Abstract: Sanitizing devices and control strategies based on wavelength are provided herein. An example device includes an enclosure for receiving an object, a first cleaning element that emits radiation at a first wavelength adapted to sanitize or sterilize contaminants on the object, a contaminant exposing element that emits radiation at a second wavelength that illuminates the contaminants on the object, a notification element that emits visible light within the enclosure, the visible light having a selected hue, and a controller for executing a cleaning cycle that includes illuminating contaminants present on the object using the contaminant exposing element prior to sanitizing or sterilizing the contaminants present on the object using the first cleaning element.

Abstract: A smart and secure mailbox includes a mailbox and a secured storage. The mailbox and the secured storage are connected through a shared section. The shared section encloses an automated flap. The shared section also integrates a weight sensor. Upon a delivery of a mail, the weight sensor provides an activation signal which triggers the automated flap. The automated flap activates and provides a gap between the mailbox and the secured storage. The delivered mail falls through the gap. Upon a placement of the delivered mail within the secured storage, the automated flap closes which secures the delivered mail within the secured storage.

Abstract: A mailbox portal device, the device including a front, top, bottom, left side, right side, at least one chute in the front of the mailbox portal, where the chute opens, the at least one chute is removably connected to a pliable bag located within the mailbox portal device, a clasp connected to the pliable bag, where the clasp is in an open position to receive at least one package and the clasp is closed when disengaging the pliable bag from the mailbox portal. A method for storing and carrying packages, including opening a chute of a mailbox portal, depositing at least one package into the chute, where each package travels down the chute and into a pliable bag, disengaging the pliable bag from the mailbox portal, and closing the pliable bag for transport.

Abstract: The invention relates to the sterilization of a load of goods with hydrogen peroxide vapor in a closed space. The method involves a sequence of creating a sub-atmospheric pressure in a sterilization chamber, introduction of vaporized hydrogen peroxide and the use of a gas circulation device within the sterilization chamber, whereby the output of the gas circulation device is controlled according to the pressure in the sterilization chamber. A uniform and consistent distribution of hydrogen peroxide throughout the load is achieved.

Abstract: A lid covering an interior of a medical waste receptacle base. The lid includes an intermediate waste repository connected to the cover. The repository is moveable between a holding position adapted for holding waste segregated from the receptacle base interior, and a dumping position adapted for biasing waste by gravity into the receptacle base interior.

Abstract: A toy mailbox for children includes a storage unit and a media processing mechanism. The storage unit includes a door member for closeably opening the storage unit and an ejection slot configured on a portion of the storage unit. The media processing mechanism is coupled to the storage unit, such that the media processing mechanism is capable of dispensing a media sheet having data content printed thereon, into the storage unit through the ejection slot. Opening the storage unit enables children to access the media sheet from within the storage unit. The media processing mechanism is also capable of printing the data content on the media sheet prior to dispensing the media sheet into the storage unit.

Abstract: A storage device for storing rolled documents includes a tube pivotally mounted to a housing and advanceable between retracted and extended positions relative to a roof of the housing. The roof covers an open end of the tube in the retracted position. In the extended position, the open end of the tube is advanced away from the roof to permit rolled construction drawings to be inserted into and removed from the tube. A floor extends across at least a portion of the tube to prevent the rolled documents from falling out of the tube. Clamps mounted on the housing enable mounting of the storage device on a post, such as a T-post. The storage device may include a display panel having a pocket formed by a sheet of transparent flexible plastic into which a building permit may be positioned and displayed.

Abstract: A security mailbox system known as “Safe “T” Box” that comprises of: A fully enclosed square mailbox that can be designed from PVC or some sort of fabricated material, the Safe “T” box is easy to install, environmentally friendly and will provide long service life. The mailbox consists of chambers for Incoming, Outgoing, being delivered though the U.S. postal service, it also has a chamber for newspapers/advertisements not delivered via U.S. Postal Service. The incoming mail chamber is designed for mail to go down a mail chute into a basket for pick-up through back of the locked mailbox. Outgoing mail can be placed from the back for pick-up from the front by postal worker. The mailbox is attached to the ground though internal poles extending from the bottom of the mailbox into the ground and cemented. Modifications have been made to allow use by rural and city dwellers alike, so that all mail can be secured.

Abstract: A record of a document is transmitted to a receiver so as to provide proof of transmission of the document by delivery of the to be transmitted document to a secure delivery box which provides a copy of all documents being transmitted to the sender and/or the recipient and/or the service provider of the delivery box by a hard copy or electronic copy of the documents inserted into the delivery box with the sender's address being visible through a transparent window of the to be delivered document or entered by an external keyboard of the delivery box so that copies and confirmation of delivery of transmitted documents is achieved.

