Carrier Internal Procedure Patents (Class 705/337)
  • Patent number: 11961019
    Abstract: System and method for implementing a user's command to utilize and control an autonomous vehicle. In an aspect, certain rules are arranged for navigation and operation of autonomous vehicles. In another aspect, a one-tap hailing process is configured, wherein destination info is not required. In another aspect, when a user hails a vehicle from a location not suitable for pickup, the user is informed to go to a nearby place within a time period. In another aspect, a delivery vehicle is configured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Inventor: Chian Chiu Li
  • Patent number: 11957259
    Abstract: A cubby unit includes a unit housing, a plurality of cubbies disposed within the unit housing, and an interface positioned along the unit housing. Each of the plurality of cubbies includes a cubby housing defining an internal compartment and a door coupled to the cubby housing. The door facilitates accessing the internal compartment of the cubby housing. The interface provides a cubby selection interface that facilitates manual assignment of a respective cubby to a respective order by an employee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Hatco Corporation
    Inventors: James Jakubowski, Gerhard Wenzel, Michael Ross, Taylor Bley, Jim Virgin, Nicholas Bassill
  • Patent number: 11953892
    Abstract: A selection support device that supports selection of a work machine to be used for work from among a plurality of work machines, the selection support device including: a history information acquisition unit configured to acquire history information on a use history of each work machine; a specifying unit configured to specify a degree of use of each work machine based on the history information; and a selection unit configured to preferentially select a work machine with a small degree of use as a work machine to be used for work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Megumi Hirakawa, Satoshi Murata, Sota Sakaguchi, Shohei Namiki, Ryota Hisada, Ryuichi Kimata
  • Patent number: 11914377
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle having one or more computing devices that may receive instructions to pick up a passenger at a location, determine when the vehicle is within a first distance of the location, provide a first notification that the vehicle is within the first distance, and stop the vehicle. When the vehicle is stopped, the computing device may initiate a countdown. When a client computing device associated with the passenger has not been authenticated, the computing devices may provide a second notification based on a first amount of time remaining in the countdown and a third notification indicating that the trip is cancelled based on a second amount of time remaining in the countdown less than the first amount of time. Once the third notification is provided, the computing devices move the vehicle from the where the vehicle is stopped without the passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Jennifer Arden, Anne Kristiina Aula, Brian Douglas Cullinane
  • Patent number: 11803894
    Abstract: An online concierge system allows users to order items within discrete time intervals later than a time when an order was received. The online concierge system allocates a specified percentage of an estimated number of shoppers during a discrete time interval to fulfilling orders received before the discrete time interval. An order may include a flag authorizing flexible fulfillment of the order along with a discrete time interval, which allows the order to be fulfilled earlier than the identified discrete time interval. The online concierge system generates groups of multiple orders authorizing flexible fulfillment and determines a cost for fulfilling different groups of orders. The online concierge system identifies a group of orders authorizing flexible fulfillment having a minimum cost for fulfillment by a shopper, allowing for more allocation of shoppers by enabling grouping of orders identifying different discrete time intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Maplebear Inc.
    Inventors: Jagannath Putrevu, Zi Wang, Site Wang, Houtao Deng, Yijia Chen, Mingzhe Zhuang, Ji Chen, Deepak Tirumalasetty
  • Patent number: 11620606
    Abstract: An information processing device performs an operation of a delivery service in which a vehicle cabin including a trunk of a vehicle used by a requester is designated as a delivery destination of luggage, or assists in the operation. The information processing device includes a vehicle position information acquisition unit configured to acquire position information of the vehicle, a requester position information acquisition unit configured to acquire position information of a mobile terminal carried by a requester, and a delivery countermeasure decision unit configured to decide a procedure regarding delivery work of the luggage based on the position information of the vehicle and the position information of the mobile terminal carried by the requester when the vehicle is parked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masato Endo, Yuichiro Haruna
  • Patent number: 11574264
    Abstract: The inventive system and method address a long felt need for enhancing the efficiency of systems in the interactive conveyance industry for goods and services by providing for the filtering, selection and securing of conveyance services in accordance with one or more of client and representative preferences in substantially real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: TELEPORT MOBILITY, INC.
