Kim Houchens, Ph.D.

A ML model is trained to output a package decision indicating a type of package to use for an item. The training may rely on known packaging data and damage data for a plurality of items, where these items may be organized in groups according to common attributes affecting the packaging (e.g., shape, weight, fragility, etc.) and differing by attributes that do not affect the packaging (e.g., color). The packaging data and damage data may be collected over time based on actual packaging and… Show more

A ML model is trained to output a package decision indicating a type of package to use for an item. The training may rely on known packaging data and damage data for a plurality of items, where these items may be organized in groups according to common attributes affecting the packaging (e.g., shape, weight, fragility, etc.) and differing by attributes that do not affect the packaging (e.g., color). The packaging data and damage data may be collected over time based on actual packaging and delivery of items to end users. Such damage data may be used as training labels in a supervised training process of the ML model. The training may also rely on a textual description of the items, where the textual description may be available from a database that stores the textual description to support a catalog of items that can be surfaced to the end users via web pages or other network documents. The training may also rely on computer vision, where images of the items may be input to the ML model. Once trained, the ML model can be deployed to output the package decision. In particular, input to the ML model may include a textual description and/or an image of an item, whereby the ML model may indicate the package type to use for the item. Show less

This patent relates to a packaging decision system for recommending packages for varying items. Once an order for an item is obtained, fit parameters for the item (such as size and compressibility) are applied to a trained machine learning model to recommend a particular packaging type based on the parameters and how the package type can conform to different sized items. The model can be continually trained based on shipping experiences and other factors.

This patent relates to a flexible mailer that includes stiffeners to prevent unintentional flipping of the mailer. This technology can increase throughput by ensuring labels remain visible on mailers for scanning, and preventing jams caused by mailers flipping into positions where they can get caught in conveyance mechanisms.

A reinforced shipping container along with method for generating the reinforced shipping container are described herein. A digital model of the shipping container is received and simulated with an expected load. The expected load may represent an expected loading scenario for the shipping container during shipment. A reinforcement profile is determined based on stress data developed from the simulation to increase a strength-to-weight ratio of the shipping container. The reinforcement profile… Show more

A reinforced shipping container along with method for generating the reinforced shipping container are described herein. A digital model of the shipping container is received and simulated with an expected load. The expected load may represent an expected loading scenario for the shipping container during shipment. A reinforcement profile is determined based on stress data developed from the simulation to increase a strength-to-weight ratio of the shipping container. The reinforcement profile is used to apply a reinforcing agent to a substrate used to form the shipping container in a selective manner to reinforce regions of the shipping container that will experience stresses during shipping. Show less

This patent relates to ribs that can be positioned on or within a mailer to reduce the chance that the mailer flips while moving on a conveyor, or during other logistics operations. The ribs are fused with the mailer and provide rigidity across an axis of the mailer to minimize the likelihood of flipping. This technology can ensure mailers are properly positioned for scanning of labels or for other operations.

A tag positioned on an object provides information for selecting augmented reality (AR) content that is based, at least in part, on a user profile or other user information. The tab may be utilized to transmit messages between users were AR content can be integrated into the message and presented upon scanning and processing of the tag. The AR content may also be related to the user interests or real time user information such as user location. The user may interact with the AR content to… Show more

A tag positioned on an object provides information for selecting augmented reality (AR) content that is based, at least in part, on a user profile or other user information. The tab may be utilized to transmit messages between users were AR content can be integrated into the message and presented upon scanning and processing of the tag. The AR content may also be related to the user interests or real time user information such as user location. The user may interact with the AR content to retrieve additional information, which provides an improved customer experience and improved integration into a provider ecosystem. Show less

A packaging material wraps around an object so as to protect the object from damage. The material has a substrate and a plurality of adhesive members adhered to the substrate, each having a plurality of microspheres. The adhesive members are arranged on the surface in a pattern so as to define first and second pluralities of pairs of linear arrays of the adhesive members. The linear arrays of the first plurality are elongate along a first direction and are spaced from one another so as to… Show more

A packaging material wraps around an object so as to protect the object from damage. The material has a substrate and a plurality of adhesive members adhered to the substrate, each having a plurality of microspheres. The adhesive members are arranged on the surface in a pattern so as to define first and second pluralities of pairs of linear arrays of the adhesive members. The linear arrays of the first plurality are elongate along a first direction and are spaced from one another so as to define a first bending gap between the linear arrays in each pair of the first plurality. The linear arrays of the second plurality are elongate along a second direction, angularly offset from the first direction, and are spaced from one another so as to define a second bending gap between the linear arrays of each pair of the second plurality. Show less

This patent relates to presenting AR content that interacts with an object (e.g., packaging) that was used to deliver an item. As an example, a QR code on a cardboard box may be scanned and then related AR content is presented through an application on a user device, such as an AR game that uses the box, AR characters to collect, or the like. Upon receiving the item, the user scans the code on the box and particularized content is presented based on the tag, which may be associated with the… Show more

This patent relates to presenting AR content that interacts with an object (e.g., packaging) that was used to deliver an item. As an example, a QR code on a cardboard box may be scanned and then related AR content is presented through an application on a user device, such as an AR game that uses the box, AR characters to collect, or the like. Upon receiving the item, the user scans the code on the box and particularized content is presented based on the tag, which may be associated with the item in the box, a campaign, etc. Certain implementations may include interaction with the box (e.g., removing parts of the box, interacting with the box directly, etc.). Show less

A customer profile for each user of a plurality of users is generated based on purchase history and reception of meals by the each user. A preferential fabric for each user is generated based on attributes of ingredients and dishes preferred by the user according to the user's customer profile. Users are clustered together according to the similarities of the preferential fabrics thereof. A sample product is selected based on its attributes having a high correspondence to the preferential… Show more

A customer profile for each user of a plurality of users is generated based on purchase history and reception of meals by the each user. A preferential fabric for each user is generated based on attributes of ingredients and dishes preferred by the user according to the user's customer profile. Users are clustered together according to the similarities of the preferential fabrics thereof. A sample product is selected based on its attributes having a high correspondence to the preferential fabrics of the users of a cluster. The sample product is transmitted to a portion of the users of the cluster and a response thereto is evaluated. In response to positive reception, direct shipment of the sample product to the cluster is invoked, bypassing a retail store. The sample product may therefore have a shelf life shorter than required to stock the sample product in a conventional retail store. Show less

A polyethylene terephthalate container having a hydrogen generator and catalyst disposed or otherwise incorporated in components of the container, including the closure, closure insert, label, label glue, and/or any other portions of the final container assembly. In addition, the catalyst and the hydrogen generator can both be located in the same component. Methods for dispersing the hydrogen generator and catalyst in the container wall without affecting clarity are provided.

A polyethylene terephthalate container having a hydrogen generator and catalyst disposed or otherwise incorporated in components of the container, including the closure, closure insert, label, label glue, and/or any other portions of the final container assembly. In addition, the catalyst and the hydrogen generator can both be located in the same component. Methods for dispersing the hydrogen generator and catalyst in the container wall without affecting clarity are provided

The present invention relates to educational tools and methods for teaching individuals and, in particular, consumers about the enhanced performance characteristics of textile products. In accordance with the present invention, the enhanced performance characteristics are typically invisible to the naked eye; however, the effects of these enhanced performance characteristics can be easily visualized when challenged. Accordingly, such educational tools and methods are necessary to demonstrate… Show more

The present invention relates to educational tools and methods for teaching individuals and, in particular, consumers about the enhanced performance characteristics of textile products. In accordance with the present invention, the enhanced performance characteristics are typically invisible to the naked eye; however, the effects of these enhanced performance characteristics can be easily visualized when challenged. Accordingly, such educational tools and methods are necessary to demonstrate the enhanced performance characteristics of the textile products that would otherwise be impossible to recognize. Show less

