A parcel detection device for detecting an item in a compartment of a parcel locker, comprising a laser diode for emitting a light beam and a light reflector for reflecting said light beam towards a light sensor for detecting said light beam, said light reflector comprising two square rulers or rods carrying opposite mirrors, a first square ruler or rod carrying a plurality of concave mirrors disposed in front of a flat mirror carried by a second square ruler or rod.

Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a notification system. In accordance with one aspect, the notification system, includes an energy emitter device configured to emit energy; a sensing device coupled to the energy emitter device, the sensing device configured to receive the energy from the energy emitter device to produce a sensed signal; a detection device coupled to the sensing device, the detection device configured to detect a transition state of the sensed signal and configured to produce a digital message; and a housing configured to receive one or more mail, wherein the housing houses the energy emitter device, the sensing device, and the detection device. In one example, the notification system a keep-alive component configured to transmit a diagnostic query and to receive a return health signal.

A mailbox has detection means inside the mailbox to detect the presence of mail and a warning device that is operatively connected to the detection means to inform a user of the presence of mail in the mailbox.

The present application includes a system and method for moving mail from the curbside to the building doorstep. The mail retrieval system is comprised of a control unit, a guidance device and a mail transport. The control unit alerts the user to the presence of mail at the curbside and allows the user to initiate mail retrieval. The mail transport follows the guidance device to the building doorstep for retrieval by the user.

A method of operating an apparatus for receiving one or more mail items is described. The method includes activating the communication between a user interface device and a remote device; generating, by an electronic control unit, at least one random alphanumeric code; sending, via a network interface device, the random alphanumeric code to the remote device; sending, by the remote device and via the network interface device, an unlock signal based on the random alphanumeric code to the electronic control unit. An unlock signal is processed by the electronic control unit to unlock the movable closure element and allow one or more mail items to be introduced in or withdrawn from the internal cavity.

Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a notification system. In accordance with one aspect, the notification system, includes a housing configured to receive one or more content; a sensing device to produce a sensed signal; a detection device coupled to the sensing device, the detection device configured to detect a transition state of the sensed signal wherein the transition state is based on receipt of the one or more content based on a comparison of a sensed signal amplitude to a threshold level; and a first camera coupled to the housing, wherein the first camera includes a first sensor to sense motion and the first camera is configured to record activities when the motion is sensed.

Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a notification system. In accordance with one aspect, the notification system, includes a housing configured to receive one or more content, wherein the housing includes a door; a sensing device to produce a sensed signal; a detection device coupled to the sensing device, the detection device configured to detect a transition state of the sensed signal wherein the transition state is based on receipt of the one or more content; and a tampering sensor configured to detect tampering of the housing.

A drone operated delivery receptacle for receiving packages. The delivery receptacle includes a housing having a base, sidewalls, and an open upper end, defining an interior volume. The open upper end includes one or more gates that are movable between an open and closed configuration, and are configured to open when a delivery drone is detected by a control unit of the delivery receptacle. Preferably, the one or more gates are configured to automatically open when a drone is detected so as to allow the drone to deposit the package therein. A front wall of the housing comprises one or more doors thereon that allow the user to access the interior volume of the housing to retrieve the package therein.

A mailbox has detection means inside the mailbox to detect the presence of mail and a warning device that is operatively connected to the detection means to inform a user of the presence of mail in the mailbox.

A mail notification system that is operable to alert a user when mail has been deposited into the interior of a mailbox being monitored by the mail notification system. The mail notification system further includes a base station having a controller that operates an audio speaker and a light. The base station further includes operational controls such as a power button, a reset button and volume controls for the audio speaker. A monitoring unit is placed within the interior volume of a mailbox. The monitoring unit includes internal power supply and a controller. The controller provides operation of a sensor wherein the sensor is either a motion sensor or a photo sensor. The monitoring unit functions to transmit a signal to the base station subsequent the detection of motion or an increase in the light within the interior volume of the mailbox.