    Inventors: Alexis DaCosta, Vince Coletti
  • Patent number: 11361060
    Abstract: Techniques are described for a security and automation system. One method includes detecting a presence of a person proximate a residence, receiving a first authentication factor from a device associated with the person, receiving a second authentication factor associated with the person, and initiating a change of state of a locking mechanism associated with a barrier of the residence based on the first authentication factor and the second authentication factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: VIVINT, INC.
    Inventors: Jefferson Huhta Lyman, Logan Sanders Merkley
  • Patent number: 11113655
    Abstract: Methods, servers and computer program products for managing transport orders. The server receives a transport order which specifies a shipment to be transported from a first site to a second site. The server receives an indication of an available industrial truck of the plurality of industrial trucks. The server generates a driving order according to given criteria depending at least on properties of the available industrial truck, wherein the driving order specifies a subset of the shipment within a load capacity of the available industrial truck. The server transmits the generated driving order to the available industrial truck for execution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Locanis AG
    Inventors: Daniel Brehm, Özgür Kurt, Anton Savchenko
  • Patent number: 11062347
    Abstract: A system for providing non-repudiation and data integrity of communications online is shown and described. The system has one or more servers communicably connected to a communications network, the one or more server including at least one processor configured for receiving, from a first party, an ad request for an ad impression available for sale. The ad request includes a plurality of attributes associated with the ad impression and a first cryptographic proof that provides non-repudiation and data integrity of the ad request, wherein the first cryptographic proof comprises a second cryptographic proof of the first party; and, authenticating non-repudiation and data integrity of the ad request by querying a blockchain having a public key infrastructure. The public key infrastructure also has a public key associated with the first party. Furthermore, the public key infrastructure authenticates the second cryptographic proof against the public key associated with the first party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Inventors: Nelson Hunter Prendergast, Aaron Brown
  • Patent number: 11055905
    Abstract: Certain embodiments involve visually augmenting images of three-dimensional containers with virtual elements that fill one or more empty regions of the three-dimensional containers. For instance, a computing system receives a first image that depicts a storage container and identify sub-containers within the storage container. The computing system selects, from a virtual object library, a plurality of virtual objects that are semantically related to the sub-container. The computing system determines an arrangement of the virtual objects within the sub-container based on semantics associated with the sub-container and the plurality of virtual objects. The computing system generates a second image that depicts the arrangement of the plurality of virtual objects within the storage container and sub-containers. The computing system generates, for display, the second image depicting the storage container and the arrangement of the virtual objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Adobe Inc.
    Inventors: Sanjeev Tagra, Sachin Soni, Ajay Jain, Ryan Rozich, Prasenjit Mondal, Jonathan Roeder
  • Patent number: 10949861
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for deriving platform feedback data from raw feedback data for dynamic retrieval by downstream subsystems. For example, a method may include detecting a return notification trigger of a user, identifying segment data, determining a return notification form identifier based on the segment data, loading an electronic return notification form corresponding to the return notification form identifier, receiving raw feedback data from the user device, deriving platform feedback data from the raw feedback data using a plurality of mappings stored in one or more electronic mapping databases, and storing the platform feedback data in at least one of a feedback service component and a return notification service component, in one or more formats configured for retrieval by one or more downstream subsystems associated with managing and/or analyzing the one or more wearable items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: CAASTLE, INC.
    Inventors: Chandrashekhar Naik, Ashish Pawar, Georgiy Goldenberg, Bharat Gupta, Pankaj Nautiyal, Vikas Gupta
  • Patent number: 10911902
    Abstract: The present disclosure enables an improved location determination and subsequent content providing. In one aspect, a method includes assigning a geographical tile to a tracking device, the geographical tile representing a geographical location in which the tracking device is currently located; activating at least one sensor on-board the tracking device, the at least one sensor of the tracking device being used to collect location data and determine displacement information of the tracking device on the tracking device; receiving the displacement information as well as at least one satellite based location update from the tracking device; determining at least one zone of interest in the tile at which the tracking device is currently located based on the displacement information and at least one satellite based location information of the tracking device; and providing at least one content associated with the at least one zone of interest to the tracking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: CURBSIDE INC.
    Inventors: Seejo Pylappan, Denis Laprise, Jaron Waldman
  • Patent number: 10861265
    Abstract: Techniques are described for a security and automation system. One method includes receiving sensor data associated with at least one sensor of the security and automation system; analyzing the received sensor data; and initiating a function of the security and automation system based on the analyzing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Logan Sanders Merkley, Janelle Kim Seegmiller, Spencer J. Nugent, Michael D. Child, Tanner H. Potter
  • Patent number: 10810459
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a generating unit configured to generate a reference image based on an image of a first object, an image of a second object, and processing information on processes including a process of inserting a second object into the first object. The first object has at least one window portion through which the inserted second object is at least partially visible, a verifying unit configured to verify a captured image with the generated reference image, the captured image being obtained by capturing the first object into which the second object has been inserted, and an outputting unit configured to output a result of the verification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kimio Hayashi
  • Patent number: 10739155
    Abstract: A route-quality learning method, system, and computer program product include collecting a first route for a trip recommended from a first third-party application, collecting a second route for the trip recommended from a second third-party application, and after the trip is completed, estimating best alternatives given completion data of the trip and using the first third-party application and the second third-party application recommendation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sebastien Blandin, Laura Wynter
  • Patent number: 10536812
    Abstract: The present disclosure enables an improved location determination and subsequent content providing. In one aspect, a method includes assigning a geographical tile to a tracking device, the geographical tile representing a geographical location in which the tracking device is currently located; activating at least one sensor on-board the tracking device, the at least one sensor of the tracking device being used to collect location data and determine displacement information of the tracking device on the tracking device; receiving the displacement information as well as at least one satellite based location update from the tracking device; determining at least one zone of interest in the tile at which the tracking device is currently located based on the displacement information and at least one satellite based location information of the tracking device; and providing at least one content associated with the at least one zone of interest to the tracking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: CURBSIDE INC.
    Inventors: Seejo Pylappan, Denis Laprise, Jaron Waldman
  • Patent number: 10181152
    Abstract: A computing device is enabled to be networked into a delivery and authentication system. The user may geo-fence their property further marking points of interest with a drop down marker being displayed on a mobile device and on a map. POIs may be established for drone delivery systems. Large drones may be enabled with an open area to allow for smaller drones to fit into the large drone. The large drone may include in a loading bay the various other smaller drones. Upon reaching a specific destination the large drone may be enabled to open a transport bay and release the smaller drones for last mile delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventor: Sanjay K. Rao
  • Patent number: 10037582
    Abstract: An online personal merchandise cataloguing system is equipped with integrated item tracking and hosted (or imported) social network functionality. The system comprises an internet application with a supporting backend network, the pertinent configuration and operation of both being substantially under the control of an individual retailer. Accessible through an internet browser or a smartphone “app”, the internet application is configured to provide a user with means for listing or otherwise cataloguing items of merchandise. In combination with and supported by the retailer's backend computer network, the internet application enables the user to share his online catalog with an extrinsic social network and to track cataloged items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Lawrence Carey, Benjamin McKinley Tucker, Jimmie Thompson Bond, II, Andrew Weaver, Chad Helms, Terry J. Osbon, Jr., Mark Holmes
  • Patent number: 9734250
    Abstract: Systems and method for managing digital assets for a plurality of enterprises. The system may include enterprise profiles for each of the enterprises. Each enterprise profile can include one or more cost centers representative of divisions of the enterprise. Assets can be organized within cost centers within containers and folders. The arrangement of containers and folders can be representative of an organization structure of a division of the enterprise. Access to assets within the cost center can be determined by an access control module and be based on user-level and container-level permissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventor: David Kelsey
  • Publication number: 20150149381
    Abstract: A system is provided for appropriately assigning LP gas cylinder deliveries to a limited and variable number of deliverymen. A total delivery count of a delivery base is assigned to respective deliverymen according to a rank of deliverymen. Postal codes are managed as the minimum unit of an area, and delivery data sorted by postal code is assigned to each deliveryman on the basis of the assigned delivery count. In this way, by dynamically dividing the delivery area of the delivery base into sub-areas made up of one or multiple postal codes, it is possible to conduct area management in accordance with the delivery capability of the deliverymen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Shinji Wada, Shingo Dekamo
