Abstract: A system is provided for energizing the meter accounting circuit. The postage meter is of the type having a mechanism for printing postage and accounting circuits which account for postage printed by the printing mechanism. A secure housing means encloses and protects the mechanism, the accounting circuit and the system for energizing the accounting circuit. A source of operating potential external to the secure housing is also provided. A transformer is connected with its primary winding coupled to the source of operating potential and to the first and second electrode current path of a three terminal switching device to control the current flow through said primary winding. A timer circuit is provided and includes a first terminal which oscillates at a frequency depending on the voltage applied to the timer circuit second terminal. The timer circuit first terminal is coupled to the control electrode of the three terminal control device.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for controlling the erasure and writing of data in non-volatile memory during the power up, power down and normal operating cycles of an electronic postage meter is disclosed. The apparatus monitors the input power signal and provides an enable signal when the input signal reaches a first predetermined threshold. The apparatus transmits a reset signal to inhibit the generation of a write or erase signal to a microprocessor prior to the input power signal reaching a first predetermined threshold voltage. The apparatus provides the erase signal to the non-volatile memory after the input power signal reaches the first predetermined voltage. The apparatus then applies a bias voltage to a terminal of the memory to allow for the erasure of data therefrom. A warning signal is provided to the microprocessor when the input signal falls below a specified value. The output enable signal is removed when the input signals falls below a second predetermined voltage.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for customizing the firmware of an electronic postage meter after assembly, comprising the steps of storing a configuration program within the electronic postage meter which program is capable of configuring the meter in response to configuration input messages, inputting configuration messages into the electronic postage meter to select desired meter functions and provide input data for use with operating programs stored in the meter, storing the configuration input data in the assembled meter under control of the meter configuration program for subsequent interaction with the operating programs of the meter to provide predetermined meter functions, and denying further access to the configuration program prior to placing the meter in service.

Abstract: In order to allow manufacturing complete freedom in testing and to insure that a customer receives an electronic postage meter or electronic parcel register preset to known values, the meter is operable to preset the internal registers in the accounting module when a serial number is locked in the unit. The dollar values in the ascending and descending registers, and the unit piece count may be preset to any pre-determined value only once during the life of the nonvolatile memory device associated with the accounting module in an electronic postage meter or electronic register. The serial number lock is modified to enable the internal register modification to be provided. To minimize any unauthorized abuse, by an external stimulus or by an internal failure, the serial number lock is stored before each register value is preset. The serial number lock is set after the preset to bar unauthorized entry into this sensitive routine.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for identifying access to a postage meter is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a paper seal membrane which is partially exposed to the outside of the postage meter. The membrane is punctured providing access to a locking member within the postage member that allows for the opening of a postage meter door. The locking member has a slidable bolt that is easily engaged after the sealing membrane is punctured. Once the bolt is moved to an open position, access to the setting of the meter or the keyboard is easily accomplished. In accordance with this embodiment, the seal membrane once punctured must be replaced when meter door is closed. Thus, unauthorized access thereto is easily identified inasmuch as only authorized personnel will have access to the seal membrane that can be replaced thereto.

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

Abstract: A serial number lock is provided for inclusion in a non-volatile memory of an electronic postage meter. The non-volatile memory is arranged to provide a field to accommodate a postage meter serial number. The serial number is entered into the meter at the end of the manufacturing process. The postage meter includes a routine programmed into a read only memory which is used only once during the life of the meter's non-volatile memory. The routine requires the check of a non-volatile memory lock bit location which has been set once the routine has been successfully completed. The setting of this memory location prevents reentry into the one time program. The bit is set by a true comparison of the data included in a received message with the value of the data contained in non-volatile memory. The serial number message format includes an operation binary coded decimal digit as an operational indicator.

Abstract: A postage meter system having a rotary printing drum for printing fixed data is disclosed. Disposed entirely within the drum is an internal print head for printing variable data. The rotary drum contains an opening therein through which the internally located print head prints variable data on a mailpiece. The print head reciprocates between a printing position and a non-printing position. The reciprocation of the print head between these positions is synchronized with and controlled automatically by the position of the rotary drum during its cycle of rotation. The print head operates to print on a mailpiece only when the opening in the drum is between the print head and the mailpiece. The print head may be an impact matrix print head which together with an associated inked ribbon is placed adjacent the mailpiece in a printing position only during the printing portion of the drum's cycle.

Abstract: A postage meter printing apparatus for applying postage indicia to a mailpiece having a cyclically operating drum for feeding the mailpiece through the postage meter, the periphery of the drum having an aperture therein. The drum means is supported for rotation by a non-rotating shaft. Structure is provided for maintaining the mailpiece against the drum as the mailpiece is fed by the drum, for cycling the drum. A print head located internal to the drum has a printing position and non-printing position. The print head is automatically placed adjacent the mailpiece through the aperture in the drum to its printing position when the aperture is between the print head and mailpiece. Structure is provided to activate the print head hwen it is in its printing position. In one form of the invention the shaft means provides a passageway for electrical wires and cooling air.

Abstract: A postage meter printing apparatus for applying postage indicia to a mailpiece having a cyclically operating drum for feeding the mailpiece through the postage meter. The periphery of the drum has an aperture therein. Structure is provided to maintain the mailpiece against the drum as the mailpiece is fed by the drum and to cycle the drum. A print head located internal to the drum has a printing position and non-printing position. The print head is automatically placed adjacent the mailpiece through the aperture in the drum to its printing position when the aperture is between the print head means and mailpiece. The inked ribbon is contained in a replaceable cartridge which is mounted into and rotates with the drum. Structure is provided to activate the print head means when it is in its printing position.

Abstract: A postage meter printing apparatus for applying postage indicia to a mailpiece having a cyclically operating drum for feeding the mailpiece through the postage meter. The periphery of the drum has an aperture therein. Structure is provided for maintaining the mailpiece against the drum as the mailpiece is fed by the drum and for cycling the drum at a low rotational speed during a part of the cycle when a low-speed printing process is taking place and high rotational speeds during a higher speed printing process and of the remainder of the cycle thereby providing means for obtaining maximum overall cycle speeds while accommodating the low-speed requirements of the slower printing process. A matrix print head for the low-speed process is located internal to the drum having a printing position and a non-printing position, the print head is automatically placed adjacent the mailpiece through the aperture in the drum to its printing position when the aperture is between the print head and mailpiece.

Abstract: A postage meter printing apparatus for applying postage indicia to a mailpiece having a cyclically operating drum for feeding the mailpiece through the postage meter. The periphery of the drum has an aperture therein. Structure is provided to maintain the mailpiece against the drum as the mailpiece is fed by the drum and to cycle the drum. A matrix print head located internal to the drum has a printing position and non-printing position. The print head is automatically placed adjacent the mailpiece through the aperture in the drum to its printing position, when the aperture is between the print head and the mailpiece. The print head is a matrix print head of impact or other type and includes a cooperating ribbon either inked or other to print on the mailpiece. The inked ribbon is contained in a replaceable cartridge. Structure is provided to activate the print head when it is in its printing position.