US5377268A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Metering system with remotely resettable time lockout
Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc
•
Filing: 1993-09-07
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Granted: 1994-12-27
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Expires: 2013-09-07
Abstract
Abstract A metering system requires a user to provide periodic, accurate meter readings to a billing authority. The metering system includes a mechanism for dispensing postage or another accountable quantity, an accounting mechanism for updating and storing information regarding the amount of postage dispensed by the dispensing mechanism and an output mechanism for outputting the storing postage information. The system also includes a mechanism for storing a time deadline, a clock that provides a current date signal and a lock that disables the dispensing mechanism when the current date is not before the stored deadline. The system also includes a reset mechanism for extending the stored deadline. A user of the system reads the output of the system to obtain a current meter reading. The user then telephones the billing authority's data center, provides the current reading to the data center and receives back from the center an encrypted combination that reflects the reading provided by the user. The user enters the combination into the system. The meter decrypts the combination and verifies that the reading provided by the user matches the stored postage information. The meter then extends the stored deadline.
Inventors
- 👤 Kevin D. Hunter
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 05:22
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06Q; G06Q50/00; G06Q50/06; G06Q20/00; G06Q20/38; G06Q20/40; G06Q20/401; G07; G07B; G07B17/00; G07B17/00016; G07B17/0008; G07B17/00733; G06F; G06F2211/00; G06F2211/007; G07B2017/00153; G07B2017/00161; G07B17/00185; G07B17/00193; G07B2017/00266; G07B2017/00306; G07B2017/0079; G07B2017/00814
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
79 words
A method of obtaining a meter reading for a metering system that has a display and means for generating encrypted code numbers, said method comprising the steps of: (a) displaying on said display a current meter reading information; (b) generating and displaying an encrypted verification code, said code reflecting said meter reading information; (c) transmitting said meter reading information and said verification code to a data center; and (d) verification said meter reading by use of said verification code.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
79 words
A method of obtaining a meter reading for a metering system that has a display and means for generating encrypted code numbers, said method comprising the steps of: (a) displaying on said display a current meter reading information; (b) generating and displaying an encrypted verification code, said code reflecting said meter reading information; (c) transmitting said meter reading information and said verification code to a data center; and (d) verification said meter reading by use of said verification code.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of answering an incoming telephone call from a user of said metering system to establish a two-way communication channel between said user and said data center.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of providing audible information to said user by means of an audio response unit and via said communication channel.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
82 words
A method of obtaining a meter reading, comprising the steps of: (a) receiving meter reading information from a user of a meter, said meter having a stored time deadline; (b) generating an encrypted verification code, said code reflecting said meter reading information; (c) verifying said meter reading information by use by said verification code; (d) providing a deadline-extending combination to said user; (e) inputting said combination into said meter; and (f) extending said stored time deadline after said inputting of said combination.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
82 words
A method of obtaining a meter reading, comprising the steps of: (a) receiving meter reading information from a user of a meter, said meter having a stored time deadline; (b) generating an encrypted verification code, said code reflecting said meter reading information; (c) verifying said meter reading information by use by said verification code; (d) providing a deadline-extending combination to said user; (e) inputting said combination into said meter; and (f) extending said stored time deadline after said inputting of said combination.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 4, wherein: said meter reading information is received by a data center; said verification code is generated by said data center and reflects said received meter reading information; said combination is said verification code; and said meter verifies said meter reading information by use of said combination.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of answering an incoming telephone call from said user to establish a two-way communication channel between said user and said data center; said data center receiving said meter reading information via said communication channel; said data center providing said combination to said user via said communication channel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 6, wherein aid combination providing step comprises providing audible information to said user by means of an audio response unit.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of claim 4, wherein: said verification code is generated by said meter; said meter reading information and said verification code are received by a data center; said data center verifies said meter reading information by use of said verification code; and said data center provides said combination after verifying said meter reading information.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of answering an incoming telephone call from said user to establish a two-way communication channel between said user and said data center; said data center receiving said meter reading information and said verification code via said communication channel; said data center providing said combination to said user via said communication channel.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 9, wherein said combination providing step comprises providing audible information to said user by means of an audio response unit.
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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) | 1997-12-26 | 1998-06-27 | 1998-12-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-12-26 | 2002-06-27 | 2002-12-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-12-26 | 2006-06-27 | 2006-12-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |