Abstract: A volumeter, for determining a volume of an item by measuring the item in at least one of the three main spatial directions defining a volume, has a support surface on which the item rests and a transparent surface moveable in a first one of the three main spatial directions against the item, wherein the transparent surface extends substantially parallel to the support surface and has a side facing away from the support surface. An optical camera is connected to the side facing away form the surface. The camera moves together with the transparent surface and measures a second and third one of the three main spatial directions. The volumeter is used in particular in connection with self-service postal stations.

Abstract: A letter opener, especially intended for manual operation, is proposed, which can open a conventional envelope without producing any waste. For this purpose, it has a round knife (3), mounted by way of spring-generated pretension (7) between two rails (4, 40), the diameter of the knife being slightly smaller than twice the smallest possible distance between the axis of the knife and the letter support surface (1).

Abstract: A thermal printing mechanism has a printer head for printing on a flat object transported in a transport direction through the thermal printing mechanism. A roll lever is pivotable about a pivot axis at its first end. A counterpressure roll is mounted to the second end of the roll lever and supports the flat object for printing by the printer head. A freely rotatable roll is positioned in the vicinity of the printer head and mounted in a fixed position relative to the pivot axis. A mechanism for adjusting a position of the counterpressure roll at the freely rotatable roll in accordance with a thickness of the flat object passing between the counterpressure roll and the freely rotatable roll is provided and the print head thus always applies the same pressure onto the object to be printed.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a postage fee for setting a postage meter. The apparatus includes a computer system with at least one memory for a computer program and a postage rate system. An input/display device for the computer system includes a transparent input plate having several input fields and covers a display. The number, arrangement and function of the input fields of the input/display device and their corresponding graphic display representation are variably controlled by a computer program adapting to desired inputs.

Abstract: The memory (RAM) of an electronically controlled franking machine containing data corresponding to postal value amounts is enclosed, together with a microprossor (CPU) on a mounting board in a lead-sealed casing. In the event of a defect of an element enclosed in such casing, the complete assembly unit comprising the mounting board and the casing is replaced. In order to be able to subsequently transfer in tamper-proof manner, the data from the memory to that of the new assembly unit, in a transceiver bus between the memory and the CPU, there are two plug units. One of these plug units is closed by a connector unit, so that during the operation of the franking machine the data flow is looped through the connector unit. A writing line, provided in addition to the transceiver bus, is used for reading in the working data during franking, so that it is not accessible via any plug unit.

Abstract: The electronic read-only memory has an inner and an outer casing. The inner casing is located on a secondary circuit board, from whose edge projecting laterally from the inner casing project contact elements for producing a plug contact with the contact counterelements, which are located on a circuit board of a device, which is to be equipped with the ROM. The outer casing has lateral, outwardly open gaps, which protectively receive the contact elements. Due to the fact that the free end of the contact elements is set back with respect to the opening edge of the cap-like, outer casing, the contact elements are protected against harmful contact. This also greatly simplifies the loading of a device with the ROM, because as a result of a simple plugging movement numerous contact elements can be brought into reliable contact with the contact counterelements.

Abstract: For modifying the content of a postage rate memory of a franking machine (1) with weight input, which contains the relationship between the weight and the franking value, a loading plug (9) is provided, which for this purpose is plugged into an interface socket (7) of the franking machine. Through the operation of instruction inputting means of the franking machine the content of a memory enclosed in the loading plug (9) can be loaded into the postage rate memory of the franking machine (1). On changing the postage rates the loading plug (9) is sent to the user, so that the latter can update the content of the franking machine postage rate memory, without it being necessary for an authorized person to open the lead-sealed casing of the franking machine (1).

Abstract: An electronic read-only memory module having an inner casing and an outer casing cap. The inner casing is located on a secondary circuit board from whose edge which projects laterally from the inner casing project contact elements for producing a plug contact with contact counterelements located on a circuit board of a device, which is to be equipped with the ROM module. The outer casing cap has lateral internal gaps which protectively receive the contact elements. Due to the fact that the free ends of the contact elements are set back inwardly with respect to the open edge of the outer casing cap, the contact elements are protected against damage. This also greatly simplifies the loading of a device with the ROM module, because as a result of a simple plugging movement numerous contact elements can be brought into reliable contact with the contact counterelements.

Abstract: To avoid a deformation of the label strip (3) of a label transport apparatus in a reversing guide (10) during a long period of disuse, the drive motor (29) is reversible, so that at the end of a transporting sequence the label strip (3) is transported back until it has left the reversing guide (10).

Abstract: A franking machine comprises, in addition to a main memory, a backup memory which receives the content of the main memory upon opening the casing or a casing cover of the franking machine. After closing the casing or casing cover, the memory contents are returned to the main memory from the backup memory. The interchange of memory contents is initiated by a signal from an electric switch located on the casing. The backup memory ensures that it is not possible to falsity the value amount settlement with the Post Office as a result of servicing or tampering.

Abstract: To obviate the need for reading a postage rate table for franking purposes, its content is stored in the memory of the central control unit of the franking machine and the franking value is calculated in the computer of the central control unit on the basis of the entry of the weight of the article to be franked and is automatically set. Weight entry can take place automatically by an electronic balance connected across an interface or manually using entry keys (21-25) after setting the entry mode by a special key ("ENTER WT", 180). For calculating the franking value it is possible to input into the franking machine control unit further informations influencing the rate concerning the destination, size of the article to be franked and dispatch type by using surcharge keys (118, "DEST"; 120, "SIZE"; 56, "AIR"; 57, "EXP"; 58, "REG"). A main display (65) is used for the weight display, as well as the display of the calculated and mechanically set franking value.

