Testing methods for use with boxes

• US 7,242,290 B2
• Filed: 09/10/2004
• Issued: 07/10/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/03/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Visible Assets Incorporated (NOV, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Visible Assets Incorporated (NOV, Inc.)
• Inventors: Stevens, John K
• Primary Examiner(s): MULLEN, THOMAS J
• Application Number:
  US10/711,334
• Publication Number:
  US 20050245195A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,033 Days
• Field of Search: 340/514, 340/515, 340/539.16, 340/545.6, 340/569, 340/572.8, 340/573.4, 340/870.04, 340/539.21, 455/67.7, 455/67.11, 4551151-1154, 455/90.2, 455/90.3, 455/575.7, 455/575.8, 324/600, 324/527
• US Class Current: 340/514
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/087 Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
• CPC Class Codes: G07B 2017/00209 Mailbox, i.e. container for outgoing mail
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00571 operated by interacting with a central unit
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/0042 for hiring of objects
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/13 the containers being a postal pick-up locker

Abstract

A method for testing the installation of a box includes the steps of closing the lid of the box, transmitting a signal from the box; noting the absence of an annunciation; and variously repositioning the box relative to a receiver, replacing a battery, or replacing the box.

Claims

1. A method for use with a box and a receiver, the receiver disposed to annunciate in the event of receipt of a wireless signal, the box having a lid, the box further comprising a transmitter and an antenna, the method comprising the steps of:

closing the lid;

transmitting a wireless signal from the box;

noting the absence of an annunciation; and

repositioning the box relative to the receiver.

2. A method for use with a box and a receiver, the receiver disposed to annunciate in the event of receipt of a wireless signal, the box having a lid, the box further comprising a transmitter and an antenna, the transmitter powered by a battery, the method comprising the steps of:

closing the lid;

transmitting a wireless signal from the box;

noting the absence of an annunciation; and

replacing the battery.

3. A method for use with a box and a receiver, the receiver disposed to annunciate in the event of receipt of a wireless signal, the box having a lid, the box further comprising a transmitter and an antenna, the method comprising the steps of:

closing the lid;

transmitting a wireless signal from the box;

noting the absence of an annunciation; and

replacing the box.