Abstract: A security mailbox system known as the “Safe “4U” Mailbox”, fully enclosed mailbox which is constructed from some sort of plastic, metal, fabricated material, or some sort of environmentally friendly material. The “Safe “4U” Mailbox” is easy to install and environmentally friendly, the mailbox includes chambers for incoming mail being delivered and pick-up for outgoing mail; a slot for newspapers/advertisements on side of mailbox. Incoming mail chamber is designed for mail to go into secure basket for pick-up from rear by homeowner. Outgoing mail can be placed from the real of mailbox for pick-up by postal worker. Mailbox is cemented into the ground though poles that extend from bottom of mailbox.

Abstract: Described and shown is a Mailbox system (1) for receiving at least one item of mail. In order to simplify the delivery and/or handing over of items of mail the mailbox system (1) can comprise a mailbox (2) and a mailbox holder (3), wherein the mailbox (2) has an interior for receiving the at least one item of mail and at least one entry (4) to the interior for inserting the at least one item of mail into the interior, and wherein the mailbox (2) is detachably held by the mailbox holder (3).

Abstract: An image acquisition system for processing and tracking mail pieces in a mailing system (2) of the type comprising at least one mail piece processing machine (4, 6, 8) comprising at least one accumulation device (14, 16) for producing mail pieces and generating electronic processing and tracking details for these mail pieces, at least one imaging device (10, 12) for acquiring images of the mail pieces, and a computer (24) coupled to the at least one imaging device and the at least one mail piece processing machine, the at least one imaging device acquiring the images of mail pieces for simultaneously providing both these processing and tracking details and a filling level of the at least one accumulation device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recognizing objects in mail items and an arrangement for carrying out the method. In the method, the color image produced in the relevant color camera is converted into a gray level image having a resolution higher than that of the color camera and suitable for reading the postal information in the automatic reading devices; the color image produced in the relevant color camera is converted into a color image having a resolution lower than the camera resolution but sufficient far recognizing objects and their positions; the objects and their position present in the relevant lower resolution color image are determined and identified, the assignment of the objects to postal information categories being performed on the basis of structural rules established in an upstream teaching phase, and the required postal information in the gray level images of the relevant identified objects are automatically read.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring mail between containers in an orderly and secure manner. The system and method utilize ejection rods to lift mail from an input tray into a transfer box assembly that deposits the mail into an output tray in an orderly, stable and secure manner, ensuring that mail is not shuffled or lost during the transfer process.

Abstract: A printer having a plurality of printing engines that eject papers to a common chute box is provided, wherein papers are discharged in an aligned state, even in the case that papers of different sizes are ejected. Papers of different sizes are inserted through slots of the chute box. Movement on a guide member of the papers, having the largest width from among the inserted papers, is regulated by side walls of the chute box. Meanwhile, widthwise movement of papers of a smaller size than the largest papers is regulated by one of the side walls of the chute box and a guide rib.

Abstract: An object sorting apparatus and method using chutes for transporting objects to selected locations. The chutes include one or more openings through which a fluid may be forced to reduce friction between the objects and the chute. Diverters are operatively aligned with the chutes for directing the objects to selected chutes. A momentum mechanism imparts forward motion to the objects to move them along the chutes along the chutes.

Abstract: A system and method for substantially eliminating the release of pathogen agents circulating in the air within a collection box. The mail deposit openings (12, 14) of a collection box mail chute (16) are adapted with gaskets (18, 20) to form an airtight seal when the mail chute (16) is opened and closed, thereby isolating the collection box interior (26). An alternative embodiment can further include a charging device (32) and a chargeable material (34) to attract and detain airborne and free pathogen particles that enter the mail chute passage (22) either by newly deposited mail pieces (38) or airborne pathogen particles that migrated from within the collection box collection area (26).

Abstract: A material deflector plate system adapted for mounting below the forwardly declining surface of a material-guiding discharge chute includes a base frame for mounting rearwardly of the discharge edge of the declining surface and a deflector-plate support structure reciprocably depending from the base frame for reciprocation between rearwardmost and forwardmost positions. Hingedly depending from the support structure are alternatively collapsible and deployable first and second deflector plate sets. The system can alternatively assume storage and operative attitudes. A storage attitude is one in which the deflector plate sets are collapsed and the support structure is disposed sufficiently rearwardly with respect to the base frame that at least a majority of the length of the collapsed deflector plate sets is disposed rearwardly of the chute discharge edge.

Abstract: An orientation chute is provided for a sorting machine which has a horizontal conveyor. The chute positively guides the objects as they leave the conveyor such that the relative orientation of successive objects leaving the container is maintained as the objects are deposited at a point of collection. A curved panel is used to intercept the objects as they leave the conveyor and to redirect them toward a stop member which stops their horizontal inertial velocity. The panel is sloped from the vertical to balance gravitational and centrifugal forces to maintain the object essentially horizontally as it moves across the panel. Once the object is stopped, it falls under the force of gravity along a slide portion of the chute to be deposited in a collection container.

Abstract: An orientation chute is provided for a sorting machine which has a horizontal conveyor. The chute positively guides the objects as they leave the conveyor such that the relative orientation of successive objects leaving the container is maintained as the objects are deposited at a point of collection. A curved panel, either smooth or stepped, is used to intercept the objects as they leave the conveyor and to redirect them toward a stop member which stops their horizontal inertial velocity. The panel is sloped from the vertical to balance gravitational and centrifugal forces to maintain the object essentially horizontally as it moves across the panel. Once the object is stopped, it falls under the force of gravity along a slide potion of the chute to be deposited in a collection container.

Abstract: A mail facing device mounted behind and adjacent to a Post Office wall having a standard mail drop slot. Indicia is provided on the front of the wall adjacent the slot indicating the proper orientation of a letter for deposit and instructing the customer on how to insert the mail into the slot. A chute is provided between the slot and a bin for conveying the properly orientated mail to the bin where it is maintained in a properly orientated stack to facilitate further processing by the postal personnel.

Abstract: Apparatus which assists in the manual manipulation of articles intended especially for use in delivery of articles such as newspapers from the interior of an automobile to a stationary open receptacle for such articles. The apparatus includes two open-ended, tubular sections one of which is mounted to receive articles placed manually in one end thereof, e.g., from within the automobile, and which communicates at the other end with the second section. A plunger is arranged with a first end positioned for manipulation from within the auto and a second end slidingly movable within the second section. Thus, articles successively inserted into the one end of the first section are moved toward and into the second section from which they are ejected, into an open mailbox or the like positioned adjacent the second section, by movement of the plunger. The second section is mounted for telescoping movement between extended and retracted positions with respect to the first section.

Abstract: An article stacking apparatus for stacking flat randomly shaped articles and the like including a movable article transporter, inclined slides located beneath the transporter, and containers having three sides and an open top located at the lower end of the slides. The transporter, slides and the containers are uniquely configured to minimize the impact velocity of the article with the slide and to permit the random articles to be placed in a stack that has two flush sides. Elevators are provided for adjusting the height of the containers in accordance with the height of the stack, and sensors are provided which detect the height of the stack and feed appropriate signals to an elevator control circuit which controls the elevators.