Abstract: Embodiments of the invention involve an integrated thermal printer with a scale that is connected to a computer. The computer is connected to a web server that is authorized by a government postal agency, e.g. the USPS, to issue postage.

Abstract: Provided are user equipment, a service providing device, a payment system including the same, a control method thereof, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program recorded thereon. According to the present invention, when one or more payment cards related with a user of user equipment registered in the user equipment are used, the user equipment collects various types of position information related with the user equipment and then provides the various types of collected position information to the service providing device, the service providing device compares current position information of the user equipment with various types of position information collected in the user equipment to determine whether the payment card is illegally used. Therefore, it is possible to verify illegal usage which steals the user equipment or steals position information of a store and increase reliability of determining illegal usage.

Abstract: Systems and methods which implement a rules based engine for processing items for shipping are shown. Embodiments implement a series of rules that are executed in a particular order to address decision points in processing individual items of a plurality of items for shipping. A user interface adapted to allow a user to create rules, weigh or order the rules, revise rules, enable/disable rules, etc. is provided according to embodiments. By selecting and associating various rule parameters, such as conditions, operators, and/or outcomes, through the rules interface a user may create and revise rules as desired. The rules interface of embodiments provides a hierarchical rules environment in which the resulting rules are weighted or ordered for hierarchical implementation.

Abstract: A mobile volume dimensioning device, i.e. a mobile dimensioner, is described that detects excessive measuring time and/or a repetitive range of measuring motion and receives a deactivation event upon detection of this inappropriate behavior so as to prevent the systematic reporting of either the highest or lowest dimensions in an effort to mitigate unfair charging practices in commerce applications involving the shipping of goods.

Abstract: A mobile volume dimensioning device, i.e. a mobile dimensioner, is described that detects excessive measuring time and/or a repetitive range of measuring motion and receives a deactivation event upon detection of this inappropriate behavior so as to prevent the systematic reporting of either the highest or lowest dimensions in an effort to mitigate unfair charging practices in commerce applications involving the shipping of goods.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a stylus having at least one switch located within the stylus body and activated by relative lateral motion between the stylus tip and the stylus body. Haptic or audible feedback may be provided to a user when a switch, or combination of switches, changes state. The stylus may also include an axial switch and an axial force sensor.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for receiving an unmanned mail capable of automatically acquiring the address information even though the user does not directly input the address information. The apparatus acquires address information of an addressee by automatically recognizing the address of the mail when the address is written on the mail, and acquires the address information of the addressee through the paper on which the address is printed or written, identification, and biometric recognition when the address is not written on the mail. The apparatus may acquire the address information of the addressee through a mail sender's voice.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for weighing an article, such as a mail piece, while the article is moving at high speed, and for checking that the correct amount of postage has been paid for delivery of the article. An article (900) is received from an intake transport (1200), and gripped in a weighing station (1310), in between a capstan roller and a pinch roller (1316), which are synchronized to minimize slipping. A first precision closed-loop servo system (1252, 1250) alters the speed of the article, and in the process acquires torque data for storage and analysis (1212, 1282) to determine weight. Correct postage is determined in a processor (1212), and the postage actually paid is checked either by image analysis (1204, 1214, 1280) or by accessing a stored mailer manifest (1280).

Abstract: A dynamic scale has multiple weighing units, each equipped with a weighing cell and a weighing pan, the weighing pan lying in an upper plane and the weighing cell between a lower plane spaced from the upper plane in the direction of gravity. A transport device has a motor encoder and sensors, with the encoder and sensors being electrically connected with the inputs of a control unit. The multiple weighing units are serially adjacent in a transport path, with simultaneous cascaded arrangement of the weighing cells in the direction of gravity. The control unit simultaneously starts the weighing processes in all weighing cells in a dynamic weighing mode and controls a transport motor depending on signals of the sensors and the encoder and controls the dynamic scale depending on signals from the weighing cells.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for initiating a shipping inquiry for a piece of heavy equipment. A manufacturer/model is defined for the piece of heavy equipment. A starting location and destination location are identified for the piece of heavy equipment. An equipment database is accessed to obtain a plurality of equipment characteristics for the piece of heavy equipment, wherein at least one of the equipment characteristics is assigned a weight, based at least in part, upon a level of shipping complexity associated with the equipment characteristic. A logistics database is accessed to obtain at least one logistics criterion for the piece of heavy equipment, wherein the at least one logistics criterion defines one or more logistical characteristics for the piece of heavy equipment.

