United Parcel Service of America, Inc.

Rajan Chandrakant Penkar

Peter Douglas Jackson

Pao-Ter Huang

Jaroslav Janik

John H Lecko

Christopher Chunsheng Cai

Joseph P Snyder, Jr

Raymond A Reulbach

Larry A Hanlon

Gina L Jones

Michael D Johnson

Tony R Castagno

A computer system for use in reducing overall pipeline inventory within a distribution network that includes a central warehouse that is: (1) adjacent a transportation hub; and (2) configured to store sufficient component parts to provide a regular stream of parts to each of a plurality of manufacturing facilities. The computer system is preferably configured for coordinating the transportation of a regular stream of parts to each of the manufacturing facilities by transporting component parts from the central warehouse to the manufacturing facilities primarily via an expedited delivery service performed using the transportation hub. The expedited delivery service may include, for example, guaranteed delivery within one or two days. This reduces the overall pipeline and warehouse inventory within the distribution network by reducing the average transit time for each part, and by reducing the amount of safety stock that is needed to support the operations of the manufacturing facilities.

Inventory management system for reducing overall warehouse and pipeline inventory

A method and apparatus for palletizing rectangular packages received in random size and weight. A 'corner'-based modeling system is used to assist in evaluating possible placements of packages accumulated on a line conveyor, and a placement evaluation process is used to select a 'best' package placement based on heuristic analysis. Statistically-based measurement and comparison is used to assist in the evaluation process.

Method and apparatus for palletizing packages of random size and weight

A method and apparatus for palletizing rectangular packages received in random size and weight. A &ldquo;corner&rdquo;-based modeling system is used to assist in evaluating possible placements of packages accumulated on a line conveyor, and a placement evaluation process is used to select a &ldquo;best&rdquo; package placement based on heuristic analysis. Statistically-based measurement and comparison is used to assist in the evaluation process.

An apparatus for gripping parcels which includes a pair of cooperating side clamps connected by a scissors actuator, configured for movement with a suction holding device. A controller and a trigger switch are likewise used to facilitate accurate gripping of parcels thereby.

Apparatus for gripping parcels

Apparatus for measuring length of accumulated packages

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Alpharetta, GA, United States of America

Rajan Chandrakant Penkar