Abstract: A machine control and accounting arrangement for controlling operation of a machine includes a secure housing, an electronic control system within the housing, and first and second interfaces coupled to the control system to permit communication between the control system and devices external of said housing. The first interface comprising an arrangement for applying a count signal to the control system. The second interface comprising an arrangement for applying encrypted control signals to the control system.

Abstract: A self-mailing form suitable for use with laser printers and the like. The form is made from a single sheet of paper stock and comprises a rectangular upper portion and a rectangular lower portion joined by a connecting portion. The lower portion is printed with message information and the upper portion is printed with address information and the like. The form is then folded once about the upper edge of the connecting portion so that the obverse sides of the upper and lower portions are adjacent and then again so that the upper edge of the upper portion is brought to the lower edge of the connecting portion, so that the upper portion forms an envelope around the lower portion. Adhesive is applied around the edges of the upper portion to seal the resulting envelope. Perforation lines are provided transversely across the form so that after folding a tear-off strip is formed which includes the connecting portion.

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

Abstract: A postal gateway system wherein information is conveyed through a gateway among a mailer, a post office, a bank, and a postal agent. With this gateway system, information can be sent virtually simultaneously to the various recipients so that each is current with regard to the mailing operations taking place and accounting therefor even though the format of data of the individual facilities are different.

Abstract: A gear arrangement includes a first gear wheel 10 having a section 12 with missing teeth. A second gear wheel 14 is arranged to mesh with the first gear wheel 10. The first tooth 16 on the first gear wheel 10 to engage with the second gear wheel 14 (following the missing teeth section 12) is resiliently movable inwardly within a radial slot 18 to withdraw when engaging an opposing tooth 22. A spring 20 urges the tooth 16 outwardly to one side of the opposing tooth 22 and into a gap on that side of the opposing tooth 22, so as to align the first and second gear wheels. Such a gear arrangement has particular use in a geared value setting mechanism provided on a print drum shaft of a postage meter.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing items in selected configurations and a system and method for controlling the same. More particularly, an apparatus for producing mail pieces and a system and method for controlling it to produce mail pieces in a variety of configurations are disclosed. The apparatus includes a laser printer and folding sealing apparatus controlled by a data processor. The folder sealer apparatus combines sheets printed by the laser printer with pre-printed sheets and envelope forms, which also may be printed by the laser printer or may be windowed envelopes, folds the sheets as necessary and folds and seals the envelope form about the folded sheets to produce a mail piece. A user inputs a configuration for the mail piece which is translated by the data processor into a data structure and transmitted to the controller of the folder sealer apparatus.

Abstract: A mixed mail processing machine comprising a series of modules for performing mail processing functions on the mail pieces as they are transported, oriented horizontally, along a feed deck bordered by a reference surface for registering the mail piece edges, the feed deck being tilted by an angle of 4.degree.-6.degree. off of a horizontal plane for utilizing the assistance of gravity forces to maintain the mail pieces registered.

Abstract: A one-pass sorting system for sorting mail pieces in a sequence corresponding to a mail carrier's route includes storage media for storing a database containing a delivery sequence for each address on the carrier's route. As mail pieces to be delivered by the carrier are fed into the system, each of the mail pieces are transported to an multiline optical character reader (MLOCR) which reads the address printed on the mail piece. A processor operatively connected to the MLOCR and the storage media determines the sorting sequence representative of the delivery order sequence for each of the mail pieces which are then stored in a temporary storage bin until the sorting sequence has been determined for all the mail pieces. The mail pieces are then removed from the temporary storage bin and deposited into final sorting bins in an order corresponding to a sorting scheme corresponding to the delivery sequence in the carrier's route.

Abstract: A self-monitoring mail delivery system wherein mail is tracked as it passes through multiple delivery stages. A schedule is created of expected arrival times at each stage. Should a mail piece not arrive on time, the system is alerted to initiate a search for the late or missing mail piece, or to take other corrective action, such as expediting delivery of late pieces. A data center monitors the operations and provides management information to help enhance deliveries.

Abstract: A system for match mailing a plurality of documents and envelopes, includes first scanning means for scanning at least one line of a first identification block of text printed on a document, the first block of text having a determined number of characters, first means operatively connected to the first scanning means for generating a first print array representative of the number and location of characters of the lines scanned in the first block of text, second scanning means for scanning at least one line of a second identification block of text printed on an envelope, the second block of text having a determined number of characters and second means operatively connected to the second scanning means for generating a second print array representative of the number and location of characters of the lines scanned in the second block of text.

Abstract: Apparatus for apprising an unattended station of the presence of a voice message awaiting retrieval from a voice mail system. The voice mail system is connected to the unattended station, as by automatic telephone dialing, whereupon activating signals are transmitted to the unattended station to dispose that station in a signal receiving mode of operation. Display data then are transmitted to the unattended station when said unattended station is conditioned to receive signals. A disconnect operation is carried out to disconnect the voice mail system from the unattended station if the unattended station is not conditioned to receive signals, or subsequent to the transmission of the display data. Preferably, and in accordance with the preferred embodiment, the voice message is transmitted for recording at the unattended station if the display data are received successfully thereat.

Abstract: An item bearing an indicia which verifies a status of the item and a method and apparatus for applying such indicia. The indicia represents an encrypted message and has the form of a number n base N number system represented by characters selected from an unambiguous machine-readable character set having n characters. The characters consist of connected graphs drawn on a predetermined grid and meeting certain selected requirements. A set of descripters is selected, including a number of type 1 and type 3 points in a character and a subset of characters is selected from the set of all possible characters meeting the requirements so that each character is unambiguously described in terms of the selected descripters. In one embodiment disclosed the item is a mail piece and the status is the payment of postage.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing sheets, comprising: structure for feeding sheets in a downstream path of travel; at least two structure for supporting sheets located adjacent to said path of travel; each of said supporting structure having stacked therein a plurality of sheets; at least one of said sheet supporting means including electronic structure for storing data relating to each sheet therein; and structure for controlling operation of the apparatus; and said controlling structure including structure for causing said data to be stored therein.

Abstract: A dual redundant electronic postage meter and associated method is provided for increasing the reliability of meter operation, comprising a first meter module including triple redundant memory technique/dual redundant means and dual redundant microprocessor means, a second meter module including triple redundant rechniques/dual redundant memory means and dual redundant microprocessor means, the dual redundant microprocessor means of the first meter module selectively communicating with a data entry means and external output means, and the dual redundant microprocessor means of the second meter module selectively communicating with the data entry means and the external output means, the second meter module being activiated in response to a failure in the operation of the first meter module.

Abstract: The instant invention is concerned with the casting of metal fibers, preferably ferrous fibers, by the melt extraction technique. The metal to be cast as a fiber is in the form of a rod which is brought into contact with a spinning wheel having a tapered perimeter. The rod is heated by electromagnetic induction by a specially designed, slightly curved spiral coil. The coil is shaped to focus the heat at, or close to, the tip of the rod so to induce a meniscus. The rod is fed the through an opening in a guide that acts as a heat sink to carry away excess heat and prevent the rod from melting except at its tip. The spinning wheel is placed in contact with the melted portion of the rod and forms the fibers as it is rotated.

Abstract: A sensor for determining position or dimensions of an object comprises an array of detectors and an actuating medium of the detectors configured to cause the detectors to output an absolute Gray binary code.

Abstract: A document inserter has a touch screen for manually controlling the functioning of the inserter from a central location. The touch screen is capable of providing a plurality of different displays. A remote transmitter communicates with the control system of the inserter to remotely control a limited number of functions of the inserter, and preferably only during the occurrence of one or a limited number of the possible displays. Remote control also causes the emission of an audible warning.

Abstract: A folder inserter machine includes a device for monitoring the passage of stationery items between a pair of feed rollers (32, 38). A first signal is output if a single item is between the rollers and a second signal is output if more than one item is between the rollers. in the illustrated embodiment the first signal indicates to the folder inserter control that the machine is ready to accept a second insert and the second signal indicates that a multiple feed has occurred and flags a warning to the operator.

Abstract: An electronic postal scale measures the weight of an item in metric or in avoirdupois units, at the user's election. The scale also calculates a postal or shipping rate for the item, in accordance with a stored rate table defined in either metric or avoirdupois units. When the user selects a class of service, the scale determines whether there is a stored rate table for that class in the currently elected weight units. If not, the scale automatically changes to the other weight units and calculates a rate according to a stored table in those other units.

Abstract: An item bearing an indicia which verifies a status of the item and a method and apparatus for applying such indicia. The indicia represents an encrypted message and has the form of a number n base N number system represented by characters selected from an unambiguous machine-readable character set having n characters. The characters consist of connected graphs drawn on a predetermined grid and meeting certain selected requirements. A set of descripters is selected, including a number of type 1 and type 3 points in a character and a subset of characters is selected from the set of all possible characters meeting the requirements so that each character is unambiguously described in terms of the selected descripters. In one embodiment disclosed the item is a mail piece and the status is the payment of postage.