Abstract: A marker for an electronic surveillance system includes an element of a magnetostrictive material, and a non-magnetostrictive element of substantially the same size as said magnetostrictive element and firmly affixed thereto.

Abstract: A communication system for processing information for distribution, including: a central data station, a plurality of user stations, each of the user stations including a plurality of components forming a secure path for the proper distribution of the information, a communication link interconnecting the user stations with the central data stations, the central data station including means for periodically interrogating a user station for determining the operational status of each of the components, means located within the central data station for indicating an error condition in any one of the components, and means at the central data station for transmitting a condition signal from the central data station to the user station for indicating the error condition.

Abstract: Apparatus and method have been conceived whereby cut sheets having a bar code printed thereon can be read while such sheets are moving. A fixed scanner for reading the bar code has an elongated window such that a light beam being generated by the scanner will have a width that is no greater than the width of the smallest space between adjacent bars of the symbol. Because of the elongated configuration of the light beam, sufficient reflectivity occurs such that a good reading can be obtained with the use of such a fixed beam scanner.

Abstract: This invention relates to a replaceable ink pad that is capable of supplying ink in excess of 5,000 printing cycles. The ink pad is made of a first layer of polyethylene foam that is attached to a bottom layer of felted melamine foam by a porous polyamide adhesive. The first layer has a pore size of 10-20 microns and the bottom layer has a pore size of 140-180 microns. A tray can be provided to securely hold the pad.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for categorizing and certifying a batch of mail uses a random statistical scheme. The mail will be categorized in terms of print quality, accuracy with the statement sheet accompanying the mail, deliverability, and the like so that the Post Office is relieved of having to manually inspect the mail and can arrange scheduling, equipment and manpower for the processing of such batch of mail. The mail will be certified with regard to the correctness of postage for mailing the batch.

Abstract: An electronic surveillance system includes a signal generator for generating a magnetic field, a signal receiver within the influence of the magnetic field, and a ferromagnetic marker adapted to pass in the field for detection. The signal received includes an arrangement for generating a non-rotating field at a first frequency, and a rotating field at a second frequency that is lower than the first frequency.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic fiber has been fabricated that has particular use in the field of electronic article surveillance (EAS). The ferromagnetic fiber is produced by using a spinning disk type of device that engages a bath of molten alloy having the desired compositions for the fiber. The use of ferromagnetic fibers has resulted in the ability to produce EAS markers of such a small length that they can be dispensed using a commercial labeler.

Abstract: A mail sender processes batches of mail each of which is accompanied by a statement summarizing the type and number of mail pieces sent and amount of postage for each batch. During processing, each mail piece is identified by a unique number for security purposes.

Abstract: A system for processing batch mail in which the need for on-site inspection is unnecessary. The mail sender purchases postage from a central station thereby authorizing him to send mail equal to the amount of postage purchased.The mail sender processes batches of mail each of which is accompanied by a statement summarizing the type and number of mail pieces sent and amount of postage for each batch. The 10 statement contains data that allows mail payment verification.

Abstract: A reversible resistant device having the property of being normally non-conductive, but being adapted to being converted to the conductive state. This change in conductive state is achieved by subjecting the device to a high voltage or high electric field. The essence of the device is a normally non-conductive film located between conductive layers, the film being formed by metal oxide coated metal particles embedded in a binder. When subjected to a high a potential, the metal oxide coating loses its dielectric properties and renders the film conductive.

Abstract: A device for guiding flat articles being fed horizontally and changing the direction of movement from one direction to another wherein the change in direction may be as great as 90.degree.. This is accomplished by providing a housing with internal rollers capable of being rotated in one of two directions.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting nozzle malfunction in an ink jet printhead having a predetermined number of nozzles. The printhead is first controlled whereby each of the nozzles is activated once in a manner which is required to print on a print medium a line having a number of ink dots equal to the predetermined number. Then a photodetector detects whether each location on the print medium which opposed one of the nozzles at the time of activation of that one nozzle has an ink dot printed thereat. Each location is photodetected in time sequence by scanning. The photodetector outputs a signal having a first level in response to each photodetected location which has no ink dot thereat and a signal having a second level in response to each photodetected location which has an ink dot thereat. The output of the photodetector is then processed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of determining the mass of an article by the shift of the period of oscillation of a flexibly mounted tray. An article whose mass is to be determined is placed upon the tray which is caused to oscillate and the period of harmonic motion is calibrated. This period is compared against the period of harmonic motion when there is no article upon the tray, and the difference, or shift, in frequency, allows a determination of the mass of the article. The tray is supported by a plurality of flexible members having parallelogram configuration that eliminates bending stresses.

Abstract: An alphanumeric character is recognized by optically scanning that character, detecting the occurrence of predetermined geographical features in the scanned image, comparing the detected geographical features to a store of particlar geographical features which identify respective alphanumeric characters, and identifying the scanned image as the alphanumeric character having those geographical features to which the detected geographical features favorably compare. The aforementioned geographical features comprise lagoons (formed as enclosed areas) and bays (formed as open areas). A matrix representing the juxtapositions of the detected geographical features is generated and compared with stored predetermined matrices which, in turn, represent predetermined characters.

Abstract: According to the invention, a multiranging scale which operates in two weighing modes, a high range mode and a low range mode, and which displays not only weight but rate and/or charge information associated with mailing or shipping an article, is inhibited from displaying or outputting a signal indicative of the rate and/or charge when in the high range mode of operation the weight of the article is below a threshold, thereby causing the user to select the low range mode of operation. In addition to inhibiting the rate/charge display an audible or visual signal may be provided to more actively cue the user to switch to the low range weighing mode.

Abstract: An electrolytic display cell includes two plates, one of which is covered by a semi-transparent electrode. The display is obtained by connecting the electrode to a source of potential of a first polarity and the erasing by connecting the electrode to a source of potential of a second polarity. The electrode has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first and the second terminal are adapted to be connected to apparatus for detecting whether the electrode has been made visible.

Abstract: This invention relates to a postage meter having a plurality of worm gears for adjusting the rotational position of postage print wheels. Each worm gear selectively moves a rack which is an engagement with a postage print wheel so as to provide rotational movement to the print wheel. Sensors are provided so that the rotational position of each worm gear can be determined thereby indicating the position of the print wheels. A sleeve is located within the housing to provide support to the worm gears and maintain alignment of the racks during printing.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of determining the authenticity of a signal indicative of the mass of an article being weighted. The article is placed upon the platform, and the platform is caused to oscillate and the period of harmonic motion is measured. One of or both the frequency of oscillation and amplitude of the transducer signal is monitored for purposes of determining authentication.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of determining the mass of an article by the shift of the period of oscillation of a flexibly mounted tray. An article whose mass is to be determined is placed upon the tray which is caused to oscillate and the period of harmonic motion is calibrated. This period is compared against the period of harmonic motion when there is no article upon the tray, and the difference, or shift, in frequency, allows a determination of the mass of the article. The tray is supported by a plurality of flexible members having parallelogram configuration that eliminates bending stresses.

Abstract: This invention relates to a postage meter having a plurality of worm gears for adjusting the rotational position of postage print wheels. Each worm gear selectively moves a rack which is an engagement with a postage print wheel so as to provide rotational movement to the print wheel. Sensors are provided so that the rotational position of each worm gear can be determined thereby indicating the position of the print wheels.