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Method and apparatus for batch mail processing with integrated scale and automatic manifest compilation

  • US 6,098,057 A
  • Filed: 12/24/1997
  • Issued: 08/01/2000
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/24/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of processing a batch of mail pieces by a mailer utilizing a manifesting system having a first data processing instrumentality, an integrated printer, and a weighing scale to evidence payment by the mailer to a postal facility for the cost of the mailing, said method comprising the steps of:

  • (a) establishing a tare weight at the weighing scale that comprises the weight of the printer;

    (b) weighing each mail piece of the batch in succession to determine its weight after accounting for the tare weight;

    (c) entering data into the first data base of the first data processing instrumentality, and wherein the data comprises at least the weight of each mail piece, and wherein the weight is pertinant to the cost of mailing each mail piece;

    (d) assigning and printing a unique number associated with each one of the mail pieces;

    (e) entering the unique number for each successive mail piece into data base associated with a second data processing instrumentality in association with the data pertinent to the cost of mailing;

    (f) generating at the second data processing instrumentality a digital electronic compilation of the unique numbers of all of the mail pieces in the batch, together with the data pertinant to the cost of mailing each mail piece in the batch associated with each unique number, and the cost of mailing each mail piece as determined by the second data processing instrumentality based on the pertinent data;

    (g) converting the digital electronic compilation in the second data base into a user functional form; and

    (h) transferring the compilation in the user functional form to the postal facility in direct or indirect association with delivery of the batch of mail pieces to the postal facility for mailing, whereby the compilation serves as evidence of payment by the mailer for the cost of transporting the mail pieces in the batch by the postal facility.

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