Abstract: A mailing system including a postage meter adaptable to either a high-speed mailing machine capable of parallel postal value selection or a low-speed mailing machine capable of serial value selection is disclosed. The postage meter includes a print drum with printing value members, a rod extends outwardly from the drum, the rod contains linear racks that are axially located above the horizontal center line of the rod, the linear racks interact with the value members to provide the proper value setting. Attached to the postage meter are a plurality of cross-over shafts with pinion gears, the pinion gears engage the racks to facilitate value selection. The postage meter also includes a rotary shutter device, the shutter device prevents unauthorized movement of the rack members and unintended rotation of the drum member. A cam bar arrangement within the postage meter interacts with the mailing machine to produce the above-mentioned actions.

Abstract: A monitoring circuit for an electronic postage meter operating under control of a programmed microprocessor, including a transistor switch for receiving an output signal from the programmed microprocessor and generating an output signal in response thereto; timer means electrically coupled to the transistor switch for generating an output pulse in the absence of a signal from the transistor switch within a predetermined time interval, logic gate means electrically coupled to the timer means for holding its output in a first logical state in the absence of a signal from the timer means and capable of changing its output to a second logical state in the presence of an output signal from the timer means, the logic gate means having its output electrically coupled to the programmed microprocessor to advise the same of a change in the logical state of its output.

Abstract: A postage meter which includes a thermal print head for printing indicia, postal value, and the like is disclosed. In accordance with the invention, thermal elements in the thermal print head are electronically pulsed in appropriate serially time patters to provide a complete thermally transferred image on a strip moving past the thermal head. A reversible stepper motor and cam arrangement are utilized to provide a drive mechanism and a means for relieving pressure on the strip at the end of each print cycle. With the pressure relieved, a particularly simplified loading of a thermal ribbon cassette may be effected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the accounting loss in the case of catastrophic failure of a microprocessor in an electronic postage meter is disclosed. In accordance with the invention a counter, preferably a ring counter, is implemented in a non-volatile memory (NVM). The ring counter is incremented each time a predetermined amount is transferred in an accounting register of the meter. In the ring counter, a specific location of NVM is erased and the next number in sequence is written into the same location upon the transfer. The ring counter field is easily interpreted by a visual inspection for determining the total amount transferred. The method and apparatus in accordance with the invention provides extremely fast transfer time, exhibits high redundancy with ease of interpretation, and overcomes the problem of read/write degradation limitations heretofore imposed by conventional MNOS non-volatile memories.

Abstract: An improved value print device having incorporated within the device improved mechanism for detachably coupling a housing with an inking roller to a reciprocal carriage and new structures on the housing for permitting the convenient removal of the housing and inking roller from the carriage.

Abstract: A postage meter which includes a thermal print head for printing indicia, postal value, and the like is disclosed. In accordance with the invention, thermal elements in the thermal print head are electronically pulsed in appropriate serially timed patterns to provide a complete thermally transferred image on a strip moving past the thermal head. The meter tape is cut prior to the strips moving past the thermal head.

Abstract: The invention features a high speed thermal printing mechanism having a dichotomized printing sequence. The thermal printing mechanism is particularly useful for printing postal values and indicia upon postage tape in a variable and fixed format, respectively. The variable information can be imprinted by a thermal head under the influence of a microprocessor. The fixed information can be imprinted by an etched thermal print screen.

Abstract: A postage meter which includes a thermal print head for printing indicia, postal value, and the like is disclosed. In accordance with the invention, thermal elements in the thermal print head are electronically pulsed in appropriate serially timed patters to provide a complete thermally transferred image on a strip moving past the thermal head. A reversible stepper motor and cam arrangement are utilized to provide a drive mechanism and a means for relieving pressure on the strip at the end of each print cycle.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for interfacing with envelope handling accessories for a universal multi-station document inserter for performing predetermined functions with envelopes having documents inserted therein by the multi-station document inserter, comprising the steps of providing an accessory interface microcomputer, arranging accessories responsive to output signals from the accessory interface microcomputer in an array, providing envelope sensing means in the array for providing clock signals to the accessory interface microcomputer, storing data words in the accessory interface microcomputer, certain of the data words indicating particular combinations of enelope sensing means for envelope jams and other data words indicating the type of accessory, its output location and providing clock data relating to the particular accessory, and indicating the accessories to be actuated by an envelope entering the array, storing envelope handling programs in the accessory interface microcomputer, and act

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for providing a universal multi-station document inserter, including the steps of providing a plurality of feeder stations for feeding documents in response to signals from a central processor, providing each feeder station with a unique address, storing feeder programs in distributed processors associated with the feeder stations which provide instructions to each feeder station for feeding documents, storing a supervisory program in the central processor which is capable of providing address and command signals to the distributed processors of the feeder stations, and interconnecting the central processor and the distributed processors for the transmission of signals so that upon receipt of the proper address and command signals at the feeder stations, the feeder stations will provide certain document feeding functions under control of the central processor in accordance with instructions programmed into the distributed processors associated therewith.

Abstract: A method and associate apparatus for providing a scanner interface circuit for a universal multi-station document inserter having a plurality of document feeder stations has a central processor which stores a supervisory program and scanner interface circuits associated with at least some of the feeder stations. Each scanner interface circuit has a unique address, a portion of which is shared with that of its associated feeder station and a distributed processor which stores a scanner program containing instructions for scanning coded documents. The scanner circuit, in response to address signals received from the central processor, scans the coded document and provides document present and end of collation signals to the central processor. A programmable counter is provided in the scanner circuit to provide timing signals for reading codes on coded documents.

Abstract: A method and associate apparatus for providing a universal feeder interface circuit for a multi-station document inserter having a plurality of document feeder stations or modules and a central processor which stores a supervisory program is provided. Each interface circuit has a unique address and a distributed processor which stores feeder programs containing instructions for operating a variety of different types of feeders. The interface circuit, in response to address and command signals received from the central processor provides operating instructions from the programs stored in the distributed processor to its feeder station to operate the feeders in a manner pre-selected by the user.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus are used for customizing a multi-section document inserter which uses a standard program which defines all the executable routines for the document inserter. The method comprises the steps of providing user inputs as to the desired configuration and operation of the multi-station document inserter, translating the user inputs into a specific data table for use with the standard program in the multi-station document inserter, and incorporating the specific data table into the multi-station document inserter for selecting the executable routines of the standard program to be used in order to provide a multi-station inserter which is customized to accomplished particular user requirements.

Abstract: Within an electrophotographic copier having a moving photoconductor member, a dry magnetic developing apparatus has an endless web for the purpose of transporting dry magnetic developer material from the supply to the developing zone. The web is constructed from a material formed of an inner electrically insulative base and with a textured, electrically conductive outer surface capable of picking up a supply of developer material. The dry developer material is then caused to tumble upon the web and through the gap defining the developing zone, under the influence of fixed magnets located within the developing apparatus. The tumbling action greatly extends the opportunity to provide toner to the charged image along the arcuate path which includes the development zone between the carrier web and the photoconductor.