Linda Shiowhua Lin

US Patent:

6649849, Nov 18, 2003

Filed:

Jun 4, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/873538

Inventors:

Edward R. Bass - Trumbull CT
Konstantin G. Kodonas - Norwalk CT
Kimberly S. Chotkowski - North Haven CT
Linda S. Lin - Shelton CT
Jacques E. Hasbani - Easton CT

Assignee:

Pitney Bowes Inc. - Stamford CT

International Classification:

G01G 19413

US Classification:

177 2515, 177148, 705407, 705416

Abstract:

A handheld mailing system that is easily portable while still maintaining the functionality and security necessary for a complete mailing system is disclosed. A handheld device, such as, for example, a Personal Data Assistant (PDA), is provided with a rating engine and metering device functionality. The weight of an item to be mailed can be input manually, or provided via a communication link from a scale. The rating engine in the PDA will determine the necessary amount of postage, and the metering functionality will provide the authorization and funds for the necessary postage. A printer coupled to the PDA provides a printed label. A security device, such as, for example, a dongle, is provided to ensure security for the mail processing functionality.

US Patent:

7844554, Nov 30, 2010

Filed:

Apr 13, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/823032

Inventors:

Linda S. Lin - Easton CT, US
Lynn W. D'Amico - Higganum CT, US
Wesley A. Kirschner - Hamden CT, US

Assignee:

Pitney Bowes Inc. - Stamford CT

International Classification:

G06F 9/00

US Classification:

705410

Abstract:

A system and method to remotely enable and disable features in a mailing system is provided. When a customer desires to change the operating features of a mailing system, the customer places an order with a data center. The data center generates a file that identifies each of the features that should be enabled within the mailing system, and the file is sent to the mailing system, along with any files required to implement and support the enabled features, via a network. The mailing system will store the required files, and purge any files no longer required to implement and support features that are no longer enabled. The enabling and disabling of operating features is thus performed remotely from the data center, and does not require a customer service representative to physically visit the location at which the mailing system is installed.

US Patent:

20050080749, Apr 14, 2005

Filed:

Oct 8, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/681724

Inventors:

Robert Kummer - Southbury CT, US
Jacques Hasbani - Easton CT, US
Linda Lin - Easton CT, US

Assignee:

Pitney Bowes Incorporated - Stamford CT

International Classification:

G06F017/60

US Classification:

705400000

Abstract:

The present invention relates to a method for processing a plurality of mail pieces that is able to make appropriate class of service determinations during processing based on a first class of service received from a user and a measured weight and dimension(s) of each mail piece. If the first class of service is determined to not be appropriate, a second, appropriate, class of service is determined for the each mail piece using the measured weight and dimension(s). A postage amount is determined for each mail piece using the measured weight and dimension(s) and the appropriate class of service. The method may further include determining whether each of a number of requested special services is applicable to each mail piece so that special service fees may be applied in a discriminate manner. More accurate transaction information may thus be stored for each mail piece.

US Patent:

20050160054, Jul 21, 2005

Filed:

May 3, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/837979

Inventors:

David Lyder - Winchester CT, US
Robert Kummer - Southbury CT, US
Linda Lin - Easton CT, US
Jacques Hasbani - Easton CT, US

Assignee:

Pitney Bowes Incorporated - Stamford CT

International Classification:

G06F017/60

US Classification:

705407000, 705401000, 705402000

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for providing rating information with respect to mailing services or other shipping services. Information regarding the weight or another characteristic of a mailpiece is provided by, e.g., weighing the mailpiece. A mailing charge for the mailpiece is displayed for a particular class of mailing or shipping service even though the user has not yet selected the class of service. A plurality of mailing charges, each for a respective class of service, is simultaneously displayed.

US Patent:

20090070277, Mar 12, 2009

Filed:

Nov 11, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/268503

Inventors:

Jacques E. Hasbani - Easton CT, US
Linda S. Lin - Easton CT, US

Assignee:

Pitney Bowes Inc. - Stamford CT

International Classification:

G01G 19/40
G06F 17/00
G07B 17/02

US Classification:

705402, 705410, 705404, 705414

Abstract:

The present invention relates to a method for processing a plurality of mail pieces that is able to make appropriate class of service determinations during processing based on a first class of service received from a user and a measured weight and dimension(s) of each mail piece. If the first class of service is determined to not be appropriate, a second, appropriate, class of service is determined for the each mail piece using the measured weight and dimension(s). A postage amount is determined for each mail piece using the measured weight and dimension(s) and the appropriate class of service. The method may further include determining whether each of a number of requested special services is applicable to each mail piece so that special service fees may be applied in a discriminate manner. More accurate transaction information may thus be stored for each mail piece.

US Patent:

20090171861, Jul 2, 2009

Filed:

Dec 28, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/966335

Inventors:

Richard Horree - Brookfield CT, US
Wojciech M. Chrosny - Orange CT, US
Linda S. Lin - Easton CT, US
George M. Macdonald - New Canaan CT, US

Assignee:

Pitney Bowes Inc. - Stamford CT

International Classification:

G06F 17/00

US Classification:

705410

Abstract:

A mailing machine that provides for permanent postage is described. Postage may be purchased at one point of time at a then prevailing rate and used in the future at the same effective purchasing power even if a new more expensive rate schedule is in effect. The mailing machine provides for the accounting of such rate purchased postage using a Postal Security Device and may include multiple rate-table based accounts each associated with a particular postage rate table.

US Patent:

61699772, Jan 2, 2001

Filed:

Mar 14, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/039296

Inventors:

Jacques E. Hasbani - Shelton CT
Linda S. Lin - Huntington CT

Assignee:

Pitney Bowes Inc. - Stamford CT

International Classification:

G06F 1700

US Classification:

705402

Abstract:

The invention is a method and system of assigning and updating rates within an electronic scale, wherein the rates are based upon class service and discount level. A set of classes of service available for a particular carrier is established. Each one of the classes comprises one or more discount levels. The classes are embedded into the memory of an electronic scale and a set of data comprising the classes is made available to the system. Updating of the data in the embedded set of classes, is accomplished by defining the update data and the one or more discount levels which are available in each class. A system user limits the classes for which they want access and the carrier and/or service choices are encoded; the encoding determining a unique number that is indicative of the parameters selected by a system user for a particular system. The unique number comprises: a carrier token; a class token; and a set of discount level bytes representative of the available discount within the class. The unique number is entered through a setup program embedded in the scale and triggers access to services represented by the class.