Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating payment using a payment card includes a computerized sales transaction device structured to determine a monetary amount for a sale, and a secure card activated terminal (CAT) device in electronic communication with the computerized sales transaction device. The computerized sales transaction device sends the monetary amount to the secure CAT device. The secure CAT device is structured to: (i) obtain sensitive payment card information from the card, (ii) automatically request in a secure, encrypted manner authorization for the sale using the monetary amount and the sensitive payment card information, (iii) receive in a secure, encrypted manner authorization approval for the sale, and (iv) in response to receiving the authorization approval, send purchase authorization approval information to the computerized sales transaction device. The computerized sales transaction device never receives the sensitive payment card information.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the dimensions of a mail piece using a built-in touch screen of a mail kiosk. A mailer is instructed to place the mail piece into a specified corner of the touch screen of the mail kiosk. The user is then instructed to touch the touch screen by the opposite corner of the mail piece. The touch screen registers the location touched by the mailer, and provides the information to a processing device of the mail kiosk. The processing device uses the information received from the touch screen to determine the dimensions of the mail piece.

Abstract: A system for dispensing adhesive-backed labels includes a housing assembly defining a first dispensing outlet, a system for conveying a supply of label material along a feed path and a peeler bar, positionable from a first position to a second position, to effect an abrupt directional change in the feed path thereof, and cause the face material to separate from the liner material. A processor is employed to control the bi-directional displacement of the conveyance system and position the peeler bar within the housing such that the label material is: (i) conveyed downstream of the peeler bar when the peeler bar is in the first position, and (ii) drawn back across the peeler bar to cause a trailing edge of the face material to separate form the liner material when the peeler bar is in the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating payment using a payment card includes a computerized sales transaction device structured to determine a monetary amount for a sale, and a secure card activated terminal (CAT) device in electronic communication with the computerized sales transaction device. The computerized sales transaction device sends the monetary amount to the secure CAT device. The secure CAT device is structured to: (i) obtain sensitive payment card information from the card, (ii) automatically request in a secure, encrypted manner authorization for the sale using the monetary amount and the sensitive payment card information, (iii) receive in a secure, encrypted manner authorization approval for the sale, and (iv) in response to receiving the authorization approval, send purchase authorization approval information to the computerized sales transaction device. The computerized sales transaction device never receives the sensitive payment card information.

Abstract: A system for dispensing adhesive-backed labels includes a housing assembly defining a first dispensing outlet, a system for conveying a supply of label material along a feed path and operative to bi-directionally displace the label material along the feed path, and a peeler bar, positionable from a first position to a second position, to effect an abrupt directional change in the feed path thereof, and cause the face material to separate from the liner material. Separation of the face material from the liner material produces an application ready label. A processor is employed to control the bi-directional displacement of the conveyance system and position the peeler bar within the housing such that the label material is: (i) conveyed downstream of the peeler bar when the peeler bar is in the first position, and (ii) drawn back across the peeler bar to cause a trailing edge of the face material to separate form the liner material when the peeler bar is in the second position.

Abstract: A stamp printer includes a memory device that stores a library of available images approved for use as a postage stamp. A code that identifies the item that will be included in the mail piece is input to the stamp printer. Using the information obtained from the code, the stamp printer identifies the item and searches the library of postage stamp images to identify those images that are related in some way to the specific item. The stamp printer can then display the identified postage stamp images to the user and allow the user to make a selection. Upon receiving a selection from the user, the stamp printer can then print the postage stamp selected by the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for printing various length adhesive labels using continuous adhesive label stock and a mechanical cutter that eliminates problems associated with the build up of adhesive on the cutter blade are provided. A continuous label stock includes regions where adhesive is provided interspersed with regions where there is no adhesive provided. After printing has occurred, the continuous label stock is fed to a mechanical cutter that separates the printed label from the continuous label stock by cutting through a region where there is no adhesive provided. As such, no adhesive will be transferred to the cutter blade, thereby removing any possibility of a build up of adhesive on the cutter blade. Since there will not be any build up of adhesive on the cutter blade, problems associated with the build up of adhesive on the cutter blade are eliminated.

Abstract: A drop box for storing mail pieces includes an enclosure, and an articulated door which runs on tracks. The door is selectively positioned in a horizontal course. When the door is in the horizontal course, a mail piece may be inserted through an opening in the enclosure and placed on the door. The door is then withdrawn from the horizontal course to allow the mail piece to drop into a lower portion of the enclosure. When the door has been withdrawn from the horizontal course, it closes the opening in the enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for centering and aligning sheets. The apparatus includes a D-roller assembly for cyclically engaging and transporting sheets and a centering and aligning mechanism for centering the lining sheets which is synchronized with the operation of the D-roller assembly so that the centering and aligning mechanism acts upon the sheets before the sheets are engaged by the D-roller assembly. The centering and aligning mechanism includes a pair of elements extending parallel to, and symmetrically from the center-line of, the path followed by the sheets and the elements cycle from first positions inward to second positions separated by approximately the width of the sheets so that sheets positioned between the elements are centered a aligned. Movement of the elements is synchronized with the D-roller assembly by a pair of complementary oppositely faced barrel cams mounted on a common shaft with the D-roller assembly.

Abstract: A technique for verifying that indicia, such as print indicia, are provided at the correct location(s) on an object. Relative movement between the object and a sensor is provided. If sensed indicia are located at an expected position on the object, an indicia-bearing object is vertified. One or more samples of a proper object are scanned to establish a template which defines those locations at which indicia on the samples are located. This template is used subsequently to verify the presence of proper indicia-bearing objects.

Abstract: A system for processing batch mail in which evidence of tampering with a postage value accounting unit is provided. The accounting unit cooperates with a printer to print postage and the zip code in bar code form on a mail piece. If there is evidence of tampering with the accounting unit, as incorrect zip code in bar code form is printed.