US4853869A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System and method for processing a letter for bulk mailing
Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc
•
Filing: 1987-03-13
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Granted: 1989-08-01
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Expires: 2007-03-13
Abstract
Abstract A system is provided for processing a letter for bulk mailing. The system includes structures for printing and for supplying stationery items. In addition, the system includes a computer. The computer includes input structure for receiving letter data corresponding to information for at least one letter. The information for the at least one letter includes a plurality of parts. The computer also includes a program for formatting the letter data for the at least one letter. The formatted letter data includes a plurality of parts. The information parts for the at least one letter correspond one-for-one with the data parts. The computer is also programmed for causing the supplying structure to supply at least one stationery item to the printing structure. The computer is further programmed for causing the printing structure to print at least one information part on the at least one stationery item, and for storing a predetermined code. In addition, the computer is programmed for causing the printing structure to print the code on the at least one stationery item. The system further includes structure for receiving the at least one stationery item, including a mailpouch having a mark thereon identifying the mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert T. Durst, Jr.
- 👤 Guy L. Fougere
- 👤 Kevin D. Hunter
- 👤 Alfred C. Schmidt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 05:27
CPC Classifications
B; B07; B07C; B07C3/00; B07C3/18; B07C1/00; G; G06; G06F; G06F40/00; G06F40/10; G06F40/166; G06F40/174; G07; G07B; G07B17/00; G07B17/00459; G07B17/00467; G07B17/00508; G07B17/00661; G07B2017/00491; G07B2017/00572; G07B2017/0058; G07B2017/00588; G07B2017/00596; G07B2017/00701; G07B2017/00709; G07B2017/00725
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 42
Claim 1
Independent Claim
224 words
A system for processing a letter for bulk mailing, said system comprising: a. printing means; b. means for supplying stationery items; c. computer means, said computer means including means for receiving letter data corresponding to information for at least one letter, said information for said at least one letter including a plurality of parts, said computer means including means for formatting said letter data for said at least one letter, said formatted letter data including a plurality of parts, said information parts for said at least one letter corresponding one-for-one with said data parts, said computer means including means for causing said supplying means to supply at least one stationery item to said printing means, said computer means including means for causing said printing means to print at least one information part on said at least one stationery item, said computer means including means for storing a predetermined code, said computer means including means for causing said printing means to print said code on said at least one stationery item; d. means for receiving said at least one stationery item, said receiving means including a mailpouch, said mailpouch including a mark thereon identifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and e. said computer means including means for causing said printing means to print a postage value on said at least one stationery item.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
224 words
A system for processing a letter for bulk mailing, said system comprising: a. printing means; b. means for supplying stationery items; c. computer means, said computer means including means for receiving letter data corresponding to information for at least one letter, said information for said at least one letter including a plurality of parts, said computer means including means for formatting said letter data for said at least one letter, said formatted letter data including a plurality of parts, said information parts for said at least one letter corresponding one-for-one with said data parts, said computer means including means for causing said supplying means to supply at least one stationery item to said printing means, said computer means including means for causing said printing means to print at least one information part on said at least one stationery item, said computer means including means for storing a predetermined code, said computer means including means for causing said printing means to print said code on said at least one stationery item; d. means for receiving said at least one stationery item, said receiving means including a mailpouch, said mailpouch including a mark thereon identifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and e. said computer means including means for causing said printing means to print a postage value on said at least one stationery item.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined code includes a permit mail serial number.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined code includes a postage authorization device serial number.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined code includes a postage meter serial number.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined code is an identification code authorized to be used by a governmental agency.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined code includes a serial number corresponding to a passport serial number.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
63 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein said computer means includes means for causing said supplying means to supply a plurality of stationery items to said printing means, one of said plurality of stationery items being said at least one stationery item, and said computer means including means for causing said printing means to print passport information on another of said stationery items.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system according to claim 7, wherein said receiving means includes means for receiving said another of said stationary items.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein said formatting means includes means for automatically formatting said letter data.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
53 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein said supplying means includes means for supplying a plurality of stationery items one of said stationery items being a sheet, another of said stationery items being an envelope, said computer means including means for causing said supplying means to supply said envelope before supplying said sheet.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system according to claim 1 wherein said computer means includes means for causing said printing means to print said at least one information part on both said envelope and said sheet.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system according to claim 1 including means for folding and sealing said at least one stationery item.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one information part is an address, said address including a postal zip code.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
227 words