Abstract: A closeable mail receptacle for use inside of a drop box, includes a rectangular tub having an open top, and a top cover adapted to engage the open top and close the tub either prior to or during removal of the tub from the drop box. The top cover may include a peripheral frame adapted to engage the open top. The rectangular tub may be a standard mail flat tub and further include a non-permeable liner located within the common mail flat tub. The rectangular tub may include a peripheral flange extending horizontally outwardly from around the open top.

Abstract: A mail box configured to contain and reduce exposure to hazardous particulates, which includes a container having a deposit port at an upper end and a collection chamber at a lower end. There is at least one door at the upper end for mail to be placed into the deposit port. A normally open sealable bag is located in the collection chamber for receiving mail and for being sealed when the mail is to be removed from the container There is a bag holder constructed and arranged to hold a bag in place and normally open so that in a first position, mail placed into the deposit port falls downwardly through the bag holder and into a bag in the collection chamber and which bag may be preliminarily sealed while in this position, and in a second position, the bag may be more securely sealed and removed from the bag holder.

Abstract: A publicly accessible drop box for isolating items deposited therein, includes a securable enclosure, a depository port, a closeable container having an opening and located within the securable enclosure, and a closure device for closing the opening prior to removal of the container. The depository port may include a housing forming a reception chamber having an entrance, wherein the housing is rotatably mounted within the drop box. The drop box may include a view port to allow viewing of the opening of the closeable container. The drop box may include a manipulation device extending into the securable enclosure to enable manipulation of the closure device or to enable movement of any items in proximity to the opening of the container.

Abstract: A closeable mail receptacle for use inside of a drop box, includes a rectangular tub having an open top, and a top cover adapted to engage the open top and close the tub either prior to or during removal of the tub from the drop box. The top cover may include a peripheral frame adapted to engage the open top. The rectangular tub may be a standard mail flat tub and further include a non-permeable liner located within the common mail flat tub. The rectangular tub may include a peripheral flange extending horizontally outwardly from around the open top.

Abstract: A mail drop box for isolating mail deposited therein having a closable, removable container inside the box for receiving mail and has an opening in the top. A plurality of mail transmitting chutes each having a deposit port at its upper end and an exit port at its lower end to receive mail through the deposit port and direct such mail into the container. The opening in the removable container is closed when desired to isolate mail from the ambient atmosphere and permit removal of the container without exposing the ambient atmosphere to hazardous particles which may be on or in such mail. A removal door permits removal of the container. A transparent door is adjacent to, but inside of, the removal door for allowing viewing of the opening of the container when the removal door is open.

Abstract: A bag comprises an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The upper chamber comprises an inlet end defining an inlet opening. The lower chamber defines a lower chamber interior volume less than the upper chamber interior volume. A strainer is between the bottom end of the upper chamber and the top end of the lower chamber. The strainer places the upper chamber interior volume in fluid communication with the lower chamber interior volume. The bag wall may define an outlet port. A filter patch may be attached to the bag wall to cover the outlet port. The filter patch may be adapted to entrap airborne particles having a diameter of one micron or greater carried by air passing from the bag interior volume through the filter patch. The bag may be useful in enhancing the detectability of and in reducing the exposure to contaminants that may be present in mail deposited in the bags.

Abstract: Systems and methods for neutralizing pathogen-contaminated mail pieces via variable frequency microwave processing are provided. Mail pieces are initially screened to identify suspicious characteristics or indications of potentially harmful contents. Mail pieces are swept with variable frequency microwaves selected to neutralize pathogens contained within each mail piece without harming the mail piece or other contents thereof. The temperature of each mail piece may be monitored during microwave processing to identify mail pieces containing potentially harmful substances and/or devices. Mail pieces can be irradiated via additional forms of radiation to neutralize pathogenic material on outside surfaces thereof.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with the foregoing, the invention is related to a removable coin storage apparatus being used in a coin processing device, which comprises a bin, a cover, a gate, and a sloped floor. The bin comprises a first opening and a second opening, wherein a cover is used for the first opening. To allow the placement of coins inside the bin, the cover is movable between a closed position wherein the cover substantially covers the first opening, and an open position wherein the cover at least partially uncovers the first opening. The gate is proximate the second opening, and is movable between an up position and a down position, the up position at least partially uncovering the second opening to allow the coins to be discharged from the bin, the down position substantially covering the second opening.

