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Method and system for detecting biological and chemical hazards in mail

  • US 6,613,571 B2
  • Filed: 12/19/2001
  • Issued: 09/02/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/19/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An incoming mail receptacle for detecting hazards in a mail piece comprising:

  • a segregated incoming mail air sampler for collecting an air sample having an incoming mail opening and a lockable door for the opening;

    a hazard detector to test the sample and for providing a hazard indication;

    a transport mechanism for moving the mail piece from the air sampler into a collection chamber if no hazard is detected;

    a hazard indicator connected to the hazard detector for alerting a user of a hazard;

    wherein the airsampler includes a mail piece transport system for feeding a mail piece through the sampler;

    a movable surface for applying force to an edge of the mail piece to form a pillow deformation in the mail piece; and

    a flattener for flattening the pillow deformation to eject and collect an air sample from the mail piece.

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