COMPUTERIZED RECORDING AND NOTIFICATION OF THE DELIVERY AND PICKUP OF RETAIL GOODS

• US 20050245195A1
• Filed: 12/06/2004
• Published: 11/03/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/03/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ebox USA, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Ebox USA, Inc.
• Inventors: Stevens, John K
• Granted Patent: US 7,242,290 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/67.110
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/087 Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
• CPC Class Codes: G07B 2017/00209 Mailbox, i.e. container for outgoing mail
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00571 operated by interacting with a central unit
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/0042 for hiring of objects
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/13 the containers being a postal pick-up locker

Abstract

Openings and closings of a secured storage receptacle are logged to record the transfer of items. The system gains access to a signal-transmitting receptacle; transmits a first confirmation signal to a mobile transmission node; processes the first confirmation signal at the mobile transmission node; transmits a second confirmation signal to a central server; and notifies a consumer of the delivery with an electronic message. This process allows the transfer of items by a delivery carrier using a delivery truck equipped with central processing unit that allows delivery confirmation signals to be received from the signal-transmitting receptacle. The signal transmitted from the signal-transmitting receptacle is coupled to the opening and closing of the storage box.

Claims

1. A method for testing the installation of a box with respect to a receiver, the receiver disposed to annunciate in the event of receipt of a first signal, the box having a lid, the box further comprising a transmitter and an antenna, the method comprising the steps of:

closing the lid;

transmitting a signal from the box;

noting the absence of an annunciation; and

repositioning the box relative to the receiver.

2. A method for testing the installation of a box with respect to a receiver, the receiver disposed to annunciate in the event of receipt of a first signal, the box having a lid, the box further comprising a transmitter and an antenna, the transmitter powered by a battery, the method comprising the steps of:

closing the lid;

transmitting a signal from the box;

noting the absence of an annunciation; and

replacing the battery.

3. A method for testing the installation of a box with respect to a receiver, the receiver disposed to annunciate in the event of receipt of a first signal, the box having a lid, the box further comprising a transmitter and an antenna, the method comprising the steps of:

closing the lid;

transmitting a signal from the box;

noting the absence of an annunciation; and

replacing the box.