EP0503311A2 - Method and device for processing mail - Google Patents

Method and device for processing mail Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0503311A2
EP0503311A2 EP92102576A EP92102576A EP0503311A2 EP 0503311 A2 EP0503311 A2 EP 0503311A2 EP 92102576 A EP92102576 A EP 92102576A EP 92102576 A EP92102576 A EP 92102576A EP 0503311 A2 EP0503311 A2 EP 0503311A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
mail
postage
processing device
mail processing
storage containers
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP92102576A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0503311A3 (en
EP0503311B1 (en
Inventor
Klaus Dietrich
Wolfgang Dr. Thiel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Francotyp Postalia GmbH
Original Assignee
Francotyp Postalia GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Francotyp Postalia GmbH filed Critical Francotyp Postalia GmbH
Publication of EP0503311A2 publication Critical patent/EP0503311A2/en
Publication of EP0503311A3 publication Critical patent/EP0503311A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0503311B1 publication Critical patent/EP0503311B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/0014—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for vending, access and use of specific services not covered anywhere else in G07F17/00
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00016—Relations between apparatus, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office, in a franking system
    • G07B17/0008—Communication details outside or between apparatus
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
    • G07B17/00193—Constructional details of apparatus in a franking system
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/26—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for printing, stamping, franking, typing or teleprinting apparatus
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00016—Relations between apparatus, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office, in a franking system
    • G07B17/0008—Communication details outside or between apparatus
    • G07B2017/00153—Communication details outside or between apparatus for sending information
    • G07B2017/00177—Communication details outside or between apparatus for sending information from a portable device, e.g. a card or a PCMCIA
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00185—Details internally of apparatus in a franking system, e.g. franking machine at customer or apparatus at post office
    • G07B17/00193—Constructional details of apparatus in a franking system
    • G07B2017/00209—Mailbox, i.e. container for outgoing mail
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07B—TICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B17/00—Franking apparatus
    • G07B17/00459—Details relating to mailpieces in a franking system
    • G07B17/00467—Transporting mailpieces
    • G07B2017/00483—Batch processing of mailpieces

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method and a device for processing mail with billing of the postage incurred.
  • the invention had for its object to provide a method and a device that enables processing of mail in a simple manner, without expensive franking printing and possibly manual sorting.
  • the advantage of the invention consists in a simple construction of a mail processing device, as well as its economical production and maintenance, since in this method a value print is omitted and therefore no printing unit is required.
  • the process comprises two steps: a fee calculation and a subsequent secure storage of the mail, possibly separated according to the mode of dispatch in a container that is only accessible to authorized persons.
  • a mail processing device practically an intelligent mailbox, has a mail feeder, an operator device, a billing unit and storage containers.
  • the postal goods feed consists of an opening, e.g. a letter slot for a standard letter format, and a transport lock.
  • the transport lock is only unlocked after the postage has been billed. Then the mail drops into the storage container.
  • separate postal items feeders are provided, whereby a common storage container is used.
  • the operator device is reduced to a minimum compared to the devices of conventional franking devices.
  • only one postage value is charged.
  • the fee is selected by choosing the postage feeder, which is identified by, for example, signs with the respective postage.
  • a function key can identify a different shipping method and thus control both the postage fee allocation and the access to the corresponding storage container.
  • a slot-shaped opening for a postage credit card or an authorization card is provided on the front of the mail processing device as the operator device.
  • the billing unit is activated via the postage credit card.
  • the interaction of postage credit card and the posting of the postal items on the transport lock of a postal goods supply causes the postage fees to be debited on the one hand and the transport lock to be unlocked on the other.
  • the mail is considered franked and goes to the assigned storage container.
  • Postage billing using a credit card also allows the post processing facility to be used in public public traffic at a post office and / or in addition to conventional mailboxes.
  • poto credit cards When using the post processing facility in organizations or companies, the use of poto credit cards supports the charging of postage fees to the respective cost centers.
  • a disposable card or a reusable, reloadable card can be used as a postage credit card.
  • the storage container (s) are secured against unauthorized opening by security locks or seals. Access to the storage containers is also made possible by a special chip card. In this case, the chip card is inserted into the opening for the postage credit card to unlock the storage containers. Additional security can be achieved by encrypting the data exchange between the chip card and the billing unit.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Devices For Checking Fares Or Tickets At Control Points (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)

