Patents Represented by Attorney Donald P. Walker
  • Patent number: 4947333
    Abstract: A system for processing batch mail in which the need for on-site inspection is unnecessary. The mail sender purchases postage from a central station thereby authorizing him to send mail equal to the amount of postage purchased. The mail sender processes batches of mail each of which is accompanied by a statement summarizing the type and number of mail pieces sent and amount of postage for each batch. The statement contains data that allows mail payment verification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Sansone, Richard A. Connell, Patricia Corsetti, Donald T. Dolan, George G. Gelfer
  • Patent number: 4941091
    Abstract: A mail management system (MMS) is comprised of a host system communicatively coupled to one or more operator workstations. Each workstation may be further coupled to a postage dispensing device, such as a postage meter. A transaction record for each postage mailing transaction is collected, stored and transmitted to the host system from the workstation. The transaction record comprises a plurality of data fields. Some of the data fields are fixed data fields, that is they are transmitted for each transaction record. Other data fields are optional data fields which are transmitted from the workstation to the host system only if the host system has previously indicated to the workstation that the particular field is to be included within the transaction record.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Michelle S. Breault, John H. Steinmetz
  • Patent number: 4938129
    Abstract: In a mailing machine including an impression roller, a postage indicia printing drum overhanging the impression roller, and apparatus for rotating the impression roller and drum in timed relationship with one another for feeding a sheet beneath the drum and in printing engagement therewith, wherein the feeding apparatus includes shaft structure on which the impression roller is mounted for rotation therewith, there is provided an improved impression roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes
    Inventors: Joseph F. Miciukiewicz, Alfred J. Santilli
  • Patent number: 4936568
    Abstract: In a machine including driving apparatus and structure for feeding a sheet through and from the machine, and wherein the machine includes structure for sensing a sheet, an improvement comprising: a rotary timing cam; an actuating member movable into and out of locking engagement with the cam; a source of supply of d.c. power; a circuit for controlling the driving apparatus, the circuit including a trip switch actuatable in response to the sensing structure sensing a sheet fed to the machine; the driving apparatus responsive to actuation of the trip switch for causing the actuating member to move out of locking engagement with the cam and then causing the cam to rotate; and the circuit including structure for disabling the trip switch for a predetermined time period after the driving apparatus commences rotating the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Nobile, William A. Ross, William D. Toth
  • Patent number: 4933849
    Abstract: A security system for use with an indicia printing authorization device includes a computer having a nonvolatile memory associated therewith. Graphic change information can be downloaded to the device by an external authority. The graphic change information includes the data when the different pattern is authorized. On that date, all indicia printers that do not print the authorized pattern will be suspect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes
    Inventors: Richard A. Connell, Ronald P. Sansone
  • Patent number: 4929106
    Abstract: An article of manufacture is provided which includes a molded piece-part having a substantially rectangularly-shaped plate portion including opposed surfaces. The piece-part also includes a pair of elongate parallel-spaced rack gear portions depending from one of the surfaces of the plate portion. The article further includes a member made of a resilient material having an inner surface facing the other of the surfaces of the plate portion and fixedly attached thereto. Moreover, the member includes a plurality of intersecting channels extending into the member from the inner surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Danilo P. Buan, Jovito N. Abellana, Donald T. Dolan
  • Patent number: 4926787
    Abstract: Envelope flap moistening apparatus for use in a machine for feeding an envelope having a flap in a predetermined downstream path of travel, the apparatus comprising: an elongate horizontally-extending stripper blade including a trailing edge longitudinally-extending transverse to the path of travel, the stripper blade including a lower elongate hinge segment and an upper elongate hinge segment, each of the stripper blade hinge segments transversely-extending from the stripper blade trailing edge; an elongate applicator retainer including a leading edge longitudinally-extending transverse to the path of travel, the retainer including an upper elongate hinge segment and a lower elongate hinge segment, each of the retainer hinge segment transversely-extending from the retainer leading edge; and the upper hinge segments and lower hinge segments respectively cooperatively configured for engagement with one another and for maintaining the retainer in a predetermined position of alignment with the stripper blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold Fassman, John R. Nobile
