Patents by Inventor Kenneth Thomas McBride
Kenneth Thomas McBride 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: 11893833Abstract: Systems and methods which utilize gravity feed for mail item movement in postage metering operations are shown. Embodiments provide for gravity drop feeding mail items into a portion of a postage metering system for metering operations, such as to activate or apply postage indicia thereto. Embodiments provide for gravity drop exit of mail items from a portion of a postage metering system after metering operations, such as activation or application of postage indicia thereto. Postage metering operations as performed by embodiments of the invention may comprise scanning and activation of preprinted tokens. Postage metering operations according to alternative embodiments of the invention may printing postage indicia. Embodiments provide processing in addition to or in the alternative to the aforementioned postage indicia activation or printing and mail item marking operations, such as weighing, sorting, etc.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2020Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: AUCTANE, INC.Inventors: Kenneth Thomas McBride, J P Leon
-
Patent number: 11651323Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention would determine exemplary projected routes, delivery dates, times and rates for multiple carriers and multiple delivery services/methods. Exemplary embodiments would generate and provide an exemplary interactive graphic comparison mapping of the exemplary projected carrier-specific, delivery-service-specific routes, and associated projected delivery dates, times and rates. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention would generate and provide an exemplary interactive graphic mapping of a projected carrier-specific, delivery-service-specific route, and associated projected delivery date, time and rate for a user-selected carrier and delivery service/method. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention would then track shipping/mailing progress and delivery status of the item according to carrier-provided shipping/mailing progress and delivery status “events,” such as, for example, carrier-provided item scanning events.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2021Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: AUCTANE, INC.Inventors: Kenneth Thomas McBride, John Roland Clem, Charles John Atkinson
-
Patent number: 11599755Abstract: Systems and methods which provide postage indicia using mobile communication handsets are shown. According to embodiments, users are enabled to introduce mail pieces into a mail delivery stream which are accepted as having acceptable postage indicia having value associated therewith without the use of traditional metering systems or processor-based postage generation and printing systems. Instead, a mobile communication handset is used to obtain tokens to be used as postage indicia. The tokens may be transmitted to or otherwise printed by appropriate, available printing equipment, such as facsimile machines, network printers, network photo copiers, etc., in response to a request by a mobile communication handset for postage indicia. The foregoing tokens may be printed upon various stock for inclusion with or as a mail piece. The mail piece bearing the token may be placed into the mail stream for processing and delivery using the token as activated as postage indicia.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2017Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: Auctane, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth Thomas McBride, John Roland Clem
-
Patent number: 11544692Abstract: Systems and methods which provide postage indicia using mobile communication handsets are shown. According to embodiments, users are enabled to introduce mail pieces into a mail delivery stream which are accepted as having activated, value comprising postage indicia associated therewith without the use of traditional metering systems, processor-based postage generation and printing systems, or even printers. Instead, a token comprising substantially unique identification information identifying a mail piece is activated as an activated token having postage value associated therewith using mobile communication handsets, such as a smart phone, network enabled personal digital assistant, etc. according to embodiments of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2020Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: Auctane, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth Thomas McBride, John Roland Clem
-
Patent number: 11144868Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention would determine exemplary projected routes, delivery dates, times and rates for multiple carriers and multiple delivery services/methods. Exemplary embodiments would generate and provide an exemplary interactive graphic comparison mapping of the exemplary projected carrier-specific, delivery-service-specific routes, and associated projected delivery dates, times and rates. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention would generate and provide an exemplary interactive graphic mapping of a projected carrier-specific, delivery-service-specific route, and associated projected delivery date, time and rate for a user-selected carrier and delivery service/method. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention would then track shipping/mailing progress and delivery status of the item according to carrier-provided shipping/mailing progress and delivery status “events,” such as, for example, carrier-provided item scanning events.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2017Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: STAMPS.COM INC.Inventors: Kenneth Thomas McBride, John Roland Clem, Charles John Atkinson
-
Patent number: 11074765Abstract: Systems and methods which provide for activation of postage indicia at a point of sale are shown. In operation according to embodiments, unassigned (e.g., not yet activated or not yet representing postage value) tokens (e.g., IBI barcodes) suitable for later use as postage indicia are distributed to various point of sale locations, such as retail locations, consumer kiosks, vending machines, etc. and made available for purchase by users. Upon purchase, at a point of sale, such unassigned tokens are preferably activated as valid or “live” postage indicia. Thereafter, the postage indicia may be used to post mail items.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2019Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: Stamps.com Inc.Inventors: James Michael Bortnak, Kenneth Thomas McBride
