| United States Postal Service Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120011068 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ELECTRONIC AND PHYSICAL MAIL CATEGORIZATION AND TARGETED DELIVERY - 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. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120004765 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRACKING OF MAIL USING A UNIVERSAL CODING SYSTEM - A method of tracking trays through a delivery system. The method comprises: generating an enhanced label, the enhanced label comprising a routing code and a label unique identifier, the enhanced label being applied to the tray; associating a tray with a container, the container having a container unique identifier; and receiving a load container scan, the load container scan associating the container unique identifier with the enhanced label. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20110282875 | LOCALIZED DATA AFFINITY SYSTEM AND HYBRID METHOD - A method, system, and computer program for processing records is disclosed. The records are associated with record sets. Record sets are associated with processor sets, which include one or more processors. Records are routed to associated processor sets for processing, based on the record set associated with the record. Records are processed on processors in the processor sets. Furthermore, various localized affinities can be established. Process affinity can link server processes with processor sets. Cache affinity can link database caches with processor sets. Data affinity can link incoming data to processor sets. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110270775 | MANIFEST DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD - There is provided a method and system of determining efficient routing of a mail piece in a delivery system for delivering mail pieces. The system determines whether or not the mail piece requires urgent delivery. The system determines a weight of the mail piece. Also, the system determines, based on the urgency determination and the weight determination, a most cost-effective place in which to introduce the mail piece into the delivery system. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110264677 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DIGITAL EVIDENCE ANALYSIS AND AUTHENTICATION - The system disclosed provides an efficient mechanism for acquiring email and other data from remote systems in a forensically sound manner. Email for users can be requested by investigators from email servers across the country. It is then be automatically acquired and made available to the examiner, subject to approval, and any others he deems have a need-to-know on a web based system. The data can be searched and bookmarked, and the bookmarks shared. Data can also be uploaded manually and combined with email data in the searching, bookmarking, and sharing. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110191135 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CREATING ON-DEMAND ROUTES FOR POWERED INDUSTRIAL VEHICLES - Systems and methods for creating in a facility on-demand routes for powered industrial vehicles to transport cargo efficiently. In one embodiment, an on-demand route generation module receives receiving a request to move cargo. The module analyzes data about the current location, the current tasking, and the driver availability of PIVs in operation. Based on the information, the module creates an on-demand route through the facility and sends a notification to an assigned PIV to pick up the cargo and carry it on the defined on-demand route. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110186459 | INTEGRATED DOCUMENT HOLDER AND RFID TAG - An integrated document holder and RFID tag device is disclosed herein. The document holder may take the form of a shipping envelope which is affixed to an item and carries documents related to the item such as a packing list or shipping manifest. The device includes an RFID tag integrated into the shipping envelope which allows both the RFID tag and the shipping envelope to be affixed to the item in a single labor effort. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110172973 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANALYZING EQUIPMENT FAILURES AND MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES - A computer implemented method may be used for analyzing equipment failures and maintenance schedules. An equipment maintenance system generates a model of equipment and components of each piece of equipment. In one embodiment, the model is a tree representation. The equipment maintenance system may then determine estimated failure information for each component based on a selected statistical model. The equipment maintenance system may also generate a maintenance schedule based on the determined estimated failure information for each component of the equipment. In one embodiment, the equipment maintenance system displays the equipment maintenance information. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110074952 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DETECTING A BLOCKED APERTURE IN LETTER OR FLAT MAIL IMAGE SENSOR - Embodiments include systems and methods of detecting a blocked aperture in an image device. In certain embodiments, the system and method is used in mail processing of letters and flats. In certain embodiments, the image sensor captures an image of the front of an item. If the aperture of the image sensor is obstructed, a void will appear on the image of the item. The system can detect the void and increment an alarm count until a pre-defined threshold is reached wherein the system signals an alarm so that the blockage can be removed and the affected items can be re-introduced for correct processing. In another embodiment, images obtained when the aperture is expected to be clear of any items. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110061428 | CLUSTER BOX MAIL DELIVERY UNIT HAVING SECURITY FEATURES - An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges. The interfitting elements of the hinge extrusions also permit the doors to be installed on their surrounding door frames quickly and easily, and permit one or both of the master loading doors to be quickly and easily removed for service or replacement when necessary. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20100308111 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRACKING LITIGATION HOLD MATERIALS - Embodiments include systems and methods for tracking litigation hold materials. In one embodiment, a litigation hold system is used to track an organization's progress in preserving materials relevant to a litigation matter. In one embodiment, the litigation hold system provides an automated system for sending litigation hold notices and tracking individuals' responses to the received litigation hold notice. The litigation hold system may further automatically send reminder notices to remind an individual of his continuing obligation to comply. The litigation hold system may automate the process of sending release notices once the obligation to preserve materials for the litigation has ended. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100282571 | TWO-PIECE WEDGE DIVERTER GATE - A diverter gate generally includes a bracket which connects to an actuator and a flag which releasably engages with the bracket via cooperating engagement members. The cooperating engagement members may be symmetrical, and may comprise one or more tabs and one or more corresponding receptacles. The tabs may be dimensioned slightly larger than the receptacles so as to create a positive interference fit. The bracket and the flag may include openings to receive a fastener extending substantially across the length of the gate. Tightening the fastener compresses the tab(s) against the receptacle(s) to result in a compression fit between the flag and the bracket. The two-piece design allows the flag to be easily removed and reversed or replaced, without disassembling or removing the bracket or the actuator. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100230328 | INTELLIGENT BARCODE SYSTEMS - 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. In yet another embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow mailers more visibility into the mail stream and information on the quality of their mailings. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100206945 | CLUSTER BOX MAIL DELIVERY UNIT HAVING SECURITY FEATURES - An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interlining elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges. The interfitting elements of the hinge extrusions also permit the doors to be installed on their surrounding door frames quickly and easily, and permit one or both of the master loading doors to be quickly and easily removed for service or replacement when necessary. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100138389 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR UPDATING A DATA STORE USING A TRANSACTION STORE - Embodiments include systems and methods for updating a data store in a distributed data store system. In one embodiment, a previous version of a data store is compared to an updated version of the data store in order to create a transaction store. The transaction store may include a cryptographic hash indicative of the previous version of the data store and a cryptographic hash indicative of the updated version of the data store. The transaction store further indicates data differences between the previous and updated versions of the data stores. The transaction store may then be used to update data stores at other locations. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20090216371 | DYNAMIC INVENTORY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - Embodiments include systems and methods of delivery DVDs, games, other electronically or computer readable media, or other high value items through the mail or via any other delivery service for return and redelivery to a second customer. For example, in one embodiment, items returned by a first customer are identified during processing of a container or mailer containing the item, the second customer is determined, a new address label is affixed to the container, and the item is delivered to the second customer. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090212098 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A REUSABLE MAILER - Embodiments of an envelope that is reusable and allows for efficient rerouting between intended recipients of the item in the envelope are disclosed. The envelope may be constructed of a durable material and may have various features that allow the envelope to be automatically sent via a carrier from one recipient to another. Thus, when a recipient of the item returns the envelope via the carrier, the envelope can be correctly processed and forwarded on to the next recipient with the same item, without the need of sending the item back to a return center or other entity. The term envelope generally includes envelopes, mailers and packages. Embodiments may include an envelope that facilitates multiple sorting and delivery cycles by the delivery service without the need for reconfiguration, repair, or replacement of the envelope. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090210243 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING ELECTRONIC CUSTOMS FORM - Methods and systems are provided for creating and processing an electronic customs declaration manifest. These methods and systems include creating a image of the customs declaration form, converting the image of the customs declaration form into an electronic customs manifest, and transferring the electronic customs manifest to a database. In addition, a image is may also be forwarded electronically to a remote encoding center, where the customs declaration form data is manually converted into an electronic file for storing in a database. Customs services of both the originating and destination countries review the declared information stored in the database. When the international mailpiece arrives at the border, domestic customs service may find a matching unique identifiers on the international mailpieces and customs declaration forms stored in the database. The service provider may load an international mailpiece into an airplane, if a domestic customs service allow the international mailpiece having a matching unique identifier to leave the originating country. A service provider may return an international mailpiece to the domestic customs service if an international mailpiece is not allowed to leave the originating country. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090145956 | CLUSTER BOX MAIL DELIVERY UNIT HAVING SECURITY FEATURES - An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges. The interfitting elements of the hinge extrusions also permit the doors to be installed on their surrounding door frames quickly and easily, and permit one or both of the master loading doors to be quickly and easily removed for service or replacement when necessary. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090132437 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIA CONTAINING INSTRUCTIONS FOR EVALUATING THE RETURN ON DIRECT MAIL MARKETING AND FOR EVALUATING SHIPPING SERVICES - A method, system, and computer readable medium including instructions for evaluating and promoting a direct mail marketing campaign includes receiving the cost associated with the campaign and financial information for the campaign. The return on investment is calculated for the direct mail marketing campaign based on the cost and financial information. The return on investment is utilized to evaluate and promote the campaign. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090064817 | TWO-PIECE WEDGE DIVERTER GATE - A diverter gate generally includes a bracket which connects to an actuator and a flag which releasably engages with the bracket via cooperating engagement members. The cooperating engagement members may be symmetrical, and may comprise one or more tabs and one or more corresponding receptacles. The tabs may be dimensioned slightly larger than the receptacles so as to create a positive interference fit. The bracket and the flag may include openings to receive a fastener extending substantially across the length of the gate. Tightening the fastener compresses the tab(s) against the receptacle(s) to result in a compression fit between the flag and the bracket. The two-piece design allows the flag to be easily removed and reversed or replaced, without disassembling or removing the bracket or the actuator. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090037297 | COST AND CONTRIBUTION SALES CALCULATOR AND METHOD - Embodiments consistent with the invention include a system | 02-05-2009 |
| 20080308623 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRACKING SHIPMENT OF ITEMS UTILIZING RFID-TAGS - A system and method of tracking a plurality of items during transfer from a source location to a destination. One embodiment is a method comprising associating information identifying the plurality of items with a radio frequency (RF) tag that identifies a carrier unit. The method further comprises storing said associated information in at least one of the RF tag and a computer memory. The method further comprises communicating with the RF tag to identify the location of the carrier unit. The method further comprises identifying the location of at least one of the plurality of items based at least in part on the location of the carrier unit. Another embodiment is a system configured to perform an embodiment of the method. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080221727 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF IDENTIFYING SHIPPING ANOMALIES - Systems and method of identifying shipping anomalies are provided. One anomaly detection module is configured to access data related to items in a delivery environment and determine the occurrence of anomalies based on the accessed data. The detected anomalies are evaluated with other accessed data to identify source, destination or routing errors and to correct same. | 09-11-2008 |
