Registers – Systems controlled by data bearing records
Patent
1996-11-21
1999-04-27
Le, Thien Minh
Registers
Systems controlled by data bearing records
235493, G06F 1700, G06K 1906
Patent
active
058981535
ABSTRACT:
A method for automatically processing sweepstakes entries and mail orders is disclosed. The method reads a machine code identifying the sender and simultaneously detects orders from non-orders using a magnetic field detector, without opening the envelopes. The machine code is printed on the outside face of the envelope, or alternatively, on the reply insert itself, in which case it is visible through a die-cut window formed in the return envelope. When read, the machine code identifies the contestant and enters him or her into the sweepstakes. The returned envelopes are also fed through a sorter which magnetically detects whether each return envelope contains a magnetic order stamp. If the sorter detects a magnetic stamp, the envelope is routed to an order batch where the envelope is opened for order processing, otherwise the envelope is routed to a non-order batch. During the outgoing mail processing, a machine code indicative of the recipient may be preprinted on each carrier envelope or reply insert. This code may be read and used to print a machine code corresponding thereto on the return envelope. The return envelope and the reply insert, along with order stamps each having a magnetic ink layer, are inserted into the carrier envelope and mailed out to the recipient.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3933094 (1976-01-01), Murphy et al.
patent: 4571925 (1986-02-01), Adams
patent: 4796196 (1989-01-01), Durst, Jr. et al.
patent: 4800505 (1989-01-01), Axelrod et al.
patent: 4908768 (1990-03-01), Gelfer et al.
patent: 5267754 (1993-12-01), Kaule
patent: 5288994 (1994-02-01), Berson
patent: 5659163 (1997-08-01), Lagan et al.
Lagan Thomas A.
Sims Charlie H.
Le Thien Minh
Publisher's Clearing House
LandOfFree
Method for processing mail in a sweepstakes contest does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method for processing mail in a sweepstakes contest, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method for processing mail in a sweepstakes contest will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-686529