US 6,649,849 B2 · Handheld mailing system

Abstract

A handheld mailing system that is easily portable while still maintaining the functionality and security necessary for a complete mailing system is disclosed. A handheld device, such as, for example, a Personal Data Assistant (PDA), is provided with a rating engine and metering device functionality. The weight of an item to be mailed can be input manually, or provided via a communication link from a scale. The rating engine in the PDA will determine the necessary amount of postage, and the metering functionality will provide the authorization and funds for the necessary postage. A printer coupled to the PDA provides a printed label. A security device, such as, for example, a dongle, is provided to ensure security for the mail processing functionality.

Claims28

Dependent claims

A portable mailing system comprising:

a handheld device including an embedded rating engine and a meter function, said meter function storing funds for postage;
a scale operatively coupled to said handheld device;
a printer operatively coupled to said hand held device;
and
a security device coupled to said handheld device to prevent unauthorized access to said rating engine and said meter function,
wherein said scale provides a weight of a mail piece to said handheld device, said rating engine determines a postage amount for said mail piece based on said weight and a selected service, and said meter function accounts for said postage amount from said stored funds for postage and utilizes said printer to print indicia bearing said postage amount.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Handheld mailing system

Life of this patent

Handheld mailing system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims28