System and method for handling packages

• US 20040069849A1
• Filed: 04/30/2003
• Published: 04/15/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Visible Assets Incorporated (NOV, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: EBOX Incorporated (BCE Incorporated)
• Inventors: Waterhouse, Paul, Stevens, John, Vandenberg, Mike
• Application Number:
  US10/425,990
• Publication Number:
  US 20040069849A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 235/385
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 17/0022 arrangements or provisions for transferring data to distant stations, e.g. from a sensing device "transfer between computer elements G06F13/00 "; data-transmission H04L
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07758 arrangements for adhering the record carrier to further objects or living beings, functioning as an identification tag
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/0008 General problems related to the reading of electronic memory record carriers, independent of its reading method, e.g. power transfer
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management

Abstract

A system for handling packages includes an electronic module associated with at least one package, the electronic module including a memory device for storing handling data for the at least one package, a first transceiver, and a signaling device operatively coupled to the first transceiver. The system further includes at least one control station including a second transceiver for wirelessly communicating with the first transceiver to direct the handling of the at least one package.

Claims

1. A system for handling packages comprising:

an electronic module associated with at least one package, said electronic module comprising;

a memory device for storing handling data for said at least one package;

a first transceiver; and

a signaling device operatively coupled to said first transceiver; and

at least one control station comprising a second transceiver for wirelessly communicating with said first transceiver to direct said handling of said at least one package.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said electronic module is removably attached to said at least one package.

3. The system according to claim 1, further comprising:

a container for housing said at least one package,

wherein said electronic module is removably attached to said container.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said second transceiver transmits a signal to said first transceiver which causes said electronic module to activate said signaling device.

5. The system according to claim 1, further comprising:

a central controller for coordinating an operation of said system.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one control station comprises a portable control station.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein said control station is removably mounted to a delivery vehicle.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein said control station comprises an input device for at least one of programming and reprogramming said electronic module.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein said electronic module further comprises a display device and an activating device for activating said display device.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein said display device comprises at least one of a numeric display and an alphanumeric display.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein said signaling device comprises one of a light emitting device and an audible signal generator.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein a conveyor system is automatically reconfigured based on information transmitted from said electronic module.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one control station comprises a plurality of control stations.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein said handling comprises at least one of a sorting operation and a shipping operation for said package, and

wherein said handling data comprises at least one of sorting data and shipping data.

15. A shipping container for use in a system for handling packages, comprising:

a housing for receiving a package; and

an electronic module affixed to said housing, said electronic module comprising a memory device for storing handling data, a transceiver, and a signaling device operatively coupled to said first transceiver.

16. A method for handling packages comprising:

using an electronic module to store handling data pertaining to at least one package; and

wirelessly communicating with said electronic module in order to direct said handling of said at least one package.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein said wirelessly communicating comprises wirelessly communicating between said electronic module and at least one control station.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising:

using a central controller to control said handling of said at least one package.

19. The method according to claim 16, further comprising:

placing said at least one package in a container,

wherein said electronic module is affixed to said container.

20. A signal-bearing media tangibly embodying a program of machine-readable instructions executable by a digital data processor to perform a method for handling packages, said method comprising:

using an electronic module to store handling data pertaining to at least one package; and

wirelessly communicating with said electronic module in order to direct said handling of said at least one package.