Abstract: What is disclosed is a secure mailbox having at least a main compartment with a plurality of sides forming the enclosed main compartment, a front mailbox door hingedly coupled to the remainder of the main compartment, a locking and unlocking mechanism being adapted to lock the front mailbox door to the main compartment and an unlocking activation mechanism coupled to the locking and unlocking mechanism comprised of either a card key system, a FOB system or an RFID system.

Abstract: A mail sensor system that includes a sensor located in a mailbox that is sensitive to weight and which generates a signal when mail is placed in the mailbox. The system further includes a receiver located in a car that generates a signal upon receipt of a signal from the sensor in the mailbox. A companion sensor can be located in a house associated with the mailbox.

Abstract: The security mailbox assembly functions to prevent identity and mail theft. The security mailbox assembly comprises a lockable mailbox having an internal alarm system functioning in cooperation with a receiver, a remote control transmitter, and an outgoing mail holder including an additional receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for receiving ordered products and/or making products available for pickup. The apparatus has a lockable container for the products with at least an input device and a controller with a memory element. The method employs this reception/provision apparatus. A control unit including at least input device, controller and memory element is positioned with container in front of the user's residence or place of business for an expected delivery/pickup. After a completed ordering process, the obtained order information is input by the user into memory element of reception/provision apparatus to put reception/provision apparatus in a state of readiness. The transportable reception/provision apparatus is positioned in front of the user's residence or place of business for the expected delivery or pickup of product.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, the system 10 includes a sensor 12, a transmitter 14 coupled to the sensor 12 and adapted to transmit a signal, a receiver 16 adapted to receive the signal, and a remote indicator 18 coupled to the receiver 16. In a second embodiment, the receivers 16? are actually transceivers that can retransmit the signals to a receiver 16? of another remote indicator 18 and that cooperatively form a mesh network. This arrangement may be quite useful in certain environments, such as a tall apartment building and a long private street, where multiple users are relatively spread out.

Abstract: A deliver and pickup determination system (DDS)(10) for determining whether an object (18) has been delivered at or picked up from a collection-unit (14) such as a mailbox, postbox drop-box, cubby-hole, etc. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag (24) is placed in fixed conjunction with each collection-unit of interest, wherein there typically can be tens or hundreds comprising one or more collection-stations (12). A detection and recording device (DRD)(26) worn about the hand of the clerk then senses and collects information about each RFID tag when brought into proximity with it as the object is handled at the collection-unit.

Abstract: An item delivery and retrieval system including a storage subsystem and a computer subsystem. The storage subsystem includes a secure enclosure having an item storage carousel including internal controller apparatus. The computer subsystem is embodied in internet web page based customized application software for implementing an application interface of selectively configurable ActiveX controls for providing user access, such as an employee of a delivery service company and/or a customer of the delivery service company and customer access to one or more storage bins located behind a set of normally closed doors, for providing access control to the bins, and for managing the location of the items in the storage subsystem. The doors are opened when proper identification is provided by the customer so as to permit retrieval of items located in specifically designated bin(s) or to return items thereto.

Abstract: An improved electronic mailbox increases the difficulty of stealing mail from the mailbox. The mailbox includes an electronically programmed access door, a mail slot shaped to prevent access to the mail box, and an auxiliary backup power system.

Abstract: A mail collection point-of-use for and method of preventing detected hazardous materials within a mail collection point-of-use from contaminating components of subsequent mail delivery system processes. The mail collection point-of-use comprises a mail drop unit having an opening for receiving customer-deposited mail, a mail receptacle for accumulating received mail, an enclosure coupled to the mail drop unit and containing the mail receptacle and having a door that seals an opening large enough to permit removal of the mail receptacle, a detector inside the enclosure, which generates a detection signal upon detection of airborne hazardous material, and an indicator outside the enclosure for indicating the detection of hazardous material. By indicating the detection of hazardous materials within the mail collection point-of-use before removing the mail receptacle and its contaminated mail, the further spread of the hazardous materials in a mail delivery system may be prevented.

