Patent ID: 6462659
Filing Date: 2002-10-08
Classification: A47G

Abstract:
A portable remote mail detection apparatus, which comprises:a) a custom identifying means for identifying a selected mailbox from a plurality of mailboxes located at a common site, each selected mailbox with a front portion, an aperture in the front portion for receiving mail, a back portion, a bottom portion, opposing side portions and a top portion; b) a at least one sensing means, for sensing the presence of mail within said selected mailbox, each said sensing means comprising at least one light emitting diode and at least one photo diode located in side by side relation, with an opaque barrier extending upwardly therebetween, said at least one sensing means positioned upon the lower portion of the mailbox housing, said at least one sensing means selectively actuated by a remote portable interrogator, and a change in the light signal between the light emitting diode and the side by side photo diode indicates the presence of mail within the selected mailbox; c) a remote portable hand-held interrogator device for transmitting a selectively actuated query signal and said identification means to said sensing means located in the selected mailbox, and for receiving a transmitted response signal from said sensing means located in the selected mailbox upon confirmation of said identification means, responsive to the presence of mail within the selected mailbox; and d) a signal means on the remote portable hand held interrogator device for signaling the presence and absence of mail in said selected mailbox.