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: 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.

Abstract: A bipolar driver controls the operation of a reversible polarity load such as a motor. The driver links one terminal of the motor with either a positive or a negative potential power supply in response to processor command signals comprising a combination of logic levels appearing at a pair of driver input lines. The input lines are monitored to detect the presence of an illegal code combination which would otherwise function to simultaneously interconnect the load terminal with both positive and negative power supplies. The load terminal is linked to the power supplies by a separate power transistor for each power supply. Each power transistor is biased into conduction through a drive transistor. Upon detection of an illegal code, monitoring logic generates a signal which interrupts the emitter circuit of each of the drive transistors to inhibit both power transistors.

Abstract: A regulated power supply circuit includes a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding electromagnetically coupled by an iron core. A source of AC operating voltage is coupled to the primary winding of the transformer via an actuable switch means. A load circuit coupled to the secondary winding circuit is adapted to be energized by a voltage developed in the secondary winding circuit. Means are provided for sensing the polarity of each half cycle of said source of AC operating voltage. Memory means are coupled to the transformer for providing information representative of the polarity of each half cycle of the source of operating voltage applied to the primary winding of the transformer. The memory means are operable to maintain the information for a period of time when the switch is actuated to be opened. Means are also provided for sensing a parameter in the secondary winding circuit related to the energy available in the secondary winding circuit.

Abstract: A system for accurately stopping a motor operated positioning device permits satisfactory motor tolerance limits for economical production by incorporation of a processor controlled motor plugging routine. The plugging routine includes an initial reverse polarity pulse to the motor of a duration sufficient to brake an ideal motor operating in the device. To accommodate motor characteristics within tolerance limits, a plurality of alternating bursts of positive and reverse polarity are applied to the motor following the initial pulse. Each of the alternating bursts is for a duration less than the system response time.

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.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting the failure of a system to respond in a planned manner to a binary control signal includes a circuit for generating a check signal which normally changes in phase with the control signal. The failure detect circuit includes inverters for generating inverted control and check signals. AND gates compare each signal with the inverted form of the other. A NOR gate produces a failure-indicating signal when an equality is sensed.

Abstract: A postage meter setting device is described which includes electromechanical apparatus for positioning the various digit selector arms of a postage meter in accordance with the corresponding required postage. Stepper motors drive various digit selector arms through a mechanical linkage, which provides a one to one rotational relationship between the meter selector arms and the linkage. Use of stepper motors results in reduced wear and cost of operation.