Abstract: Disclosed are a digital device and a method for controlling the same. The digital device includes a first memory, a second memory used as a swap space for page data in the first memory, and a controller that controls the page data to be swapped out and written in the second memory, and controls the page data written in the second memory to be swapped into the first memory, wherein the controller prevents a write operation of the page data into the second memory, based on a state of the second memory associated with write of the page data, and allows a read-only operation of the page data written in the second memory.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a sensor assembly comprising a sensor to be carried by a movable component movably positionable about a tool body of a downhole tool. The sensor is to take wellsite measurements and the downhole tool is positionable in a wellbore. The sensor assembly further includes electronics positionable in the movable component. The electronics are to electrically connect to the sensor to receive the wellsite measurements from the sensor, and the wellsite measurements are usable to determine wellsite parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide continuity of system operation using relatively little or no data replication between a primary site and alternate site are shown. A user may be provided credit in an amount corresponding to their user balance for performing value operations using systems of the alternate site while systems of the primary site are unavailable. The access to value provided by systems of alternate sites of embodiments of the invention is thus not contingent upon replicating the value stored by the primary site. Although user's individual data representing value may not be accessed during a period in which systems of an alternate site are in use, embodiments of the invention are adapted to reconcile the user balance data with the users' individual data representing value for return to use of the systems of the primary site by respective users.

Abstract: The invention relates to a marking device for marking an object (1) with marking light. The marking device comprises a plurality of marking modules (10a-d) for emitting marking light, and a base unit (20) to which the plurality of marking modules (10a-d) is connected wherein the base unit (20) comprises a control unit (25) for controlling the plurality of marking modules (10a-d). The plurality of marking modules (10a-d) comprises at least a first marking module (10a) and a second marking module (10b) which employ different marking technologies.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide for distributed printing of personalized postage indicia are shown. Embodiments facilitate printing of personalized postage indicia at various distributed printing locations, such as user sites, retail locations, consumer kiosks, etc., while implementing techniques to avoid widespread availability of live (e.g., active or representing postage value) postage barcodes, prevent printing of fraudulent postage indicia, and/or preventing approved images from being replaced with unapproved images in printed postage indicia. Embodiments facilitate distributed printing of personalized postage indicia through implementation of a technique wherein a manufacturer, such as a postage service provider or a postal authority, provides a centralized print of unassigned tokens on postage stock. The unassigned tokens are configured or otherwise able to form a complete postage indicia when appropriate personalized content is associated therewith.

Abstract: A document processing system and method thereof are disclosed. The system comprises machine-readable data such as DataGlyphs and human-readable data such as rendering text of the DataGlyphs that are applied on the document. Processing devices of the system can decode document-processing instruction(s) embedded in the machine-readable data, and then optionally execute at least part of the instruction automatically. A designed stamp is also provided to generate the machine-readable data and human-readable data on the document.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing evidence of printing in metering systems even in the event of a print head failure are provided. Along with generating a primary image for an indicium that evidences payment, a secondary image for the indicium, identical to a corresponding portion of the primary image but at a lower density, with physical boundaries that are within the boundaries of the primary image, is also generated. The primary image is printed by a first nozzle array, and the secondary image is printed by a second nozzle array. Because the primary image completely overlaps the secondary image, the secondary image is undetectable if the primary image is properly printed. The secondary image provides evidence of printing of the indicium that can be used to obtain a refund for the indicium in the event that the primary image was not printed due to failure of the first nozzle array.

Abstract: An electronic revenue stamp issuing apparatus and a method thereof and a recording medium stored a control program thereof, in which the amount of an electronic revenue stamp that became invalid can be used again as a possible amount to issue without any communication with a specified communication center, are provided.

Abstract: A method of opening a security housing that requires authorization and unlocking moves the printing module transversely by a transverse mover into an additional unlocked position, as a result of which, the security housing or an access thereto is unlocked. The configuration has a mechanical locking or element and a printing module. The printing module is mounted such that it can be moved transversely to the transporting direction, for mechanically releasing the lock of a security-housing part directly or indirectly, by the security-housing part only being released once an additional security-housing part has been unlocked. The latter has a locking element that is disposed in the interior of the security housing and can be actuated by the printing module.

