Abstract: A method for checking a security imprint in a postage meter machine having a microprocessor includes the steps of encoding data for a security mark pixel image and inserts the encoded data into the remaining, fixed and variable pixel image data during printing. The method includes steps for forming a mark symbol sequence from an encoded combination number which is composed of at least a first number (sum of all postage values since the last reloading date), an optional second number added to said first number, a third number (postage value) and a fourth number (of the serial number), and for enabling a check of the security imprint by a postal authority. Manipulations can be recognized using further data stored and/or calculated in a remote data center. An arrangement conducting a for check includes a mark reader composed of a CCD line camera, a D/A converter, a comparator and an encoder which are connected via an input/output unit to an input unit.

Abstract: In a method and an arrangement for entering data into a scale via a serial interface from the postage meter machine in order to load updating data into the scale via a connecting cable, a reception unit (modem) or a chip card read/write unit of the postage meter machine can be accessed in order to call data from external memory means. Automatic checking of the most recent status of data contents stored in the scale is undertaken on the basis of check data in the postage meter machine using previously stored information about the modification to be made in the future and about the associated validity effective date. Updating in then undertaken, whereby updating data are transmitted via the postage meter machine to the scale after the activation thereof or after a modification takes effect, the data being communicated from an external memory or a chip card or via a communication network from a remote data center.

Abstract: A systen for franking postal matter comprises a control module, a printer module, a memory connected to the control module, a receiving device connected with the memory for receiving data transmitted via transmission device. At least one table of data with information linked to one or more conditions are downloaded from the transmission device. The control module storing the data in predetermined memory regions of the memory when the assembly is put into operation. A current table of data and information is selected from the data with specific functions to be available in the assembly for franking postal matter in dependence on the one or more conditions. The system is also applicable to multi-carrier shipping. In that case, the control module selects available carriers for a certain shipping order, compares the individual carrier-specific data tables and provides a selection or at least a comparison with regard to the preferred shipping carrier.

Abstract: A method for checking a security imprint in a postage meter machine having a microprocessor includes the steps of encoding data for a security mark pixel image and inserts the encoded data into the remaining, fixed and variable pixel image data during printing. The method includes steps for forming a mark symbol sequence from an encoded combination number which is composed of at least a first number (sum of all postage values since the last reloading date), an optional second number added to said first number, a third number (postage value) and a fourth number (of the serial number), and for enabling a check of the security imprint by a postal authority. Manipulations can be recognized using further data stored and/or calculated in a remote data canter. An arrangement conducting a for check includes a mark reader composed of a CCD line camera, a D/A converter, a comparator and an encoder which are connected via an input/output unit to an input unit.

Abstract: An ink printer head of individual ink printer modules operating according to the edge-shooter principle equipped with piezoelectric actuators is provided for use in printers for postage meter machines and correspondingly has a large number of nozzles arranged in columns. For this purpose, a nozzle module, composed of a nozzle plate and two adapter plates arranged at opposite sides thereof, is disposed between ink printer modules that are constructed mirror-symmetrically relative to one another and are equipped with piezoactuators applied on both sides. The adapter plates are provided with openings for ink guidance and with recesses providing for the free space needed for piezoactuators. The openings in the adapter plates are matched, first, to the nozzle dimensions and, second, to the dimensions of the connecting channels to the ink chambers and are aligned with both the nozzles and the connecting channels. Identical etching masks can be used for a number of plates due to the mirror-symmetrical structure.

Abstract: The invention concerns a postage meter with an electrothermal printing device by means of which value indications and/or graphics are printed onto a postage item moved past it at a predetermined speed by the transfer of color particles in a graphic forming distribution from a carrier web (114), which carrier web is heated by means of a thermal print head in correspondence to the graphic forming distribution and is driven past the printing device, with a counterpressure element (116) standing oppositely to the thermal print head (110). As the counterpressure element a counterpressure roll (116) is provided which is movable in a direction perpendicular to the printing surface, which counterpressure roll is so yieldingly supported on a shaft arranged parallel to the printing ledge (112) of the thermal print head (110) that its contact face with the postage item can take on different angles to the printing ledge (112) in a plane containing the printing ledge (112) and the shaft (130).

Abstract: A modular ink jet printer head has modules each having three spacers at their periphery in order to maintain a constant spacing between the modules. These spacers each have their base secured to the module and reside perpendicularly on a reference plane. The spacers of a module are brought into a detent engagement with at least those of one further, adjoining module. A base plate and two legs arranged at two first sides of the base plate form a U-shaped module carrier. Fastening elements for the modules are arranged at both second sides of the base plate and adjustment means are arranged at the legs. Offset stop edges for all modules are worked onto a side thereof parallel to one of the second sides of the base plate in the common opening of the base plates for the front edges of all modules. The reference edge of each module is brought into a detent engagement with an allocated stop edge of the base plate, so that a defined, lateral offset occurs between the modules.

Abstract: A system for franking postal matter comprises a control module, a printer module, a memory connected to the control module, a receiving device connected with the memory for receiving data transmitted via transmission device. At least one table of data with information linked to one or more conditions are downloaded from the transmission device. The control module storing the data in predetermined memory regions of the memory when the assembly is put into operation. A current table of data and information is selected from the data with specific functions to be available in the assembly for franking postal matter in dependence on the one or more conditions.

Abstract: An edge-shooter type ink jet print head and a method of its manufacture are disclosed. The print head includes members into which chambers are formed which, in turn, are equipped with devices for ejecting ink from each chamber to respectively assigned ink nozzles. A group of chambers is formed in each chamber-carrying member, on a side facing a center member. A single row of ink nozzles includes k nozzle groups which are respectively assigned to k ink chamber groups and which are formed along an edge face of a first chamber-carrying member. The first nozzle group of the k nozzle groups communicates with the chamber group formed in the first chamber-carrying member. The other k-1 nozzle groups are assigned to respective ones of the other (k-1) chamber groups. The chamber groups are supplied with ink from suction chambers and lie in further chamber-carrying members which are vertically offset relative to one another.

Abstract: A selection circuit for an electro-thermal printer with a resistance-type ribbon includes a print unit, a current collection electrode, a memory, and a print control unit. The resistance-type inking ribbon that is moved relatively transfers ink particles from an ink layer into areas on a receiving medium when an associated thermal resistance in a resistance layer is heated. A voltage drop that is caused by a total current and by a variance of the resistances is measured through a non-selective current path (feedback layer) in the resistance inking ribbon by a measurement electrode that is disposed close to the print head. That causes a constant voltage source which has a reference voltage input to apply feed voltage to the electrodes that are temporarily connected therewith through a switching unit.

Abstract: A method for shipping electronically stored letter contents or communications and/or data on flat information carriers, particularly chip cards, requiring postal franking or prepaid postage, includes storing shipping data in at least one of a plurality of memory regions of the information carrier. The shipping data is read out with a read-write module. The shipping data is linked to a postage table being stored in memory, for calculating a postage value appropriate for shipment of the information carrier. An accounting or debit is made for the calculated postage value for the information carrier with a postage meter device. A postage imprint is printed on an item to be shipped. In an apparatus for carrying out the invention, the read-write module and the postage meter device are integrated into a unit.

Abstract: A method for sending electrically stored data on flat information carriers requiring postal franking includes transmitting communication data from a personal computer into a memory of an information carrier with a read-write module. Associated shipping data are transmitted from the personal computer to a postage meter device synchronously with the transmission of the communication data. Postal charges for sending the information carrier are accounted for with the postage meter device on the basis of the shipping data. Control data are transmitted from the postage meter device to a printer for printing a postage imprint on each item intended for sending the information carrier.

Abstract: A disposable postage meter assembly for printing charges and captions on envelopes and/or postage strips includes a base unit and a non-rechargeable disposable module. The base unit and the disposable module have devices for setting variable information.

Abstract: A device for processing mail and charging required postage includes a standardized mail depositing device having a transport catch. A charging unit is connected to the mail depositing device for charging postage after mail has been inserted in the mail depositing device and for unlocking the transport catch. Secured storage containers receive mail from the mail depositing device. A method for processing mail and charging required postage includes inserting mail into a standardized mail depositing device having a transport catch. Postage is charged after the mail has been inserted in the mail depositing device and then the transport catch is unlocked, with a charging unit connected to the mail depositing device. The mail is fed into secured storage containers from the mail depositing device.