Abstract: A system that enables recipients of letters, flats and/or packages (hereinafter “mail”) that are addressed to a recipient to determine the identity of the person or group that placed a indicia and other information on mail, i.e., the person or group who was issued unique stamps and/or labels by the post. This invention accomplishes the foregoing by storing unique information that is affixed to mail and the identify of the mailer; having a scanner at a receptacle read the unique information before mail is permitted to enter the interior of the receptacle, and communicating to the recipient information regarding the delivered mail.

Abstract: A method and system that enable the recipient of letters, flats and/or packages (hereinafter “mail”) that are addressed to the recipient to determine the identity of the person or group that placed an indicia and other information on mail, i.e., the person or group who applied for a license to use the meter before the recipient opened the mail. The invention accomplishes the foregoing by: scanning mail in recipient's home or office that is addressed to the recipient which may contain material that may or may not be life-harming; capturing an image of the face of the mail, which includes the name and physical address of the recipient and the postal indicia; and processing the image on the face of the mail to identify the mailer and the mail to assess the possibility of the presence of life-harming material in the mail.

Abstract: A system that determines if mail contains life-harming materials before the mail enters the interior of a receptacle, i.e., mail box. This invention accomplishes the foregoing by scanning mail in a control chamber of a receptacle that is addressed to a recipient which contains material that may or may not be life-harming; capturing an image of the face of the mail, which includes the name and physical address of the recipient and the postal indicia; processing the image on the face of the mail to identify the mailer and the mail to access the possibility of the presence of life-harming material in the mail. If certain information in the image on the face of the mail is known, the mail will be allowed to enter an inner chamber of the receptacle.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating delivery and return service between a delivery party and a receiving party. These parties may or may not have pre-registered to use the locker system. The system has locker modules (35) and a system controller (10). The system controller (10) interfaces with the locker modules (35) via a network (30). Each of the locker modules (35) has locker units for depositing and retrieving the goods and a locker controller coupled to control the locker units. Together, the system controller (10) and the locker controller enable steps of the method by processing a user input that is received via a user input interface coupled to the system controller (10) and the locker controller. The user input is associated with the receiving party and provided by the delivery party. Thereafter, the system controller (10) generates a notification message having an identification code for transmitting to the receiving party.

Abstract: A door/window/mailbox alarm system comprising a switch, a transmitter unit, a receiver unit and a warning means. A user is reminded to check and close an opened door/window/mailbox by the warning means on the receiver unit which is located away from the door/window/mailbox and in a close proximity to the user's active area such that the user could see or hear a warning signal from the warning means easily. The transmitter unit comprises a timer device that enables the transmitter unit to send out a preset signal every “x” amount of seconds to the receiver saying the door/window/mailbox is still open and serves as a reminder.

Abstract: A system attachable to a mailbox for notifying a user when mail has arrived includes a housing securable to a support stand. The preferred embodiment includes opposed doors connected to each end of the housing and an identifying mechanism for determining when the mail has arrived. Such a mechanism includes a detector with a sensor and a light assembly. The detector sends a signal to the light assembly for activating a LED. The present invention further includes a remote mechanism for transmitting a signal when the identifying mechanism is activated. Such a remote mechanism includes a mobile transceiver and a stationary transceiver coupled to the detector and the light assembly. Power supply sources are coupled to the identifying and remote mechanisms. In an alternate embodiment, one of the doors can be become stationary for receiving the identifying and remote mechanisms thereat.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and program for notifying an electronic address of the presence of physical mail in a designated mailbox is provided. The presence of at least one piece of mail in the mailbox is detected and an electronic notification is transmitted to the address indicating the presence of the at least one piece of mail.

Abstract: This invention—iBOX, an intelligent multifunction mailbox, combines several technologies, such as video camera, remote programmable keypad, PN junction thermoelectric unit, powerline communication, wire or wireless communication and Internet together to provide a more secure, multi functional mailbox. It resolves several short comes of the traditional signature-required delivery operations.

Abstract: The apparatus for providing notices to a user interface concerning status of at least one item in a container involves a loading opening and a collection opening, a first sensor connected to the loading opening for generating a first signal when an item is inserted in the container, a second sensor connected to the collection opening for generating a second signal when the item is removed from the container, an intelligent device connected to the first and second sensors for receiving the signals and generating intelligent device signals, a communication system in contact with the intelligent device for receiving the intelligent device signals, a software interface in contact with the communication system that processes the intelligent device signals, and a user interface in contact with the software interface that receives the intelligent device signals processed from the software interface.

