Abstract: The invention is a method and system for printing a postage meter indicia from a data processing system. The printing of the indicia is under control of an indicia control in an object linking and embedding (OLE2) environment. The method begins with instantiating an indicia control in the design application that will utilize the object control for indicia printing. The indicia control is attached to an application window for use by the application. Once established, the control will be passed a set of postage meter data from an interoperatively linked postage meter. The interface is enhanced by displaying an envelope representation on a monitor screen to a system operator, wherein the envelope display comprises design fields and wherein one of the design fields is a representation of the postage indicia. The postage indicia additionally comprises postage meter data such as available funds, a transaction value, and a postage meter identification.

Abstract: A device in a postage meter that uses dot or drop printing to enhance security. Security is achieved by counting the number of signal pulses that are used to produce ink drops or ink dots that are required to produce the entire document or specific regions of the document. The aforementioned may be accomplished by adding a smart module to digital print head modules. The smart module would capture driver pulses from the print head module and interpret the pulses associated with regions of the image. Thus, the smart module would take data from the printer controller that is used to cut off printing when the ink is consumed and relate “set” values to the drops produced during the production of the document or portions of the document, thereby linking the document to the actual volume of ink produced.

Abstract: An official postal product that can be placed over a personal image without substantially detracting from the viewing of the personal image.

Abstract: An official postal product, and a method and apparatus for making the official postal product. The official postal product includes a first image area having an official postal indicia a second image area having a personal image. A protective coating is placed over the second image area such that official cancellation mark placed over the second area will not permanently adhere to the personal image.

Abstract: A novel postage stamp is covered with a partially transparent holographic film containing, including but not limited to, a logo, drawing and phrase, on the face of the postage stamp. The partially transparent holographic film is manufactured separately and supplied. The size of the film meets the size of the postage stamp over which the film covers. The partially transparent film is a multi-layer film consisted of; 1) a heat adhesive layer consisting of homo- and co-polymers of EVA (poly ethylene vinyl acetate), EAA (poly acetyl acetate), ionomer and VLDPE (very low density poly ethylene); 2) a hologram layer containing, including but not limited to, a logo, drawing and phrase and messages; 3) a surface protecting layer consisting of a printable material, including but not limited to, homo- and co-polymers of flexible PVC (poly vinyl chloride), PMMA (poly methyl methacrylate); and PC (poly carbonate). The film is coextruded with the postage stamp to be adhered on the face of the stamp.

Abstract: A tax stamp perforator and notcher applies a diagonal line of spaced apart perforations on a tax stamp for subsequent application to a cigarette pack. The stamp is glued or otherwise applied to the cigarette pack normally across the back of the pack and one of the sides thereof. When the cigarette pack is opened the tax stamp is torn along the line of perforations. In order to facilitate rapid application of tax stamps to a production line of cigarette packs, notches in the form of lines of increased densification are applied to each stamp in the area where the stamp is bent around the side of the cigarette pack. These lines of increased densification are arranged parallel to the edge of the cigarette pack, and preferably one of the lines lies along the edge of the cigarette pack to thereby reduce the ability of the tax stamp to spring back away from the pack when glued to the pack. This feature enables the stamps to be applied to the packs at high production rates.

Abstract: Methods of creating tamper resistant informational articles and related products are disclosed. In one embodiment, a lens has a preformed transparent hologram, metallized portions are provided and may be altered through selective application of heat to predetermined parts thereof to create information which may be fixed or variable. Printing may be provided on the hologram before metallizing. A base portion underlies the metallized layer. In yet another embodiment of the invention, an opaque base portion has a hologram formed in the upper surface thereof with portions of the hologram being made readily visible by partial metallization covering only portions of the hologram with or without information provided as by printing overlying or underlying portions of the metallized sector or both. A transparent overlying lens is secured in overlying relationship. Metallizing may be such as to permit viewing underlying hologram portions or information or not. A corresponding method is provided.

Abstract: An official postal product, and a method and apparatus for making the official postal product. The official postal product includes a first image area having an official postal indicia a second image area having a personal image. A protective coating is placed over the second image area such that official cancellation mark placed over the second area will not permanently adhere to the personal image.

Abstract: Universally available preprinted forms are used in a general purpose printing device to allow for the subsequent verification of the authenticity of a printed document such as a ticket, stamp, check, or money order. In operation, the user accesses the seller of the goods/services and during an information exchange with the seller there is inputted at least a portion of the preprinted data from the form. The seller then uses this information to formulate a printable control indicia which is then printed on the form at the user's location. When the form is subsequently presented to the seller, for example when the user uses the form he/she printed, the preprinted portion of the form is used to obtain a decipher key which in turn is used to decipher the control indica. If desired, a special security marking may be associated with the form for additional security. Inability to decode the control indicia indicates that the printed material on the form may not be authentic.

Abstract: A stamp product is described which is self-adhesive and adheres to a release liner. The product is imprinted with stamp graphics and perforated about the periphery of the graphics and through the liner to define each stamp. The liner is cut opposite each stamp making each stamp accessible by tearing both liner and stamp at the perforations or by removal of the liner at each stamp and then tearing the stamp at the perforations.

Abstract: A sheet of (preferably twenty) personalized postage stamps may, be applied to pieces of mail or given as a gift to loved ones. Each individual stamp will include the country of issue (e.g. U.S.A.) and a monetary value (e.g. 33¢ or 55¢). The sheet of personalized stamps may contain a seal showing collectability value or proof of authentication. There is a method of retrieving an the personalized image and sizing the image before it is copied or printed onto the appropriate areas of the stamp sheet. The consumer may request the operator of the computer system to apply a protective coating to protective the life of the stamp. In addition, the consumer may request that the finished product be framed as a picture.

Abstract: A postage stamp assemblage wherein an indicia bearing element containing a photographic film unit is covered by an overlay sheet containing a transparent zone, allowing the photographic film unit to be visible. The postage stamp assemblage contains machine readable indicia and postage indicia.

Abstract: A tax stamp perforator and notcher applies a diagonal line of spaced apart perforations on a tax stamp for subsequent application to a cigarette pack. The stamp is glued or otherwise applied to the cigarette pack normally across the back of the pack and one of the sides thereof. When the cigarette pack is opened the tax stamp is torn along the line of perforations. In order to facilitate rapid application of tax stamps to a production line of cigarette packs, notches in the form of lines of increased densification are applied to each stamp in the area where the stamp is bent around the side of the cigarette pack. These lines of increased densification are arranged parallel to the edge of the cigarette pack, and preferably one of the lines lies along the edge of the cigarette pack to thereby reduce the ability of the tax stamp to spring back away from the pack when glued to the pack. This feature enables the stamps to be applied to the packs at high production rates.

Abstract: Ink-imprintable release coating compositions are described which comprise a polymer comprising a polyurethane, a fluoroacrylate polymer or copolymer, or an addition cured or a condensation cured silicone polymer containing dispersed and/or emulsified resin particles, resin particle domains, or both, and, optionally, inorganic particles. The resin particles comprise resins which are different from the polymers and the resins comprise polyurethanes, polyamides, and polyureas. Ink-imprintable label, tape and stamp constructions also are described which comprise a plurality of contiguous labels, tapes or stamps in a roll or stacked sheet configuration without an independent release liner wherein the labels, tapes and stamps have a pressure-sensitive adhesive on the back surface and a cured ink-imprintable release coating on the face surface.

Abstract: A method for requesting a postage refund includes the steps of generating a postage indicium having a postage value and first data indicative that a refund of the postage value is requested; and printing the postage indicium on a mailpiece.

Abstract: An official postal product, and a method and apparatus for making the official postal product. The official postal product includes a first image area having an official postal indicia a second image area having a personal image. A protective coating is placed over the second image area such that official cancellation mark placed over the second area will not permanently adhere to the personal image.

Abstract: A postage printing system, comprising a computer, a data center, a control system and a redemption center. The computer is in operative communication with a printer for printing a postal indicium on an envelope. The data center is in operative communication with the computer, which in turn is located remotely from the data center. The data center includes a plurality of user accounts and a plurality of advertiser accounts where each of the plurality of advertiser accounts includes respective ad data including coupon data and restriction data.

Abstract: A stamp product is described which is self-adhesive and adheres to a release liner. The product is imprinted with stamp graphics and perforated about the periphery of the graphics and through the liner to define each stamp. The liner is cut opposite each stamp making each stamp accessible by tearing both liner and stamp at the perforations or by removal of the liner at each stamp and then tearing the stamp at the perforations.

Abstract: A limited edition stamp and method for printing limited edition stamps from a plurality of different printers and locations. The limited edition stamps each having a unique ID not visible under normal viewing conditions. The unique ID number is allocated to different printers by a single computer that is communication with all of the printers.

Abstract: A template sheet forming postal meter labels or combination postal meter/address labels are described upon which postal indicia can be printed, by a non-impact printer, less than one-quarter inch from the edge of the label. The sheet includes a plurality of removably affixed meter tape or meter tape/address labels positioned in an off-set configuration on one face of a laminated sheet. The combination meter tape/address labels are self-aligning for conforming to United States Postal Service IBIP specifications.

Abstract: A combination shipping label and packing slip/label form which comprises a first ply having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a second release liner ply detachably secured to the bottom surface of the first ply. The first ply comprises a detachable shipping label and a corresponding packing slip. The packing slip is detachably secured to the combination shipping label and packing slip form by a substantial die cut through the first ply and the second release liner ply. The packing slip comprises a border section and a bill of materials section separated by a perforation that perforates the first ply and the second release liner ply. The bottom surface of the border section is coated with an adhesive.

Abstract: A sheet of (preferably twenty) personalized postage stamps may be applied to pieces of mail or given as a gift to loved ones. Each individual stamp will include the country of issue (e.g. U.S.A.) and a monetary value (e.g. 33¢ or 55¢). The sheet of personalized stamps may contain a seal showing collectability value or proof of authentication. There is a method of retrieving an the personalized image and sizing the image before it is copied or printed onto the appropriate areas of the stamp sheet. The consumer may request the operator of the computer system to apply a protective coating to protective the life of the stamp. In addition, the consumer may request that the finished product be framed as a picture.

Abstract: A postage printing system includes a transport device for feeding an envelope in a path of travel through the postage printing system, a printer for printing a postal indicia and an ad slogan on the envelope, and a control system in operative communication with the transport device and the printer. The control system obtains an indication from an operator of a selected print location for the ad slogan and determines if the postal indicia and the ad slogan may be printed in a single pass through the postage printing system.

Abstract: Postal stamps and flyer stamps, which may include a lower surface, one for imprinting with the usual postage stamp, while the other may be imprinted with advertising material, both of which have upper extending segments, separated by a perforated or otherwise fold line, for use for attachment to the upper free edge of a flyer, folded over to seal it into closure.

Abstract: An official postal product, and a method and apparatus for making the official postal product. The official postal product includes a first image area having an official postal indicia a second image area having a personal image. A protective coating is placed over the second image area such that official cancellation mark placed over the second area will not permanently adhere to the personal image.

Abstract: An official postal product, and a method and apparatus for making the official postal product. The official postal product includes a first image area having an official postal indicia a second image area having a personal image. A protective coating is placed over the second image area such that official cancellation mark placed over the second area will not permanently adhere to the personal image.

Abstract: A postage stamp assemblage wherein an indicia bearing element containing a photographic film unit is covered by an overlay sheet containing a transparent zone, allowing the photographic film unit to be visible. The postage stamp assemblage contains machine readable indicia and postage indicia.

Abstract: A postal item such as an envelope or courier pack. The postal item has a sheet providing an outer surface. The sheet is provided with removable tags that when removed provide openings in the sheet. A backing sheet or sheets close the opening so formed.

Abstract: A tamper evident seal for applying to an envelope having a first face closed by a flap and a second face, the seal comprising a strip having a first panel joined to a second panel by a fold line, each panel having a first side and a second side, the first side of each panel bearing adhesive and the second side of a panel bearing indicia showing that postage has been paid, the arrangement being such that in use a panel adheres to each face of the envelope with a panel overlying the flap.

Abstract: A template sheet forming postal meter labels or combination postal meter/address labels are described upon which postal indicia can be printed, by a non-impact printer, less than one-quarter inch from the edge of the label. The sheet includes a plurality of removably affixed meter tape or meter tape/address labels positioned on one face of a laminated individual or continuous feed sheet. The combination meter tape/address labels are self-aligning for conforming to United States Postal Service IBIP specifications.

Abstract: A system and method for printing an outbound and/or an associated return postage meter stamp, including a desired postage amount, onto a label or onto an outbound document and/or an associated return document. A processor based system is programmed to interact with a customer to produce individualized documents, printed address labels, and a printed postage meter stamp having in one embodiment, a customized postage indicia. The processor based system automatically calculates the postage due for each specific document, prints that postage amount as a meter stamp, interacts with the customer to generate a personalized stamp indicia, encrypts selected information into a machine readable format, and prints the information entered by the customer in a selected format, all on the document or documents for transfer to the outside of a mailing envelope.

Abstract: Linerless postage stamps are produced by coating a paper substrate on the bottom surface with pressure sensitive adhesive, and coating the substrate on the top surface with release material, such as silicone, which includes an effective amount of stamp cancellation ink retaining particles, so that when the release coat and particles are contacted by stamp cancellation ink the particles will retain sufficient stamp cancellation ink so that the ink is visible on the top face and will not be wiped off during normal handling. The particles may comprise fumed silica, colloidal silica, kaolin clay, aluminum oxide, wollastonite, talc, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, or combinations thereof. Stamp indicia is typically provided on the top of the substrate underneath the release coat.

Abstract: An envelope has one wall with a stamp integrated in the wall. The wall has a zone of least resistance which surrounds the stamp for removing the stamp from the wall. The stamp has a first, inner face with adhesive and/or graphic signs. In another embodiment, a second, outer face is marked with graphic signs and the second face has prominent parts of deformation of the stamp, and the first face has concave parts in register with the prominent parts for facilitating separation of the stamp from the envelope.

Abstract: A promotional mailing in the form of an envelope having an insert with a promotional message and a simulated reward item, i.e., an item which substantially simulates in shape, size and coloration an actual item having a recognizable, tenderable value, such as a postage stamp or currency. The simulated reward item is at least partially displayed through a window in the envelope such that a consumer viewing the envelope will perceive the simulated item to be an actual item having value. In order to access the simulated reward positioned in the envelope, the consumer must open the envelope, and is thereby more likely to be exposed to the promotional message conveyed by the insert in the envelope. The simulated reward item may be inexpensively printed directly on the sheet material of the insert. The simulated reward item may be enhanced to appear more like an actual reward item by embossing the sheet material to simulate edges on the reward item.

Abstract: A system that uses a digital postage meter or Postal Security Device to add information to the indicia that indicates that the mail piece has already been scanned. This information will inform the scanner and a human that the postage paid for, as indicated in the indicia, has been used. The foregoing is accomplished by printing a scanner readable data field in the indicia or in the vicinity of the indicia that indicates the mail piece was received. Human readable data is also printed in the indicia or in the vicinity of the indicia that indicates the mail piece was received. For instance, the word "VOID" may be written in coded form and/or in human readable form. Information regarding the canceling of the indicia is transmitted to a data center.

Abstract: A value stamp promotion kit comprises a plurality of value stamps and at least one value book to which the stamps can be affixed. The value stamps are packaged in a break-open ticked having a tab removable by tearing it away from the ticket and having an adhesive thereon enabling it to be affixed to the value book.

Abstract: Ink-imprintable release coating compositions are described which comprise a polymer comprising a polyurethane, a fluoroacrylate polymer or copolymer, or an addition cured or a condensation cured silicone polymer containing dispersed and/or emulsified resin particles, resin particle domains, or both, and, optionally, inorganic particles. The resin particles comprise resins which are different from the polymers and the resins comprise polyurethanes, polyamides, and polyureas. Ink-imprintable label, tape and stamp constructions also are described which comprise a plurality of contiguous labels, tapes or stamps in a roll or stacked sheet configuration without an independent release liner wherein the labels, tapes and stamps have a pressure-sensitive adhesive on the back surface and a cured ink-imprintable release coating on the face surface.

Abstract: A direct response mailing includes a response card and a set of stamps. The response card has a pressure sensitive adhesive patterned and applied to certain fields of the response card and has removable members placed on top of the pressure sensitive adhesive. The sheet of stamps is perforated into the individual stamps and are entirely unsupported with no adhesive applied to them. To formulate a response, a resident removes a desired set of stamps from the sheet and also detaches the removable members from the response card. The resident then places each stamp into a preferred one of the fields on the response card. Although the stamps have no adhesive, the pressure sensitive adhesive on the response card secures the stamps to the card. The direct response mailing does not have a remoistenable gummed sheet of stamps and thus benefits from not requiring the resident to lick the stamps and also has the benefit of being less prone to water damage during delivery in the mail.

Abstract: A stamp collection sleeve is provided including a pair of sheets of clear plastic integrally coupled along inboard edges, outboard edges, and top and bottom edges thereof. The sheets are each further coupled along lines for defining a plurality of compartments which are accessible via openings situated along a single line which extends between the compartments.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for direct mail distribution of manufacturer and retailer's redeemable coupons using a prepaid mailing envelope. The multiple method steps of the invention includes preparing and selective distribution of prepaid mailing envelopes that are formed of paper blanks having a plurality of pre-purchased manufacturers redeemable coupons printed within.

Abstract: A inexpensive and time saving method and system for reducing the use of gummed service stickers and the completion by hand of special forms for specialty mail is disclosed. This invention also reduces the amount of trips that have to be made to the post. The foregoing may be accomplished by replacing the standard (fixed) graphic cartridge that is normally supplied with a standard digital postage meter with an addressable "ram" image cartridge. The addressable ram image cartridge may also be linked to a personal computer, where a program would allow the user to request specialty mail services. Once the desired service (services) are selected, the required postal graphic images are downloaded into the ram cartridge. Next, postal payment, if any, is totaled and the additional postal value is totaled and passed to the postal meter vault for totaling and printing in an accountable way.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for converting a postage amount expressed in a first currency denomination into at least a second currency denomination and printing the postage amount expressed in a second denomination in postal indicia.

Abstract: A fluorescent substance of the following general formula:Ln.sub.X A.sub.1-X PO.sub.4wherein Ln represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Nd, Yb and Er; A represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Y, La, Gd, Bi, Ce, Lu, In and Tb; and X represents a value within the range of 0.01 to 0.99.

Abstract: Self-adhesive stamps comprising: a layer (2) of stamp paper bearing a printed stamp design on its front and having perfoated edges (6), a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive (5) on the back of the stamp paper, and a peelable backing sheet (7) covering the adhesive, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is patterned such that there is little or no adhesive adjacent to the perorated edges of the stamp paper. Preferably, the pressure-sensitive adhesive is a hot-melt adhesive, and preferably the adhesive is applied by printing. Also a method of making such stamps comprising the steps of: providing a sheet or web of stamp paper having lines of perforations defining stamps therein, followed by coating the back of the stamp paper with a patterned layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive and a peelable backing sheet.

Abstract: A personalized postal stamp has on a back surface thereof an adhesive layer for adhering the stamp to a letter or postal card, and on a front surface thereof first and second regions. The first region presents an image of indicia qualifying the stamp as a lawful stamp of a given postage denomination, and the second region, which is substantially disposed within the first region, presents an image of a person who purchased the stamp from a vending machine. The front surface is of unitary, one-piece and integral construction. The first and second region images are formed either simultaneously in a single operation or at different times by different operations.

Abstract: A carrier assembly including a label, coupon, booklet or the like for application to a container or other receiver which has an elongated flexible carrier web having opposed faces, one face being equipped with adhesive, the other face being equipped with release material, and a plurality of longitudinally spaced web-units attached to the one face, the carrier web being convolutely wound with the space between the web-units exposing said adhesive.Also disclosed is the method of preparing and the method of using wherein the wound roll is unwound and one web-units sequentially dispensed as by severing a segment from the carrier web and applying the same to a receiver.

Abstract: In a method and to an arrangement for entering data into a postage meter machine, after calling stored setting data, a routine is triggered that includes a manual input routine. The arrangement includes specific actuation elements for data input for positioning, within the overall image, sub-images (image portions or constituents of the overall image). After interrogation of the actuated inputs, request data are formed if a non-available data set is needed. The formation likewise ensues when a microprocessor in the machine finds data of the clock/date module that were called but were modified due to the passage of time. A communication is then implemented, whereby the data central communicates sub-image data files and, if necessary, further data files to the postage meter machine on the basis of the communicated request data.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive adhesive labels having postal indicia on them are used to produce mailing pieces, and allow production of distinctive mailing pieces at high speeds (e.g. 300-500 feet per minute). The labels have "POSTAGE PAID", an indication of rate such "BULK RATE" or "FIRST CLASS MAIL", and an indication of permit authorization such as "PERMIT NO.". The pressure sensitive adhesive of the label is adhered to an envelope or postcard at an upper right corner of an addressable face of the envelope or postcard. The label may have the same size as (and simulate) a conventional postage stamp, and the indicia may overlie the decorative graphics, with the indicia and the decorative graphics sharply color contrasting. The labels may simulate first class postage metering including a circle indicating the zip code of origin. The labels are typically either tipped on or blown on an envelope web, and a business reply envelope (also with a label having similar "POSTAGE PAID" indicia, etc.

Abstract: A highly secure hand-held portable postage meter is disclosed that uses partially pre-printed postal tape. Only the date and postage amount remain to be printed on the tape by the meter. The postal tape, pre-printed by Postal Authority, is enclosed within the meter in a removable cartridge. In one embodiment, a new cartridge being pushed into the meter pushes the used cartridge out. An anti-tamper lock is released by a probe key, on the leading face of the cartridge, that couples with a receptor on the trailing face of the used cartridge.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive adhesive labels having postal indicia on them are used to produce mailing pieces, and allow production of distinctive mailing pieces at high speeds (e.g. 300-500 feet per minute). The labels have "POSTAGE PAID", an indication of rate such "BULK RATE" or "FIRST CLASS MAIL", and an indication of permit authorization such as "PERMIT NO.". The pressure sensitive adhesive of the label is adhered to an envelope or postcard at an upper right corner of an addressable face of the envelope or postcard. The label may have the same size as (and simulate) a conventional postage stamp, and the indicia may overlie the decorative graphics, with the indicia and the decorative graphics sharply color contrasting. The labels may simulate first class postage metering including a circle indicating the zip code of origin. The labels are typically either tipped on or blown on an envelope web, and a business reply envelope (also with a label having similar "POSTAGE PAID" indicia, etc.