Patents Represented by Attorney Melvin J. Scolnick
  • Patent number: 6104809
    Abstract: Apparatus for verifying an identification card; the card having an imaged of an object or other entity to be identified on a first portion, and a coded representation of an encrypted signal comprising a representation of the image on a second portion. The apparatus includes a controller, a scanner for reading the coded representation, a decoder for decoding that representation, a decrypter for decrypting the decoded signal and a display for displaying the representation of the information. In one embodiment the information includes an image of the object or other entity to be recognized and the card may be verified by comparing the displayed representation with the image printed on the card while the card is held in a card holding station adjacent to the display so that the image is visible to an operator. The apparatus also includes a replaceable memory, printer, or communications link for recording at least a portion of this text message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: William Berson, Michael D. O'Hare, Kenneth C. Zemlok
  • Patent number: 6098374
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an envelope opening apparatus, preferably for use in an inserter (210). The envelope opening apparatus comprises means (54) for locating an envelope, having rear and front panels (116, 118) and a flap (64) hinged to the front panel, in a waiting position with its flap in an open position in substantially the same plane as its front panel, and means (60, 62, 68, 70) operable for forming a step-like deformation in the flap, so as to cause the rear panel (116) to separate from the front panel (118).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Yates, Ernest Spick
  • Patent number: 6041569
    Abstract: A mailing machine has an envelope transport device extending longitudinally therethrough and a digital ink jet printing device located adjacent the downstream end of the transport device. Due to the criticality of the spacing between the upper surface of an envelope and the discharge nozzles of the ink jet print head, the envelopes passing through the mailing machine must have their upper surfaces registered with a fixed plane that extends in spaced relationship with the nozzles. The mailing machine includes a flap closing device having fixed and movable elements that can accommodate variations in thickness of the envelopes extending from the registration plane downwardly within a fixed range so that the flap closing device can simultaneously close the flaps of both thin and thick envelopes passing through the mailing machine in a mixed stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald C. Freeman, Norman R. Lilly
  • Patent number: 6041319
    Abstract: A postal scale system is updated, by telephone or other communication medium, by a remote service provider whenever postal rates or regulations are changed, without requiring shipment or replacement of IC chips. The system provides for remote updating of both application software and databases such as rates, zip codes and the like. By having direct communication between the provider and the postal scale, the invention permits relevant data, including scale model number, software version number and the like to be accessed by the provider, thus to update the service provider's database and to provide updates only to the correct systems. The inventive system further uses automated telephone billing, available as 1-900 service, thus to reduce expenses and errors associated with billing for update services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. Bass, Konstantin G. Kodonas, Vincent R. Weis
  • Patent number: 6035043
    Abstract: This invention relates to a cellular telecommunications systems that records in the cellular telephone all the telephone calls made by that particular cellular telephone. This enables the owner or agent of the cellular telephone to compare the telephone calls made by his cellular telephone with the telephone calls that were charged to his assigned number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald P Sansone, Anthony F Violante
  • Patent number: 6032138
    Abstract: A system in which originating mail processors would upload pertinent mail piece information on addressees, pointers or other identifiers automatically and periodically to a data center. The recipient addressee of the mail piece would temporarily configure his digital postage meter or mail processor as a mail receiver so that the postage meter or mail processor would read the digital indicia that was affixed to the currently delivered incoming mail. The incoming mail would be date/time stamped, opened (optionally) and the unique identifier that was placed in the postal indicia would be read. The recipient meter or mail processor would periodically upload to the data center raw data on the unique identifiers or codes that have been received. If the received unique identifiers or codes match with the sender unique identifiers or codes in a reasonable amount of time, as would normally be the case, the sent and received codes cancel out, or are kept for statistical information on delivery times, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. McFiggans, Ronald P. Sansone
  • Patent number: 6018725
    Abstract: A carrier rate module contains item rating instructions for rating an item for a carrier and self-registration instructions for storing registration information in a registry about the carrier rate module. The self-registration instructions are stored at an entry point with a predefined name so that a standard registration program can invoke the self-registration instructions through the entry point. The registration information stored in the registry includes a carrier identifier for the carrier in a one-to-one association with a module identifier. The module identifier indicates how to load the carrier rate module, so that a carrier manager librarian can identify an entry point of the item rating instructions based on the registration information stored in the registry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Glen A. Boucher, Terri A. Carroll, Jacques E. Hasbani, Kenneth Karbowski, Edward M. Rauh
  • Patent number: 6012065
    Abstract: The invention is a method and system of loading a data object representative of carrier data and possible command structures, which can be identified by both name and date fields characteristics, into a Data Access System of a carrier management system. The method begins with receiving a request for an object and then determining whether or not the object resides in a first data table which is indicative of a plurality of characteristics of the object. If the object is not resident in the first data table, then the system assigns an initial time stamp and a permanence value to the object. Additionally, the method and system must determine the memory space, in the Data Access System, required for storing the object. De-referenced objects are removed from the memory until space is available that is greater than or equal to the memory requirement of the object. After memory is allocated to the object, the object is then loaded into the memory for use within the carrier management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Boucher, Jacques E. Hasbani, Terri A. Carroll, Kenneth Karbowski, Stephen C. Nunnally, Edward M. Rauh
  • Patent number: 6007178
    Abstract: A postage meter includes a printing device for printing a dot-matrix postal indicia on a mailpiece; and a drive train system having a moveable platen for positioning the mailpiece in fixed relationship to the printing device; a priming pump operatively connectable to the printing device for priming the printing device; a gear train; and a motor engaged with the gear train for driving into operation, via the gear train, both the platen and the priming pump. A method for driving components of a postage meter, includes energizing a motor in a first direction for driving, via a gear train, a platen into a fixed position relative to a printhead used for printing a postage indicia; driving, via the gear train, a priming pump into operation for priming the printhead; and during driving of the priming pump utilizing the gear train for effectuating moving of a wiper blade into a position for wiping the printhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuya Asano
  • Patent number: 6006211
    Abstract: A system that allows a third party, such as a postage meter manufacturer or PSD manufacturer, to collate data, process the data and report localized delivery delays on a nationalized basis. The foregoing is accomplished by connecting a scanner and control software to a digital postage meter or PSD processor that would read incoming digitally metered mail. Instead of printing an indicia, the scanner would read the already existing indicia and other information on the mail piece and then extract the sender data fields that are contained in the indicia or on the mail piece. The extracted mail data would be periodically uploaded to a data center. The data center would compare the extracted data with mail sender data that has previously been uploaded from sending meters and processors to determine unexpected delivery delays in the delivery network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Sansone, Robert B. McFiggans
  • Patent number: 6006210
    Abstract: A mailing machine comprising a device for feeding an envelope having a width in a path of travel; a device for determining the width of the envelope; and a control device in operative communication with the determining device for using the width of the envelope to ascertain a proper amount of postage to be applied to the envelope. According to a first embodiment, the determining device includes a sensor array located transverse to the path of travel for detecting the presence of the envelope where the sensor array includes an inner plurality of sensors and an outer plurality of sensors located further away from a registration wall than the inner plurality of sensors. According to a second embodiment, the determining device includes a first sensor for detecting a lead edge of the envelope and a sensor line located downstream in the path of travel from the first sensor and at an angle to the path of travel so as to detect a lead corner of the envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald C. Freeman, Edilberto I. Salazar, Richard P. Schoonmaker, Kenneth A. Schulz
  • Patent number: 6002095
    Abstract: A method of selectively printing a Postnet barcode on an envelope which includes conveying an address bearing document from an input module along a chassis from an upstream location to a downstream location. Also including scanning the document at the input module to determine whether or not a Postnet barcode is to be printed on the envelope and printing a Postnet barcode with a printer on the envelope if the scanning process indicates that the document contains data which is valid based on a selected configuration. Further including, changing the font of the printer to print a blank string, if the scanning process indicates that the document contains data which is not valid based on selected configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin W Bodie, Jim Churchill, Michael A Gagliardi, Robert K Gottlieb
  • Patent number: 6000774
    Abstract: An ink jet printing system includes a user interface for communicating messages between the ink jet printer and an operator and controller in operative communication with the user interface. The controller disables printing of certain information other than a test pattern in response to a predetermined event, generates a random message, prints a test pattern in response to a predetermined event, incorporates the generated random message within the test pattern, receives an indication of the random message from the operator, compares the received random message with the generated random message, and if the received random message equals the generated random message, enables printing of certain information other than the test pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Eswaran C. Nambudiri
  • Patent number: 5999921
    Abstract: A system includes a system time counter associated with a micro controller and a secure clock module having a real time clock and an elapsed time counter. The system synchronizes operation between the secure clock module and the system time counter. The synchronized time entered into the system time counter is utilized in the operation of the system. The real time clock time can be caused to be entered into the elapsed time counter at certain point in the operation of the system. The relationship of the time provide enhanced systems security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Arsenault, William Bailey, Craig DeFilippo
  • Patent number: 5999706
    Abstract: A hardware module includes a character map, a font and control codes in accordance with an established national standard for printing characters, to supplement or replace similar information stored in a printer in accordance with another established standard. Connection of the module to the printer changes the personality of the printer, from a printer operating in accordance with one standard for printing one set of characters, such as printing simplified Chinese characters used in mainland China in accordance with a GuoBiao Standard, to a printer operating in accordance with a second standard for printing another set of characters, such as printing traditional Chinese characters in accordance with a Chinese National Standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes, Inc.
    Inventor: Wojciech M. Chrosny
  • Patent number: 5992132
    Abstract: A rotatable insertion horn for opening an envelope prior to insertion of documents into the envelope. The insertion horn includes a planar bottom plate having an upstream end, a downstream end and first and second side portions. A side wall is provided that extends upward from the first side portion of the planar bottom plate. The side wall has a downstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the planar bottom plate and an upstream end adjacent to the upstream end of the planar bottom plate wherein a portion of the planar bottom plate extends downstream from the downstream end of the side wall. A top planar plate is provided that extends from the top of the side wall and towards the second side of the bottom plate wherein the top plate is superposed and substantially parallel to the bottom plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Auerbach
  • Patent number: 5995950
    Abstract: A carrier management system having the capability to compute discounted shipping charges. The carrier management system includes inputs for input of parcel weight, information for selecting a class of carrier service, a parcel identification number and operator input signals. A data processor responds to a first operator input signal to append a suffix to the parcel identification number and store the parcel information, and for succeeding parcels increments the suffix and stores the parcel information. Upon input of a second operator input signal the data processor determines the discounted shipping rate for the group of parcels. The data processor also compares the discounted and non-discounted costs and in response to other operator input signals adds or deletes parcels in the group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Ileana Barns-Slavin, Clint F. Brandien, George J. Brazis, Jr., Norman Goodwin, Jacques Hasbani, John Burgess Howard, Terry Elwin Raikes
  • Patent number: 5988897
    Abstract: A method for printing an IBIP indicium in an IBIP open metering system includes the steps of obtaining a bit mapped image of a fixed graphic portion of the indicium and drawing a bit mapped image of a variable portion of the indicium using indicium data elements. Then it is determined whether the indicium is to be printed of displayed. If displayed, a bit mapped image of a representative bar code is generated; and a message that indicates the barcode is not valid for printing is applied to the bit mapped image of the representative bar code. The bit mapped image of the indicium can safely be displayed. Whenever an IBIP indicium is being displayed, the whole indicium is shown on the screen with a message, such as "NOT VALID FOR MAILING" superimposed over the PDF bar code area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Perry A. Pierce, Brian M. Romansky
  • Patent number: 5988057
    Abstract: An apparatus for canceling postage on individual mailpieces of a stack of mixed mail includes an apparatus for separating individual mailpieces from the stack of mixed mail; structure for feeding the separated individual mailpieces along a feed path; a mechanism, positioned along the feed path, for detecting the presence of stamps on individual mailpieces; a printing mechanism having a plurality of digital printheads; a control, in communication with the detecting mechanism, for operating the printing mechanism to print a cancellation mark over stamps on individual mailpieces in response to detection by the detecting mechanism of the presence of stamps on individual mailpieces; and apparatus for determining the number of rows of stamps on individual mailpieces and for selectively energizing only the individual ones of the plurality of digital printheads needed to ensure that the cancellation mark is printed over each of the sensed number of rows of stamps on individual mailpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: James A Salomon, Anthony E. Yap
  • Patent number: 5988807
    Abstract: A fluorescent ink that makes tagger marks and is able to be used in valve jet printers at a rate of four #10 envelopes per second. The ink also penetrates paper at a rapid rate and dries at the same time it is penetrating the paper, without degrading the print quality. The penetrating agent solvent system may be isopropyl alcohol in combination with a surfactant. The surfactant may be polyethylene glycol ethers. Polyethylene glycol ethers have a high boiling point and low vapor pressure. The penetrating agent solvent system has a low boiling point and high vapor pressure and a low static and dynamic surface tension. This improves the inks rate of penetration into the paper and diminishes the amount of offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A Bernard, Norman C Hochwalt, Judith Auslander, Jerome E. Jackson