An item drop box sensor system for detecting items deposited within a drop box may be configured to detect movement of an item deposit tray and to detect items deposited within the drop box. The drop box sensor system may comprise one or more tray movement sensors for detecting movement of the deposit tray, one or more item detection sensors configured to detect items passing into the drop box via the deposit tray, and an onboard controller for selectively activating the various sensors to conserve power and for transmitting data indicative of the status of the drop box to a central server configured for scheduling item pickups for various geographically spaced drop boxes.

A system including a landing location where a drone at least one of delivers and acquires a parcel, and a homing device to interact with the drone to guide the drone to the landing location independent of interaction from another source. The homing device guides the drone during the landing phase of a flight plan. A method is also disclosed.

A system including a landing location where a drone at least one of delivers and acquires a parcel, and a homing device to interact with the drone to guide the drone to the landing location independent of interaction from another source. The homing device guides the drone during the landing phase of a flight plan. A method is also disclosed.

A smart and secure mailbox includes a mailbox and a secured storage. The mailbox and the secured storage are connected through a shared section. The shared section encloses an automated flap. The shared section also integrates a weight sensor. Upon a delivery of a mail, the weight sensor provides an activation signal which triggers the automated flap. The automated flap activates and provides a gap between the mailbox and the secured storage. The delivered mail falls through the gap. Upon a placement of the delivered mail within the secured storage, the automated flap closes which secures the delivered mail within the secured storage.

A detection device includes a first sensor, a second sensor configured to operate with power consumption smaller than that of the first sensor and a controller. The controller obtains a detection result from the second sensor while stopping the first sensor. When a detection result of the second sensor meets a first condition, the controller operates the first sensor to obtain a detection result from the first sensor.

The package-securing device comprises a housing, a plurality of straps, a plurality of latch retainers, a controller, a keypad, one or more batteries, a sound transducer, a camera, a recharger port, and one or more indicators. The housing may couple to a mounting surface at a residence or a business. A package may be securely delivered to the residence or the business by passing the plurality of straps around the package and then locking the latch plates on each of the plurality of straps into the plurality of latch retainers located on the housing. An attempt to remove the package without first entering a secret code may results in a theft response. In some embodiments, the package-securing device may comprise a dye dispenser.

A retractable arm device, system, and method with a locking mechanism for preventing items placed in a device or receptacle from getting stuck, damaged, or torn. The retractable arm includes an inner tube, a pawl, and an outer tube surrounding the inner tube. The inner tube slides within the outer tube and the pawl preventing the retractable arm from moving into an extended position under particular conditions. The retractable arm may be placed in a receptacle for items to prevent the door from being reopened before the door is fully closed.

A retractable arm device, system, and method with a locking mechanism for preventing items placed in a device or receptacle from getting stuck, damaged, or torn. The retractable arm includes an inner tube, a pawl, and an outer tube surrounding the inner tube. The inner tube slides within the outer tube and the pawl preventing the retractable arm from moving into an extended position under particular conditions. The retractable arm may be placed in a receptacle for items to prevent the door from being reopened before the door is fully closed.

The system and apparatus of the disclosure includes a receptacle, referred to herein as a mailbox, and a camera system for detecting and recording movement in and about the receptacle. Detected movement can include the activities of persons depositing or retrieving items from the mailbox, both authorized and unauthorized. Recorded information can include audio and video, and recorded information can be record in discrete clips or continuous streaming with time/date stamping. The camera system can additionally report activity to a remote device, such as computer, server system or a mobile device, including a cell phone, for review. Reporting can be in real time, or stored in a memory device for later review.