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: 9691116
    Abstract: Systems and methods using intelligent barcodes for processing mail, packages, or other items in transport are provided. Systems and methods allowing end-to-end visibility of a mail stream by uniquely identifying and tracking mail pieces are also provided. Systems and methods include the use of standardized intelligent barcodes on mail pieces, a seamless process for mail acceptance, continuous mail piece tracking, and feedback on mail quality in real time. In one embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to provide enhanced acceptance, sorting, tracking, address correction, forwarding, and delivery services. In another embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to identify a mail piece as undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) and determine a final disposition for the mail piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Clayton Bonnell, Jeffrey L. Freeman, Michael Lyons, Stephen M. Dearing, Margaret L. Choiniere, Daryl S. Hamilton, Himesh Patel, Carla Fern Sherry, David James Payne
  • Publication number: 20170076248
    Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods of a service that allows hard copy and electronic media customers to proactively specify, across a broad range of categories, the hard copy mail and/or electronic media mail that they would or would not like to receive. Embodiments include methods and systems configured to allow customers of delivery services to customize the flow of physical items such as hard copy or other letters or parcels, for delivery or electronic media mail from mailers based on highly specific customer-designated criteria. The delivery service acts as a trusted third party to serve as the intermediary between the recipient of the items and mailers to provide privacy and manage a repository for a customer-selected criteria database. In addition, one embodiment provides verification and/or identification that mail being sent meets the customer's designated criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Carla F. Sherry
  • Patent number: 9508107
    Abstract: Systems and methods using intelligent barcodes for processing mail, packages, or other items in transport are provided. Systems and methods allowing end-to-end visibility of a mail stream by uniquely identifying and tracking mail pieces are also provided. Systems and methods include the use of standardized intelligent barcodes on mail pieces, a seamless process for mail acceptance, continuous mail piece tracking, and feedback on mail quality in real time. In one embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to provide enhanced acceptance, sorting, tracking, address correction, forwarding, and delivery services. In another embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to identify a mail piece as undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) and determine a final disposition for the mail piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: The United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Clayton Bonnell, Jeffrey L. Freeman, Michael Lyons, Stephen M. Dearing, Margaret L. Choiniere, Daryl S. Hamilton, Himesh Patel, Carla Fern Sherry, David James Payne
  • Patent number: 9396454
    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: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    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: 20160180135
    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: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Kuldip K. Goyal, Carla F. Sherry, Amy B. Cradic, C. Scot Atkins, Himesh A. Patel
  • Publication number: 20160171433
    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: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Kuldip K. Goyal, Carla F. Sherry, Amy B. Cradic, C. Scot Atkins, Himesh A. Patel
  • Patent number: 9336510
    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: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America Postal Service
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Kuldip K. Goyal, Carla F. Sherry, Amy B. Cradic, C. Scot Atkins, Himesh A. Patel
  • Publication number: 20160042320
    Abstract: Systems and methods for handling a plurality items by using a sorter to receive items and obtain item information and delivery destinations from the items. A run manifest is generated having an item identifier and a destination for each of the plurality of items. The run manifest data is used in a routing module to generate dynamic routes for delivering the plurality of items, and generating a sequence identifier for each of the plurality of items according to the dynamically generated routes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, C. Scot Atkins, James DeForrest Wilson, Scott R. Bombaugh, Carla F. Sherry
  • Publication number: 20160004992
    Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods of a service that allows hard copy and electronic media customers to proactively specify, across a broad range of categories, the hard copy mail and/or electronic media mail that they would or would not like to receive. Embodiments include methods and systems configured to allow customers of delivery services to customize the flow of physical items such as hard copy or other letters or parcels, for delivery or electronic media mail from mailers based on highly specific customer-designated criteria. The delivery service acts as a trusted third party to serve as the intermediary between the recipient of the items and mailers to provide privacy and manage a repository for a customer-selected criteria database. In addition, one embodiment provides verification and/or identification that mail being sent meets the customer's designated criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Carla F. Sherry
  • Publication number: 20150287113
    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: April 6, 2015
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Carla F. Sherry
  • Publication number: 20150221058
    Abstract: Systems and methods using intelligent barcodes for processing mail, packages, or other items in transport are provided. Systems and methods allowing end-to-end visibility of a mail stream by uniquely identifying and tracking mail pieces are also provided. Systems and methods include the use of standardized intelligent barcodes on mail pieces, a seamless process for mail acceptance, continuous mail piece tracking, and feedback on mail quality in real time. In one embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to provide enhanced acceptance, sorting, tracking, address correction, forwarding, and delivery services. In another embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to identify a mail piece as undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) and determine a final disposition for the mail piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventors: Clayton Bonnell, Jeffrey L. Freeman, Michael Lyons, Stephen M. Dearing, Margaret L. Choiniere, Daryl S. Hamilton, Himesh Patel, Carla Fern Sherry, David James Payne
  • Publication number: 20150220879