Abstract: The method for identifying the presence of an item to a user interface entails using a container having a loading opening and a collection opening, passing the item through the loading opening activating a first sensor, sending a first signal from the first sensor to an intelligent device, creating a first intelligent device signal from the intelligent device, communicating the first intelligent device signal to a communication system, opening the collection opening to collect the item, thereby activating a second sensor, sending a second signal from the second sensor to the intelligent device, creating a second intelligent device signal from the intelligent device, communicating the second intelligent device signal to the communication system, and using a software interface to process the first intelligent device signal and the second intelligent device signal and present the intelligent device signals processed by the software interface to the user interface.

Abstract: The present system facilitates delivery and pickup of goods by providing a locker module at a location near a customer's residential site. For a vendor to deliver a good to the customer, the vendor leases a unit in the locker module from the system controller by accessing the system controller's website and providing details of the customer and a delivery agent. The vendor then notifies the delivery agent to make the delivery. The delivery agent provides the system controller the particulars of its delivery person. The designated delivery person accesses the leased locker unit using a registered smart card and delivers the good. The system controller notifies the customer of the delivered good. The customer accesses the locker unit containing the good by using a registered smart card.

Abstract: Under the present invention, a mailbox is equipped with a RFID reader. The RFID reader receives a continuously transmitted signal from an RFID tag that contains an RF identifier. Upon receipt, the RFID reader compares the RF identifier in the signal to an RF identifier assigned to the mailbox. If a match is established, the mailbox is unlocked and access is permitted.

Abstract: A remote control device including a housing, a processor located in the housing, and a motion detector in communication with the processor. The device also includes at least one input device in communication with the processor and a light source attached to a top side of the housing and in communication with the processor, wherein the motion detector communicates a signal to the processor upon detection of motion, and wherein the processor effects the light source to be lit upon receipt of the signal.

Abstract: A system and process for securing goods delivered to and retrieved from a secure storage unit is provided. The system utilizes a locker having an interior into which at least one good may be inserted and secured by a door via a locking mechanism. Access to the interior of the locker is controlled by a server which is in communication with the locker via an Internet or other network connection. The server controls the accessing and operation of the locker either directly or in combination with a controller. The controller is suitably situated in a kiosk that provides user interfaces by which customers, vendors, and/or carriers access and utilize the locker. The locker may be any suitable storage container including garages, mailboxes, heated/cooled compartments, and other storage units. The kiosk may also include other vending machines and dispensing devices, the operation of which are preferably controlled by the server.

Abstract: An instantaneous remote mail viewing system comprising an instantaneous analog video transmission device mounted inside a mailbox, an analog video receiver that receives and transmits a video image to a video monitor or television and a remote transmitter that activates the analog video transmission device only while the remote transmitter is activated. The analog video transmission device is normally in a low power, standby mode that has a minimal power drain. The unit is transmitting only when activated by the user and reverts to the normal low power, standby mode when the user releases the activation switch.

Abstract: A locker system which permits secure delivery, or collection, of goods at a location and that can be associated with a single household or disposed centrally with respect to a plurality of households. A set of lockers, which may be of different sizes, capable of being in different states, e.g. ambient, chilled, frozen, and which are lockable separately, is disposed at the location. In-residence IT systems including computer means, such as servers, permit householders to place on-line orders with retailers/service providers, such as over the Internet. Prior to order placement, an appropriate locker for the size and state of the goods is reserved, such as by the household server contacting a management server via an Intranet. An access code required for unlocking the reserved locker is supplied to the household server, and forwarded to the retailer/service provider over the Internet together with the order and reserved locker location information.

Abstract: A mailbox operated signal device has a motion detector that is attached to the inside of a conventional mailbox and activates a light and a speaker to alert residents that the mail has been delivered to their mailbox. A wireless transmitter is electrically connected to the motion detector. The wireless transmitter is capable of transmitting a motion detected signal. A wireless receiver is capable of receiving the transmitted motion detected signal. A light is electrically connected to the wireless receiver. The light is for indicating when the motion detected signal is received by the wireless receiver.