Abstract: A mailbox is developed which comprises a separated top and bottom port. A pivotally hinged gate/tray serves for depositing the incoming mail. The gate/tray has a pocket for outgoing mail and secures the top port from theft. Under the gate/tray a fixture with short wave ultraviolet (UV) light irradiates the box inside simultaneously generating ozone for a predetermined time. This time starts after the outgoing mail is put in the pocket or the incoming mail is dropped inside. A specially designed basket provides space around the mail where sanitizing gas freely diffuses. The light source can irradiate and activate gas-releasing objects generating other disinfecting gases such as chlorine, chlorine dioxide and ethylene oxide. The bottom port is closed by a locked door and allows retrieving the mail, and setting and maintaining the UV fixture. Two signals on an outside flag indicate the beginning and the end of the sanitizing process.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus having a slidably disposed tray enabling the insertion of a contaminated object into and the removal of the same object after decontamination from the apparatus. In preferred embodiments, a handle is attached to the slidable tray allowing the user to manually extend and retract the receptacle from the apparatus. In alternate embodiments, the receptacle is mechanically extended and retracted via a motor. A switch is fixed to the apparatus thereby contacting the receptacle so as to activate and deactivating lamps based on the position of the tray. Germicidal and thermal lamp are provided to neutralize chemical agents and biological organisms adhered to an object. In alternate embodiments, lamp energy is redirected onto an object via one or more contoured reflectors.

Abstract: A mailbox for residential or business use that sanitizes mail deposited within it. The mailbox is equipped with one or more sanitizing devices such as a UV light, an ultra-sound unit, a heating element, and/or a misting device that dispenses a bactericidal mist.

Abstract: A publicly accessible drop box for isolating items deposited therein, includes a securable enclosure, a depository port, a closeable container having an opening and located within the securable enclosure, and a closure device for closing the opening prior to removal of the container. The depository port may include a housing forming a reception chamber having an entrance, wherein the housing is rotatably mounted within the drop box. The drop box may include a view port to allow viewing of the opening of the closeable container. The drop box may include a manipulation device extending into the securable enclosure to enable manipulation of the closure device or to enable movement of any items in proximity to the opening of the container.

Abstract: A method and system for sterilizing mail is provided. A mailbox is loaded with mail and closed. A decontamination process is performed over a predetermined period of time. An indicator communicates the status of the decontamination process.

Abstract: A mailbox for decontaminating a mail parcel and the contents of the parcel. The mailbox comprises ultra-violet lamps operative to produce UV-C radiation and collateral ozone. The radiation destroys pathogens on the surface of the parcel and air circulating within the mailbox, as for instance driven by a fan in the mailbox, allows the ozone to penetrate the parcel envelope to contact the contents and destroy pathogens on the contents.

Abstract: A security mailbox including an upper compartment for conventional and a lower compartment for secured deposit of mail. An interior partition includes a rear portion movable about a hinged connection to a fixed, front portion between a horizontal position, wherein the partition substantially entirely separates the upper and lower compartments, and a lowered position, wherein the movable portion extends into the lower compartment and permits mail deposited in conventionl fashion in the upper compartment to fall into the lower compartment from which it may be removed only by authorized persons through a normally locked door. the apparatus is characterized by the absence of any structure inside the housing which could interfere with normal deposit of mail, and by a lockable support permitting movement of the portion of the partition from its lowered to its horizontal position only by authorized persons.

Abstract: A cash box for paper currency has an opening therein through which a bill can be introduced into that cash box to form part of a stack of paper currency within that cash box. A closure is movable away from that opening to an open position to permit a bill to be introduced through that opening and stacked; and that closure is movable to a closed position adjacent that opening to prevent the removal of paper currency from that stack of paper currency. A latch for the closure permits the closure to be moved between the open and the closed positions; and the latch will, whenever that closure has been moved to open position and then to closed position, thereafter automatically prevent unauthorized movement of that closure out of closed position.

Abstract: A locking letter tray for receiving letters, documents or the like, and for preventing unauthorized access thereto, is characterized by a unitary structure forming an essentially closed compartment having an elongated narrow slot through a side wall thereof and a lockable door, and an open compartment juxtaposed and sharing a common wall therewith. The slot is sufficiently long and wide for the passage of documents therethrough and into the closed compartment, but is narrow enough to prevent hands from entering, and may be equipped with baffles to inhibit removal of documents by dumping, shaking, probing etc. The lockable door precludes unauthorized access to the closed compartment to provide security for documents therein, and the open compartment may advantageously be used for incoming or outgoing nonconfidential mail.