Abstract: The invention disclosed is a postage meter containing a conductive barrier shield specifically designed to permit maximum protection for the component circuit board against static electricity, moisture and other contaminants.

Abstract: A cover assembly for use with a postage meter includes an upper cover having a display opening and a keypad opening formed in one side. The upper cover is secured to a lower cover to provide a housing or enclosure for the meter. A display assembly, including a character display, and a keypad are both mounted to the inner surface of the upper cover. Portions of the keypad extend through the keypad opening while the character display is visible through the display opening. A support plate is mounted to the underside of the upper cover and is shaped to generally conform to the shape of the contents beneath the cover. The support plate is configured to press against the keypad and display assembly so to secure them in place. A battery, used to power the meter when removed from the meter base, is also supported between the support plate and the upper cover.

Abstract: A modular universal postage meter includes a base to which stepper motor modules and a drive shaft assembly are mounted to predetermined positions relative to the base. The drive shaft has a bifurcated printhead, including a secure value module and a field service accessible and removable dater/slogan module, mounted to its outer end. The stepper motors are coupled to the value module of the printhead through a number of value rods mounted to and parallel with the shaft assembly. The value rods can move parallel to the axis of the main shaft. Rings surround the shaft engage respective value rods and are themselves axially positioned by yokes coupled to the stepper motors. Since the stepper motor modules are registered to the base, they can be moved and replaced with minimal adjustments and realignment since the shaft assembly is likewise registered to a predetermined position relative to the base. Thus the base acts as a reference for the stepper motor modules, the shaft assembly and the printhead.

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 dot matrix printer and a bar-code printer driven by signals obtained by a character generator and an encryption circuit. The reading is accomplished by a bar-code reader and a dot matrix reader. Intelligence is obtained by correlating received characters against a stored array of symbols to determine the presence of a symbol, and 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. The data and the encrypted material are imprinted by indicia utilizing both the formats of alphanumeric characters and the formats of a bar code.

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 dot matrix printer driven by signals obtained by altering character generation signals with encryption signals. The interleaving is accomplished on a row-by-row basis by inserting delays from an encryption circuit into signals from a character generator circuit. The reading is accomplished by correlating received characters against a stored array of symbols to determine the presence of a symbol, the extraction of coded data from character data of the received and identified character, and 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.

Abstract: An axle suitable for a postage meter is disclosed which comprises a metallic core surrounded by a jacket of plastic material which jacket can be produced by injection molding. The cross-section of the core is like an H, and this generates two longitudinal grooves along the axle. In addition several bearing flanges are produced at the jacket, which allow the mounting of the axle as well as the attachment of a drum. Guide plates can be provided at the jacket near the longitudinal grooves.

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 dot matrix printer driven by signals obtained from a character generator and an encryption circuit. The reading is accomplished by correlating received characters against a stored array of symbols to determine the presence of a symbol and 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. Alphanumeric characters are utilized for both the data and the code, a group of characters for the data being separated from a group of characters for the code to allow for the reading of the data, while readily extracting the remaining characters for verification purposes.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for completing an incomplete trip in an electronic postage meter, comprising the steps of reading the state of bistable member after the trip cycle has commenced, setting a fatal error if the bistable member is in its home state prior to completion of the trip cycle, energizing a drive motor to try to complete the trip cycle, reading the state of the cycle switch, and de-energizing the drive motor after a maximum period of time.

Abstract: This invention discloses a structure for preventing unwanted migration of postage meter ink through the spaces separating various plastic components of the structure.

Abstract: A postage meter which includes a thermal print head for printing indicia, postal value, and the like is disclosed. In accordance with the invention, thermal elements in the thermal print head are electronically pulsed in appropriate serially timed patters to provide a complete thermally transferred image on a strip moving past the thermal head.

Abstract: A postage meter which includes a thermal print head for printing indicia, postal value, and the like is disclosed. In accordance with the invention, thermal elements in the thermal print head are electronically pulsed in appropriate serially time patters to provide a complete thermally transferred image on a strip moving past the thermal head. A reversible stepper motor and cam arrangement are utilized to provide a drive mechanism and a means for relieving pressure on the strip at the end of each print cycle. With the pressure relieved, a particularly simplified loading of a thermal ribbon cassette may be effected.

Abstract: A postage meter which includes a thermal print head for printing indicia, postal value, and the like is disclosed. In accordance with the invention, thermal elements in the thermal print head are electronically pulsed in appropriate serially timed patterns to provide a complete thermally transferred image on a strip moving past the thermal head. The meter tape is cut prior to the strips moving past the thermal head.

Abstract: The invention features a high speed thermal printing mechanism having a dichotomized printing sequence. The thermal printing mechanism is particularly useful for printing postal values and indicia upon postage tape in a variable and fixed format, respectively. The variable information can be imprinted by a thermal head under the influence of a microprocessor. The fixed information can be imprinted by an etched thermal print screen.

Abstract: A postage meter having a fixed coplanar printing die is provided with security means to prevent making of fraudulent impressions. This security means involves the use of interposers extending upward and through the space into which an envelope or other workpieces may be inserted. During the legitimate cycling operation these interposers are moved out of guarding position and the postage meter carries out its normal function.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for initializing the printwheels in an electronic postage meter is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a printwheel selection mechanism which is comprised of various components. The various components on the printwheel selection mechanism are adjusted to set a plurality of printwheels to a predetermined position. After those printwheels are adjusted a signal is produced which indicates that the printwheels are located at that predetermined position. The various components of the printwheel selection mechanism are sequentially adjusted to set the printwheels so that the postage meter settings are at a known initial point.

Abstract: The invention has particular utility when utilized in a stand-alone electronic mailing machine of the reciprocating platen type. The entire drive mechanism, setting mechanism, and control devices as well as the postage metering mechanisms are all contained in one housing so that there is no need for a separate base. A single central processing unit is utilized along with memory for the purpose of accounting for the postage value that has been charged into the mailing machine as well as the amount that has been used. A pair of stepper motors is used for the purpose of adjusting the print dies with the amounts that are to be imprinted. One of the stepper motors is also used to trip a single revolution clutch which is utilized to affect the printing operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stand-alone electronic mailing machine that includes a postage metering device. The entire drive mechanism, setting mechanism, and control devices as well as the postage metering mechanisms are all contained in one housing so that there is no need for a separate base. In the mailing machine of this invention, a single central processing unit is utilized along with memory for the purpose of accounting for the postage value that has been charged into the mailing machine as well as the amount that has been used. A check date indicator light is provided which will be turned on when power is supplied to the mailing machine. A lid is provided in the housing of the mailing machine behind which a key is located that will turn off the indicator light.

Abstract: A pair of tamper proof postage meter doors which remain closed and locked until the proper combination of numbers is entered using the normal postage keyboard. The doors will not function if there is insufficient postage in the accounting registers. Means are also provided which will cause the ascending and descending registers in the postage meter to indicate zero postage remaining in the meter if an attempt is made to tamper with or force open the doors.

Abstract: A postage metering machine has the capability of printing postage on mail by means of a printing device having a plurality of selectively settable printing wheels. The printing wheels have a plurality of numerical printing members, around their periphery, and there is a plurality of spaced printing members disposed between the wheels from which decimal point shaped printing members can be selectively removed in order to vary the position of the decimal point. The ability to vary the decimal point position, provides a means of accommodating various currency denominations required by various countries of the world.

Abstract: In apparatus including framework adapted for removably mounting the apparatus in operating relationship with respect to a postage meter having a lever movable between a plurality of postage value selecting positions, wherein the apparatus includes a base having an aperture formed therein which is dimensioned to permit movement of the lever within the aperture when the apparatus is mounted in its operating relationship; there is provided structure for movably connecting the base to the framework for movement between a first position and a second position. The structure includes at least one spring interconnecting the base and framework for urging the base into the first position, the base being manually movable from the first position to the second position, and the aperture including a portion thereof dimensioned for permitting passage of the lever through the base when the base is disposed in the second position.

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 secured housing for an electronic device having an electronic memory mounted therewithin is provided which has an access aperture which provides tamper proof security and electro-magnetic interference protection while permitting access to the memory for reading the information maintained in the memory. Opening of the access aperture disables the electronic device from further operation by unlatching a switch which disconnects the electronic device from its power supply while preventing relatching of the switch to reactivate the electronic device. Use of the access aperture provides a visible indication of access to the interior of the housing. In one embodiment of the invention, the electronic device is an electronic postage meter and the electronic memory is a nonvolatile memory containing postage accounting information.

Abstract: Stepped-down counting mechanism with number wheels drawn on a locking shaft, with a control disc and with a slotted link. The number wheels and the control disc are moved by a ratchet shaft which is located in the interior of the locking shaft and to which are articulated pawls each acting on one pair of wheels. The switching mode with single or multiple stepping-down can be selected by adjusting the slotted link. The control disc is moved by means of an idle-stroke pawl subjected to the action of the slotted link and, independently thereof, by means of an advancing pawl acting between the control disc and the units wheel.

Abstract: A printer countwheel mechanism in a time stamp machine keeps a running count of the number of groups of documents stamped by automatically advancing a countwheel to the next highest number when all documents in the group have been stamped. A document group comprises one or more documents. Each document in the group is stamped with the same countwheel number. When stamping single documents, i.e. groups consisting of only one document, the countwheel is advanced every stamping operation so that every document is stamped with a different number. When stamping duplicates, i.e. groups of two documents, the countwheel is advanced every other stamping operation so that duplicates are stamped with the same number. The mechanism may also be disengaged when it is not necessary to keep a count of the number of documents stamped.

Abstract: For interconnecting a postage meter and an actuator apparatus for operating the postage meter, wherein the postage meter includes a lever which is positionable in a plurality of postage value selecting positions, and the actuator includes a member for positioning the postage meter lever; there is provided a gauge for adjusting the spatial relationship between the postage meter and actuator, and a lever extension device for fixing the spatial relationship between the postage meter lever and lever positioning member.

Abstract: For interconnecting a postage meter and an actuator apparatus for operating the postage meter, wherein the postage meter includes a lever which is positionable in a plurality of postage value selecting positions, and the actuator includes a member for positioning the postage meter lever; there is provided a gauge for adjusting the spatial relationship between the postage meter and actuator, and a lever extension device for fixing the spatial relationship between the postage meter lever and lever position member.

Abstract: A process for interconnecting a postage meter and apparatus for operating the postage meter; wherein the postage meter includes a lever which is positionable in a plurality of postage value selecting positions, and the apparatus includes a member for positioning the postage meter lever. The process comprises the steps of fixing the spatial relationship between the postage meter and meter operating apparatus, and then fixing the spatial relationship between the postage meter lever and lever positioning member.

Abstract: A driver for positioning the postage amount handles of a postage meter, the driver including motors which, in response to control signals from a postage computer, axially displace shafts along paths generally parallel to the paths of the postage meter handles. The shafts support actuator fingers which couple the shaft movement to the respective handles. An optical interruptor for each shaft senses various shaft positions and provides signals to the postage computer which are used in part to develop the control signals.

Abstract: The present disclosure has to do with the prevention of the fraudulent alteration of postage meter tapes whereby they can be used without paying the proper postage. A simple locking device may be added to existing postage meters whereby the postage meter cannot be operated unless the actual meter is in place. Therefore if the meter is removed the postage meter will not be operational until the machine is replaced. Mechanical or electronic counters can also be installed to record the removal activity and if it is exceptionally high could be questioned by proper authorities.

Abstract: A shielded switch structure is disclosed. The switch structure is adapted for use in a system which is susceptible to being affected by electromagnetic radiation. The structure includes a conductive flexible sheet disposed adjacent to a plurality of switch contacts. The sheet is operable to enable a force applied to the sheet to actuate selected switch contacts. The shielded switch structure is mounted on a postage meter conductive housing. The housing includes a recessed area adapted to receive the keyboard. The conductive flexible sheet is positioned above the conductive housing recessed area and of a size so that the margins of the flexible sheet physically engage non recessed areas of the housing.

Abstract: Device for indicating types of mail for an option printing cylinder in franking machines, including side plates disposed on the option printing cylinder, another printing cylinder supported between the side plates in the option printing cylinder, a toothed cylinder gear connected to the other printing cylinder, a device for setting different types of printing upon rotation of the other printing cylinder, a first shaft at least partially disposed in the option printing cylinder, a setting gear rotatably supported on the first shaft, internal and external gearing formed on the setting gear, a second shaft at least partially supported in a hole formed in the first shaft, a gear being fastened on the second shaft and having teeth meshing with the internal gearing formed on the setting gear, and a gear segment having teeth meshing with the teeth of the cylinder gear to rotate and set the other printing cylinder upon rotation of the setting gear.

Abstract: An improvement in an actuator adapted to be removably mounted in an operating relationship with respect to a postage meter having a postage value selecting lever positionable in a plurality of positions, one of the positions being a home position. The actuator includes a base having an aperture formed therein through which the postage meter lever extends when the actuator is mounted in the operating relationship with respect to the postage meter. The actuator also includes apparatus for positioning the postage meter lever in the home position for removing the actuator. In addition, the actuator includes means for securing the postage meter lever against inadvertent movement, in particular when an attempt is made to remove the actuator out of the operating relationship with respect to the postage meter prior to returning the postage meter lever to the home position.

Abstract: An encoder is provided for a postage meter having a lever which is movable between a plurality of postage value selecting positions. The encoder includes framework adapted for removably mounting the encoder in operating relationship with respect to the postage meter, and includes instrumentalities for monitoring movement of the postage meter lever when the encoder is operationally mounted. Preferably, the monitoring means includes means for providing an electrical signal which varies in response to movement of the postage meter lever from one of its positions to another.

