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
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims19
A system of incoming mail receptacles for detecting hazards in a mail piece comprising:
- a plurality of incoming mail receptacles each including a contaminant detection hazard detector, a communications system, and a source detection system for providing suspect source information when a hazard is detected;
- and
- 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,
- wherein the suspect source data is determined using the suspect source information,
- wherein the suspect source information includes at least one fingerprint.
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 source information relating to the mail piece;
- testing the mail piece for hazards to determine an initial mail piece quarantine condition;
- and
- alerting the central server upon detection of a hazard and providing source information to the central server,
- wherein the source information is associated with the detection of the initial mail piece quarantine condition,
- wherein the source detection includes detecting at least one fingerprint.
A system of incoming mail receptacles for detecting hazards in a mail piece comprising:
- a plurality of incoming mail receptacles each including a contaminant detection hazard detector, a communications system, and a source detection system for providing suspect source information when a hazard is detected;
- and
- 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,
- wherein the suspect source data is determined using the suspect source information,
- wherein at least one of the incoming mail receptacles includes
- a contaminant detection hazard detector;
- a fingerprint enhancing substance dispenser for dispensing a fingerprint enhancing substance for use in detecting fingerprints if a hazard is detected;
- and
- a fingerprint scanning system for scanning fingerprints on the mail piece if a hazard is detected.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.