Patents by Inventor Richard A. Connell

Richard A. Connell 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).

  • Publication number: 20030220887
    Abstract: A system and method is provided that enables a postal customer to order a shipping label on-line via the internet. The label may be a mailing label to be placed on letters or parcels. The label includes information such as postage, delivery address, return address, and a barcode for tracking delivery information. A user may request both a label and postage in what, to the user, appears to be a single computerized connection on a single internet web-page. A postage indicia is provided through a postage provider with whom the user has a deposit or credit. The label itself may be generated through a label-generating application hosted or generated by an entity separate from the postage provider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Vantresa Scott Stickler, Paul J. Wanish, Richard A. Connell, Pamela Morgan, Jonathan James Hurd, John Gullo
  • Publication number: 20030130963
    Abstract: A system and method is provided that enables a postal customer to order a shipping label on-line via the internet. The label may be a mailing label to be placed on letters or parcels. The label includes information such as postage, delivery address, return address, and a barcode for tracking delivery information. A user may request both a label and postage in what, to the user, appears to be a single computerized connection on a single internet web-page. A postage indicia is provided through a postage provider with whom the user has a deposit or credit. The label itself may be generated through a label-generating application hosted or generated by an entity separate from the postage provider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Vantresa Stickler, Paul J. Wanish, Richard A. Connell, Pamela Morgan, Jonathan J. Hurd, John Gullo
  • Patent number: 5575309
    Abstract: A solenoid actuator for a fluid flow valve comprises a closure member (64) adapted to engage a fluid flow orifice (16), and includes a magnetic plunger (46) under the control of a solenoid, for moving the closure member (64) into or out of engagement with the orifice (16). To assist the opening of the valve, a diaphragm spring (66) aids the downward force upon plunger (46) at changeover, being deflected during the upward stroke of plunger (46) and held deflected until changeover.The solenoid plunger (46) is stable at either end of its travel to maintain the selected state of the valve, change of state to open or close orifice (16) being by means of an magnetic pulse generated by solenoid coil (43), the plunger (46) being latched at closure by permanent magnets (32,34).The diaphragm spring (66) may form part of an assembly (62) including a membrane switch (70), responsive to the state of the valve, the assembly (62) fitting into the body of the closure member (64).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: BLP Components Limited
    Inventor: Richard A. Connell
  • Patent number: 5554842
    Abstract: A postal indicia is disclosed that contains markings thereon which may be used to distinguish between availability or non availability of additional security and sorting information. The foregoing will make the handling of the mail faster and more efficient. The ink that is used to print portions of the indicia is fluorescent for conventional indicia printing and fluorescent and phosphorescent for value added bit map generated printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Connell, Thyagaraj Sarada, Richard A. Bernard
  • Patent number: 5452654
    Abstract: A postage metering system includes input means for inputting into the system a value of postage to be imprinted on a mail piece and means storing data concerning appropriate postage value amounts. A printing means is provided for printing a first postage imprint and for printing a different second postage imprint. Print control means are coupled to the printing means and the storing means for causing the printing means to print the first postage imprint for an appropriate postage value and the second postage imprint for postage value which are other than the appropriate postage raise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Connell, Wallace Kirschner
  • Patent number: 5448641
    Abstract: A data center provides a rate table to a user. The rate table is communicated to the mailer along with a hash code that is based on information from the rating table. The hash code provides a unique number based on the rating table. The user within a secure device and to which the rate table is loaded regenerates the hash code based on the information received from the rate table and compares the transmitted hash code with the generated hash code. The comparison verifies that the rate table data has not been intentionally or unintentionally corrupted. The transmitted hash code may be encrypted by the data center and when received decrypted by the mailer. The encryption decryption process provides authenticity of the data center if desired. The generation of the hash code and the comparison with the transmitted hash code can be initiated prior to postage printing and used to insure proper rating. Printing is enabled only after the rating process has been properly implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Leon A. Pintsov, Richard A. Connell, Ronald P. Sansone, Alfred C. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5229932
    Abstract: Apparatus for categorizing and certifying a batch of mail by determining parameters of the mail pieces of such batch. The parameters that are determined include the physical dimensions, the weight, the size, class, readability, print contrast and reflectivity of the mail pieces. Based upon these determinations, the deliverability of the mail can be assessed. The mail pieces are also weighed, sized and the class of mail determined and postage amount is checked for the purpose of assuring the accuracy of the postage paid for the mail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Connell, Raymond Keating, Ronald P. Sansone, Karl H. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 5227750
    Abstract: A switching device (FIGS. 5 A and 5B) employs as actuator a bistable solenoid which includes a plunger (16) movable within a winding (12) between end positions in each of which it is held by permanent magnets (18, 20). The plunger (16) of the actuator is engageable with an insulated lever (86) which in turn actuates a contact blade (76) via a spring (108). The lever may be cranked, and may have an extension (90) outside of the casing (70) to enable the device to be manually operated or to provide a visual indication of the state of the switch. Other types of solenoid may be employed as the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: PED Limited
    Inventors: Richard A. Connell, Alan Godfrey, Brian Darlow
  • Patent number: 5005124
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for categorizing and certifying a batch of mail uses a random statistical scheme. The mail will be categorized in terms of print quality, accuracy with the statement sheet accompanying the mail, deliverability, and the like so that the Post Office is relieved of having to manually inspect the mail and can arrange scheduling, equipment and manpower for the processing of such batch of mail. The mail will be certified with regard to the correctness of postage for mailing the batch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Connell, Raymond Keating, Ronald P. Sansone, Karl H. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 4998204
    Abstract: A system for processing batch mail in which the need for on-site inspection is unnecessary. The mail sender purchases postage from a central station thereby authorizing him to send mail equal to the amount of postage purchased.The mail sender processes batches of mail each of which is accompanied by a statement summarizing the type and number of mail pieces sent and amount of postage for each batch. The 10 statement contains data that allows mail payment verification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Sansone, Michael P. Taylor, Richard A. Connell
  • Patent number: 4947333
    Abstract: A system for processing batch mail in which the need for on-site inspection is unnecessary. The mail sender purchases postage from a central station thereby authorizing him to send mail equal to the amount of postage purchased. The mail sender processes batches of mail each of which is accompanied by a statement summarizing the type and number of mail pieces sent and amount of postage for each batch. The statement contains data that allows mail payment verification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Sansone, Richard A. Connell, Patricia Corsetti, Donald T. Dolan, George G. Gelfer
  • Patent number: 4933849
    Abstract: A security system for use with an indicia printing authorization device includes a computer having a nonvolatile memory associated therewith. Graphic change information can be downloaded to the device by an external authority. The graphic change information includes the data when the different pattern is authorized. On that date, all indicia printers that do not print the authorized pattern will be suspect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes
    Inventors: Richard A. Connell, Ronald P. Sansone
  • Patent number: 4856604
    Abstract: Apparatus and method of determining the authenticity of a signal indicative of the mass of an article being weighted. The article is placed upon the platform, and the platform is caused to oscillate and the period of harmonic motion is measured. One of or both the frequency of oscillation and amplitude of the transducer signal is monitored for purposes of determining authentication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Sisson, Richard A. Connell