A system for processing a letter for bulk mailing, said system comprising: a. printing means; b. means for supplying stationery items; c. computer means, said computer means including means for receiving letter data corresponding to information for at least one letter, said information for said at least one letter including a plurality of parts, said computer means including means for formatting said letter data for said at least one letter, said formatted letter data including a plurality of parts, said information parts for said at least one letter corresponding one-for-one with said data parts, said computer means including means for causing said supplying means to supply at least one stationery item to said printing means, said computer means including means for causing said printing means to print at least one information part on said at least one stationery item, said computer means including means for storing a predetermined code, said computer means including means for causing said printing means to print said code on said at least one stationery item; d. means for receiving said at least one stationery item, said receiving means including a mailpouch, and said mailpouch including a mark thereon identifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and e. said computer means including means for causing said printing means to print an MMRS line of information on said at least one stationery item.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
227 words
A system for processing a letter for bulk mailing, said system comprising: a. printing means; b. means for supplying stationery items; c. computer means, said computer means including means for receiving letter data corresponding to information for at least one letter, said information for said at least one letter including a plurality of parts, said computer means including means for formatting said letter data for said at least one letter, said formatted letter data including a plurality of parts, said information parts for said at least one letter corresponding one-for-one with said data parts, said computer means including means for causing said supplying means to supply at least one stationery item to said printing means, said computer means including means for causing said printing means to print at least one information part on said at least one stationery item, said computer means including means for storing a predetermined code, said computer means including means for causing said printing means to print said code on said at least one stationery item; d. means for receiving said at least one stationery item, said receiving means including a mailpouch, and said mailpouch including a mark thereon identifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and e. said computer means including means for causing said printing means to print an MMRS line of information on said at least one stationery item.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system according to claim 14 including said causing means causing said printing means to print said postage value on one of said at least one stationery items.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
235 words
A system for processing a letter for bulk mailing, said system comprising: a. printing means; b. means for supplying stationery items; c. computer means, said computer means including means for receiving letter data corresponding to information for at least one letter, said information for said at least one letter including a plurality of parts, said computer means including means for formatting said letter data for said at least one letter, said formatted letter data including a plurality of parts, said information parts for said at least one letter corresponding one-for-one with said data parts, said computer means including means for causing said supplying means to supply at least one stationery item to said printing means, said computer means including means for causing said printing means to print at least one information part on said at least one stationery item, said computer means including means for storing a predetermined code, said computer means including means for causing said printing means to print said code on said at least one stationery item; d. means for receiving said at least one stationery item, said receiving means including a mailpouch, and said mailpouch including a mark thereon identifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and e. said computer means including means for storing passport data, and said computer means including means for causing said passport data to be stored in a token removably connectable to said computer means.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
235 words
A system for processing a letter for bulk mailing, said system comprising: a. printing means; b. means for supplying stationery items; c. computer means, said computer means including means for receiving letter data corresponding to information for at least one letter, said information for said at least one letter including a plurality of parts, said computer means including means for formatting said letter data for said at least one letter, said formatted letter data including a plurality of parts, said information parts for said at least one letter corresponding one-for-one with said data parts, said computer means including means for causing said supplying means to supply at least one stationery item to said printing means, said computer means including means for causing said printing means to print at least one information part on said at least one stationery item, said computer means including means for storing a predetermined code, said computer means including means for causing said printing means to print said code on said at least one stationery item; d. means for receiving said at least one stationery item, said receiving means including a mailpouch, and said mailpouch including a mark thereon identifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and e. said computer means including means for storing passport data, and said computer means including means for causing said passport data to be stored in a token removably connectable to said computer means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system according to claim 16, wherein said receiving means includes means for receiving said token.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
211 words
A system for processing a letter for bulk mailing, said system comprising: a. printing means; b. means for supplying stationery items; c. computer means, said computer means including means for receiving letter data corresponding to information for at least one letter, said information for said at least one letter including a plurality of parts, said computer means including means for formatting said letter data for said at least one letter, said formatted letter data including a plurality of parts, said information parts for said at least one letter corresponding one-for-one with said data parts, said computer means including means for causing said supplying means to supply at least one stationery item to said printing means, said computer means including means for causing said printing means to print at least one information part on said at least one stationery item, said computer means including means for storing a predetermined code, said computer means including means for causing said printing means to print said code on said at least one stationery item; d. means for receiving said at least one stationery item, said receiving means including a mailpouch, and said mailpouch including a mark thereon identifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and said receiving means including means for receiving a passport.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
211 words
