Method and system for detecting biological and chemical hazards in networked incoming mailboxes

• US 20030113922A1
• Filed: 12/19/2001
• Published: 06/19/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/19/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Pitney Bowes Incorporated (Böwe Systec AG)
• Original Assignee: Pitney Bowes Incorporated (Böwe Systec AG)
• Inventors: Cordery, Robert A., Sansone, Ronald P., Russo, Karin A.
• Granted Patent: US 6,867,044 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 436/1
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 2029/1221 comprising means to detect or prevent a terrorist attack, e.g. to detect anthrax-laced letters
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 29/1207 for posting letters combined with franking apparatus G07B17/00
• CPC Class Codes: B07C 1/00 Measures preceding sorting according to destination
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 1/2202 involving separation of sample components during sampling
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2001/025 postal items
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2001/2223 aerosol sampling devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/11 Automated chemical analysis
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/113332 with conveyance of sample along a test line in a container or rack
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/12 Condition responsive control
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/163333 Organic [e.g., chemical warfare agents, insecticides, etc.]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/17 Nitrogen containing

Abstract

A method and system for detecting chemical or biological hazards in items is provided. A plurality of incoming mail mailboxes each include a sampler to sample air from a letter that is tested using a first sensor. Source information corresponding to hazard flagged mail pieces is utilized to block mail from that source at other mailboxes.

Claims

1. A system of incoming mail receptacles for detecting hazards in a mail piece comprising:

a plurality of incoming mail receptacles each including a hazard detector, a communications system, and a source detection system for providing suspect source information when a hazard is detected;

a server connected to the plurality of incoming mail receptacles for receiving suspect source data and communicating the suspect source data to the incoming mail receptacles.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a secure network connection between each incoming mail receptacle and the server.

3. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

an image scanner for scanning the face of a mail piec

4. A method for coordinated hazard detection in a mail system having a plurality of incoming mail receptacles with hazard detection systems connected to a central server comprising:

detecting the presence of a mail piece;

detecting the source of a mail piece;

testing the mail piece for hazards;

alerting the central server upon detection of a hazard and providing source information to the central server.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the source detection includes detecting a meter serial number.

6. The system of claim 4 wherein the source detection includes detecting a return address.

7. The system of claim 4 wherein the source detection includes detecting a handwriting sample.