Pitney Bowes Inc.

John A Hofer

Flavio M Manduley

A method is provided for activating a rating capability in a microprocessor-based parcel manifest system. The method includes storing in the system's memory a number of rate tables, each containing data for calculating parcel shipment charges, and disabling access to one or more of the rate table. A rate activation request, which includes information that identifies the system and the rate table to be activated, is transmitted to a data center. In response to the request, an activation code is received from the data center. Access to the rate table is activated by entering the received code into the system. Activation of a rate table may be temporary and subject to a time deadline.

Remote activation of rating capabilities in a computerized parcel

A semi-automatic mail sortation system. The system includes an input for input of information to a processor, and a display and sorting system controlled by the processor. The sortation system also includes a data base of names and associated mail drops accessed through the processor. In operation a mail piece is presented to an operator who inputs the first few letters of the addressee's name and the processor accesses the data base to display a set of records consistent with the input. The operator then selects a record and the processor controls the sorting system to sort the mail piece in accordance with the mail drop in the selected record. If the addressee's name is not displayed at first the operator may use conventional display controls to search further in the data base.

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Ridgefield, CT, United States of America

John A Hofer