Abstract: The invention describes a number of methods and apparatus for shortening the inter-message gap on a continuous inkjet printer. Included is a novel phase testing methodology.

Abstract: A printer (5) operable to print a message in strokes on a substrate (7) passing in a print direction (8) along a moving line (6), wherein the printer is operable (15) to receive an indication of an allowable increase in length in the print direction of a message due to an increase in length in the print direction of gaps between successive strokes printed by the printer, to receive (14) an indication (9) of a speed of movement in the print direction of a moving line, to determine from the indication of the speed of movement of the moving line whether an increase in length in the print direction of a message printed by the printer is greater than the allowable increase in length and, if so, to generate an alert.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and apparatus for characterising EHT tripping events and thus discriminating between false trip events and those that warrant the printer being shut down.

Abstract: A printer (5) operable to print a message in strokes on a substrate (7) passing in a print direction (8) along a moving line (6), wherein the printer is operable (15) to receive an indication of an allowable increase in length in the print direction of a message due to an increase in length in the print direction of gaps between successive strokes printed by the printer, to receive (14) an indication (9) of a speed of movement in the print direction of a moving line, to determine from the indication of the speed of movement of the moving line whether an increase in length in the print direction of a message printed by the printer is greater than the allowable increase in length and, if so, to generate an alert,

Abstract: The invention describes a number of methods and apparatus for shortening the inter-message gap on a continuous inkjet printer. Included is a novel phase testing methodology.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and apparatus for characterising EHT tripping events and thus discriminating between false trip events and those that warrant the printer being shut down.

Abstract: The invention provides a marking and/or coding apparatus which allows print resolution to be adjusted by multiplying or dividing encoder inputs generated from a conveyor on which goods to be coded or marked are transported to a marking station.

Abstract: The invention provides a marking and/or coding apparatus which allows print resolution to be adjusted by multiplying or dividing encoder inputs generated from a conveyor on which goods to be coded or marked are transported to a marking station.

Abstract: Data identifying a print head of a postage meter is registered on the print head by allocating a number of printing elements of the print head to represent a code identifying the print head. The allocated printing elements are not used for printing postage indicia. The print head may be an ink jet print head having resistive elements energisable to eject ink droplets from nozzles. In order to represent the code, the resistance of selected ones of the resistive elements allocated to represent the code is altered for example by fusing the resistive elements.

Abstract: A tamper evidence device for a secure housing containing electronic circuits includes a zinc air cell and a bi-stable latch circuit connected to be powered by the cell. The zinc air cell requires a supply of oxygen for activation of the cell. Normally when the secure housing is intact and unbreached, a pad seals an aperture for ingress of oxygen to the cell and the cell does not generate any electrical power. However if the secure housing is opened or otherwise breached the pad is displaced and oxygen enters the cell and electrical power is generated to power the latch circuit and thereby set the bi-stable latch circuit to provide evidence of the breaching of the secure housing.

Abstract: Data identifying a print head of a postage meter is registered on the print head by allocating a number of printing elements of the print head to represent a code identifying the print head. The allocated printing elements are not used for printing postage indicia. The print head may be an ink jet print head having resistive elements energizable to eject ink droplets from nozzles. In order to represent the code, the resistance of selected ones of the resistive elements allocated to represent the code is altered for example by fusing the resistive elements.

Abstract: A method of reprogramming memory storing program instruction code for controlling operation of a microprocessor in which new data can be written to the memory by the microprocessor only in a write cycle and stored data can be read from the memory by the microprocessor only in a read cycle, the memory preventing the read cycle and said write cycle occurring at the same time is disclosed. The memory has first and second sectors for storing code, the first sector storing boot code for controlling operation of the microprocessor. The disclosed method includes the steps of erasing code stored in said second sector, writing new code including the boot code to the second sector, erasing the first sector, writing new boot code in the first sector preceded by an instruction to jump to said second sector and then rendering the jump instruction ineffective so that the next boot of the microprocessor will cause the microprocessor to be controlled by the new boot code in the first sector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for controlling energization of a take-up motor driving a take-up spool of used ink ribbon in thermal printing apparatus. Prior to a printing cycle, the take-up motor is energized to rotate the take-up spool until ternsion in the ink ribbon caused rotation of an ink ribbon supply spool. The take-up spool is then rotated a predetermined amount and resultant rotation of the supply spool is determined by sensing means. A function dependent upon the rotation of the supply spool is determined and used during subsequent operation of the apparatus to control energization of the take-up motor such as to wind the used riobbon onto the take-up spool with a desired amount of tension in the used ribbon.

Abstract: A postage meter provided with a credit register is also provided with a debit register. When credit value in the credit register is insufficient for a postage charge to be applied to a mail item in a franking operation, the debit register is incremented by an amount equal to the excess of the postage charge amount over the credit value. Accordingly the postage meter is enabled to be operated even when there is insufficient credit.

Abstract: Apparatus for franking mail items is disclosed. The apparatus includes a display constructed for co-operation with a photocopier in which the display is controlled to display a franking pattern to be printed, the display being located as an original image in the photocopier, and the photocopier is operated to copy the displayed pattern and to print the pattern as a franking impression on a mail item. A sensor detects scanning of the display by the photocopier and the output of the sensor is utilised to control the display to ensure that only a number of mails items are franked with postage which has been accounted for.

Abstract: A module is disclosed for use with a franking machine for the entry of data into the machine. The module includes a memory and security means operative in response to an interrogation signal from the franking machine to return a signal to the franking machine that the module is authorised for use with the franking machine for the input of data thereto.

Abstract: A franking machine system is disclosed in which a signal is transmitted for reception only in a predetermined location. A franking machine intended to be operated at the predetermined location is inoperative to carry out franking operations unless it receives the signal transmitted to the predetermined location. Accordingly a franking machine intended for operation at the predetermined location cannot be operated for franking mail if it is moved away from that location.