Patents by Inventor Stephen M. Dearing

Stephen M. Dearing 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: 10628794
    Abstract: Systems and methods of processing items. Items in a distribution network or process may be scanned at every handling point in the distribution network, and each scan is recorded in a central repository. The scan information can be used to generate real-time access to data, analytical tools, predictive tools, and tracking reports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Kuldip K. Goyal, Carla F. Sherry, Amy B. Cradic, C. Scot Atkins, Himesh A. Patel
  • Patent number: 10549319
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for item processing. The systems can include a PASS module that can include features that receive inputs relating to an item for processing and provide those inputs to other components and/or modules of a PASS system and/or of another system. The PASS system can include a variety of modules, including the PASS module, and can collect information and/or inputs from the variety of modules of the PASS system and use that information in item processing. The methods of item processing can use the PASS system and the PASS module to perform a variety of functions including, for example, revenue protection, sorting of items, task management, sampling and data collection, redirecting if enroute items, and personnel management.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Carla F. Sherry
  • Patent number: 10521839
    Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods and apparatus for finding and delivering a desired item, including unique or hard-to-find items. In one example, there is provided a method that includes receiving a request to find the item and broadcasting the request. The method includes receiving responses to the broadcasted request, the responses indicating a finding of the item and including a bid to sell the item. The method includes providing purchase options for the item to a source of the request based on the received responses, and receiving, from the source of the request, a selection of a purchase option from among the purchase options provided to the source. The method includes providing instructions to a provider of the selected purchase option based on the received selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Carla F. Sherry
  • Patent number: 10510084
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for providing content associated with an information item on a distribution item using a computing device. In one aspect a method includes identifying an image of an information item on a distribution item. The method further includes processing, in a processor the image, to generate a data item determined by the information item. The method further includes decoding the data item to determine a set of attributes of the distribution item. The method further includes retrieving content associated with the distribution item using at least one of the attributes in the set of attributes. The method further includes delivering content associated with the distribution item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Kuldip K. Goyal, Gary C. Reblin, Margaret L. Choiniere
  • Publication number: 20190362311
    Abstract: A system and method for tracking the progress of item delivery delivering items. In some embodiments, item delivery can use a mobile device to track the location, current route, and cargo for a vehicle they are using to deliver items. A central server can receive this information and determine a docking and staffing plan for an item delivery facility based on the information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: Rosemarie Bolha, Stephen M. Dearing
  • Publication number: 20190354996
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for providing content associated with an information item on a distribution item using a computing device. In one aspect a method includes identifying an image of an information item on a distribution item. The method further includes processing, in a processor the image, to generate a data item determined by the information item. The method further includes decoding the data item to determine a set of attributes of the distribution item. The method further includes retrieving content associated with the distribution item using at least one of the attributes in the set of attributes. The method further includes delivering content associated with the distribution item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Kuldip K. Goyal, Gary C. Reblin, Margaret L. Choiniere
  • Publication number: 20190325389
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamic routing of delivery resources for delivery of items from a pickup location on or near a first planned route to a delivery location on or near a second planned route. Methods can include identifying a first route and a second route based on the pickup and delivery locations, selecting one of a predetermined plurality of transfer nodes based on the locations of the first and second routes, and sending instructions to resources traveling along the first and second routes to meet and transfer the items at the selected transfer node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Inventor: Stephen M. Dearing
  • Patent number: 10325191
    Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide a barcode image. A client is operable to create a request for a barcode image and send the request to a server. The request comprises data to be converted to a barcode. The server is operable to receive the request from the client via a network, generate a barcode image from the data, and encode the barcode image. Thereafter, the server provides the encoded image to the client.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Kyle M. Dixon, Stephen M. Dearing
  • Patent number: 10293380
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for item processing. The systems can include a PASS module that can include features that receive inputs relating to an item for processing and provide those inputs to other components and/or modules of a PASS system and/or of another system. The PASS system can include a variety of modules, including the PASS module, and can collect information and/or inputs from the variety of modules of the PASS system and use that information in item processing. The methods of item processing can use the PASS system and the PASS module to perform a variety of functions including, for example, revenue protection, sorting of items, task management, sampling and data collection, redirecting if enroute items, and personnel management.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Carla F. Sherry
  • Publication number: 20190108479
    Abstract: A system and method for accurately tracking the delivery of items in an item distribution network using a purpose built confidence event recorder. An item sorter sorts items for delivery based upon route information and preferences for the delivery. Items are tracked while out for delivery through the use of confidence data recorded by a confidence event recorder carried by an item carrier. The confidence data recorder can that can record GPS and time data, as well as scan barcodes, such as a barcode on an item to be delivered. Confidence data can be used to accurately record when and where item carriers deliver items. The system determines if an actual delivery occurred by comparing the confidence data to previously gathered confidence data. An expected delivery window generation system can be used to generate expected delivery windows for the delivery of new items based on the confidence data recorded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventor: Stephen M. Dearing
  • Publication number: 20190051079
    Abstract: A vote by mail system that also cryptographically tracks and secures votes is described herein. In some embodiments, the mail system cryptographically tracks and secures votes through the use of a block chain like those used in cryptographic currencies. In some embodiments, the block chain is used to record some data regarding the mailed in votes in order to demonstrate the accuracy of the election. In some embodiments, they system also allows voters to vote using scanned versions of ballots received by mail. Further, in some embodiments, the system coordinates the mailing of absentee ballots that can then be used with the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: Mohan Venkataraman, Wendy Henry, Aashish Shrestha, Angela M. Lagneaux, Stephen M. Dearing, Ronald E. Garey, Suzanne N. Dunn
  • Publication number: 20190043105
    Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods and apparatus for finding and delivering a desired item, including unique or hard-to-find items. In one example, there is provided a method that includes receiving a request to find the item and broadcasting the request. The method includes receiving responses to the broadcasted request, the responses indicating a finding of the item and including a bid to sell the item. The method includes providing purchase options for the item to a source of the request based on the received responses, and receiving, from the source of the request, a selection of a purchase option from among the purchase options provided to the source. The method includes providing instructions to a provider of the selected purchase option based on the received selection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Carla F. Sherry
  • Publication number: 20190022707
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for item processing. The systems can include a PASS module that can include features that receive inputs relating to an item for processing and provide those inputs to other components and/or modules of a PASS system and/or of another system. The PASS system can include a variety of modules, including the PASS module, and can collect information and/or inputs from the variety of modules of the PASS system and use that information in item processing. The methods of item processing can use the PASS system and the PASS module to perform a variety of functions including, for example, revenue protection, sorting of items, task management, sampling and data collection, redirecting if enroute items, and personnel management.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Carla F. Sherry
  • Publication number: 20190026692
    Abstract: Systems and methods of processing items. Items in a distribution network or process may be scanned at every handling point in the distribution network, and each scan is recorded in a central repository. The scan information can be used to generate real-time access to data, analytical tools, predictive tools, and tracking reports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Kuldip K. Goyal, Carla F. Sherry, Amy B. Cradic, C. Scot Atkins, Himesh A. Patel
  • Publication number: 20180039938
    Abstract: Systems and methods of processing items. Items in a distribution network or process may be scanned at every handling point in the distribution network, and each scan is recorded in a central repository. The scan information can be used to generate real-time access to data, analytical tools, predictive tools, and tracking reports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Kuldip K. Goyal, Carla F. Sherry, Amy B. Cradic, C. Scot Atkins, Himesh A. Patel
  • Patent number: 9836718
    Abstract: Systems and methods of processing items. Items in a distribution network or process may be scanned at every handling point in the distribution network, and each scan is recorded in a central repository. The scan information can be used to generate real-time access to data, analytical tools, predictive tools, and tracking reports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Kuldip K. Goyal, Carla F. Sherry, Amy B. Cradic, C. Scot Atkins, Himesh A. Patel
  • Publication number: 20170304872
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for item processing. The systems can include a PASS module that can include features that receive inputs relating to an item for processing and provide those inputs to other components and/or modules of a PASS system and/or of another system. The PASS system can include a variety of modules, including the PASS module, and can collect information and/or inputs from the variety of modules of the PASS system and use that information in item processing. The methods of item processing can use the PASS system and the PASS module to perform a variety of functions including, for example, revenue protection, sorting of items, task management, sampling and data collection, redirecting if enroute items, and personnel management.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Carla F. Sherry
  • Patent number: 9795997
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for item processing. The systems can include a PASS module that can include features that receive inputs relating to an item for processing and provide those inputs to other components and/or modules of a PASS system and/or of another system. The PASS system can include a variety of modules, including the PASS module, and can collect information and/or inputs from the variety of modules of the PASS system and use that information in item processing. The methods of item processing can use the PASS system and the PASS module to perform a variety of functions including, for example, revenue protection, sorting of items, task management, sampling and data collection, redirecting if enroute items, and personnel management.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Carla F. Sherry
  • Patent number: 9785913
    Abstract: Systems and methods of processing items. Items in a distribution network or process may be scanned at every handling point in the distribution network, and each scan is recorded in a central repository. The scan information can be used to generate real-time access to data, analytical tools, predictive tools, and tracking reports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Kuldip K. Goyal, Carla F. Sherry, Amy B. Cradic, C. Scot Atkins, Himesh A. Patel
  • Publication number: 20170193444
    Abstract: A system and method for accurately sort items for delivery and track the delivery of items in an item distribution network using a purpose built confidence event recorder. Items can then be tracked while out for delivery through the use of confidence data recorded by a confidence event recorder carried by an item carrier. Confidence data can be used to accurately record when and where item carriers deliver items and can be used for generating and transmitting an expected delivery window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventor: Stephen M. Dearing