Patents by Inventor Joseph D. Collins

Joseph D. Collins has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8099444
    Abstract: A method for introducing instructions/commands within or acting on the content material of a mail run data file. The method comprises the steps producing an object-oriented data file of the mailpiece content material and displaying a visual image thereof to the user. The visual image displayed spatially corresponds to the object oriented data file. Through the use of a graphical user input device, such as a point-and-click input device, the user defines a region of the visual image. Further, the user creates or selects a rule or expression indicative of a desired instruction/command in connection with the defined region. The rule or expression is represented in computer program code and operates a signal processor to perform the selected instructions/commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Welch, James L. Harman, Joseph D. Collins, Patrick Rolling, Elaheh Zamanian
  • Patent number: 8049940
    Abstract: A method is provided for reprinting damaged mailpieces for use in a mailpiece inserter. The method comprising the steps of producing an object-oriented data file of the mailpiece content material including a scan code and storing the object-oriented data files in a reprint repository. The status of a mail run is tracked as mailpieces are fabricated and the results are recorded in a reprint file. The results record whether a mailpiece was successfully fabricated and reprint files are generated in connection with unsuccessfully fabricated mailpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Harman, Joseph D. Collins, Patrick Rolling, Michael D. Fappiano, David R. Welch, Vishnu Sharma
  • Patent number: 5818724
    Abstract: The invention is a method of in-line addressing, for both matched and non-matched mail, comprising a number of steps which begin with the generation of document data in a data processing system and then transmitting that document data to a document printer. The document data is printed, at the document printer, onto a substrate which is subsequently fed to an accumulator. Additionally, address data is generated in the data processing system and transmitted to an envelope printer where the address data is printed to one or more envelopes. The envelope printer is capable of printing a return address, a destination address, and a bar code in respect of the destination address upon the envelope. The address data can be merged with graphics data so that the envelope printer is further capable of printing graphics on the envelope. Once at the accumulator, predetermined batches of one or more sheets of the printed substrate are fed into a sheet folder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Brewster, Jr., Joseph D. Collins
  • Patent number: 5561450
    Abstract: In a printing system including an ink jet printhead, a supply of ink therefor, and structure for controlling the printhead for ejecting ink droplets therefrom, apparatus comprising, a disposable cartridge including the ink supply and printhead, the cartridge including a front wall and a base wall, the cartridge base wall including a foot portion extending to the cartridge front wall and defining therewith a lower frontal edge, structure for supporting the cartridge, the supporting structure including a front wall, the supporting structure including a portion of the printhead controlling structure, the portion including an electrical connector overlaying the supporting structure front wall, the connector including a plurality of exposed electrical terminals, the supporting structure including oppositely spaced shoe portions extending both toward one another and forwardly of the supporting structure front wall for positioning the cartridge relative to the supporting structure terminals when the cartridge is mou
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Brewster, Jr., Joseph D. Collins, Paul R. Sette