Abstract: A system for processing batch mail in which a mail sender processes batches of mail each of which includes a statement containing data that allows mail payment verification. Included in this data is the balance of postage value after processing the mail.

Abstract: A mailer for the delivery of the replacement units and the return of replaced units. Preferably the units include electronic components such as PROM's mounted on printed circuit boards. A replacement unit is held within the mailer by a restraint in a position such that an address for a customer to whom the replacement unit is to be delivered affixed to the replacement unit is visible through a window in the mailer. Insertion of a replaced unit into the mailer causes the restraint to release the replacement unit and secure the replaced unit in such a position that no address is visible through the window. Accordingly, the mailer would be returned to the vendor whose address is imprinted on the mailer with no need for further effort on the part of the customer.

Abstract: A magnetic marker is disclosed having characteristics that lend the marker to being useful in the field of theft detection using electronic article surveillance techniques. The marker has a magnetic member that is formed in a rectangular configuration. With such configuration one is able to fabricate magnetic markers of relatively small sizes.

Abstract: A weighing instrument is provided with two sets of breakpoints; "generic breakpoints" which fall at the midpoint of successive display intervals, and "postal breakpoints" which fall at or near one of the two successive display intervals. Under "normal" circumstances, the postal breakpoints are in place and the instrument is used as a "weight classifier". When it is sensed that the "weighing history" of the instrument is such that weighing errors due to "creep" will affect the accuracy of the instrument, and will be augmented by the bias inherent in the use of postal breakpoints, the generic breakprints are instituted. An example of a weighing history of a nature that the generic breakpoints should be implemented is the application of a "large" weight (such as 75% of full range) to the instrument for a "long" time (such as in excess of 30 seconds). The postal breakpoints are reimplemented in the instrument upon a return to substantially zero weight on the instrument.Method and apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: Transport and drive apparatus and method for use in determining the weight of an article. An article whose mass is to be determined is transported upon the plan of a weighing scale by a combination of rollers attached to the tray and drive rollers received within an opening of the tray. A reversible motor is used to provide drive to a conveyor rollers for transporting mail pieces onto the tray and for withdrawing the rollers upon reverse drive for purposes of weighing.

Abstract: A system for mailing bulk mail pieces in which credit rating is relied upon instead of security to assure payment of the mail. A mailer user sends a batch of mail to the post office which is accompanied by a statement sheet indicating the number of mail pieces and amount of postage due. Accompanying this statement is a check in the amount of the postage required for the batch of mail.

Abstract: A mechanism for transporting flat articles, such as envelopes, onto and across the tray of a scale. A belt is trained about a combination of rollers received within slots of the tray which in combination with clamps supported by the tray are used to transport a flat onto the weighing scale. When a flat is to be weighed, it is transported onto the tray, the rollers are withdrawn below the tray by the belt and the clamps hold the flat securely against the tray. The tray is then oscillated and the weight of the flat is determined from the harmonic period of oscillation. Upon completion of weighing, the belt is placed into contact with the flat and rotated to remove the flat from the tray.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing the tray of a scale during the transporting of flat articles, such as envelopes, onto and across the tray of the scale. When a flat has been placed in a position for weighing, the conveying mechanism is put into an inoperative mode and causes the locking mechanism to release the tray. After the article is weighed, the conveying mechanism is placed into the operating mode and acts upon the locking mechanism to cause it to once more secure the tray.

Abstract: Oscillating and alternatively locking apparatus and method of determining the mass of an article by the shift of the period of oscillation of a flexibly mounted platform. An article whose mass is to be determined is placed upon the platform. The platform is caused to oscillate and the period of harmonic motion is calibrated. This period is compared against the period of harmonic motion when there is no article upon the platform, and the difference, or shift, in frequency, allows a determination of the mass of the article. A reversible motor is used to provide drive to a conveyor for transporting mail pieces onto the tray and for causing oscillation of the tray for purposes of weighing.

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 utilizing a plurality of work stations. Each batch 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.