  • Publication number: 20150127571
    Abstract: Systems and techniques are disclosed that allow a mailer to obtain confirmation of a current address from a recipient, and/or an express request from the recipient to update a mailing address stored by the mailer. In an embodiment, a mailer may send a first mail piece to the recipient, which directs the recipient to access a website or other electronic resource to verify his or her address. Upon receiving express confirmation of the recipient's address, a second mail piece may be sent to the current address, and/or the recipient's address may be updated in the mailer's records.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Neopost Technologies
    Inventor: Michael Bogad
  • Publication number: 20150127572
    Abstract: The business of delivering LP gas cylinders involves the work of leveling scheduled delivery counts for a scheduled delivery day in a predetermined period based on delivery capabilities of deliverymen. However, it takes a lot of time because a delivery manager, a deliveryman or the like performs this work with direct data reference. The delivery management system causes to a computer to extract data from each data storage unit, calculate a total deliverable count that is the total of deliverable counts for each scheduled delivery day in the predetermined period, calculate a total scheduled delivery count, and calculate a leveled count for each scheduled delivery day in the predetermined period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Shinji Wada, Shingo Dekamo
  • Publication number: 20150088708
    Abstract: A mobile device application and integrated software system for managing a fleet of delivery trucks and drivers, providing automated timekeeping, messaging, ticketing and billing is provided. At the completion of a delivery, electronic tickets including all time and location based billing may be conveyed wirelessly to a customer. Status, performance, and exceptions to predetermined data may be provided using computing devices, such as mobile devices, real time to allow a dispatcher to efficiently and effectively manage the truck fleet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Steven A. Fain, Brian E. Mansell, John M. Whalley, Jan G. Eugenides, David M. Leatham
  • Publication number: 20150074012
    Abstract: Server equipment, a system and a method are configured to receive cargo data or other data related to the transportation of cargo or to travel. Data is registered for one or more parties of the cargo, for example, on a central server. On the basis of the data, one can separate and/or link the data regarding two or more pieces of air cargo or other cargo at least part of which is transported using another means of transportation, for example transportation by road. Cargo can also refer to a passenger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: WEIGHTLOCKER OY
    Inventors: Jarmo Talvitie, Johanna Pyhala
  • Publication number: 20150066799
    Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating delivery of a package to a customer are described. The methods include receiving a delivery order, the order including a signature requirement; requesting a visual identification of an authorized receiver of the package from a user; receiving the visual identification from the user; and transmitting the visual identification to a shipping carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: German Scipioni
  • Publication number: 20150046229
    Abstract: A shipping management system manages trailers and shipments across supply chains, provides universal dashboards for shipment and trailer management and for monitoring meaningful statistics, and provides universal analysis and optimization techniques for shipment and trailer visit management and for analyzing and optimizing meaningful statistics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Aleks GÖLLÜ
  • Publication number: 20150019455
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide an address reputation system for dynamically handling shipments for a plurality of addresses based at least in part upon a reputation score calculated therefor. The system comprises one or more computer processors configured to: receive new address data associated with at least one shipment order; retrieve at least a portion of existing address data associated with an address to which delivery is requested; dynamically compare one or more portions of the new address data against the retrieved existing address data so as to identify one or more discrepancies indicative of a conflict with a reputation score for the address; in response to identifying one or more discrepancies, prevent further processing of the shipment order; and in response to not identifying one or more discrepancies, facilitate further processing of the shipment order. Associated computer program products and computer implemented methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Mark Hilbush
  • Publication number: 20150006430
    Abstract: A method of traffic flow management at a terminal is described which comprises establishing a remotely accessible database containing a schedule of time-slots available for delivering or picking-up containers from a terminal with a truck. The schedule is accessible to trucking operator who can modify the schedule to mark individual time-slots as reserved. Once a time-slot is reserved, it is identified as such so that the time-slot ceases to be available to other trucking operators. The database also stores contact data to enable messages relating to a reserved time-slots be sent to a truck driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Eran BEN-ALEXANDER
  • Publication number: 20150006429
    Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities for determining/identifying confidence ratings/indicators for delivery of items. In one embodiment, this comprises determining a number of location events that occurred within a zone of confidence for delivery an item to a serviceable address; and responsive to determining the number of location events that occurred within the zone of confidence for delivery the item to the serviceable address, determining, via one or more processors, a confidence rating for delivery of the item to the serviceable address based at least in part on the number of location events that occurred within the zone of confidence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: JAY CHRISTIAN STAPLES
  • Publication number: 20140365394
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for initiating a shipping inquiry for a piece of heavy equipment. A manufacturer/model is defined for the piece of heavy equipment. A starting location and destination location are identified for the piece of heavy equipment. An equipment database is accessed to obtain a plurality of equipment characteristics for the piece of heavy equipment, wherein at least one of the equipment characteristics is assigned a weight, based at least in part, upon a level of shipping complexity associated with the equipment characteristic. A logistics database is accessed to obtain at least one logistics criterion for the piece of heavy equipment, wherein the at least one logistics criterion defines one or more logistical characteristics for the piece of heavy equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: JEFFREY G. COX, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140317013
    Abstract: Various implementations described herein are directed to a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions which, when executed by a computer, may cause the computer to receive a request to ship a predetermined number of a type of goods to a destination location. The computer may identify a selection of goods that correspond to the requested type of goods from a database containing a plurality of goods that are physically stored in more than geographical location. The computer may determine which of the selection of goods are available to be shipped to the destination location based on one or more rules for the geographical locations of the selection of goods. The one or more rules dictate whether goods can be shipped from the geographical locations to the destination location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: Robert K. Langhorne, III
  • Publication number: 20140310196
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus that allows a user to easily change a delivery date of an ordered item after the date arranged in advance by the user is set as the delivery date is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: RAKUTEN, INC.
    Inventor: Hiroomi Yamamura
  • Publication number: 20140297553
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for substantially optimizing logistics for loading vehicles and transporting goods and a method of accomplishing the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: ArrowStream, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Benda, Steven LaVoie, William Osborn, Gary C. Davison, Peter D. Rocha
  • Publication number: 20140279660
    Abstract: A freight processing system includes a programmable processor, and a memory operatively coupled to the processor. The memory has stored thereon computer-executable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to access a database holding freight data representing each of a plurality of freight units scheduled to be shipped to a receiving site in a single truck load, the database being operatively coupled to the processor, assess the freight data using a set of business rules, assign a priority to each of the freight units based at least in part on the assessment of the freight data, calculate a workload estimate representing an amount of time to be allocated for processing all of the freight units at the receiving site based at least in part on the set of business rules, and generate report data representing: the priority assigned to each respective freight unit, and the workload estimate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Santavicca, James William Burgmeier, Jeffrey Scott Cruz, Marsha Talmadge David, John L. Sokolsky, Walter King Wilson, IV, Justin Lynn Brandon
  • Publication number: 20140279596
    Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for managing transportation and storage of goods, including a personal computer device; and a package control device associated with a package. The personal computer device is configured to store transport and storage operations information regarding the package in the package control device. The package control device is configured for identifying an operator responsible for at least one of transport and storage of the package based on the transport and storage operations information. The package control device is configured to allow the operator to have access to the package for at least one of transport and storage of the package based on the transport and storage operations information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Coreorient Oy
    Inventors: Heikki Pekka Waris, Harri Lauri Paloheimo
  • Publication number: 20140279659
