公开(公告)号：WO1996007155A1

公开(公告)日：1996-03-07

申请号：PCT/US1994009704

申请日：1994-08-29

Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.

Inventor： UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC. ,  SMITH, Christopher, E. ,  KLANCNIK, Mihael

IPC: G06K07/14

CPC classification number: G06K7/1443 ,  G06K7/10851 ,  G06K7/14 ,  G06K7/1465 ,  G06K7/1486

Abstract: A bar code reader decodes a bar code symbol, one character at a time, by analyzing the spaces of each character independently from the bars of each character. The reader determines the widths of each space and each bar. The reader then determines a space-width threshold based on the widths of the spaces and a bar-width threshold based on the widths of the bars. The reader then classifies each space as being either narrow or wide by comparing each space to the space-width threshold. The reader also classifies each bar as being either narrow or wide by comparing each bar to the bar-width threshold. The reader then decodes the character according to the narrow/wide classifications.

Abstract translation: 条形码读取器通过独立于每个字符的条分析每个字符的空格来一次解码条形码符号，一次一个字符。 读者决定每个空格和每个栏的宽度。 然后，读取器基于空间的宽度和基于条的宽度的条宽阈值来确定空间宽度阈值。 然后，读者通过将每个空间与空格宽度阈值进行比较来将每个空间分类为窄或宽。 阅读器还通过将每个条与条宽阈值进行比较，将每个条分为窄或宽。 然后，读者会根据狭义/广泛的分类对字符进行解码。

公开(公告)号：WO1994019764A1

公开(公告)日：1994-09-01

申请号：PCT/US1994001661

申请日：1994-02-17

Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.

Inventor： UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC. ,  BRANDORFF, Alexander ,  SUSSMEIER, John, W.

IPC: G06K07/10

CPC classification number: G06K7/1092 ,  G06K7/10722 ,  G06K7/10732

Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating and imaging a surface (14) includes a two-dimensional array of LEDs (120) for providing uniform illumination to the surface, the LEDs being mounted on a planar surface (110) with a centrally defined aperture (112) and a CCD-based camera (210) with appropriate lensing (220) for obtaining an image of the illuminated surface and providing a signal representative of that obtained image to a processing unit, the CCD-based camera lensing being disposed through the centrally defined aperture in the planar surface of the LED array, and the LED array and CCD-camera lensing being disposed inside an opaque shroud (300).

Abstract translation: 用于照射和成像表面（14）的装置包括用于向表面提供均匀照明的LED（120）的二维阵列，所述LED被安装在具有中心限定的孔（112）的平坦表面（110）上，并且 基于CCD的相机（210），其具有适当的透镜（220），用于获得所述被照射表面的图像，并将表示所获得的图像的信号提供给处理单元，所述基于CCD的相机透镜通过所述中心限定的孔设置 LED阵列的平面，以及配置在不透明护罩（300）内的LED阵列和CCD摄像机透镜。

公开(公告)号：WO2023022888A1

公开(公告)日：2023-02-23

申请号：PCT/US2022/039422

申请日：2022-08-04

Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.

Inventor： BELL, Julian, Leland ,  WOODROUGH, Stephens, B., Jr. ,  ASHTIANI, Justin

IPC: F16B21/16

Abstract: Latching mechanisms, storage receptacles with latching mechanisms, and methods of manufacturing and using the same are disclosed. In one aspect, the latching mechanism (10) includes a first latching element (12), a second latching element (14), and a ball-locking mechanism. The ball-locking mechanism allows the first latching element to be releasably secured to the second latching element. The latching mechanism may be integrated with a frame, which may be adjustable, and which may further be integrated with a storage receptacle, e.g., one that has a storage compartment and an opening. The components of the latching mechanism may be shaped, sized, or otherwise configured to enable, and facilitate, automated and/or semi-automated handling and manipulation. The latching mechanisms, storage receptacles, and associated handling systems described herein may be used in a logistics network operation.

公开(公告)号：WO2022235412A1

公开(公告)日：2022-11-10

申请号：PCT/US2022/024899

申请日：2022-04-14

Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.

Inventor： GIL, Julio ,  HILL, Ethan Prescott ,  EMBRY, Jonathan

IPC: B64D1/22 ,  B64D9/00 ,  B64C17/02

Abstract: A multiple hoist system is used with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for delivering parcels. An example of the multiple hoist system comprises two or more hoists that are independently operable, meaning that a first hoist can lower or raise a first line independently of using a second hoist to raise or lower a second line. The hoists can independently raise and lower their associated lines to allow the UAV to deliver multiple parcels to multiple delivery locations, or the hoists can synchronously raise and lower the associated lines together so that larger parcels can be delivered using the UAV. The hoists can be comprised within a body of the multiple hoist system. The body can further include a securing device for releasably securing the multiple hoist system to the UAV.

公开(公告)号：WO2022216838A1

公开(公告)日：2022-10-13

申请号：PCT/US2022/023692

申请日：2022-04-06

Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.

Inventor： GIL, Julio ,  BELL, Julian

IPC: B64C25/00 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64D1/22

Abstract: A landing gear system that can be used with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) retrieves and releases canisters suitable for delivering items. To do so, the landing gear comprises a first leg and a second leg. The first landing leg and the second landing leg are rotationally engages at a first leg connection end and a second leg connection end. A tensioning member applies a rotational force about the engagement location, biasing the first leg toward the second leg. Each of the first and second legs can include a curved portion. A UAV comprising the landing gear can be lowered over a canister, and the canister is secured in place within the curved portions of the legs. To release, the landing legs are rotated against the bias, which can be facilitated by landing the UAV and placing the rotors into a reverse thrust.

