Method and system for mail piece production utilizing a data center and inter-related communication networks
US5873073A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 24, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 16, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 24, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07B2017/00491
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention is a method for producing a finished mail piece. The method allows a system user to select at a first node, a plurality of characteristics which define a mailing. These characteristics include selection of a document to be printed at a terminal node and a list of addresses to which the printed document will be sent. Once selections have been made, the print job is transmitted to a terminal node which comprises a data processor, an envelope printer, and a document printer among other elements. The document printer will print the document in accordance with the characteristics selected at the first node; and, the envelope printer will print addresses from the address list to corresponding envelopes. Once the document has been printed, it is inserted into the envelope by inserting means to form an unfinished mail piece. The unfinished mail piece is sealed and then franked with appropriate postage in order to form a finished mail piece. The mail piece is then placed into a mail stream for delivery to the destination address. A receipt indicative of the print job and delivery into the mail stream may be optionally generated by the terminal node and transmitted to the first…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.