(19)
(11) EP 0 609 092 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
17.04.1996 Bulletin 1996/16

(43) Date of publication A2:
03.08.1994 Bulletin 1994/31

(21) Application number: 94300642.9

(22) Date of filing: 28.01.1994
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)5: G07F 17/26, G07B 17/00
(84) Designated Contracting States:
CH DE FR GB LI

(30) Priority: 29.01.1993 GB 9301759

(71) Applicant: NEOPOST LIMITED
Romford, Essex RM1 2AR (GB)

(72) Inventor:
  • Herbert, Raymond John
    Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 3PP (GB)

(74) Representative: Loughrey, Richard Vivian Patrick et al
HUGHES CLARK & CO 114-118 Southampton Row
London WC1B 5AA
London WC1B 5AA (GB)


(56) References cited: : 
   
       


    (54) Mail handling apparatus


    (57) Mail handling apparatus has a secure container (10) to receive mail items to be handled by a postal authority or other carrier. The apparatus includes means (17) to receive payment for a mail item. Prior to inserting the mail item, the user is required to pay the required postage charge and to enter on a keyboard (15) the destination town and destination post code of the mail item. A controller (18) checks the post code against the town to ensure that the information input by the user is correct. Provided the input information is verified and payment is received, the controller permits entry of the mail item into the container (10).






    Search report