公开(公告)号：WO2022216836A1

公开(公告)日：2022-10-13

申请号：PCT/US2022/023690

申请日：2022-04-06

Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.

Inventor： GIL, Julio ,  BELL, Julian

IPC: B64C39/02 ,  B64D1/10

Abstract: A payload container for delivering canisters having payloads is provided. The payload container includes an open end and a closed end. The open end is configured to couple to a terminal end of a tube of a pneumatic delivery system to receive or provided a canister. The payload container further comprises a gas vent having a first gas vent opening located at the closed end of the payload container and a second gas vent opening located at the open end of the payload container. The open end is configured to couple to an air hose outlet of the pneumatic delivery system, which delivers air into the payload container to push the canister into the pneumatic delivery system tube. A depressed landing platform aids in guiding an unmanned aerial vehicle, having a payload container, into a position where a canister can be delivered to or from the pneumatic delivery system.

公开(公告)号：WO2022169496A1

公开(公告)日：2022-08-11

申请号：PCT/US2021/060457

申请日：2021-11-23

Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.

Inventor： BELL, Julian Leland ,  WOODROUGH, Stephens ,  ASHTIANI, Justin

IPC: B65B61/18 ,  B65B9/08 ,  B65B3/16 ,  B65B5/02 ,  B65B7/02 ,  B65B43/04 ,  B65B43/14 ,  B65B43/26 ,  B65B43/54 ,  B65D33/25 ,  A45C13/10 ,  B31B70/81 ,  B65D33/24 ,  B65D33/00

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for handling and manipulating packages in automated or semi-automated fashion and packages adapted for the same. The systems may include package-holding devices, package-manipulating devices, and package-detection components for locating packages or portions thereof in a three-dimensional space. The packages may include features that enable automated or semi-automated handling and manipulation thereof, such as different types of opening/closing mechanisms with different geometric structures that allow for holding, shifting, and manipulating the packages and/or portions thereof with the package-manipulating devices. The packages additionally or alternatively may include mechanical fasteners, magnets, and/or spring-biased opening/closing mechanisms for keeping the packages closed prior to manipulation thereof. Such packages and systems may be used in a logistics network to the increase speed, accuracy, and efficiency of processing packages having, at least in part, a non-fixed geometry.

公开(公告)号：WO2022147097A1

公开(公告)日：2022-07-07

申请号：PCT/US2021/065480

申请日：2021-12-29

Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.

Inventor： FREEMAN, Mallory ,  MAJOR, Timothy ,  BRITTON, Matthew ,  SKORB, Lauren

IPC: H04W4/029 ,  G06Q10/08 ,  H04W4/33 ,  H04W4/35 ,  H04W4/021

Abstract: Various embodiments employ multiple readers and tags in fixed locations in different geographical areas and/or along different storage units. This allows for more granular or precise location sensing. Particular embodiments employ multiple environment tags in various geographical locations and within multiple storage units. Using this new infrastructure setup, some embodiments can perform new functionality by predicting whether a target asset is in a particular geographical location, predict whether the asset is within a particular storage unit based on the proportion of readers mapped to that shelf which are actually reading the tag on the asset, and/or can predict where an asset's exact location in the located storage unit is based on comparing indications of signal strength values between each reader and tag in the storage unit with other indications of signal strength values between each reader and the tag that is attached to the asset.

公开(公告)号：WO2022147043A1

公开(公告)日：2022-07-07

申请号：PCT/US2021/065393

申请日：2021-12-28

Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.

Inventor： GIL, Julio

IPC: B66C1/38 ,  B66C1/42 ,  B64D1/22 ,  B64D1/12 ,  B66C1/12

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to a clamp (200) having a linkage (212) coupled to a first ends (208a-b) of a first and second clamp member (202, 204). Based on applying a first directional force to the linkage, the linkage generates a force that moves the second ends of the first and second clamp member towards one another, thereby biasing the clamp to the closed position. The clamp secures a strap when the clamp is in the closed position and releases the strap when the clamp is in an open position. Also disclosed is a clamping system with two interlinked clamps. Also disclosed is a method transporting an item via an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the method comprising the step of securing a strap around the item using a clamp, the strap having a first end and a second end, the first end of the strap mounted to the clamp and the second end of the strap secured by the clamp when the clamp is in a closed position.

公开(公告)号：WO2022125193A1

公开(公告)日：2022-06-16

申请号：PCT/US2021/055447

申请日：2021-10-18

Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC. [US]/[US]

Inventor： COSSEY, James

IPC: B65C1/02 ,  B65C9/36 ,  B65C9/40 ,  B65C9/46

Abstract: Aspects herein provide a system, methods, and media for applying labels (616) to objects (302, 602) without overlapping or obscuring existing labels (304, 604) or other indicia. In some aspects, an object (302, 602) in motion and labels (304, 604) or indicia on the object are visually identified using near real-time imaging (106) and details of geometric characteristics are determined. An additional label (616) is then generated, printed, and physically applied or attached to the object in motion so that the angle, placement, and orientation of the additional label matches or aligns with the existing labels or indicia, without overlapping or obscuring the existing labels or indicia.