Abstract: The franking machine has a control console (50) on which is provided a number of keys (21-24) corresponding to the decimal places of a maximum franking value amount. The most frequently occurring franking value amounts and also surcharge amounts for special letter dispatch types are predetermined in fixed manner by programming a control unit of the franking machine and are associated with the said keys (21-24) and additional keys (25, AIR, EXP, REG), so that the entry of a complete franking value amount by pressing a single key is possible. The franking machine can be switched between two entry modes by a special key (D-SET) and these modes are performed by means of the same keys (21-24). If exceptionally a franking value amount is to be entered in the franking machine and which does not correspond to one of the fixed, predetermined franking value amounts, entry takes place after operating the switching special key (D-SET) separately by stepwise entry via the keys (21-24) associated with these decimal places.

Abstract: For filling the value preset memory (20) of a franking machine, a return code is released by the franking machine's read-only memory (21). This return case must be provided to an authorizing central room or station together with the value quantity to be filled in order to receive therefrom an input code permitting the filling of the value preset memory with said amount. The control room and the ROM (21) of the franking machine store in tabular form numerous information pairs comprising an input code and a return code. These codes comprise eight random numbers. By entering the input code in the franking machine, a program in the central electronic control unit of the franking machine causes a search of the control unit's ROM (21) for the table location of an identical, true random number.

Abstract: The franking machine has a control console (50) on which is provided a number of keys (21-24) corresponding to the decimal places of a maximum franking value amount. The most frequently occurring franking value amounts and also surcharge amounts for special letter despatch types are predetermined in fixed manner by programming a control unit of the franking machine and are associated with the said keys (21-24) and additional keys (25, AIR, EXP, REG) so that the entry of a complete franking value amount by pressing a single key is possible. The franking machine can be switched between two entry modes by a special key (D-SET) and these modes are performed by means of the same keys (21-24). If exceptionally a franking value amount is to be entered in the franking machine and which does not correspond to one of the fixed, predetermined franking value amounts, entry takes place after operating the switching special key (D-SET) separately by stepwise entry via the keys (21-24) associated with these decimal places.

Abstract: A cassette for an x-ray film coated with a stimulable phosphor layer is formed so that a cassette memory which carries storable, recordable, readable and erasable data is rigidly attached to the cassette at the positioned spaced a predetermined distance from a given cassette corner. This position is the same for all cassettes of the same type and different formats.

Abstract: The franking value or stamp index wheels mounted in the franking head of the franking machine are adjusted by in each case one pinion, which meshes with the engagement tooth system of a rack. In addition, each rack is provided with a driving tooth system electromagnetically operated by adjusting rams and a retaining tooth system in which engage two retaining pawls. An electromagnetic drive engages and disengages the retaining pawls with the retaining tooth system when the machine main shaft is in the set position. A sensor monitors the engagement movement of the retaining pawls, so that an incorrect position of the racks and therefore an incorrect setting is detectable by the franking machine control unit.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a key operated mechanism for producing coded signal combinations for selecting a function of a multifunctional device. The mechanism includes a plurality of magnetically operated switches arranged along a key guide. The key includes magnets specifically positioned for interaction with the magnetically operated switches in accordance with a code diagram. Closing of the switches sends signals to a code signal user, which if the signals are enabling activates an associated machine such as a franking machine.

Abstract: In order to be able to simply and rapidly replace a printing plate on the franking head of a franking machine without the hands or the surrounding area being exposed to a risk of dirtying, an automatic change mechanism is provided in the franking head, as well as in and on an interchangeable magazine. An electromotive drive bring about the disengagement and discharge of the printing plate from the franking head into the circumferentially fixed, but detachably secured magazine. Ratchet levers and ejecting levers mounted in the franking head are used for this purpose. These levers are driven by cam bodies, while a similar group of stop levers and delivery levers mounted in the interchangeable magazine is operated by electromagnets. An ejecting lever loaded by a spring presses against the back of the cassette, so that after the release of a latching means the cassette is moved out by means of a pawl on guide bolts.

Abstract: An article feed mechanism for use in association with a franking device which operates on mail, comprises a feeding mechanism which includes an article feed path which is oriented so that it may be connected over a feed path of the franking device and which includes two separately driven conveyor sections. The first conveyor is driven by a drive motor and comprises a plurality of drive rollers which operate on the articles which are arranged in a stack at a stacking area and delivers them one at a time to the second conveyor mechanism which includes a pressure drive roller acting to drive the lowermost one of the articles under a sliding apron and then for advancing it into association with a driven roller cooperating with another overhead roller. A first sensor is located between the pressure roller and the cooperating over and under rollers and it acts when an article is advanced to disconnect the drive motor for the first conveyor.

Abstract: The type wheels provided on a postage or franking head of a postage meter or franking machine are adjusted in stepwise manner from outside the franking head by means of adjusting push rods, which in each case engage a pinion associated with a type wheel. The engagement and adjusting movement of the adjusting push rod is performed by electromagnets. The engagement movement takes place by pivoting a guide plate carrying the adjusting push rods, on which the rods are displaceable by means of the electromagnet counter to the tension of a tension spring. The electromagnets can be energized on the basis of an electrical pulse, which is simultaneously used for adjusting an electronic display, provided on the franking machine casing.