The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 17, 2000
Filed:
Dec. 29, 1997
Clint Brandien, Prospect, CT (US);
Shulong Sun, Orange, CT (US);
Beth Ann Walsh, Wolcott, CT (US);
Ray Mather, Southbury, CT (US);
Pitney Bowes Inc., Stamford, CT (US);
Abstract
A computer based package delivery and control system for tracking receipt and internal delivery of items such as packages. The system maintains a database of records of information relating to packages which have been received by an organization at a facility such as a mail room. The records include the names of employees who are the ultimate recipients of the packages as well as the internal delivery status of the packages. The system is also provided with a programmable, portable data terminal which has a capability for the input of graphical data and includes an integral bar code scanner. The portable data terminal may be used to input package information to the data processing system when packages are received. From time to time, the data processing system downloads internal delivery manifests to the portable data terminal, which may then be used to deliver packages to the employees who are the intended recipients. When the packages are delivered, the data terminal can be used to capture information about the delivery, such as the name of the person receiving the package, and, if required, a signature may be input to the data terminal. This internal delivery information is then uploaded to the data processing system, which updates the records to reflect the new delivery status.