Abstract: An automated, flexible and programmable system to update delivery and inventory status for an aggregate of remote mailboxes, bins, shelves, sorter bins, and/or a plurality of bins to distant customers and vendors through email, pager, personal digital assistant (PDA), cellular phone mail, voice mail at call centers and/or web site mailboxes. It can function as a delivery notice to mailbox recipients or as inventory stock management to store owners and vendors at remote locations. Various sensors mounted on flexible circuit boards located on the mailboxes, bins, or shelves together with distributed microcontrollers report status through a common bus to a master controller and then to a computer system. The computer in turn dispatches reports and information to various owners and vendors via a remote network operation center accessed through a dedicated line, a wireless service or an Internet Service Provider.

Abstract: A radio-signal-based mail delivery alarm system comprising a transmitter unit provided in connection with a mailbox or mail-slot flap (2) and a receiver unit for being located at a distance from the transmitter unit and being able to receive a radio signal emitted by the transmitter unit. The transmitter unit comprises a movement sensor for detecting movement of the mailbox or mail-slot flap (2) and a transmitter with power supply and antenna (12) for emitting a radio signal in response to movement of the mailbox or mail-slot flap (2). As opposed to the prior art transmitter units for such mail delivery alarm systems, the present transmitter unit is built integrally with the mailbox or mail-slot flap (2).

Abstract: A system of locker compartments at various locations is controlled by a central system processor. A communication system from the central processor to all locations, and all lockers within a location, enables central control of rewritable locker access codes, reservation of appropriate lockers for delivery of orders, and monitoring of status of all lockers in the system. The assignment of lockers and codes can be web-based, and can be done by a vendor, a delivery company or an online customer.

Abstract: A mailbox contains a UV lamp to produce UV and ozone. The lamp is activated when the mailbox door is closed to destroy biological materials in the mail box.

Abstract: An individual rural-type mailbox and notification device. The device has a generally hollow cylindrical body with a flat bottom, a hinged front door on the front end of the generally hollow cylindrical body and a solid wall backing on the back end of the generally hollow cylindrical body. An intermittently blinking LED light on the hinged front door that is visible from the front of the generally hollow cylindrical body and an intermittently blinking LED light on the solid wall backing, that is visible from the back of the generally hollow cylindrical body, is also included. There is also a second embodiment of this invention, which is a lockbox-type mailbox and notification device with similar features.

Abstract: A mail notification system for use with structures and residences is disclosed. The mail notification system comprises an activator attachment that is attached to an inner surface of a mailbox. The activator attachment includes an activator that is kept in a retracted position by a flange attached to a mailbox door when the mailbox door is shut. Once the mailbox door is opened, the activator opens to an extended position, thereby activating a radio wave transmitter in the activator attachment. The radio wave transmitter emits radio waves that are picked up by a radio wave receiver that is incorporated into a face plate unit that is preferably located within a residence of an individual. The radio wave receiver then activates a speaker to emit sounds and an attached display to display words that indicate the mailbox door has been opened, suggesting mail has been deposited in the mailbox.

Abstract: The device is a small rectangular electronic device. The device consists of a photosensitive sensor to detect light, a speaker to play short audio clips, and an internal electronic board that stores one hundred different short audio clips of jokes and witty remarks pertaining to the postal service and mailmen/women. The device is to be placed inside a mailbox. Whenever the mailbox is opened and light strikes the photosensitive sensor, the mailbox will “talk” to the mailman/woman or mailbox owner by means of the device choosing among its one hundred audio clips to play.

Abstract: A customized mailbox is provided to customers for placement outside their home. Simple electronics, such as a display, keypad, bar-code reader, and transmitter/receiver may be contained within the mailbox. When parcel delivery is attempted, the deliveryperson may facilitate the notification of the user by, for example, scanning a bar code on the parcel with the bar code reader. Parcel information is then wirelessly forwarded to a service provider. The service provider may forward parcel information a mobile device or other notification mechanism as specified in user preferences. Upon receipt of the parcel delivery information, the user may, through the mobile device or other notification mechanism, approve delivery of the parcel. The service provider may then forward this approval to the electronic mailbox, where an electronic lock may be opened and the deliveryperson may place the parcel in the electronic mailbox.