Abstract: Oscillating and alternatively locking apparatus and method of determining the mass of an article by the shift of the period of oscillation of a flexibly mounted platform. An article whose mass is to be determined is placed upon the platform. The platform is caused to oscillate and the period of harmonic motion is calibrated. This period is compared against the period of harmonic motion when there is no article upon the platform, and the difference, or shift, in frequency, allows a determination of the mass of the article. A reversible motor is used to provide drive to a conveyor for transporting mail pieces onto the tray and for causing oscillation of the tray for purposes of weighing.

Abstract: Oscillating and alternatively locking apparatus and method of determining the mass of an article by the shift of the period of oscillation of a flexibly mounted platform. An article whose mass is to be determined is placed upon the platform. The platform is caused to oscillate and the period of harmonic motion is calibrated. This period is compared against the period of harmonic motion when there is no article upon the platform, and the difference, or shift, in frequency, allows a determination of the mass of the article. A reversible motor is used to provide drive to a conveyor for transporting mail pieces onto the tray and for causing oscillation of the tray for purposes of weighing.

Abstract: An unsecured postage applying system wherein the printer and accounting unit are separated from one another by an unsecured link through use of encryption. The printer may be of any off the shelf type that is capable of printing alpha numerics or bar codes. More than one printer can be connected to a single accounting unit to provide a network of printers accommodated by the one accounting unit.

Abstract: A 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. During processing, each mail piece is identified by a unique number for security purposes.

Abstract: A computing system having a non-volatile memory with locations with store data and are physically accessible such that the locations can be human visually readable to determine the data values stored therein. The non-volatile memory is operatively coupled to the computing system so that the computing means can write data into the non-volatile memory.A postage meter employing this system is adapted to be energized by an external source of operating power and includes a postage printing mechanism for printing postage and a computing system coupled to said postage printing mechanism for accounting for postage printed by the printing mechanism. A non-volatile memory for storing data is operatively coupled to the computing system and includes locations for storing data, critical postage accounting and other data when the postage meter is not energized by the external source of operating power.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a fluorescent ink layer for a fluorescent thermal transfer sheet is disclosed. The method comprises first forming a solution of a mixture comprising at least one acidic monomer, at least one basic monomer and at least one fluorescent dye. Thereafter, an emulsion of the solution is formed and the emulsion is polymerized.

Abstract: A postage value determining scale includes a system processor, a weighing device which generates weight indicative signals, a display and a keyboard for operator entry of information relating to the determination of postage and one or more memories which store postage data. The keyboard includes a plurality of nonilluminated multifunction keys with specific keys being assigned for the entry of special services such as certified mail, c.o.d., special delivery and the like. Upon detecting a keyboard entry assigned for such purpose, the processor recalls and sequentially displays indicia of special services previously selected by the operator and optionally the fee amount of each selected service. After displaying indicia of all the special services selected, the processor thereafter re-enters the previously displayed indicia in the display.

Abstract: A remote inspection of postage meters that reduces the requirement for an on site inspection. The postage meters are programmed to sense and communicate any tampering attempt. The inspection is achieved either through electronic communication or by the mailing of imprinted post cards.

Abstract: An electro-optical light scanning system using a modulated laser illumination source directed upon a multi-faceted rotating polygonal mirror or polygon. The mirrored facets reflect the impinging light toward a moving photoreceptor and forms a raster of scan lines as the photoreceptor moves to create dot images on the photoreceptor. The invention also encompasses amplitude modulation for varying the intensity of the laser illumination in conjunction with acousto-optical modulation for maintaining a constant level illumination and/or for varying dot size. Other embodiments describe producing dot size variation in an ink jet printer, a light emitting diode printer and a thermal printer.

Abstract: A postage meter having an improved throughput for processing mixed weight mail. A postage meter is provided with a commnications link for receiving signals from a system for determining postage amounts and transporting mailpieces. A first signal is provided indicating that a next postage amount will be determined, and in response the postage meter performs common, preliminary steps to enable setting indicia to correspond to the next postage amount. A second signal defining the next postage amount is then received and the postage meter sets its indicia to correspond. In one embodiment of the subject invention the meter may then send a signal requesting transport of the next mailpiece. The meter may then implement common enabling steps for printing while the mailpiece is in transport. In still another embodiment the next postage amount is compared to the last postage amount to which the indicia are set, and if they are equal setting of the indicia is bypast.