  • Patent number: 4926193
    Abstract: An article of manufacture adapted for use with printing apparatus of the type which includes structure for thermally transferring ink from a ribbon. The article includes a frame defining a printing station, a ribbon including a backing layer and an ink donor layer, a ribbon supply spool rotatably mounted on said frame, a ribbon take-up spool rotatably mounted on said frame, the ribbon extending in a feed path from the supply spool to the take-up spool, and apparatus in the feed path for perforating the ribbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: William Berson, Julius Gluck, Patrick Murphy, Christopher D. Smith, Duc H. Tran
  • Patent number: 4908768
    Abstract: An inserter based mail manifesting system includes a controller that processes sensed information and generates a manifest that can accompany mail to a postal depository.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: George G. Gelfer, William G. Hart, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4908770
    Abstract: A mail management system (MMS) comprises a host system coupled to one or more operator workstations. The host is operable for receiving from each of the workstations account identification codes. The host, after verifying the validity of the account code, transmits an enabling signal to the workstation which permits the workstation to activate an attached postage dispensing device. The MMS also provides a fallback mode of operation wherein each workstation is operable for verifying that the format of an entered account identification code is correct and to thereby activate the postage dispensing device. This fallback mode of operation allows for the continued operation of the MMS even if the host system is for any reason disabled from communicating with a workstation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes, Inc.
    Inventors: Michelle S. Breault, John H. Steinmetz
  • Patent number: 4905590
    Abstract: In a mailing machine including a postage meter, wherein the postage meter includes rotary printing structure for printing indicia on a sheet fed to the machine, and the machine includes apparatus for driving the printing structure, wherein the driving apparatus includes a drive gear, the driving apparatus includes a locking member movable into and out of locking engagement with the drive gear, the driving apparatus includes an actuating member for moving the locking member, and wherein the machine includes trip structure for sensing a sheet fed to the machine, an improvement comprising: a source of supply of d.c. power; a first circuit connected across the power supply and including a solenoid and a trip switch actuatable for energizing the solenoid; a second circuit connected across the power supply and including a d.c.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Nobile
  • Patent number: 4905980
    Abstract: In a machine including driving apparatus and structure for sensing a sheet fed to the machine; an improvement comprising: a rotary timing cam; an actuating member movable into and out of locking engagement with the cam; a source of supply of d.c. power; a first circuit connected across the power supply and including a solenoid and a trip switch actuatable for energizing the solenoid; a second circuit connected across the power supply and including a d.c. motor and a motor switch actuatable for energizing and deenergizing the motor; and the trip switch actuated in response to the sensing structure sensing a sheet fed to the machine, and the driving apparatus causing the actuating member to move out of locking engagement with the cam and actuate the motor switch for energizing the motor to drive the cam when the solenoid is energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Nobile, William A. Ross, William D. Toth
  • Patent number: 4905600
    Abstract: In a machine including structure for sensing a sheet fed to the machine, an improvement comprising: a rotary timing cam, an actuating member movable into and out of locking engagement with the cam; apparatus for controlling the actuating member, the controlling apparatus including resilient structure for urging the actuating member to move into and out of locking engagement with the cam; and the sensing structure including structure for normally latching the controlling apparatus for preventing the resilient structure from moving the actuating member out of locking engagement with the cam, and the latching structure unlatching the controlling apparatus for permitting the resilient structure to move the actuating member out of locking engagement with the cam when the sensing structure senses a sheet fed to the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Nobile, William A. Ross, William D. Toth
  • Patent number: 4907162
    Abstract: A system for indicating the balance of stored value includes a computer and a memory having preselected stored values therein, each preselected stored value having an address corresponding to an address of a graphic pattern instruction set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes
    Inventor: Guy L. Fougere
  • Patent number: 4907161
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system wherein a mailer is able to send large quantities or batches of mail. The mailer has a secure accounting unit similar to a postage meter in which postage value is placed by a central station which is also in communication with a remote resetting center for accounting for funds transferred to the accounting unit. The central station communicates with the mailing station in order to obtain data relative to the mail processing whenever the funds are to be transferred to the accounting unit. The central station may also serve to lock or unlock the mail processing at the mailing station. Receipts may also be provided for the funding transactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Sansone, Barry H. Axelrod, Kevin D. Hunter, William G. Hart, Wojciech M. Chrosny
  • Patent number: 4903591
    Abstract: In a mailing machine including a postage meter, wherein the postage meter includes rotary structure for printing indicia on a sheet fed to the machine, wherein the machine includes structure for driving the printing structure, wherein the machine includes apparatus for feeding a sheet fed thereto downstream in a path of travel through the machine, the sheet feeding apparatus includes an impression roller rotatably mounted beneath the rotary printing means, and wherein the impression roller has an inner end and an outer end, an improvement comprising: trip apparatus including an elongate trip lever and a shaft on which the lever is pivotally mounted, the trip lever extending into the path of travel; the driving apparatus including a trip switch actuatable for starting operation of the driving apparatus; the trip apparatus including a spring connected to the trip lever for normally holding the trip lever in actuating engagement with the trip switch to actuate the trip switch for maintaining the driving apparatu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Nobile
  • Patent number: 4903954
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for transporting a sheet in a predetermined path of travel. The apparatus comprises a plate having a lower surface extending parallel to and defining the path of travel, and having an aperture formed therein. In addition, the apparatus comprises sheet feeding structure, including a first pair of rollers spaced apart from one another and an endless belt looped about the first rollers, wherein the belt has a lower belt run extending between the first rollers and beneath the plate. Further, the feeding structure includes instrumentalities for driving one of the first rollers for moving the lower belt run at a constant velocity in the direction of the path of travel. Moreover, the feeding structure includes a second pair of rollers which are disposed beneath the plate and are made of a compliant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Atholl A. Robertson, William G. Hart, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4903633
    Abstract: Fluid supply apparatus comprising: a hollow container made of a resilient plastic material, the container including an upper wall, the upper wall including first and second wells formed therein and extending into the interior of the container, one of said wells forming a fluid inlet opening; a pad made of a wicking material, the other of said wells forming a fluid outlet opening, said pad mounted within the other of said wells and extending from said container via said fluid outlet opening; and the container including a side wall having a generally S-shaped transverse cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Nobile, William A. Ross
  • Patent number: 4899172
    Abstract: In printing apparatus of the type which includes structure for thermally transferring ink from a ribbon to a workpiece, wherein the ribbon includes a backing layer and an ink donor layer, there is provided a printing process which includes the step(s) of transferring ink from the ink donor layer to the workpiece and perforating the ribbon. Moreover, it is a feature of the invention to include the processing step of sensing perforating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: William Berson, Julius Gluck, Patrick Murphy, Christopher D. Smith, Duc H. Tran
  • Patent number: 4884503
    Abstract: In a mailing machine including a postage meter and a housing for supporting the postage meter, wherein the mailing machine includes means for individually feeding sheets in a path of travel through the machine, wherein the postage meter includes rotary means for printing indicia on the sheets; and wherein the postage meter includes a roller spaced downstream in the path of travel from the rotary printing means, an improvement in the sheet feeding means, the improvement comprising: an impression roller and a shaft on which the impression roller is mounted for rotation therewith; an ejection roller and a shaft on which the ejection roller is mounted for rotation therewith; an elongate carriage including a pair of side walls spaced apart from each other, one end of each of the side walls including an arcuately-shaped portion pivotally attaching the carriage to the housing and forming a generally C-shaped bearing bushing; the ejection roller shaft rotatably mounted with the bearing bushings for supporting the eje
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Nobile