-
Patent number: 10839332Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will provide a method using a computer, and a computer system, for providing image-customizing labels that are adapted for receiving computer-based, generic, value-bearing item indicia such as, for example, computer-based, generic, postage indicia. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will comprise generating a display of a user interface screen that is adapted for receiving an order from a user for at least one image-customized label adapted for bearing a computer-based, generic, value-bearing item.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2016Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: Stamps.comInventors: Kenneth Thomas McBride, John Roland Clem
-
Patent number: 10713634Abstract: Systems and methods which provide postage indicia using mobile communication handsets are shown. According to embodiments, users are enabled to introduce mail pieces into a mail delivery stream which are accepted as having activated, value comprising postage indicia associated therewith without the use of traditional metering systems, processor-based postage generation and printing systems, or even printers. Instead, a token comprising substantially unique identification information identifying a mail piece is activated as an activated token having postage value associated therewith using mobile communication handsets, such as a smart phone, network enabled personal digital assistant, etc. according to embodiments of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2011Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Stamps.com Inc.Inventors: Kenneth Thomas McBride, John Roland Clem
-
Patent number: 10424126Abstract: Systems and methods which provide for activation of postage indicia at a point of sale are shown. In operation according to embodiments, unassigned (e.g., not yet activated or not yet representing postage value) tokens (e.g., IBI barcodes) suitable for later use as postage indicia are distributed to various point of sale locations, such as retail locations, consumer kiosks, vending machines, etc. and made available for purchase by users. Upon purchase, at a point of sale, such unassigned tokens are preferably activated as valid or “live” postage indicia. Thereafter, the postage indicia may be used to post mail items.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2018Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: Stamps.com Inc.Inventors: James Michael Bortnak, Kenneth Thomas McBride
-
Publication number: 20180240286Abstract: Systems and methods which provide for activation of postage indicia at a point of sale are shown. In operation according to embodiments, unassigned (e.g., not yet activated or not yet representing postage value) tokens (e.g., IBI barcodes) suitable for later use as postage indicia are distributed to various point of sale locations, such as retail locations, consumer kiosks, vending machines, etc. and made available for purchase by users. Upon purchase, at a point of sale, such unassigned tokens are preferably activated as valid or “live” postage indicia. Thereafter, the postage indicia may be used to post mail items.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2018Publication date: August 23, 2018Inventors: James Michael Bortnak, Kenneth Thomas McBride
-
Patent number: 9208620Abstract: Systems and methods provide for printing unactivated tokens which can be activated into valid postage indicia at a later time. Monetary liability for postage indicia value is postponed until the token is activated into a postage indicium; thus, the token does not have value and is not valid until activated into indicium. Consequently, a user is not made monetarily liable for printed tokens unless the tokens are activated into postage indicia.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: Stamps.com, Inc.Inventors: James Michael Bortnak, Kenneth Thomas McBride, John Roland Clem
-
Patent number: 8818915Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will provide computer systems and methods for customizing computer-based value-bearing items, such as, for example, customizing a computer-based postage-indicia-bearing item such as exemplary image-customized computer-based postage label 1 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, depicted in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 1, the exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear an image 2 that would be provided by a corresponding user, namely by the user that orders the customized computer-based postage label. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear a human-readable indication of the country 4 for which the postage is approved. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will also bear a human-readable indication of an amount of postage 5. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will also bear a human-readable identifier 6 and a machine-readable set of information 7.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Stamps.com Inc.Inventors: J. P. Leon, John Roland Clem, Richard Stables, John Michael Boswell, Kyle Huebner, Daniel David Farino, Kenneth Thomas McBride
-
Patent number: 8805745Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will provide computer systems and methods for printing computer-based value-bearing items such as, for example, an exemplary image-customized computer-based postage label 1 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as depicted in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 1, the exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear an image 2 that would be provided by a corresponding user, namely by the user that orders the customized computer-based postage label. The user may provide image 2 in an electronic form, such as by uploading a digital representation of image 2. In a variation of the exemplary embodiment, a user could alternatively provide a hardcopy image. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear a human-readable indication of the country 4 for which the postage is approved. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will also bear a human-readable indication of an amount of postage 5.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2004Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Stamps.com Inc.Inventors: Kyle Huebner, John Michael Boswell, Kenneth Thomas McBride, John Roland Clem, J.P. Leon