    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: April 16, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Kuldip K. Goyal, Carla F. Sherry, Amy B. Cradic, C. Scot Atkins, Himesh A. Patel
  • Publication number: 20150213399
    Abstract: Systems and methods using intelligent barcodes for processing mail, packages, or other items in transport are provided. Systems and methods allowing end-to-end visibility of a mail stream by uniquely identifying and tracking mail pieces are also provided. Systems and methods include the use of standardized intelligent barcodes on mail pieces, a seamless process for mail acceptance, continuous mail piece tracking, and feedback on mail quality in real time. In one embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to provide enhanced acceptance, sorting, tracking, address correction, forwarding, and delivery services. In another embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to identify a mail piece as undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) and determine a final disposition for the mail piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Clayton Bonnell, Jeffrey L. Freeman, Michael Lyons, Stephen M. Dearing, Margaret L. Choiniere, Daryl S. Hamilton, Himesh Patel, Carla Fern Sherry, David James Payne
  • Patent number: 9012798
    Abstract: Systems and methods using intelligent barcodes for processing mail, packages, or other items in transport are provided. Systems and methods allowing end-to-end visibility of a mail stream by uniquely identifying and tracking mail pieces are also provided. Systems and methods include the use of standardized intelligent barcodes on mail pieces, a seamless process for mail acceptance, continuous mail piece tracking, and feedback on mail quality in real time. In one embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to provide enhanced acceptance, sorting, tracking, address correction, forwarding, and delivery services. In another embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to identify a mail piece as undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) and determine a final disposition for the mail piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Clayton Bonnell, Jeffrey L. Freeman, Michael Lyons, Stephen M. Dearing, Margaret L. Choiniere, Daryl S. Hamilton, Himesh Patel, Carla Fern Sherry, David James Payne
  • Patent number: 9012799
    Abstract: Systems and methods using intelligent barcodes for processing mail, packages, or other items in transport are provided. Systems and methods allowing end-to-end visibility of a mail stream by identifying and tracking mail pieces are also provided. Systems and methods include the use of standardized intelligent barcodes on mail pieces, a seamless process for mail acceptance, continuous mail piece tracking, and feedback on mail quality in real time. Systems and methods can use intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to provide enhanced acceptance, sorting, tracking, address correction, forwarding, and delivery services. Systems and methods can use intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to identify a mail piece as undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) and determine a final disposition for the mail piece. Systems and methods can use intelligent barcodes allow mailers more visibility into the mail stream and information on the quality of their mailings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Clayton Bonnell, Jeffrey L. Freeman, Michael Lyons, Stephen M. Dearing, Margaret Louise Choiniere, Daryl S. Hamilton, Himesh Patel, Carla Fern Sherry, David James Payne
  • Publication number: 20140374478
    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: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, Kuldip K. Goyal, Carla F. Sherry, Amy B Cradic, C. Scot Atkins, Himesh A. Patel
  • Patent number: 8829379
    Abstract: Systems and methods using intelligent barcodes for processing mail, packages, or other items in transport are provided. Systems and methods allowing end-to-end visibility of a mail stream by uniquely identifying and tracking mail pieces are also provided. Systems and methods include the use of standardized intelligent barcodes on mail pieces, a seamless process for mail acceptance, continuous mail piece tracking, and feedback on mail quality in real time. In one embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to provide enhanced acceptance, sorting, tracking, address correction, forwarding, and delivery services. In another embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to identify a mail piece as undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) and determine a final disposition for the mail piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Clayton Bonnell, Jeffrey L. Freeman, Michael Lyons, Stephen M. Dearing, Margaret L. Choiniere, Daryl S. Hamilton, Himesh Patel, Carla Fern Sherry, David James Payne
  • Publication number: 20140058558
    Abstract: Systems and methods using intelligent barcodes for processing mail, packages, or other items in transport are provided. Systems and methods allowing end-to-end visibility of a mail stream by uniquely identifying and tracking mail pieces are also provided. Systems and methods include the use of standardized intelligent barcodes on mail pieces, a seamless process for mail acceptance, continuous mail piece tracking, and feedback on mail quality in real time. In one embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to provide enhanced acceptance, sorting, tracking, address correction, forwarding, and delivery services. In another embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to identify a mail piece as undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) and determine a final disposition for the mail piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Clayton Bonnell, Jeffrey L. Freeman, Michael Lyons, Stephen M. Dearing, Margaret Louise Choiniere, Daryl S. Hamilton, Himesh Patel, Carla Fern Sherry, David James Payne
  • Patent number: 8598482
    Abstract: Systems and methods using intelligent barcodes for processing mail, packages, or other items in transport are provided. Systems and methods allowing end-to-end visibility of a mail stream by uniquely identifying and tracking mail pieces are also provided. Systems and methods include the use of standardized intelligent barcodes on mail pieces, a seamless process for mail acceptance, continuous mail piece tracking, and feedback on mail quality in real time. In one embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to provide enhanced acceptance, sorting, tracking, address correction, forwarding, and delivery services. In another embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to identify a mail piece as undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) and determine a final disposition for the mail piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Clayton Bonnell, Jeffrey L. Freeman, Michael Lyons, Stephen M. Dearing, Margaret Louise Choiniere, Daryl S. Hamilton, Himesh Patel, Carla Fern Sherry, David James Payne
  • Publication number: 20130206849
    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: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Kyle M. Dixon, Stephen M. Dearing