Abstract: A buffer for use with a word processing fixed disk controller. The buffer is connected to a microprocessor and communications bus used for interfacing a floppy disk processor to a hard or fixed disk controlled. Also connected to the communications bus are a direct memory access (DMA) controller and random access memory. The buffer operates on a first-in/first-out (FIFO), or rotating shift register basis, although it is a stationary four-part buffer. Error checking and correcting can be performed on a disk processor level. A block of data is transferred to the disk via a DMA operation only when the block of data is complete, thus eliminating data early and data late conditions.

Abstract: An envelope flap sealing device in a mailing machine, including a moistener separator blade, a moistening brush attached to and located downstream of the separator blade, at least one pair of feed rollers for transporting envelopes past the moistening brush, a pivotable, deflecting baffle situated intermediate the feed rollers and the separator blade, and a cam operatively connected to the deflecting baffle for pivoting the baffle about its downstream end whereby the upstream end of the baffle is translatable between a raised position and a flat position, wherein the raised position guides an envelope flap under the moistening brush to thereby seal the flap and the flat position causes the envelope flap to pass over the moistening brush and not be sealed.

Abstract: An Edge Printing Device is utilized adjacent to the exposure station of a document reproducing apparatus having an auxiliary document handling apparatus mounted over the exposure station. The documents, moving over the exposure station drive a friction roller which in turn rotates an indicia roller so that supplemental information thereon is copied simultaneously with the image on the moving document. The supplemental information is produced on an edge portion of the copy sheet, in an area beyond the lateral dimensions on the copy sheet.

Abstract: A postage meter for use in a remote meter resetting system has data entered by a user of a selected, variable amount of postage in preparation for funding the postage meter with that amount. A unique combination is generated by the meter which varies as they function of signals generated within the postage meter and of the selected, variable postage amount entered into the postage meter. The meter also generates a unique user accessible authorization code which is employed by the user when communications are established with a remotely located data center. The unique authorization code is dependent upon the number of times the meter has been reset and on the other conditions within the meter. The data center computes and provides to the user a combination to be entered into the meter. The externally generated combination received from the data center is entered by a user into the postage meter. The meter generated combination and externally generated combinations are compared within the meter.

Abstract: A non-impact printer in which a source of image information such as a computer, facsimile machine, word processor or the like provides image information to an image transfer device which transfers the image to a moving image receiving surface for printing of the image as hard copy. A motion encoder senses the motion of the image receiving surface and creates a digital timing signal representative of the motion. A logic circuit selectively delays the input of the image information signal to the image transfer device in response to digital timing signal to synchronize motion of the image receiving surface with transfer of the image to the image receiving surface.

Abstract: An electronic postage meter includes a memory protection circuit. The memory protection circuit prevents the inadvertent writing of spurious data into memory locations in the nonvolatile memory during a power down cycle. The memory protection circuit works in conjection with a WRITE voltage terminal associated with the nonvolatile memory. Means couple a first voltage source providing a predetermined polarity voltage to the WRITE voltage terminal when a predetermined power condition exists such that the nonvolatile memory is enabled to have data written into memory locations. When the predetermined power condition does not exist, the means utilize a second different voltage source to change the voltage level at the WRITE voltage terminal to insure that data is not written into the memory locations.

Abstract: An external, reciprocating platen carriage mounted upon an electrophotographic copying machine has a document cover pivotally mounted on the rear elongated portion of the carriage assembly. The document cover has a retaining pocket which extends substantially along a major portion of its longest mounting side, and laterally a relatively short portion of its width. The pocket includes ends which prevent documents which are placed upon the uppermost surface of the cover from sliding off the cover due to abrupt terminal motion of the platen carriage.

Abstract: An electronic postage meter having an accounting section including a nonvolatile memory (NVM), computer means for reading the condition of the nonvolatile memory during a power-up cycle of the meter, and means in the meter for storing any signal which results from the reading of the nonvolatile memory by the computer means. In accordance with further aspects of the present invention, a method is provided for determining that an electronic postage meter has a weak nonvolatile memory, a data center and service department are adapted to receive signals from the meter indicating a weak nonvolatile memory, and an intercommunication system is established between the data center to receive signals from the meter indicating a weak nonvolatile memory.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stand-alone electronic mailing machine that includes a postage metering device. The invention has particular utility when utilized in a mailing machine of the reciprocating platen type. The entire drive mechanism, setting mechanism, and control devices as well as the postage metering mechanisms are all contained in one housing so that there is no need for a separate base. In the mailing machine of this invention, a single central processing unit is utilized along with memory for the purpose of accounting for the postage value that has been charged into the mailing machine as well as the amount that has been used. An envelope ejection mechanism is provided to remove an envelope from the mailing machine after postage has been printed thereon. Included in the envelope ejection mechanism is a provision for applying pressure to an envelope being ejected so that the contents thereof will move in unison with the envelope.

Abstract: A local network interface is used in a network for enabling each of a plurality of data processing stations to communicate with one another via a communications medium. The local network interface is connected between the communications medium and the data processing stations. The local network interface includes a processor, a direct memory access (DMA) controller connected to the processor, means for controlling communications connected between the communications medium and the processor, and memory means which is connected to the processor, to the means for controlling communications, and to the DMA controller. Data residing in the memory means may be accessed for transmission to, and may be updated from, the communications medium via the local network interface.

Abstract: A disposable inking cartridge in combination with a housing for transferring ink to a secondary surface, including a housing having a pair of sidewalls, each of the sidewalls having a locating guide, wherein the locating guide includes at its trailing end a leg forming an acute or perpendicular angle therewith, an applicator roller rotatably mounted in the housing for transferring ink to a secondary surface, and a disposable inking cartridge lockingly mountable in the sidewalls of the housing.

Abstract: Novel radiation-curable, liquid vinyl organosilicon polymers and coating compositions which are free of volatile solvent(s) and which are adapted to be applied to a substrate and cured rapidly by exposure to radiation to form release coatings having good release properties with respect to adhesives, and methods for producing such polymers and compositions and for applying and curing such release coatings.The vinyl polysiloxane may be prepared from dimethyl dichlorosilane, vinyl methyl dichlorosilane, and tetrachlorosilane or trichloromethylsilane.It may be mixed with a polymethyl hydrogen polysiloxane and a photosensitizer and cured by ultraviolet or electron beam radiation.

Abstract: A cursor control system provided for word processing apparatus of the type having a keyboard for entering alphanumeric data and including two displays. A first display displays a plurality of lines of text. A first display control circuit is coupled between the keyboard and first display and includes a first cursor control circuit for causing visual marking of a predetermined number of characters to be exhibited on the first display. The cursor control circuit is actuated by the keyboard. A second display control circuit includes a second cursor control circuit for causing visual marking on the second display of those marked characters on the first display which are also exhibited on the second display.

Abstract: Within a recirculating sheet feeding apparatus capable of feeding sheets from a back to a stack support, a set separation device having an elongated separator member is arranged to distinguish between cycles of feeding a given stack of sheets. The separator member is mounted with respect to the stack of sheets so that it rotates alongside one edge of the sheets, and past the adjacent edge when the last sheet from the stack is fed. A drive mechanism enables the separator member to rotate beneath the sheet stack support back to the topmost sheet in the stack when the member passes through an aperture in the stack support.

Abstract: A postage value determining scale includes a processor which accesses postage data stored in a rate PROM carried on a card. In a basic implementation, the PROM card is mounted to a memory port socket of a circuit board which carries the processor. The processor is programmed for optional postage value related functions such as zip code to destination zone conversions and postage rate determinations for mailing from a remote origination point. The PROM carried on the rate PROM card has insufficient memory space for the optional functions. When a scale capable of providing the optional features is desired, in lieu of connecting the rate PROM card directly to the memory port, a transition board is provided for connecting the main board to a ribbon cable assembly. The ribbon cable is connected, at its opposite end, to a carrier board having a plurality of sockets and a cage for mounting a plurality of memory carrying cards including the rate PROM card.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling mailpieces is provided, including a feed deck, having an upright wall, and including instrumentalities for successively feeding mailpieces downstream on said feed deck. The feeding instrumentalities include a device for engaging the lower major surface of respective mailpieces and a directional feed roller assembly; the latter including a roller and a flexible shaft. The roller extends from the flexible shaft for disposition in engagement with the upper major surfaces of respective mailpieces and cooperates with the mailpiece engaging device for urging the mailpieces against the upright wall for edge registration. The apparatus also includes instrumentalities for selectively gating mailpieces from the feed deck and for stacking the gated mailpieces on edge at a receiving station.

Abstract: An improvement in a fiber optic illuminating system having a linear array of fiber ends and a platen for supporting an original document to be scanned and copied. The improvement includes a flexible lens assembly situated intermediate the array of fiber ends and the platen, a deflectable frame supporting the flexible lens assembly, and a device for deflecting the deflectable frame, whereby the flexible lens assembly can be transversely deflected to thereby modify the linearity of the lens assembly without disturbing the focal adjustment thereof.

Abstract: A line scanning, illuminating apparatus for use in an electrophotocopying machine. The apparatus includes a linear source of light, a hyperbolic reflector situated behind the linear light source, and a cylindrical lens located in front of the linear light source. The profile of the reflector is given by the equation: ##EQU1## wherein the x and y axes intersect at the center line of the reflector, and wherein B is a positive quantity on the x axis representing the distance between the center line of the reflector and a virtual image of the light source created behind the reflector, and wherein A is a negative quantity representing the distance between the center line of the reflector and the linear light source located in front of the reflector.

Abstract: An encoder is provided for a postage meter having a lever which is movable between postage value selecting positions. The encoder monitors movement of the meter setting lever by providing an electrical signal which varies in response to movement of the meter setting lever from one of the positions to another of the positions. Calibration can be performed so that the electrical signal indicative of the meter setting lever positions is truly representative of the positions.