Abstract

A method for processing mail makes use of a mail-processing device, in the standardised mail feeds of which the mail is introduced and in which a postage credit card or an authority card can be inserted into an accounting unit and, after the postage has been calculated by the accounting unit, a transport barrier of the mail feed is released. The mail is then deposited in secured storage containers.

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Verfahren und eine Einrichtung zum Verarbeiten von Postgut mit Abrechnung der anfallenden Portogebühren.The invention relates to a method and a device for processing mail with billing of the postage incurred.

Die herkömmliche Bearbeitung von Postgut, wie Briefe, Karten, Päckchen etc., wird entweder durch den Erwerb und das Aufkleben von Postwertzeichen oder bei größerem Postgutaufkommen durch Einsatz von Frankiereinrichtungen und der anschließenden Einlieferung zur Beförderung vorgenommen. Diese Arbeiten sind im Bürobereich großer Organisationen oder Firmen personalintensiv und erfordern einen hohen Aufwand an Postbearbeitungsmitteln. Für derartige Zwecke werden Frankiermaschinen eingesetzt, die mittels ihres Druckwerkes Portowerte auf das Postgut drucken. Diese Maschinen müssen einen hohen Sicherheitsstandard gegen Manipulationen aufweisen. Nachfolgende Sortierungen zur Unterscheidung von Versendearten, wie Luftpost, Einschreiben etc., sind erforderlich.The conventional processing of mail, such as letters, cards, parcels, etc., is carried out either by acquiring and sticking on postage stamps or, in the case of larger mail volumes, by using franking devices and then posting them for transport. This work is personnel-intensive in the office area of large organizations or companies and requires a great deal of mail processing equipment. For such purposes, franking machines are used which use their printing unit to print postage values on the postal matter. These machines must have a high level of security against manipulation. The following sorts to differentiate between types of dispatch, such as airmail, registered mail, etc., are required.

Der Erfindung lag die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren und eine Einrichtung zu schaffen, das eine Verarbeitung von Postgut auf einfache Art, ohne einen aufwendigen Frankierdruck und gegebenenfalls manuelle Sortierung, ermöglicht.The invention had for its object to provide a method and a device that enables processing of mail in a simple manner, without expensive franking printing and possibly manual sorting.

Diese Aufgabe ist durch die Erfindung gelöst, wie sie in den Patentansprüchen dargestellt ist.This object is achieved by the invention as set out in the claims.

Der Vorteil der Erfindung besteht in einem einfachen Aufbau einer Postbearbeitungseinrichtung, sowie deren wirtschaftlicher Fertigung und Wartung, da bei diesem Verfahren ein Wertaufdruck entfällt und somit kein Druckwerk erforderlich ist.The advantage of the invention consists in a simple construction of a mail processing device, as well as its economical production and maintenance, since in this method a value print is omitted and therefore no printing unit is required.

Das Verfahren umfaßt zwei Schritte: eine Gebührenverrechnung und eine anschließende gesicherte Aufbewahrung des Postgutes, ggf. getrennt nach Versandarten in einem nur autorisierten Personen zugänglichen Behälter. Eine solche Postbearbeitungs-Einrichtung, praktisch ein intelligenter Briefkasten, verfügt über eine Postgutzuführung, eine Bedienervorrichtung, eine Abrechnungseinheit und Aufbewahrungsbehälter.The process comprises two steps: a fee calculation and a subsequent secure storage of the mail, possibly separated according to the mode of dispatch in a container that is only accessible to authorized persons. Such a mail processing device, practically an intelligent mailbox, has a mail feeder, an operator device, a billing unit and storage containers.

Die Postgutzuführung besteht im einfachsten Fall aus einer Öffnung, z.B. einen Briefschlitz für ein Standardbriefformat, und einer Transportsperre. Die Transportsperre wird erst nach der Portoabrechnung entriegelt. Danach fällt das Postgut in den Aufbewahrungsbehälter. Für andere Formate, die andere Portogebühren erfordern, sind gesonderte Postgutzuführungen vorgesehen, wobei ein gemeinsamer Aufbewahrungsbehälter genutzt wird.In the simplest case, the postal goods feed consists of an opening, e.g. a letter slot for a standard letter format, and a transport lock. The transport lock is only unlocked after the postage has been billed. Then the mail drops into the storage container. For other formats that require different postage fees, separate postal items feeders are provided, whereby a common storage container is used.

Für spezielle Versandarten und Ziele sind eigene Aufbewahrungsbehälter vorhanden. Die Verteilung auf diese Behälter ist entweder durch eigene Postzuführungen oder durch Steuerung über die Bedienervorrichtung ermöglicht. Die Verwendung unterschiedlicher Aufbewahrungsbehälter ist notwendig, da bei fehlendem Frankierdruck eine Unterscheidung der Versandart nicht mehr möglich ist.There are separate storage containers for special shipping methods and destinations. Distribution to these containers is made possible either by own mail feeders or by control via the operator device. The use of different storage containers is necessary because it is no longer possible to differentiate between the shipping methods if there is no franking imprint.

Die Bedienervorrichtung ist auf ein Minimum gegenüber den Vorrichtungen herkömmlicher Frankiereinrichtungen reduziert. Bei Standardpostgut wird jeweils nur ein Portowert verrechnet. Bei der Verarbeitung von Postgut mit abweichenden Portogebühren geschieht die Auswahl der Gebühr durch die Wahl der Postgutzuführungen, die durch z.B. Beschilderungen mit dem jeweiliegen Porto gekennzeichnet sind.The operator device is reduced to a minimum compared to the devices of conventional franking devices. In the case of standard mail, only one postage value is charged. When processing mail with different postage fees, the fee is selected by choosing the postage feeder, which is identified by, for example, signs with the respective postage.

In Abwandlung des Verfahrens kann eine Funktionstaste eine unterschiedliche Versandart kennzeichnen und damit sowohl die Portogebührverrechnung als auch den Zugang zum entsprechenden Aufbewahrungsbehälter steuern.In a modification of the method, a function key can identify a different shipping method and thus control both the postage fee allocation and the access to the corresponding storage container.

Weiterhin ist als Bedienervorrichtung eine schlitzförmige Öffnung für eine Portokreditkarte oder eine Berechtigungskarte an der Frontseite der Postbearbeitungs-Einrichtung vorhanden. Über die Portokreditkarte wird die Abrechnungseinheit aktiviert. Das Zusammenwirken von Portokreditkarte und dem Anschlag des Postgutes an der Transportsperre einer Postgutzuführung bewirkt einerseits die Abbuchung der Portogebühren und andererseits die Entriegelung der Transportsperre. Das Postgut gilt als frankiert und gelangt in den zugeordneten Aufbewahrungsbehälter.Furthermore, a slot-shaped opening for a postage credit card or an authorization card is provided on the front of the mail processing device as the operator device. The billing unit is activated via the postage credit card. The interaction of postage credit card and the posting of the postal items on the transport lock of a postal goods supply causes the postage fees to be debited on the one hand and the transport lock to be unlocked on the other. The mail is considered franked and goes to the assigned storage container.

Die Portoverrechnung mittels einer Kreditkarte gestattet den Einsatz der Postbearbeitungs-Einrichtung auch im öffentlichen Publikumsverkehr eines Postamtes und/oder zusätzlich zu herkömmlichen Briefkästen.Postage billing using a credit card also allows the post processing facility to be used in public public traffic at a post office and / or in addition to conventional mailboxes.

