Electronic mail alert system

Abstract

The Electronic Mail Alert System uses infrared emitting diodes and matching detectors to determining the presence or absence of mail. This information is applied to a microcontroller, which provide a coded signal to the transmitter. Each mailbox has its own code and its matching receiver will only accept that unique code. The electronic circuitry will not be seen in the mailbox and everything is automatically done. All the mailperson need to do is deliver the mail as usual.

1 . An electronic mailbox and receiver.  
   
   
       2 - 10 . (canceled)  
   
   
       11 . A curve side electronic mail alert system comprising: 
 (a) a two sectional mailbox with a door    (b) electronic circuitry and transmitter hidden inside said mailbox    (c) devices for detecting the presence or absence of mail    (d) devices for activating and deactivating the electronic circuitry    (e) an in the home receiving unit means for receiving and processing transmitted data    (f) electronic circuitry in said home receiving unit whereby the homeowner will be alerted when mail is placed into their mailbox.    
   
   
       12 . The mailbox of  claim 11  wherein said mailbox comprise a top and bottom section secured by a longitudinal interlocking groove and flange that run the length of said mailbox.  
   
   
       13 . The bottom section of  claim 12  wherein said bottom section have a longitudinal groove on two opposite sides means for securing said bottom section to the top section.  
   
   
       14 . The top section of  claim 12  wherein said top section have a longitudinal flange on two opposite sides means for securing said top section to the bottom section.  
   
   
       15 . The bottom section of  claim 12  wherein said bottom section have a false bottom means for concealing the electronic circuitry.  
   
   
       16 . The electronic circuitry in the mailbox of  claim 11  further including a microcontroller means for controlling the function of the different components of said electronic circuitry.  
   
   
       17 . The microcontroller of claiml 6  further include an embedded computer program means for to instructing the microcontroller in how to perform its functions.  
   
   
       18 . The electronic circuitry of  claim 16  further including infrared emitting diodes and their matching detectors means for detecting the presence or absence of mail in the mailbox.  
   
   
       19 . The electronic circuitry of  claim 16  further including devices means for conserving the battery life by limiting the time that said electronic circuitry receive power.  
   
   
       20 . The device for activating the electronic circuitry of  claim 11  wherein said device is a two prong actuator means for activating an electrical switch when the mailbox door is closed.  
   
   
       21 . The two prong actuator of  claim 20  further including a compressed spring means for setting said actuator when the mailbox door is open.  
   
   
       22 . The device for deactivating the electronic circuitry of  claim 11  wherein said device is a two prong actuator means for deactivating an electrical switch when said two prong actuator is reset for outgoing mail.  
   
   
       23 . The electronic circuitry in the home receiving unit of  claim 11  further including a microcontroller means for processing the received data.  
   
   
       24 . The microcontroller of  claim 23  wherein said microcontroller further include a computer program means for instructing said microcontroller in how to process the received data.  
   
   
       25 . The electronic circuitry of  claim 23  further including a device means for alerting the homeowner to when mail have been placed in their mailbox.