Abstract: An apparatus and method for remote inspection of a smart card or similar apparatus. A smart card includes an antenna and receiver for receiving transmitted messages and a display. The smart card responds to a response request message to display a secure output message prompting a user of the smart card to respond to the party originating the message. When a valid response is received a response confirmation message is transmitted to the smart card. If a response is not received or is invalid a deactivate command message is transmitted to the smart card. If a response request message is not received within a first time period, or if a response confirmation is not received within a second time period after a response request is received, or if an attempt is made to use the card after a response request is received and before a response confirmation is received, the card will deactivate itself.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for measuring the dimensions of a parcel for use in a parcel processing application of a data processing device, wherein a parcel is placed in a predetermined position on a weighing scale with a platform having at least two raised sides for placing the parcel thereagainst. When the parcel is placed, beams from a first laser source and from a second laser source are transmitted onto the parcel at a first and second target spot wherein the target spots are a known distance from each other, and wherein the target spots are in a line parallel to the weighing scale. The beams are reflected back to a rotating mirror assembly and to a beam detector. The mirror assembly is located in a line parallel to one of the two laser beam sources and is rotated at a constant rate so as to focus on the first and second target spots. The angle of focus of the mirror assembly is determinative of the distance from the mirror assembly to the parcel surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for keeping a matched document inserter system in synchronization. The method and apparatus are directed to controlling the inserter system which includes an input section for producing a sequence of collations, a transport for feeding the sequence of collations in a path of travel and a chassis section downstream from the input section capable of combining each collation in the sequence of collations with a respective corresponding specific enclosure. The method comprises the step(s) of: (a) recognizing when a collation in the sequence of collations has been removed from the inserter system, and (b) after the removed collation has been eliminated from the sequence of collations, maintaining proper spacing in the sequence of collations so that each collation in the sequence of collations is correctly assembled to the respective corresponding specific enclosure.

Abstract: A mailing machine includes structure for transporting a mailpiece at a constant speed through the mailing machine in a processing direction; structure for continuously determining a position of the mailpiece in the mailing machine; a first printhead having first nozzles aligned transverse to the processing direction; a second printhead having second nozzles aligned adjacent to the first nozzles and transverse to the processing direction; structure for coordinating the selective energizing of the first and second nozzles in synchronism with each other and the position of the mailpiece so that the first printhead only prints first predetermined columns of ink dots of an indicia image on the mailpiece and the second printhead only prints second predetermined columns of ink dots of the indicia image on the mailpiece, the second predetermined columns of ink dots being in interlaced relationship in the processing direction with the first predetermined columns of ink dots whereby the first and second columns of ink

Abstract: A sheet feeder including a rotateable feed roller for feeding sheets in a path of travel and retarding apparatus operatively coupled with the feed roller for forming a nip therebetween; wherein the retarding apparatus rotates along with the feed roller when a single sheet is in the nip and the retarding apparatus does not rotate when a plurality of sheets are in the nip.

Abstract: The memory access limiting circuit detects when two or more of memory units associated with a microprocessor control system have been accessed enabled concurrently representing an error condition. The memory access limiting circuit is part of an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit also includes an address decoding for receiving the unique address signal and causing a write enable signal to be generated for the memory units and one of a plurality chip select signals to be generated for a respective one of the memory units. The monitoring circuit monitors the pin levels of the integrated circuit assigned for enabling the respective memory unit. The monitoring circuit generates a first output signal when a respective one of the memory unit chip select signals has been enabled and a second output signal when a plurality of chip select signals have been enabled. The second output signal is directed to the microprocessor for corrective action.

Abstract: In an envelope inserting system, a method of digitally printing a postage indicia including a barcode on an envelope. The method includes: inserting a plurality of documents into an envelope to form a stuffed envelope; conveying the stuffed envelope to a digital, postage indicia printer; conveying an image of the postage indicia and included barcode to the printer; printing a postage indicia and included barcode on the stuffed envelope with the postgae indicia printer; conveying the printed, stuffed envelope to a barcode reader; determining with the barcode reader whether or not the barcode is readable; if the barcode is readable, determining whether or not the indicia was printed with the correct amount of postage; and if the barcode is not readable or if the indicia was not printed with the correct amount of postage, outsorting the stuffed envelope.

Abstract: A metering system includes means for printing postage value. First means are coupled to the printing means for accounting for value printed by the printing means. Second means are coupled to the printing means for accounting for value printed by said printing means. Means determine which of the first and the second accounting means accounts for value printed by said printing means. The system may be arranged where the first accounting means is a smart card chip mounted internal to the metering system and the second accounting means is an external smart card. When the system is operable only one accounting system is rendered operable with priority given to the external smart card.

Abstract: A postage metering system comprising: printing apparatus, the printing apparatus including structure for printing a postage indicia having a first portion including a postage value and a second portion including a town circle; accounting apparatus, the accounting including structure for accounting for the postage value, the accounting apparatus including structure for storing data descriptive of a bit mapped image of the second portion having a predetermined resolution, the accounting apparatus including structure for transferring the descriptive data to the printing apparatus; the printing apparatus including structure for requesting the postage value from the accounting apparatus and receiving therefrom the first portion and thus the postage value, the printing apparatus including structure for generating the bit mapped image of the second portion based on the descriptive data thereof, and the printing apparatus including structure for merging the first portion and bit mapped image of the second portion for

Abstract: A carrier management system includes a scale for weighing parcels to be shipped, a computer connecting to receive data from the scale related to the weight of a parcel thereon, and a keyboard enabling operator input to the computer. The keyboard has a plurality of keys including a plurality of selection keys corresponding to separate ones or groups of the carriers and/or classes. The computer stores shipment charge data for a plurality of carriers and/or classes, on the basis of weight data from the scale. A second memory receives and stores weight range data and handling charge data from the keyboard, corresponding to handling charges applied to parcels for which selected classes of service are selected, and in accordance with the weight ranges. The computer is responsive to operation of the selection keys for applying handling charges stored in the second memory to any class of service to which they are applicable.