Abstract: A method of locating an article or person employs at least one transponding station (TS1) having its own radio identity carded by a person or article in the radio coverage area of a radio system. The system employs a plurality of clusters of spatially separate radio units (M1 to M7) having transceivers and received signal strength determining modules, each of the radio units having an individual identity. Each cluster is associated with a network interrogating station (NIU(1), NIU(2)) employing transceivers for communicating with at least the radio units in its cluster. A central station (10) has a transceiver for communicating with a plurality of the interrogating stations and storage for storing a database encompassing the locations of the radio units (M1 to M7).

Abstract: A rural type mailbox having transparent windows formed through the front and rear thereof, a slidable transparent window, which allows the user to open the window to access the interior from the side of the mailbox to remove or enter mail when desired. The mailbox further includes a mail-in-box indicator LED to let the user know when mail has arrived, the LEDs illuminate inside the mailbox to enabling a user to see inside the mailbox at night using a remote control. The mailbox includes a solar panel for housing rechargeable batteries.

Abstract: A mailbox apparatus includes a flag support assembly being mounted to a mailbox assembly and a housing attached to the mailbox. Aflag support arm is movably disposed in the housing. A spring member biases the flag support arm. A flag member is pivotally attached to the housing such that it contacts the flag support arm. A mail delivery signaling assembly including a switch member being disposed in the housing and being in contactable relationship to the flag support arm, and also including a light-emitting member being connected to the switch member with wires, and further including a pressure sensitive sensor being disposed in the box and being connected to the light-emitting member, and also including a power source being connected to the switch member, to the light-emitting member, and to the pressure sensitive sensor.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, and computer program code for notifying at least one entity upon receipt of an item is provided. According to embodiments of the present invention, a determination is made whether an item has been placed in a repository. This determination may be made using any of a number of different types and combinations of sensors. An identification of at least one entity to be notified is then made, and the entity is notified if a determination is made that an item has been placed in the repository.

Abstract: A device and system for checking the presence or absence of mail in a neighborhood delivery mailbox which has a plurality of individual mailboxes. The interrogation and response signals are triggered by remote control from a nearby location, for example from a moving vehicle. A custom identifying means is used to identify a selected mailbox from a cluster of mailboxes. This device and system thereby saves the operator time and provides a secure means of detecting mail from a remote location. The unit may be made miniature, as well as modular. The circuits described can be an integrated circuits or can be made of multiple discrete elements. The hand-held remote interrogator includes an antenna connected to a transmitter, and a receiver which is also connected to an antenna. A microcontroller is also provided to save, store and transmit data responsive to a query from a portable, hand held remote interrogator.

Abstract: An electronic mail sensor for informing a user when something has been put into a mailbox includes a door coupled to a mailbox for selectively covering an open end of the mailbox. A transmitter assembly is coupled to the mailbox adjacent the open end and includes a sensor for detecting when the door is in an open position. The transmitter assembly further includes a transmitter operationally coupled to the sensor for transmitting a signal when the door is in an open position. A receiver assembly includes a receiver for receiving the signal, the receiver assembly includes a mail indicating light operationally coupled to the receiver such that the mail indicating light is illuminated upon the receiver receiving the signal.

Abstract: A mechanical lever, a microswitch, and visual monitor with blinking light, or transmitter monitor with a receiver in the house, mounted into an existing newspaper company's newspaper box.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, and computer program code for notifying at least one entity upon receipt of an item is provided. According to embodiments of the present invention, a determination is made whether an item has been placed in a repository. This determination may be made using any of a number of different types and combinations of sensors. An identification of at least one entity to be notified is then made, and the entity is notified if a determination is made that an item has been placed in the repository.

Abstract: A device for detecting and signalling or indicating status as regards contents in a container, and in particular a letterbox, comprising a detector for registering a change of state in the letterbox, which registration is transmitted to and activates a preferably remote display or the like in order to produce on the display a visual and/or audible message which signals that contents have been deposited in said letterbox. The detector is arranged in a preferably integrated mounting unit made in the form of an approximately U-shaped holder that accommodates a circuit board containing electronic components, a light transmitter, a light receiver, and wires and power supply, which unit is placed on the bottom of a container, preferably a letterbox, in such manner that the two upright legs of said holder rest against respective opposite walls of said letterbox. A detector and transmitter unit and a receiver-display unit are also described.

