Fedex Corporate Services, Inc.

Federal Express Corporation

Metrologic Instruments, Inc.

Other

Fedex Corporation Services, Inc.

Ole-Petter Skaaksrud

Frank Mayfield

Daniel Gates

Miley E Ainsworth

Terence Hollahan

Cameron Dee Dryden

Xiaoxun Zhu

Jeffrey Robert Smith

Wayne Luke Gordon

Robert Russell Rhodes, Jr

Steven Benton

Brett Bracewell Bonner

William S Murphy

Mark D Hamm

James Randy Jacobs

Zachary S Perry

Kenneth L Milman

James B Greer

Michael R West

Daniel A Ost

Andris Jankevics

Andrew N Lemmon

J Randy Jacobs

Randy Jacobs

Tim Gregory

Marshall Veitenheimer

Andy Jankevics

Steve Tubbs

Mark Chirstiansen

Gary Lynn Holmes

David J Dutton

Daniel L Specht

Mark J Thomas

Methods and enhanced apparatus used in such methods are described that a dispatched logistics operation for a deliverable item from a hold-at-location (HAL) logistics facility having a secured storage and using a modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly and a dispatch server. The bot apparatus assembly picks up and delivers the item from the HAL facility in response to a delivery dispatch command from the dispatch server. In response, the MAM of the bot verifies compatibility of modular components for the operation, controls receiving of the deliverable item from the secured storage at the HAL facility, then autonomously causes movement to the delivery destination. The MAM notifies the customer before delivery of the approaching delivery, authenticates delivery is to the authorized customer, provides access to the item within the bot apparatus assembly, monitors unloading of the item, then autonomously moves back to the HAL facility.

Apparatus, systems, and methods for performing a dispatched logistics operation for a deliverable item from a hold-at-location logistics facility using a modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly, a dispatch server and an enhanced remotely actuated logistics receptacle apparatus

A centrally managed system for tuning a plurality of enhanced node-based logistics receptacles includes a backend server, a first enhanced node-based logistics receptacles, and a second node-based logistics receptacles. The backend server transmits a first setup message to a first bridge node, transmits a second setup message to a second bridge node, receives retrieved first event information from the first bridge node and retrieved second event information from the second bridge node, compares the retrieved first event information with a management profile and compares the retrieved second event information with the management profile, revises the management profile based upon the comparison of the retrieved first event information with the management profile and the comparison of the retrieved second event information with the management profile, and transmits an adjustment message that is based upon the revised management profile to the first bridge node.

Centrally managed apparatus, systems, and methods for tuning a plurality of enhanced node-based logistics receptacles

Methods are described that perform a dispatched consumer-to-store return or swap logistics operation for an item being replaced using a modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly and a dispatch server. The method begins with receiving a return operation dispatch command that includes identifier information, transport parameters, and designated pickup information for the item being replaced/returned, along with authentication information related to an authorized supplier of the item being replaced. Modular components of the bot apparatus are verified to be compatible with the dispatched logistics operation. The MAM then autonomously causes the bot apparatus to move to the designated pickup location, notifies the authorized supplier of an approaching pickup, receives supplier authorization input to permissively allow access to a payload area within the bot apparatus, monitors loading as the item being replaced is received along with return documentation, and then autonomously causes movement of the bot apparatus back to the origin location.

Methods of performing a dispatched consumer-to-store logistics operation for an item being replaced using a modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly and a dispatch server

An enhanced connected logistics receptacle system that selectively retrieves and reports event information to a backend server to initiate a dispatched logistics operation related to a delivery item. The system includes a storage receptacle for receiving the delivery item, a bridge node mounted to the storage receptacle, and a wireless accessory sensor node coupled to a plurality of sensors. The wireless accessory sensor node is operative to detect a change in state of the storage receptacle based upon sensor data, record timestamped information reflecting the detected change in state, and broadcast an updated advertising signal having a data available flag set within the updated advertising signal. The bridge node processor is operative to detect the data available flag, selectively retrieve event information from the wireless accessory sensor node, and transmit the retrieved event information to the backend server to cause the backend server to initiate the dispatched logistics operation.