-
Patent number: 8065239Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will provide methods and a computer system for managing image content review for image customization of computer-based value-bearing items such as, for example, an exemplary image-customized computer-based postage label 1 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as depicted in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 1, the exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear an image 2 that would be provided by a corresponding user, namely by the user that orders the customized computer-based postage label. The user may provide image 2 in an electronic form, such as by uploading a digital representation of image 2. In a variation of the exemplary embodiment, a user could alternatively provide a hardcopy image. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear a human-readable indication of the country 4 for which the postage is approved.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2004Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Stamps.com Inc.Inventors: Kenneth Thomas McBride, John Michael Boswell, Kyle Huebner, John Roland Clem, J. P. Leon, Daniel David Farino, Richard Stables
-
Patent number: 7979358Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will provide methods and a computer system for managing image content review for image customization of computer-based value-bearing items such as, for example, an exemplary image-customized computer-based postage label 1 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as depicted in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 1, the exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear an image 2 that would be provided by a corresponding user, namely by the user that orders the customized computer-based postage label. The user may provide image 2 in an electronic form, such as by uploading a digital representation of image 2. In a variation of the exemplary embodiment, a user could alternatively provide a hardcopy image. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear a human-readable indication of the country 4 for which the postage is approved.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2005Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Stamps.com Inc.Inventors: John Roland Clem, Daniel David Farino, Kenneth Thomas McBride, Michael John Biswas, James Bortnak, Bry Willis
-
Patent number: 7963437Abstract: Systems and methods which provide for distributed printing of personalized postage indicia are shown. Embodiments facilitate printing of personalized postage indicia at various distributed printing locations, such as user sites, retail locations, consumer kiosks, etc., while implementing techniques to avoid widespread availability of live (e.g., active or representing postage value) postage barcodes, prevent printing of fraudulent postage indicia, and/or preventing approved images from being replaced with unapproved images in printed postage indicia. Embodiments facilitate distributed printing of personalized postage indicia through implementation of a technique wherein a manufacturer, such as a postage service provider or a postal authority, provides a centralized print of unassigned tokens on postage stock. The unassigned tokens are configured or otherwise able to form a complete postage indicia when appropriate personalized content is associated therewith.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2008Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Stamps.com Inc.Inventors: Kenneth Thomas McBride, James Michael Bortnak, JP Leon, John Roland Clem
-
Patent number: 7933845Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will provide computer systems and methods for customizing computer-based value-bearing items, such as, for example, customizing a computer-based postage-indicia-bearing item such as exemplary image-customized computer-based postage label 1 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, depicted in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 1, the exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear an image 2 that would be provided by a corresponding user, namely by the user that orders the customized computer-based postage label. The user may provide image 2 in an electronic form, such as by uploading a digital representation of image 2. In a variation of the exemplary embodiment, a user could alternatively provide a hardcopy image. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear a human-readable indication of the country 4 for which the postage is approved.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2004Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Stamps.com Inc.Inventors: J. P. Leon, John Roland Clem, Richard Stables, John Michael Boswell, Kyle Huebner, Daniel David Farino, Kenneth Thomas McBride
-
Patent number: 7509291Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention would provide methods and systems for generating and printing an identifier on a sheet of label stock that comprises a plurality of same-sized labels. In the exemplary embodiment, the identifier would comprise an identification of a media type of the sheet of label stock, and would further comprise an identification of an orientation for printing value-bearing item indicia, such as postage indicia, with respect to each label on the sheet of label stock. The orientation for printing value-bearing item indicia, such as postage indicia, would correspond to an orientation selection by a user that ordered the labels (sometimes referred to herein as the “ordering user”).Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Stamps.com Inc.Inventors: Kenneth Thomas McBride, Damon Cleckler, Keith David Bussell