Ellen L Mercier

US Patent:

54402948, Aug 8, 1995

Filed:

May 20, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/063643

Inventors:

Ellen L. Mercier - Oconomowoc WI
Carl E. Mercier - Oconomowoc WI

International Classification:

G08B 2100

US Classification:

340569

Abstract:

A system for remotely sensing the delivery of mail to a mailbox uses a transmitter mounted on the mailbox. The transmitter generates a prescribed signal when the door of the mailbox is opened. The system also uses a receiver adapted for placement at a location remote from the transmitter. The receiver has two receiving circuits. The first receiver circuit generates a mail arrival output in response to receipt of the prescribed signal from the transmitter. The first receiver circuit maintains the generation of the mail arrival output regardless of continued receipt of the prescribed signal, until receipt of a prescribed termination command entered by the user. This way, the user knows when the mailbox door has been opened. The second receiver circuit generates a receiver locator output separate from the mail arrival output in response to receipt of the prescribed signal from the transmitter. Unlike the first receiver circuit, the second receiver circuit automatically terminates the receiver locator output in the absence of receipt of the prescribed signal after a predetermined time period.