Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and implementing a household customer database are disclosed. In one aspect, a method for processing items comprises receiving a first item to be delivered and identifying data corresponding to one or more of a source information and destination information of the first item.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and implementing a household customer database are disclosed. In one aspect, a method for processing items comprises receiving a first item to be delivered and identifying data corresponding to one or more of a source information and destination information of the first item.

Abstract: Methods and systems for attaching and detaching an item satchel from an autonomous delivery unit. An attachment system includes an attachment system frame, and a satchel comprising a plurality of external pins. The attachment system also includes a plurality of hooks, mechanically attached to the frame, each hook including a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface, one or more electric actuators, mechanically attached to the frame, and mechanically connected to the plurality of hooks. Each of the first engagement surfaces engage a corresponding pin of the plurality of external pins at a first position between the horizontal and vertical positions, and each of the second engagement surfaces engage the corresponding pin of the plurality of external pins at the vertical position to secure an item satchel to an autonomous delivery unit.

Abstract: A system and method of verifying the identity of a user or registrant. The user or registrant provides identification information and registration information. The identification information may be a visual representation of an identifying item associated with location information. In some embodiments, the identification information may be a visual representation of a government issued identity. An identification module verifies the identification information and compares the verified identification information to the registration information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering items are disclosed. The systems and methods comprise assigning a unique internal control value to each profile having an identified physical address delivery point. They also receive a request for delivery point information for each of a plurality of items to be distributed and providing a response comprising a list of internal control values thereto. They further receive a plurality of items, each item having printed thereon one of the internal control values on the list. For each of the plurality of items, they scan, by item processing equipment, the item to read the internal control value printed thereon, identifying, in the profile database, the physical address delivery point corresponding to the assigned internal control value, routing, by the item processing equipment, the item according to the identified physical address delivery point, and delivering the item to the identified physical address delivery point.

Abstract: Methods and systems for attaching and detaching an item satchel from an autonomous delivery unit. An attachment system includes an attachment system frame, and a satchel comprising a plurality of external pins. The attachment system also includes a plurality of hooks, mechanically attached to the frame, each hook including a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface, one or more electric actuators, mechanically attached to the frame, and mechanically connected to the plurality of hooks. Each of the first engagement surfaces engage a corresponding pin of the plurality of external pins at a first position between the horizontal and vertical positions, and each of the second engagement surfaces engage the corresponding pin of the plurality of external pins at the vertical position to secure an item satchel to an autonomous delivery unit.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A receptacle for detecting delivery and retrieval events has a door sensor, an item sensor, a scanner, and a control unit for operating the sensors, and transmitting the sensor information for processing and analysis. A system can determine whether an event was a delivery or retrieval event based on sensor information and item tracking information. A system can further include an item configured to interact with a computing device.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A receptacle for detecting delivery and retrieval events has a door sensor, an item sensor, a scanner, and a control unit for operating the sensors, and transmitting the sensor information for processing and analysis. A system can determine whether an event was a delivery or retrieval event based on sensor information and item tracking information. A system can further include an item configured to interact with a computing device.

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.

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.

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.

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.