Drop box inventory monitoring and control system
US5818336A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 4, 1996 |
| Grant date | Oct 6, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 4, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07B2017/00209
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for controlling and monitoring pickup of packages deposited in a system of drop boxes, wherein each such drop box is adapted to receive a plurality of packages through a door, includes a drop sensor which is adapted to sense the deposit of a package through the door, means for communicating a plurality of signals indicative of the deposit of such package through the door, and a power supply which is operatively coupled to the drop sensor and communicating means for providing a source of power thereto. The drop sensor generally comprises means for passively detecting the passage of packages, and means for generating the plurality of signals indicative of the deposit of such packages through the door. Such plurality of signals include a signal to indicate that the drop box is approaching a "full box" condition, a signal to indicate that the drop box is at such "full box" condition, and a "pickup" signal to indicate that the courier has completed his daily rounds.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.