Beim Einsatz der Postbearbeitungs-Einrichtung in Organisationen oder Firmen unterstützt die Verwendung von Potokreditkarten die Verrechnung der Portogebühren auf die jeweiligen Kostenstellen.When using the post processing facility in organizations or companies, the use of poto credit cards supports the charging of postage fees to the respective cost centers.

Als Portokreditkarte ist eine Wegwerfkarte oder eine wiederverwendbare, nachladbare Karte einsetzbar.A disposable card or a reusable, reloadable card can be used as a postage credit card.

Ebenso sind die bekannten Möglichkeiten der Gebührenvorgabe, wie Fernwertvorgabe oder Neuladung durch autorisierte Personen prinzipiell anwendbar.Likewise, the known options for setting fees, such as remote value setting or reloading by authorized persons, can in principle be used.

Der bzw. die Aufbewahrungsbehälter sind gegen nicht befugtes Öffnen gesichert durch Sicherheitsschlösser oder Plombierung. Ein Zugang zu den Aufbewahrungsbehältern ist auch durch eine spezielle Chipkarte ermöglicht. In diesem Fall wird die Chipkarte in die Öffnung für die Portokreditkarte zum Entriegeln der Aufbewahrungsbehälter eingeführt. Eine zusätzliche Sicherheit kann durch Verschlüsselung des Datenaustausches zwischen Chipkarte und Abrechnungseinheit erreicht werden.The storage container (s) are secured against unauthorized opening by security locks or seals. Access to the storage containers is also made possible by a special chip card. In this case, the chip card is inserted into the opening for the postage credit card to unlock the storage containers. Additional security can be achieved by encrypting the data exchange between the chip card and the billing unit.

Die Kombination der Entnahme des Postgutes und der Übernahme der angefallenen und registrierten Postgebühren ist ebenfalls möglich. Dabei entfällt die sofortige Abbuchung auf der Portokreditkarte und damit die Kreditkarte selbst. Die anfallenden Portogebühren werden in einem herkömmlichen Portogebührenspeicher akkumulativ gespeichert. Zur Entnahme des Postgutes legitimiert sich die dazu autorisierte Person wie beschrieben durch eine spezielle Chipkarte. Nach der Identifikation wird der im Portogebührenspeicher stehende Betrag unter einer die Postbearbeitungs-Einrichtung kennzeichnenden Registriernummer auf die spezielle Chipkarte übertragen. Auf dieser Chipkarte sind Portoschulden mehrerer Kunden gleichzeitig speicherbar, so daß die autorisierte Person nur mit einer speziellen Chipkarte auszurüsten ist. Sie ist damit in der Lage neben der Ausgangspost der Kunden auch deren jeweilige aktuelle Portoschuld zu erfassen. Die Verrechnung der Portoschulden erfolgt durch Auslesen der entsprechenden Daten aus der Chipkarte. Ein an diese Ausleseeinrichtung angeschlossener Zentralrechner identifiziert die jeweiligen Registriernummern der Postbearbeitungs-Einrichtung mit den in einer zentralen Verrechnungsstelle geführten Konten der Kunden und belastet diese Konten mit den verbrauchten Gebühren.It is also possible to combine the removal of the postal items and the transfer of the accrued and registered postage. There is no direct debiting on the postage credit card and thus the credit card itself. The resulting postage fees are accumulatively stored in a conventional postage fee memory. The person authorized to do so is authorized to remove the mail as described using a special chip card. After identification, the amount in the postage fee memory is transferred to the special chip card under a registration number that identifies the mail processing device. Postage debts of several customers can be stored simultaneously on this chip card, so that the authorized person can only be equipped with a special chip card. It is thus able to record not only the customers' outgoing mail, but also their current postage debt. The postage debts are cleared by reading the corresponding data from the chip card. A central computer connected to this read-out device identifies the respective registration numbers of the mail processing device with the accounts of the customers kept in a central clearing house and charges these accounts with the fees used.

Claims (7)

Verfahren und Einrichtung zur Verarbeitung von Postgut mit Abrechnung der anfallenden Portogebühren, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Postgut in gesicherte Aufbewahrungsbehälter einer Postbearbeitungs-Einrichtung abgelegt wird, in dem nach dem Einschieben des Postgutes in eine standardisierte Postgutzuführung eine Abrechnungseinheit die Portogebühr verrechnet und anschließend eine Transportsperre der Postgutzuführung entriegelt.Method and device for processing mail with billing of the postage fees incurred, characterized in that the mail is stored in secure storage containers of a mail processing device in which, after the mail has been inserted into a standardized mail item feeder, a billing unit bills the postage fee and then a transport lock Mail feed feed unlocked. Postbearbeitungs-Einrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Abrechnungseinheit durch eine Portokreditkarte oder Berechtigungskarte aktiviert wird.Mail processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the accounting unit is activated by a postage credit card or authorization card. Postbearbeitungs-Einrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß für unterschiedliche Postgutformate verschiedene Postgutzuführungen vorhanden sind.Mail processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that different mail material feeds are available for different mail formats. Postbearbeitungs-Einrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß für unterschiedliche Versandarten und unterschiedliche Ziele eigene Aufbewahrungsbehälter vorgesehen sind.Mail processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that separate storage containers are provided for different types of shipping and different destinations. Postbearbeitungs-Einrichtung nach Anspruch 1 und 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß mittels einer Funktionstaste über die Abrechnungseinheit und eine Postgutzuführung die Versandart bestimmt und ein Aufbewahrungsbehälter angesteuert wird.Mail processing device according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the mode of dispatch is determined and a storage container is controlled by means of a function key via the accounting unit and a mail item feeder. Postbearbeitungs-Einrichtung nach Anspruch 1 und 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die gesicherten Aufbewahrungsbehälter durch Einführen einer speziellen Chipkarte in die Abrechnungseinheit zur Entnahme des Postgutes entriegelt werden.Mail processing device according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the secured storage containers are unlocked by inserting a special chip card into the accounting unit for removing the mail. Postbearbeitungs-Einrichtung nach Anspruch 1, 2 und 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß mittels der speziellen Chipkarte der Portogebührenverbrauch gespeichert wird zur Auswertung in einer zentralen Verrechnungsstelle.Mail processing device according to claim 1, 2 and 6, characterized in that the postage charge consumption is stored by means of the special chip card for evaluation in a central clearing house.
EP92102576A 1991-03-09 1992-02-15 Device for processing mail Expired - Lifetime EP0503311B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4108180A DE4108180A1 (en) 1991-03-09 1991-03-09 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PROCESSING POST GOODS
DE4108180 1991-03-09

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0503311A2 true EP0503311A2 (en) 1992-09-16
EP0503311A3 EP0503311A3 (en) 1994-11-23
EP0503311B1 EP0503311B1 (en) 2003-12-17

Family

ID=6427222

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92102576A Expired - Lifetime EP0503311B1 (en) 1991-03-09 1992-02-15 Device for processing mail

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US5293030A (en)
EP (1) EP0503311B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2062396C (en)
DE (2) DE4108180A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1058212A2 (en) 1999-06-01 2000-12-06 Francotyp-Postalia Aktiengesellschaft & Co. Method for processing mail pieces and mail piece processing system
EP2196960A1 (en) * 2008-12-12 2010-06-16 Francotyp-Postalia GmbH Device and method for accepting postal items

