EP0609092A2 - Appareil de traitement de courrier - Google Patents

Appareil de traitement de courrier Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0609092A2
EP0609092A2 EP94300642A EP94300642A EP0609092A2 EP 0609092 A2 EP0609092 A2 EP 0609092A2 EP 94300642 A EP94300642 A EP 94300642A EP 94300642 A EP94300642 A EP 94300642A EP 0609092 A2 EP0609092 A2 EP 0609092A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
mail
input
container
items
item
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP94300642A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0609092A3 (en
Inventor
Raymond John Herbert
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.)
Neopost Ltd
Original Assignee
Neopost Ltd
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 Neopost Ltd filed Critical Neopost Ltd
Publication of EP0609092A2 publication Critical patent/EP0609092A2/fr
Publication of EP0609092A3 publication Critical patent/EP0609092A3/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • G07B17/00185—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
    • G07B17/00185—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
    • G07B2017/00225—Vending machine or POS (Point Of Sale) apparatus

Definitions

  • This invention relates to mail handling apparatus and in particular to apparatus for printing on mail items an impression to indicate that a postage charge has been paid.
  • Franking machines are well known for metering postage charges applied to mail items by way of printing of a franking impression indicative of the value of postage charge.
  • Such franking machines include means to carry out accounting in respect of the postage charges applied to items and printing means controlled by the accounting means to print a franking impression indicative of a postage charge for which proper accounting has been carried out by the accounting means.
  • the accounting means includes a descending register to store a value of credit available for franking of items and, as each item is franked, the value of credit is decremented by the value of postage charge for the item.
  • the franking impression has a format which cannot easily be copied.
  • the postal authority requires that the franked items of mail are entered into the postal system only at a postal office specified in relation to the specific franking machine used to frank the items.
  • the use of franking machines tends to be limited to business organisations who send relatively large quantities of mail and for whom it is not inconvenient to enter the mail items at a specified post office. Accordingly individuals wishing to send mail items by the postal service must purchase stamps to be adhered to the mail items prior to entering the items into the postal system.
  • mail handling apparatus including a secure container for mail items; an input path to the container; mail acceptance means for input of mail items along said input path into said container; payment means to receive value corresponding to a required postage charge for mail item and control means operative in response to receipt of said value to feed a mail item along said input path to said secure container and to operate a printer to print an impression on a mail item in said passage indicative of said input value
  • data input means operable by a user to input postal information relating to an item to be input to the apparatus and in that said control means normally prevents entry of mai items to said input path and is operative to check data input by operation of said data input means by a user and is further operative if said data is verified to permit passage of said mail item along said input path into said container.
  • a box container 10 provides a receptacle for mail items which are entered into the postal system for distribution by the postal service to required destinations.
  • the container 10 is of similar construction to a conventional letter box and has a door 11 for access to the interior of the container for removal of franked mail items. As is usual with letter boxes, the door is locked by a lock 12 to prevent unauthorised access to the container.
  • a slot 13 for entry of mail items into the container is provided adjacent an upper part of the container.
  • a control and accounting unit 14 is located at the upper part of the container.
  • the accounting unit is provided with a keyboard 15 for input of information to the unit by a person wishing to post mail item.
  • Adisplay 16 is provided to display information to assist in use of the apparatus.
  • a payment device 17 is provided to accept payments from users of the apparatus.
  • the control and accounting unit includes a microprocessor 18 operated under control of program routines stored in a read only memory (ROM) 19.
  • the microprocessor receives data input from the keyboard 15 and controls the display device 16 to provide information and instructions to a user of the apparatus.
  • the microprocessor also receives input signals from the payment device indicating the monetary value of payments received by the device 17.
  • the payment device may be operated by entry of coins, by credit card, by prepayment cards or by smart card.
  • Payment devices for operation by insertion of coins includes means to accept coins and to check the value of coins inserted in the payment device and provide a signal to the microprocessor representing the value of coins inserted.
  • Payment devices for operation by credit or other cards include means to read data from the card.
  • the microprocessor In operation by credit card the microprocessor generates debiting data to enable the postage charge to be debited from the credit card account.
  • the payment device In operation of the payment device by prepayment card or smart card, the payment device includes means to decrement a value recorded on the card by the amount of the postage charge. Normally, passage of mail items through the slot 13 along a path into the interior of the container is prevented by mail acceptance means 20 controlled by the microprocessor 18.
  • the user When a user wishes to input an item to the apparatus, the user operates the keyboard to input data required by the apparatus prior to acceptance of the item.
  • the information required would include the amount of postage charge to be applied to the item and the postal service class required. Additionally it is preferred that the user is required to enter the destination town and post code.
  • the accounting unit is provided with memory 21 which stores a table correlating towns and post codes whereby the microprocessor is enabled to verify that the entered post code is correct in relation to the destination town entered.
  • the microprocessor verifies that a payment corresponding to the entered postage charge has been received by the payment device and also may verify that the entered postage charge is a valid charge in respect of the service class entered. Provided the verification is satisfactory, the microprocessor then proceeds to a routine for acceptance of the item into the apparatus.
  • the mail acceptance means 20 normally preventing passage of the item into the interior of the container 10 is operated to permit passage of the mail item and to feed the item from the slot 13 along a path into the container.
  • a printing device 22 (not shown in Figure 1) is provided adjacent the path of the mail item and is controlled by the microprocessor 18 to print postal information on the entered mail item.
  • the information printed would be in substitution for any marking or coding of items at a postal sorting office.
  • the information printed would include an authentication mark and coding relating to postal class, destination and value of postage charge.
  • the printing may be in plain text but it is preferred that the information be printed in a form readable by low cost reading equipment, e.g. bar code readers to enable subsequent automatic sorting and handling of the mail. If desired the information may be printed at more than one position, for example on opposite faces of the mail item, to obviate any necessity for facing the items at the sorting office.
  • the memory 21 may be utilised to store accounting information, for example the accumulated total of payments received and the number of items input to the apparatus. If desired means may be provided to print out at intervals, for example when the container 10 is emptied of mail items, accounting information on a tally strip.
  • the microprocessor may be operated such as to prevent further input of mail items when a predetermined number of items have been received or means may be provided in the container to detect when the items stacked in the container reach a predetermined height and the microprocessor is responsive to a full signal from the detector means to prevent entry of further items. If the number of items entered is utilised to determine a container full condition, means are provided to reset the count when the container is emptied. Resetting of the count may be effected automatically by means responsive to the closing and locking of the door 11.
  • the mail handling apparatus may be operated in a stand alone mode but additional benefits to the postal service may be provided if the apparatus is linked via an input/output port 23 and a telephone line 24 to a central computer system 25 of the postal service. With such links, the postal authority can be provided with information on the quantity, service class, destination and other information relating to mail items received in the container. This information may be utilised by the postal authority to assist in planning the further handling of the mail items. Incentives may be provided to encourage users to use the apparatus for entry of mail items into the postal system.
  • the apparatus ensures that only mail items for which a payment for postage has been made and which bear a destination post code correctly corresponding to the destination town are received into the container.
  • the markings applied to the mail items are printed on the mail items after acceptance of the items into the apparatus. Accordingly there is substantially no possibility of fraudulent use.
  • Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of mail handling apparatus for the purpose of illustrating the operation of such apparatus and it is to be understood that the physical construction of the apparatus may have other forms in which the elements of the apparatus are disposed differently.

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)
EP94300642A 1993-01-29 1994-01-28 Mail handling apparatus. Withdrawn EP0609092A3 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9301759A GB2274622B (en) 1993-01-29 1993-01-29 Mail handling apparatus
GB9301759 1993-01-29

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0609092A2 true EP0609092A2 (fr) 1994-08-03
EP0609092A3 EP0609092A3 (en) 1996-04-17

Family

ID=10729509

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP94300642A Withdrawn EP0609092A3 (en) 1993-01-29 1994-01-28 Mail handling apparatus.

