Abstract: A roll of label stock includes a plurality of first regions suitable for being printed on by thermal printing. The first regions are blank. The label stock also includes a plurality of pre-printed color images, each associated with a respective one of the first regions. A stamp printer that prints postage indicia on the label stock refrains from printing an image thereon, but would print images on another type of label stock that does not include pre-printed images.

Abstract: A method of printing value indicia includes feeding a roll of printing stock into a value indicia printer. The roll of printing stock includes color images pre-printed on the roll of printing stock. The method further includes using the value indicia printer to print value indicia on the roll of printing stock. The printer may be a postage stamp printer which produces custom postage stamps which include pre-printed color images.

Abstract: A method and system that enables the accurate identification of the originator of a mail piece within a corporate mail room environment is provided. Each person that generates mail items is provided with tracking information to be placed on each mail item. The tracking information can include, for example, an employee identification number, an equipment identification number and a unique sequence number. When the mail item is received in the corporate mail room, the tracking information is scanned and the tracking information is associated with a unique aspect of the mail item. Utilizing the tracking information associated with each mail item, the ambiguity of origination of each mail item is removed as there is now a verifiable record of the originator and/or originating equipment.

Abstract: A roll of label stock includes a plurality of first regions suitable for being printed on by thermal printing. The first regions are blank. The label stock also includes a plurality of pre-printed color images, each associated with a respective one of the first regions. A stamp printer that prints postage indicia on the label stock refrains from printing an image thereon, but would print images on another type of label stock that does not include pre-printed images.

Abstract: A method of printing value indicia includes feeding a roll of printing stock into a value indicia printer. The roll of printing stock includes color images pre-printed on the roll of printing stock. The method further includes using the value indicia printer to print value indicia on the roll of printing stock. The printer may be a postage stamp printer which produces custom postage stamps which include pre-printed color images.

Abstract: A method for permitting mailers to obtain legal proof of induction/acceptance of mail pieces without requiring the mailer to bring the mail piece to the post office. The foregoing may be accomplished by having the post office notify the mailer's postage meter of the induction/acceptance of the mail piece when the post office scans the mail piece at the beginning of the delivery process.

Abstract: A method for electronic proof of induction/acceptance for manifested special service mail. The foregoing may be accomplished by having the post office notify the mailer's postage meter of the induction/acceptance of the manifested mail pieces when the post office scans the manifest and mail pieces at the beginning of the delivery process.

Abstract: The invention makes it easier for the post office to calculate accurately terminal dues by providing information to the post regarding each piece or parcel of mail that crosses an international border. The invention also makes it easier for the post offices to calculate terminal dues by obtaining fee information from mail that is sent internationally. The foregoing is accomplished by placing an indication on the mail that the fees for delivering the mail have been paid or will be paid by a mailer who has an account with the post office; sorting the mail to find international mail; storing the fees that have been paid or will be paid for international mail; reporting the fees that have been paid for international mail to all participating post offices; and calculating the fees that are to be transferred to participating post offices.

Abstract: A method and system that enables the accurate identification of the originator of a mail piece within a corporate mail room environment is provided. Each person that generates mail items is provided with tracking information to be placed on each mail item. The tracking information can include, for example, an employee identification number, an equipment identification number and a unique sequence number. When the mail item is received in the corporate mail room, the tracking information is scanned and the tracking information is associated with a unique aspect of the mail item. Utilizing the tracking information associated with each mail item, the ambiguity of origination of each mail item is removed as there is now a verifiable record of the originator and/or originating equipment.

Abstract: Merchandise Return Label may be printed on a buyer's computer printer and paid for by the seller's postage meter. Goods mailed with the Merchandise Return Label will be considered metered mail. Returned goods may be delivered directly to the buyer, and postal employees will not have to manually complete the Merchandise Return Label. Since the mailing of the returned goods was paid for by a postage meter, the Post Office would not have to receive payment from the seller when the seller receives the package.

Abstract: A postage metering system includes a printer and a postage meter. The postage meter includes a micro controller for generating token data for use in printing a postal indicia where the token data includes an indicator of a token currency type. The printer is in communication with the postage meter and includes a micro controller, a memory and a print mechanism for printing the postal indicia on a mailpiece. The printer memory has stored therein indicia graphic data including an indicator of an indicia graphic currency type. The printer micro controller receives the token data from the postage meter and compares the token data indicator of the token currency type with the indicia graphic data indicator of the indicia graphic currency type prior to printing the postal indicia.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing transaction evidencing devices, such as digital postage meters, includes the steps of generating a master key in a logical security domain of a Key Management System; installing the master key into a digital postage meter; verifying the installation of the master key; and registering the master key to a logical security sub-domain in the Key Management System. The step of generating the master key further includes the steps of generating a domain; generating at least one sub-domain; installing the domain in secure boxes of the Key Management System; generating a master key and test token within the domain; and recording the master key in the domain archive. The step of installing the master key further includes the steps of installing the master key into a digital meter; and associating the master key with a unique device identifier.

Abstract: The method provides for tracking a meter vault which is adapted for use in combination with a graphic interface unit. The graphic interface unit includes the graphics for the indicia town circle with an assigned area of origin code. The meter vault has an input keyboard for inputting additional information to the meter vault. The method involves the steps of storing the unique code of origin information in the non-volatile memory of the meter vault during initialization of the meter vault and in the graphic interface unit. During each power-up cycle of the meter vault request the unique code of origin from the graphic interface unit, A comparison of the received code of origin with the store code of origin is made. If the codes comparison is untrue, the meter locks requiring the manufacturer to issue an unlock code after verification of meter vault location.