Abstract: A method for enabling a user of a mail receptacle to remotely receive information relating to the content, if any, of such mail receptacle includes the steps of generating status information for the mail receptacle, the status information including information indicating whether the mail receptacle contains one or more mail items, storing the status information in a computer system, and providing the status information to the user via the computer system, whereby the user can determine from a location spatially remote from the mail receptacle whether the mail receptacle contains the one or more mail items. Preferably, the generating step includes generating information indicating the number of mail items delivered to the mail receptacle, the class of one or more mail items, the sender of one or more mail items, and/or approximately when the one or more mail items will be delivered to the mail receptacle.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a system for access to an unattended storage device is described. The system includes a first transmitter for placing an order for an item with a merchant; a second transmitter for transmitting a request for a pick-up of the item; a tracking information generator for generating tracking information in response to a request for a pick-up of the item; a transceiver for receiving and transmitting the tracking information; a memory for storing the tracking information; a third transmitter for transmitting the tracking information to a storage device a comparator for comparing the tracking information transmitted to the storage device to the tracking information stored in the memory; and a digital signature generator for creating a digital signature. In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of providing remote access to a storage device is described.

Abstract: A device for detecting and signalling or indicating status as regards contents in a container, and in particular a letterbox, comprising a detector for registering a change of state in the letterbox, which registration is transmitted to and activates a preferably remote display or the like in order to produce on the display a visual and/or audible message which signals that contents have been deposited in said letterbox. The detector is arranged in a preferably integrated mounting unit made in the form of an approximately U-shaped holder that accommodates a circuit board containing electronic components, a light transmitter, a light receiver, and wires and power supply, which unit is placed on the bottom of a container, preferably a letterbox, in such manner that the two upright legs of said holder rest against respective opposite walls of said letterbox. A detector and transmitter unit and a receiver-display unit are also described.

Abstract: A method for assembling an unattended delivery device is provided. The method includes the steps of fastening a base to a first external surface, in which the base has a first base weight, and fastening a floor to the base. The method further includes the steps of fastening three walls to the floor, fastening a top to the walls, fastening an electronic assembly base to the top, and fastening an electronic assembly to the electronic assembly base. The method also includes the steps of fastening an electronic assembly cover to the walls and attaching a door to one end of one of the walls, in which the door, the walls, the top, and the floor form an enclosure. An apparatus for unattended delivery is provided. The apparatus includes a base fastened to a first external surface, in which the base has a first base weight, a floor fastened to the base, and three walls fastened to the floor.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system designed to allow the user to determine mail status of a mailbox without having to go to the mailbox. Using the internet, telephone, cell telephone, computer (with special software), computer with website, television website, or a special transmitter/receiver, a person can receive information about the status of the mailbox (if the mailbox contains any mail) regardless of the distance of the user from the said mailbox. The user is able to receive a picture/image of the mailbox's contents from remote locations where picture/image technology is supported and accepted. i.e. Computer, PDA, wireless web devices etc. This allows the user to evaluate the contents of the mailbox/container.

Abstract: Unattended package delivery cross-docking apparatus includes a plurality of storage devices, each having a door with a lock that is locked and unlocked in response to codes. A local lock controller is associated with each of the storage devices and includes an entry device for entering an access code that unlocks the lock when it is locked and a transaction code that locks the lock when it is unlocked. A central operations controller in communication with the local lock controllers is programmed to receive the access and transaction codes entered to each local lock controller, to create an access code for the lock of each storage device upon receiving a transaction code that locks the lock, and to output a notice of the access code to be used to unlock the lock of each storage device when it is locked.

Abstract: A networked architecture for indicating node usage or occupancy comprising a plurality of nodes each movable between an unoccupied condition and an occupied condition, a plurality of sensor devices each movable from an inactive condition to an active condition in response to movement of one of the nodes from the unoccupied condition to the occupied condition, and indicator apparatus defining a plurality of indicator elements each for emitting a stimulus in response to movement of one of the sensor devices from the inactive condition to the active condition.