Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for stacking mailpieces received from a mail-processing machine in consecutive order. There is a receiving conveying section positioned at a greater height than the following stacking conveying section. A stacking ramp extends from the downstream portion of the stacking conveying section. The receiving conveying section has a single continuous belt extending along the receiving conveying section in a first direction and positioned centrally along a second direction of the conveying section. The continuous belts of the stacking conveying section are positioned substantially at equal intervals extending along the first direction of the stacking conveying section and have top surfaces which extend above the stacking conveying section and which contact the mailpieces received from the mail processing machine.

Abstract: This invention provides a core and shaft assembly that enables a user to place a core of web material onto the shaft in a position for feeding the web material. This invention provides a web material core with axially positioned areas that mate with a shaft that has upwardly protruding pins thereby preventing the shaft from rotating when a core with web material wound around it that will not work in the machine is placed on the shaft. The core onto which a web of material can be wound or supported has at least one axially extending slot. The slot extends from the end of the core and ends in the central portion of the core. The shaft subassembly comprises an inner shaft having notches and an outer shaft having spring-loaded pins. The spring-loaded pins mate with the notches on the inner shaft when a core, not designed for use by the given machine, is mounted onto the shaft. The shaft assembly will cease rotating thereby causing the core with the web material wound around it to stop rotating also.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically transferring information in a data processing system, including setting a counter within a data processing device to a predetermined time period and counting the predetermined time period based upon a real time clock maintained within the data processing device. When the counter reaches the predetermined time period, the data processing device automatically initiates a data center connection and requests an information transfer. The data center transfers information to/from the data processing device. The data processing device activates the transferred information, which can then be used by the data processing device. Typical data processing systems include weighing systems, in which frequently changing postal rates and carrier rates are used to determine mail piece and parcel delivery cost, facsimile or other information accumulation systems.

Abstract: According to the present invention, the unauthorized refill of a retaining cartridge is prevented by providing a smart button cell affixed to a retaining cartridge. The smart button cell is loaded with information specific to both the vendor and the retaining cartridge and the information is cryptographically signed. The smart button cell is operatively inserted into a host machine, having a memory and a processor, in a manner enabling communication of information between the smart button cell and the memory of the host machine. The host machine then reads and verifies the cryptographic signature of the information to determine if the retaining cartridge is authorized. If the host machine determines the cartridge is authorized, then the machine operates under normal conditions. If however, the host machine determines the cartridge is not authorized then operation is terminated. After each time the cartridge is refilled the number of refills is recorded and used in determining a new cryptographic signature.

Abstract: A portable cartridge loading apparatus for holding, locating, and individually dispensing electrical junction boxes. The apparatus includes a positioning apparatus for locating the loader on a predetermined building element or stud. The apparatus has devices to locate each junction box in a predetermined depth and height location on each wall, at least two different height locations. The different height installation of each junction box is achieved without setting any other location device, other than repositioning the loading device in a second attitude on the building element or stud.