Abstract: A method of securing the mails is described. Using a mail information retrieval system and a the use of data-rich, machine readable barcodes to make each mailing piece unique by including data that ‘lives’ with the mail piece or package allows mail to become traceable. Since traceable mail is less likely to become tainted, resources may be focused on mail that is not traceable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for notifying designated individuals of the success, failure or other status of a data transfer process. The system includes a central management computer for controlling the data transfer process and distributed agents for carrying out the process. As the data transfer process continues, the status, including success or failures of individual steps, is communicated to the central management computer in encoded messages within a control protocol. The central management computer retains logs of the status. Upon completion or termination of the data transfer process, the logs or other information regarding status of the process are provided to designed persons by the central management computer.

Abstract: A system (10) is disclosed for maintaining security and data gathering for a number of vehicles. The system (10) includes a vehicle activity module (12) for each of the vehicles (2), the vehicle activity module (12) including a wireless transmitter (18), at least one ID reader (50), and activity sensors (50,62,70), and a central computer (22) having a database (24) for data storage, the central computer (22) being in wireless communication with each of the vehicle activity modules (12). The system (10) also includes key ID tags (74), which are attached to vehicle keys (16), and personal ID cards (60) which are issued to sales, maintenance and service personnel. Information is read from personal ID cards (60) and key ID tags (74) by the activity sensors (50,62,70) and is transmitted to the central computer (22) for authorization of access and recording of access activity, and for storage and analysis.

Abstract: A billing system for determining package transportation charges. The billing system includes a reader to read a package identifier associated with said package and the reader generates a package identifier signal and transmits the same to a microprocessor. The billing system also includes a package sizer having a plurality of non-contact optical sensors located along each of an x, y and z axis, where each optical sensor is in a known position. The sensors are oriented relative to the conveyor so that packages passing over the sensors are detected by the sensors and produce a signal correlated to said package size. Also provided is a microprocessor to receive and correlate said package size and identifier signals, and to determine an appropriate shipping charge based upon the same. A weigh scale may also be incorporated into the system. A method of determining a transportation charge is also comprehended, which includes a self-diagnostic initialization procedure.

Abstract: A method for depositing mail by a deliverer of mail in an electronic locker system provided with several lockable compartments. The method is characterized in that a controller of the locker system causes one or several compartments to open in order to deposit mail and at least one new compartment opens automatically when a compartment is closed and when detecting means of the locker system have detected information allocated prior to sending. Also disclosed is an electronic locker system suitable for the implementation of the method.

Abstract: A system and method track both passenger and baggage during passenger trips, improving trip security, reducing lost baggage, allowing remote baggage check-in and retrieval, and allowing billing and financial transactions among system users. A passenger identification code (PIC) identifies a passenger, a trip starting location, and both a carrier and a final destination. A baggage identification code (BIC) is assigned to each piece of a trackable baggage set. At the trip starting location the PIC and BIC are wirelessly transmitted to an integrated travel information system (ITIS) using a wireless electronic device (WED). At a trip segment end the ITIS locates the baggage set and directs it to a transportation vehicle located by the ITIS. The ITIS directs the passenger to the transportation vehicle via a WED message. The WED transmits an end-of-trip signal to the ITIS at the final destination.