Disclosed are various embodiments for an adjustable chute configured to funnel containers or packages into different types of bulk containers and bulk containers of different sizes. In one embodiment, the adjustable chute comprises a front panel, a rear panel, and first and second flexible sidewalls that can expand and contract between the front and rear panels. The front panel has a first hinged connection configured to move between a first position and a second position along a path of a chimney chute. The rear panel has a second hinged connection to the chimney chute.

Disclosed are various embodiments for an adjustable chute configured to funnel containers or packages into different types of bulk containers and bulk containers of different sizes. In one embodiment, the adjustable chute comprises a front panel, a rear panel, and first and second flexible sidewalls that can expand and contract between the front and rear panels. The front panel has a first hinged connection configured to move between a first position and a second position along a path of a chimney chute. The rear panel has a second hinged connection to the chimney chute.

A device for delivery and retrieval of items is disclosed. The device comprising an enclosure, a lid, one or more shelves, and a door. The enclosure is configured to receive and store the items to be delivered to a homeowner. The enclosure includes an upper section and a lower section. The lid covers the upper section of the enclosure, which is accessible by opening the lid. The hinged shelves present within the enclosure is configured to hold the items received from the upper section of the enclosure. The hinged shelves swings down dropping the item to the lower section of the enclosure, and then automatically swings back to its originally position and locks into place. The items are accessible to the homeowner via the door positioned at the lower section of the enclosure. The device keeps the items secure and dry until the homeowner retrieves them.

A device for delivery and retrieval of items is disclosed. The device comprising an enclosure, a lid, one or more shelves, and a door. The enclosure is configured to receive and store the items to be delivered to a homeowner. The enclosure includes an upper section and a lower section. The lid covers the upper section of the enclosure, which is accessible by opening the lid. The hinged shelves present within the enclosure is configured to hold the items received from the upper section of the enclosure. The hinged shelves swings down dropping the item to the lower section of the enclosure, and then automatically swings back to its originally position and locks into place. The items are accessible to the homeowner via the door positioned at the lower section of the enclosure. The device keeps the items secure and dry until the homeowner retrieves them.

A secured container is can be configured to accept deliveries of goods, parcels or other items ordered by a user. The container is secured such that a delivery may be made whist the delivery location is unattended whilst ensuring the delivery is safe. The secured container may be accessed by autonomous vehicles such as drones or quadcopters or other flying platforms.

A secured container is can be configured to accept deliveries of goods, parcels or other items ordered by a user. The container is secured such that a delivery may be made whist the delivery location is unattended whilst ensuring the delivery is safe. The secured container may be accessed by autonomous vehicles such as drones or quadcopters or other flying platforms.

Presently disclosed embodiments are directed to a system and method for loading mail trays in a sorter without human intervention. Specifically, the disclosed embodiments utilize an automated mail tray having a bottom plate that is selectively moveable between an elevated position and a lowered position. The automated mail tray may be positioned on a shelf under a corresponding output pocket of a mail stacker, and the bottom plate may be elevated to receive mail product transferred from the output pocket to the automated mail tray. After receiving the mail product on the elevated bottom plate, the bottom plate of the mail tray may be lowered so that the mail product is transferred from the output pocket to a position fully situated in the automated mail tray. The mail tray filled with mail product may then be removed from the shelf and replaced with an empty automated mail tray.

A system for monitoring devices and appliances includes a series of sensors attached to the devices, the sensors generating data indicative of some action on or in relation to the devices or appliances. The data generated by the sensors is processed by suitable processor, the data providing information relating to the device and enabling servicing of the device to be scheduled, consumables required by the device to be ordered or further actions required by the device or appliance to be undertaken.

An autonomous delivery device can make unattended deliveries of customer orders to predetermined locations. The device includes a plurality of compartments containing portions of the order or all of the order or a number of separately deliverable orders. The device includes a compartment opening such that on arrival at the predetermined location the contents of the or each compartment may be automatically dispensed.

An apparatus for exposing a flat card to sanitizing radiant energy, has an enclosure that has an exposure chamber having a source of sanitizing radiation. A first insert slot and a second insert slot, disposed along an input surface of the enclosure are each configured to accept insertion of the flat card. A transport apparatus defines a first transport path to convey the flat card from the first insert slot, and through the exposure chamber, to emerge from a first output that opens on a first side surface of the enclosure and a second transport path to convey the flat card from the second insert slot, and through the exposure chamber, to emerge from a second output that opens on a second side surface of the enclosure that is opposite the first side surface.