, a trigger device that is connected to, or that is part of, the door of the collection device, and a sensor. The sensor detects the trigger device when the trigger device is in close proximity (e.g., in contact), and the sensor is positioned such that it is in close proximity with the trigger device when the door is closed. In response to the trigger device moving out of close proximity, the sensor generates a signal to the processing system. In response, the processing system generates an audio signal that is converted to sound by the audio transducer, which can be heard outside of the collection box.

Abstract: Receptacle locking devices are disclosed. A receptacle locking device having a contact arm and a pivoting feature can be pivoted from a first, unlocked position to a second, locked position, wherein the contact arm prevents opening of the receptacle door when the locking device is in the second, locked position.

Abstract: Receptacle locking devices are disclosed. A receptacle locking device having a contact arm and a pivoting feature can be pivoted from a first, unlocked position to a second, locked position, wherein the contact arm prevents opening of the receptacle door when the locking device is in the second, locked position.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for storage, delivery, receipt, and/or other handling of an item in an electronically controllable storage receptacle are disclosed. The disclosure provides features for keyless access to the storage receptacle by use of user access information, such as a PIN or bar code. Further, features are disclosed for receiving and/or transmitting data related to the recipient and the item to facilitate the various handling actions of the item.

Abstract: A retractable arm device, system, and method with a locking mechanism for preventing items placed in a device or receptacle from getting stuck, damaged, or torn. The retractable arm includes an inner tube, a pawl, and an outer tube surrounding the inner tube. The inner tube slides within the outer tube and the pawl preventing the retractable arm from moving into an extended position under particular conditions. The retractable arm may be placed in a receptacle for items to prevent the door from being reopened before the door is fully closed.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for storage, delivery, receipt, and/or other handling of an item in an electronically controllable storage receptacle are disclosed. The disclosure provides features for keyless access to the storage receptacle by use of user access information, such as a PIN or bar code. Further, features are disclosed for receiving and/or transmitting data related to the recipient and the item to facilitate the various handling actions of the item.

Abstract: A smart drop box, system, and method for providing item deposit verification. A smart drop box includes an item receptacle, a processor in communication with the item receptacle, and a user interface in communication with the processor. The item receptacle is configured to receive an item from a user, determine item information related to the item, and transfer the item to a collection container. The processor is configured to determine payment information based at least in part on the item information. The smart drop box is configured to provide deposit verification based at least in part on at least one of the item information and the payment information. In some embodiments, the deposit verification includes a printed receipt and/or an electronic notification.

Abstract: Receptacle locking devices are disclosed. A receptacle locking device having a contact arm and a pivoting feature can be pivoted from a first, unlocked position to a second, locked position, wherein the contact arm prevents opening of the receptacle door when the locking device is in the second, locked position.