(19)

(11)

EP 1 325 447 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 09.07.2003 Bulletin 2003/28 (21) Application number: 01970641.5 (22) Date of filing: 06.09.2001

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G06F 17/60 (86) International application number: PCT/US0127/535 (87) International publication number: WO 0202/1388 (14.03.2002 Gazette 2002/11)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 07.09.2000 US 230871 P (71) Applicant: United States Postal Service Washington DC 20260-1135 (US)	(72) Inventor: WILLOUGHBY, Stuart Oakton, VA 22124 (US) (74) Representative: Schlee, Alexander, Dipl.-Ing.  Viering, Jentschura & Partner,PatentanwälteSteinsdorfstrasse 6 80538 München 80538 München (DE)