Abstract: A computation and control module suitable for use in a variety of postal scales as well as other types of mailroom equipment is disclosed. The module includes a microprocessor and associated circuitry; connectors for connecting ROM, which store firmware for controlling the microprocessor, and PROM, which store postal rate charts; an input/output connector; a serial interface for communications with postage meters; a non-volatile memory for storing parameters specific to particular units; and an auxiliary input/output connector. The auxiliary input/output connector is driven by selected, memory mapped interface circuitry mounted on the PROM card. The module also includes a load cell interface and a power supply. In one embodiment switches, responsive to the microprocessor, are provided for sequentially energizing various connectors and interfaces, so as to reduce power requirements. Systems comprising a plurality of computation and control modules are disclosed.

Abstract: An automated mailing system includes a scale having a weighing device, a keyboard for entering postage value determining data, a postage value determining processor and a programmable read only memory containing postal rate and zip to zone conversion data. A peripheral controller interface provides communication capability between the scale processor and a plurality of peripheral mailing devices including a series of electronic postage meters each of which is adapted to provide postage value denominations for mail originating from different postal zone distribution points. A data steering interface, which may be included within the peripheral controller interface, provides interconnection between the communications lines received from the scale system processor and the communication lines of the respective electronic postage meters.

Abstract: An automated mailing system includes a scale having a weighing device, a keyboard for entering postage value determining data and an electronic postage meter selection code, a postage value determining processor and a programmable read only memory containing postal rate and zip to zone conversion data. A peripheral controller interface provides communication capability between the scale processor and a plurality of peripheral mailing devices including a series of electronic postage meters each of which is adapted to provide postage value denominations for mail originating from different postal zone distribution points. A data steering interface, which may be included within the peripheral controller interface, provides interconnection between the communications lines received from the scale system processor and the communication lines of the respective electronic postage meters.

Abstract: There is disclosed a volatile electronic counter wherein the count is retained over power off periods. This is accomplished by the use of a non-volatile memory with means for rapidly writing therein the contents of the volatile memory upon sensing a power down condition. Upon later sensing a power up condition, the contents of the non-volatile memory are returned to the volatile memory.