A system for processing a letter for bulk mailing, said system comprising: a. printing means; b. means for supplying stationery items; c. computer means, said computer means including means for receiving letter data corresponding to information for at least one letter, said information for said at least one letter including a plurality of parts, said computer means including means for formatting said letter data for said at least one letter, said formatted letter data including a plurality of parts, said information parts for said at least one letter corresponding one-for-one with said data parts, said computer means including means for causing said supplying means to supply at least one stationery item to said printing means, said computer means including means for causing said printing means to print at least one information part on said at least one stationery item, said computer means including means for storing a predetermined code, said computer means including means for causing said printing means to print said code on said at least one stationery item; d. means for receiving said at least one stationery item, said receiving means including a mailpouch, and said mailpouch including a mark thereon identifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and said receiving means including means for receiving a passport.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
213 words
A system for processing a letter for bulk mailing, said system comprising: a. printing means; b. means for supplying stationery items; c. computer means, said computer means including means for receiving letter data corresponding to information for at least one letter, said information for said at least one letter including a plurality of parts, said computer means including means for formatting said letter data for said at least one letter, said formatted letter data including a plurality of parts, said information parts for said at least one letter corresponding one-for-one with said data parts, said computer means including means for causing said supplying means to supply at least one stationery item to said printing means, said computer means including means for causing said printing means to print at least one information part on said at least one stationery item, said computer means including means for storing a predetermined code, said computer means including means for causing said printing means to print said code on said at least one stationery item; and d. means for receiving said at least one stationery item, said receiving means including a mailpouch, said mailpouch including a mark thereon identifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch, and said mailpouch constructed and arranged to be deposited in a mailbox.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
213 words
A system for processing a letter for bulk mailing, said system comprising: a. printing means; b. means for supplying stationery items; c. computer means, said computer means including means for receiving letter data corresponding to information for at least one letter, said information for said at least one letter including a plurality of parts, said computer means including means for formatting said letter data for said at least one letter, said formatted letter data including a plurality of parts, said information parts for said at least one letter corresponding one-for-one with said data parts, said computer means including means for causing said supplying means to supply at least one stationery item to said printing means, said computer means including means for causing said printing means to print at least one information part on said at least one stationery item, said computer means including means for storing a predetermined code, said computer means including means for causing said printing means to print said code on said at least one stationery item; and d. means for receiving said at least one stationery item, said receiving means including a mailpouch, said mailpouch including a mark thereon identifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch, and said mailpouch constructed and arranged to be deposited in a mailbox.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
151 words
A method of processing a letter for bulk mailing, said method comprising: a. providing letter data including a plurality of parts corresponding one-for-one with information for at least one letter; b. digitally formatting said letter data for said at least one letter; c. providing printing means; d. supplying at least one stationery item to said printing means; e. causing said printing means to print on said at least one stationery item the information part corresponding to at least one part of said letter data; f. causing said printing means to print a predetermined code on said at least one stationery item; g. providing for receiving said at least one stationery item, a mailpouch including a mark thereon identifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and h. causing said printing means to print on said at least one stationery item a postage value for mailing said at least one stationery item.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
151 words
A method of processing a letter for bulk mailing, said method comprising: a. providing letter data including a plurality of parts corresponding one-for-one with information for at least one letter; b. digitally formatting said letter data for said at least one letter; c. providing printing means; d. supplying at least one stationery item to said printing means; e. causing said printing means to print on said at least one stationery item the information part corresponding to at least one part of said letter data; f. causing said printing means to print a predetermined code on said at least one stationery item; g. providing for receiving said at least one stationery item, a mailpouch including a mark thereon identifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and h. causing said printing means to print on said at least one stationery item a postage value for mailing said at least one stationery item.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 20, wherein said code printing step includes the step of printing a permit mail serial number.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 20, wherein said code printing step includes the step of printing a postage meter serial number.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method according to claim 20, wherein said code printing step includes the step of printing a serial number corresponding to a passport serial number.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method according to claim 20, wherein said code printing step includes the step of printing a serial number of a postage authorization device.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 20 including the steps of folding and sealing said stationery item.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 20, wherein said formatting step includes the steps of identifying respective parts of said letter data and automatically reformatting said parts.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
138 words
