Batch mailing system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A value resetting system comprising:
- a mailing location, said mailing location having means for storing and accounting for value;
means for data collection remote from said mailing location;
means for establishing communication between said mailing location and said data collection means;
means, remote from said mailing location, for resetting said value in said storing and accounting means; and
means for selectively locking and unlocking said mailing location, said locking means being operative via said communication establishing means.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a system wherein a mailer is able to send large quantities or batches of mail. The mailer has a secure accounting unit similar to a postage meter in which postage value is placed by a central station which is also in communication with a remote resetting center for accounting for funds transferred to the accounting unit. The central station communicates with the mailing station in order to obtain data relative to the mail processing whenever the funds are to be transferred to the accounting unit. The central station may also serve to lock or unlock the mail processing at the mailing station. Receipts may also be provided for the funding transactions.
51 Citations
13 Claims
-
1. A value resetting system comprising:
-
a mailing location, said mailing location having means for storing and accounting for value; means for data collection remote from said mailing location; means for establishing communication between said mailing location and said data collection means; means, remote from said mailing location, for resetting said value in said storing and accounting means; and means for selectively locking and unlocking said mailing location, said locking means being operative via said communication establishing means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. A method of changing a funds register of a mailing location having stored information thereat in addition to the data in said funds register, said method comprising the steps of:
-
establishing a communication link between a mailing location and a remote data collection apparatus, communicating stored information from said mailing location to said remote data collection apparatus; establishing a further communications link between the remote data collection apparatus and a remote resetting apparatus for enabling communication between said mailing location and said remote resetting apparatus, communication between said mailing location and said remote resetting apparatus being enabled only through said remote data collection apparatus such that said stored information is collected at said remote data collection apparatus whenever said funds register is to be changed; communicating data between said mailing location and said remote resetting apparatus, said data including information indicative of the amount that said funds register is to be changed; and changing said funds register by said amount. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
-
Specification