Systems and methods for processing pathogen-contaminated mail pieces
US6872927B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 12, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 29, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 8, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05B2206/045
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods for neutralizing pathogen-contaminated mail pieces via variable frequency microwave processing are provided. Mail pieces are initially screened to identify suspicious characteristics or indications of potentially harmful contents. Mail pieces are swept with variable frequency microwaves selected to neutralize pathogens contained within each mail piece without harming the mail piece or other contents thereof. The temperature of each mail piece may be monitored during microwave processing to identify mail pieces containing potentially harmful substances and/or devices. Mail pieces can be irradiated via additional forms of radiation to neutralize pathogenic material on outside surfaces thereof.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.