Abstract: An electronic postage meter includes two non-volatile memories. One of the non-volatile memories is utilized for storing in historical sequence in respective registers the transaction information for each of a predetermined number of transactions which have occurred prior to the last transaction. This memory is accessed at the time of each transaction. The real-time transaction information may be sequentially written over the earliest information in the registers. The other non-volatile memory stores cumulative data upon power-down.

Abstract: An electronic postage meter which has a computer and apparatus for printing a postage value, wherein the computer includes instrumentalities for authorizing printing the postage value, and has shutter apparatus which is operable for alternately preventing and permitting operation of the postage printing apparatus, and has interposing apparatus which is operable for alternately preventing and permitting operation of the shutter apparatus, is provided with an improvement for controlling the operation of the interposing apparatus.

Abstract: An improved separator assembly for document feeders comprises a retarding roller and a cooperating opposed feed roller. The retarding roller is selectably rotatable into orientations such that the selected one of a plurality of different peripheral portions of the retarding roller will be oriented into operative position with respect to the feed roller. The retarding roller includes at least one cylindrical portion and another portion which has an interfering member projecting outwardly from the roller. Other surfaces of the retarding roller may comprise different materials in order to avoid scratches on the documents to be fed or to change the frictional force on the documents.

Abstract: A system is provided for locating and displaying a most recently written record in an electronic postage meter to sequentially store accounting data associated with the transactions of the electronic postage meter. The meter includes a first non-volatile memory (NVM) and a second non-volatile memory (NVM). The system includes apparatus for locating an accurate piece count within the second NVM, for utilizing the accurate piece count within the second NVM to locate a written transaction in the first NVM, and means for providing an external message generated by a keyboard or the like. Accordingly, the written transaction represents the most recently written record in the postage meter. The system also includes a means for determining whether the record is accurate. Accordingly, check values are provided as part of the record in the first NVM. If the check value and a value corresponding to the written transaction agree, the record within the first NVM will be displayed to a user.

Abstract: An electronic postage meter includes a microcomputer with an external timer for providing a periodic interrupt. At each interrupt, a monitor routine examines the sensors and switches for changes in status and a monitor word is formed in correspondence with the detected status. A queue of meter tasks is scheduled in accordance with the meter status, any changes in status, or after a selected time has passed.

Abstract: An electronic postage meter having an improved memory selection circuit is disclosed. A custom memory map decoder circuit with resolution down to a single byte location is used to provide selection enabling signals to insure the selection of an appropriate device only when the addresses appropriate to that device are communicated. In accordance with the invention, at least two nonvolatile memories are provided. Writing to either of these nonvolatile memories is inhibited unless one and only one memory is selected. The circuit also prevents the selection of either of the nonvolatile memories in the event that the write strobe signal to the memories is held active.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus is provided for protecting the accounting data stored in an electronic postage meter having multiple non-volatile memories for the storage of accounting data, including the steps of and associated apparatus for providing a first non-volatile memory; writing postage transactions accounting data into the first non-volatile memory in real time during each trip cycle of the meter; providing a second non-volatile memory; writing postage transaction accounting data into the second non-volatile memory only during the power cycle of the meter; and disabling the first non-volatile memory when the meter enters a power down cycle to prevent any further writing of data into the first non-volatile memory. Advantageously, the first non-volatile memory is clamped to ground potential during the power down cycle.

Abstract: A short circuit protection circuit and associated method is provided, for a device with a first and second power supply. The circuit comprises a pair of switches connected to the respective power supplies, a current sensing element connected to each switch and an output buffer circuit connected to each switch for preventing either power supply from being shorted. The circuitry utilizes advantageously integrated circuit technology. Through the use of the circuitry the power supplies are effectively removed from the output buffer when excessive current is sensed.

Abstract: An electronic postage meter with a circuit to provide for a delay period before operation of a postage meter is disclosed. The circuit provides a fixed delay which is triggered when three input signals provided to the circuit become active. The input signals will be active in this embodiment to indicate satisfactory regulated voltage level, a satisfactory unregulated voltage level, and a satisfactory external clock frequency respectively. The output of the delay circuit upon acceptance of these active signals provides a reset delay signal to a system processor and also controls the signals that are provided to the non-volatile memories and the system printer. The circuit uses advantageously logic devices to provide the delay of the output signal rather than the traditional utilization of R-C network. The delay circuit is particularly useful in a system such as postage meter that utilizes a microprocessor and a non-volatile memory, to protect the contents of the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A monitoring system for verifying that an input signal is toggling at a minimum frequency includes an edge detector to provide an output signal in response to a transition in the state of an input signal. The output signal is used to reset a resettable clock. In the event that the output signal is not received during a first reset period a first signal is generated and if there is no output within a second succeeding reset period, a second signal is generated.

Abstract: A circuit for selecting one of a plurality of positive voltages when both can be applied to an integrated circuit. The circuit comprises a sensing apparatus for determining which of the plurality of voltages is the highest, apparatus for providing the highest voltage to the substrate and apparatus for applying the highest of the plurality of voltages to the substrate to insure protection and proper operation of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A mailing system including a postage meter adaptable to either a high-speed mailing machine capable of parallel postal value selection or a low-speed mailing machine capable of serial value selection is disclosed. The postage meter includes a print drum with printing value members. A rod extends outwardly from the drum. The rod contains linear racks that are axially located above the horizontal centerline of the rod. The linear racks interact with the value members to provide the proper value setting. Attached to the postage meter are a plurality of cross-over shafts with pinion gears. The gears engage the racks to facilitate value selection. In the high-speed mailing machine, a series of drive members engage the shafts. Apparatus within the high-speed mailing machine causes the shafts to rotate in a parallel fashion to allow for postal value selection to facilitate postal printing. In the low-speed mailing machine, one drive member engages on e shaft of the postage meter.

Abstract: An advanced electronic postage meter system is described, which is built around a micro computer set. The micro computer set is of LSI design, and comprises a single chip central processor unit (CPU) which performs all control and data processing functions. Auxiliary to the CPU are ROM's which store the program of the postage meter system; RAM's which provide the system wtih a working memory; and Shift Registers which expand the I/O capacity of the system and provide multiplexing capability. The postage meter system comprises componentry such as a non-volatile memory for postage accounting purposes; a display for visually monitoring the functions of the system; a keyboard for instructing the system; and a modified postage meter with motorized setting means for printing postage upon pieces of mail. These peripheral devices communicate with the micro computer set through ports, and means are provided to expand port capabilites for these peripheral devices.

Abstract: A mode detection circuit is disclosed that provides a high or low digital output signal to an associated circuit analog dependent upon the corresponding input signal. The input signal to the mode detection circuit will determine whether the mode of the input signal and associated circuit is to be external or internal. In this embodiment, the input of the mode detection circuit receives either a first voltage in the internal or a second voltage in the external mode which is lower than the first voltage. Thus, when the input voltage to the circuit is the first voltage, there is provided at the output a digital output that is high. In this embodiment, a high digital output signal would mean that the associated circuit with the detection circuit would be in the internal mode. On the other hand, when the analog input signal is the second voltage, there would be provided at the output of the detection circuit a low digital output signal which would mean that the associated circuit would be in the external mode.

Abstract: A stamp dispensing apparatus receives and transmits serial data between itself and a central computer. The data from the computer includes stamp dispensing commands as well as supervisory commands in a predetermined serial data format. The stamp dispensing apparatus comprises interface means for receiving the data, decoding the data, and actuating a stamp dispensing mechanism. The apparatus includes an LED-photodetector mechanism for detecting stamp perforations to allow counting of the number of stamps dispensed. Dispensing errors are detected and reported back to the computer.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for controlling firmware branch points in an electronic postage meter, comprising the steps of storing a program for operation of the electronic postage meter, providing at least one data bit external to the stored program, each such data bit corresponding to a particular branch point in the program, and selecting a branch of the program for use in operation of the meter in accordance with the data bit so that the program may be readily reconfigured based on the presence of a data bit.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for completing an incomplete trip in an electronic postage meter, comprising the steps of reading the state of bistable member after the trip cycle has commenced, setting a fatal error if the bistable member is in its home state prior to completion of the trip cycle, energizing a drive motor to try to complete the trip cycle, reading the state of the cycle switch, and de-energizing the drive motor after a maximum period of time.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus is provided for using data stored in one non-volatile memory to locate the next memory address in which to write data in another non-volatile memory of an electronic postage meter, comprising the steps of and associated apparatus for providing a first non-volatile memory for storing data therein including cumulative piece count data corresponding to the number of completed postage transactions, providing a second non-volatile memory for storing accounting data sequentially therein for each one of a predetermined number of trip cycles of the postage meter which number corresponds to the number of individually addressable trip cycle memory locations in the second non-volatile memory and defines a modulus of the second non-volatile memory, retrieving the cumulative piece count data from the first non-volatile memory during a power up cycle, dividing the cumulative piece count data by the modulus of the second non-volatile memory, and using the remainder resulting from the divisi

Abstract: A drive base which is utilized in conjunction with a postal mailing system is disclosed. The base comprises a mode selection arrangement which alternately actuates a postage metering unit or a tape drive unit located within a mailing machine. The arrangement also provides a neutral setting for the drive base. Thus, in the neutral position, the drive base prevents the meter unit or the tape drive unit from operating. The mode selection arrangement includes a first cam member for engaging either the metering unit or the tape drive unit for operation. The arrangement also includes a second cam member for preventing one of the units from rotating when the other is engaged. In addition, the second cam member prevents both units from moving when the system is in a neutral position. This base provides a simple apparatus to be utilized for actuating the various portions of a postal mailing system.

Abstract: A postage meter which includes a thermal print head for printing indicia, postal value, and the like is disclosed. In accordance with the invention, thermal elements in the thermal print head are electronically pulsed in appropriate serially timed patters to provide a complete thermally transferred image on a strip moving past the thermal head.