    Abstract: Graphical logistics management methods including providing a data storage and displaying a pictorial quantity graphic depicting an allocated quantity of an ordered item allocated to one or more shipping containers associated with an order. The data storage store an order item record associated with the order and the order item record includes an order quantity field. The order quantity field includes quantity data denoting an ordered quantity of an ordered item. Displaying the pictorial quantity graphic occurs on a display unit of a computer configured to access the order item record. In some examples, the method includes displaying a container display pictorially depicting a shipping container and dynamically updating the container display. In some examples, the method includes adjusting container parameters based on calculations associated with an order.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Gordon E. Seay
  • Patent number: 8815031
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel systems and methods for processing packages through a delivery network using a hub assist label. Generally described, the hub assist label includes indicia of a sequence of sorting locations that designates the flow of a package through a delivery network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventors: John Olsen, David Bradley, Rhesa Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20140229399
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a request associated with loading or unloading of cargo at a terminal. The method also includes determining a recommended slot in response to the request, where the recommended slot includes a time slot for loading the cargo onto a cargo vehicle or unloading the cargo from the cargo vehicle. In addition, the method includes transmitting the recommended slot for delivery to a mobile device of an operator of the cargo vehicle. The method may also include receiving a signal from the mobile device to open an entrance of the terminal when the cargo vehicle arrives at the terminal and, in response to the signal, opening the entrance of the terminal to allow the cargo vehicle to enter the terminal. The method may further include, upon completion of the loading or unloading of the cargo at the terminal, wirelessly transmitting a digitally-signed document to the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Sriram Ranganathan, Sridhar Sankaranarayanan, Narendra Nagalla
  • Publication number: 20140222711
    Abstract: A system, in various embodiments, is configured to redirect undeliverable parcels to alternate delivery locations. The parcels may be undeliverable due to an unavailability of an intended recipient of the parcels to sign for the parcels or otherwise take delivery of the parcels at the delivery address. The system may be configured to determine a suitable alternate delivery location based at least in part on: one or more parcel recipient preferences, one or more parcel shipper preferences, a location of the delivery address, etc. The system may be further configured to notify the parcel recipient of a redirection of the parcel to the alternate delivery address.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Andy Tibbs, John Slayton, Sumeet Shroff, Chris Grubb, Linda Touch, Mark Estes, Robbyn Usherwood
  • Patent number: 8799179
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for filtering of a mail item addressed to a recipient. In accordance with an embodiment, preference information about mail items from the recipient is obtained. The preference information is compared with information on the mail item and based on the comparison, it is determined whether the mail item should be delivered. The preference information may include at least one of a size of the mail items, a type of the mail items, a classification of the mail items, a weight of the mail items, and preference information abut senders. In accordance with another embodiment, the preference information of a recipient may be provided to a sender so that the sender can determine whether the recipient wants mail items from the sender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventor: Michael J. Amato
  • Patent number: 8793196
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing the process of digitizing and delivering physical mail based upon selective scanning are described and in certain illustrative examples, an intelligent agent computer system is employed for making selective scanning decisions in the process of digitizing and delivering physical mail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur J. Parkos, Paul P. Carella, Ronald P. Sansone, Chao Chen
  • Patent number: 8781927
    Abstract: A system and method for postage payment utilizes passive RFID tags as postage “stamps”, with the amount of the postage automatically billed to a previously-established customer account. The tags are stored in a separate stamp database and are “enabled” by linking the individual tag to a customer account. The use of the RFID stamps eliminates the need for the customer to know the proper postage beforehand. The existence of a customer account with a proper return address reduces the likelihood of a dead letter. Also, a special category of stamps may be used for automatic reply mail. By virtue of using an RFID tag, the mailed item's progress through the postal delivery system may be tracked from dispatch to delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Thomas Killian, Cynthia Price Killian
  • Publication number: 20140195421
    Abstract: Freight transport factoring platforms, systems, and applications comprising: a database of at least one freight transport order, each order comprising an association of freight transport equipment information, operator information, and freight information; a software module configured to: (I) receive freight transport equipment information transmitted by the electronic device and (II) associate the freight transport equipment information with an order; and a software module configured to communicate an order and associated freight transport equipment information to a factoring application; provided that the communicated order and associated freight transport equipment information comprise information derived from the electronic device physically attached to the freight transport equipment, including methods of using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: John LOZITO