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0609092A3 (fr)
GB (1) GB2274622B (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2295989A (en) * 1994-12-12 1996-06-19 Pitney Bowes Inc System and method for secured metering of mail
US6928422B2 (en) * 2001-12-12 2005-08-09 Pitney Bowes Inc. System for accepting non life harming mail from people who are authorized to deposit mail in a receptacle
US7003471B2 (en) 2001-12-12 2006-02-21 Pitney Bowes Inc. Method and system for accepting non-toxic mail that has an indication of the mailer on the mail
US7076466B2 (en) 2001-12-12 2006-07-11 Pitney Bowes Inc. System for accepting non harming mail at a receptacle
US7080038B2 (en) 2001-12-12 2006-07-18 Pitney Bowes Inc. Method and system for accepting non-harming mail at a home or office
US7089210B2 (en) 2001-12-12 2006-08-08 Pitney Bowes Inc. System for a recipient to determine whether or not they received non-life-harming materials

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19925194B4 (de) 1999-06-01 2010-08-12 Francotyp-Postalia Gmbh Verfahren zur Postgutverarbeitung und Postgutverarbeitungssystem

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0264502A1 (fr) * 1986-10-17 1988-04-27 Wu Sheng-Jung Dispositif automatique pour le traitement du courrier
FR2619236A1 (fr) * 1987-08-06 1989-02-10 Body Camille Appareil de reception programmable pour objets en vue de leur traitement
WO1990004824A1 (fr) * 1988-10-25 1990-05-03 Automated Identification Systems, Inc. Machine automatique de collecte de courrier et de telecommunications
US4923022A (en) * 1989-04-25 1990-05-08 Chien-Hua Chang Automatic mailing apparatus
EP0462427A2 (fr) * 1990-06-11 1991-12-27 Wu Sheng-Jung Guichet de poste automatique
WO1992006453A1 (fr) * 1990-09-28 1992-04-16 Gilbert Necco Procede et dispositif d'affranchissement automatique pour l'acquittement de taxes
WO1992017861A1 (fr) * 1991-04-01 1992-10-15 Pi Electronics Incorporated Automate pour l'expedition de colis postaux en libre-service
WO1992018949A1 (fr) * 1991-04-10 1992-10-29 U-Ship International, Ltd. Systeme d'envoi et de regroupement de plis ou de paquets

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0264502A1 (fr) * 1986-10-17 1988-04-27 Wu Sheng-Jung Dispositif automatique pour le traitement du courrier
FR2619236A1 (fr) * 1987-08-06 1989-02-10 Body Camille Appareil de reception programmable pour objets en vue de leur traitement
WO1990004824A1 (fr) * 1988-10-25 1990-05-03 Automated Identification Systems, Inc. Machine automatique de collecte de courrier et de telecommunications
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
EP0462427A2 (fr) * 1990-06-11 1991-12-27 Wu Sheng-Jung Guichet de poste automatique
WO1992006453A1 (fr) * 1990-09-28 1992-04-16 Gilbert Necco Procede et dispositif d'affranchissement automatique pour l'acquittement de taxes
WO1992017861A1 (fr) * 1991-04-01 1992-10-15 Pi Electronics Incorporated Automate pour l'expedition de colis postaux en libre-service
WO1992018949A1 (fr) * 1991-04-10 1992-10-29 U-Ship International, Ltd. Systeme d'envoi et de regroupement de plis ou de paquets

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2295989A (en) * 1994-12-12 1996-06-19 Pitney Bowes Inc System and method for secured metering of mail
GB2295989B (en) * 1994-12-12 1997-11-19 Pitney Bowes Inc System and method for secured metering of mail
US6928422B2 (en) * 2001-12-12 2005-08-09 Pitney Bowes Inc. System for accepting non life harming mail from people who are authorized to deposit mail in a receptacle
US7003471B2 (en) 2001-12-12 2006-02-21 Pitney Bowes Inc. Method and system for accepting non-toxic mail that has an indication of the mailer on the mail
US7076466B2 (en) 2001-12-12 2006-07-11 Pitney Bowes Inc. System for accepting non harming mail at a receptacle
US7080038B2 (en) 2001-12-12 2006-07-18 Pitney Bowes Inc. Method and system for accepting non-harming mail at a home or office
US7089210B2 (en) 2001-12-12 2006-08-08 Pitney Bowes Inc. System for a recipient to determine whether or not they received non-life-harming materials

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0609092A3 (en) 1996-04-17
GB2274622A (en) 1994-08-03
GB2274622B (en) 1996-05-08
GB9301759D0 (en) 1993-03-17

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