A method of processing a letter for bulk mailing, said method comprising: a. providing letter data including a plurality of parts corresponding one-for-one with information for at least one letter; b. digitally formatting said letter data for said at least one letter; c. providing printing means; d. supplying at least one stationery item to said printing means; e. causing said printing means to print on said at least one stationery item the information part corresponding to at least one part of said letter data; f. causing said printing means to print a predetermined code on said at least one stationery item; g. providing for receiving said at least one stationery item, a mailpouch including a mark thereon identifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and h. manually depositing said at least one stationery item in said mailpouch.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
138 words
A method of processing a letter for bulk mailing, said method comprising: a. providing letter data including a plurality of parts corresponding one-for-one with information for at least one letter; b. digitally formatting said letter data for said at least one letter; c. providing printing means; d. supplying at least one stationery item to said printing means; e. causing said printing means to print on said at least one stationery item the information part corresponding to at least one part of said letter data; f. causing said printing means to print a predetermined code on said at least one stationery item; g. providing for receiving said at least one stationery item, a mailpouch including a mark thereon identifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and h. manually depositing said at least one stationery item in said mailpouch.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system according to claim 27, wherein said causing step includes the step of causing said printing means to print said postage value on one of said at least one stationery items.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
146 words
A method of processing a letter for bulk mailing, said method comprising: a. providing letter data including a plurality of parts corresponding one-for-one with information for at least one letter; b. digitally formatting said letter data for said at least one letter; c. providing printing means; d. supplying at least one stationery item to said printing means; e. causing said printing means to print on said at least one stationery item the information part corresponding to at least one part of said letter data; f. causing said printing means to print a predetermined code on said at least one stationery item; g. providing for receiving said at least one stationery item, a mailpouch including a mark thereon identifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and h. supplying a sheet for a passport and printing passport information thereon, and including said passport sheet with said mailpouch.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
146 words
A method of processing a letter for bulk mailing, said method comprising: a. providing letter data including a plurality of parts corresponding one-for-one with information for at least one letter; b. digitally formatting said letter data for said at least one letter; c. providing printing means; d. supplying at least one stationery item to said printing means; e. causing said printing means to print on said at least one stationery item the information part corresponding to at least one part of said letter data; f. causing said printing means to print a predetermined code on said at least one stationery item; g. providing for receiving said at least one stationery item, a mailpouch including a mark thereon identifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and h. supplying a sheet for a passport and printing passport information thereon, and including said passport sheet with said mailpouch.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method according to claim 29, wherein said code printing step includes the step of printing on said at least one stationery item to be received by said mailpiece a serial number unique to the passport sheet included with said mailpouch.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
140 words
A method of processing a letter for bulk mailing, said method comprising: a. providing letter data including a plurality of parts corresponding one-for-one with information for at least one letter; b. digitally formatting said letter data for said at least one letter; c. providing printing means; d. supplying at least one stationery item to said printing means; e. causing said printing means to print on said at least one stationery item the information part corresponding to at least one part of said letter data; f. causing said printing means to print a predetermined code on said at least one stationery item; g. providing for receiving said at least one stationery item, a mailpouch including a mark thereon identifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and h. writing passport data into a token and including said token with said mailpouch.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
140 words
A method of processing a letter for bulk mailing, said method comprising: a. providing letter data including a plurality of parts corresponding one-for-one with information for at least one letter; b. digitally formatting said letter data for said at least one letter; c. providing printing means; d. supplying at least one stationery item to said printing means; e. causing said printing means to print on said at least one stationery item the information part corresponding to at least one part of said letter data; f. causing said printing means to print a predetermined code on said at least one stationery item; g. providing for receiving said at least one stationery item, a mailpouch including a mark thereon identifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and h. writing passport data into a token and including said token with said mailpouch.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
137 words
A method of processing a letter for bulk mailing, said method comprising: a. providing letter data including a plurality of parts corresponding one-for-one with information for at least one letter; b. digitally formatting said letter data for said at least one letter; c. providing printing means; d. supplying at least one stationery item to said printing means; e. causing said printing means to print on said at least one stationery item the information part corresponding to at least one part of said letter data; f. causing said printing means to print a predetermined code on said at least one stationery item; g. providing for receiving said at least one stationery item, a mailpouch including a mark thereon identifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and h. feeding said at least one stationery item into said mailpouch.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
137 words
A method of processing a letter for bulk mailing, said method comprising: a. providing letter data including a plurality of parts corresponding one-for-one with information for at least one letter; b. digitally formatting said letter data for said at least one letter; c. providing printing means; d. supplying at least one stationery item to said printing means; e. causing said printing means to print on said at least one stationery item the information part corresponding to at least one part of said letter data; f. causing said printing means to print a predetermined code on said at least one stationery item; g. providing for receiving said at least one stationery item, a mailpouch including a mark thereon identifying said mailpouch as a bulk mail mailpouch; and h. feeding said at least one stationery item into said mailpouch.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-07-31 | 1997-01-30 | 1997-08-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-07-31 | 2001-01-30 | 2001-08-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |