Abstract: A method for printing a postal indicia on a mailpiece includes moving a printing mechanism and the mailpiece relative to each other during a plurality of passes; and printing with the printing mechanism at least a corresponding portion of the postal indicia during each of the plurality of passes, each of the corresponding portions being in overlapped relationship to the other corresponding portions so that the combined effect of the corresponding overlapped portions is a postal indicia which is detectable by a facer/canceler machine as a valid postal indicia. Furthermore, during no more than one of the plurality of passes is its corresponding portion of the postal indicia detectable by the facer/canceler machine as the valid postal indicia. An apparatus incorporates the above method.

Abstract: The invention is a method for measuring the dimensions of a parcel through point determination which is initiated by placing a parcel on a weighing scale within a field of measurement which comprises a first known spatial relationship. In a preferred embodiment, an ultrasonic emitter is positioned at the outermost corner of the parcel. A sensor is placed on a line along each of the three axes ending at the outermost corner of the parcel; the lines representing the length, width, and height of the parcel and comprising the second known spatial relationship. The emitter transmits a pulse to the sensors. Each of the lines is then measured by determining a length of time from emission of the pulse to reception of the pulse by the sensors.

Abstract: A mailing machine comprising a printer module, a transport device and a controller in operative communication with the transport device and the printer module. The printer module including an array of ink jet print elements for printing on an envelope and a repositioning device in operative engagement with the array of ink jet print elements for moving the array of ink jet print elements between a maintenance position and a print position. The transport device including suitable structure for feeding the envelope in a path of travel so that the envelope passes in opposed relationship to the array of ink jet print elements when the array of ink jet print elements are in the print position. The controller keeps an indicator of an amount of time elapsed between printing successive envelopes.

Abstract: A web guide particularly adapted for mail handling systems is positioned between the mail handling system form feeder and separating device. The web guide provides a surface to guide and control the web during its travel between the feeder and separating device so as to avoid or minimize premature tearing of the web, particularly during web acceleration caused by the separating device.

Abstract: A key control system comprises the generation of a first set of predetermined keys K.sub.pred which are then used as master keys for a plurality of respective postage meters. The keys are then related to a respective meter in accordance with a map or algorithm. The predetermined master key K.sub.pred is encrypted with the date to yield a date dependent key K.sub.dd related to the respective meter. The date dependent key is encrypted with a unique identifier or the respective meter to yield a unique key K.sub.final that is by the respective meter to generate digital tokens. The Data Center encrypts the date with each predetermined key K.sub.pred to yield a table of dependent keys K.sub.dd 's. The table of K.sub.dd 's are distributed to verification sites. The verification site reads a meter's identification from a mailpiece being verified to obtain the dependent key K.sub.dd of the meter. The verification site encrypts the dependent key K.sub.

Abstract: An envelope throat opening mechanism for an envelope inserting machine includes a pair of envelope throat opening claw assemblies mounted adjacent an envelope inserting position for opening the outer ends of an envelope disposed in the envelope inserting position to permit insert material to be inserted into the envelope. An envelope throat opening tongue assembly is also disposed adjacent the envelope inserting position and in substantial alignment with the center of an envelope, the tongue assembly having a tongue mounted therein for movement into the throat of the envelope adjacent the center thereof to ensure that the center portion of the throat is opened sufficiently to permit the insert material to be inserted into the envelope.

Abstract: The invention is a method for channeling message traffic along an optimal path to its intended destination. The method is accomplished by drafting a message and a corresponding destination address together in electronic form. The message and address are coupled with a set of parameters which define a method of conversion of the electronic form of the message and address to a tangible form. The message and address are transmitted together with the conversion parameters, as a packet, to a routing facility via a digital carrier. The routing facility will select an optimal transmission path whereby the packet will be transmitted to the terminal node for conversion and printing. The selection of an optimal path is made by analyzing a set of weighted factors pertaining to a set of possible pathways. The combination of weighted scores will be used to determine which path has the highest weighted score.

Abstract: The invention is a method for detecting duplicate records on a list or in a file and comprises a number of steps. The steps include entering a list, comprised of one or more records, to a data processing system; then, applying a nickname lookup table to the records to determine a common first name. Once a common name has been determined, the method matches a first record from the list with a second record from the list by comparing the fields of the first record with the fields of at least one other record; the comparison is based on a set of pre-determined criteria. The matching sequence determines a duplicate set, wherein the duplicate set is comprised of at least two records with fields that match. The method then lists matching records sequentially so that the system can create a new record by filling each empty field with a next available corresponding field from a subsequent record within the duplicate set.

Abstract: A method for authorizing performance of a function in a distributed system having first and second subsystems in communication with each other includes the steps of separately generating a mutual session key within the first and second subsystems; utilizing the mutual session key generated in each of the first and second subsystems for authenticating the first subsystem; and authorizing performance of the function only upon completion of the authenticating of the first subsystem. An apparatus performs the inventive method.

Abstract: A remote inspection system including a value dispensing device including structure for printing an indication of value, structure for accounting for value dispensed, and structure for querying and receiving operational data from both the printing structure and the accounting structure and for creating a message based on the operational data which message has a first portion identifying the data and a second encrypted signature portion which is created based on at least some of the operational data; a data center remotely located from the value dispensing device; and structure for establishing communication between the data center and the value dispensing device permitting the value dispensing device to send the message to the data center; wherein the data center includes apparatus for extracting the operational data from the message, apparatus for extracting the at least some of the operational data from the message to create the second encrypted signature portion based on the at least some of the information

Abstract: A system and method include means for processing a cryptographic certificate adapted to provide security functionality. A register means is provided and means for adjusting the register means to account for services when the cryptographic certificate is processed. In accordance with anther aspect, a system and method include a register means for storing funds. Means are provided for processing a digital token providing proof of postage payment and means are also provided for processing a cryptographic certificate adapted to provide security functionality. Means debit funds stored in the register means when the digital token is processed and when the cryptographic certificate is processed. Processing the cryptographic certificate may involve many functions such as providing security services and/or certificate management functions (including generating and verifying cryptographic certificates) and/or key management functions and/or access to any needed private keys to perform security services.

Abstract: A method of customizing application software in an inserting system includes the steps of providing a system baseline program for operating the inserting system in a standard baseline mode, and providing a dynamic link library (DLL) including a table of features to be included in the inserting system and an application routine corresponding to each of the features. A call table in the system baseline program is linked with an address for each feature corresponding to the location of the application program for the feature. The DLL is customized based on information received from the baseline program. Each of the features is called when indicated in the system baseline program and information is provided to each DLL application program corresponding to the feature. The information is modified to make the system baseline program execute a different set of logic corresponding the customization of the machine. A sub-dynamic link library (sub-DLL) is provided for further customization.

Abstract: A method for controlling a tape motor using a microcontroller for feeding tape in correspondence to printing of an indeterminate length of printing on the tape by a print drum utilizes a sensor for indicating a tape condition which changes in accordance with the engagement of a printing portion of the print drum with the tape. An optical sensor and slotted disk provide signals indicative of the rotation of a motor shaft of the tape motor. At least first and second counters are provided for counting signal pulses from said optical sensor corresponding to the passage of slots during rotation of the motor. From these counts and the indication of printing by the print drum, the micro controller can develop the timing of control signals for controlling the motor in correspondence to the length of printing on the tape.

Abstract: A dimensional weighing apparatus is disclosed which has a weighing scale for determining the actual weight of a carton placed thereon, and associated therewith is a measuring frame having movable carton contact means for measuring the linear distance of the three axes of a carton positioned on the scale necessary to determine the volume of the carton. A computer processing means determines firstly whether the actual volume of the carton is less or greater than a predetermined threshold volume, and if greater, calculates a dimensional weight of the carton and compares the dimensional weight of the carton with the actual weight to determine which weight is the larger, and sends a signal indicative of the larger weight to a shipping system which calculates a realistic shipping charge for the carton based on the weight determined by the dimensional weighing apparatus to be the larger of the two weights.

Abstract: System and method for securely backing up and reliably retrieving vault data in a metering system that includes a host processor operatively coupled to a vault. Whenever a transaction is completed by the vault, the vault cryptographically signs the vault data, including ascending register, descending register and piece count and sends the cryptographically signed vault data to the host processor where it is stored in a data file assigned to the vault. Each storage of the cryptographically signed vault data is indexed to create a historical log of vault transactions. If the vault is lost or damaged so that vault data cannot be retrieved from the vault, the cryptographically signed vault data is retrieved from the host processor data file and verified.

Abstract: A value dispensing mechanism which prints an indication of value includes a portable accounting device which accounts for the printed indication of value; and a terminal including apparatus for printing the indication of value, a display which displays messages related to functions of the value dispensing mechanism, structure for controlling messages displayed on the display and for initiating operation of the printing means to print the indication of value, a storage device for storing a plurality of display options, and apparatus for removably receiving the portable accounting device such that at times when the portable accounting device is received in the receiving apparatus the controlling structure and the portable accounting device are in operative communication with each other to permit operation of the value dispensing mechanism; wherein the portable accounting device includes means for automatically designating at least one of the display options upon insertion of the portable accounting device into

Abstract: In the field of mailpiece handling apparatuses, it is known to provide machines having DC drives for all components thereof. However, the use of DC drives exclusively is expensive. On the other hand, AC drive frequently do not provide a sufficient degree of precision in the controlling of mailpieces in the machines. The disclosure relates to a folder-inserter-sealer machine (10) having a first, AC electric motor (28) connected to drive a first set of driveable components on the apparatus: and one or more further, DC electric actuators (18;27) operatively connected to drive a further set of driveable components of the apparatus. An advantage of the arrangement is that precise control of components may be obtained in a comparatively low-cost machine.

Abstract: A binding device for removably securing bound booklets into a storage binder is disclosed in which an elongate strip of semi rigid material is provided with adhesive or removable securing means by which it is attached to a rear surface edge portion of a bound booklet, and also punched holes or additional removable securing means by which it is attached to the inside of a conventional ring binder or other type of suitable hard cover storage binder.

Abstract: A report generation system and method for generating a report at predetermined timed intervals is described. In accordance with the teachings of this invention, system usage data is read from a memory device. A report template file controls print control commands which identifies the system usage data which should be printed in a report along with the report format characteristics. The formatted report is then inserted into an envelope, ready to be mailed by the user. The present invention further includes a system and method for identifying a current version of software installed in a mailing system.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to the generation, transmission, reception and/or use electronically, of parcel manifest and inquiry data over a carrier management or shipping system that utilizes electronic data interchange or EDI. This generation, transmission, reception and/or use of EDI will replace or reduce the current methods of using paper manifests and manual phone inquiries associated with carrier management and shipping systems.