US5257196A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for the processing of mail
Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc
•
Filing: 1988-12-13
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Granted: 1993-10-26
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Expires: 2008-12-13
Abstract
Abstract A system has been conceived whereby the capability of a postage meter can be expanded through use of an interface device. A device is put into electrical communication with an electronic postage meter, and this device in turn is connected to a number of other devices. The other devices can include a computer, a printer, a scale, and the like, whereby mail may be processed, the postage required to mail such mail pieces accumulated, and the final amount of postage required to mail a batch of mail communicated to the postage meter. The postage meter would then print an indicia either upon a tape or upon a statement sheet thereby providing the required postage for accompaniment with a batch of mail.
Inventors
- 👤 Ronald P. Sansone
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 20:16
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07B; G07B17/00; G07B17/00185; G07B17/00314; G07B17/00016; G07B17/0008; G07B17/00193; G07B2017/00153; G07B2017/00177; G07B2017/00241; G07B2017/00322; G07B17/00733; G07B2017/00741; G07B2017/0075
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
A system for processing mail, comprising: an electronic postage metering device having a first descending register, an unsecured interface device in communication with said electronic postage metering device, said interface device having means for communicating with a plurality of devices and a second descending register for tracking the data stored in said first descending register, a printer in communication with said interface device, said printer having means for printing postage information, and a funds center, said interface device being in selective communication with said funds center, said interface including means for providing communication between said funds center and said electronic postage metering device whereby said first descending register can be refreshed.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
111 words
A system for processing mail, comprising: an electronic postage metering device having a first descending register, an unsecured interface device in communication with said electronic postage metering device, said interface device having means for communicating with a plurality of devices and a second descending register for tracking the data stored in said first descending register, a printer in communication with said interface device, said printer having means for printing postage information, and a funds center, said interface device being in selective communication with said funds center, said interface including means for providing communication between said funds center and said electronic postage metering device whereby said first descending register can be refreshed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 1 including means for processing mail in communication with said interface device and having means for providing mailing information to said interface device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 2 wherein said means for printing postage information includes means for printing on a statement sheet.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-10-25 | 1997-04-26 | 1997-10-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-10-25 | 2001-04-26 | 2001-10-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-10-25 | 2005-04-26 | 2005-10-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |