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| Multi-transaction service system |
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| Financial instruments and systems |
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Automated self-service mail processing and storing systems
| Details |
Inventors: Gil, Asher; Daron, John B.; Vettical, Celestine;
Assignee: PI Electronics Corp. (Houston, TX)
Primary Examiner: Cosimano; Edward R.
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P.
An automated self-service mail processing and storing system is disclosed which is capable of receiving input from and providing instructions to a user via a touch-sensitive screen or a digitized voice system. The system is capable of weighing the mail item, receiving user identification information from a credit/debit card, for example, for payment, calculating the charge for shipment and deducting that amount from the user's charge account, and securely storing the item for subsequent pickup. The system contains a novel weighing means capable of detecting minute vibrations for purposes of obtaining an accurate weight amount. The system may also contain a tracking bar code generation means and a tracking bar code verification system. Optionally, a dual floppy disk system allows the user to send electronic mail, and a built-in facsimile apparatus allows the user to send "FAX" information through the telephone line. Also disclosed is a two-way communication means coupled between the mail processing and storing system computer and a remote computer station for providing such functions as credit authorization and charge reporting, transaction and tracking information transfers, error reporting, etc. |
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention is directed to automated self-service mailing systems which will process and securely store packages and letters of various sizes for subsequent pick-up by a commercial carrier.
In certain embodiments, the inventive system allows the user to select from a number of different type of mailing service transactions.
Specifically, the inventive system includes: (a) an outer housing, (b) a computer; (c) a communication means contained on the outside of said outer housing and coupled to said computer for communicating instructions to said user on how to operate said system to process an item for mailing; (d) a user input receiving means positioned on the outside of said outer housing and coupled to said computer and said communicating means for receiving input from said user to operate said system; (e) a payment means coupled to the computer for accepting and verifying payment for processing, storing, and shipping the item for mailing; (f) a mail service selection data entry means coupled to said computer for receiving data from a user relating to a type of mail service desired by said user; (g) a shipping designation data entry means coupled to said computer for receiving data from a user relating to the shipping designation of the item; (h) a postage stamp printing and dispensing means coupled to said computer for printing a postage meter stamp directly onto said item wherein said item is a letter, and for printing and dispensing a postage meter stamp for subsequent affixation onto said item; (i) a storage area contained within said outer housing for storing processed items for subsequent pick-up; (j) a secured item acceptance area contained within said outer housing and further comprising an outer door positioned on said front side of said outer housing and coupled to said computer, a platform for holding said item, an inner back door movably attached to said platform, a weighing means mounted below said platform, and a depositing means for depositing said item into said storage area; and (k) a determining means including said computer for determining the required postage for shipping said item, said determining means being coupled to said shipping designation data entry means, said mailing service selection data entry means, and said weighing means
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Finance 
