Patents by Inventor Robert E. Dixon, JR.

Robert E. Dixon, JR. 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).

  • Publication number: 20200387868
    Abstract: Systems and methods for sending targeted items in a delivery network. Items can be targeted to geographical areas or routes based on attributes or criteria of the delivery points in the geographical areas or routes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: Robert E. Dixon, JR., Scott R. Bombaugh
  • Patent number: 10671963
    Abstract: A method, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium are provided for populating a calendar. In one embodiment, a method is provided for receiving tracking data regarding a delivery item, calculating an expected delivery date for the delivery item, identifying one or more deadlines associated with the delivery item, based on the tracking information, and automatically populating a user's calendar with the expected delivery date and the one or more deadlines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
    Inventors: Chandra A. Briggman, Jane Elizabeth Quenk, Timothy M. Moran, Kelley A. Sullivan, Robert E. Dixon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10650479
    Abstract: Systems and methods of tracking distribution items using hardware components on or in the distribution items. Shippers and recipients of distribution items can track or locate a distribution item, especially a high value item, if the distribution item is lost, misrouted, or delayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Ryan M. Luckay, Robert E. Dixon, Jr., Jim E. Lee
  • Publication number: 20200065518
    Abstract: A method of providing material based on a user-initiated request utilizing an electronic database includes receiving search keywords to conduct a search and accessing a first database having previously stored contact information for the particular user in an initial table record. The method includes transforming data in the fields of the record for the particular user in the initial table to generate a record in a sanitized table, accessing a second electronic database having previously stored data structures corresponding to businesses, where each data structure maps selected keyword combinations to corresponding icons, and to particular material corresponding to each keyword combination, and displaying icons associated with search results having corresponding selected keywords near associated result items on an electronic display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel M. Bentley, Robert E. Dixon, JR., Ryan M. Luckay
  • Patent number: 10565542
    Abstract: A method, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium are provided for displaying a hybrid-digital mailbox. In one embodiment, the a method is provided for determining a user identifier corresponding to the hybrid-digital mailbox, extracting profile information corresponding to the user identifier, determining a delivery point associated with the user identifier based on the profile information, sending a request for information regarding incoming delivery items associated with the identified delivery point, and displaying a user interface depicting a listing of the incoming delivery items associated with the identified delivery point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
    Inventors: Chandra A. Briggman, Jane Elizabeth Quenk, Timothy M. Moran, Kelley A. Sullivan, Michael John Amato, Robert E. Dixon, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20200020063
    Abstract: Systems and methods of tracking distribution items using hardware components on or in the distribution items. Shippers and recipients of distribution items can track or locate a distribution item, especially a high value item, if the distribution item is lost, misrouted, or delayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventors: Ryan M. Luckay, Robert E. Dixon, JR., James E. Lee, SR.
  • Publication number: 20190392445
    Abstract: Systems and methods for universal item returns. A universal returns systems allows a user the ability to return an item via a distribution network whether the item was purchased at a retail location, delivered by the distribution network, or delivered by another entity. The universal returns system comprises a user interface a return request. Based on the return request, the system obtains transaction information, provides a return code, and allows scheduling item pick-up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Peter Jay Klausner, Robert E. Dixon, JR.
  • Patent number: 10460127
    Abstract: A method of providing material based on a user-initiated request utilizing an electronic database includes receiving search keywords to conduct a search and accessing a first database having previously stored contact information for the particular user in an initial table record. The method includes transforming data in the fields of the record for the particular user in the initial table to generate a record in a sanitized table, accessing a second electronic database having previously stored data structures corresponding to businesses, where each data structure maps selected keyword combinations to corresponding icons, and to particular material corresponding to each keyword combination, and displaying icons associated with search results having corresponding selected keywords near associated result items on an electronic display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Daniel M. Bentley, Robert E. Dixon, Jr., Ryan M. Luckay
  • Publication number: 20190311325
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and implementing an anonymized delivery point processing system are disclosed. Anonymous addresses can be associated with actual physical delivery points. An item having an anonymous address thereon can be sorted and/or routed on item processing equipment based on the associated actual physical delivery point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: Gary C. Reblin, Robert E. Dixon, JR., Naomi Miller
  • Publication number: 20190303855
    Abstract: A method, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium are. In one embodiment, a method is provided for receiving a request to display a calendar associated with a delivery point of a user, accessing shipment information associated with the user, the shipment information including a record of physical delivery items and electronic delivery items, and displaying, for each day on the calendar, a count of the physical delivery items and electronic delivery items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Applicant: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
    Inventors: Chandra A. BRIGGMAN, Jane Elizabeth QUENK, Timothy M. MORAN, Kelley A. SULLIVAN, Robert E. DIXON, JR.
  • Publication number: 20190263590
    Abstract: Methods and systems for in route mail sorting and packaging are disclosed. One aspect disclosed is a vehicle including a freight bay. The freight bay includes a plurality of item storage bins. The freight bay also includes a robot. The robot includes a means for grasping items and moving them between the item storage bins. For example, the robot may include an item manipulating attachment that in some aspects may include two or more extending portions for grasping items. The robot may assemble item packages from a plurality of individual items based on addresses of the items. The robot may also manipulate shrink wrap around the item package and position the item package within a station that heats the package and causes the shrink wrap to shrink around the items in the package, thereby forming the items into a package that is easy to deliver to a single address.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Ryan M. Luckay, Robert E. Dixon, JR., Gregory Cooil
  • Patent number: 10351347
    Abstract: Methods and systems for in route mail sorting and packaging are disclosed. One aspect disclosed is a vehicle including a freight bay. The freight bay includes a plurality of item storage bins. The freight bay also includes a robot. The robot includes a means for grasping items and moving them between the item storage bins. For example, the robot may include an item manipulating attachment that in some aspects may include two or more extending portions for grasping items. The robot may assemble item packages from a plurality of individual items based on addresses of the items. The robot may also manipulate shrink wrap around the item package and position the item package within a station that heats the package and causes the shrink wrap to shrink around the items in the package, thereby forming the items into a package that is easy to deliver to a single address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Ryan M. Luckay, Robert E Dixon, Jr., Gregory Cooil
  • Patent number: 10325240
    Abstract: A method, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium are. In one embodiment, a method is provided for receiving a request to display a calendar associated with a delivery point of a user, accessing shipment information associated with the user, the shipment information including a record of physical delivery items and electronic delivery items, and displaying, for each day on the calendar, a count of the physical delivery items and electronic delivery items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Chandra A. Briggman, Jane Elizabeth Quenk, Timothy M. Moran, Kelley A. Sullivan, Robert E. Dixon, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190005741
    Abstract: Systems described herein for controlling, requesting, and coordinating the creation and generation of labels can be a label broker, providing a centralized location for storing label information created by various entities, and managing the requests for generation of physical labels coming from various sources and entities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Peter Klausner, Robert E. Dixon, JR.
  • Publication number: 20180327165
    Abstract: A device, system, and method for maintaining temperature control of a distribution item, or of the contents of a distribution item, as the distribution item moves through the distribution network. A container housing an item can include a cooling unit, a heating unit, or both, and control circuitry including a temperature sensor. The control circuitry activates the cooling unit or heating unit as required to maintain the item at a desired temperature or within a desired temperature range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: James Edward Lee, SR., Ryan M. Luckay, Robert E. Dixon, JR.
  • Publication number: 20180293540
    Abstract: A method, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium are provided for populating a calendar. In one embodiment, a method is provided for receiving tracking data regarding a delivery item, calculating an expected delivery date for the delivery item, identifying one or more deadlines associated with the delivery item, based on the tracking information, and automatically populating a user's calendar with the expected delivery date and the one or more deadlines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Chandra A. BRIGGMAN, Jane Elizabeth QUENK, Timothy M. MORAN, Kelley A. SULLIVAN, Robert E. DIXON, JR.
  • Publication number: 20180253687
    Abstract: Systems and methods of creating, managing, and distributing supplemental content associated with items in a distribution network. A physical delivery item can be imaged and associated with additional content generated or associated with the sender of the physical delivery item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: Carrie Ann Bornitz, Robert E. Dixon, JR., Ryan M. Luckay
  • Publication number: 20180189915
    Abstract: Systems and methods of tracking distribution items using hardware components on or in the distribution items. Shippers and recipients of distribution items can track or locate a distribution item, especially a high value item, if the distribution item is lost, misrouted, or delayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Ryan M. Luckay, Robert E. Dixon, JR., Jim E. Lee
  • Patent number: D863965
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Jim E. Lee, Robert E. Dixon, Jr., Jon Goodrich
  • Patent number: D869278
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Jim E. Lee, Robert E. Dixon, Jr., Jon Goodrich