Systems and methods utilizing gravity feed for postage metering
US10891807B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jan 12, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 9, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07B2017/00709
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems and methods which utilize gravity feed for mail item movement in postage metering operations are shown. Embodiments provide for gravity drop feeding mail items into a portion of a postage metering system for metering operations, such as to activate or apply postage indicia thereto. Embodiments provide for gravity drop exit of mail items from a portion of a postage metering system after metering operations, such as activation or application of postage indicia thereto. Postage metering operations as performed by embodiments of the invention may comprise scanning and activation of preprinted tokens. Postage metering operations according to alternative embodiments of the invention may printing postage indicia. Embodiments provide processing in addition to or in the alternative to the aforementioned postage indicia activation or printing and mail item marking operations, such as weighing, sorting, etc.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.