  • Publication number: 20140188752
    Abstract: A Responsible Packaging System and Method is provided to indicate whether responsible practices are being incorporated into product packaging. Specifically, a system and method is outlined which analyzes and monitors labeling and packaging activity at regular intervals; scores, grades and certifies packaging and labeling according to responsible packaging predetermined criteria; and determines a certified grade based on the package and labels performance relative to responsible packaging and labeling standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Responsible Packaging Institute, LLC
    Inventors: Michael White, Michael Sisko
  • Publication number: 20140180956
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for shipment consolidation in high-performance transportation systems. The method commences upon receiving a plurality of orders to be transported from a source location to a destination location over a transportation lane, then retrieving one or more records that describe transportation carrier resource capacity covering at least a portion of the transportation lane. An enumerator facility of the method generates a plurality of candidate shipments using the transportation carrier resource capacities. Infeasible candidate shipments such as where the transportation carrier resource capacity is exceeded are eliminated, and the remaining feasible shipments are evaluated to determine a respective cost. Then the remaining shipments are ordered based at least in part on the cost, and one of the low cost feasible shipments is selected to be used for transporting the shipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: ORACLE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sundararajan ARUNAPURAM, Raymond William SHAFER
  • Patent number: 8762290
    Abstract: The present invention provides a plurality of Enterprises with a single online user interface with which the Enterprise can provide Enterprise Shippers, shipping origination users and shipping intermediary users with an automated parcel management system for a plurality of supported Carriers for a plurality of services. The present invention provides for the hierarchical definition of users, including the hierarchical definition of organizational units within each Enterprise. The present invention further provides for a distinct definition of policies, privileges, and other types of specifications for each user level, each user, and each organizational unit. The present invention applies the user and organizational policies, privileges and other specifications as they apply to each particular user to drive the interactive interface with each particular user and to provide among other things, shipping options, shipping services, shipping rates, traveler and/or shipping label preparation, and shipment tracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignees: Stamps.com Inc., iShip Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel F. Williams, David Allison Bennett, Lynn Shaindell Goldhaber, Dennis Glavin, Lory Elizabeth Krett, Charles D. Mentzer, Stephen M. Teglovic, John M. Dietz, William W. Smith, III, Paul Bilibin, Jinyue Liu, Paul R. McLaughlin, Scott Meyer, Sean Hu
  • Patent number: 8762291
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for increasing the robustness of optimization solutions for bulk gas distribution, relative to uncertain events such as unexpected plant outages. The techniques actively consider different assumptions regarding unexpected plant outages while searching for a solution (i.e., when generating a delivery schedule). A robust solution (delivery schedule) is one on which a plant outage only has a limited impact. A computer-implemented delivery scheduling application may identify a robust solution that performs well with respect to a range of uncertain future conditions (e.g., a variety of plant outages), at the lowest additional cost to the producer/distributor relative to other solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude Et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Nicoleta Neagu, Hugues Dubedout
  • Patent number: 8756165
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for facilitating packing and vehicle loading for order fulfillment. A number of totes associated with each one of a plurality of orders fulfilled in a fulfillment center are tracked in a computing resource. Each of the orders specifies at least one item. A plurality of compartment assignments in a delivery vehicle are generated for the totes associated with each of the orders, the delivery vehicle having a plurality of storage compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul N. Haake, Dennis Lee, Neha Gupta, Andrew Sean Tyra
  • Publication number: 20140156553
    Abstract: Various embodiments for facilitating the fulfillment of orders are disclosed. One embodiment is a method implemented in at least one computing device for fulfilling an order for an item in a storage facility. The method comprises obtaining an order for the item from a third party order provider, converting the order to a predetermined format for fulfillment, generating guidance information based on the converted order and at least one attribute of the item, and transmitting the guidance information to a wireless computing device for fulfillment of the order by a picker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: LIGHTSPEED AUTOMATION LLC
    Inventors: Jason Leach, Randy Smith