Method and apparatus for scanning and sterilizing mail received at a drop box
First Claim
1. A drop box for receiving mail pieces for collection and delivery by a postal service comprising:
- an enclosure having a slot sized for receiving mail pieces;
a feeder positioned inside the drop box for engaging and conveying mail pieces inserted into the slot;
a detection device disposed for measuring a physical property of a mail piece engaged by the feeder, which property is associated with potential contamination of the mail piece; and
a control system operable to take an action when a potentially contaminated mail piece is detected by the detection device.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A drop box for receiving mail pieces for collection and delivery by a postal service includes an enclosure having a slot sized for receiving mail pieces, a feeder positioned inside the drop box for engaging and conveying mail pieces inserted into the slot, a detector for detecting a potential contaminant inside the drop box, and a controller for initiating a preprogrammed action when a potential contaminant is detected inside the drop box. The preprogramed action may include locking the box and sounding an alarm coupled to the controller. The drop box may also be equipped with means for sterilizing the drop box and its contents such as a source of electromagnetic radiation and/or a source of a chemical sterilizing agent.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A drop box for receiving mail pieces for collection and delivery by a postal service comprising:
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an enclosure having a slot sized for receiving mail pieces;
a feeder positioned inside the drop box for engaging and conveying mail pieces inserted into the slot;
a detection device disposed for measuring a physical property of a mail piece engaged by the feeder, which property is associated with potential contamination of the mail piece; and
a control system operable to take an action when a potentially contaminated mail piece is detected by the detection device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A drop box for receiving mail pieces for collection and delivery by a postal service comprising:
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an enclosure having a slot sized for receiving mail pieces;
a feeder positioned inside the drop box for engaging and conveying mail pieces inserted into the slot;
means for sterilizing mail pieces conveyed by the feeder. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. 11. A drop box for receiving mail pieces for collection and delivery by a postal service comprising:
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an enclosure having a slot sized for receiving mail pieces;
a feeder positioned inside the drop box for engaging and conveying mail pieces inserted into the slot;
means for detecting a potential contaminant inside the drop box; and
a controller for initiating a preprogrammed action when a potential contaminant is detected inside the drop box. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification