An apparatus for physical correspondence recognition and processing in a postal system is described, comprising a housing comprising an opening for receiving physical correspondence, the physical correspondence including a readable element including textual information, and a secure enclosure for storing the physical correspondence, a visual processing and digitizing component, for processing the physical correspondence and the at least one readable element, dimension and weighing component for determining dimensions and weight of the physical correspondence, and a communication component coupled to the housing, for transmitting and receiving recognition and processing information related to the physical correspondence and readable element.

A method having the steps of obtaining temporal information communicated to a first device; carrying out one or more of the following tests: a test to determine whether the first device is in a state following an initial operation, a battery replacement or other power outage, or a reset, a test to determine whether a deviation between temporal information of the clock and the communicated temporal information is less than or equal to a threshold which is specified, and a test to determine whether the communicated temporal information has the same date as the temporal information of the clock; and synchronizing the clock using the communicated temporal information if all of one or more defined conditions are satisfied, wherein one of the one or more conditions requires that at least one of the one or more tests carried out has a positive result.

A method having the steps of obtaining temporal information communicated to a first device; carrying out one or more of the following tests: a test to determine whether the first device is in a state following an initial operation, a battery replacement or other power outage, or a reset, a test to determine whether a deviation between temporal information of the clock and the communicated temporal information is less than or equal to a threshold which is specified, and a test to determine whether the communicated temporal information has the same date as the temporal information of the clock; and synchronizing the clock using the communicated temporal information if all of one or more defined conditions are satisfied, wherein one of the one or more conditions requires that at least one of the one or more tests carried out has a positive result.

A parcel drop box for receiving a parcel in the presence or absence of a receiver of the parcel. The parcel drop box includes a cuboidal enclosure with an open-top. A lid pivotally covers the open-top and can be lifted for gaining access into the interior of the enclosure. A pair of flaps coupled inside the enclosure to the sidewalls and just below a periphery of the open-top. The flaps can pivot between a horizontal position and a downward vertical position. The lid is coupled to the pair of flaps, such as pivoting of the lid results in pivoting of the flaps. Opening of the lid results in pivoting of the flaps to a horizontal position which restricts the access to the interior of the enclosure from the open-top i.e., the pair of flaps substantially cover the open-top when in the horizontal position.

A parcel drop box for receiving a parcel in the presence or absence of a receiver of the parcel. The parcel drop box includes a cuboidal enclosure with an open-top. A lid pivotally covers the open-top and can be lifted for gaining access into the interior of the enclosure. A pair of flaps coupled inside the enclosure to the sidewalls and just below a periphery of the open-top. The flaps can pivot between a horizontal position and a downward vertical position. The lid is coupled to the pair of flaps, such as pivoting of the lid results in pivoting of the flaps. Opening of the lid results in pivoting of the flaps to a horizontal position which restricts the access to the interior of the enclosure from the open-top i.e., the pair of flaps substantially cover the open-top when in the horizontal position.

Methods, systems, and apparatus for an automated mailbox system. The automated mailbox system includes a personal device configured to manage a robot. The robot includes a base that forms a foundation for the robot and is coupled to a post. The robot includes a mailbox having a door. The mailbox is configured to receive documents when in the open position. The robot includes a transportation component that moves the robot in multiple directions among multiple locations. The transportation component is configured to move the robot in a first direction to a first location.

An apparatus for securely delivering and receiving a package having a first receptacle with at least one sidewall, a roof and a platform contiguous with the at least one sidewall, the platform having a top surface and a bottom surface, and at least one open space between the roof and the top surface of the platform operatively arranged to receive mail or a package; and, a second receptacle including a first wall having a first upper edge and a first lower edge, a second wall having a second upper edge and a second lower edge, a third wall having a third upper edge and a third lower edge, and a fourth wall having a fourth upper edge and a fourth lower edge where the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall are contiguous and arranged to create a closed space.

The present invention relates to a reversible force pneumatic mail delivery system. The system includes a mailbox, a pneumatic tube, one or more courier canisters, a receiving slot, a tablet for monitoring the system and receiving notifications and a scanner positioned near a front door of the house. The mailbox and the receiving slot are connected through the pneumatic tube and the canister stores mail or other items for travel through the pneumatic tube. A compressor propels the canister from the mailbox to the receiving slot enabling a resident or user to receive incoming items and propels the canister from the receiving slot to the mailbox for sending an outgoing mail. The scanner is used for scanning a package and providing notifications of the scan are provided on the tablet.

According to one example, an underground container system includes a container fixedly positioned underground and anchored to a concrete structure that is also fixedly positioned underground. The container includes a bottom, one or more sidewalls coupled to and extending upward from the bottom to form an internal chamber of the container, a lid coupled to at least one of the sidewalls, and an electronic lock configured to lock and unlock the lid. The internal chamber is configured to receive and hold one or more articles of mail and/or one or more packages. The lid is configured to move to an open position and to a closed position. The lid includes an exterior surface that is positioned at a height that is at least substantially flush with a ground surface when the lid is in the closed position. The concrete structure covers an exterior surface of the bottom of the container and further covers at least a portion of an exterior surface of each of the one or more sidewalls.

According to one example, an underground container system includes a container fixedly positioned underground and anchored to a concrete structure that is also fixedly positioned underground. The container includes a bottom, one or more sidewalls coupled to and extending upward from the bottom to form an internal chamber of the container, a lid coupled to at least one of the sidewalls, and an electronic lock configured to lock and unlock the lid. The internal chamber is configured to receive and hold one or more articles of mail and/or one or more packages. The lid is configured to move to an open position and to a closed position. The lid includes an exterior surface that is positioned at a height that is at least substantially flush with a ground surface when the lid is in the closed position. The concrete structure covers an exterior surface of the bottom of the container and further covers at least a portion of an exterior surface of each of the one or more sidewalls.