Enhanced connected logistics receptacle apparatus, systems, and methods that selectively retrieve and report event information to a backend server to initiate a dispatched logistics operation related to a delivery item

An enhanced node-based connected logistics receptacle system includes a storage receptacle, a bridge node, and wireless accessory sensor node with at least one sensor monitoring for a change in state of the storage receptacle. The system's wireless accessory sensor node detects the storage receptacle's state change based upon sensor data, records timestamped information reflecting the detected change, and broadcasts a signal with a flag set indicating there is event information available for upload. The system's bridge node is operative to detect the flag set, retrieve the event information available for upload from the wireless accessory sensor node, and transmit a message related to the retrieved event information to a backend server to cause the backend server to initiate the dispatched logistics operation related to the storage receptacle.

Systems, apparatus and methods involving an enhanced connected node-based logistics receptacle and methods of operating the same

An enhanced multi-compartment connected logistics receptacle system includes a storage receptacle, a bridge node, and wireless accessory sensor node with a plurality of sensors. A first subset of the sensors is disposed relative to a first monitored receptacle compartment and a second subset of the sensors is disposed relative to a second monitored receptacle compartment. The plurality of sensors monitor for a change in state of the storage receptacle. The wireless accessory sensor node detects the storage receptacle's state change based upon sensor data and broadcasts a signal with a flag set indicating there is event information available for upload. The bridge node detects the flag set, retrieves the event information available for upload from the wireless accessory sensor node, and transmits the retrieved event information to a backend server to cause the backend server to initiate a dispatched logistics operation related to the storage receptacle.

Enhanced multi-compartment logistics receptacle apparatus, systems, and methods for receiving and temporarily maintaining a delivery item and causing a backend server to initiate a dispatched logistics operation

A system for receiving and temporarily maintaining a delivery item and dynamically initiating a dispatched logistics operation for a storage receptacle. The storage receptacle has an entrance opening for receiving the delivery item, a temporary storage area for temporarily maintaining the delivery item once deposited with the storage receptacle, and a retrieval door providing selective access to the temporary storage area. The system includes a backend server that maintains a management profile related to the storage receptacle, a bridge node mounted to the storage receptacle, and a wireless accessory sensor node having at least one sensor that monitors for a change in state of the storage receptacle. The wireless accessory sensor node broadcasts an updated advertising signal. The bridge node transmits retrieved event information to the backend server at a reporting time, and the backend server initiates the dispatched logistics operation from comparing the retrieved event information to location information.

Apparatus, systems, and methods for receiving and temporarily maintaining a delivery item and dynamically initiating a dispatched logistics operation for a storage receptacle

A system for detecting and verifying an environmental anomaly within a shipping container (transported on a transit vehicle having an external transceiver) has wireless sensor-based ID nodes at different locations within the container and multiple command nodes mounted to the container. A first command node is programmatically configured to be operative to detect the sensor data broadcasted from the ID nodes; responsively identify the anomaly based upon the sensor data detected by that command node; and transmit a validation request to another command node. The other command node is configured to be operative to also detect the sensor data broadcasted from the ID nodes; receive the validation request from the first command node; verify the anomaly in response to the validation request and based upon the sensor data detected by the second command node; and broadcast a verification message based upon whether the anomaly for the shipping container is verified.

Systems, apparatus, and methods for detecting and verifying an environmental anomaly using multiple command nodes

An enhanced shipping container apparatus that maintains packages is described having integrated fire suppression. The apparatus has a container base supporting the packages, multiple container walls coupled to the container base, and a container top coupled to each of the container walls. A fire suppression panel is integrated as part of one or more of the walls and top portion, and has a support sheet of fire resistant material; an interior exposed sheet of temperature sensitive material; a sealed boundary connecting the support sheet and interior exposed sheet on peripheral edges (where the sealed boundary, support sheet and interior exposed sheet define a holding cavity), and integrated fire suppression material in the holding cavity. The temperature sensitive material of the interior exposed sheet releases the integrated fire suppressant material from within the holding cavity when the temperature sensitive material of the interior exposed sheet is exposed to a threshold temperature.

Enhanced shipping container apparatus having integrated fire suppression and systems using the same for detecting and responding to an environmental anomaly within the container

Methods and systems are described for merging of a set of items being shipped using a wireless node network. In an example method, a master node receives ID node identification information from a server in the network. The ID node identification information defines the group of ID nodes. Each of the ID nodes is related to a different item from the set of items being shipped. Next, each of the ID nodes in the group is associated with the master node when the master node detects a signal from each ID node as they respectively approach the master node. When the master node detects a last one of the ID nodes in the group approaching the master node, the master node transmits a notification to the server. Thereafter, the master node receives a shipment merge indication from the server.

Methods and systems for node-enabled shipment merging for a set of items being shipped

Multi-domain management of a node-based logistics receptacle that is responsive to a dispatched logistics operation involving the node-based logistics receptacle and a mobile courier node. The node-based logistics receptacle has a plurality of storage receptacle components including at least an entrance opening for receiving one or more shipping items, a temporary storage area for temporarily maintaining the one or more shipping items once received, and a retrieval door providing selective access to the one or more shipping items within the temporary storage area. The node-based logistics receptacle further includes a wireless accessory sensor node disposed on the node-based logistics receptacle and a receptacle bridge node disposed on the node-based logistics receptacle operative to communicate with a backend server. The wireless accessory sensor node is operatively coupled to a plurality of sensors.

Apparatus, systems, and methods for multi-domain management of a node-based logistics receptacle in response to a dispatched logistics operation involving the node-based logistics receptacle and a mobile courier node

A system for self-tuning operation of a node-based logistics receptacle based upon contextual awareness. The node-based logistics receptacle has a plurality of storage receptacle components and a temporary storage area. A retrieval door provides selective access to a delivery item. The system includes a wireless accessory sensor node, a bridge node that includes a bridge node processor, a bridge node memory, and a communication interface operative to communicate with at least a backend server, and an external sensor. The bridge node is operative to receive external sensor data, predict a change in future interactions with the one or more of storage receptacle components based upon the external sensor data, update a management profile based upon the predicted change in future interactions, and alter, using the updated management profile, an operational task related to monitoring for and reporting a change in state of the one or more storage receptacle components.

Apparatus, systems, and methods for self-tuning operation of a node-based logistics receptacle based upon contextual awareness

A connected logistics receptacle system having enhanced status indication functionality related to a logistics operation for a delivery item being deposited by a parcel customer. The system includes a storage receptacle for receiving the delivery item and a bridge node mounted to the storage receptacle. The bridge node has a bridge node processor and a communication interface operative to communicate with at least a backend server. The system includes a status indicator and a wireless accessory sensor node. The bridge node processor is operative to detect an updated advertising signal broadcast by the wireless accessory sensor node, retrieve event information from the wireless accessory sensor node in response to detecting the updated advertising signal, and toggle the status indicator from a first condition to a second condition based upon a comparison of the event information to a status indicator setting profile.

Connected logistics receptacle apparatus, systems, and methods having enhanced status indication functionality related to a logistics operation for a delivery item being deposited by a parcel customer

Methods and an assembly apparatus are described for operating a node-enabled logistics receptacle in a wireless node network having at least a first node related to an item being shipped. The method generally begins with the node-enabled logistics receptacle detecting a signal broadcast by the first node, such as when a package having the first node approaches the receptacle. The method then associates the node-enabled logistics receptacle with the first node. The method continues with the node-enabled logistics receptacle determining a location of the first node, and then altering a current inventory of nodes related to the node-enabled logistics receptacle based upon the location of the first node, such as when the first node is within a vicinity of the receptacle that is an area sufficiently proximate to the node-enabled logistics receptacle to indicate an item and node within the vicinity intends to be shipped.

Node-enabled logistics receptacle in a wireless node network

Methods perform one or more dispatched medical logistics operations using a modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly and a dispatch server where the operations are related to a diagnosis kit for treating a patient. The MAM of the bot receives a dispatch command, verifies compatibility of the bot assembly with the dispatched operation(s), receives a diagnosis kit in the CSS, has the MAM autonomously causing the MB to move to a destination location while notifying the authorized delivery recipient for the diagnosis kit of the approaching delivery. With appropriate authentication input received, the MAM coordinates with the CSS to provide access to the kit, monitor unloading of the kit, provide instructional information on use of the kit, and autonomously cause the MB to return to the original location with a return item related to the diagnosis kit with notification to personnel at the medical entity about the return item.

Methods of performing a dispatched medical logistics operation related to a diagnosis kit for treating a patient and using a modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly and a dispatch server

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Germantown, TN, United States of America

Ole-Petter Skaaksrud