Abstract: The memory security circuit detects when a memory unit has been accessed independently of an address instruction of a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor is programmed to provide a unique address signal for write enabling a discrete memory unit. The memory unit has a write enable pin and chip select pin which when enabled in combination permits writing into the memory unit. The address decoder receives the unique address instruction and causes a write enable signal and a chip select signal to be generated for that memory unit. The write enable signal and chip select signal are to be received, respectively, by the write enable pin and the chip select pin of the memory unit. The memory security circuit monitors the write enable pin and the chip select pin of the memory unit and generates a first output signal when the memory unit has been properly addressed.

Abstract: A mail piece weighing scale for use with automated mail processing apparatus in which a plurality of mail processing components are disposed along a feed path for processing mail pieces moving seriatim along the feed path. The weighing scale has a platform, the upper surface of which is aligned with and forms a segment of the feed path. A transport means for moving mail pieces across the scale platform is mounted on the platform so that the platform and the transport means form an integral unit which constitutes the tare weight of the scale when it is calibrated to register 0 weight.

Abstract: A postage metering system comprising: structure for storing first postal information including a fixed portion of a postage indicia, the postage indicia including a variable portion thereof; structure for storing second postal information including a plurality of portions thereof respectively corresponding to a different one of a plurality of postal processing services for a sheet; structure for selectively providing at least one of the plurality of, postal processing services for the sheet; and structure for digitally printing on the sheet the first postal information and the variable portion of the postage indicia and each portion of the second postal information which corresponds to a different selected postal processing service.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for feeding a mailpiece into and out of a weighing module. The apparatus comprises a device for feeding the mailpiece; and a device for positioning the feeding device in a first position for receiving the mailpiece from a first direction and feeding the mailpiece into the weighing module. Additionally, the positioning device moves the feeding device into a second position for feeding the mailpiece in a second direction out of the weighing module. The feed device includes a drive roller and an idler roller for keeping the mailpiece in operative engagement with the drive roller. The method comprises the steps of: (a) positioning a feeding device in a first position for receiving the mailpiece from a first direction; (b) feeding the mailpiece in the first direction into the weighing module; and (c) positioning the feeding device in a second position for feeding the mailpiece in a second direction out of the weighing module.

Abstract: The invention is a method and system for listing and brokering a commodity and its financial derivatives. The method identifies a plurality of characteristics of a particular commodity, and then enters those characteristics into the database of a data processing system utilizing a real-time clock. An exchange market for the commodity is established based upon a pre-selected set of its characteristics; and, after a market price for the commodity has been set, a class (or classes) of financial derivatives is established together with a financial exchange market for those derivatives. The characteristics of the derivatives comprise: a common descriptive link between varied commodity types; a contract length that runs from the purchase date of the contract to the performance date for the commodity; and, a contract price.

Abstract: A postal scale having a programmable capability to automatically select inscriptions to be included in a postage meter indicia. The postal scale includes a CPU and memory, a load cell for determining the weight of a mail piece, a keyboard for input of postal information and a display for output of information to an operator; and determines postage value data for a mail piece in a conventional manner. In an inscription selection mode the postal scale outputs inscription selection data to a postage meter to select an appropriate inscription to be included in the meter indicia. The scale determines the inscription selection data as a prioritized function of postal information input by an operator to determine postage value data. In a programming mode an operator may program the function as a table stored in the scale memory.

Abstract: The invention is a method for franking, accounting, and billing of mail pieces and services. The method is based upon the ability of a data processing system to communicate with a postage meter through the use of a meter linking device. Additionally, an application program within the data processing system, in which a customer account can be established and/or altered, is initialized. Customer account data is then entered into the application. Once the customer account has been established or verified, a transaction is initiated. First, the mail pieces to be placed into the mail stream are weighed on a weighing scale. The weight is converted using an appropriate rate table so as to determine the amount of postage to be franked by the postage meter. The postage meter performs a franking of the mail piece and the system records the amount of postage applied; further, the system calculates any discounts or surcharges that are applicable to this customer's account.

Abstract: Apparatus for opening an envelope having a front panel, a back panel and a closing flap. The apparatus includes: a device for supporting the envelope in a substantially horizontal plane wherein the back panel is situated above the front panel; a pair of pivotable paddles located beneath the closing flap and the front panel, each of the paddles having an interior end and an exterior end; a pair of pivotable, hold-down fingers located above and spaced from the pivotable paddles; a device for rotating the interior ends of the paddles downward; and a device for pivoting the hold-down fingers into engagement with the paddles when the ends of the paddles are rotated downward, whereby the front and back panels of the envelope is caused to separate.

Abstract: An apparatus has a transport mechanism for transporting mailpieces to a printing and weighing station. The apparatus also includes a weighing device; a printing mechanism operatively associated with the weighing device to form the printing and weighing station; a carriage assembly moveably mounted in the apparatus, the printing mechanism removeably supported on the carriage assembly to move therewith between the printing and weighing station and at least a second station; and structure to transfer complete support of the printing mechanism from the carriage assembly to the weighing device during movement of the printing mechanism into the printing and weighing station.