The present invention relates to a method for making a heat-resistant elastic article. The invention especially relates to a method of making elastic fibers and polymeric elastic fibers wherein the elastic fibers are capable of withstanding dyeing and heat-setting processes that typically are conducted at elevated temperatures (such as 110-230 degrees C. and especially at greater than or equal to 130 degree. C. for minutes). The inventive method comprises radiation crosslinking an article under… Show more

The present invention relates to a method for making a heat-resistant elastic article. The invention especially relates to a method of making elastic fibers and polymeric elastic fibers wherein the elastic fibers are capable of withstanding dyeing and heat-setting processes that typically are conducted at elevated temperatures (such as 110-230 degrees C. and especially at greater than or equal to 130 degree. C. for minutes). The inventive method comprises radiation crosslinking an article under an inert or oxygen limited atmosphere (for example, in N.sub.2, argon, helium, carbon dioxide, xenon and/or a vacuum) wherein the article comprises at least one amine stabilizer and preferably another optional stabilizer additive. Show less

The present invention relates to a method for making a heat-resistant elastic article. The invention especially relates to a method of making elastic fibers and polymeric elastic fibers wherein the elastic fibers are capable of withstanding dyeing and heat-setting processes that typically are conducted at elevated temperatures (such as 110-230.degrees C. and especially at greater than or equal to 130.degree. C. for minutes). The inventive method comprises radiation crosslinking an article (or… Show more

The present invention relates to a method for making a heat-resistant elastic article. The invention especially relates to a method of making elastic fibers and polymeric elastic fibers wherein the elastic fibers are capable of withstanding dyeing and heat-setting processes that typically are conducted at elevated temperatures (such as 110-230.degrees C. and especially at greater than or equal to 130.degree. C. for minutes). The inventive method comprises radiation crosslinking an article (or plurality of articles) under an inert or oxygen limited atmosphere (for example, in N.sub.2, argon, helium, carbon dioxide, xenon and/or a vacuum) wherein the article (or articles) comprises at least one amine stabilizer and preferably another optional stabilizer additive. More preferably, the radiation crosslinking is performed at a low temperature (-50 to 40.degree. C.). The elastic article (or articles) comprises a homogeneously branched ethylene interpolymer (preferably a substantially linear ethylene interpolymer), a substantially hydrogenated block polymer, or a combination of the two. The heat-resistant elastic articles (especially fibers) are useful in various durable or repeated-use fabric applications such as, but not limited to, clothing, under-garments, and sports apparel. The heat-resistant elastic fibers can be conveniently formed into fabrics using well-known techniques such as, for example, by using co-knitting techniques with cotton, nylon, and/or polyester fibers. Show less

Disclosed is a disposable protective coverall formed from a high strength barrier fabric, the coverall being composed of a body portion having a neck opening in a shoulder line at its top; two sleeve portions extending from the body portion in which each sleeve portion has an inner edge and an outer edge; and two leg portions extending from the body portion. The outer edge of each sleeve portion extends upward from the shoulder line at an angle ranging from about 10.degree. to about 90.degree… Show more

Disclosed is a disposable protective coverall formed from a high strength barrier fabric, the coverall being composed of a body portion having a neck opening in a shoulder line at its top; two sleeve portions extending from the body portion in which each sleeve portion has an inner edge and an outer edge; and two leg portions extending from the body portion. The outer edge of each sleeve portion extends upward from the shoulder line at an angle ranging from about 10.degree. to about 90.degree. and the inner edge of each sleeve extends upward from the body portion below the shoulder line so that arm movement is permitted without significant pulling or stressing of other portions of the coverall. The high strength barrier fabric can be a laminate containing at least one nonwoven web and at least one film layer. Desirably, the film layer has a thickness of at least about 1 mil and has a peak energy of at least 6 inch.cndot.pounds force per square inch in both the machine and cross-machine directions. The high strength barrier fabric may also be a breathable barrier laminate which provides a water vapor transmission rate greater than about 100 gm/m.sup.2 /24 hours. Show less