A self-locking parcel delivery apparatus and method includes a tamper-resistant compartment beneath a lid of a porch bench seat and insulated for protecting delivered parcels. The apparatus includes a lid that is held open magnetically until proactively released to close and lock (such as by a delivery person) or by a remote user via a primary software application running on a mobile communications device. The apparatus may be operated in conjunction or cooperation with a supplemental software application associated with a video motion detection system so that a remote user can authenticate a supposed delivery person and then, using another software app, activate a remote delivery container to be made ready to receive a delivered parcel.

Novel modular smart management devices in the form of drop safes include the modular components of a chassis, door and technology cabinet. The drop safes enable retailers to make cash deposits quickly and safely within or near their own facilities. Various technology, including RFID readers, RFID tags, and other equipment allow the drop safes to identify each deposited bag. Employees utilize specialized apps on their mobile devices to facilitate deposit creation and other tasks. Novel methodologies for accessing the drop safes for emptying employ single-use, time-expiration type authorization codes along with other security measures to minimize risk and to provide other benefits. Novel structures along with methodologies for replacing, on-site, modular components with auto-detection of functionality during initialization and re-initialization enables for efficient replacement and upgrading of components, including the upgrading of safes to provide additional functionality.

The present disclosure relates to a money handling apparatus including: a money storage unit configured to store money; a locking unit configured to limit access to the money storage unit; and a control unit configured to give unlock permission to unlock the locking unit to at least one of a plurality of qualified persons who are qualified to unlock the locking unit, and to perform a process involving change of the qualified person.

Novel modular smart management devices in the form of drop safes include the modular components of a chassis, door and technology cabinet. The drop safes enable retailers to make cash deposits quickly and safely within or near their own facilities. Various technology, including RFID readers, RFID tags, and other equipment allow the drop safes to identify each deposited bag. Employees utilize specialized apps on their mobile devices to facilitate deposit creation and other tasks. Novel methodologies for accessing the drop safes for emptying employ single-use, time-expiration type authorization codes along with other security measures to minimize risk and to provide other benefits. Novel structures along with methodologies for replacing, on-site, modular components with auto-detection of functionality during initialization and re-initialization enables for efficient replacement and upgrading of components, including the upgrading of safes to provide additional functionality.

An elevated delivery platform having a delivery surface that can be placed at a location off the ground to better facilitate delivery of parcels by unmanned aerial vehicles, such as delivery drones, is provided. By placing the elevated delivery platform in an area above the ground, such as atop a home or a pole, a drone is more capable of making deliveries because it avoids obstacles nearer to the ground that typically make drone delivery challenging. The elevated delivery platform raises and lowers parcels to a position where they can easily be retrieved. Some systems also provide a deployable cover to protect parcels from adverse weather conditions while awaiting pickup or following delivery. The elevated delivery platform can be used as part of a drone delivery system that can also include a containment unit, a computer application, or any combination of these aspects.

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 present disclosure relates to a money handling apparatus including: a money storage unit configured to store money; a locking unit configured to limit access to the money storage unit; and a control unit configured to give unlock permission to unlock the locking unit to at least one of a plurality of qualified persons who are qualified to unlock the locking unit, and to perform a process involving change of the qualified person.

A self-locking parcel delivery apparatus and method includes a tamper-resistant compartment beneath a lid of a porch bench seat and insulated for protecting delivered parcels. The apparatus includes a lid that is held open magnetically until proactively released to close and lock (such as by a delivery person) or by a remote user via a primary software application running on a mobile communications device. The apparatus may be operated in conjunction or cooperation with a supplemental software application associated with a video motion detection system so that a remote user can authenticate a supposed delivery person and then, using another software app, activate a remote delivery container to be made ready to receive a delivered parcel.

Novel modular smart management devices in the form of drop safes include the modular components of a chassis, door and technology cabinet. The drop safes enable retailers to make cash deposits quickly and safely within or near their own facilities. Various technology, including RFID readers, RFID tags, and other equipment allow the drop safes to identify each deposited bag. Employees utilize specialized apps on their mobile devices to facilitate deposit creation and other tasks. Novel methodologies for accessing the drop safes for emptying employ single-use, time-expiration type authorization codes along with other security measures to minimize risk and to provide other benefits. Novel structures along with methodologies for replacing, on-site, modular components with auto-detection of functionality during initialization and re-initialization enables for efficient replacement and upgrading of components, including the upgrading of safes to provide additional functionality.

The present disclosure relates to a money handling apparatus including: a money storage unit configured to store money; a locking unit configured to limit access to the money storage unit; and a control unit configured to give unlock permission to unlock the locking unit to at least one of a plurality of qualified persons who are qualified to unlock the locking unit, and to perform a process involving change of the qualified person.