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2685113B1 (en) * 1991-12-17 1998-07-24 Gemplus Card Int PROCESS OF INTERVENTION ON A TERMINAL OF GOODS OR SERVICES.
EP0570692B1 (en) * 1992-05-22 1997-07-16 Journomat Ag Automatic coin collector
US5557516A (en) * 1994-02-04 1996-09-17 Mastercard International System and method for conducting cashless transactions
SE9401104L (en) * 1994-03-31 1995-06-06 Modul Elektronik Ab Procedure for debit card debit using payment machines at parking
US5489014A (en) * 1994-08-03 1996-02-06 Journomat Ag Apparatus for checking coins and reading cards in an article vending machine
US5539190A (en) * 1994-12-12 1996-07-23 Pitney Bowes System and method for secured metering of mail
US5704046A (en) * 1996-05-30 1997-12-30 Mastercard International Inc. System and method for conducting cashless transactions

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0264502A1 (en) * 1986-10-17 1988-04-27 Wu Sheng-Jung Automatic mail handling device
FR2619236A1 (en) * 1987-08-06 1989-02-10 Body Camille Programmable reception apparatus for objects for the purposes of processing them
US4836352A (en) * 1987-04-16 1989-06-06 Upl Co. Ltd Express package collection locker
EP0328059A2 (en) * 1988-02-08 1989-08-16 Pitney Bowes, Inc. Postal charge accounting system
WO1990001742A1 (en) * 1988-08-01 1990-02-22 Automated Identification Systems, Inc. Automated mail collecting and telecommunication machine
WO1990004824A1 (en) * 1988-10-25 1990-05-03 Automated Identification Systems, Inc. Automated mail collecting and telecommunication machine
US4923022A (en) * 1989-04-25 1990-05-08 Chien-Hua Chang Automatic mailing apparatus
FR2650098A1 (en) * 1989-07-21 1991-01-25 Campos Philippe Automatic machine for franking mail

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3290491A (en) * 1961-06-19 1966-12-06 Eric C Wahlberg Automatic mailing machine
DE2430413A1 (en) * 1974-06-25 1976-01-15 Roby Rushing Automatic machine for franking postal consignments - has optical system or table for determining postal zone
GB1574779A (en) * 1977-05-04 1980-09-10 Pitney Bowes Ltd Apparatus for franking mail
DE3603137C2 (en) * 1986-02-01 1994-06-01 Bosch Gmbh Robert Method and device for controlling / regulating operating parameters of an internal combustion engine
CA1328927C (en) * 1988-02-08 1994-04-26 Glynn M. Brasington Postal charge accounting system
CA1301335C (en) * 1988-02-08 1992-05-19 Robert K.T. Chen Postage meter value card system
US5065000A (en) * 1988-08-01 1991-11-12 Pavo Pusic Automated electronic postage meter having a direct acess bar code printer
US5121328A (en) * 1989-01-31 1992-06-09 Casio Computer Co., Ltd. Fee calculating apparatus for calculating delivery fee of parcel in accordance with its weight, length, and delivery area

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0264502A1 (en) * 1986-10-17 1988-04-27 Wu Sheng-Jung Automatic mail handling device
US4836352A (en) * 1987-04-16 1989-06-06 Upl Co. Ltd Express package collection locker
FR2619236A1 (en) * 1987-08-06 1989-02-10 Body Camille Programmable reception apparatus for objects for the purposes of processing them
EP0328059A2 (en) * 1988-02-08 1989-08-16 Pitney Bowes, Inc. Postal charge accounting system
WO1990001742A1 (en) * 1988-08-01 1990-02-22 Automated Identification Systems, Inc. Automated mail collecting and telecommunication machine
WO1990004824A1 (en) * 1988-10-25 1990-05-03 Automated Identification Systems, Inc. Automated mail collecting and telecommunication machine
US4923022A (en) * 1989-04-25 1990-05-08 Chien-Hua Chang Automatic mailing apparatus
US4923022B1 (en) * 1989-04-25 1994-04-12 Hsieh Tzu Yen Automatic mailing apparatus
FR2650098A1 (en) * 1989-07-21 1991-01-25 Campos Philippe Automatic machine for franking mail

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1058212A2 (en) 1999-06-01 2000-12-06 Francotyp-Postalia Aktiengesellschaft & Co. Method for processing mail pieces and mail piece processing system
DE19925194A1 (en) * 1999-06-01 2000-12-14 Francotyp Postalia Gmbh Postal goods processing method and mail processing system
DE19925194B4 (en) * 1999-06-01 2010-08-12 Francotyp-Postalia Gmbh Method of mail processing and mail processing system
EP2196960A1 (en) * 2008-12-12 2010-06-16 Francotyp-Postalia GmbH Device and method for accepting postal items

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE4108180A1 (en) 1992-09-10
CA2062396C (en) 1995-11-07
EP0503311A3 (en) 1994-11-23
US5293030A (en) 1994-03-08
CA2062396A1 (en) 1992-09-10
DE59209990D1 (en) 2004-01-29
EP0503311B1 (en) 2003-12-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
DE3644229B4 (en) Apparatus for batch processing a large quantity of mail pieces
DE3644302C2 (en) Mailing device
DE3644245C2 (en) Postage billing system for the batch processing of large quantities of mail
DE3841394C2 (en) Procedure for issuing postage
DE68915816T3 (en) Mailing system.
DE3644231C2 (en) Process for processing stacks of mail
DE69724345T2 (en) System for the controlled acceptance of mail pieces, which surely enables the reuse of a digital token originally created for a mail piece with another mail piece prepared later for the certification of the payment of the postage
DE3826727B4 (en) Post-proof system on a depositor basis
EP1438145B1 (en) Method and device for processing postal articles
DE3613007B4 (en) System for determining unbilled print
DE3644316B4 (en) Mail processing device with several workstations
CH674098A5 (en)
DE69636617T2 (en) Method and system for detecting transactions with subsequent printing and processing of the item
DE3644318A1 (en) POSTAGE SYSTEM WITH POSTAGE TRANSFER AND ACCOUNTABILITY
DE19733605A1 (en) Procedure for billing shipping services
DE19617557A1 (en) Method for determining the cheapest carrier and mail processing system with personal computer and with a method for data processing
DE3644317C2 (en) Mail processing system for stacks of mail items and method therefor
EP0805421A2 (en) Method and arrangement for processing data in a mail processing system with a franking machine
EP1073018A1 (en) Pre-payment and post-payment franking machine
DE3644230A1 (en) POSTAGE ACCOUNTING DEVICE
EP0503311A2 (en) Method and device for processing mail
DE69931388T2 (en) METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CREATING AND VERIFYING FRANKING SIGNS
DE3644319A1 (en) VERIFICATION METHOD AND DEVICE FOR A POST PROCESSING SYSTEM
WO2004061779A1 (en) Method and device for processing graphical information located on surfaces of postal articles
EP1058212B1 (en) Method for processing mail pieces and mail piece processing system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): CH DE FR GB IT LI

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): CH DE FR GB IT LI

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: FRANCOTYP-POSTALIA GMBH

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19950206

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: FRANCOTYP-POSTALIA AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT & CO.

RAP3 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: FRANCOTYP-POSTALIA AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT & CO.

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19960719

APAB Appeal dossier modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS NOAPE

APAB Appeal dossier modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS NOAPE

APAD Appeal reference recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS REFNE

APAD Appeal reference recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS REFNE

APAB Appeal dossier modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS NOAPE

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: FRANCOTYP-POSTALIA AG & CO. KG

RTI1 Title (correction)

Free format text: DEVICE FOR PROCESSING MAIL

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): CH DE FR GB IT LI

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: RITSCHER & PARTNER AG PATENTANWAELTE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 59209990

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20040129

Kind code of ref document: P

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 20040310

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20040920

APAH Appeal reference modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSCREFNO

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20051206

Year of fee payment: 15

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20051214

Year of fee payment: 15

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20060130

Year of fee payment: 15

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20060209

Year of fee payment: 15

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20060228

Year of fee payment: 15

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070228

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070228

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20070215

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20071030

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070901

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070215

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070215