Abstract: A method of opening a security housing that requires authorization and unlocking moves the printing module transversely by a transverse mover into an additional unlocked position, as a result of which, the security housing or an access thereto is unlocked. The configuration has a mechanical locking or element and a printing module. The printing module is mounted such that it can be moved transversely to the transporting direction, for mechanically releasing the lock of a security-housing part directly or indirectly, by the security-housing part only being released once an additional security-housing part has been unlocked. The latter has a locking element that is disposed in the interior of the security housing and can be actuated by the printing module.

Abstract: The present invention is to establish capabilities to identify and verify each sender of a mailed item(s) through the use of Encrypted Identity Postage Stamps, labels or preaddressed envelopes. The use of identity stamps will improving the security of the United States Postal System, and it will also provide a greater feeling of calm to individuals receiving mail, and provide the basis to establishing a National Tracking System. Each stamp will be scannable and will contain personal information imbedded in or on each stamp. To purchase stamps, individuals will have to register with the Post Master General and provide their name, current and previous addresses for the last five or ten years. Additional personal information such as photo, finger prints (two or more fingers incase of accidents), DNA (can be optional), iris identification and other sources of identification as technologies become available and perfected may also be imbedded in each.

Abstract: Computer-based products such as postal security devices are manufactured as generic, nondescript units. Each has a unique identifier or embedded hardware serial number readable by data communications such as serial electrical communications. At customization time, a human-readable marking is placed on the device, along with a bar code indicative of the human-readable marking. A bar-code reader reads the bar code. The embedded hardware serial number is read. A record is made in a database indicative of the embedded hardware serial number and the bar code information. Software may then be selected based on the bar code information, and loaded into the device, typically within a cryptographically secure area within the device. At a later time the device may be retired from service and reprogrammed, in which case a new human-readable marking and bar code are affixed to the device. The embedded hardware serial number and new bar code information are read and appropriate new data records are created.

Abstract: A postage metering system includes means for printing postage a postage indicia. The printing means has first meter data stored therein. Means are coupled to the printing means for accounting for value printed by said printing means. The accounting means has second meter data stored therein. Means are provided for operating the printing means to print an indicia containing said first meter data from said printing means and said second meter data from said accounting means.

Abstract: A postage meter has a secure housing, an accounting register within the secure housing, and a print rotor the rotation of which defines a paper path. The rotor axle is formed of two halves, and within the two haves is a lengthwise cavity along which setting racks are capable of axial movement. The racks engage with print wheels at one end and are accessible to the main body of the postage meter at the other end. Each rack engages with its value wheel in a rack-and-pinion engagement. The axle halves are made of plastic and they snap together. The racks slide within grooves, and are held in place with pins. The axle has journal bearings and a thrust bearing defining its movement relative to the secure housing. A worm gear in the housing engages a worm wheel in the rotor to bring about rotation of the rotor for the printing of postage.

Abstract: A postage meter has a secure housing and a printing means and accounting register within the secure housing. Formed in the secure housing is postal lock. In the postal lock, a door is movable between first and second positions relative to a cavity. When the door is closed (in its first position) it renders the cavity inaccessible, and when the door is open (in its second position) it renders the cavity accessible. The door has a latch. The latch is spring-loaded so that it engages a latch feature in the cavity and holds the door closed. Pushing the latch the other way (against the spring) causes the latch to engage a pawl in the cavity, and the pawl tends to push the door open. A protruberance on the rear of the door engages a locking gear in the cavity. The locking gear allows separation of two halves of the meter housing, or holds the two halves together. If the locking gear is in the position that permits separating the halves, then the door cannot be closed because the gear abuts with the protruberance.

Abstract: The apparatus of this invention utilizes a cam-driven mechanism to convert a single rotary input driven by a single motor to two or more output motions each having its distinct cycle and profile of motion. This multiplicity of outputs often times requires a separate motor for each output motion. Each distinct cycle of motion is capable of driving its end effector a complete revolution, a fraction of a revolution, multiple revolutions, or a non-integer number of revolutions. Thus, the apparatus of this invention utilizes, a single motor to provide motion to activate the shutter bar mechanism and at the same time, rotate the printing drum of a postage meter one revolution.

Abstract: In postage metering apparatus having printing structure, structure for selecting respective postage values to be printed, structure for requesting printing selected postage values, structure for accounting for each postage value requested to be printed, and structure for controlling operation of the printing structure, an improvement for preventing printing a postage value without accounting therefor, the improvement comprising: the requested postage values including respective zero postage values; the controlling structure including structure for counting each request for printing a zero postage value; and the controlling structure including structure for preventing operation of the printing structure in response to the counting structure counting a predetermined number of the zero postage values.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the specific field of processing mail. More particularly, it relates to a print mechanism enabling a ail carrier to be recognized from the franking print applied to an article of mail, the carrier having been previously selected by the user of the postage meter. The device for selecting articles of mail as a function of carrier or of shipping service consist in printing a special mark on each article of mail as a function of the corresponding carrier.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that makes it more difficult to print fraudulent indicia. Security is achieved by varying the dot size of pixels in the printed image according to a predetermined arrangement.

Abstract: A postal-lock mechanism for preventing unauthorized recharging of a postage meter and identifying tampering of a postage meter is disclosed. It contains a cylinder-like assembly mounted in the postage meter housing. The postage meter is "locked," i.e. made inaccessible for adding postage, when the postal-lock is in a predetermined angular position. To add postage to the meter, the postal-lock is rotated to activate a limit switch in the meter, subsequent to which action additional postage may be added, for example via keyboard. The postal-lock mechanism also locks the meter housing to the meter chassis, obviating the need for a separate locking mechanism. The postal-lock mechanism may be used in conjunction with a wire and lead seal, a frangible membrane, a wire and lead seal and a frangible membrane, a key lock, or a key lock and a wire and lead seal.

Abstract: A mailing machine is disclosed having an elongate feed deck, means for feeding envelopes along the feed deck, and a postage meter mounted in the mailing machine and having a printing mechanism disposed in juxtaposition with the feed deck so as to print postage indicia on successive envelopes as they are fed along the feed deck. The mailing machine includes a tape feeding and cutting apparatus mounted above the feed deck and adjacent to the postage meter on the side thereof opposite to the direction of feed of envelopes along the feed deck for feeding successive finite lengths of tape to the postage meter for printing of postage indicia on a portion thereof and for cutting and ejecting the printed portion of the finite length of tape from the mailing machine. The tape feeding and cutting apparatus is constructed and arranged so that all of the tape storing, feeding, severing and ejecting mechanisms of the apparatus are all positioned entirely one one side of the postage meter.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which is a tape feeding, cutting and ejecting apparatus for a mailing machine which has a feed deck for envelopees and a postage meter for printing postage indicia on successive envelopees as they are fed along the feed deck. The tape feeding, cutting and ejecting apparatus is mounted in the mailing machine above the feed deck and adjacent to the postage meter on the side thereof opposite to the direction of the feed of envelopees for feeding successive finite lengths of tape to the postage meter for printing of postage indicia on a portion thereof and for cutting and ejecting the printed portion of the finite lengths of tape from the mailing machine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tape feeding, cutting and ejecting apparatus for a mailing machine which has a feed deck for feeding envelopes therealong and a postage meter for printing postage indicia on successive envelopes as they are fed along the feed deck. The tape feeding, cutting and ejecting apparatus is mounted in the mailing machine above the feed deck and adjacent to the postage meter on the side thereof opposite to the direction of the feed of envelopes for feeding successive finite lengths of tape to the postage meter for printing of postage indicia on a portion thereof and for cutting and ejecting the printed portion of the finite lengths of tape from the mailing machine. The apparatus includes a tape holding assembly and means for pivotally mounting the tape holding assembly for movement between a normal operating position and an operator accessible position to facilitate loading and threading of a fresh roll of tape.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a low cost postage value generating apparatus of simple construct wherein the number of postage imprints are determined rather than an accounting of the postage dispensed. The apparatus is a single value postage generating device and as such is able to print only one value. Because of this, the number of imprints gives a representation of the total postage value dispensed.

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 postage meter resetting apparatus includes a stepper motor as a first motive arrangement for turning the resetting shaft of a mechanical postage meter, another stepper motor as a second motive mechanism to enable or disable resetting by the first stepper motor. A lead screw, lead nut and linkage, driven by the second stepper motor, when resetting is authorized, moves an axially movable part of a coupling between the second stepper motor and the meter's axially movable resetting shaft, to bring the resetting gear on the shaft into engagement with a gear of the meter's descending register. An input to the first stepper motor, representing a variable amount of postage, effects turning of the resetting shaft and the engaged gears by amounts corresponding to the desired variable amount of postage to be added to the meter's descending register. An encoder coupled to the shaft of the first stepper motor provides an output indication of the amount that the shaft has turned.

Abstract: A rotary print drum in combination with a postage meter comprises at least one print wheel rotatably mounted on the print drum, a motor and a gear train for rotating the print wheel, an electronic circuit in a form of a printed circuit being fixed to one end of the drum in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the print drum, and detecting device operatively connecting the gear train and the electronic circuit for controlling the print position of the print wheel.

Abstract: In a postage meter which has a meter section powered by house current in normal operation, but which requires auxiliary power source batteries while in transit, a circuit is provided which, in connection with a stored program, tests the auxiliary power source prior to the period away from the house current power, thus providing a warning if the auxiliary power is unlikely to sustain the device for the duration of the period away from house current power. The test circuit applies a test load approximating the load of the meter section to be powered. A loop in the program of a CPU determines the period of time during which the test load is applied to the batteries and then a voltage comparator assures that the battery output voltage is sufficiently high in the range of usable voltage therefrom to assure successful operation of the postage meter section during resetting at the post office. A post office switch for use by a postal worker can be closed only when a postal worker unlocks an associated lock.

Abstract: In order to eliminate complex sheet forming operations, to provide an effective heat sink and to shield against radio frequency interference and electromagnetic induction effects, the housing arrangement has two assemblies which each comprise, inter alia, a die casting made of zinc or other material having equivalent radio frequency interference and electromagnetic induction shielding properties. A main logic circuit board is shielded by the two die castings when they are assembled together.

Abstract: A postage meter mailing machine including a tape feed assembly positioned within the postage meter mailing machine between a home position and a second position. The tape feed assembly rotatably supports first and second rollers and associated drive gear assemblies in meshed gear engagement for feeding tape through the tape feed assembly. A locking assembly is provided for locking the drive gear assemblies when the tape feed assembly is travelling between its home and second position such that the drive gear is unlocked only when the tape feed assembly is in said home position.

Abstract: An automatically settable date printing apparatus adapted particularly for use in postage meters which print an indicia on envelopes as they are fed seriatim past a rotary printing drum in the postage meter in which a plurality of print wheels print the day, month and year successively for each day. The apparatus includes a date print wheel assembly having individual print wheels for printing the unit day, the decade day, the month and the year for any given date. A drive wheel assembly includes a plurality of independent drive wheels for driving the date print wheels an appropriate amount, the drive wheel which is connected to the unit day print wheel being the sole source of input drive for the other drive wheels which rotate the other date print wheels by an appropriate amount through transfer components on the drive wheels.

Abstract: A mailing machine base includes a postage meter insertable and removable from a receptacle means, said receptacle means being mounted within said base and a tape feed assembly positioned between a home position and a second position. A tape frame assembly includes a first frame section including feed means for receiving a tape and causing said tape to displace in said tape track and gear means for driving said feed means, said tape track being fixably mounted to said first frame section at one end and aligned to receive tape from said feed means.

Abstract: The improved coupler in combination with a mailing machine base having a postage meter base. A postage meter is insertable and removable from a receptacle. The receptacle is mounted within a base and includes a lock engagement assembly for locking the postage meter in the receptacle. The mailing machine also includes a tape feed assembly having a first drive assembly for positioning the tape feed assembly to a first position and a second position and a second drive assembly for motivating the tape feed assembly. The coupler includes a link coupled to the feed assembly at one end for translating lateral displacement of the feed assembly to rotational displacement of a cam surface formed on the other end of the link. A following lever rides along the cam surface and causes the lock engagement assembly to be coupled to the second drive assembly only when the feed assembly in the first position.

Abstract: A plastic actuator for a postage meter is provided with a resilient extension having a plurality of detents adapted to engage a detent post at fixed positions of the actuator. The extension is not stressed at these fixed positions, and is not subject to any stresses greater than the yield point during rotation.

Abstract: A postage meter having a plurality of value wheels extending through a window in a housing, and die protector bars between the value wheels, the die protector bars having a first position at which they extend a further distance from the housing than the value wheels, and a second, retracted, position. The die protector bars extend in the housing between a pivot block and a cam block. A die shield is slidably movable between a first position aligned with the window, and a second, retracted, position. The cam block and dead bolt are positively moved in common via cam surfaces, by a rotatable yoke. A latch lever may engage the dead bolt to latch the postage meter to a mailing machine.

Abstract: The improved combination is comprised of a postage meter insertable into and removable from a base receptacle. The postage meter includes a housing, an aperture in housing and aperture shield positionable along the housing to selectively cover or uncover the aperture. The receptacle has an engaging assembly for engaging the shield of a predetermined location of the postage meter within the receptacle. A drive motor is provided for driving the engaging assembly for positioning the shield. The drive motor is mounted in the base and can be selectively coupled to the engaging assembly.

Abstract: A postage meter having a movable shutter covering the printing die of the meter and mechanisms associated either with the postage meter or a meter base for locking the shutter and moving it, are disclosed. In one embodiment a keyswitch is provided which control locking and unlocking of the shutter and its movement. The meter base locks the postage meter therein with unlocking being controlled by the keyswitch.

Abstract: A postage meter module includes die protector blades to prevent fraudulent taking of postage meter imprints. A first plurality of die protectors are retracted to expose the adjacent printwheels when the meter makes a check on its internal condition. The remainder of the die protectors are retracted under different conditions while the first are still retracted in order to enable an imprint to be taken. Preferably the remainder of the die protectors are retracted only for a predetermined interval after a print signal has been received. The die protectors also serve to align the printwheels when the protectors are retracted.

Abstract: A locking arrangement is disclosed for a machine, such as a postage meter, which includes a rotatable member (12) which rotates when the machine performs an operating cycle and a mechanical or electromechanical register (22; 20) for being incremented or decremented in response to operation of the machine. The arrangement includes a clutch (24) arranged between a fixed structure or member (28) and the rotatable member (12) the clutch being operable to engage or release said fixed structure or member. Means (60; 78) are associated with the registers (22; 20) for actuating the clutch to prevent rotation of the rotatable member (12) when the register displays a predetermined value.

Abstract: A unit drive assembly (2; 84; 102) is used with postage meters (4) of the type which include a stationary base (6; 86; 104, 106) and moveably print head (8; 88; 108). The base and print head are mechanically connected so that input information to the base is mechanically transmitted to the print head. The assembly includes one or more drive tracks (10; 90; 110) along which a series of balls (16; 96; 112) are positioned. A first portion (12; 118; 120) of the drive track is carried by the base while a second portion (14; 116) is carried by the head. The first and second portions are aligned when the head is in the home position; it is at this time a ball drive (28; 42; 92; 102), carried by the base, moves the balls along the track discrete distances equal to one or more ball diameters.

Abstract: A tape advancing system for advancing a tape past a printing device in a mailing machine selective draws one of two tapes, from a supply reeled and presents the selected tape for postage indicia printing. The tape system includes, a first motor for selectively advancing a first one of a plurality of tapes and a second motor for moving the selected tape to a printing position. The tapes are advanced past the printing device in a parallel, facing relationship. The selected tape is exposed for imprinting by the printing device. The tape is moved into a printing position only when it is desired to imprint tape. At other times, the tapes are clear of printing device thereby permitting the printing device to imprint envelopes delivered by an envelope transport.

Abstract: A counter mechanism for a postage meter includes a number of sections each having a number wheel (14) repesenting the respective order of accounted value, transfer mechanisms in the form of Geneva gears connecting the number wheels (14) to provide carry-over movements between adjacent sections. A ratchet mechanism is provided in the number wheel (14) to allow rotation of the number drum (16) as a result of an account input from the postage meter, even when a carry movement gear (18) of the number wheel (14) is locked by the Geneva gear. The ratchet mechanism includes an internally-profiled surface on one part (16) having ratchet steps (70) separated by portions (76) of relatively low gradient. Projections (74) are provided on a central member (72) of another part (18), the projections extending substantially tangential to the internally-profiled surface so as to engage in the ratchet steps (70) in the event of attempted rotation in one direction and to stop such rotation.

Abstract: A meter base drive assembly (4) is a part of a postage meter base (2), to which a postage meter is mounted. The assembly includes envelope drive (62), a tape dispenser (86) and a print head drive (84) mounted to a base frame (12). The drive assembly includes a motor drive (6), pivotally mounted (10, 14) to the frame, which drive a pulley (8) in a first rotary direction. First, second and third driven pulleys (16, 18, 56) are operably coupled to the envelope drive, print head drive tape dispenser respectively. A dual pulley (20), including first and second ppulley element (28, 53), is pivotally mounted (34, 36; 102, 104) to the frame. One side (30) of a first drive belt (26) engages the drive pulley and the second driven pulley. The second side (32) of the first drive belt engages the first pulley element. A second drive belt (52) engages the second pulley element and the second driven pulley so that the first and second driven pulleys are rotated in opposite rotary directions.

Abstract: A value wheel rod lock is used to selectively lock value rods, mounted to a rotatable shaft of a postage meter, against axial movement according to the rotary position of the shaft. The rod lock includes a knife blade pivotally mounted to the shaft for rotation with the main shaft. The knife blade is spring biased away from engagement with the value rods. The knife blade is mounted to a cam follower which engages a circumferential cam surface surrounding the shaft. The cam surface is configured so that over a range of angular positions of the shaft the knife blade is biased against the value rods. This forces the value rods against a high friction backing pad mounted to the shaft with sufficient force to keep the value rods from being moved axially. When the shaft is at its home position, during which the meter values can be changed, the knife blade is biased away from the value rods to allow the value rods to be freely movable.

Abstract: The electronic postage meter includes a microcomputer controlled thermal head opposite a scavenging roller and suitable means of cleaning the scavenging roller. A cassette containing a thermal transfer tape coated on one side with a thermal sensitive ink is received within a cartridge slot in the postage meter. The thermal tape is threaded within the cartridge to journal from a feed reel beyond a guide roller, between a thermal head and scavenging roller, to a transfer roller and be received by a take-up reel, the scavenging roller and thermal head being constituent of the postage meter. The mailing machine includes a back-up roller bias peripherally opposite the transfer roller. An image is traced on the thermal tape by the thermal head in response to a microcomputer constituent to the postage meter.

Abstract: A low cost compact franking machine includes a rotatable member comprising a print drum and an enclosure housing print element setting means and electronic accounting means, the rotatable member being rotatably mounted on a base. The rotatable member may be rotated by a manually operated lever coupled to the rotatable member through a one-way clutch to allow the lever to return to a rest position without rotation of the rotatable member, the return of the lever may operate a feed to eject a franked mail item.

Abstract: A system for the metering of encrypted postage and similar indicia includes a device for printing such indicia and a device for reading such indicia. The printing is accomplished with a bar-code printer driven by signals obtained from a keyboard and from an encryption circuit. The reading is accomplished with a bar-code reader to retreive the characters, and permit the comparison of the separated coded data with a reference code to determine the accuracy of the printed material. Thereby, forgery and alteration is inhibited. Both the data and the code are imprinted by a bar-code indicia, a portion of the code being set aside for the data and a portion of the bar-code being set aside for encryption purposes. Thereby, the two portions can readily be separated to allow for automatic reading of the bar code for extraction of the message, while also allowing for automatic verification by use of the encrypted material.

Abstract: A postage meter stepper motor module for use in a postage meter of the type having a base supporting a rotatable main shaft to which a printhead is mounted. The main shaft has a number of value rods mounted to it. The outer ends of the value rods are coupled to the printhead so movement of the value rods parallel to the main shaft axis changes the chosen value print character at the printhead. The stepper motor module includes a stepper motor frame mounted to the base at a chosen position relative to the main shaft. A stepper motor is mounted to the stepper motor frame. A yoke couples the stepper motor to a chosen axial position along one of the value rods through a coupler ring. The coupler ring and yoke allow the value rod to rotate freely about the main shaft while maintaining the axial position determined by the stepper motor. The stepper motor and yoke are coupled by a rack and pinion arrangement to translate the rotary motion of the stepper motor to the linear motion of the yoke.

Abstract: A shaft assembly, including a main shaft, is used with a postage meter of the type including a base supporting the main shaft. A printhead is mounted to the outer end of the main shaft so the main shaft and printhead rotate together. The main shaft has a flat surface against which a number of elongate value rods are mounted parallel to the main shaft axis. The outer ends of the value rods are coupled to the printhead to operate the printing elements of the printhead. The inner ends of the value rods are connected to stepper motor drives, mounted to the base, to move the value rods axially. Bearings, mounted to the main shaft, radially position the main shaft relative to the base. At least one of the bearings is fixed to a chosen axial position along the main shaft so that such bearing, when mounted to the base, also axially positions the main shaft relative to the base.

Abstract: A printhead assembly is used with a postage meter of the type having a base supporting a main shaft and a stepper motor drive. The stepper motor drive positions value rods carried by the main shaft according to the value of the postage to be printed. The printhead assembly includes a value module mounted to an outer end of the main shaft so to rotate with the shaft. A dater/slogan module is also mounted to the outer end of the main shaft assembly and is positioned or indexed, such as using guide pins, to the value module. The components are housed within an enclosure including a separate printhead cover assembly. The printhead cover assembly includes an opening through which the field service personnel has access to the dater/slogan module to allow the them to remove the dater/slogan module, such as for maintenance or repair, without affecting the security of the meter.