Abstract: An interface for facilitating user resetting of a mechanical registering mechanism interconnects a decrementing register with a remote meter resetting lock. The user is provided with the current lock combination after debiting the user's account for the amount to be incremented into the register. With the lock released, a resetting knob is rotatable to drive a gear train which engages a pinion on a register numeral wheel. Rotation of the knob initially releases numeral wheel lockout combs to permit the gear train to advance the numeral wheel. A separate gear train is provided for each register wheel to be reset with a Geneva transfer tooth in the driven gear train indexing an adjacent gear train which drives a higher order numeral wheel. The interface additionally provides for conventional meter resetting by authorized personnel through the implementation of manually actuatable thumb wheels for optionally driving the gear trains.

Abstract: A postage meter is provided with a combination whereby the detent members retarding the selector gears of the postage meter are removed immediately prior to the changing of the postage amount. The combination is also able to engage a bail lock-out mechanism at the same instant the detent is removed to prevent accidental meter trips or tampering with the meter.

Abstract: The system responds to signals from a weight computer to depress selected keys on the postage metering machine keyboard. A solenoid is associated with each key. The solenoids are mounted on a carriage for movement toward and away from the keyboard. Spring bias and weight forces the carriage toward the keyboard. Energized solenoids hold an engagement tip extended so that when the carriage is released toward the keyboard, the carriage force will depress the selected key. The engagement tip on unenergized solenoids contact the key but the solenoid shaft moves upward into the solenoid without depressing the key.

Abstract: The system is responsive to a signal from a weight computer to selectively move levers on a lever type postage metering machine to postage selecting positions corresponding to computed postage. The system includes a plurality of actuating members with connecting members for embracing the tabs on the ends of the postage selecting or setting levers of the metering machine for moving the levers to the selected positions. The connecting members follow the natural motion of the tabs on the postage selecting levers. The operating members are moved to their selective positions by alternating rotating discs controlled by an alternately driven motor, which is driven in response to a signal from the weight computer with a comparator circuit for comparing and selecting the respective positions of the discs.

Abstract: The invention is for an improved security system for a postage meter, which features an ascending register lockout. Most commercial postage meters contain ascending and descending registers which keep an accounting of the meter's use. The lockout for the ascending register is disposed in combination with, but functions independently from, a descending register lockout also located within the postage meter. Both lockout devices use a locking comb arrangement to sense when a postage value lockout position is reached by their respective register wheels. The descending register lockout provides a pivoting cam to block a shutter bar window when a descending register lockout condition is sensed. The ascending register lockout system provides a slide bar for blocking the shutter bar window when an ascending register lockout condition is sensed.

Abstract: A mail franking machine comprises a totalizing device having electronic ms for recording at least a predetermined number of lower-order digits of the total printed franking values. An electronic recording counter receives values to be recorded from a decade counter the stages of which are set by a shift register and pulse generator under the control of an order counter and a synchronizing circuit actuated by a pulse transmitter connected to a printing drum of the machine. The shift register receives signals in succession from sensing elements selectively actuated during rotation of the printing drum in dependence upon the set positions of adjustable printing wheels on the drum.

Abstract: A setting mechanism for a postage meter for use in a continuous mail sorting and postage imprinting system which automatically weighs and meters each piece of mail. The system is designed to rapidly handle a large quantity of mixed mail. Mixed mail is continuously and synchronously fed in seriatim along a continuous feed path. Unsealed envelopes have their flaps wetted and sealed. All the envelopes are stopped at a weighing station where they are weighed, and the postage corresponding to their particular weight is computed. The determined postage value is used to continuously reset a postage meter which imprints the required postage upon each envelope as it arrives at a metering station. The actuator banks of the meter are controlled by stepper motors. The metering and weighing functions of the system are synchronized such that the postage meter will imprint the proper postage upon each piece of mail, despite the fact that several envelopes may be simultaneously in transit along the feed path.

Abstract: A postage meter is disclosed which features a rotatable printing drum. The print wheel(s), registers, and postage value selector are all supported by the drum to provide a reduction in parts. The postage meter is more reliable due to the reduction of parts, as well as being more compact and less costly to manufacture. The print wheel(s) of the meter are offset from a valid print position when the drum is in a rest position, in order to provide protection against "wiping off". The postage value selector is easily operable by the postage meter user and is conveniently disposed for ease of access.

Abstract: This invention relates to a selection mechanism for a postage meter in which a single Thomas-type mutilated drum actuator is rigidly mounted on a hollow cylindrical drive shaft on which is also mounted the postage meter printing head, and comprises a series of selection bars lying longitudinally of the drive shaft and angularly therearound, each of which bars is set by a suitable manual positioning means, such as a selection wheel, each such bar carrying a yoke to position a driven gear of a first register to be driven by the actuator, a like series of auxiliary setting bars, each of which is rigidly yoked to the respective first setting bar and which carries a yoke for setting a register drive gear of another register of a postage meter. The main setting bar, at its forward end, is provided with gear teeth which drive a gear train that meshes with a rack carried by the actuator drive shaft to set the mechanism in the print wheel.