Method and apparatus for a mail processing system
US5001648A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 25, 1990 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 25, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07B2017/00701
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Mail handling or processing systems are disclosed wherein the entire lot or batch of mail pieces is loaded into a bin for processing. Each mail piece is individually removed by an operator while the computer monitors the weight of the bin and simultaneously produces serial numbers for affixing to each mail piece. In an alternative embodiment a postage meter provides postage imprinting and labelling for each mail piece removed. By monitoring the tare weight difference of the bin prior to and after removal of each mail piece, the mail piece weight is determined from the difference between the two tare weights. The weight of each mail piece is required in order to determine postage cost or mail charges for each mail piece. After all pieces of mail are removed from the bin, an operator can optionally key the system to produce a postal service form complying with manifest mailing requirements. The computer also produces a manifest including serial numbers and mail charges related to each serial number marked mail piece and a manifest summary. In an alternate embodiment, the bin is loaded one by one with each mail piece while a computer simultaneously monitors the weight of the bin as ea…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.