Method and apparatus using an indirect address code for delivery of physical article
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of delivering a physical item, comprising:
- associating an indirect address code (IAC) to the physical item;
placing the physical item into a stream of delivery;
using a reference file to evaluate the IAC into a deliverable address wherein the step of using occurs after the step of placing;
associating the deliverable address with the physical item; and
physically transporting the item to a geographic location associated with the deliverable address.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for delivering a physical item such that an indirect address code (IAC) (102) is added to a physical item (112), subsequently evaluated into a deliverable address (118), and associated to the item to enable in delivery of the item. An efficient and secure method of delivery of a physical item is thereby achieved.
27 Citations
52 Claims
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1. A method of delivering a physical item, comprising:
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associating an indirect address code (IAC) to the physical item;
placing the physical item into a stream of delivery;
using a reference file to evaluate the IAC into a deliverable address wherein the step of using occurs after the step of placing;
associating the deliverable address with the physical item; and
physically transporting the item to a geographic location associated with the deliverable address. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of delivering a physical item from a sender to a recipient comprising:
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the sender, without access to a deliverable address, associating an indirect address code (IAC) to the physical item;
using a reference file to evaluate the IAC into the deliverable address;
associating the deliverable address with the physical item; and
using the deliverable address to deliver the physical item to the recipient. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A method of shipping an ordered item, comprising:
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assigning an indirect address code (IAC) to a recipient;
associating a deliverable address with the IAC;
allowing the recipient a capability of modifying the deliverable address associated with the IAC;
accepting an order from the recipient requesting delivery of a physical item to the IAC;
placing the item bearing the IAC and not bearing the deliverable address in a human readable form into a stream of delivery; and
using a reference file to evaluate the IAC into a deliverable address. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52)
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Specification