Abstract: A system and method for linking data objects and physical objects of various kinds to an identified user is described. The system provides to the identified user information relating to the delivery status of mail pieces directed to or sent by the user, and the user then tracks and traces the mail pieces. The system further provides to the identified user information relating to continued sessions through which the user provides to a postal service system information relating to mailing labels and postage.

Abstract: A paperless postage method includes receiving sender electronic mail piece images and storing them, receiving a mail piece, taking an image of the mail piece, comparing the image with the stored sender electronic mail piece images to determine a match, retrieving sender service selections for the mail piece, and processing the mail piece according to the sender service selections. A paperless postage system includes an information reception and storage module configured to receive and store sender electronic mail piece images, an image capture module configured to take an image of a mail piece, an image matching module configured to compare the image with the stored sender electronic mail piece images to determine a match, a service selection module configured to retrieve sender service selections for the mail piece, and a mail piece processing module configured to process the mail piece according to the sender service selections for the mail piece.

Abstract: Electronic messages may be processed using a stamp authority by receiving an electronic message, identifying a stamp associated the message, determining if the stamp is valid, and, if the stamp is determined to be valid, distinguishing the message from messages with which a valid stamp is not identified.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method weigh an object, in particular a flat item of mail, during transport. A conveying device having an endless conveying belt and a counterpart conveying element is able to temporarily grip an object in a clamping region and to transport it in a transporting direction. Weighing scales are able to weigh the object while the object is gripped in a clamping region. The damping element is configured to damp vibrations of an object gripped in the clamping region. The damping element has a surface which is curved in the transporting direction. The endless conveying belt is guided in such a way around the curved surface that the endless conveying belt rests areally against the curved surface in a damping region and the endless conveying belt and the counterpart conveying element are configured to guide the object gripped in the clamping region past the curved surface.

Abstract: A fast, dynamic scale has a weighing unit formed by a weighing cell and a transport mechanism with a first motor to drive the transport mechanism. The transport mechanism) is arranged with the motor on the weighing cell, so the weighing cell is loaded with a preliminary load. A first sensor is located at the beginning of the weighing unit. This first sensor emits a first signal to a control unit to start the weighing process for a cargo piece B. A second sensor emits a second signal to the control unit that thereupon generates a communication that a cargo piece Bn following the cargo piece B can be supplied. A weighing unit with a shortened effective length for the weighing is provided. The shortened length allows the interval between successive cargo pieces to be correspondingly shortened. A switchable extraction device is arranged after the weighing unit in the transport direction.

Abstract: Multifunction portable computing devices capable of functioning as digital scales are described. For example, an object may be placed on the screen of a stationary smartphone, which in turn will calculate and display the weight of said object.

Abstract: A system and method for high-speed processing of mail pieces is disclosed. The high-speed system includes client server that forms and prints a shipping label comprising reduced Information-Based Indicia (RIBI) on each piece of mail. The client server provides funds to the system server and reports the RIBI usage to the system server. The system server issues tokens to the client server that allow the client server to the print a shipping label including RIBI indicia for a certain value of postage.

Abstract: A flatbed weigh system and methods for weighing substantially flat articles such as mail flats while they are moving. A weigh system has an intake plate (2102) and an accelerator assembly (2100) that receives an article (2150) and accelerates it to a selected velocity. Acceleration is controlled by a servo motor (2112) which in turn is driven by a precision closed-loop servo system (FIG. 12) that accumulates motor torque data to determine the article weight. The accelerator assembly uses vacuum pressure (2130, 2132) to hold the moving article in engagement with a cylindrical capstan roller (2110) while it is being weighed. This vacuum-driven concept eliminates the need for a pinch roller to hold the moving article against a capstan roller as in other designs. Because the pinch roller is eliminated, there is essentially no “bouncing” to address, so dampen is obviated. Further, the vacuum design is not adversely affected by variations in thickness of the article under test as in the pinch roller designs.

Abstract: Included are embodiments of a method for communicating user preferences to at least one environment. At least one embodiment includes receiving a request from an environment for preference information related to a user and receiving a user identifier from the environment, the user identifier obtained via a portable user device. Other embodiments include determining at least one user preference related to the user, determining capabilities related to the environment, and communicating at least one user preference to the environment.

Abstract: A system and method for linking data objects and physical objects of various kinds to an identified user is described. The system provides to the identified user information relating to the delivery status of mail pieces directed to or sent by the user, and the user then tracks and traces the mail pieces. The system further provides to the identified user information relating to continued sessions through which the user provides to a postal service system information relating to mailing labels and postage.

Abstract: Electronic messages may be processed using a stamp authority by receiving an electronic message, identifying a stamp associated the message, determining if the stamp is valid, and, if the stamp is determined to be valid, distinguishing the message from messages with which a valid stamp is not identified.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plurality of Enterprises with a single online user interface with which the Enterprise can provide Enterprise Shippers, shipping origination users and shipping intermediary users with an automated parcel management system for a plurality of supported Carriers for a plurality of services. The present invention provides for the hierarchical definition of users, including the hierarchical definition of organizational units within each Enterprise. The present invention further provides for a distinct definition of policies, privileges, and other types of specifications for each user level, each user, and each organizational unit. The present invention applies the user and organizational policies, privileges and other specifications as they apply to each particular user to drive the interactive interface with each particular user and to provide among other things, shipping options, shipping services, shipping rates, traveler and/or shipping label preparation, and shipment tracking.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an article sales data processing apparatus includes a storage unit, a selection acceptance unit, a confirmation unit, and a payment processing unit. The storage unit stores, for each article sold, sales data and information indicating a payment method prohibited for that article, of plural payment methods. The selection acceptance unit accepts selection of payment method. The confirmation unit refers to the information stored in the storage unit and confirms whether articles sold include an article for which payment by the payment method with its selection accepted by the selection acceptance unit is prohibited. If it is confirmed that the articles sold include an article for which payment is prohibited, the payment processing unit notifies that the articles sold include an article for which payment is prohibited, and executes payment for articles for which the same payment method is not prohibited, by the same payment method.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for weighing an article, such as a mail piece, while the article is moving at high speed, and for checking that the correct amount of postage has been paid for delivery of the article. An article (900) is received from an intake transport (1200), and gripped in a weighing station (1310), in between a capstan roller and a pinch roller (1316), which are synchronized to minimize slipping. A first precision closed-loop servo system (1252, 1250) alters the speed of the article, and in the process acquires torque data for storage and analysis (1212, 1282) to determine weight. Correct postage is determined in a processor (1212), and the postage actually paid is checked either by image analysis (1204, 1214, 1280) or by accessing a stored mailer manifest (1280).

Abstract: A transport system that reduces the amount of oscillation of the weighing platform thereby weighing mail pieces faster. A take-away nip of the weighing module is formed by a pivot arm having a roller mounted thereon and a drive roller mounted in the weighing platform. The take-away nip feeds mail pieces from the weighing platform to the subsequent module of the mailing machine. The pivot arm has a biasing mechanism with a force that results in less impact force between the pivot arm roller and drive roller when the trailing edge of each mail piece passes through the take-away nip, resulting in less vibration of the weighing platform as mail pieces exit the weighing platform. The reduction in vibration results quicker settling of the weighing platform during weighing of subsequent mail piece, allowing for faster weighing of the mail pieces, which increases the throughput of the mailing machine.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a mailing label includes inputting data relating to an item to be mailed into a first computer system; printing, by the first computer system, an information-bearing mark onto a base material, the information-bearing mark associated with the data relating to the item; reading, by a second computer system, the information-bearing mark on the base material; and printing, by the second computer system, the mailing label for mailing the item based on the read information-bearing mark.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dimensionally rating mail pieces including cards, letters, flats, mailers, packages and parcels using a pointing device such as a digital pen are described. In one illustrative configuration the system includes a digital pen, a three dimensional digital pen pattern device, a computer and a printer for printing evidence of postage payment. A mail piece such as a small parcel is placed on the opened three dimensional digital pen pattern device. The user may select a digital pen pattern command box or may otherwise engage or be prompted to begin measurements. For a rectangular parcel, the user selects a bottom right and then a top left measurement point. The system then calculates the dimensions of the parcel, dimensionally rates it and then accounts for and prints a corresponding postage indicium.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for weighing an article, such as a mail piece, while the article is moving at high speed. An article (900) is received from an intake transport (1200), and gripped in a weighing station (1310), in between a capstan roller and a pinch roller (1316), which are synchronized to minimize slipping. A first precision servo system (1252, 1250) alters the speed of the article, and in the process acquires torque data for storage and analysis (1212, 1282). A second precision servo system (1260, 1330) applies a constant force, via a tension arm (1320), urging the pinch roller (1316) against the capstan roller, independently of the thickness of the mail piece. Fourier analysis can conveniently be applied for analyzing the acquired current data and comparing to stored calibration data to determine weight. Weight is determined without regard to the actual speed of the moving article.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates generally to techniques and/or equipment for validating mail items within a mail processing system. Sort scheme data and mail item identification data are loaded into the mail processing system. The mail item identification data includes a mail owner identification value and a unique mail item identifier. Then, mail item identification data is acquired from each of the mail items processed in the system and validated against the loaded mail item identification data. The method may involve storing mail item validation data. The mail items are sorted in accordance with the loaded sort scheme data. Further, the present subject matter relates generally to building reports based on the information derived from the techniques and/or equipment utilized therein.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for weighing an article, such as a mail piece, while the article is moving at high speed. An article (900) is received from an intake transport (1200), and gripped in a weighing station (1310), in between a capstan roller and a pinch roller (1316), which are synchronized to minimize slipping. A first precision servo system (1252, 1250) alters the speed of the article, and in the process acquires torque data for storage and analysis (1212, 1282). A second precision servo system (1260,1330) applies a constant force, via a tension arm (1320), urging the pinch roller (1316) against the capstan roller, independently of the thickness of the mail piece. Fourier analysis can conveniently be applied for analyzing the acquired current data and comparing to stored calibration data to determine weight. Weight is determined without regard to the actual speed of the moving article.

Abstract: A method of determining the dimensions of a mailpiece by means of a portable measuring device having a housing provided with an opening having a side reference surface along which the mailpiece is guided under a position sensor in a first pass along a first dimension of the mailpiece, after which pass a value for the first dimension of the mailpiece is determined by a processing unit and is communicated to a franking system to which the portable measuring device is connected, and in a second pass along a second dimension of the mailpiece, after which pass a value for the second dimension of the mailpiece is determined by the processing unit and is communicated to the franking system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for initiating shipment of and payment for shipping a parcel. For example, in one embodiment, a customer/user can receive a message on a user device from a carrier that includes an authorization code for shipping a parcel. After the customer/user ships the parcel, the carrier can charge a variety of accounts for the shipping charges, including a wireless services provider associated with the user device. In another embodiment, the customer/user can interact with a kiosk to ship the parcel. In this embodiment, the carrier can also charge a variety of accounts for the shipping charges, including a wireless services provider.

Abstract: A business method for promoting goods and services of providers includes the steps of designating a group of targeted recipients, and storing demographics information of each recipient in an electronic database. A plurality of direct mail items including provider promotions is generated, and each marked with a machine-readable ID code unique to each of the recipients. The direct mail items are sorted by their respective ID codes into cooperative mail packages, each mail package containing multiple items with common ID codes. The mail packages are then forwarded to respective recipients. After redemption of a direct mail item by a recipient, the ID code is read and electronically linked with the recipient's demographics information contained in the electronic database. A report is generated based on the direct mail items redeemed. The report may include a geographic map which plots respective locations of recipients, and/or a listing of receipts grouped into a plurality of demographics segments.

Abstract: Method and device for determining the mass of postal articles transferred in succession; according to the method, the postal articles are transferred along a path having a change of direction, which entails an acceleration on the postal articles; at least one quantity is measured indicating of the force of reaction to the inertia of the postal articles associated to said acceleration so as to determine then the mass of the postal articles.

Abstract: A business method for promoting goods and services of providers includes the steps of designating a group of targeted recipients, and storing demographics information of each recipient in an electronic database. A plurality of direct mail items including provider promotions is generated, and each marked with a machine-readable ID code unique to each of the recipients. The direct mail items are sorted by their respective ID codes into cooperative mail packages, each mail package containing multiple items with common ID codes. The mail packages are then forwarded to respective recipients. After redemption of a direct mail item by a recipient, the ID code is read and electronically linked with the recipient's demographics information contained in the electronic database. A report is generated based on the direct mail items redeemed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a printer that can feed, seal, and print an indicia (Postage Stamp) on a linerless label and/or standard lined label, cut or tear the label (if needed) and apply the printed label to a mailpiece as it is transported all in one pass. Printer will be capable of feeding mailpieces either by hand, semi-automatically or a stack of mailpieces automatically; sealing each mailpiece if needed, and printing an indicia (Postage Stamp) and adhering it to the mailpiece using Internet Based USPS approved software.

Abstract: An unmanned mail accepting device verifies ordinary and registered mail to be provided by a client, settles postage for the verified ordinary and registered mail, and displays electronic postmark information on the mail.

Abstract: Shape based postage rate criteria as to whether a postage item (an envelope) is greater than certain thicknesses above which the rate of postage of the item changes is provided by a gauge utilizing the platform of a scale on which the item is weighed. A roller is pivotally mounted on an arm so as to be set at heights over the platform at which the postage rate changes, for example, for envelopes ¼? thick and for envelopes ¾? thick, the envelope is then slid between the roller and the weighing platform. A display operated by the scale reads a weight change if the envelope is above the thickness at which the roller is set. Accordingly, the shape of the postage item provides a direct indication of whether the envelope satisfies postage rate criteria established by the postal authorities.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for processing mail items transported in a stream on a transport section. The apparatus includes a weighing system which is accessible via the transport section. The weighing system includes a distributor device which divides the stream of mail items into two paths, the paths being joined together again by way of a combining device. A weighing section is provided in the first of the two paths for the automatic weight determination of the mail items, and the second path is configured to bypass the weighing section, with no weighing taking place in the bypass. In other embodiments, a calming/settling section is provided immediately prior to or after the weighing section. The mail items are transported in a clamped manner on one edge over the weighing section, whereas in the settling section, the mail items are transported on one edge while leaning against one of the lateral guide belts.

Abstract: A method (51) for measuring the mass of an object such as a letter (10) in motion. An apparatus (12) for carrying out the present invention includes a pair of rollers (16, 18) through which a letter passes. One of the rollers (16) is driven by a motor (20) which has an associated encoder (22) to give motor positional information to a controller (24). In a method of the present invention the controller generates a ramping torque signal (44) which is provided to the motor. A friction correction curve (40) is generated and applied to the torque signal, and an average torque value (C) is determined. From the positional information provided by the encoder, acceleration (50) is derived and an inertia value is obtained by dividing the average torque (C) by the acceleration. Prior to obtaining an inertia value with a letter, an initial inertia value is obtained without a letter to get a base inertia. The base inertia is subtracted from the measured inertia with a letter to get a difference ?I.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to mail processing equipment and techniques. More specifically, the present application relates to a mail processing system and related method for transporting and imaging addressed mail pieces of a mailing to qualify the mailing for postage discounts. An address analysis component of the mail processing system compares the address included on a respective mail piece to postal authority standards for compliance with requirements for discounted postage based on pre-sort rules. A postage metering component prints the discounted postage indicia and a printing component prints delivery point barcodes.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a value of a descending register of a postal security device (PSD) in accordance with a guarantee is disclosed. Mailing data including a guarantee rate, and a public rate of postage disbursed for a mailpiece franked under terms of the guarantee, can be received. The public rate and the guarantee rate can be compared, and if the public rate is equal to or less than the guarantee rate, postage funds can be downloaded from an account corresponding to a lessee of the PSD.

Abstract: A fixture for rating mail pieces for determination of postage payments includes a generally planar member. The member has formed therein a recess defined at least partially by a floor and at least four side walls. The recess has at least some dimensions that correspond in magnitude to dimensions used to define a first postal category of mail pieces. A second, smaller recess may be nested inside the first recess to indicate the dimensions for another category of mail pieces.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods providing a digital scale interface in a global communications shipping management environment so that a shipping management system resident on a server computer device remote from a user client computer device, receives and recognizes a weight of a parcel from the digital scale configured with the remote user client computer device.

Abstract: A mail piece verification system for processing a mail piece having associated therewith mail piece data includes an incoming mail processing center, an outgoing mail processing center located downstream from the incoming mail processing center and a data center in operative communication with the incoming mail processing center and the outgoing mail processing center. The incoming mail processing center receives the mail piece, obtains the mail piece and uploads the mail piece data to the data center. The data center performs a verification check on the mail piece data and downloads instructions based upon the verification check to the outgoing mail processing center. The outgoing mail processing center uses the instructions to process the mail piece.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dimensionally rating mail pieces including cards, letters, flats, mailers, packages and parcels using a pointing device such as a digital pen are described. In one illustrative configuration the system includes a digital pen, a three dimensional digital pen pattern device, a computer and a printer for printing evidence of postage payment. A mail piece such as a small parcel is placed on the opened three dimensional digital pen pattern device. The user may select a digital pen pattern command box or may otherwise engage or be prompted to begin measurements. For a rectangular parcel, the user selects a bottom right and then a top left measurement point. The system then calculates the dimensions of the parcel, dimensionally rates it and then accounts for and prints a corresponding postage indicium.

Abstract: A system for determining postage rates, said system comprising a lever mounted to pivot about a pivot axis, a wheel disposed at one end of the lever and in contact, at rest, with a conveyor surface on which a mail item is conveyed, measurement means disposed at the other end of the lever for the purpose of measuring the angular displacement of said lever while the mail item is being conveyed and for the purpose of delivering a signal representative of the amplitude of said displacement, and a processor unit connected to the measurement means for determining the thickness of the mail item, the measurement means comprising an encoder provided with a plurality of openings, each of which corresponds to a determined threshold for a postage rate, which openings are distributed over a circular arc over an annular portion and are suitable for going past a stationary sensor comprising an emitter for emitting a light ray and a receiver for receiving said light ray, the processor unit being suitable for counting the num

Abstract: A method for printing indicia on mailpieces at an increased average speed. The system includes: a postal scale for determining a postage amount for a mail piece; a printer; and a postage meter responsive to the postal scale to control the printer to print an indicium representative of the postage amount. The postage meter further includes: a programmable controller; a secure mechanism for accounting for postage amounts expended; and an indicia generator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for weighing an article, such as a mail piece, while the article is moving, for example along a transport path (FIG. 2). In one embodiment, a weigh station comprises a servo motor 110 driven by a servo feed back loop (126, 128) to maintain a selected speed setting 130. When an article is introduced, an impulse is applied to the article sufficient to change its state of motion from its initial state to the selected speed setting. That impulse is applied by the servo motor 110, and the system captures data indicative of the applied impulse, by monitoring the motor current (140, 142). A processor 140 or software converts the captured data to determine a weight of the article, based on stored calibration data 148.

Abstract: A method of franking mailpieces in a franking machine, wherein: an operator loads a mailpiece on a feed deck of said machine; the width of the mailpiece is determined automatically by a plurality of presence detectors mounted on said feed deck; the length of the mailpiece is estimated by processor means of the machine, on the basis of said width of the mailpiece; an initial franking amount to be applied to the mailpiece is computed by said processor means; the mailpiece is extracted automatically from said feed deck, and a postal imprint is printed by print means of the machine; the real length of the mailpiece is determined by length measurement means of the machine; the real length is compared with the previously estimated length; if these two lengths do not match, an audible or visible alarm is generated by a warning device of said franking machine; said processor means compute a corrected franking amount; and a new postal imprint making it possible to correct the initial franking amount is printed.