Method and system for detecting biological and chemical hazards in networked incoming mailboxes
AssigneePitney Bowes Inc.
InventorsRobert A. Cordery, Karin A. Russo, Ronald P. Sansone
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and system for detecting chemical or biological hazards in items is provided. A plurality of incoming mail mailboxes each include a sampler to sample air from a letter that is tested using a first sensor. Source information corresponding to hazard flagged mail pieces is utilized to block mail from that source at other mailboxes.
Claims7
A system of incoming mail receptacles for detecting hazards in a mail piece comprising:
- a plurality of incoming mail receptacles each including a hazard detector, a communications system, and a source detection system for providing suspect source information when a hazard is detected;
- a server connected to the plurality of incoming mail receptacles for receiving suspect source data and communicating the suspect source data to the incoming mail receptacles.
A method for coordinated hazard detection in a mail system having a plurality of incoming mail receptacles with hazard detection systems connected to a central server comprising:
- detecting the presence of a mail piece;
- detecting the source of a mail piece;
- testing the mail piece for hazards;
- alerting the central server upon detection of a hazard and providing source information to the central server.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.